The reason Prince Li now has considerable support within the court is partly because of Imperial Concubine Zhou.
Imperial Concubine Zhou has foresight and is also a person with capabilities. Her father was originally just a Fourth Rank Inspector at the National Academy, but now he has become a First Rank Minister of Revenue!
Among the Six Ministries, the Ministry of Revenue is the most lucrative position.
The Zhou Family in the court is no longer obscure like before.
Of course, the rise of the Zhou Family made those ministers with active minds think that Prince Li is an extraordinary talent, and many quietly approached or pledged their allegiance, making it no longer possible for Prince Li to hide behind the scenes.
The royal banquet should have been managed and arranged by the Empress.
However, it's heard that the Empress is ill, so the task fell to Imperial Concubine Zhou.
