The Princess Who Married The Crown Prince(GL) - Chapter 18

The palace banquet was held in the largest hall of the imperial palace—the Huangji Hall. The emperor sat at the highest seat with the empress accompanying him. The seats closest to them were occupied by the concubines, followed by the princes and princesses, and then the nobles arranged by rank. Not everyone could attend; only those of high rank were invited. Su Qiuqiu, being an unrelated county princess by title, was not qualified to attend on her own. However, as the heir’s wife, she was allowed to attend the festival.

The grand hall was primarily decorated in imperial yellow and bright red, adorned with gold lacquer, carvings of dragons and phoenixes, and supported by nine golden coiling-dragon pillars that held up a massive domed ceiling. Beneath it, hundreds of people could be accommodated, with a central high platform for singing and dancing performances. Each guest had their own small individual table, where they sat cross-legged and dined. Palace maids and eunuchs moved among them, serving tea, soup, and dishes. Yet, most guests appeared rather reserved—because the emperor was present.

The Emperor of Great Chu, Gong Nantian, was fifty years old. He wore a bright yellow dragon robe and a crown with nine hanging strings of beads that obscured his face. Only his slightly downturned mouth with some wrinkles could be seen, giving him a stern appearance.

The emperor announced the beginning of the banquet and encouraged everyone to enjoy themselves. Several scholars recited poems praising the emperor’s wise governance and peace across the land—obvious flattery. Envoys from small states also congratulated the emperor and presented tributes. The emperor’s expression remained unchanged—downturned lips and all—except when Princess Gong Luoyun stepped forward with auspicious words. Then, his mouth twitched slightly in what seemed like a hint of a smile.

Su Qiuqiu noticed Gong Luoyun and already knew she was the empress’s only daughter and the emperor’s most favored child. Now seeing it in person, she observed how the emperor’s other children were all well-mannered and respectful—except this princess. Gong Luoyun spoke and acted freely, even using a playful tone with the emperor, who actually seemed to enjoy it. Clearly, this princess was very spoiled.

Well, her little face was indeed pretty—just poisonous. Her temper was too much. Su Qiuqiu still didn’t know what she had done to offend her. It was their first meeting, yet the princess had already threatened to slap her. Better to keep a safe distance—reasoning with someone like that was pointless. She was arrogant and well-protected. Truly dangerous. That face alone wasn’t enough to make Su Qiuqiu risk her life. Ahem…

Su Qiuqiu glanced over, then shifted her eyes quietly elsewhere—only to accidentally lock eyes with someone who seemed to have been watching her all along. When their eyes met, his gaze curved into a smile—one that hinted at flirtation.

Su Qiuqiu was speechless. It was none other than the Third Prince who has been looking at her intently. Did he truly love the Seventh Miss so deeply that he couldn’t let go?

The Third Prince was undeniably handsome, suave, and of noble status. If someone else had caught the eye of such a man and ended up as the “unattainable red mole on his heart,” they might have felt flattered. But Su Qiuqiu just felt grossed out. That brief moment of their eye contact gave her goosebumps.

The Third Prince had brought his legal wife with him. Behind him stood Miss Su Ruofeng, the Fifth Miss. As a side consort, she wasn’t qualified to sit at the banquet. Her eyes dimmed when she noticed the prince staring at Su Qiuqiu in that manner. She comforted herself: even if Su Qiuqiu’s current position was better, things wouldn’t stay that way forever.

Su Qiuqiu stopped looking their way and focused on her own small table. The elegant porcelain cup was white with a landscape painting on it, filled with premium misty mountain tea, giving off a fragrant aroma. Everything was perfect—except the cup had no handle, only a saucer…

Hmm. Another money-making idea, perhaps? All the cups here lacked handles—why didn’t they just add them? Sure, she disliked people who were full of themselves, but she didn’t hate cups with handles. They were so convenient. Ahem…

“Beloved consort…” Just as Su Qiuqiu was sipping her tea and daydreaming about cup handles, a pleasant voice interrupted her thoughts, making her skin crawl again.

“Husband, what is it?” Su Qiuqiu stiffened and looked at Lu Fangting. She had seen many women and men here, and while she hadn’t examined them closely, she could still tell that in terms of looks, Lu Fangting was a standout. His appearance crushed the nearby princes and noble sons with ease. Absolutely top-tier. It made her heart ache even more. She silently added, “Too bad he’s got a… you-know-what.”

For some reason, Lu Fangting had started calling her “beloved consort” lately. It was a bit mind-bending. Was it because the Princess of Zhen’nan had given him some kind of… performance-enhancer, and now he was acting more manly? Was he trying to bond with her in preparation for consummation? No, no thank you!

“Beloved, eat more. After the banquet, there’s a poetry gathering and a lantern festival…” Lu Fangting said softly. He had originally called her “County Princess” or “Wife,” but during a test a few days ago, he called her “beloved consort” and saw how she reacted like a cat with its fur standing on end—it amused him greatly. So now he used it all the time.

“Thank you… Husband…” Su Qiuqiu forced a smile and looked down again.

“I heard the new wife of the Prince of Zhen’nan is skilled in both the zither and the flute. Father, why not let her entertain us? I’d love to hear it…” Su Qiuqiu was chewing on food when she heard the sensitive phrase. At first, it didn’t click. But the more she thought about it, the more terrified she became.

Who said that? Who was so wicked? Was she proficient in both the zither and the flute? She had never touched a guqin before and had only ever seen a flute. As the overlooked Seventh Miss, she had very little training in the arts. Just a few classes ended with her crying from bullying. She had dedicated much of her time to needlework. Her memory held only the most basic concepts, and she’d never practiced.

