According to custom, Lin Wanyi and the others were seated at the lowest-ranking tables of the banquet.
They were near the lake's edge, where the breeze blew cool and steady, cutting through the heat with a refreshing bite.
There were four people at the table for Attendants: Lin Wanyi herself, Mu Lanchun, and two others—Attendant Shangguan, newly entered into the palace, and Attendant Han, who had been in the palace for years.
All were quiet, cautious women, and in the face of today's grand spectacle, none dared to so much as lift their eyes for too long.
Seated beside Lin Wanyi was Attendant Mu.
She leaned closer with a look of remorse and whispered, "A few days ago, I let the lard cloud my judgment and ended up troubling Sister... I hope you won't push me away because of it."
As she spoke, her eyes welled with tears—those pearls of sorrow falling with little warning.
Her display drew the gaze of the surrounding attendants, most of whom watched with a mix of curiosity and confusion.
Lin Wanyi gently dabbed away Mu Lanchun's tears with her handkerchief, her voice light and teasing. "Those tears are rather wasteful, aren't they? There's no wind or dust today—I can't even think of a decent excuse to cover for you."
Startled into laughter, Mu Lanchun let out a soft giggle.
"As long as Sister doesn't hold it against me," she said.
"Of course not. It wasn't anything serious. I heard the zongzi today come in both sweet and savory. If you really feel bad, just eat an extra few for me."
"You don't like zongzi?"
"I'm not fond of sticky rice. Always feels like it sinks right to the bottom of my stomach."
"Then don't worry—I'll handle every last one on our table."
Mu Lanchun was as close and lively as ever, just like in the past. But the two palace maids standing behind Lin Wanyi, Chunqi and Xia'an, exchanged a subtle glance—eyes flickering with wariness.
Behind the two sat a few well-behaved women—technically not consorts, but imperial bed attendants, their status so low they didn't even merit official ranks.
Among them, one with a lovely face and lively temperament chatted idly while sipping tea.
"Madam Jiang, have you attended the Dragon Boat Banquet before?"
"Twice. Once in the seventh year of Yuanhe, and again in the fourteenth."
"Oh? You've been in the palace that long? You must know all the rules. I'll just follow your lead—whatever you do, I'll do too."
Madam Jiang turned to glance at her. She seemed inclined to refuse but hesitated, unwilling to offend too directly.
She replied with a faint smile, "Madam He, you're newly entered into the palace. It's no matter if you're unfamiliar with the rules. As for me... I've been here so long and still haven't risen past the title of 'Madam.' There's no need to place such trust in me."
The woman called Madam He pouted immediately, her heart brimming with dissatisfaction, though her face stayed carefully sweet.
"Don't worry, Madam Jiang. I only said that because I'm afraid of making mistakes. I won't cause any trouble for you."
At that, Madam Jiang finally fell silent.
After all, they were seated at the very back. Even catching a glimpse of the Emperor's back from afar was a luxury.
Who would bother paying attention to proper conduct back here?
Seeing that she'd been rebuffed, Madam He turned her attention to the glittering waves of the lake, trying to ease the awkwardness.
Meanwhile, the Fourth Princess Consort had just finished exchanging pleasantries with Noble Consort Lin when a sharp voice rang out beyond the pavilion.
"His Majesty arrives!"
The eunuch's shrill announcement sliced through the air like divine music. Everyone immediately rose to their feet, bowing in unison.
"Long live His Majesty! May he live ten thousand years!"
And then the Emperor appeared—tall and broad-shouldered, striding forward in a brilliant yellow court robe, his presence regal and commanding.
Behind him were several older men, all bearing a faint resemblance to him.
As soon as he entered the pavilion, the Emperor's gaze fell upon Noble Consort Lin's dazzling attire. His brows knit briefly before smoothing out again, his voice indifferent.
"You may rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The men behind him cupped their fists respectfully.
"We greet Noble Consort Lin."
"You flatter me, uncles. Please, there's no need to be so formal," said Noble Consort Lin with a graceful gesture of modesty before taking her place beside the Emperor, every inch the image of poise and decorum.
Lin Wanyi and the others were too far away to see the royal uncles' faces clearly. But their voices carried strong and full, clearly men still in their prime.
Once the Emperor had taken his seat upon the dragon throne, the rest followed suit.
With a single wave from Noble Consort Lin, a group of eunuchs stepped forward and removed the purple sandalwood screens, opening up both sides of the pavilion in symmetrical balance.
"Today is not only a palace banquet but a family gathering," the Emperor declared, raising his cup. "We gather to watch the dragon boat races and offer prayers for the everlasting prosperity of our great Wei dynasty!"
Everyone lifted their cups and echoed the sentiment with a hearty toast.
The musicians struck up a cheerful tune. The Dragon Boat Banquet had officially begun.
Earlier, under Noble Consort Lin's direction, Noble Lady Ye and Changzai Du had prepared a lavish spread of delicacies and wines.
But once the Emperor's decree came down, the menu was simplified.
Still, even pared down, the essentials remained—like the five-flavor honey jujube zongzi and the Yunnan ham zongzi, each served on an exquisite treasure plate, one per person.
They looked quite appetizing. But when Lin Wanyi touched hers, the warmth had already faded.
If she ate sticky rice now, she'd likely be laid up in bed for days.
So she turned to Mu Lanchun beside her.
Her plate was already empty, and she was staring wide-eyed at Lin Wanyi's untouched food.
"Go ahead and eat it—but don't choke."
"I won't, don't worry, Sister! I've got a stomach of steel. I can handle anything."
They were far from the main table and spoke in low voices, so no one nearby noticed.
Except the Emperor.
He happened to glance their way in passing, his eyes briefly sweeping over Lin Wanyi before turning back to clink cups with his uncles.
Noble Consort Lin, meanwhile, relished such occasions—where she alone had the right to sit at the Emperor's side.
Just as the pavilion buzzed with conversation, a roar of cheers rose from the waters of Shounan Lake.
"Your Majesty," said one of the royal uncles, "it sounds like the lads are ready. I can hear their roars from here—sets the blood racing!"
The speaker was the Emperor's fourth uncle, Yuwen Qian—blood brother of the late Emperor.
Over fifty years of age, he still carried himself like a general of old: broad-shouldered, full-bearded, and vigorous.
Lin Wanyi's elder brother had spoken of him before—with deep admiration and respect.
He'd said the man was loyal to the core, with a bold and forthright nature.
Born into the royal family, he had never sought power, preferring life in the military camps.
He'd withdrawn from the struggle for the throne early, protecting the late Emperor in battle and remaining fiercely loyal to the current one.
For his service, he'd been granted the title "Prince An of Great Wei" six years ago—along with the rare honor of a royal pardon medallion, ensuring that no crime could condemn him to death.