Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 425: New Year’s Eve Palace Banquet

Just as it seemed he was about to fall to the ground, he was caught by the Fifth Prince who somehow appeared out of nowhere.

With a pull of his hand, the two of them tumbled to the ground.

Naturally, the Fifth Prince ended up at the bottom, while the Fourth Prince lay on top of him, unharmed.

"Brother, brother..."

The Fourth Prince didn’t know how to express himself, his round eyes filling up with tears all at once.

As if he were saying, "Does it hurt, brother?"

But before his tears could even fall, the Fifth Prince chuckled and got back up.

He "snatched" the snowball the Fourth Prince had just made and lunged toward the Second Princess again.

At this, the worried nannies finally patted their chests in relief and hurriedly stepped forward to pull up the Fourth Prince.

And offered some comfort.

"Fourth Prince, shall we go back and change shoes, alright?"

The Fourth Prince shook his head, struggling to get off the nanny.

The nanny did not hold him tightly, so he naturally slipped down easily.

Seeing his Fifth Brother was fine, he cheerfully went back to making snowballs.

Seeing this, Lin Wanyi inside the house couldn’t help but laugh over and over again.

As if all the gloom at the traveling palace had vanished.

And life returned to the peaceful and happy past.

"Our Fifth Prince truly loves to run and jump, Your Ladyship, look, how many times has he fallen already, yet he’s still excited."

In this regard, Lin Wanyi fully agreed with Xia An’s comment.

So she felt comforted in her heart and said.

"This little rascal, that’s probably what they mean, isn’t it strange, as if he’s made of steel and iron, does he really not feel pain?"

Lin Wanyi expressed her curiosity.

Beside her, Xia An, upon seeing this, opened her mouth to explain.

"This servant has heard the nannies say that our Fifth Prince is exceptionally sturdy. Although he’s just over one year old, he looks no different from an ordinary two or three-year-old child. Just look at how he walks and runs, and you’ll know he will definitely excel in horse riding and archery one day, so probably having heard this sort of talk often, the Fifth Prince might think a man shouldn’t be afraid of pain."

Lin Wanyi chuckled and shrugged, unable to hold back.

"This child..."

Thinking of the Fifth Prince, she inadvertently covered her stomach with her hand.

If this one is also a prince, Lin Wanyi hopes he won’t be as competitive.

She hopes he will be gentle and humble, allowing the brothers to get along more harmoniously.

After all, there’s already such a "warlord" at home, if another comes along, wouldn’t it be like two tigers fighting?

She doesn’t want that.

Outside the courtyard, the sound of children chasing and playing echoed.

Inside the house, the floor was warm and cozy.

Days passed by, calm and serene.

Since the last visit by the Emperor, he hadn’t appeared again.

Thus, the wind that blew in the traveling palace now also blew in the main palace.

Simply saying that Yihua Palace was being neglected.

Consort Yin Ning’s favor from the Emperor had become a thing of the past.

And more people were wondering, from now on, would one family dominate the palace?

Or would newcomers arrive to stir up this peaceful pool of spring water?

No one knew.

Amidst various rumors and preparations for the palace banquet, the last day of the 19th year of Yuanhe arrived.

New Year’s Eve.

The entire city was already illuminated, and outside the palace, every household was bustling and enjoying reunion dinners.

In the Imperial Palace, the halls previously refurbished by Imperial Concubine Yi appeared even more magnificent and imposing.

The Purple Light Hall, prepared for the palace banquet, was no exception.

All the palace attendants were orderly receiving the endless stream of Imperial Family members, noble lords, and officials with their families arriving from outside.

The Chief of the Inner Court Department, Quan Fu, was so busy his feet hardly touched the ground.

In contrast, Yuexiu Palace seemed relatively calm.

At this moment, Imperial Concubine Yi was fully dressed up.

Looking at herself in the Linhua Copper Mirror, she felt that power truly was a good thing.

Previously, while under Lin Guifei, she didn’t see the point in dressing up.

She even thought those like Lin Guifei and Bai Pin, who used their looks to serve the Emperor, were indecent people.

Now that it was her turn to attain a high position, glamorous clothing and jewels were not lacking.

Every palace banquet required elaborate preparation.

It was necessary to ensure she became the most outstanding person.

For instance, the luxurious attire for today’s palace banquet was adorned with gold and silver threads.

Thus, reflecting in the bright lights, it shimmered brilliantly.

Even if her looks weren’t particularly striking, at this moment, she felt extraordinary.

The large Dongzhu complemented the splendid attire.

Ruyi and Ru Huan, with four or five palace maids, attended to her together.

As Ruyi put on the last earring for her, someone came in from outside.

That person was Yingshuang.

She looked just the same as before.

She had suffered greatly under Lady Chu, taking nearly a year to recover.

Originally, Imperial Concubine Yi didn’t plan to keep her and wanted to discard her.

But Huang Boli fervently pleaded with Eunuch Ruan Ming, allowing her to stay.

Additionally, since she still had something to talk about with Ruyi and Ru Huan, she continued to serve before Imperial Concubine Yi upon her return.

Though still a Second-class Palace Maid.

But there was an essential difference between a concubine’s Second-class Palace Maid and an Imperial Concubine’s Second-class Palace Maid.

Upon entering, she respectfully bowed to Imperial Concubine Yi and then said.

"Your Ladyship, the carriage is ready, and we can depart immediately."

"Hmm, where is Ruan Ming?"

During grooming, Ruan Ming usually accompanied her.

Today, however, he was absent.

Hence, she asked.

"Eunuch Ruan went out on an errand and hasn’t returned yet, would you like to wait for him?"

"No need, I will proceed first. Once Ruan Ming returns, let him go to the Purple Light Hall immediately."

"Understood, Your Ladyship."

With that, Imperial Concubine Yi stood up and left the palace.

The Phoenix Feather Skirt she wore indeed appeared extraordinarily grand while she walked.

But compared to the Seven Phoenix Seven Pearl Hairpin in her coiffure, it was less impressive.

This outfit alone was worth at least ten thousand taels.

While she wore it with pride, those with keen eyes saw it as overly extravagant.

The grand hall today was packed with people.

All officials of the fifth rank and above attended with their families.

In addition to the numerous Imperial Family members, the once vast Purple Light Hall now felt a bit crowded.

Yet, the more it was like this, the more festive the atmosphere became.

Everyone wore festive garments, greeting each other with smiles.

When Imperial Concubine Yi arrived with the Third Prince, the palace banquet reached its first peak of enthusiasm.

"Imperial Concubine Yi has arrived."

"The Third Prince has arrived."

Everyone rose and greeted the two as they entered.