Su Qiuqiu raised her head with wide eyes and saw that the beautiful little princess in pink palace attire sitting just below the emperor was smiling sweetly in her direction.

 This princess really had it out for her!

She wasn’t a performer—why make her go up? Su Qiuqiu looked toward the emperor, silently praying that he would not agree.

“Where is the Heir’s Wife? It’s a joyful day—no need to be reserved. Play us a tune so everyone can enjoy it,” the emperor said, indulging the princess’s request.

Su Qiuqiu wanted to punch that little princess!

“Husband, I don’t know how… What if I embarrass the Zhen’nan Royal House?” Su Qiuqiu leaned toward Lu Fangting and whispered. She wanted to refuse, but she was uncertain about the consequences—perhaps she would face beheading. You never know with ancient monarchs.

“Not at all?” Lu Fangting asked.

“Cough, I only had a little basic training and already forgot the sheet music. If I refuse, will the emperor kill me?” She asked again. Meanwhile, a palace maid had come to lead her to the stage. Could she switch to singing instead? Maybe sing Gongxi Facai or Happy New Year and wish everyone 365 blessings? That might be a bit too “modern.” Would people think she was crazy?

She quickly searched her memory for ancient poems that had been turned into songs and remembered Prelude to the Water Melody: When Will the Bright Moon Appear. But wasn’t that for Mid-Autumn Festival? Would it fit now?

“Long live His Majesty! Husband and wife are one. Since the Heir’s wife must perform, how could I not accompany her? How about a guqin-flute duet?” Lu Fangting suddenly said while bowing toward the emperor with the help of a eunuch. He understood the princess’s temperament—if she failed once, she’d try again. If they refused now, it would seem disrespectful and might provoke more trouble.

“Excellent, excellent! A newlywed duet—it shall be a tale for the ages…” The emperor approved.

“I-I can’t…” Su Qiuqiu said as she followed Lu Fangting to the stage, giving up on the idea of singing.

“No matter, just play as you like. I’ll harmonize with the zither,” Lu Fangting said softly.

Could that work? Just play anything. What kind of mess would that sound like? But there was no other choice now.

Su Qiuqiu braced herself and followed Lu Fangting to the stage, which was very close to the emperor’s seat. There were already performers and instruments prepared. They were quickly handed a set of instruments.

The flute that was given to Su Qiuqiu was a six-hole flute. She had a vague memory of how to hold it and which fingers to use.

She didn’t remember any sheet music and had no time to think. Whatever melody popped into her head, she tried to play it.

The flute’s tone was lovely, and though she played it randomly, the sounds weren’t unpleasant—just lacking depth and meaning. But paired with Lu Fangting’s guqin, it transformed.

Lu Fangting painted over her childish scribbles like a master artist, smoothing and enhancing her messy tune into something rich and elegant.

No one in the audience recognized the piece. But those with musical appreciation were mesmerized.

Immersed in it, Su Qiuqiu listened carefully. Although she was only playing random notes, she could sense an emotional resonance characterized by the soft, lingering affection of Lu Fangting’s piece.

“What piece is this? It’s beautiful—I’ve never heard it before…” the empress asked with a smile after it ended.

“Replying to Your Majesty, ahem… This is a new composition the Heir’s wife and I developed while studying ancient scores. Please forgive its roughness,” Lu Fangting answered seriously. If Su Qiuqiu hadn’t been there, she might have believed him herself.

“Wonderful, wonderful! Fangting, you haven’t lost your musical touch. You were always talented in this area—what a pity… Seeing you and your wife so in tune eases my heart,” the empress said, looking slightly regretful.

“A new composition? Fangting-gege, I’d love to see the sheet music and learn it to play for Father and Mother…”

“Certainly. I’ll send it to the princess later,” Lu Fangting replied.

“Very good. Reward them!” the emperor ordered.

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace… I used too much effort just now, ahem… I feel unwell,” Lu Fangting said while out of breath. Su Qiuqiu immediately helped him, feeling the need to return the favor.

“Very well, you may go,” the emperor waved them off.

Princess Gong Luoyun watched Su Qiuqiu help Lu Fangting leave. Biting her lip, her gaze looked resentful.

The people around them weren’t especially envious of their reward. This so-called harmony was just superficial. Everyone in “noble circles” knew the real story about Lu Fangting…

“Phew… thank you…” Su Qiuqiu returned to her seat and thanked Lu Fangting.

“My dear consort, you and I are husband and wife; there’s no need to be so polite…” Lu Fangting said slowly, using a handkerchief to cover her mouth as she breathed heavily.

Su Qiuqiu gave an awkward smile and sat back in her seat. She looked at Lu Fangting’s weak state and felt a bit sorry for her. She sighed in her heart—she wasn’t a doctor, so she really couldn’t help…

The banquet hadn’t even reached halfway when the emperor left, and the rest of the guests started to relax a bit.

The poetry and lantern events after the banquet were like games, and people could join freely. Su Qiuqiu didn’t want to run into that princess again, so when she saw the princess walking toward them, she quickly made an excuse to leave, saying she needed to go to the toilet. A palace maid guided her there. When they came to the palace earlier, there were too many people, so her personal maids had to stay outside. She could only ask a palace maid for help.

Lu Fangting saw Su Qiuqiu slip away so quickly and wanted to leave too. But she couldn’t break her sickly act, and she couldn’t run fast either…

“Brother Fangting…” Gong Luoyun blinked her big eyes and walked up to Lu Fangting, calling him in a soft and pitiful voice.

“Greetings, Your Highness,” Lu Fangting greeted her politely.