C11 The Banquet

Nan Yanwu lowered her eyes to hide her tumultuous emotions, gradually loosening her grip. With a slight effort, she pulled away from Mo Ruyan's hand. "It was my mistake, and I apologize for troubling you. I don't mind, but there are differences between men and women, and I hope you understand."

She took off her cloak, carefully folded it, placed it aside, stood up, gave a slight bow, and left.

Just as she stepped outside the pavilion, Nan Yanwu couldn't help but glance back at Mo Ruyan. Tears welled up uncontrollably, and she futilely pressed her eyes before hurriedly turning away.

Mo Ruyan found it somewhat amusing. Was he really so intimidating that she felt the need to avoid him?

He picked up the cloak, which still carried traces of Nan Yanwu's fragrance, and looked outside the pavilion, but her figure had long vanished.

Earlier, as he wandered by, he noticed a woman resting on the railing, piquing his curiosity. As he approached, she grabbed his hand, repeatedly murmuring the name "Hongxiang." Just as he was about to free his hand, he saw tears streaming down her pale face, and his heart softened. Unable to let go, he sat beside her, holding her hand. Seeing her shiver from the cold, he gently draped his cloak over her. Her restless expression made him frown.

Usually indifferent, he was surprised at his own compassion for a stranger. Perhaps she wasn't entirely unfamiliar... The woman on the city tower was her, wasn't it?

Mo Ruyan smirked slightly, noting the late hour, and left the pavilion, heading towards the palace.

Nan Yanwu, eager to return to her room, accidentally bumped into someone in her haste.

"Princess?"

Yanwu was about to reprimand the intruder when she recognized the familiar voice and paused, surprised. "Lvyu?"

"Princess, you had me worried sick! The king sent word for you to dress up for the banquet, but I couldn't find you anywhere. It's about to start, so please, let's get you ready," Lvyu said in a rush.

"Where's the banquet? How much time do we have?" Yanwu asked.

"The Glass Hall, in about fifteen minutes," Lvyu replied after a moment's thought.

"It takes at least seven minutes to get there from here. We can't be late in front of such important guests. The only option is to head straight to the banquet. Who lives closest to the Glass Hall?"

"Consort Shen," Lvyu replied, puzzled. "Why do you ask, Princess?"

"If it's her, that makes things easier. Let's go," Yanwu said, ignoring Lvyu's confusion as she hurried along.

The Glass Hall was brightly lit. Yuvyi had arrived early, scanning the grand room. After whispering a few words to her maid, she headed to the east wing.

When Yanwu arrived, she coincidentally met Nan Ying and Xiao Zhen just as they were entering.

"Yanwu?" Nan Ying looked her over, noticing her simple attire. Though displeased, he didn't show it and introduced her to Xiao Zhen. "This is my eldest daughter, Yanwu."

Xiao Zhen nodded slightly.

Yanwu's heart raced, her palms sweaty. She tried to remain calm, bowing respectfully. "It's an honor to meet you, Your Highness."

She had imagined this reunion with Xiao Zhen countless times, but now that it was happening, she couldn't control her overwhelming emotions.

"The wise king certainly knows how to raise a daughter well." Xiao Zhen smiled noncommittally. He intended to take a closer look at the woman in front of him but felt it wasn't appropriate. So, he offered a brief compliment, maintaining a polite yet distant demeanor.