Offering a Dance and Digging a Pit for Princess Yara

The New Year's Eve Banquet is meant for the Emperor to bond with his ministers, showcase a flourishing era of peace, and display his own wisdom and virtue. But after the disruptions caused by Ninth Royal Uncle and the Crown Prince, does this banquet still hold any meaning?

Yet, regardless of its meaning, the New Year's Eve Banquet must go on. Dishes and delicacies are served one after another, but no one truly tastes them.

Just as Serena Feng expected, Ninth Royal Uncle has no interest in the palace's New Year's Eve Banquet. As for everyone else, aside from the Crown Prince, Prince Felix, and Dongling Zichun (Prince Adrian), it seems no one has the appetite to eat.

Prince Evan and Prince Jason are uneasy because Prince Adrian has been confined and the Crown Prince is acting wildly. The Empress can’t settle her mind since Dongling Ziluo hasn’t appeared. On the surface, the banquet is a dazzling spectacle, but in truth, everyone is distracted—even the palace’s usually captivating music and dance can’t hold their attention.

Never has there been a New Year's Eve Banquet as cold and cheerless as this one. The Emperor is absolutely furious.

Wretched son! Wretched son!

In his heart, the Emperor curses the Crown Prince half to death. Any goodwill that had just begun to rise for his son has vanished because of this stunt—the Emperor now regrets not taking the chance to depose the Crown Prince during morning court.

Sensing the Emperor’s anger, the Crown Prince arches his brow, stands up with his wine cup, and declares, “Your son offers this toast, wishing Father Emperor endless years and the people of Eastlyn eternal peace.” With that, he downs the cup in one go.

Everyone likes to hear flattering words. Although the Emperor is dissatisfied with the Crown Prince, he still raises his cup and barely wets his lips. “Very well.”

This gesture tells all the ministers that he is displeased with the Crown Prince. If he were satisfied, the Emperor would have drained his cup. In the past, the Crown Prince would have been anxious, wondering what he’d done wrong to earn his father’s dislike, but now he acts as if he doesn’t see it at all. No matter what he does, his father will never take him seriously.

The Crown Prince sets down his wine cup and says, "Father Emperor, I have had a dance piece composed called 'Prosperous Eastlyn' as a tribute to you. I hope you will honor it with your approval."

With the Emperor’s permission, the Crown Prince claps his hands; music rises and the palace dancers file onto the stage.

This dance was prepared by the Crown Prince long ago. Even though he now scorns currying favor with the Emperor, since it’s already arranged, he won’t let it go to waste—he’ll use it to make a point for everyone else to see.

When the dance ends, it may not be outstanding, but its auspicious meaning wins praise—the Emperor beams with joy and loudly applauds.

Seeing this, Prince Nathan of Southlyn quickly stands and announces that a noble lady of the Su clan wishes to present a dance to the Emperor, asking for his approval.

Noble ladies almost never perform in public, so Su Rou’s willingness to dance before the court is a rare honor for the Emperor. Naturally, he is delighted and waves his hand: “Granted.”

At last, the New Year’s Eve Banquet starts to return to normal. Half the gloom in the Emperor’s heart lifts; the rest will have to wait until Fu Lin returns with news of the Walker Clan’s situation.

Su Rou rises, bows slightly to the Emperor, and leaves to prepare. As she departs, she shoots Princess Yara a meaningful smile. Yara shivers, a sense of foreboding rising in her heart, but she forces herself to stay calm and not show any sign of distress, lest she draw attention.

A dignified princess, reduced to such a state—yet Yara remains oblivious to her own downfall…

After Su Rou finishes her dance, she kneels gently before the Emperor, her alluring posture enough to make any man want to pull her into his arms.

“Your Majesty…” Su Rou calls softly, her voice gentle and lingering, filled with intoxicating affection.

“Please rise, Miss Su Rou,” the Emperor says tenderly, his features softening. In contrast, the Empress’s face is dark with anger.

So Su Rou’s true target is the Emperor. No wonder she’s willing to follow Prince Nathan’s instructions. If Prince Damien ever learns that the pawn he chose from the Su clan has switched allegiance to Nathan, how will he react?

At last, there’s some intrigue at this New Year’s Eve Banquet. Ninth Royal Uncle Nolan swirls his wine cup, but has no intention of drinking—he simply sits back and watches events unfold.

Su Rou’s aim is the Emperor, so she is utterly deferential toward him. As she stands, it becomes clear that her entire body is slick with sweat; her dance costume clings to her, revealing her graceful curves—but only the Emperor can see this.

With her back to the crowd, Su Rou slips on an outer robe, successfully shielding her delicate figure from view.

Brilliant—truly brilliant. No wonder the Su clan, built on women’s talents, produced her. Su Rou has read the Emperor perfectly: she tempts him while protecting her own reputation.

The Emperor’s possessiveness is unrivaled. He likes women to seek his favor, but would never tolerate his own woman exposing herself in public.

Su Rou pants softly, her perfect chest rising and falling with each breath. Of course, only the Emperor and the Empress can witness this scene. No matter what the Empress feels for her husband, having someone seduce him in public would infuriate any woman.

The Empress’s face is thunderous, while Su Rou pretends to be oblivious and bows to the Emperor, her every gesture designed to please.