The Supporting Female Character Enters the Game, the Crazy Crown Prince Slowly Falls Deeply in Love - Chapter 68

The autumn sunlight spilled into the Imperial Garden, and the air was filled with the faint scent of sweet osmanthus flowers.

Jiang Yao followed closely behind Jiang Ying, secretly glancing at the osmanthus tree in the corner of the Imperial Garden.

It was said that Consort Rong loved osmanthus wine the most, and the Emperor himself had planted this osmanthus tree with her.

The tables in the garden were covered with brocade, laden with exquisite pastries and fruits.

Jiang Yao sat down with Jiang Ying, waiting for the Empress Dowager to arrive.

Before she could reach for a piece of pastry on the table, she heard the eunuch’s announcement—”The Empress Dowager has arrived!”

Seeing this, the noble ladies in the garden quickly rose, adjusted their robes, and prepared to perform the required etiquette.

Jiang Yao also stood up and curtsied to the Empress Dowager.

“Your servant (subject) greets Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, wishing Your Majesty boundless peace and happiness.”

The Empress Dowager’s gaze swept over the crowd, and she said, “There is no need for such formality. Please rise. Today, everyone should be relaxed and not constrained.”

Only then did everyone rise and resettle in their places.

Taking advantage of the moment she stood up, Jiang Yao looked over and couldn’t help but be startled.

Although the current Empress Dowager was not the Emperor’s birth mother, she looked far too young…

She seemed to be only in her thirties, looking not much older than the Regent King, Xiao Jing.

The woman sitting beside the Empress Dowager must be Wang Wanqing, the Empress Dowager’s niece, the main figure of today’s event.

Wang Wanqing was wearing a light pink ruqun (two-piece dress) today. She looked not much older than Jiang Yao, and her appearance was delicate and beautiful, conveying a dignified and graceful temperament in every gesture.

She was currently conversing softly with the Empress Dowager, a faint smile on her lips, her expression gentle and submissive.

Jiang Yao pursed her lips and subtly withdrew her gaze.

When Immortals fight, the common people suffer.

Just as she was thinking this, she suddenly heard the Empress Dowager speak. “The weather is crisp and clear today, and the scenery in the garden is just right. If anyone possesses talent in the arts, you may offer one or two performances to add some interest to the banquet.”

As soon as the Empress Dowager finished speaking, the noble ladies in attendance rose one after another, preparing to present their talents.

Jiang Yao sat among the guests, holding a delicate osmanthus cake, looking intermittently towards the center of the garden.

Her seating position was quite good, directly facing the center, making it a VIP spot.

After enjoying three short songs, two pieces of pipa music, and three dance performances, the male protagonist of the day finally arrived.

“His Majesty the Emperor arrives—”

Jiang Yao once again bowed with the crowd, catching sight of a bright yellow figure in her peripheral vision.

A hint of a smile flashed in the Empress Dowager’s eyes. “You are busy with state affairs. I thought you wouldn’t be able to come today.”

The Emperor waved his hand, signaling them all to rise.

He walked over to the Empress Dowager’s side, his voice low. “How could your son dare to be absent from the Autumn Banquet hosted by Mother? It is just that state affairs held me up, causing me to arrive a little late. I hope Mother will forgive me.”

The Empress Dowager chuckled softly and waved her hand. “Never mind. It is good that you have come. Sit down. The garden scenery is beautiful today, and it is a good opportunity for you to relax.”

Jiang Yao cautiously glanced up, noting that although the Emperor looked pale, his eyes were deep, carrying an imposing aura of authority that needed no anger to command respect.

She lowered her head, picked up a piece of almond shortbread, and gently took a bite.

She sighed inwardly, wishing the Emperor were a bit healthier.

Since the male protagonist has already arrived, next up should be…

Sure enough, the Empress Dowager looked at the Emperor with a smile, her tone gentle. “A few young ladies just presented their talents, and they were truly eye-opening for your Mother. You must appreciate them properly, and not disappoint their efforts.”

The Emperor nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping across the seating area, and said faintly, “Mother has taken great pains. Your son will certainly appreciate them properly.”

