The Baohe Palace was the venue for the Outer Court Banquet—a formal, ceremonial affair hosted by the Emperor for visiting monarchs or high-ranking local officials.
By the time Chu Hengyuan and Aran arrived, most of the guests for the palace banquet had already gathered. Chu Hengyuan led Aran to his assigned seating. As soon as they sat down, eyes in the Baohe Palace began to drift in their direction, accompanied by hushed whispers.
"See? I told you I wasn't lying. Prince Xuan really did bring a woman into the palace. You wouldn't believe me earlier." With the banquet not yet underway, the noblewomen had gathered to gossip.
Chapter 198