Chapter Sixty-Eight

The emperors birthday banquet was held at the end of May.

Early that morning Yan Shi Ning felt the day was going to be a dangerous day.

Pei Jin, Im scared something bad will happen, Yan Shi Ning said.

Dont worry, were prepared, Pei Jin said. In the palace I cant be beside you the whole visit but Xiao Tu will be there. Xiao Tu is Bei Dous wife, he taught her well. Shell be able to detect any poisonous fragrances, food and drinks. He taught her some Kung Fu skills too.

Pei Jin failed to reassure himself and Yan Shi Ning. He couldnt get rid of the invisible bad omen.

Recently Pei Jin and his guards protected Yan Shi Ning, their child and Pei Khan well against Pei Zhangs guards. Pei Jin knew that his fathers birthday banquet was the last opportunity for Pei Zhang to target Pei Jins family.

Pei Jin didnt know what Pei Zhang and Consort Mus plan of attack was and it worried Pei Jin.

In Bei Dous chamber, he watched Xiao Tu pack medicine and tools. He was also worried about the emperors birthday banquet.

Be careful in the palace, Bei Dou warned.

Yes, can I bring a dagger? Xiao Tu asked.

Bei Dou silently looked at the dagger Xiao Tu held.

Im teasing you, Xiao Tu said. I packed a lot of medicine, nutritious food and herbal drinks for ninth princes wife.

In the courtyard Xiao Zai was coaxing Pei Khan to speak. After Bei Dou examined Pei Khan, Bei Dou reassured everyone Pei Khan was intelligent and capable of speaking. It was Pei Khans environment in the past that traumatized Pei Khan.

For several days Xiao Zai failed to trick Pei Khan to speak even though Pei Khan was happy living at the manor.

Thirteenth prince, you can say anything good or bad, Xiao Zai begged on his knees. What about two words? I made a bet with Xiao Hui. I said you will say two words by this morning.

Pei Khan pitied Xiao Zai and patted Xiao Zais head.

Be good, Pei Khan said.

Pei Khan saw Pei Jin and Yan Shi Ning come out of their chamber and he ran to them.

Xiao Zai stood and touched his head. Be good? Why does thirteenth prince sound like my grandfather?

Xiao Hui patted Xiao Zais head.

Be good, Xiao Hui said and ran away.

Your grandfather! Xiao Zai cursed and chased Xiao Hui.

Pei Jin escorted his family and his guards to the palace.

At the palace Pei Jins horse carriage arrived at the same time as Pei Zhangs horse carriage.

Pei Jin waited for Pei Zhangs group to enter the palace first.

Pei Jin, did you notice there is something strange about Dian Thi? Yan Shi Ning asked softly.

Pei Jin looked at Dian Thi in the distance. Although Dian Thi wore makeup and a beautiful dress, it couldnt hide her withered aura like someone attending a funeral.

Inside Consort Mus chamber, she wore a more elaborate dress than usual. She wasnt pleased to see Chu Thi but she hated seeing Dian Thi.

Dont act like a corpse if you exposed anything you know what will happen to you, Consort Mu threatened Dian Thi.

Yes aunt, Dian Thi said.

I considered your mother, my cousin who is like a sister to me so I spared your life this time, Consort Mu said. But dont you dare to act shameless and ruin my plan.

But Ive carried the child for nine months, Dian Thi said.

Dont worry, Ill spare your life, Consort Mu said.

Dian Thi clasped her trembling hands helplessly.

Consort Mu took off her bracelet and gave it Dian Thi to wear. Consort Mu wasnt pleased to see fresh bruises on Dian This wrist and she looked disapprovingly at her son.

Pei Zhang resented he couldnt kill the scum. Each time he saw her, he could only hit her. He was careful not to leave visible bruises on her but he forgot to check her wrists.

Its time to go to the banquet hall, Consort Mu said.

Consort Mus family left the chamber while Xiao Nu hid behind a window. Xiao Nu found the bracelet a palace maid ordered her to find. Xiao Nu also found out Consort Mus secret.

The emperors birthday banquet was held in the imperial banquet hall. There were dancers, singers, musicians and actors who performed at the banquet. The guests ate food and drank wine.

Pei Jin was too anxious to appreciate the performers skills. At his fathers birthday banquet the men and women sat at different banquet tables. Pei Jin couldnt sit next to Yan Shi Ning, he could only look at her. He noticed Consort Mu and Pei Zhang were watching Yan Shi Ning too closely.

Yan Shi Ning didnt dare touch the delicious food and wine in front of her. She was worried Consort Mu would dare to poison the food and wine to kill her and her son.

Yan Shi Ning was also weary of the venomous Chu Thi who sat next to her, Chu Thi was smiling at her but she felt Chu Thi was displaying fangs.

Yan Shi Ning calmly picked up a cup of wine and pretended to sip the wine while spilling it into her sleeve.

Seventh sister, forgive me, Yan Shi Ning said. I need to go relieve myself.

Xiao Tu escorted Yan Shi Ning to a chamber the emperor reserved for his daughter-in-laws in the palace.

Mistress, calm down, Xiao Tu advised.

Yan Shi Ning watched Xiao Tu help her wipe her dress too calmly.

Little sister Xiao Tu, wait until youre pregnant then youll understand how Im feeling, Yan Shi Ning said.

Xiao Tu thought Yan Shi Nings words were reasonable and nodded her head.

Yan Shi Ning sat on a chair near a window. I want to stay here and rest. I dont want to go back to the banquet hall.

Xiao Tu quietly opened a small chest she packed. She used a silver needle to check if the food and drinks were safe. Then she passed the small chest to Yan Shi Ning.

Yan Shi Nings eyes brightened to see the familiar nutritious food and drinks.

Ninth prince said his wife wouldnt dare eat the food at the palace so I secretly brought food into the palace, Xiao Tu said.

Yan Shi Ning smiled, she thought Pei Jin was more considerate by the day.

Yan Shi Ning and Xiao Tu happily ate and drank together but Dian Thi entered the chamber.

What are you two doing? Dian Thi asked.

Yan Shi Ning raised her head and saw a maid help Dian Thi walk.

Dian Thi was nine months pregnant and had trouble walking. The maid helped Dian Thi sit next to Yan Shi Ning.

Dian Thi looked at the small chest of food and drinks and smiled. Little sister, does your body ache when you stand or sit still for too long?

Yes, Yan Shi Ning said politely. Big sister, your complexion looks pale. Do you want to call an imperial physician?

Its alright, perhaps its because Ill be giving birth soon, Dian Thi said.

Dian Thi turned to face the maid. Go and bring me lavender oil. I feel a little faint.

Yan Shi Ning was suspicious of the gleam in Dian This eyes. Big sister, I rested enough. Ill go back to the banquet hall first.

Wait, Dian Thi said. Little sister can you help me pour a cup of tea. Im thirsty after eating salty food.

Yan Shi Ning reluctantly asked Xiao Tu to pour a cup of tea.

Dian Thi accepted the cup of tea, lowered her head and blew.

Yan Shi Ning was startled to see Dian Thi swirl the tea with a fingernail. Yan Shi Ning remembered she and Pei Jin used to same tactic to deal with Su Yue.

Dian Thi spatted blood on her dress.

Someone! Help! Dian Thi screamed. What did you put in the tea?

The maid rushed into the chamber and the maid screamed too.

Yan Shi Nings back turned cold. Consort Mu didnt want to poison her Consort Mu wanted to frame her.

***

End of Chapter Sixty-Eight