The Female Regent’s Daily Guide to Spoiling Her Wife - Chapter 34

The Mid-Autumn Festival banquet arrived as scheduled, and Emperor Shunan had returned to the imperial palace from the royal Taoist temple.

In the evening, a luxurious carriage departed from the Regent’s Mansion. The driver steered the horses steadily toward the palace.

“I say, Lu Xiaozhao, aren’t you afraid the Emperor will directly decree a marriage for you at the banquet? I heard that as soon as he returned, Grand Tutor Song went to the palace to request a decree for Song Jin. Since the Grand Tutor spoke personally, the Emperor will likely grant him that face,” Gao Wenyuan said, reclining lazily inside the carriage while eating fruit. He watched Lu Zhao with the look of someone enjoying a good show.

Lu Zhao glanced at him expressionlessly and spoke coldly, “The Prince of Rui need not worry about my affairs. On the other hand, has Your Highness figured out who that masked youth is? I heard the auspicious omen found in the mountains behind the Song estate was presented to the Emperor by him. His Majesty was overjoyed; he immediately titled General Song Qin as the Prince of the Great General and rewarded the masked youth with a thousand taels of silver.”

At the mention of the masked youth, a flash of embarrassment crossed Gao Wenyuan’s face. He involuntarily thought of the kiss in the forest that night. His beautiful phoenix eyes narrowed as he said in a deep voice, “I investigated, but the military is like a wall of iron; not a shred of information could be found. Ah Zhao, do you think? Could he really be Ziyan?”

Lu Zhao’s hand tightened slightly on her book. She murmured, “There was indeed something suspicious about what happened to Ziyan back then. If it truly is him, what do you intend to do?”

Gao Wenyuan dropped his playful demeanor and said seriously, “If he really is Ziyan, then across the mountains and rivers, I will take him away and fly far. I will never let him live in shadows like this again.”

Lu Zhao tapped the table with her book. “Today is a good opportunity. Amidst the chaos, we can test whether he is truly Ziyan or not.”

Wenyuan’s expression turned solemn. “Lu Xiaozhao, do you really like that Xu girl that much? Enough to risk your life for her?”

Lu Zhao lowered her gaze. After a moment of silence, she said, “If I simply ask for a decree of marriage, it is very likely that both Xiaxia and Song Jin would be married into the Regent’s Mansion. And I, I do not want to wrong her.”

Gao Wenyuan looked up at Lu Zhao in shock. Previously, she had always been a detached person who cared for no one. He hadn’t expected her to go this far for Xu Yunxia.

Lu Zhao spoke calmly, “Besides, this is part of the plan. It isn’t entirely for her.”

She had initially thought the white deer would be presented by Prince Qing or the Crown Prince’s men, but Song Qin had stepped in first. Fortunately, Lu Zhao had found the deer keeper early on and spread rumors in Yindou that only he could properly raise a white deer. As expected, Prince Qing found him and recommended him to the Emperor. Now, everything was arranged, waiting only for the palace banquet to begin.

Lu Zhao and Gao Wenyuan arrived at the banquet one after the other. Today, Lu Zhao wore a magnificent light blue robe. Her sleeves fluttered as she walked gracefully through the palace halls, appearing both noble and distant.

As soon as Song Jin saw her enter, her heart began to race. She couldn’t help but steal glances at her. The Regent possessed a truly stunning countenance that attracted people easily. Song Jin knew her grandfather had already requested the marriage decree, and it might be announced tonight. At the thought, she twisted her handkerchief, her cheeks flushed with the look of a young girl in love.

When Lu Zhao entered, Emperor Shunan affectionately pulled her aside. “Ah Zhao, sit by my side!” Lu Zhao respectfully took her seat just below him.

The music of silk and bamboo instruments echoed through the hall. Since it was a family banquet, only a few core ministers were invited: the Regent’s household, the Grand Tutor’s household, and General Song’s household.

