Chapter 29: Returning Triumphant to the Capital-Chamam-me de concubina demoníaca? Toda a corte imperial implora para que eu assuma o trono(Xiao Linxin)

Tang Yurong asked, her face full of bewilderment, "Why on earth have things between you and the Emperor come to such a state? It is truly incomprehensible."

Wei Yanqiao bowed her head slightly, biting her lip, feigning ignorance of how to explain.

Seeing this, Tang Yurong sighed softly and advised earnestly, "Regardless of the misunderstanding between you, in my view, the Emperor truly wishes to reconcile. However, he is the sovereign of the nation; if he were to humble himself and apologize to his own consort, would that not disrupt the established order and decorum? Therefore, you must be the one to yield a little. Noble Consort Sheng, you must not be ignorant of the greater picture or the proper etiquette! The Emperor came today surely to give you an opportunity, hoping you would soften your stance and speak a few affectionate words. Who would have thought you would remain so stubborn and unrepentant, causing him to leave in a fit of anger? Alas..."

Hearing this, Wei Yanqiao remained silent, merely lowering her head further and whispering, "This consort understands her mistake."

"Very well, just find an opportunity to humble yourself and apologize to the Emperor," Tang Yurong said, suddenly breaking into a smile. "I called you here today because there is more good news to share."

Wei Yanqiao looked up, puzzled, and hurriedly asked, "What is this good news, Your Majesty the Empress?"

Tang Yurong replied with a beaming smile, "Your brother, General Wei, has won a great victory in his campaign, successfully repelling the invading enemy forces, and has now returned in triumph!"

Upon hearing this, Wei Yanqiao’s beautiful eyes lit up with joy. Her cherry lips parted slightly as she said in disbelief, "Truly? Then I shall finally be able to see my own brother after all this time!" Her voice trembled with excitement, and she instinctively pressed her hands against her chest, as if her heart might leap out.

Seeing this, Tang Yurong’s face also glowed with happiness. She nodded gently and said softly, "Indeed, your brother’s return is a grand achievement. I was thinking, since he is back, why don't you take charge of arranging the banquet the Emperor is hosting for him tonight?"

Tang Yurong looked at Wei Yanqiao with eyes full of trust and expectation. However, Wei Yanqiao was taken aback. She widened her eyes and asked in surprise, "Leave it to me? This... how can that be?"

She had never expected that Wei Hongbo’s return would not only earn her more favor from Xiao Ceyun but also lead to her being entrusted with a task as important as organizing a banquet.

"Your Majesty, I fear I am not capable of such a heavy responsibility. I have never managed such matters before; what if I make a mistake?" Wei Yanqiao hurriedly waved her hands in refusal, well aware that this was a significant matter where even a slight misstep could lead to a grave error.

Seeing her nervous refusal, Tang Yurong chuckled and comforted her, "It is no matter. That is your own brother; surely you know better than anyone what kind of food he prefers. Furthermore, now that the Emperor intends to reconcile with you, even if you make a minor oversight in the preparations, he is unlikely to blame you. Just proceed with confidence. Besides, I am here to assist and guide you."

Wei Yanqiao remained hesitant. She lowered her head and murmured, "Empress, I still feel my abilities are limited and I cannot shoulder such a burden." Her tone was sincere and firm, showing she still harbored deep concerns.

"Enough. I am currently with child and it is not convenient for me to overexert myself, so you shall handle this matter. If you dare to refuse again, it will be an act of open defiance against my decree!" the Empress declared with authority.

With the Empress having spoken, even if Wei Yanqiao were reluctant, she dared not refuse again. She had to steel herself and accept the task, though she could never have imagined such a responsibility would fall upon her without any prior warning.

"Then, Your Majesty, how do you usually prepare when a general returns in triumph?" Wei Yanqiao asked cautiously, hoping for some useful guidance.

The Empress nodded slightly and replied unhurriedly, "Every dish I have selected is recorded in the ledgers; you may go and consult those records."

Wei Yanqiao bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Empress." With that, she turned and hurried away. Time was tight; the grand banquet was to be held that very evening, allowing for no delay.

After a careful search, Wei Yanqiao finally found the files regarding past banquets for victorious generals. She then followed the Empress's past methods, creating a banquet plan that was nearly identical.

If there were any errors in her actions, the Empress had always done the same in the past; if she were to be blamed, then the Empress would be equally at fault. No one would be able to use this as a pretext to frame her.

The magnificent banquet was prepared. Wei Hongbo and Xiao Ceyun entered the hall with the ministers, followed by Wei Yanqiao and Tang Yurong.

After some initial pleasantries, Tang Yurong smiled and praised, "General Wei, this grand banquet today was meticulously arranged by your sister. Do you find it satisfactory?"

Wei Yanqiao looked at her brother, Wei Hongbo, feeling bewildered. She could not fathom Tang Yurong’s intent. The banquet was clearly arranged exactly according to the Empress's past designs—could Tang Yurong not see that?

Wei Hongbo quickly cupped his hands and bowed to Tang Yurong, "For my sister to have organized this banquet so well, she must have surely benefited from your meticulous guidance, Your Majesty!"

Tang Yurong’s lips curled into an elegant smile as she said softly, "General, you are too kind! This banquet today was entirely the work of Lady Wei; I did not intervene at all. I never expected her to manage everything so perfectly on her own; it is truly admirable!"

Hearing this, Wei Yanqiao quickly bowed and replied humbly, "Your Majesty is too generous. I have no such talent; I merely followed the precedent of your past banquets. Truly, I know nothing of such matters. Without the detailed records you left as reference, I would not have known where to begin, let alone dared to arrange such an important event on my own."