In Love With My Fierce Farming Wife!
Chapter 1080 - 1075 Can’t Restrain

Chapter 1080: Chapter 1075 Can’t Restrain

The subtly complimentary and implicitly critical remarks failed to make Xue Qian back down; he seemed to not understand at all and quickly approached, his face brimming with smiles.

"Pretty good. Don’t wander off; the Banquet at the Palace is about to begin."

As a family of officials, the Xue Family naturally had a thorough understanding of the procedures for the Banquet at the Palace.

"No need for Brother Xue to worry."

Su Ke’s expression was still unpleasant. He turned and walked to the flower beds nearby, found a secluded spot to sit down, and pretended to be engrossed in the performance taking place on the stage.

At that moment, the stage was featuring a dance performance, with several lightly dressed girls clad only in thin gauze dancing and leaping on the waterside stage, their figures graceful and their postures beautiful.

After watching for a while, he shifted his gaze from the stage to the Imperial Garden.

He hadn’t paid much attention before, but now he noticed that the garden was full of exotic flowers and plants in full bloom, their fragrance wafting far away.

What a pity that of all these blooming flowers, there were few genuine admirers.

His thoughts wandered aimlessly, but Xue Qian was relentless and came up to him again.

He handed him a tangerine, peeling one for himself as well. "I heard that later, there will be a variety of fun acrobatic performances, like dancing on knife points or jumping through hoops of fire," Xue Qian said, "I heard they’re very entertaining. Especially the dance on knife points. It’s said that when the night falls and the lake sparkles, a mighty fire burns slowly in the air, a girl will dance on knife points amidst the fierce flames, her figure beautifully silhouetted... Tsk tsk!"

Xue Qian clicked his tongue repeatedly.

Su Ke, however, was neither here nor there about it, slowly peeling the tangerine he had accepted.

Xue Qian leaned in and whispered, "I heard that today, even Prince Huainan is here."

Originally, Prince Huainan, Qin Hong, was supposed to return to his fief, but due to a scandal with Princess Consort Huainan, he found himself at loggerheads with the Jun Family. Both parties took their dispute before His Majesty, seeking His Majesty’s intervention for justice. His Majesty found such "domestic affairs" very troublesome and had already ordered the Ministry of Internal Affairs to deal with it.

Su Ke had heard these bits of news coming out of the city.

He hadn’t replied yet when a commotion arose ahead. Soon after, an eunuch announced loudly, "The Empress has arrived!"

The Empress is here!

Everyone hurriedly rose to welcome her, kneeling down in unison.

In the midst of everyone’s adulation, Su Pan’er, accompanied by little Yan Yan, made her way to the main seat and sat down.

Dressed in the Queen’s court dress, she exuded an aura of noble and majestic grace. The mere act of sitting down made people feel they couldn’t stare directly at her, lest they defile that esteemed presence.

By Su Pan’er’s side sat little Yan Yan, and on the other side was little Sugar Bean, excitedly clapping her hands in her wet nurse’s embrace.

"Everyone, rise. Today is merely a Flower Appreciation Banquet. Let’s all enjoy ourselves and forgo formalities."

Empress’s voice rang out, and with collective thanks, everyone stood up. Except for the opera singer who continued belting out tunes on the stage, the rest hesitated to truly enjoy themselves as the Empress had suggested, and instead stood reservedly in their places.

Su Pan’er glanced at everyone and her gaze fell upon Qin Shuan’er, waving to her, "It’s too bright sitting here in the sun, Shuan’er, come with me to the Warm Pavilion, it’s a good place to watch the performances."

Qin Shuan’er, having been called upon, hastily came out of the crowd in agreement. Taking a few steps forward, she walked to Su Pan’er’s side, and they went to the Warm Pavilion together.

Only when Su Pan’er had left did everyone else begin to enjoy themselves and laugh openly.

Apart from Qin Shuan’er, those accompanying Su Pan’er included a few family members well-known within the court. Mrs. Su-Hua was following by her side, along with Old Mrs. Liu, Young Mrs. Liu, Old Mrs. Jun, Jun Ruoxue, Old Mrs. Xue, Mrs. Zhang, Mrs. Hwa, wife of State Duke Hwa, and the wife of the First Prime Minister...

Almost all the ladies who bore notable titles were now gathered around Su Pan’er.

To show her magnanimity, Su Pan’er maintained a graceful demeanor and a smile, greeting each of these important ministers’ family members in turn, and bestowed upon them some precious trinkets to express her fondness for her subjects.

Although Mrs. Su-Hua came along with the Su Family who held no official position, she was clearly out of place among these people and completely unable to engage in their conversations.

After noticing this, Su Pan’er tried several times to steer the conversation, but still left the usually assertive Mrs. Su-Hua at a loss. Fortunately, Qin Yueshi was there to keep her company, so she wasn’t entirely alone.

With a sigh in her heart, she had no choice but to muster her spirits and deal with these officials’ wives.

Just as Su Pan’er was feeling impatient inside, a loud announcement suddenly came from outside. His Majesty had finally arrived.

"His Majesty has arrived."

Amidst the eunuchs’ loud announcements, the restless crowd finally saw today’s host. His Majesty had appeared in the Imperial Garden.

Su Pan’er quickly stepped out of the Warm Pavilion and led everyone forward to greet him.

"Rise."

Qin Yi, with a smile, waved his hand and gently took Su Pan’er’s hand. As they walked toward the main seat, he motioned for the others to take their seats.

With the eunuchs and Palace Maids leading, everyone went to their designated places. After the Emperor and Empress sat down, they then performed their greetings before seating themselves. Due to the large number of uninvited guests that day, the chief eunuch, who was responsible for managing palace affairs, reported to the Empress and added many tables and chairs in the appropriate positions.

As Su Pan’er sat next to Qin Yi, she realized that the day was indeed as others had said, with both expected and unexpected guests having turned up.

Frankly, she particularly disliked attending such Banquets at the Palace, but as the main consort of the Imperial Harem’s Palace and the mother of the nation, it was not something Su Pan’er could merely choose not to attend. Especially today, when her initial arrangements were completely disrupted.

The spacious Imperial Garden was now crowded with people. The tables and chairs were placed so close together, with a circle of feudal lords sitting around the main seat, and beyond them, the ministers and their families.

Apart from Little Yanyan and Little Sugar Bean sitting by her side, Su Pan’er did not see any other children. Presumably, these princes and the like would not bring their children at such a time. If the children cried and disrupted His Majesty’s pleasure, it would not be good.

Once everyone was seated, His Majesty spoke a few poignant words out loud. The meaning was clear, naturally hoping that everyone would work together to push Great Zhou towards prosperity and strength. Afterward, the meal began.

The dishes were brought in continuously, with Palace Maids removing the dishes that had been tasted before. Everything was done quietly, without making any noise.

After three rounds of wine, Prince Qi could not contain himself any longer and led his eldest and youngest sons to pay their respects to His Majesty.

Su Pan’er also saw the four-and-a-half-year-old heir and other son of Prince Qi, as mentioned by Jiu Lan. Although Prince Qi’s heir was only three and a half years old, he was stout and fearless. Under the guidance of Princess Consort Qi, he went forward to greet the Emperor and Empress with the proper form. With his handsome little appearance, he drew loud laughter from Qin Yi!