The Spring Flower Banquet was never intended for Shen Shiqian’s benefit; its true purpose was Shen Shiming. The plan was to sacrifice Shen Shiming to win over court officials for Shen Shiqian. Because Shen Shiming was a prince, marrying a woman from a prominent family might provide him with the backing to eventually threaten Shen Shiqian’s position. Conversely, choosing someone from a low-ranking family would reflect poorly on the Empress, who raised him, and invite public criticism.
The Anping Marquis Estate was the perfect choice—it appeared prestigious on the surface, but held no real power. Furthermore, Lu Jin'an was a young, promising man with significant potential; with time, he was sure to rise to high office. By this arrangement, the Empress could simultaneously dismantle any future threat from Shen Shiming and bring Lu Jin'an under her command. It was a single stroke to kill two birds. That was the real purpose of the banquet.
Lu Jin'an’s expression stiffened. Lu Qingge absolutely could not marry the Fifth Prince. The Fifth Prince was born of humble origins—his mother was merely a singer the Emperor had brought back from outside the palace. Now, he lacked imperial favor and, though raised by the Empress, possessed no real authority. He was nothing more than a pawn for the First Prince’s eventual ascension. Moreover, the struggle for the throne had always been bloody; once the First Prince took the throne, there was no guarantee he would spare the Fifth Prince. If the Marquis Estate were tied to the Fifth Prince, it would likely be unable to escape the resulting downfall.
Lu Qingge’s face turned pale; she stood frozen, at a loss. How could she not understand the Empress’s implication? The Empress actually wanted her to marry the Fifth Prince—how could that be? The Fifth Prince might be a prince, but he was inferior even to ordinary noble sons. If she married him, wouldn't her entire life be ruined? Seeing the smile still lingering on the Empress’s face, she could no longer hold back: "This daughter is terrified! How could I possibly be a match for the Fifth Prince's skill?"
The smile on the Empress’s face vanished instantly: "Ming’er has already extended the invitation, yet Miss Lu refuses so bluntly! Or do you think Ming’er is beneath you?"
*He is, isn't he?* Lu Qingge thought to herself, though her face remained filled with feigned timidity: "This daughter would not dare!"
Su Jinhuan couldn't help but smirk to herself. This Lu Qingge was truly foolish. The Empress had spoken in front of all the nobles and their children; while the implication was clear, it hadn't been explicitly stated. If the Fifth Prince tried to reach out later, she could simply make an excuse to decline. But by rejecting him so hastily, Lu Qingge had effectively confirmed everyone's suspicions, insulted the Empress in public, and embarrassed the Fifth Prince to boot. It was no wonder the Empress was displeased.
As the Empress’s face remained cold and the Fifth Prince wore a look of disappointment, even the First Prince, though maintaining his composure, looked toward Lu Qingge with clear dissatisfaction. Lu Jin'an realized that the situation had reached a point beyond his control. The only way forward was to accept for now and plan later.
Lu Jin'an rose: "Your Majesty, please forgive her. My sister is young and does not understand the ways of the world. It is her honor to discuss music and exchange skills with the Fifth Prince. When the opportunity arises, my sister will certainly extend an invitation to him!"
The Empress nodded slightly: "It seems the Heir Lord Lu of the Anping Marquis Estate is quite sensible. Very well, you may withdraw."
Lu Qingge returned to her seat, casting a look of resentment at Lu Jin'an. *Brother, aren't you intentionally pushing me into a pit of fire?*
The rest of the banquet proceeded without further incident. A few more noble sons and daughters performed talents that were unremarkable. Only when Ji Wantang played the zither did the Empress tease that since Mo Yunqian had arrived late, he should be punished. She ordered him to accompany her on the flute. The two were a match made in heaven, standing together with unparalleled elegance.
The banquet ended amidst the crowd's awe, and Su Jinhuan was summoned to the Changle Palace by Noble Consort Shu. As soon as she entered, Noble Consort Yu pulled her affectionately to her side: "Huan’er!"