Amidst the clinking of wine cups, a white deer was led out by the keeper. The deer’s eyes glowed with a strange purple light, and its body was pure white, resembling an ancient divine beast.

Emperor Shunan announced loudly, “This auspicious omen is a gift from the heavens to our Great Yin! It foretells the coming prosperity of our empire! I invite you all to share in the glory of Great Yin!”

Everyone echoed in unison, “Share the glory! Share the glory!”

Lu Zhao toyed with the wine cup on the table, watching the white deer coldly. Because of this deer, Song Qin had been promoted to Prince of the Great General. Was he truly satisfied with just an empty title?

Lu Zhao quietly observed Song Qin. Today he wore casual clothes; his rugged face was full of pride, and his speech was somewhat arrogant and reckless.

The masked youth stood behind Song Qin. His expression was hidden, but he seemed to be glancing toward Wenyuan from time to time. Lu Zhao smiled inwardly. He is Ziyan, isn’t he? Only Song Ziyan would care that much about Gao Wenyuan.

As palace servants moved through the rows and guests complimented each other, Emperor Shunan cleared his throat and looked at Gao Han. “Sister, our Ah Zhao is twenty-two this year, is she not?”

Gao Han’s heart skipped a beat. She glanced at Lu Zhao, who kept her head lowered and ignored her. She could only smile at the Emperor and say, “Thank you for your concern, Brother. Indeed, she is twenty-two.” Since the Consort was away on business, she had to cover for Lu Zhao alone. She complained silently; she really owed Lu Zhao for this!

Emperor Shunan waved his whisk and laughed. “It is time to start a family. One cannot be alone! I have heard that Ah Zhao is fond of women, so today I shall decide.”

Before the Emperor could finish, a scream erupted from the banquet. “Ah! Ah!” For some unknown reason, the white deer had been provoked and was charging madly toward Emperor Shunan.

The white deer was exceptionally large. Since none of the military officers present were carrying swords, the crowd instantly fell into chaos.

Lu Zhao quickly drew a long sword from a nearby guard and leaped in front of Emperor Shunan, shielding him firmly.

“Uncle, be careful!” Lu Zhao took the hit from the deer’s antlers for the Emperor. In an instant, a piercing pain flared from her shoulder.

The white deer seemed to have gone mad. It retreated a few steps, arched its back again, and lunged with its antlers once more. Lu Zhao immediately swung her sword to block, but her shoulder was already injured and her arm felt weak.

“Save the Emperor! Save the Emperor!” the Emperor shouted from behind Lu Zhao.

Imperial guards rushed in from both sides. Wenyuan charged toward the deer with a broadsword. His best friend was in danger! It didn’t matter if the Emperor died, but his Ah Zhao could not be harmed!

The masked youth suddenly appeared behind Wenyuan and pulled him back, shouting sternly, “Ayuan, stand behind me!”

Wenyuan watched with narrowed eyes as the masked youth threw a long sword, cleanly severing one of the deer’s legs. The white deer cried out and collapsed, struggling on the ground.

The person before him gradually merged with the one from years ago who only knew how to follow him and cry. It is him! How could I not recognize him? Great joy overwhelmed Wenyuan. A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips as he silently allowed Song Ziyan to hold his hand.

Meanwhile, Lu Zhao endured the agony. Her face was pale, and large beads of sweat rolled down her forehead. She didn’t have time to think about why she was reacting so strongly.

She thought to herself that the merit of saving the Emperor was now hers. She felt a sense of relief, but her vision began to turn black, and she collapsed. Before losing consciousness, she clearly saw Gao Han running toward her, screaming heart-wrenchingly, “Ah Zhao! Ah Zhao!”

She wanted to tell her mother not to worry; it was all part of the plan; but when she opened her mouth, a trace of blood spilled from her lips, and she blacked out completely.

Gao Han’s hands trembled as she held Lu Zhao. “Quick! Summon the Imperial Physician!”