The atmosphere of joy and happiness pervaded the banquet hall, where everyone was happy due to the imminent danger averted from the kingdom. Because of this, the atmosphere was somewhat distant from politics.
Some officials and nobles attempted to flatter King Ming and showered him with praise.
However, on the women's side, where the queen, the wives of officials, and young ladies sat, none of this was happening. They were all engrossed in gossip.
Queen Lu Xian sat at the head, making it seem as if the banquet was held in her honor, especially since an air of grandeur surrounded her.
While she was busy conversing with the wives of officials, her personal maid approached and whispered in her ear, causing a deep smile to appear on her face.
And immediately after that, she said, "Who wants to go and watch the fireworks outside?" All the ladies and young women accepted with a slight smile on their faces, as they couldn't refuse the Queen's suggestion anyway.
Once everyone agreed, Queen Lu Xian rose from her seat and stood in front of King Ming, clasping her hands and saying, "This wife has prepared fireworks as a surprise for the King and his guests on the occasion of Prince Noah's victory. I hope you'll accompany this wife to see them."
King Ming looked at Queen Lu Xian sharply, and after some thought, he said, "Let's go then." He rose from the Dragon Throne with a dignified and proud expression, standing beside the Queen. He whispered, "Be cautious, don't stir up unnecessary trouble."
Queen Lu Xian smiled enchantingly and whispered back, "Don't worry, I won't." He then addressed the audience and said, "Since this King's wife has prepared the fireworks, let's go watch them."
King ming then turned to Noah, who appeared as though he was watching a good show while sitting in the corner. "Prince Noah, the Queen has prepared fireworks to celebrate your victory, so please join us to watch them."
Noah stood and walked over with wide strides to the King and said with a smile, "Of course, this Prince will go and enjoy the festivities." But inside, Noah thought, 'The old dog's expressions will be good to lighten my mood.'
The attendees, including the King and Queen, were surprised when Noah accepted their request, as he usually ignored anything they said until a royal decree was issued.
The Queen's smile widened; she wanted as many people as possible to come and witness the spectacle, and it wouldn't hurt to increase the number. She thought, 'I'm lucky because if Noah comes and watches the show, the King will be embarrassed, and he surely won't leave that slut alive.'
The King and Queen walked at the forefront, with Noah and his two attendants beside them, followed by the rest of the crowd. When they approached the garden, the Queen asked, "Where is the third princess? I haven't seen her throughout the banquet."
One of the maids answered, "The third princess went to rest after drinking too much."
The King frowned upon hearing this, but Queen Lu Xian waved her sleeves and said, "That naughty girl will miss the best part of the banquet."
One of the wives of officials who was very close to the Queen suggested, "What about going and summoning her? The rest area is nearby, and it's on our way too."
The Queen nodded, "You're right."
She turned to the audience, "I apologize for the delay, but I kindly ask you to follow me and fetch the third princess."
Some felt annoyed, but they couldn't refuse the Queen's request, especially since she was polite about it. However, the more astute among them realized that something was happening behind the scenes, so they followed her with eager hearts to witness the fun. After all, who doesn't enjoy watching scandals, especially when it involves a high-ranking person?
The crowd quickly arrived at the rest room, led by Queen Lu Xian. Ironically, this was the same room where Shen Yu had led her sister Shen Yanshiao earlier.
What made the situation even stranger was that Queen Lu Xian was the one who opened the door without even knocking or having a servant announce their presence. Her action made her appear as though she was eager to reveal some kind of treasure.
What lay behind the doors left everyone in a state of shock. The room was dark with torn clothes scattered on the floor, not to mention the presence of some bloody whips and sticks here and there. But there was a paper wall that prevented everyone from seeing who was inside.
A strange and bloody smell then permeated the air, causing everyone to cover their noses. Those experienced with such matters immediately recognized what had happened, and their expressions turned peculiar.
The Queen screamed in anger, "Shen Yanshiao, you truly have no morals. How dare you commit such an act within the Imperial Palace!"
Whispers spread among the attendees afterward.
King Ming's face turned red with anger and embarrassment, and he shouted, "Yanshiao, get out immediately!"
Noah hid his smile behind his wide sleeves and could only think, 'That royal dog expression is truly worth seeing.'
Afterwards, Noah turned and scanned the crowd, asking himself, 'Where did my wife go?'
He turned simultaneously when he heard a familiar voice say, "It's not necessary for the third princess to be Shen Yanshiao inside, I also don't see the first princess, Shen Yu."
Su Yu nudged Lin, asking, "What is your younger sister doing?"
A look of horror crossed Lin's handsome face as he said, "I'm not sure." The crowd fell silent upon hearing the delicate voice of Emma Fontaine, looking around, and indeed, as she had said, there was no sign of the first princess, Shen Yu.
Upon hearing this, Queen Lu Xian exploded in anger and reprimanded, "You little troublemaker, do you mean to say that my daughter is the one inside?"
Emma didn't back down despite the Queen's anger and replied, "I didn't say that. Isn't it hasty to assume that the person inside is the third princess, Shen Yanshiao, even though the first princess, Shen Yu, is also absent?"
Everyone fell silent; she had a point in the end. But for King Ming, his face grew even more gruesome and red, as for him, it didn't matter who was inside. Both Shen Yanshiao and Shen Yu were his daughters, and he would bear the same level of shame.
An awkward silence filled the room, and then, after a moment, a faint moan was heard from inside the room.
One of the ladies exclaimed, "Where is Princess Sophia? She's not here either!"
The crowd erupted again, and Emperor Ming's mood suddenly shifted as he said, "My daughters would never do something so disgraceful."