Chapter 210

Chapter 210 Early in the morning, after Xiaoshu helped Xie Run change clothes, she said hesitantly, "Mistress, the palace has strict rules. Today, let Dantao accompany you instead. I'm not as careful as Dantao, and I'm afraid I might cause trouble for you in the palace." Xie Run smiled. "That works. If there's a next time, I'll bring you along." "Then this servant will be waiting!" Dantao also chuckled softly. "This servant is actually quite nervous too. I've long heard that the palace has many rules, and one careless mistake could violate a major taboo..." Xie Run thought for a moment. "This was also my oversight. Send someone to the Green Pine Courtyard and ask the Princess Consort for an experienced nanny who knows palace rules. At least she can explain more to you all..." When Xie Run had been promoted to Concubine Consort, she had listened to nannies teach various rules, including those for entering the palace. According to regulations, after becoming a Side Consort, she should have been assigned an experienced nanny. But in recent days, both the Prince's residence and the imperial palace had been unsettled, and Xie Run didn't dare bring new people into Spring Mountain Courtyard, so she had never brought up the matter. Just as Xiaoshu was about to send someone to make the request, she saw Nanny Li enter with an elderly nanny whose hair was combed immaculately. Xiaoshu quickly bowed. "Greetings, Nanny Li." After the exchange of pleasantries, Xie Run learned that the Princess Consort had sent a nanny to instruct the maidservants on palace etiquette. The Princess Consort always acted with care, and she specifically said this was only temporary instruction—once the palace banquet was over, the elderly nanny would return to her original post. She was afraid Xie Run might misunderstand that she was trying to plant people in Spring Mountain Courtyard. Xie Run naturally hurried to express her gratitude. The Lantern Festival palace banquet was in the evening, but most people began preparations early in the morning. Some people didn't eat breakfast or lunch, just having a couple of bites of pastry to tide them over, to avoid any awkward situations when entering the palace. Xie Run didn't shortchange herself—she ate lunch before setting out. Prince Jing had been carrying Taotao around the courtyard since early morning, the father and son both a bit wild with play, even less anxious than Xie Run. It was Xie Run who couldn't stand it anymore and had someone call Prince Jing back. Before she left, Taotao was reluctant to part with Prince Jing, constantly reaching out for hugs, clearly wanting to go outside and play more. Prince Jing only thought his son couldn't bear to part with him, and his iron-hearted manly resolve softened to water, nearly saying he'd bring his son along. The weather was too cold, so both Xie Run and Prince Jing took carriages into the palace. When they reached the palace gate, Xie Run lifted the curtain for a look and saw a long line of carriages waiting for inspection. Many servants were blowing on their hands and stamping their cold feet. Prince Jing was the Emperor's own son, so naturally he had the privilege of entering through another gate first. Xie Run looked up at the icicles hanging from the palace eaves, feeling a bit emotional. Following Prince Jing had quite a few advantages. Seeing her lift the curtain, take a look, and then lower it again, Prince Jing asked curiously, "First time entering the palace—are you uneasy?" Xie Run thought for a moment, then said seriously, "Not really... With Your Highness here, this concubine feels quite at ease." Prince Jing unconsciously curved his lips. "I forgot—you look delicate, but in truth, your temperament is the most composed and cautious." "Once inside the palace, just stay by my side. No one will dare bully you." Xie Run nodded earnestly. "This concubine remembers." After a pause, Xie Run asked again, "After entering the palace, must we first go pay respects to Noble Consort Rou?" Prince Jing glanced at her and smiled. "No need. The banquet will start soon anyway; going all the way to Rouyi Palace would be too troublesome." Hearing his words, Xie Run truly believed the banquet would start soon—who knew that Prince Jing would first take her to a palace hall to rest. After staying in the hall for an hour, Xie Run realized that Prince Jing actually didn't want to go see Noble Consort Rou. Wouldn't this behavior... be criticized as unfilial? This time, Xie Run didn't dare ask Prince Jing directly. The palace's Lantern Festival banquet was naturally bustling and lively. Xie Run wore her hair in a high bun, dressed beautifully and elegantly, following closely at Prince Jing's side as they entered the banquet. Prince Jing was now quite favored by the Emperor, and Xie Run received attention along with him. She didn't need to actively socialize with anyone—rather, quite a few people eagerly attached themselves to her, wanting to build good relations. After all, everyone now knew that Prince Jing's residence had two Side Consorts. Side Consort Fang had made a mistake and was under House Arrest, while Consort Xie had consistently enjoyed Prince Jing's affection, with unbroken favor. If they could please Consort Xie and have her whisper a few words in Prince Jing's ear, there would only be benefits, no harm. Xie Run had resolved before coming to play the part of a mild-mannered, quiet, shy, and refined woman. Before long, the banquet grew much livelier, and Xie Run nearly thought the Emperor had arrived. But when she looked closely, it was a middle-aged man wearing a python robe, with a rather round figure and face. Xie Run paused, guessing that this should be Fifth Prince, Prince An. Ever since the matter of rescuing the Emperor, Prince An had gained the Emperor's favor and risen swiftly, becoming the undisputed rising star of the Great Yu Dynasty. Prince Jing naturally also saw Prince An striding in with his head held high, but only idly swirled his wine cup, a light snort escaping from his nose. Just... quite defiant and unruly. Seeing the confusion in Xie Run's eyes, Consort Liang of Prince Wei's residence, seated nearby, leaned toward Xie Run and said in a low voice, "It's strange too. Prince An usually brings the Princess Consort or Consort Jiang to palace banquets. Today he's brought a new face instead?" Xie Run glanced over, lowered her eyes, and smiled lightly. "If Sister Liang doesn't recognize her, then I certainly wouldn't either." Consort Liang was the most favored concubine of Prince Wei at present, and the one Xie Run had once mentioned—though she had not been entered into the royal Jade Plate, she was the true power behind Prince Wei's household. After the Princess Consort of Wei had taken her own life, Prince Wei had not remarried. This Consort Liang had risen above the other concubines and won Prince Wei's exclusive favor. Now, whenever Prince Wei attended palace banquets, it was always with Consort Liang by his side. Consort Liang watched for a long while before speaking. "The one beside Prince An—could that be Concubine Wu, who was recently demoted in rank?" Xie Run was taken aback. It shouldn't be, should it? Though there was no rule forbidding a Concubine Consort from attending palace banquets, the princes had always maintained an unspoken understanding to bring only their Princess Consorts or Side Consorts. Many were forced to bring their Side Consorts only because their Princess Consorts were unable to attend for some reason. Bringing a Concubine Consort to a palace banquet... Prince An of the current dynasty would be the first to do so. Prince Jing had not gone to greet Prince An, but Prince An instead brought Concubine Wu over to pay his respects. He held a wine cup in his hand. "Sixth brother, today is the Lantern Festival family banquet—we brothers should have a good drink together." Prince Jing smiled. "If Fifth Brother commands it, this younger brother dares not refuse." With that, he raised his cup and drank. Prince An drank along with him and laughed. "Sixth brother is indeed straightforward!" He then asked, "You and your Princess Consort have always been deeply devoted and inseparable—why haven't you brought her to the banquet today?"