With the emperor around the banquet officially begun.
At the ladies' table, the noble ladies chatted about the achievements of their husbands and children with careful smiles.
Chen Mi sat among the older noblewomen, her posture perfect, her voice warm and unhurried. She had been speaking for the better part of an hour—of her daughter's grace, her son's prospects, the distinguished lineage of the second branch of the Shen family.
"Of course," she said, "Yiyi has always been a comfort to her cousin. She understands his burdens, you see. The poor boy has been through so much."
A few of the women nodded sympathetically. Others exchanged glances.
"Oh, you don't say " one of the noble women said
Chen Mi's smile flattered for a second before continuing
"Indeed, Madam Li"
"You don't know but that child was just so overwhelmed by the achievements of her cousin it brought her to tears" Chen Mi sniffled turning to her daughter pinching her waist in an angle no one could see.
"Mother "Shen Yiyi winced her mother glared at her before turning back to talk to the other women.
Shen Yiyi rubbed her side she wasn't listening to her mother's words. Her eyes were elsewhere. Shen Miao was seated at the far end of the table, alone for the moment. Feng Yin had been called aside by a palace attendant, leaving the adopted daughter of the Shen family alone.
Frowning Chen Mi called her daughter "Ye'or"
This was the second time already she smiled to the ladies and excused herself away from the table dragging her daughter along.
Behind her the noble ladies gloated. Did she really think they were fools. Bragging about a relationship that seemed non-existent. after that entrance if someone said young master Shen didn't care about his sister that would be an obvious lie just from the eye contact a few minutes ago everyone could tell.
Feeling she had dragged, her far enough the smile on Chen Mi's face faded and she let go off Shen Yiyi's hand "What do you think you're doing?"
Yiyi tried to leave but was caught by her mother's hand.
"Mother just let go "Shen Yiyi flung it off
Chen Mi gritted her teeth this girl she glanced at her daughter leave then sighed fixed her outfit put back her smile back in place and walked back to the table claiming the younger generation wanted to keep some secrets to themselves
She walked toward the empty space beside Shen Miao.
"Fourth Sister," she said, her voice honeyed. "You've been so quiet tonight. Is something troubling you?"
Shen Miao looked up. She had been grateful for the moment of solitude—a respite from the noise, the smiles, the careful politics of the evening. The interruption was unwelcome.
"Nothing," she said. "I was just resting."
"Resting?" Shen Yiyi's smile widened. "At a banquet like this? You should be socializing. Meeting people. Making connections."
"I am fine, Sister."
"Are you? You've been sitting here alone for quite a while. People will start to talk."
Shen Miao's hand tightened around her cup. She had no answer that wouldn't make things worse. Shen Yiyi knew this. That was the point.
Before Shen Yiyi could continue, a familiar voice cut through the tension.
"Miss Shen."
They both turned. Fan Xinyu stood at the edge of the table, his expression neutral, his posture respectful.
"Her Highness the Princess requests your presence," he said, his gaze fixed on Shen Miao. "She and her Highness the crown princess are in the private chamber. You are invited to join them."
Shen Miao blinked. "Me?"
"You, Fourth Miss. And your cousin, if she wishes."
He did not sound as if he expected Shen Yiyi to accept.
Shen Yiyi's smile flickered. The invitation was too specific. She would be included, but she would be a guest of her cousin's invitation—not a requested presence.
"I—" she began.
"Thank you, Commander," Shen Miao said, rising smoothly. "Please lead the way."
She did not look back at Shen Yiyi.
Fan Xinyu turned and walked toward the side corridor. Shen Miao followed.
Shen Yiyi watched them go, her smile still in place, her hands clenched beneath her sleeves.
"That orphan," she thought. "How dare she look down on me?"
Behind her, Chen Mi's voice continued its warm, unhurried flow. No one noticed the quiet rage in her daughter's eyes.
---
Across the hall, Shen Yao watched everything.
He saw Shen Miao rise, saw Fan Xinyu escort her away, saw Shen Yiyi's smile freeze and her hands clench. He did not move or react. His expression still calm.
Then his gaze shifted.
His second uncle, Shen Yu, was seated next to the pillar hiding among the Sixth Prince's faction or at least what he thought was a good spot. He was speaking animatedly; his words directed at a minor minister trying to persuade him though the opponent still seemed unconvinced.
"Praises", Shen Yao noted. "Flattery." Something he had seen enough of before he came here.
As if feeling his gaze, Shen Yu turned but quickly frowned not seeing anyone.
"Did someone see him?" he shook his head" No it's impossible"
"He had made sure check this spot before and was sure no one could see him here " he thought
Shen Yao glanced past him, toward the dais. The emperor sat with his cup raised, his expression unreadable. His eyes were not on Shen Yu—but they were not elsewhere either. He was watching the room.
Then Shen Yu paused. He turned his head—perhaps sensing a gaze, perhaps simply glancing around—and his eyes met Shen Yao's.
For a moment, neither moved.
Shen Yu's expression flickered. A brief, instinctive smile. Then he saw Shen Yao's face—unchanging, unreadable—and he lowered his head. Not in greeting. Not in deference. In avoidance.
Shen Yao's fingers tightened around the cup.
"What a fool."