My Sister Insisted on Swapping Marriages, and I Became a Marchioness Instead

Chapter 653: Beaten to Death Without Further Discussion

"But what?" Second Granny Pan immediately picked up the conversation.

Everyone perked up their ears to listen.

Qin Yuan smiled and said, "But they want to open a forum to lecture on policy essays at the Ranxiang Inn."

Everyone was both pleased and surprised: "Really we can see Young Master Nantang? That’s wonderful, but why are they lecturing on policy essays?"

Qin Yuan shook her head: "That I do not know."

Everyone’s interest was piqued, and discussions abounded. Princess Fuyun, sitting afar, was unable to contain herself, walked over wearing a veil, and asked Qin Yuan, "Dingbei Marquis’s wife, this palace just heard that Young Master Nantang will appear at the lamp festival at Ranxiang Inn tonight, is this true?"

Qin Yuan hurriedly stood up to salute: "Indeed, it is true."

Princess Fuyun’s brows arched in delight, her voice full of joy: "That’s wonderful, this palace must surely see Young Master Nantang in person tonight, and if he can compose poetry on the spot, that would be even better."

Song Wenyu interjected: "But, I just heard that Young Master Nantang and Mr. Songshan are coming to open the forum to lecture on policy essays."

Princess Fuyun was astonished: "How could it be?"

Before Qin Yuan could reply, the Chief Palace Maid said: "Time is up. If people don’t register soon, they’ll miss out. Is there anyone still coming to register?"

After asking three times, the Chief Palace Maid said: "Please all move to attend the banquet. Princess Fuyun, Empress Dowager is concerned about your injury, please follow the maid to Cining Palace."

Princess Fuyun sighed, apologized glanced at Qin Yuan, and followed the maid with her side-maid to Cining Palace.

Second Granny Pan said to Qin Yuan: "Let’s talk later."

Qin Yuan agreed and went to find Old Madam Gu to attend the banquet together; Mrs. Cui’s seat was further back, so they could not go together.

The Dingbei Marquis Mansion, being nobles, had seats close to the Royal Family. Qin Yuan and Old Madam Gu had not been seated long when the Crown Prince, King Jin, and others followed in to take their seats.

The Crown Prince looked ill, a few days passed and he seemed even more thin and weary.

King Jin looked pale, with dark circles under his eyes, seeming troubled. Once seated, he occasionally glanced towards Qin Yuan’s side, which greatly displeased Old Madam Gu.

After half a cup of tea, Prince Qi and King Tushan walked in together.

Before taking a seat, Prince Qi glanced around the room, his brow smiling in a manner that pleased those who saw him.

King Tushan’s expression was indifferent, seemingly unconcerned with everything around him, as though he might leave at any moment.

After the sound of three whips, Empress Lin supported the Empress Dowager as they walked in, followed by the Emperor, concubines, and young princes and princesses.

Everyone left their seats and bowed, and after the Empress Dowager was seated, she said: "Rise, everyone. Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival coincides with my birthday, do not be restrained, it is best to celebrate together."

The palace maids flowed in like water, placing vegetables, fruits, and wine, and after a while, dishes were also served.

After three rounds of wine, many officials accompanied by their families began to make congratulatory speeches, wishing the Empress Dowager a long life and praising her virtue, creating a very lively atmosphere.

These mattered little to Qin Yuan, yet Old Madam Gu did not move, so naturally, Qin Yuan did not move either.

After waiting for the noise to subside, the Empress Dowager said: "All dear ministers gathering together to celebrate my birthday is truly rare. Just drinking wine is not lively enough. Those who have talents may present them, and if any are outstanding, I shall surely reward generously."

Everyone naturally responded in unison.

The Chief Palace Maid serving beside the Empress Dowager stepped forward and said: "The Fifth Miss of Duke An’s Mansion is invited to perform a dance."

