Chapter 1233: War Drums Beat

you get to the county town""Brother, we usually walk there. We set off before dawn and make it to the city before dark. Then we find a place to rest for the night in the city. The next day we buy thi...Shu Taizi looked at Dugu City, her eyes reddened, but she endured it with great effort.

"The Crown Prince has intentions."

"Mother, when Prince Chen entered the capital this time, I heard he brought many birthday gifts. This time, entering the capital, it is better to stay for a while longer."

Emperor Yuan Zhao spoke, and Dugu Cheng presented the list of celebratory offerings for the birthday. Zhao Gonggong hurriedly stepped forward to take it and present it to Emperor Yuan Zhao. After a glance, Emperor Yuan Zhao handed it to Empress Dowager Shu, who examined it very carefully.

All of these things on top are border goods, cattle, sheep, horses, and all kinds of supplies, worth a lot of money.

"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, may your health be as good as ever and your lifespan reach that of Mount Nanshan!"

Dugu Cheng led Feng Lingxi and Wan'er to kneel before the Empress Dowager. This was what he, as a son, should do. He knew that the current Empress Dowager did not belong to him alone but to the entire Great Yuan dynasty. All he could hope for was her well-being, and that would be enough.

Get up quickly.

Empress Shutai looked at Feng Lingxi kneeling and wished she could go forward and help her up.

Feng Lingxi's arm was still injured, and kneeling like this, Shutai Hou felt even more guilt.

"Thank you, Empress Dowager."

Dugu Cheng helped Feng Ling Xi to her feet. Seeing her slightly labored movements, his eyes were full of worry.

"The Grand Minister has arrived!"

After Dugu Cheng and Feng Lingxi paid their respects, they withdrew to the side with Wǎn'er.

These courtiers presented rare and precious birthday gifts. The daughters of ministers embroidered exquisite works of art, featuring intricate patterns like "Phoenix Dancing in the Nine Heavens." It was truly a display of remarkable talent and skill.

"Xier, are you feeling unwell"

Dugu City saw that her face was not quite right, so he hurriedly asked and supported her arm. Feng Lingxi shook her head and raised her eyes to see Empress Shu and Emperor Yuan Zhao watching them. She forced out a smile.

The Emperor has decreed that all ministers should proceed to the Imperial Garden, where a banquet awaits.

Dugu Cheng supported Feng Lingxi, watching as all the courtiers surrounded Emperor Yuan Zhao and the Empress Dowager as they went out. He hurriedly blocked in front of Feng Lingxi, afraid that others would touch Xi'er's right arm. After they were all gone, he followed them.

"Actually, you don't have to do that. My injury is fine."

Seeing Dugu Cheng go out for her in the end, lowering himself to do so, Feng Lingxi felt very apologetic. He was the Crown Prince, the Empress Dowager's own son, yet he humbled himself so much for her.

Don't talk nonsense, your face looks terrible. There are so many people here, if they bump into your wound, it will worsen. Don't take the risk. The tribute has already been presented, the rest is just eating and drinking at the banquet. It doesn't matter if you go in front or back.

But…

"Let's go."

Dugu Cheng supported Feng Lingxi out of the hall. Ye Xi and Xiaoli led Wan'er to follow, and they then sat in their own places, watching the officials who kept offering gifts. Their children were all going to take advantage of this Empress Dowager's birthday to display their talents, trying every means to please the Emperor and Empress Dowager.

After Feng Lingxi sat down, Dugu Cheng poured her water and offered her pastries.

"Have something to eat and replenish your energy."

Feng Lingxi took it, watching as Dugu Cheng held Wan'er in his arms, feeding her. Wan'er sat obediently on his thigh, eating the pastries in her hand, as if everyone else had nothing to do with them.

As the music and dancing began, various toasts followed. Among the officials, flattering words and ingratiating remarks were exchanged constantly. However, all of this seemed to have nothing to do with Du Gucheng and his companions.

