The kidneys were just what Zhao Changhe needed.0

Zhao Changhe, still holding on to a bit of dignity, did not openly attend the grand farewell breakfast with Huangfu Qing. Instead, he stayed in his courtyard, eating breakfast in private, enjoying the hot kidneys he was served.0

Huangfu Qing, on the other hand, could not care any less. She attended the breakfast banquet in full regalia, behaving as if nothing had happened. She laughed and talked as usual, seemingly unaware of the gossip brewing around her.0

Yang Jingxiu also acted as if he knew nothing, delivering a speech full of flowery platitudes, thanking the imperial noble consort for gracing his birthday banquet with her presence, expressing how much it honored the Yang Clan, and showering her with compliments that were all but meaningless. He also extended his best wishes to the emperor, wishing him longevity as enduring as the southern mountains and prosperity as vibrant as spring.0

Tang Wanzhuang, citing her condition, did not attend the banquet either. Only Cui Yuanyang was present, furiously stabbing at a peach-shaped bun made to resemble a rabbit, nearly tearing it apart.0

She felt utterly annoyed seeing Huangfu Qing sitting there, glowing with satisfaction and radiance.0

I was supposed to be the one to enjoy it! What are you so smug about? It’s only because you’re older and worried that you don’t have much time left that I let you...0