Chapter 1378: Chapter 1378: Queen Mother Level Acting Skills Are on Another Level

"Alright, I’ll go in now." He Yangqiu dared not say another word, tucked his tail between his legs, and headed toward the Imperial Garden. However, before leaving, he glared fiercely at Mu Hanyan and whispered, "At the banquet, I’ll challenge you fair and square."

"Is he serious?" Mu Hanyan asked Zhu Xiuqing after He Yangqiu had walked far away.

"I think he is. This guy is famous for being a hothead and does all sorts of foolish things. By the way, I heard He Yangqiu fancies a girl from the Wu Family’s side branch, but she thinks he’s not very bright and won’t pay attention to him. He’s probably trying to impress her by standing up for the Wu Family." Zhu Xiuqing replied, explaining why He Yangqiu had approached Mu Hanyan.

"So that’s how it is. But I really don’t want to bully him, sigh." Mu Hanyan appeared even more helpless. She had encountered people seeking punishment before, but it was her first time encountering someone so clueless about the gap in strength.

"I guess he genuinely doesn’t know your strength. Otherwise, he wouldn’t do something so foolish." Zhu Xiuqing said with pity as he watched He Yangqiu’s receding figure.

Huayue and others looked at the hothead with sympathy.

Soon, everyone entered the Imperial Garden. Long tables were arranged around the garden, leaving a central space obviously set for the upcoming competition.

Yue Fanyi and Lu Nianxin were seated at the central spot. Since the Jinlan Palace Banquet was essentially a joint banquet for the Yue and Wu Families, their attire was more casual than the civil and military officials below, both wearing golden sword robes.

Wu Tianxiong, accompanied by several Wu Family members, sat slightly below them but still above other officials’ positions—truly one among thousands.

Compared to yesterday, Lu Nianxin’s complexion was a bit better, but her slightly pale face and distracted eyes exuded deep exhaustion.

If Mu Hanyan hadn’t known she was pretending, she might have been worried sick. Inwardly, Mu Hanyan admired Lu Nianxin’s acting; her skills were on a Queen Mother Level.

"Is everyone here?" Lu Nianxin "forced herself" to speak energetically, and after finishing, she coughed repeatedly, covering her mouth with a silk scarf, then quickly crumpled it into a ball and placed it under the table.

Despite her quick and well-executed "disguise," Mu Hanyan caught glimpses of small red spots on the scarf.

A fleeting smile crossed Wu Tianxiong’s face; he clearly noticed this secret.

Mu Hanyan glanced at her grandmother, then at Wu Tianxiong, who quickly regained his usual composure. She almost laughed out loud. These people didn’t know; besides her troublesome quirks, her grandmother’s acting skills were top-notch, and Wu Tianxiong was in for a complete fooling.

"Everyone’s here." Yue Fanchen respectfully answered.

He also must have noticed the "secret" in the scarf, though not showing it outwardly; his eyes revealed deep concern.

Yes, this uncle’s acting is quite good. Mu Hanyan nodded in silent praise.

Even though it was just a minor detail, Mu Hanyan believed no keen observer would miss it. Those ’big fish’ her grandmother mentioned might be stirred now.

For her grandmother’s acting and cunning, Mu Hanyan felt absolute admiration.

"The Jinlan Palace Banquet is our Yue Family’s way of commemorating the alliance with the Wu Family’s ancestors. Back then, our ancestors of Yue and Wu fought side by side ending chaos, and creating a millennium of prosperity. We hope the friendship of Yue and Wu families endures, ensuring peace for Shangyue. Let the banquet begin!" Lu Nianxin said clear-voiced, and as she finished, she covered her silk scarf and coughed dramatically, with red dots flying onto the tables before her.

Mu Hanyan rolled her eyes, thinking her grandmother is addicted to acting; doesn’t she fear overdoing it?

However, seeing Wu Tianxiong’s undisguised joy, Mu Hanyan knew her worries were unfounded. Wu Tianxiong’s ambition had reached the extreme, especially with last night’s palace turmoil. He must believe her grandmother had lost control and was seriously injured, perhaps even aware of her being restrained by Forbidden Techniques. Little did he know, less than a night later, her grandmother broke the prohibition and restored her cultivation and health.

Even for someone like him, if Mu Hanyan hadn’t witnessed it herself, she wouldn’t have believed that the legendary Holy Energy Divine Heart Spell, lost for a million years, could be easily broken with cooperation from Ye Lanfeng, Fen Qianji, and others.

Wu Tianxiong must be ecstatic seeing her grandmother coughing blood; he wouldn’t overthink.

Sweet and melodious music started playing backstage; the royal banquet officially began.

The Jinlan Palace Banquet is a long-standing court tradition. Most civil and military officials were attending for more than the first time, dressed formally but not restricted, chatting jovially, and enjoying the harmonious atmosphere.

"Today, coinciding with the Jinlan Palace Banquet, I have good news to announce." Yue Fanyi put down his wine cup and addressed the ministers.

Officials lowered their cups and looked up at Yue Fanyi. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

"Everyone knows about the Fanling Crown Princess’s study abroad; during her studies, she married Young Master Mu Rui’an of the An Yun Mu Family, and they had a son and daughter. Their daughter is Mu Hanyan, who has traveled to Shangyue, and I learned of this just days ago. While celebrating the Jinlan Palace Banquet, I hereby confer Mu Hanyan as the Shangyue Princess, and will announce it to the world!" Yue Fanyi declared with a smile.

Mu Hanyan had prepared for this moment, stepping forward to express her gratitude immediately.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Empress Dowager!" The officials below offered their blessings.

The announcement was expected, so they weren’t overly surprised, and certainly wouldn’t foolishly object, displeasing Yue Fanyi and Lu Nianxin. After all, proclaiming a Princess was Yue family’s internal affair, unrelated to them. As for when Yue Fanling and Mu Rui’an married, why they hadn’t heard about it, and whether it was a secret elopement, no minister would be brainless enough to gossip about such matters.

Even if they had no fear of Yue Fanyi, Lu Nianxin’s fierce reputation frightened them.

"What, she’s the Princess? How did she become the Princess?" Among everyone, only He Yangqiu was clueless, looking around foolishly and asking.

Unfortunately, everyone looked at him as if he were an idiot, providing no answer.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Empress Dowager." Wu Tianxiong naturally wasn’t surprised. He glanced at Mu Hanyan, his eyes filled with hatred, soon concealed, offering false congratulations before saying, "I think the banquet has gone quite well; perhaps it’s time for someone to perform swordplay to liven things up?"

(Recently there were family emergencies, someone is gravely ill, hospital-side care required, updates are slightly reduced, please understand.)