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Meanwhile, at Zhongcui Palace, the Birthday Banquet was halfway through, and the atmosphere was quite pleasant.
At that moment, a girl in a red dance dress approached with delicate steps like a lotus flower. As she danced, her movements were enchanting, and the contours of her face were faintly visible beneath her veil, exuding an alluring charm.
The Ministers were momentarily stunned, pondering to themselves: Why is the Regent Consort personally performing? What is this all about?
Wasn't it embarrassing for a noblewoman of the royal family to publicly flaunt herself like this? Wasn’t this a disgrace to the Great Zhou Royal Family?
Jiang Xingzhi felt equally embarrassed and thought to himself: What kind of madness has Jiang Xi fallen into? This is simply humiliating.
The Empress Dowager and the Eldest Princess wore smug expressions; their intention was to embarrass the Regent's Palace to satisfy their vanity. Fong Gaoyun and the Empress were also grinning from ear to ear.
Another purpose behind this was to make the Ministers believe that the Regent Consort was performing for the Empress Dowager as a way of showing loyalty and weakness to the Emperor.
Everyone was subtly stealing glances at the Regent's reaction, while Fong Yang sat expressionless at the table, holding a teacup, making it hard to discern his thoughts.
The Red-Clad Woman danced gracefully, her wrists twisting as red silk ribbons fluttered like ethereal snakes, creating a breathtaking sight.
Fong Miaomiao scoffed, "The head matron of the royal residence should be dignified and virtuous. Jiang Xi looks like a giggling courtesan, making the Regent lose face in front of so many people. Doesn’t she fear that the Regent will cast her aside?"
As the dance concluded, the Red-Clad Woman bowed gracefully towards the high seat and said, "I wish the Empress Dowager longevity and prosperity, long live His Majesty!"
The Empress Dowager feigned satisfaction and replied, "The princess has put in great effort; The Empress Dowager appreciates this gift." It was a clear slap in the face for the Regent.
The Red-Clad Woman approached Fong Yang and sweetly asked, "Your Highness, did you enjoy my performance?"
Fong Yang slowly raised his gaze, his deep eyes glimmering with an icy hue as he replied, "You danced well."
The ministers were left bewildered, their minds buzzing as they struggled to comprehend the situation. They silently wondered when the Regent would finally make things clear to them.
The Red-Clad Woman, with a hint of shyness and joy, spoke up, "I am feeling a bit tired. Would the prince accompany me for a stroll in the Imperial Garden?" As she spoke, she gently extended her hand. A flash of murderous intent crossed Fong Yang's eyes.
Shu Qingcheng, hiding next door, watched the scene unfold with clenched fists, furious enough to stomp her feet. She wished she could rush in and tear off that mask. Turning to tease Jiang Xi, she said, "If the prince really mistook someone for you, I think you could file for divorce by tomorrow morning."
Jiang Xi was confident in her lover; without even looking, she smiled lightly and replied, "I will never have the opportunity for divorce in this lifetime."
Just as her words fell, a scream pierced the air. The Red-Clad Woman's wrist was ruthlessly broken, and she was flung aside like a discarded rag doll, lying on the ground and trembling in pain like a dead dog.
The sudden turn of events left everyone frozen in shock, while the chilling aura emanating from the Regent made them feel as if they were walking on thin ice.
The Emperor and Empress Dowager did their best to conceal the identity of the Imposter Princess, but Shu Qingcheng couldn't help but stoke the flames: "Aren't you all curious about who this Imposter Princess is?"
Fong Gaoyun could no longer contain himself; he assumed an imperial demeanor and scolded, "This is a matter of my Da Zhou family. There is no need for Charming Princess to concern herself."
Mr. Yulin picked up on the cue and quickly stepped forward to escort the Red-Clad Woman away, his movements gentle as if afraid of causing her further harm.
Fong Yang did not intervene. Jiang Xi looked up at him and asked, "Should we stay here any longer?"
Fong Yang shook his head and replied, "Let's return to the palace."
Shu Qingcheng added, "I will go back with you. The air here is unbearable; this princess cannot stay any longer."
