The wet nurse carried the imperial eldest grandson away to the inner room for feeding, and all attention shifted back to Princess Ke.
She was dressed extremely lavishly and exquisitely today, perhaps it was the joy of good news that lifted her spirits, her entire being seemed to radiate a gentle glow, making people involuntarily want to draw near.
"If you ask me, the Princess's attire today has outshone all the female guests from outside."
The unspoken thought, especially concerning the Wei family, was held back.
Princess Ke smiled sweetly. Her already beautiful features were now imbued with an added touch of nobility.
Perhaps it was the nurturing environment of Changle Palace; ever since she returned from her confinement in the palace, she exuded a noble and ethereal aura that was absent before.
Compared to Princess Ke, she could even be mistaken for the Crown Princess.
"Sister-in-law, you always tease this Princess."
"Princess, please don't be modest. I am speaking the truth."
Covering her mouth with her sleeve, she chuckled softly. Just then, a shout was heard from outside.
"Princess Fuya arrives."
As soon as the words fell, a girl of about ten years old walked in.
Her appearance bore a strong resemblance to Princess Ke, both possessing a gentle, tranquil beauty and temperament. Having been raised by the Empress for many years, her every movement was exceptionally polite.
As the daughter of a Prince, she was originally only a County Princess.
However, being Emperor Qi's first granddaughter, she had been brought to Changle Palace for instruction after entering the palace at the age of five.
She was well-behaved, intelligent, and possessed the demeanor of a great nation, thus Emperor Qi specially bestowed upon her the title of Princess, bypassing her rank.
"Your child greets Mother Consort. May Mother Consort be joyful, and may my young brother be free from worry."
With that, she respectfully performed a curtsy. No one present could find fault with her, and everyone praised her.
Princess Ke looked at her daughter's emerging grace, feeling immensely comforted.
Before Yongcong was born, she had only this one daughter, whom she naturally doted on and raised with great care. If not for the strict palace rules that mandated all imperial children to enter the palace for instruction after the age of five, she would never have parted with her.
Although the initial separation was difficult for mother and daughter, Princess Ke only truly felt at ease when she saw Fuya gradually exhibiting more of a princess's dignity and etiquette.
"Fuya, quickly rise and come to Mother Consort."
She beckoned to her.
Princess Fuya was also dressed grandly today.
Her goose-yellow immortal moon dress made her appear both charming and cute, yet not lacking in the elegance of a royal princess.
Her eyes curved, and her smile was incredibly sweet.
After all, she was still a child. Seeing her mother now naturally brought her joy.
"Where is my brother? Fuya has been learning palace rules with her governess these days and hasn't seen him for nearly half a month. Let me see him quickly, has he gotten fatter?"
Princess Fuya showed no jealousy towards the brother her entire family had eagerly awaited. Instead, she felt an immense honor due to his arrival.
After all, her brother was currently Emperor Grandfather's only grandson, and he might even inherit the throne in the future.
This would make her the veritable Grand Princess Fuya, incomparable to ordinary princesses. Even the current Grand Princess Fulin and Grand Princess Changlin were not as distinguished as she would be.
Therefore, she was extremely fond of her young brother.
"Cong'er is having his milk. We will go out together later."
"Mm."
After saying this, she had a congratulatory gift brought forward. Upon opening it, it revealed a longevity lock pendant inlaid with gold and jade, a very auspicious symbol.
"Mother Consort, this is for my young brother's hundredth day. Do you think it's beautiful?"
Princess Ke glanced at it twice and knew it was the work of the imperial artisans, so she was naturally delighted.
"You are thoughtful. Later, we will let Cong'er wear it to meet the guests."
"As long as Mother Consort likes it!"
The members of the Li clan present all expressed their admiration.
At one moment they praised Princess Ke's refined demeanor, the next they praised Princess Fuya's dignified nobility, and then they praised the imperial eldest grandson's majestic bearing.
Compliments flowed like a stream, making Princess Ke's heart bloom with joy.
Soon after, the wet nurse finished feeding the imperial eldest grandson and brought him out.
The group then proceeded to the front courtyard amidst much merriment.
The hundredth-day banquet today was held in the front courtyard and Quyi Hall, separated by a water pavilion, dividing the male and female guests.
The banquet was exquisite and delicious, and the surroundings were decorated festively.
As the guests arrived, the liveliness of Prince Ke's mansion gradually intensified.
Wen Yuwei arrived at this very moment.
Seeing everyone surrounding Princess Ke, she felt a moment of jealousy.
Why was it that, being women, Princess Ke could enjoy such immense honor, while she could only remain in a corner, unnoticed?
Those who were usually friendly with her were now following Wei Lanxuan and Liang Luo. If the occasion were not inappropriate, Liang Luo would have probably walked over to mock her.
Looking at Liang Luo's provocative gaze, Wen Yuwei's resolve to report them grew stronger.
Once the Wen family fell, it would surely implicate the Wei family behind them, and the Liang family, which depended on the Wei family like a vine, would also suffer.
The thought of such a satisfying event, even before its success, brought her immense pleasure.
She withdrew her gaze from Liang Luo, her mind entirely occupied with how to approach the Crown Princess and how to make her believe her words. "Sister-in-law, isn't Wen Yuwei alone now a perfect time to deal with her? Why are you stopping me?"
"Don't stir up trouble! Today is the Crown Prince's main event. If you cause any disturbance, it will be blamed on Grandfather and the Ninth Prince. You know the current situation, it's best to avoid causing trouble!"
Although Liang Luo was unwilling, she could only nod.
News of the Ninth Prince's victory had also reached Liang Luo's ears.
She had long known that the Ninth Prince's triumphant return was inevitable. She was now at home waiting for his return, so that Consort Wei could arrange for her to be married to him as a secondary consort.
Thinking of this, her hatred for Wen Yuwei was merely a pebble in the ripples of water.
Indifference was the key!
With this thought, her mood greatly improved.
Little did she know that she was already being plotted against by Wen Yuwei.
And all of this was observed by Feng Jinyao, who was also present.
Today's Wen Yuwei was indeed a little different.
Ever since Bai Siruo suppressed those gossipy young ladies with the title of Princess Anping at the last polo match, they had also been ostracized by others.
However, the two of them were not people who enjoyed being in crowds anyway, so being ostracized was fine. It even gave them more freedom.
Finding an inconspicuous corridor, they sat and chatted, talking in twos and threes.
"Mingyue sent a letter saying the peach blossoms at the mountain temple of Wenjin Academy have bloomed and invited us to see them. What do you say?"
Feng Jinyao lowered her head and said after a moment of thought.
"Let's wait until after the results are posted. If my second brother's results aren't out yet, I'll be worried even if I go."
"That's fine too. It's only a matter of these two days, so there's no rush. But can my second brother really pass the examination?"