Hu Yurong?
Zhao Jiaqi found the name familiar but couldn't recall it immediately. She didn't have time to ponder, as she was busy comforting Zhou Qiangwei with the princess.
"Prime Minister's wife, please calm down. Don't listen to his nonsense. Just pretend he let out a fart!" Zhao Jiaqi said, stroking Zhou Qiangwei's back.
To hear such shocking words in the palace during the New Year was eye-opening. They all looked down on country folk, but country folk wouldn't publicly curse someone to death during the New Year.
Pinting, hands on her hips, shielded the Prime Minister's wife and Zhao Jiaqi and directly challenged Hu Yurong. "You, a son of the Marquis's estate who has been disgraced, don't know how to behave yourself with your tail between your legs. How dare you run around and bite people? Be careful, lest I disgrace you!"
Hu Yurong didn't even spare her a glance. He grinned at the Prime Minister's wife behind him, "The sooner you die, the sooner you'll be reborn!"
"Scoundrel, you just wait! I'll report you to the Emperor!" Zhou Qiangwei was furious. She pointed at the arrogant figure disappearing into the distance and cursed.
It was then that Zhao Jiaqi remembered. This was the original heir of the Ningyuan Marquis's estate, who had tried to seize her shop through extortion and collusion with the京兆尹 (Jingzhaoyin - Prefect of the Capital), but was ultimately punished by the Emperor and forbidden from entering officialdom for life.
As a result, he was abandoned by his family and stripped of his title as heir. Heh... she could only say such people deserved it.
"Madam, there's no need to be angry. Calm yourself. We still have the palace banquet to attend later. Don't let such a petty person disrupt your mood!" Pinting turned back to console her.
Zhao Jiaqi also nodded. Hu Yurong had clearly counted on the fact that on this joyous occasion, the Prime Minister and his wife would not complain to the Emperor.
Furthermore, for someone like him, who had no title or status, his life or death was inconsequential. A bold and reckless demeanor would not affect him in any way.
He was the epitome of a "dead pig not afraid of boiling water."
After persuading Zhou Qiangwei for a while until her anger subsided, the two of them headed to the Chaoyang Hall. More than half the people were already seated inside.
The three bid farewell and found their respective seats, quietly awaiting the banquet to begin.
As soon as Zhao Jiaqi sat down, she felt a scorching gaze directed at her from across the hall.
She looked up and met the eyes of an exceptionally beautiful woman. With bright, pearly teeth and a proud, cold demeanor, she exuded an icy aura, like a plum blossom in the depths of winter.
This cold beauty across from her must be Princess Zong Huofeng of the Zongsheng Kingdom. She was more beautiful, colder, and prouder than the "Twin Pearls of the Capital," her imposing presence undeniable.
Zhao Jiaqi calmly withdrew her gaze, her brow slightly furrowed. She couldn't understand why the princess was looking at her with such hatred.
Beside her, Fan Zehao, dressed in purple, sat down. He smiled at her, leaned down, and whispered in her ear, "What are you staring at another woman so intently for? I've been observing you for a long time and you didn't even notice!"
Under the table, his rough palm stealthily pinched her tender hand, as if to punish her.
The jealousy in his words was palpable. It was a good thing the other person was a woman; if it had been a man, he might have thrown a tantrum.
She smiled faintly and pinched a bit of his waist in return. "She's so beautiful, what's wrong with me looking a little longer?"
"Look at me, she's not as beautiful as I am!" Fan Zehao pouted, saying it with utmost seriousness.
He was truly a simpleton.
Looking around the entire hall, any man would have wanted to fix their gaze on Zong Huofeng, but he, on the other hand, completely ignored her.
"The Emperor arrives!"
As Wang Zhanlin's clear voice announced, Huangfu Jintao entered the hall precisely on time. A sea of people knelt on the ground.
"Long live His Majesty, long live, long live, long live!"
Huangfu Jintao swept his gaze over the kneeling subjects, a smile on his lips, his face flushed and radiant.
Closely following behind him, Imperial Noble Consort Yao Jingyun entered the hall, accompanied by the Crown Prince Huangfu Yifan, and behind the Crown Prince was the Emperor's most favored princess, Pinting.
After the Emperor took his seat, he looked at the respectfully bowing people with satisfaction and raised his hand slightly. "All my ministers, you may rise!"
Addressing the assembled crowd, the Emperor began his opening remarks. Zhao Jiaqi didn't hear a single word he said. Her gaze was currently locked with Zong Han's across the hall, as if sparks were flying between them.
Neither of them was willing to back down. After a long while, Zong Han gritted his teeth and withdrew his gaze, his face shrouded in gloom, clearly displeased.
Zhao Jiaqi raised an eyebrow and a smile curved her lips. First round, victory.
The Emperor on the upper seat clearly saw their subtle exchange and was aware of the unspoken matters between them. He chose to watch from the sidelines, having no intention of interfering in their affairs.
After Huangfu Jintao finished speaking, he smiled at the beautiful woman below. "Princess Huofeng, is there anyone in this hall who has caught your eye? Feel free to speak, and I shall grant you a marriage."
Zong Huofeng rose gracefully. It was only then that Zhao Jiaqi saw her figure clearly and silently praised her.
Her waist was slender like a willow, her figure voluptuous, truly a sight to behold, like a distant peak or a nearby ridge.
Her gaze went directly towards Fan Zehao. Her naturally rosy lips parted slightly, and she said with a clear, sweet voice, "Replying to Emperor Yun, this princess has taken a liking to Prince Zhenguo, Fan Zehao. I request Emperor Yun to grant us marriage!"
The hall fell silent for a moment, then erupted in a buzz of discussion.
Heroes and beauties, a timeless tale.
But some whispered that this was like a beautiful flower stuck in cow dung, utterly unworthy.
Pinting glanced at the people in the hall and snorted. "Whether they are worthy or not, Zong Huofeng has chosen Fan Zehao. You people just can't have the grapes and say they're sour. What business is it of yours? Be quiet!"
She then glanced at Fan Zehao, and finally settled her gaze on Zhao Jiaqi. She knew Zong Huofeng had chosen the wrong person, and Fan Zehao would never look at her twice, let alone marry her.
The princess's words silenced everyone in the hall. They lowered their eyes, rubbed their noses, and cursed their bad luck.
Huangfu Jintao coughed behind his hand, a hint of displeasure in his eyes as he glared at his youngest daughter. He then turned to Zong Huofeng. "Prince Zhenguo is already married to a princess..."
Zong Huofeng had anticipated what Huangfu Jintao was going to say. She immediately interrupted him and stated solemnly, "I am willing to enter the manor as a secondary consort. As long as I can marry him, the title is of no consequence!"
Holy crap, that's possible? Zhao Jiaqi was speechless.
Now she understood why Zong Huofeng harbored hostility towards her. It was because she was in the way.
Fan Zehao scoffed and stood up, replying immediately, "Marry whomever you wish. I don't want you. I will only marry my wife in this lifetime."
Huangfu Jintao coughed into his hand, a deep smile in his eyes, though he chided, "Be mindful, you are a prince. Why do you still speak so crudely!"
"Replying to Your Majesty, this subject is indeed a crude person. My words are unpleasant to hear, but they come from the heart. I beg Your Majesty to grant my wish."