Her words dripped with disdain for those seated above them.
"Shu Yan shouted angrily, 'Shu Qingcheng, what nonsense are you spouting? Do you even remember your purpose for coming to the Great Zhou?'"
Shu Qingcheng glared back at him with equal disdain and replied, "Brother, you shouldn't be so irritable at a banquet. A prince should have more composure; otherwise, it would only make the officials of Great Zhou laugh at you."
Her words instantly pushed Shu Yan's anger to its peak. His face turned crimson as he lost control and charged at Shu Qingcheng, raising his hand to slap her while shouting, "I must teach you a lesson today so you know your place!"
However, his hand was caught mid-swing, held firmly by someone whose strength he couldn't escape.
When he saw who it was, Shu Yan's expression changed drastically as he asked in terror, "You shouldn't be here. Who are you?"
Yun Ting calmly held his hand and said, "Crown Prince Shu strikes a woman; that is deserving of the title 'beast.' I am Yun from Sky Pavilion, the Left Protector, here to protect the young lady of Sky Pavilion. This Charming Princess is a friend of hers, and I will ensure her safety. Anyone who dares to harm her is opposing Sky Pavilion."
Fong Gaoyun's gaze fell on Yun Ting's face, his expression darkening as he questioned, "Why is someone from Sky Pavilion here? Who brought you into the palace?"
Yun Ting replied with indifference, "The experts of Sky Pavilion are elusive and can go anywhere in the world. Your Majesty need not be alarmed."
Hearing Yun Ting's imposing words, Jiang Xi felt a wave of satisfaction wash over her.
Fong Gaoyun's imperial authority was deeply offended and provoked; he seethed with anger but found himself unable to act.
Shu Yan pointed at Yun Ting coldly and said, "Just because you claim to be a protector of Sky Pavilion doesn't mean it's true. Your Majesty, seize this person and interrogate him thoroughly to find out who he really is!"
Fong Yang stepped forward, saying, "His identity is not for Crown Prince Shu to question. My wife comes from Sky Pavilion; he hasn't doubted that. Yet you are so eager to strip him of his identity."
Shu Yan was already flustered with rage and blurted out, "What if the Regent Consort isn't from Sky Pavilion either?"
Fong Yang's eyes were cold as he said, "Whether my princess is from Sky Pavilion is my business and has nothing to do with you. Crown Prince Shu should be concerned about the matters of Mian Kingdom. If you truly have nothing to do, I wouldn't mind finding something for you to do."
Shu Yan immediately fell silent, knowing that this "finding something to do" meant going to war, a conflict he could not afford.
Fong Yang then turned to the high seat and the officials, declaring, "The matter of the marriage alliance between our two countries is hereby concluded. Before dusk tomorrow, the Ministry of War will be responsible for escorting Crown Prince Shu out of Great Zhou Imperial Capital. The Yulin Army has severely failed in its duties tonight; Commander Qin Zhuo will be dismissed from his position and receive fifty lashes. The Yulin Army will temporarily be taken over by Lin Lin."
Fong Gaoyun was taken aback, pondering silently: How did this facade get torn apart?
The Yulin Army was the only military power he held, and now it was gone.
Lin Lin was the elder brother of General Lin Fan under the Regent's command, who would now take over the Yulin Army.
From this point on, all military power inside and outside the palace would be in the hands of the Regent alone.
Fong Gaoyun thought to himself: The Regent intends to undermine my authority. Fong Yang's tone was icy as he asked, "What? Does Your Majesty think my actions are inappropriate?"
Fong Gaoyun suppressed his emotions and shook his head vigorously.
Fong Yang then looked at the ministers and said, "I know who the Imposter Princess is. I chose not to expose her true identity in public tonight to spare some face for a certain minister in court. I hope all of you remember this: the Regent Consort is my reverse scale; those who touch it shall die."
The ministers trembled in fear and knelt down in unison, saying, "Please calm your anger, Regent."
The Eldest Princess and the Empress Dowager were both restless, thinking to themselves: What does the Regent intend to do? Is he really planning a rebellion?
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