Hearing this, the smile in the Empress Dowager’s eyes deepened. She turned to Wang Wanqing beside her and said softly, “Wanqing, I recall your qin (zither) skills are excellent. How about performing a piece for your cousin, the Emperor?”

Hearing the request, a blush flashed across Wang Wanqing’s face. “Your servant (subject) obeys the command.”

She walked to the qin table and sat down, her slender jade fingers gently touching the strings.

As the music gradually ceased, a chorus of admiration arose from the guests.

The Emperor nodded. “Cousin’s zither skill is indeed outstanding.”

“Wanqing, didn’t you also prepare something for your cousin? Why don’t you bring it over quickly?” the Empress Dowager asked, smiling, as if she had just remembered.

Wang Wanqing’s blush deepened at the Empress Dowager’s instruction.

She accepted a brocade box from a palace attendant and slowly walked towards the Emperor.

However, just as she was about to reach the Emperor, her foot suddenly slipped. She seemed to have stepped on the hem of her skirt, and her entire body instantly stumbled forward.

The people present gasped softly in low exclamations.

Except for… Jiang Yao.

This Wang Wanqing has lived in the palace for nearly three years and still hasn’t secured the Emperor. With such a good opportunity today, she will, of course, resort to some special means.

In a flash of lightning, the Emperor quickly stood up, reached out, and steadily caught Wang Wanqing in his arms.

The brocade box in Wang Wanqing’s hand dropped to the ground with a soft sound. She let out a small cry, only to find herself safely leaning in the Emperor’s embrace.

Her face immediately grew even more flushed with shyness.

“Be careful, Cousin,” the Emperor’s voice was filled with concern.

After stabilizing herself, Wang Wanqing quickly lowered her head and curtsied. “Thank you, Cousin, for saving me.”

She wore a delicate jade hairpin in her hair, and the pearl earrings hanging from her ears gently swayed with her movements, making her look particularly captivating.

The Emperor’s gaze lingered on her.

The Empress Dowager, seeing the scene, let a meaningful look flash in her eyes, and her tone became slightly teasing. “Wanqing, my dear child, why are you so clumsy? Fortunately, the Emperor reacted quickly, or you would have taken a nasty fall.”

Wang Wanqing’s cheeks were crimson. She said in a low voice, “It was my oversight, causing Aunt and Cousin to worry.”

The Emperor shook his head slightly, speaking indifferently. “It’s nothing. It’s good that Cousin is unharmed.”

He finished speaking, bent down, and picked up the brocade box on the ground. “What is inside here?”

Wang Wanqing’s voice was gentle. “Cousin has been very busy with state affairs recently. Your servant (subject) specially prepared a box of soothing incense. I hope it can help relieve your fatigue.”

The Emperor nodded and handed the brocade box to the eunuch behind him. “Cousin is skilled with her hands. You should remain in the palace from now on.”

Wang Wanqing instantly flushed. She subconsciously glanced at the Empress Dowager, and only after the latter nodded did she softly agree.

Jiang Yao carefully rubbed her slightly aching waist. Is this performance finally over for today?

The Emperor sat at the table for a moment, sipping his tea.

He then stood up and slightly bowed to the Empress Dowager. “Mother, your son has suddenly recalled several urgent state matters that require attention. I’m afraid I cannot stay long and must take my leave first.”

The Empress Dowager’s goal for the day had been achieved, so she nodded. “Since that is the case, then go, Emperor. Do not overexert yourself.”

The Emperor nodded and turned to leave.

However, just as he was exiting the garden, he suddenly raised his hand and pointed to two noble ladies among the guests, his voice calm. “You, and you. Make preparations. You shall enter the palace three days from now.”

At these words, the seating area fell into instant silence. Even the Empress Dowager was stunned. The smile on her face almost faltered, and a shadow crossed her eyes.

The two noble ladies who had been pointed out clearly had not anticipated this turn of events. For a moment, they were both shocked and delighted, immediately rising to curtsy. “Your servants (subjects) obey the Imperial Decree, and thank His Majesty for his grace.”

The Emperor nodded slightly, said nothing further, and turned to leave the Imperial Garden.

The Empress Dowager was secretly furious, but she couldn’t openly lose her temper. She was forced to suppress her emotions. “This is good news. You must support each other in the inner palace from now on.”