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"Hmm?" Shen Chuwei looked up at Xiao Jinyan with confusion, not catching the implication of his words.

Seeing that she had no reaction, Xiao Jinyan repeated himself, "You may come closer to me."

Shen Chuwei pondered over Xiao Jinyan’s words and shifted her body slightly, leaning towards him while her feet involuntarily moved closer as well.

Although Xiao Jinyan had a cold demeanor, his body temperature was not low, which must be a manifestation of his masculinity!

The space near him was warm and cozy.

Shen Chuwei did not overstep her boundaries; this closeness was just right. However, her restless feet tried to move closer to Xiao Jinyan, yet she dared not get too close for fear of displeasing him.

Xiao Jinyan noticed it too, but he did not pay it any mind.

"The New Year’s Eve family banquet is tomorrow; make sure you prepare well to attend the banquet with me."

Shen Chuwei couldn’t quite believe her ears. Was Xiao Jinyan really saying he would take her to the New Year’s Eve family banquet?

"Your Highness, are you truly taking me with you?" She just wanted to confirm, worried that a mishearing would turn into a major blunder.

Xiao Jinyan looked down at her, "Hmm, do you not wish to go?"

Shen Chuwei was a bit excited, "Of course, I want to go."

The New Year’s Eve family banquet hosted by the Emperor was bound to offer delicacies she had never seen—only a fool would decline.

Xiao Jinyan said, "In that case, prepare well."

"Your Concubine understands." Shen Chuwei began to plan in her heart; she needed to eat less snacks tomorrow to save room for the New Year’s Eve banquet.

Xiao Jinyan had no idea what Shen Chuwei was plotting in her mind, but he could tell she was happy about attending the New Year’s Eve banquet.

The next day

Chun Xi, upon learning from Shen Chuwei that His Highness was going to take her to the New Year’s Eve banquet, was both delighted and excited.

"Miss, His Highness is really good to you. At the New Year’s Eve family banquet, without Lady Xu the Concubine or Lady Chang attending, he’s chosen only you to accompany him."

Shen Chuwei herself was quite surprised; given Lady Chang and Lady Xu the Concubine before her, she felt unexpectedly honored and a bit overwhelmed by his favor.

However, the most important thing was to attend the New Year’s Eve banquet!

Early in the morning, Lady Xu the Concubine, flicking her little handkerchief, arrived at the Xiyun Pavilion, and upon seeing Shen Chuwei, she began to complain.

"Lady Shen, have you heard? Last night, Lady Chang invited His Highness for dinner, but he left the Xinlan Hall before finishing his meal."

Shen Chuwei knew nothing of this; now, she understood why Xiao Jinyan came to Xiyun Pavilion so late last night and why he mentioned taking her to the New Year’s Eve banquet.

It turned out, the two of them had another quarrel, probably leading to another cold war for a while.

Full of gossip, Lady Xu the Concubine asked, "Did His Highness say why he left so suddenly last night when he came here?"

Shen Chuwei shook her head. "Why would His Highness discuss such matters with me?"

"That’s true, His Highness never shows his emotions, and no one can guess what he’s thinking.

People always say that His Highness doesn’t fancy women, and I didn’t believe it until I entered the East Palace and realized it was indeed the case," lamented Lady Xu the Concubine, looking every bit the part of a sorrowful woman confined to the inner quarters.

On this matter, Shen Chuwei agreed, having experienced it firsthand.

Xiao Jinyan truly wasn’t interested in the company of women, saying he was an upright and honorable gentleman would not be an exaggeration.

"By the way, I read that book. Why is the male lead so foolish, always misunderstanding the heroine, even failing to recognize his own child—it infuriates me," complained Lady Xu the Concubine who read deep into the night, reluctant to put the book down if not for the maid’s reminder.

Hearing Lady Xu the Concubine, Shen Chuwei could guess she would say that; as someone who had been through a similar situation, she knew the male lead was indeed exasperating.

