First, the Consort and the Emperor had left and not returned. Now, the Empress Dowager and the Empress had also departed in succession. The seats of honor were empty. The guests who had been drinking heartily couldn't help but stop and stare at one another. This banquet was exceedingly strange.
The gossips among them had already heard something while looking for people outside. Now, with everyone else confused, they couldn't help but feel a sense of superiority. They spoke in riddles, being deliberately mysterious, stoking everyone's curiosity until they were buzzing with excitement.
Only after building sufficient suspense did they reveal a tidbit or two. Their words were tactful and vague, yet their implications were perfectly clear, sparking wild speculation among the crowd.
The outer courtyard of Chunhua Hall was far from pitch-black. Exquisite, magnificent palace lanterns were everywhere, casting a brilliant golden glow.
