The Noble Woman's Guide On How to Tease One's Husband

106-110

Chapter 106 – Release of Rights

There are more red tapes since Ye Huaiyang moved into the palace, especially where she can no longer go home whenever she wants like before. Counting the days, she hasn't seen her family for more than half a month. Even though Ye Huaili and Ye Huaixin went to the Hall of Supreme Harmony every day which was only separated by a few palaces' walls away, it was basically insurmountable according to the palace rules.

This kind of family banquet should be organized by her alone but she is now six months pregnant, her body is getting heavier and she is fond of sleeping. Since Chu Jinglan was unwilling to wear her out, he handed all these over to the servants to handle. Hence, she didn't even know about it and felt very happy when she heard of it today.

At the hour of youshi (5pm-7pm), she travelled in the Imperial Phoenix Carriage to Nanye Pond.

It's now the end of the 12th month and the temperature is very low. Nanye Pond has turned into a huge jade ice crystal, where the reflections of the towering palace and lush garden appear even more dazzlingly vibrant under dozens illuminating Changxin palace lanterns.

The banquet was set in the middle of the hexagonal water pavilion, surrounded by water with only a narrow bridge connected to the shore. Getting off the Phoenix Carriage, Ye Huaiyang walked along the wave-like dragon balustrades to the water pavilion. As soon as she stepped over the threshold, the black figure sitting on the seat of honor strode across the entire banquet hall to come meet her.

Sweeping her glance over the seats on both sides, she noticed that people from the Meng family were there too, so she smiled faintly and performed the standard palace curtsy, "Chenqie[1] pays respect to Your Majesty."

With eyes narrowed, Chu Jinglan allowed her to do so knowing that she was unwilling to leave any pretext for gossip in front of the outsiders. He then went to help her up and led her along to her seat. Halfway through, she turned to look at the Ye family's side and winked at them playfully. While Ye Huaixin was smiling on the spot, Ye Huaili still remained sullen but vaguely revealed hints of helplessness.

The two of them walked to the end of the aisle and settled down one after the other. Only then did the people in the room stand up and say, "The ministers pay respect to the Empress."

"Everyone forgo the formalities." She responded softly and subtly glanced askance to the right.

Almost all members of the Meng family were here. Meng Qi, his two sons and Meng Chen were all present. Not mentioning others, the old fogey imperceptibly released a dignified and restrained powerful suppression just solely by sitting there. In contrast, the Ye family's circumstance was much weaker and hard to match as there were only three young people including Pei Yuanshu.

The Meng family's people were nevertheless surprised when Chu Jinglan personally came down to meet her. It was understandable to be favored as she is pregnant with the royal offspring yet it didn't overwhelm her, hence one could evidently expect how they were both like in private. Thinking of this, Meng Xuan could not help but glance at his younger sister who indeed looked unbearable.

Alas, what a misfortune.

As everyone had arrived, the chief eunuch, Zhou Jin, pointedly announced the commencement of the banquet. The palace maids immediately filed in with glazed plates of exquisite delicacies and fine grape wine which were placed one after another on the table. In between the serving, Chu Jinglan wrapped his arm around Ye Huaiyang's waist and asked in a low voice, "Why are you late? Did something happen en route?"

He has become extra cautious ever since Ye Huaiyang's return. In the past, he would leave important matters like the gold mine for her to take care of but now he is afraid of her falling even when she walks, as if she mustn't get tired or hurt or even uses her brain, which really makes her not know whether to laugh or to cry. However, she also understands that people will always be more anxious after experiencing a loss and regain. This is exactly how he expressed his intense love for her, so how could she disdain when she can't even be happier?

So Ye Huaiyang smiled softly at him, "It was okay on the way. Just felt distress before coming here as my belly has become bigger these past few days that I can't fit into the former palace gowns anymore."

Hearing the chagrin in her tone, Chu Jinglan couldn't help but laugh softly, "Just make anew then. No need to scrimp for Husband."

"Your Majesty is a man with the gold mine, I definitely won't scrimp!"

Ye Huaiyang pouted slightly, appearing so coquettishly spoiled that Chu Jinglan's heart suddenly softened and almost kissed her face in front of everyone.

Though she said so, yet no one knows better than him how economized she is.