The Gilded Cage Chapter 48

Birthday Banquet (2)

Not long after, the Empress Dowager took a seat and motioned to everyone to stand up. Under the lead of the ceremonial official, everyone raised their glass and toasted the Empress Dowager for her birthday. After toasting several times, they took their seats.

Since the birthday gifts were handed to the palace maids earlier, the Empress Dowager Qi rewarded everyone and ordered the banquet to begin, “Although today is my birthday, this banquet is not for me alone. Feel free to drink and enjoy the banquet.”

At this moment, the music began and dozens of women in gauzy dresses danced enthusiastically to the lively drum beats. The palace maids served fresh melons, fruits, meats, and fine wines to every dining table.

The talk and laughter that subsided gradually recovered. The atmosphere in the hall became more cheerful and enthusiastic.

Since this was a birthday banquet, Xiao Yu had to toast to the Empress Dowager in front of the ranks of officials even if he did not want to.

At first, he remained at his seat and watched the singing and dancing while sampling the side dishes. After a while, he signaled Chu Ning to get up and led her to the main table to toast to the Empress Dowager.

Their relationship had always been tense since they were not related by blood. The Empress Dowager looked at Xiao Yu and Chu Ning standing before her. She raised her hand slightly, took a sip of wine, and glanced at the musicians.

Xiao Yu felt humiliated and had a sullen expression. However, he had no choice but to refill his glass of wine and walked to Xiao Kezhi on the other side.

Below, everyone seemed to be eating, chatting, and laughing. In actuality, they have quietly shifted their attention to the uncle and nephew at the main seat.

After all, everyone had long known the tense relationship between the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince, but as the new Emperor always remained distant, no one knew much about him.

Therefore, everyone watched Xiao Yu raise his wine glass to toast respectfully and say loudly, “Your Majesty, allow me to toast to you.”

Xiao Kezhi sat still for a while and did not move. Then, he turned his head slowly as if just noticing Xiao Yu. However, he still didn’t get up. As Xiao Yu continued to bow in a subservient posture, Xiao Kezhi moved his gaze to Chu Ning standing beside Xiao Yu.

Chu Ning smiled and stood respectfully. The lights shone on her, making her eyes seem clear.

The golden dangling hair ornaments and flowers made her skin seem as white as snow. Her plump red lips moved as if saying something while she curtsied.

Xiao Kezhi could not hear a word she said, but he felt his blood boil with desire.

She was covered up modestly without a hint of her curves and figure. However, he felt something upon seeing her.

“Your Majesty…” Seeing that Xiao Kezhi remained still, Liu Kang could not help but walk behind him nervously and remind him softly.

The people watching from below noticed that the Emperor remained silent. They could not resist guessing whether he was going to embarrass the Crown Prince in public.

But in the next moment, Xiao Kezhi suddenly smiled.

He got up from the couch and walked to Xiao Yu. Then, he reached out his hands to hold Xiao Yu’s arms and helped him up like a loving uncle.

“It’s alright. You’re my nephew. There’s no need to be so courteous.”

As he said that, he raised his wine glass and leaned back to drink it in a gulp. It was obvious that he was honoring the Crown Prince with his favor.

Xiao Yu was surprised as he did not expect Xiao Kezhi to respond this way. At the same time, he had to raise his glass in response and drink the wine.

“My nephew may seem weak, but he is a bold drinker.” Xiao Kezhi smiled and patted Xiao Yu on his shoulder. Then, he turned his gaze to Chu Ning. “As you are a woman, I won’t force you if you’re not good with alcohol”

Chu Ning looked and smiled slightly. She did not speak but raised the glass with both hands. Then, she raised her chin and drank up the wine in everyone’s sight.

As she drank, she exposed her slender neck completely before him, undulating as she swallowed the wine.

After a while, she finished the wine and put down the glass. Her cheeks gradually became flushed and her full lips appeared dewy.

“I fear that I can only finish this glass. Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty.”

Xiao Kezhi squinted at her and tried his hardest to sound normal and nodded. “It seems that the Crown Princess is a refreshing person.”