Transmigration: From Farmer To Empress
Chapter 1201 - 1207 Birthday Feast (5)

Chapter 1201: Chapter 1207 Birthday Feast (5)

"However, much as she disliked it, since the Empress Dowager and The Emperor had both given their rewards, she, being the Empress, could not fail to show some token of appreciation, so she had no choice but to slip off a bracelet from her wrist and reward her with it!"

Cai Wei smiled at Zhao Gui and said, "The Empress Dowager’s Birthday Feast was so well arranged, Princess Zhao Gui, your efforts were indispensable. Tonight, I will set up a table of liquor and dishes to thank you personally!"

Zhao Gui was overjoyed and bowed deeply, a picture of being flattered and surprised as she said, "It’s my duty to alleviate Your Majesty’s worries. I hardly deserve this thank from Your Majesty!"

Cai Wei replied, "It’s only right!"

As the birthday gifts were presented one after another, it was time for songs and dances to start, and the banquet to be served. The palace maidens entered in single file, moving back and forth to serve the liquor and dishes. Nangong Yi drank another cup with the Empress Dowager then rose to head to Qingyang Palace. Today’s gathered ministers and princes were arranged to be in Qingyang Palace, as The Emperor had matters to discuss with everyone, so he left his seat and headed to Qingyang Palace.

During the meal, Cai Wei pointed at a dish of Steamed Ribs in Rice Flour on her plate and laughed, "This Steamed Ribs in Rice Flour is really well made, identical to the taste of our hometown. Cai Lian, you must try it!"

With that, she signaled Huan Qiu to send the dish of Steamed Ribs in Rice Flour in front of her to Cai Lian’s table.

Now, the Madams present all knew who the girl sitting next to Her Majesty the Empress was; she was someone from the Empress’s own family. Her Majesty’s name was Cai Wei, and this young lady was named Cai Lian, certainly a blood relative of Her Majesty; otherwise, she wouldn’t have received such favor, even being allowed to sit right next to her. Such honor and face were not given to just anyone!

Cai Lian flushed with excitement, picked up a piece of rib that Huan Qiu had brought over, chewed it for a while, and said, "Exactly, it tastes just the same as when the Clan Leader’s house holds a feast for the New Year!"

The Madams were again shocked at these words, this girl truly was a blood relative of Her Majesty the Empress!

Cai Wei nodded slightly and said, "It’s rare to encounter the taste of hometown, so eat more. I’ll have the chef make more later and send some to Third Uncle and Third Aunt!"

Cai Lian stood up and bowed, saying, "Cai Lian thanks Her Majesty the Empress on behalf of Dad and Mom!"

Cai Wei replied, "You’re welcome. When I was little, Third Uncle and Third Aunt took good care of my family, so it’s only proper for me to repay them..."

With these words, everyone’s understanding was clear, this girl was not only Her Majesty’s relative but also shared childhood bonds. This girl’s parents had once taken care of Her Majesty’s family!

Soon, everyone’s attention was drawn to Cai Lian; even the Empress Dowager cast an inquisitive glance her way.

Cai Lian, feeling the focus of everyone’s attention, was truly happy. She tried her utmost to exhibit the demeanor of a well-mannered, dignified lady. Unfortunately, overdoing it did not serve to elevate her in the eyes of the Madams; instead, she appeared insincere and affected in their eyes.

Many Madams turned their heads away, disappointment showing in their eyes, yet some still looked at her with interest, as if pondering something.

Cai Wei’s task was completed; without any surprises, soon enough, many an official family would come to propose marriage to Third Uncle Mu’s house. Hopefully, Cai Lian would have better luck and not choose a sycophant. Alas, the prospects did not look good!

After the court banquet, Cai Wei accompanied the Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager Mo to the Waterside Pavilion in the Imperial Garden to watch a performance. The Eldest Princesses, Princesses, and Madams followed behind.

Though it was now autumn, the Imperial Garden was still lush and vibrant, filled with red flowers and green willows. As everyone walked into the gallery, they could see the water sparkling and shimmering, with two painted boats lined with vermillion jade railing stones, merged together to form a temporary stage. The reflection of the boats on the emerald lake water looked like a series of silhouettes.

Sitting in the Waterside Pavilion alongside the Empress Dowager and Empresses, Cai Wei turned back and smiled at Cai Lian, "It’s rare for you to visit the Imperial Garden, let Zhao Gui take you around to explore. When something interesting comes up, I will have someone call you back to watch!"

Cai Lian, beaming with joy, replied, "Yes!" and followed Zhao Gui away.

While watching the opera, the Empress Dowager was the first to select a play. Being a devout Buddhist, she chose a piece called "Northern Lights and Reddish Lips." The melody was lively and resounding. Cai Wei, annoyed by the noise and claiming a headache, excused herself under the pretext of changing clothes and walked out.

Inside the painted boat, the opera actor dressed as a monk was still singing, "Slowly fades the hero’s tears, at the departure of a prestigious family. Thanks for the merciful shaving under the lotus platform, yet fate decrees separation at a glance, arriving naked and departing without attachments..."

Cai Wei left the Waterside Pavilion and whispered to Huan Qiu, "Go look for Xiang Yun, where is she? I thought I saw her in Shuntian Hall, but now there’s no sign of her?"

Huan Qiu replied, "This servant just saw her leave the table and go to Cai Yue Pavilion with someone from the Mansion of Marquis Jian’an. Probably she has personal matters to discuss!"

Cai Wei nodded and said, "That’s fine, you keep an eye on her. When she comes back, bring her to me!"

"Yes!" Huan Qiu left.

Cai Wei, accompanied by only Chun Liu, hurried back to the Royal study.

With a phoenix crown weighing tens of catties on her head, her head felt almost flattened. Unless she unloaded this cumbersome piece soon, she would collapse right there!