"Yep! Impressive, isn't your mother?"
Wu Qingyuan raised her chin proudly.
Jiang Yourning continued weakly, "I... arranged to go drinking at the Cloud Fragrance House with my sister Wanrong tonight."
"That's wonderful!" Wu Qingyuan grew excited again. "Come, come, come! It's getting late already. Your mother will personally take you to see the beauties!!!"
Dusk fell as the sun set.
With his heart aching, Chu Wenzong had Fu Kang carry several chests to Cining Palace.
They contained half his personal fortune.
If flesh had to be carved off, he couldn't be the only one bleeding.
To ease the anguish in his heart a little...
He therefore...
Had Fu Kang personally invite the imperial relatives currently in the capital, telling them he had another younger sister and inviting them into the palace for a family banquet. He all but spelled out that they should remember to bring gifts.
As for the civil and military officials...
There was no rush.
Once he had the State Preceptor calculate an auspicious date to announce his sister's identity, he could simply hold another banquet.
Except...
The dishes had already been on the table for quite some time.
The imperial relatives had brought plenty of gifts, too.
But...
The guests of honor were nowhere to be found.
Crown Prince Chu Wenjing looked around several times before finally bowing to Chu Wenzong and speaking. "Father, it's getting late. When will Grandmother bring Aunt over?"
"Exactly, Uncle. Never mind this little aunt who appeared out of nowhere-where are Little Wukong and Chu Lange? Why are they missing too? I'm starving to death."
Xie Ciyan surveyed his surroundings listlessly, feeling that nothing was quite right.
Chu Wenzong spoke slowly, his expression utterly unruffled.
"Perhaps the Empress Dowager took them to dress and freshen up. Don't worry, everyone. Please