"Where's Tang Tang? Didn't she say she would attend the banquet with me today? Why isn't she back yet? Where has she gone off to play?" Shen Qingqing asked.
Chunyu replied respectfully, "Your Highness, the little princess... she's with Crown Prince Jun. She even had us deliver lots of food today, saying that Crown Prince Jun's meals were far too poor."
"Jun Yuyuan? How did Tang Tang become so close to him? He is the crown prince of an enemy kingdom, after all. What if he means Tang Tang harm... surely he wouldn't. That crown prince doesn't look like that sort of person. I hope I'm overthinking it."
Shen Qingqing arrived at the banquet. Empress Lu sat at its center, dressed in a magnificent phoenix robe and crown, a gentle smile on her face. She looked like a kind, approachable empress.
Provided one ignored the malice lurking in her eyes.
"Greetings, Your Majesty." Shen Qingqing bowed respectfully.
"Ah, Sister Consort Chen has arrived. I heard you've been promoted to consort. Congratulations! Please, sit."
Consort Chen sat to the Empress's right. Her rank was second only to the Empress and the Noble Consort.
All the imperial consorts had arrived, along with a host of noblewomen and young ladies. The entire rear garden bustled with activity.
"Your Majesty is truly kind and approachable, with all the grace of the mother of a nation. Whenever I see you, I feel such warmth. This is my daughter, Lady Ningyang."
"Indeed, Your Majesty is a motherly model for all beneath heaven. We hold you in the highest esteem. This is my daughter, Princess Pingkang."
A group of noblewomen chatted with the Empress, their words steeped in flattery. If their daughters caught her eye, they were certain to secure better husbands.
Empress Lu suddenly asked, "Why