Two hours passed, and everyone was having a great time.
Mu Qingyao, however, was a little tired. Just thinking about riddles had depleted so many of her brain cells.
The situation at the flower viewing banquet was clear. The most popular among the male participants was Chu Qianyi, followed by the King of Beijin.
Despite the King of Beijin's frail health, his noble status, coupled with his earlier words about not caring about matching social status, sparked many women's imaginations.
Of course, a significant portion of the attendees were still unwilling to marry a man like the King of Beijin.
Following them were Liu Qianmu and others. As for the King of Nan'an, his popularity was extremely low. Why?
Because everyone feared him. Throughout the flower viewing banquet, he maintained a cold expression, as if someone owed him eight million. Could such a demeanor attract the favor of young ladies? xxs壹贰
In the female category, the most popular was surprisingly Princess Murong Xingzhu. Her cute and pretty appearance, combined with her casual way of speaking, attracted the attention of many men.
Next came Li Xiaowan and Ye Xianxian, while the least popular were Princess Murong Ruyin and Ximen Xinyue.
Princess Murong Ruyin carried herself with an air of arrogance, looking down on others. Thus, despite her royal status, people dared not provoke her.
As for Ximen Xinyue, though beautiful and accomplished in both martial arts and literature, she was a selected maiden for the palace. Who would dare to compete with the Emperor for a woman? It would be suicidal.
Finally, Mu Qingyao announced, "The game has concluded successfully. The most popular among the male participants are Chu Qianyi and the King of Beijin. The most popular among the female participants are Murong Xingzhu, Li Xiaowan, and Miss Ye Xianxian."
Applause erupted. Everyone felt a sense of lingering excitement. The games were truly novel and fun. The Empress was indeed remarkable; her ideas were things others had never conceived of.
It was rumored that she had also designed a military weapon called a "hand grenade."
At the flower viewing banquet, the Empress had also become an enigma.
With the games concluded, the banquet entered its climax: the bestowing of marriages.
All the young ladies and gentlemen from official families knew the true purpose of this flower viewing banquet. Before entering the palace, their elders had repeatedly impressed upon them the importance of this event. Therefore, everyone present understood its significance.
Mu Qingyao considered her role fulfilled. The Emperor would now handle matters, and it had nothing to do with her. Besides, she was exhausted, her throat dry. She picked up her tea, took a sip, and prepared to enjoy the spectacle.
If her estimation was correct, the Empress Dowager must have made her own plans, and the events to come would likely be far more intense than the games.
Emperor Xian, Murong Liuzun, swept his sharp black eyes across everyone at the banquet, finally resting on the King of Beijin.
"Today's flower viewing banquet is held for the Prince of Nan'an and the Prince of Beijin. Both princes have reached marriageable age, and I, as their elder brother, have the obligation to select consorts for them."
As soon as the Emperor finished speaking, the King of Nan'an and the King of Beijin both stood up. "We thank Imperial Brother for his favor."
"Please sit down," Murong Liuzun said with a smile on his handsome face, gesturing for his two imperial brothers to be seated. He then solicitously inquired of Murong Liumo.
"Imperial Brother, do you have anyone in mind this time?"
The King of Beijin, Murong Liumo, stood up again and spoke with elegant gentleness, "I trouble Imperial Brother for your concern. This subject's matters are all at Imperial Brother's discretion."
A hush fell over the flower viewing banquet. Everyone watched the unfolding events with wide eyes. Whose lap would the title of King of Beijin's consort fall into? The general consensus was that it would most likely be Li Xiaowan, the daughter of the Minister of War.
She was excellent in both talent and appearance, and it was difficult for others to compete. However, the Emperor's mind was as unpredictable as the sea. No one could foresee whom the Emperor would bestow upon the King of Beijin.
As soon as the King of Beijin finished speaking, the Emperor's stern gaze softened slightly, and a smile curved his lips.
"Then, shall we give...?"
Before the Emperor could finish, the Empress Dowager, who had remained silent throughout the banquet, suddenly spoke with benevolent affection.
"My son, this Empress Dowager finds the daughter of the Minister of War, Li Xiaowan, to be quite suitable. Let her be bestowed upon Mo'er, to become the Princess of Beijin. This child, in both her intellect and her appearance, will not disgrace Mo'er."
As the Empress Dowager's words fell, the Emperor's eyes suddenly darkened, and the smile on his lips slowly vanished. His gaze shifted unpredictably towards the Empress Dowager beside him, a hint of displeasure evident.
In the end, he said nothing, turning his head to look at Li Xiaowan on the women's side.
Li Xiaowan's face paled slightly. She slowly stood up and spoke with gentle grace, "Xiaowan thanks the Empress Dowager for her favor."
The Emperor's cold and indifferent voice rang out.
"Li Xiaowan, do you have any knowledge of medicinal cuisine?"
Everyone at the banquet had sensed the Emperor's rising anger. It was clear the Empress Dowager had interfered in the Emperor's affairs, displeasing him. At such a moment, no one dared to speak, not even daring to breathe. The Emperor's question was met with confusion.
Li Xiaowan, her head bowed in fear, replied, "Reporting to Your Majesty, Xiaowan does not typically engage with such matters."
As Li Xiaowan's voice faded, Murong Liuzun furrowed his brows, his intimidating gaze shifting to the Empress Dowager.
"Mother, since Li Xiaowan does not even know the most basic medicinal cuisine, how can she care for the King of Beijin? The primary requirement for the Princess of Beijin is a thorough understanding of medicine and pharmacology, so that she can regulate Imperial Brother's health."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager realized the Emperor did not wish to bestow Li Xiaowan upon the King of Beijin and became flustered. She quickly said, "She can learn if she doesn't know. It's not a big deal."
"Mother?" Murong Liuzun's voice deepened, clearly showing his disapproval of the Empress Dowager's words.
"Imperial Brother has always been frail. For this selection of a consort, I intend to find someone who can care for him. It is not about superficial matters like matching social status. I hope Mother will consider Imperial Brother's health."
Murong Liuzun spoke with righteous indignation. His handsome face was etched with the cool hues of late autumn, and his eyes churned with the turbulent waves of a vast sea.
At the flower viewing banquet, many praised the Emperor's brilliance and wisdom, for not focusing on superficial appearances. Conversely, the Empress Dowager disappointed them. Knowing her son was in poor health, she still focused on outdated notions of matching social status.
The Empress Dowager's face turned pale, and she bit her lip, surprised that the Emperor had seen through her intentions. Now, her only hope rested on Li Xiaowan.
As long as she was willing to die or live to marry the King of Beijin, even if not as the principal consort, she would at least secure a secondary position. She would compensate her later. The Empress Dowager placed all her hopes on Li Xiaowan.
However, Li Xiaowan's heart was not set on the King of Beijin. The man she truly admired was Young Master Chu. Although her affections were unrequited, it was better to be with anyone than the King of Beijin.
She wanted to marry a healthy man. It wasn't her fault, was it?
The flower viewing banquet fell into silence. The Emperor's somber voice rang out again.
"Ye Xianxian, I heard from Scholar Ye that you are somewhat versed in pharmacology and acupuncture. Is this true?"
It turned out that the Emperor's favored choice was Ye Xianxian, the daughter of Ye Guangzhao, a Fourth-Rank Grand Secretary. It was unexpected that Ye Xianxian, a young lady from a refined household, would understand pharmacology and acupuncture.