The Fifth Miss from Duke An’s Mansion had just reached marriageable age and had not yet been betrothed, immediately stood and performed a Chu Dance, which carried a unique flavor compared to dances from the Central Plains.

After the dance, the Chief Palace Maid said: "The Empress Dowager rewards with two rolls of brocade."

Applause thundered, and the Fifth Miss from Duke An’s Mansion thanked for the reward and retreated.

Old Madam Gu laughed, saying, "That child danced quite well, who knows who is next."

Only to hear the Chief Palace Maid again say: "Seventh Miss of Dingbei Marquis Mansion is invited to perform a sword dance."

Qin Yuan was shocked and glanced towards Song Wenyu seated diagonally behind her, only to see Song Wenyu also look surprised.

The Chief Palace Maid again said: "Seventh Miss of Dingbei Marquis Mansion, please come on stage."

Everyone stared intently, the Empress Dowager smiled and said: "Is the child shy? Why hasn’t she come up yet."

Madam You shrieked: "Oh, why hasn’t Miss Gu Qi come up yet? Everyone is waiting to watch! Hearing that Miss Gu Qi is skilled in martial arts, the sword dance must be beautiful, let us see what is meant by a dance like a swan."

The Emperor and Empress Lin also looked over.

King Jin suddenly burst out laughing, saying: "Who knows whose idea was to report Miss Gu Qi, Miss Gu Qi didn’t come at all, perhaps it is Dingbei Marquis’s wife who was meant to perform the sword dance but filled in incorrectly?"

The Crown Prince said: "How could it be..."

Qin Yuan was about to speak up in defense, but Old Madam Gu rose and said: "Reporting to Empress Dowager, I fear there was a mistake made below, Treasure Bead is unwell today and could not attend the banquet, I, the daughter-in-law also cannot perform a sword dance."

Madam You shrieked with a cold laugh: "That’s odd, Gu Baoshu is strong in martial arts, and just the other day she made the Crown Prince and my third son fall into the pool causing them to be seriously ill, yet she is perfectly fine. As strong as a bull proclaiming ill health? If you seek excuses, you ought to take care."

The Empress Dowager’s face suddenly darkened, displeased, saying: "My birthday is rarely celebrated, and Dingbei Marquis Mansion’s unmarried daughters only include Treasure Bead, not attending the banquet is there some dissatisfaction with me?"

Old Madam Gu sighed: "Some words I do not know whether to say or not, but now not speaking makes me not as a loyal minister."

The Emperor’s expression changed slightly: "Old Madam Gu, say what you wish."

Old Madam Gu said with solemnity: "The Emperor is wise, Treasure Bead wished to come, but some days ago at Duke Zhen’s Mansion she dueled with Third Young Master You, accidentally causing the Crown Prince to fall into the water, fearing Empress Dowager’s displeasure.

I, the daughter-in-law, also heard that Empress Dowager and the Empress said Treasure Bead is unlucky for being a posthumous child, fearing it collided with the Crown Prince. I was truly frightened and ordered Treasure Bead not to enter the palace, lest it also affect the celebration."

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent.

The Emperor showed anger, glanced at the blushing Empress Dowager, inwardly cursing absurdity, turned back, slammed the table heavily, and shouted: "Absurd, utterly absurd, who harbored evil intent to provoke Old Madam Gu?

Dingbei Marquis Mansion for generations has defended Northern Border for Daxing, with achievements across the ages.

Dingbei Marquis has won outstanding battle merits, Old Marquis sacrificed for Daxing, loyalty clearly evident.

Who dares say Gu Baoshu as a posthumous child is unlucky?

The provocateurs are truly malicious, attempting to sow discord with my ministers, causing heartbreak for those bleeding for the country."

From now on, should anyone speak such words again, I shall punish without mercy."

The Empress Dowager struggled to pull out a smile and said: "The Emperor is correct, Old Marquis sacrificed for the nation, Treasure Bead never having seen her father already makes me sympathetic, those whispering behind are truly malicious, once caught I will show no leniency."