Shen Shiheng also stepped forward, smiling at her: "Sister!"
Su Jinhuan moved to bow, but was stopped by Shen Shiheng: "No need for such formality, Sister. Once inside Changle Palace, we are all family. Outside, it is just for show."
Noble Consort Yu tapped her on the nose: "What is this? You’ve become so distant with your aunt?"
Su Jinhuan smiled, her eyes softening with the warmth she reserved only for those close to her. As the three sat down, Noble Consort Yu said, in high spirits: "You performed well today, Huan’er. You should have seen the Empress's face stiffen! And that Song girl—after all that, she only made a fool of herself!"
Su Jinhuan laughed: "They intended to use me to humiliate the Chancellor's Estate, so I could hardly let them have their way."
Noble Consort Yu nodded in gratification: "Huan’er has grown up." Then, her expression turned grave: "Do you know the real purpose behind the Empress hosting this Spring Flower Banquet? She wants to use the Fifth Prince to rope in the Anping Marquis Estate."
Noble Consort Yu nodded: "That is one reason. But the more important one is the General’s Estate."
Only then did the realization dawn on Su Jinhuan. The Empress wanted to use Ji Wantang to get close to Mo Yunqian and win over the General's Estate. Though Shen Shiheng and the First Prince appeared peaceful on the surface, in time, they would inevitably clash. Both sides were currently evenly matched, but if the Empress succeeded in bringing Mo Yunqian into the First Prince’s camp through Ji Wantang, then Shen Shiheng would have no chance of victory.
Noticing her expression, Noble Consort Yu hesitated before speaking: "Huan’er, the court and the harem are inseparable. Shen Shiheng, the entire Chancellor's Estate, and you and I—we share the same glory and the same crimes. If he clashes with the First Prince one day, his victory or defeat will decide the survival of the Chancellor's Estate!"
The words awakened her! Su Jinhuan gasped, her eyes widening. In her past life, the Chancellor's Estate was destroyed, her aunt took her own life, and Shen Shiheng was sent into exile. The First Prince had triumphed, and she had never understood why. Now, she finally saw clearly. In her past life, the Chancellor's Estate had been a victim of the struggle for the throne. Regardless of whether her aunt or Shen Shiheng chose to fight, the moment Shen Shiheng was born and the Chancellor's Estate rose to power, they were already destined to be drawn into this silent war. There was no avoiding it, and no escaping it. The only path was to fight: win and live, or lose and die.
Seeing her stunned, Noble Consort Yu was about to speak again, but Shen Shiheng interrupted: "Mother!" He rose: "Sister, it is getting late. Let me see you out of the palace."
Su Jinhuan was still reeling from the truth she had glimpsed, stumbling slightly as she rose. Before she could recover or bid farewell to Noble Consort Yu, she followed Shen Shiheng out of the Changle Palace. Only Noble Consort Yu remained behind, looking regretful. She had watched Huan’er grow up; she would never have burdened her if it hadn't been necessary. But the palace gates were like the deep sea; destiny was never hers to command. She could only swallow her bitterness. She would treat today as a slip of the tongue. When the opportunity arose, she would comfort the girl; this matter would not be raised again.
Su Jinhuan, however, had not yet recovered. She understood what her aunt had said. The Chancellor's Estate, her aunt, and Shen Shiheng were bound together—if one prospered, all prospered; if one suffered, all suffered. If Shen Shiheng were to lose the battle for the throne, the entire Chancellor's Estate would inevitably be buried with him. She did not want the estate, her aunt, or Shen Shiheng to repeat the mistakes of the past. If so, then she had no choice but to fight with all her might. She had to win; she could not lose. She would spare no cost. As she had said before, the marriages of children from noble houses were never their own to decide. When the time came, she and her own marriage would become chips in Shen Shiheng’s bid for the throne.