I started as a concubine, and I made the crown prince cry with my delicious food.

On the very night that Ye An'an and Xiao Jingshi formed a "united front," something unexpected happened in the Imperial Study.

The emperor, who originally intended to send the general to lead the troops, suddenly changed his mind after listening to the joint report from the Ministry of War and the Grand Tutor.

The war in the south is more severe than expected. The barbarians not only have a powerful army, but also the united strength of various tribes from the grasslands. If they cannot be deterred in a decisive battle, the border will likely never see peace again.

The Grand Tutor seized the opportunity and delivered a passionate speech in the court: "Your Majesty, it was Emperor Taizu who personally led the expedition to conquer this land. Now that the southern barbarians are invading, this is a perfect opportunity for Your Majesty to emulate Emperor Taizu and demonstrate Your Majesty's might!"

"If Your Majesty could personally lead the expedition, it would not only boost the morale of the army, but also let the Northern Barbarians know the might of the Emperor of Great Liang! At that time, Your Majesty would surely achieve a swift victory and return in glory!"

These words were exactly what the emperor wanted to hear. He had been confined to the inner palace for years and was long feeling restless. Now that he had this legitimate reason, how could he refuse?

Moreover, the Crown Prince's power in the court has been growing stronger over the years, and he also wants to take this opportunity to leave the capital and see if the Crown Prince can really stand on his own.

Thus, the emperor made the final decision—three days later, he announced his decision to personally lead the expedition.

When this news reached the Eastern Palace, Xiao Jingshi's expression turned extremely ugly.

He did not go to the emperor to argue again, but continued to attend court on time every day to handle official business, as if the incident had never happened.

But the more he acted this way, the more uncertain Ye An'an felt. She knew he was waiting for an opportunity, an opportunity to strike decisively and break the deadlock completely.

But where exactly is that opportune moment? She didn't know. All she could do was take care of herself and the baby in her womb, so that he wouldn't be distracted by her anymore.

Three days later, news came from the palace that the emperor's "personal expedition" had finally set a departure date of five days from now.

To send off the emperor and his troops, and to demonstrate the determination of the Liang court to unite against foreign enemies, a grand palace banquet will be held. All officials of the third rank and above in the capital, along with their families, will be invited to attend.

When Ye An'an heard the news, her heart sank. She knew that this banquet was not as simple as it seemed on the surface; it was very likely the final battleground for the Grand Tutor's faction to launch a general offensive against her and Xiao Jingshi.

"Your Highness, the banquet tonight..." Ye An'an looked at Xiao Jingshi, who was changing clothes in preparation for the banquet, her face filled with undisguised worry.

"When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll dam it." Xiao Jingshi straightened the collar of his court robes, turned around and gave her a reassuring smile, "Don't be afraid, I'm here."

His smile and confident eyes calmed Ye An'an's panicked heart a little.

……

As night fell and the lanterns were lit, the banquet hall of the imperial palace was ablaze with lights, filled with music and dance. Civil and military officials and envoys from various countries, dressed in their finest attire, attended the banquet, clinking glasses and creating a scene of harmonious joy and prosperity.

It was as if the blood and fire war taking place in the Southern Territory was just a distant and unreal dream.

Ye An'an wore a dignified bright red palace dress personally chosen for her by the Empress. She walked slowly into the main hall, arm in arm with Xiao Jingshi, instantly attracting everyone's attention.

She was already strikingly beautiful, and now, with her pregnancy, her features held an added touch of maternal gentleness. Coupled with her bright red palace gown, which made her skin appear even whiter than snow, her aura was overwhelming. For a moment, she outshone all the other meticulously dressed noble ladies in the hall.

"Your Highness, the Crown Princess has arrived!"

At the eunuch's loud announcement, everyone rose and bowed. Xiao Jingshi, with a smile on his face, calmly led her to their seats as the main guests.

The banquet officially began. Singing, dancing, delicious food, and fine wine—everything proceeded smoothly. Ye An'an sat beside Xiao Jingshi, but found it difficult to eat. She felt as if countless gazes—some curious, some jealous, some malevolent—were secretly watching her.

She searched instinctively and soon spotted a young, unfamiliar woman next to Grand Tutor Lin Wenyuan's seat.

The girl appeared to be about sixteen or seventeen years old, dressed in a simple, light blue dress. While not exceptionally beautiful, she had delicate features, fair skin, and an overall gentle and graceful demeanor.

She sat there quietly, head bowed, sipping her tea gently, appearing detached from worldly affairs.

She must be Zhang Qinghe, the daughter of the imperial merchant Zhang Wanjin, who wanted to enter the Eastern Palace.

Seemingly sensing Ye An'an's gaze, the woman slowly raised her head, her eyes meeting Ye An'an's in mid-air. Instead of looking away, she gave Ye An'an a perfectly quintessential, gentle smile befitting a well-bred young lady.

Then she picked up her wine glass, stood up, and gracefully walked towards Ye An'an under everyone's gaze.

coming.

Zhang Qinghe walked up to Ye An'an, first bowing gracefully to the two of them, performing an impeccable curtsy.

"Qinghe greets Your Highness the Crown Princess." Her voice was soft, like a frightened fawn, making people unconsciously feel affection for her.

Ye An'an forced a polite smile and said, "Miss Zhang, there's no need for such formality. Please rise."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Zhang Qinghe straightened up, her gaze fixed on Ye An'an.

"Qinghe has admired Your Highness since she was a child," she said softly, her eyes filled with sincerity.

"It is truly an honor to have the chance to witness Your Majesty's grace. I have heard that Your Majesty is not only quick-witted, but also possesses extraordinary skill in the art of cooking."

"Qinghe is not talented, but she is also quite interested in cooking. However, Qinghe is not clever enough to make such an amazing Peking duck for the state banquet like Her Majesty. Qinghe has heard that Her Majesty the Crown Princess has superb cooking skills and takes meticulous care of His Highness's diet and daily life."

"Qinghe knows she is no match for Your Highness, but she has diligently learned how to make nourishing soups. If she is fortunate enough to serve the Crown Prince in the future, Qinghe will certainly be dutiful and respectfully serve Your Highness and His Highness."

"When Her Majesty is unwell, we will share her burdens and take good care of His Highness's health."

Her words were spoken with such humility and deference, every word seemingly expressing reverence for Ye An'an. But to Ye An'an, each word was like a dagger to the heart.