Bab 9: Chapter 8
When Heng arrives at banquet halls, she noticed Feng Jiu was looking at her with interest. She quickly walk forward to sit next to Feng Jiu ignoring all the gaze from other noble ladies when she passed by. It was not a short walk to sit next to Feng Jiu as she is sitting almost on the very top.
"That was fast." Said Feng Jiu. She really does not know what to do with this little lady, her action is out of norms but refreshing in the same time. She does not want to restrict her movement as she knows there is no point on doing it. "So did you find anything interesting?"
Heng knowing her sneaking away has been busted by Feng Jiu can only sheepishly laugh, "I did not travel far in case you miss me so I come back earlier than expected."
Hearing her answer, Feng Jiu helplessly shake her heads. What a great excuse ah! Even though she knows it's a lie, she still feels warmth hearing it.
"So this is the rumored hero of your family?" Asked the lady who was sitting next to Feng Jiu. Heng has noticed her gracefulness since she almost arrived to her seat. She is greatly convinced that this is the Empress. "Heng greets beautiful Empress!" said Heng cheerfully, then she add "Assuming aunt.. I mean mother has told you about me, I want to apologize in advance if my manner is disgraceful... and also for being late."
The Empress hearing her apologize chuckled lightly, "No need to apologize, one have heard about you and have been wanted to see you. One is not a narrow minded person so just act freely as long as you know the boundaries."
Heng listening to her answer could not be happier. She was actually worried if her manner will insult powerful people in this world. She does not want to bring Li Wei and Feng Jiu down because of her but she really can't walk that slow and can't keep a mannequin smile all the time ah!
In the end, she really did enjoy her time with them. The Empress is a smart lady, she basically has been discussing and sharing knowledge about various topics. The Empress is also surprise hearing her opinions, these topics are relatively heavy for young lady ah! She keep continuing their discussion forgetting about other noble ladies who are in dazed hearing the conversation, the rumored adopted daughter is actually really relax and even having discussion with The Empress ah!
Feng Jiu who noticed their gaze slowly smile, "Look at us forgetting where we are. Heng can come by to here as long as you do not get bored at her. Don't you want to watch these ladies performance?" Her question awoken the Empress and quickly she recover her composure before smiling lightly, "Of course Heng is welcome anytime, this one has more things to talk with Heng." then she added, "Surely all ladies here are talented ladies and one cannot wait to watch your performance."
The rest of the banquet was as Heng's read in the novel. Young ladies compete with each other to show their skills hoping to get noticed and gifts one by one was given to the Empress. A whole process, Heng was amazed with both Feng Jiu and The Empress who are able to keep their smile regardless how bad or good the performance is. She had troubled to keep her face straight as she gets bored ah! Fortunately, this process did not stay long. Not long after, an eunuch come to announce that the Emperor has summoned the Empress, Feng Jiu and Heng for the family dinner!
"These ladies will go home just like this?" Asked Heng speechless. She did not expect this imperial family is really one of a kind ah. These ladies who were invited literally only sat, performed and now are kicked out from the real dinner.
"Both Emperor and Empress are actually dislike having banquets for every single occasions. The only reason they had this now is because of all officials' request. We have not had any banquet for almost a year ah!" Said Feng Jiu. She also does not know what to say as indeed her brother in law and sister in law are too unique! But she likes it that way as well, she hates watching people currying favor.
"Let's walk, the Emperor must have been waiting for quite a long time now." Said the Empress. She inwardly laughing thinking how her husband act right now. She is sure he is starving right now as this has passed his dinner time. Who ask him to agree with his officials demand to make a banquet, now he needs to suffer a bit!
As her expectation, the moment they arrive, she can see him walking back and forth looking left and right waiting for the arrival news. She deliberately asked the eunuch to not announce their arrival so they can see this ah! "See that old man? That's my husband." Said the Empress while pointing her finger towards the Emperor.
"Finally you are back! What took you so long? I am starving!" Said the Emperor with pitiful face. The moment he saw his beloved walking slowly, he hurriedly walk towards her with sad face hoping he will not get further punishment. What can he do ah, the officials were crying and begging to have this banquet. He was forced ah!
Seeing this, Heng mouth could not help but to twitched. Where is the dignified aura of the ruler of nation? Heng shakes her head thinking how unreal this situation is. What about the novels she used to read about the fierce emperor ah!
"Heng greets the Emperor!" Said Heng trying to be as respectful as possible. Her bowing is really stiff that everyone can see how much she is not accustomed to it.
Hearing the greeting, the Emperor finally noticed there is an additional lady walking with his beloved. Recalling what Li Wei reported to him, he smile to Heng while waving his hand, "So you are the rumored lady. No need to act courteous, we can see that you are not trained for this." then he add, "Let's talk inside. Your father and I are starving waiting for you three ladies to arrive ah."
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone