4 Chapter 4-Banquet Part 1

Da Ying, accompanied by Ban Shiang headed towards her courtyard. When they reached her Thousand Lotus Pavilion, Ban Shiang wanted to cry and express the unjust she felt for her gongzhu.

Da Ying on the other hand didn't show an ounce of grief.

She casually stared at the empty and dusty Pavilion, once a lively place.

"Gongzhu, should I get people to clean this place up?" Ban Shiang asked.

"No need. Even if we ask, they will not listen. They are all under the Empress's wing. It's better to just leave it. Besides I don't like to have too many people around." She walked to her bedroom to the east. It looked the same. The only difference was the dust piling up.

Her pink curtains were still there, along with the flower paintings hanging on the wall and her furniture. Ever since she left, no one has set foot into her courtyard. Not even Ban Shiang and Bai Zhi were allowed.

She hadn't finished looking around when two maids knocked on the door. "Gongzhu. The Empress sent us to help assist you." The two young girls said.

So this is your first move. Sending me spies, Da Ying smiled. Seeing through the Empress's trick, Da Ying let them in. They were both young. At most 14 but with the white palace maid outfit they wore, it only made them look older than they should be.

"Greetings to Gongzhu, I am Bu'mei/San Ni." They both bowed.

"The empress sent this tunic along with jewelry for you tonight. She doesn't want you to feel out of place tonight." Bu'mei answered proudly before setting the tray of clothes and jewelry on the table, in front of Da Ying. With one look, Da Ying could only let out a small smile. "Oh..." Her slim fingers trailed along a gold necklace. "How thoughtful. Be sure to thank her on my behalf."

"What is this? Are you guys mocking gongzhu?" Ban Shiang scolded the two maids. Even if Da Ying didn't complain about the items on the tray, Ban Shiang couldn't let it slide. Ban Shiang wanted to say more but was stopped by Da Ying. "Ban Shiang, it's better to just let it be. Forget it." Then she stared at the two maids who were looking at her with discontent.

"Tell the Empress that I am very satisfied with the gifts." With that, both Bu'mei and San Ni left.

Ban Shiang turned around and pouted her lips. "Gongzhu. How can you just let them treat you like that?" She picked up the outfit, giving it a disgusted look. "This is clearly bullying you. How can they give you such out dated clothes paired with such tacky gold."

"You must remember our ultimate goal. It is better for your enemy to underestimate you and attack when their guard is done."

"But…"

"No buts. Help me get ready."

The banquet for Da Ying's return was held in the Grand Hall; on the west side of the emperor's court.

It was currently filled with all the important high officials accompanied by their wives, sons and daughters. These events were always used as an opportunity for the parents to get together and either build connections or play match making.

The men and women sat on opposite sides. On the women's side. the attention was on the four princesses, who sat in the center. It wasn't rare that the daughter's of these noblemen would try to curry favor with them. Of all the princesses, most people tried to curry favor with Wen Wan, first rank princess.

She wore a dark crimson tunic, adorned with pearls and a large butterfly head piece. It was no secret her beauty was worthy of the moon. And tonight was no exception.

Yueli, Jie You and Ying Me on the other hand never dared to dress more beautiful to her. Thus they chose to dress in paler colors that were slightly inferior to Wen Wan's dark colored tunic. Yueli was dressed in a white gown with yellow lotuses on the bottom paired with flower ornaments. Jie You wore light blue butterfly dress and Ying Me choose a light pink rose designed gown. They didn't care if Wen Wan out shined them or not, because they all knew that with Da Ying's appearance, they would look 10x's better in the eyes of the public.

"Wen Wan, I heard that your jie'jie Da Ying has been reinstated? Is it true? What an insult to the royal family." The minister's daughter, Pan Yu asked, trying to get everyone riled up.

"Pan Yu, my jie'jie has truly repented this time. It's only right that she returns." Wen Wan smiled at her. Everyone at the table sighed. "You are too nice." Liu Yi, the duke's daughter replied. Everyone around the table could only stop to agree and compliment her. "True. My sister Wen Wan is too nice. I'm afraid she will be bullied in the future." Yueli added.

"What?" one girl asked.

"It's true." Ying Me sighed with a heavy exaggeration. "Da Ying has just returned this morning and yet she already acted as if she was better than us all." Ying Me added. Throughout the whole conversation, all three sisters were painting Da Ying in a bad light. Only Wen Wan stayed silent.

"Princess Da Ying arrives." An imperial eunuch suddenly announced. The noises suddenly stopped as all eyes stared towards the direction of the entrance, eagerly waiting for her appearance.