Eunbi settled on the seat beside the Empress Dowager. She was waiting for the Emperor, to sit on her seat beside him.
As she was talking to Empress Dowager, they heard a commotion in the crowd. The guard came and announced the arrival of the Emperor.
Seeing her struggling in her dress, he reached to support her. He gave her, his arm to hold onto it. Seeing his kind gesture she smiled at him and held onto his hand.
Following them, Minnie and Minho smiled at the scene unfolding in front of them.
Minnie was happy to see, the Emperor taking care of her Miss.
She sighed in relief.
Minho was walking a few steps behind Minnie. He looked at the Minnie who was smiling seeing the exchanges between Jeongguk and Lalisa.
Minho thought, "Silly girl. She gets happy by seeing others happy." he smiled thinking about this.
When Lalisa reached in front of the palace, she sighed in relief.
She thought, ' Why the distance from the Chamber to the palace is so long. Ah, they don't even have cars. Do they have any idea, how difficult is to walk in these fucking long dresses.' she cursed inwardly.
Jeongguk looked at her annoyed face and asked, "Is there any problem?"
She looked at him and smiled hesitantly and said, "Eh? Nothing. I was.. Just tired."
He grew worried seeing the sweat beads on her forehead and said, "Tired? Do you feel unwell? Should I call the doctor?" he asked her.
She looked at him and thought, 'Why he is so keen to call the doctor? Are the doctors here are so free to be called upon such small matters'.
'But he is the Emperor. So I guess he can call anyone and anytime.' she nodded and shrugged as she thought about this.
Jeongguk raised his eyebrows at her. She looked at him and remembered he asked her something.
She hurriedly shook her head and said, "No need. I am fine." she said while faking a smile.
They went forward and the guard standing outside the palace gate came to them and greeted them.
Jeongguk nodded at him and Lalisa also followed the suit. Minnie has taught her that she doesn't need to reply to everyone's greetings.
Only the nodding at them will do.
After that, the guard went inside to announce their arrival.
When Eunbi and Sandara heard Jeongguk's arrival they smiled at each other. Eunbi excitedly stood up from her seat and Sandara remained seated.
All the guests turned their gaze towards the entrance. The consorts also stood from their seats to welcome the Emperor.
They were excited to see the Emperor after so long. There were around 5 consorts in the palace other than Lalisa and Eunbi.
They were all married to Jeongguk in a matrimonial alliance. Even Eunbi also married in a matrimonial alliance but she was a special case. She has a good relationship with the Empress Dowager. That's why she is better than others.
They get very few chances to see Jeongguk.
They try everything to get even a slight attention from him.
For today's banquet, they have dressed up themselves for hours just to get his attention. They even try to bring other women down or play tricks, just to fight for his attention.
They get jealous of Eunbi who not only gets the attention of the Emperor but also Empress Dowager.
But they can't dare to plot against her. Because they know they are no match for her.
That's why they vent their frustration on Lalisa because they know, she doesn't have any support in the Palace. She is nothing but a nominal Empress.
She doesn't have any powers or support in the Palace. So these consorts always look down on her and even plot against her.
Everyone stood from their seats to welcome the Emperor. Their eyes were on the entrance.
The consorts held their breaths when Jeongguk made his way into the palace.
He stood at the entrance of the palace, the light was shining from behind, making him look enchanting.
Consort Yerin went to Eunbi and said, "Consort Eunbi, the Empress is nowhere to be seen. Shouldn't she be here in to greet the Emperor and Empress Dowager."
"I heard that she woke up from the coma. It would be an embarrassment if she doesn't appear to greet the Empress Dowager," she said in a low voice.
Though she said in a low voice, but it enough for the Sandara and other consorts standing nearby to hear her words.
Hearing Consort Yerin's words, Sandara's expressions darkened. It would be an insult if Lalisa doesn't appear in the Banquet.
It's her birthday and if the Empress doesn't appear in the Banquet than everybody will talk about it.
Eunbi turned to see Sandara's expressions, she was satisfied seeing her dark expression.
She pretended to be angry at Yerin and said, "Consort Yerin, don't talk nonsense. Sister Ming will never try to insult the mother. Don't you know how much she respects her."
"She must be too tired to come to this banquet. And don't you know that she just woke up from the coma, so she must be resting. " she tried to defend Lalisa.
Sandara looked at Eunbi and smiled. 'This girl is extremely nice. Always take the side of that Lalisa despite being treated unfairly by her. Hmph. That girl is such an embarrassment. Always being so ruly.' she cursed Lalisa inwardly.
Consort Yerin: "Consort Eunbi. Don't take her side, I heard from my servant that she was perfectly fine now. Other than eating and sleeping she was doing nothing for the whole day."
"My maid has told me, that the imperial doctor has also said that she was healthy and can do other work too. The only thing that, she lost some memories, otherwise she was all healthy. So she should attend this banquet. "
Hearing her words, Eunbi helplessly looked at her and said, "Consort Yerin, don't say like this. Otherwise, people will think that Sister was being unfilial. We should help her, getting her memories back." she smiled helplessly.
Consort Yerin, shook her head, hearing Eunbi's words.