She smiled but didn't speak, and the two of them walked hand in hand into the imperial palace. The eunuchs led them to the grand hall where the banquet was being held. Inside the palace, the front halls seemed majestic with their red-tiled walls and imposing atmosphere, exuding a sense of solemnity. From the white marble floors to the carefully arranged cobblestone paths, the surrounding artificial hills and pavilions appeared elegant and leisurely, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. However, no matter how resplendent the exterior was, it couldn't conceal the bloody interior. She couldn't help but glance back at the high walls that had hidden the tragic fate of countless palace women, including her own past life, which had been brutally cut short in this grand and opulent prison, leaving her with unblinking eyes in death.

  After they arrived at the banquet, she sat separately from Wang Ye. On her side, there were many noble ladies sitting or standing and chatting, it was quite lively. After she passed by, many eyes fell on her, but she didn't mind, quietly sitting in her seat.

  Later, several daughters of noble ministers were brought in by palace maids and eunuchs. She found that the gazes on her only increased, but no one came forward to talk to her. It seemed they all knew that Prince Ling was a cut sleeve, and she was just an unfavored concubine. In the capital city, she didn't have many acquaintances among the ladies of the court, so naturally, she was isolated. However, whispers still reached her ears.

  "Zi Shu, who is the woman in red over there?"

  "You don't know yet, it's the concubine of the Wang family."

  "Ah? So it's that person. Luckily she didn't marry into our household, otherwise this appearance would have taken away even my soul."

  "What's the point of putting on this appearance, Feng Wang he..."

  "This is indeed..."

  However, before they could discuss further, the announcement of the Emperor's arrival with his imperial consort was heard, and immediately there was a chorus of kneeling and paying respects.

  Chu Lian knelt on the ground, her head bowed so that her expression could not be seen. She could ignore other people's gossip and opinions, but when she saw the figure in black dragon robes, her hands trembling with all her might, at this moment, there was only one emotion - hatred, an extremely intense hatred.

  Above her head came a familiar low voice she had heard for years, "Bow down."

  She stood up with the crowd, her head bowed and her eyes hidden, unable to conceal her emotions.

  Waiting for her to calm down, she looked far away at the figure sitting in the main seat. After more than half a year, she finally returned here again, but with another person's skin, and she would eventually pull him down from that position one day.

  Under the throne, it was Yu Guifei, the imperial concubine who wore a magnificent dress with a golden headdress adorned with pearls and jade, her hair styled in a cloud-like coiffure. However, what truly captivated people was her enchanting beauty that could topple cities. Her eyes were gentle, yet as unapproachable as an icy palace maiden; gazing at her for one more moment would be sacrilegious. Although many concubines had arrived tonight, they all paled in comparison to her, and even if they gritted their teeth, they could only swallow their envy.

  Chu Lian seemed to be laughing coldly in her heart, she now looked even more pleased with herself, enjoying the satisfaction of being in a high position, waiting for the day when she would fall from grace and experience an even greater sense of loss and despair.

  The eunuchs brought in fine wine and delicacies, and before long, the chief eunuch announced that the banquet was about to begin. The emperor's expression was solemn, his voice cold and clear as he said, "Tonight is a family gathering, a rare opportunity for us to come together. You all don't have to be too formal."

  Xu Rong finished speaking, and the officials and their families, as well as the imperial concubines, all hastened to echo his words. The dancing girls arrived with the music, and for a time, cups and chopsticks crossed, the scene was lively and extraordinary.

  Chu Lian casually tasted a few dishes, waiting for the noble lady's family to be busy with their respective social interactions. She seemed unintentionally got up and strolled onto a quiet path, behind which was a fake mountain surrounding, very secluded from prying eyes. She walked to the back, where someone was already waiting, who appeared to be Mei Zhuang. As she passed by Mei Zhuang's side, she secretly handed her a note, only saying "Yuquan Palace Alley".