Yesterday's events had already spread throughout the capital. The news of Feng Lingxi's injury, coupled with Dugu City's protection of her today, made everyone wary of approaching her. Moreover, their visit to the capital was merely for the celebration of the emperor's birthday. The emperor and empress dowager treated them indifferently. Even fewer people were willing to get close to them; after all, there was no benefit to be gained from associating with them.

Feng Lingxi watched the busy Empress Shu, who was constantly attending to various blessings from the ministers. She would occasionally glance their way, but her expression was always one of helplessness.

She did want to speak with Cheng’er, but in the current situation, she was too busy for that. She still had to deal with all these daughters of officials.

"The Empress Dowager has been watching you. She probably wants to speak with you."

Feng Lingxi whispered, "Would you like to find a chance to say a few words to her"

"She is well, and so am I."

Dugu Cheng peeled a grape for Wan'er, but his eyes did not look at her. He knew that being the empress dowager was no easy feat, and he knew even better that yesterday's incident had spread throughout the capital. The emperor was now weighing whether to take away his military power.

Although this birthday banquet was for the Empress Dowager's celebration, it was actually a way to test the emperor's level of concern for her. This Emperor Yuan Zhao was exceptionally intelligent; he had already planned how to diminish her influence when he brought her into the palace.

This was a good opportunity, but it was ruined by Yan Fei. Adding to that, Xi'er helped fan the flames. If Emperor Yuan Zhao were to ask for military power, he would likely face criticism and speculation about yesterday's events - whether or not he ordered them.

Feng Ling Xi held Dugu Cheng's hand, her eyes full of tenderness.

She knew that Dugu City actually wanted to talk to the Empress Dowager. Their mother-son relationship was so good, separated for so long, there must be a lot they wanted to say. But now, the Empress Dowager's status and his were no longer what they used to be, and with so many eyes watching them, it was really difficult to have a proper conversation.

Emperor Yuan Zhao saw the interaction between Dugu City and Feng Lingxi. Noticing Empress Dowager's frequent glances in their direction, he beckoned to Zhao Gonggong, "Send some food to Princess Chen. Also tell King Chen and Princess Chen that after the banquet, they should stay behind and have a chat with the Empress Dowager."

"Yes."

Grand Marshal Zhao instructed the imperial kitchen to bring over some stewed tonic for Feng Lingxi. Feng Lingxi and Dugu Cheng looked at the food before them, different from what was on the other tables. It was still Grand Marshal Zhao who personally stepped forward, instantly understanding.

"Your Highness the Prince, Your Highness the Princess, this is what the Emperor had his servant bring to you both. He said for you two to accompany the Empress Dowager after the banquet and reminisce with her."

Dugu City looked at Emperor Yuan Zhao and nodded toward him in thanks.

"Your humble servant obeys."

Lord Zhao brought the message, and all the civil and military officials seeing Lord Zhao's special treatment of Duke Duguo naturally knew it was the Emperor's intention. Some ministers began to come over and greet Duke Duguo, taking advantage of the fact that the Empress Dowager and the Emperor were busy, they started to flirt with him.

"Your Highness, Minister of Personnel Gao Zhu respectfully offers you a cup."

Dugu Cheng raised his cup and clinked it with Gao Zhu, drinking without any intention of continuing the conversation.

Gao Zhu felt a little awkward. Dugu Cheng was serving Feng Ling Xi dishes, his eyes soft and gentle, "Xi'er, have some."

"This subject shall not disturb Crown Prince."

After Gaozhu left, Dugucheng retracted his gaze, ignoring the gazes of the courtiers as he continued to serve Wan'er dishes, as if none of the people present had anything to do with him.

Feng Lingxi knew that at this time, if Dugu City got too close to them, the blame would fall upon him.

Every official in this court is a shrewd one. Dugu City, a king who remains stationed on the frontier, if he gets close to the officials, with his fifty thousand troops at his disposal, he doesn't know what kind of charges they would bring against him.

>uctant""It's just that I find it unbelievable. Ever since I recovered, I was destined to be farther and farther away from General Fu. Feng Aotian treated me the same way too, never treating me as his...