"The second male lead is so great, gentle and considerate, always protecting the heroine. Such a man is rare in this world," said Concubine Xu enviously, wishing the second male lead were hers.

Not only did Concubine Xu say this, but even Tao Chenghui mentioned it when she delivered the fruit wine.

"The second male lead is really too good, he almost lost his life saving the heroine. It’s a pity the heroine doesn’t fancy the second male lead," Tao Chenghui said with a sigh after she finished speaking.

Once Tao Chenghui and Concubine Xu started talking about the second male lead, they seemed to find a common ground and couldn’t stop discussing the plot of the book.

And they said, "Once we finish the one we have, let’s swap books."

"Sounds good, I’m already halfway through mine."

During lunch, Shen Chuwei, seeing the two who were deep in conversation, didn’t have the heart to send them away, so she had Chun Xi prepare some extra food.

When the dishes were served, both Tao Chenghui and Concubine Xu couldn’t help but swallow their saliva. How fragrant!

Tao Chenghui was not there for the first time freeloading a meal, and she started eating as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

This was Concubine Xu’s first time freeloading, and she was somewhat embarrassed. Seeing Tao Chenghui picking up her chopsticks and eating, she followed suit, picking up her bowl and chopsticks to help herself.

All the dishes on the table were new to her, and she was hesitant at first. But seeing Shen Chuwei and Tao Chenghui relishing their food, she cast aside her doubts and began to eat.

The taste was much better than she had imagined.

"Where did Lady Shen find her cook? These dishes are completely different from what’s served in the Imperial Kitchen, and they’re especially delicious."

Shen Chuwei, cheeks puffed with food, said, "Xiyun Pavilion doesn’t have a cook, Chun Xi made the meal."

"Chun Xi’s cooking skills are really good, this is the first time I’ve had such delicious food," said Concubine Xu, who was now eating happily.

As she watched the food on the table dwindle, she used her chopsticks to help herself to a lot more, forgetting all about eating slowly and chewing carefully.

After eating three bowls of rice, she realized belatedly that she was supposed to eat less to maintain her figure.

When Concubine Xu put down her chopsticks, her mouth was satisfied, but her heart was filled with guilt.

Tao Chenghui also overate.

Shen Chuwei silently laid down her utensils and looked at the empty bowls and dishes before her. She glanced up at Tao Chenghui and Concubine Xu opposite her. Hadn’t Chun Xi said that they were both eating less to diet?

This was their idea of eating less?

They almost matched her appetite!

After a full meal, in order to alleviate her guilt, Concubine Xu suggested, "I heard the red plums in the Plum Garden are in bloom. How about sisters go admire the plum blossoms?"

Tao Chenghui, wanting to go for a walk to aid digestion, agreed with a clap, "Yes, let’s go."

In the end, Tao Chenghui and Concubine Xu, dragging a sleepy Shen Chuwei, left Xiyun Pavilion.

It had been snowing for two days, and the accumulated snow on the ground was thick. The eunuchs had cleaned the roads early in the morning so as not to hinder their masters’ paths.

Upon reaching the Plum Garden, Concubine Xu saw, from a distance, Lady Chang and Lady Li approaching and said in surprise, "Lady Chang, are you also here to admire the plum blossoms?"

Lady Chang smiled warmly, "I heard that the red plums are all blooming today, so I came to take a look. Are you sisters here for the same reason?"

Tao Chenghui curtsied, "Exactly as Sister Chang said. The proud snow amid the red plums is a rare sight, so we decided to come together for a look."

Lady Chang’s eyes turned to Concubine Xu, "I heard that Concubine Xu accidentally burned her hand at the Crown Prince’s quarters a few days ago. Is it better now?"

Concubine Xu’s expression turned sour, talk about hitting where it hurts!

"It’s much better now. His Highness has granted me quite a few nice things."

Lady Chang glanced at Shen Chuwei and Concubine Xu and cleared her throat, "I recently caught a slight cold. I wonder if His Highness plans to take Lady Shen to the New Year’s Eve banquet, or to take Concubine Xu."