Before the palace banquet even began, officials and their noble spouses had already taken their seats. Du Chunzhi and Linglong sat together, with Jiang Miaoqiong, the Marchioness of Yingguo, just across the aisle.
Jiang Miaoqiong had arrived a little late, but her seat had been reserved long ago. After all, this was a palace banquet, and Zhao Ze wanted to prevent any mishaps. Should any issues arise among the female guests, Jiang Miaoqiong would be able to step in and help out in time.
In a low voice, Linglong recounted what had just happened and asked, "Mother, does the Crown Prince have something wrong with his head? His position isn't even secure yet, and he's already planning to meddle in who becomes noble consort and empress. Is he desperately afraid the other princes won't find something to use against him?"
Chapter 242