Indecision Leads to Chaos
Bella Bell, now Empress and mother of the nation, is pregnant. She seems a bit more composed than before her marriage, but still radiates her lively charm. The dimples at the corners of her smile are so sweet they could drown someone.
Emperor Leonard the Enlightened dotes on Bella Bell. Though there are other lesser concubines in the palace, he never favors them, choosing instead to lavish all his affection on the Empress alone. The grand harem has become little more than a backdrop.
Bella Bell, carefree as a child yet supremely noble and beautiful, beamed with delight. "Master has finally come to visit me in the palace—I'm so happy! When Master had her child, I wanted to visit, but my status made it difficult, and I've missed her ever since. The Emperor saw how much I longed for my Master, so he found an excuse to have the new scholars host a Teacher Appreciation Banquet in the palace. That way, Master could enter the palace openly, and after the banquet, she could visit me. But, alas, something went wrong during the banquet, and Master left right after—it was another missed chance. Tomorrow's banquet—surely we'll meet this time, right? Your Majesty, please don't let me get my hopes up for nothing!"
Emperor Leonard set down his brow brush, gently cupped Bella Bell's chin and examined her face, smiling, "My little Bella Bell is more dazzling and beautiful than ever."
Then he added, "Don't worry. Today, Prince Alexander Hayes and Princess Jade Hayes will both attend the banquet in the palace. You'll definitely see them."
Hearing this, Bella Bell's cheeks flushed with joy. "That's wonderful! I haven't seen Master in so long, there are so many things I want to tell her. After the banquet, I'll invite her to my chambers for a proper chat."
"Of course, you two should catch up properly." Emperor Leonard said, "By the way, Bella Bell, since you're expecting, you shouldn't cook snacks for Jade yourself—it's better not to risk the baby. I'll have the imperial kitchen send over some delicious treats instead."
"Oh, well, I wanted to cook myself, but if that's the case, let's have the imperial kitchen do it. Master will understand—she won't mind since I'm pregnant." Bella Bell lowered her head, gently touching her still-flat belly, her smile full of happiness and anticipation for her long-awaited reunion with Jade.
At this moment, Prince Alexander Hayes and Princess Jade Hayes had already arrived at the palace by carriage.
Along the way, every noble and official who saw the Prince of Qin's carriage made way and saluted, their respect and eagerness even greater than if they were meeting the Emperor himself.
The two entered the inner palace and made their way to the banquet hall. As soon as the officials spotted them, everyone flocked over with flattering greetings. Military generals and civil ministers mingled together, breaking the usual clear divide between the two factions.
Behind the banquet hall's screen, an elderly voice sighed, "Did you see that? With the Prince of Qin's Manor in such glory now, I fear in a few more years..."
"Say no more!" interrupted a younger voice.
"Those who hesitate to act will only invite chaos!" the elderly voice murmured.
After a long sigh, silence returned behind the screen. A passing young eunuch peeked inside, but saw no one at all...
"His Majesty arrives! Her Majesty the Empress arrives!" The chief palace eunuch's shrill announcement rang out, prompting the crowd that had surrounded Alexander Hayes and Princess Jade Hayes to disperse and return to their seats, bowing in respect to the imperial couple's grand entrance.
"Rise, my loyal subjects!" Emperor Leonard the Enlightened took his seat with Empress Bella Su by his side.
Everyone returned to their places. Of all the guests in the banquet hall, only two women were present.
One was the guest of honor—Empress Bella Su, who was pregnant—and the other was Princess Jade Hayes, Consort of Qin.