Taiji Palace, Linde Hall.
It was Mid-Autumn night. Brilliant lamplight illuminated the hall as brightly as day, and the music of strings and pipes filled the air.
Palace maids in colorful dress moved among the guests, filing in with platter after platter of exquisite delicacies.
Li Dan sat at the head of the hall in a dark purple informal robe, smiling as he watched the officials take their seats.
Princess Taiping occupied the first seat on the left, dressed in a crimson palace gown, her hair piled high. Authority shone in her phoenix eyes, and her bearing was magnificent. Behind her sat Xiao Zhizhong, Cen Xi, and three other chancellors, all impeccably dressed and distinguished in manner.
Li Longji occupied the first seat on the right, wearing the bright yellow robes of the Crown Prince. His face was handsome, with a hint of keen resolve between his brows. Behind him sat his trusted men, Yao Chong, Song Jing, Chen Xuanli, and the others, their expressions solemn.
At first glance, the seating followed official rank, with a clear division between left and right.
But anyone with discerning eyes could see it-the left belonged to Princess Taiping, the right to the Crown Prince.
Neither side had been favored. The two groups faced each other squarely, their seats arranged as though measured out, without the slightest discrepancy.
Watching this scene, Li Dan's lips curved slightly, as if he were quite pleased with this delicate balance.
He was about to offer a few words befitting the occasion.
Princess Taiping suddenly rose, took a memorial from her sleeve, and presented it with both hands. "Your Majesty, your younger sister has a matter that must be made clear before the banquet."
Li Dan paused, then smiled. "It is the Mid-Autumn Festival. Let us not discuss affairs