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It seemed as if Chu Yihan had a metaphorical knife hanging over the empress’s neck. She wanted to remove it, but Chu Yihan’s presence compelled her not to.

“Enough! Since Su Yingxue wasn’t prepared, let it be,” Chu Mingyuan suggested, attempting to defuse the situation. He had never engaged in disputes with Chu Yihan over the years.

To the courtiers, it seemed they coexisted peacefully, and to the public, they appeared as respectful brothers.

However, only Chu Mingyuan knew that Chu Yihan was a festering issue in his heart. He had long wished to eliminate it, but Chu Yihan had a tight grip on his lifeline, controlling his every breath and heartbeat, rendering him unable to rid himself of the problem.

Thus, he avoided confrontations with Chu Yihan because the timing had not yet arrived.

However, the empress was relentless. “Emperor, Ninth Prince has repeatedly transgressed, and you not only refrain from punishing him but also permit his audacity. He will become even more audacious in the future! As for Su Yingxue, she is emulating the Ninth Prince! In the future, neither of them will regard you with respect!”

“Empress, why trouble Miss Su? Must everyone attending the birthday banquet prepare a talent? Is it disrespectful not to prepare one? If so, then I have no talents, would that be disrespectful too?” Consort Xiang defended Su Yingxue.

Noble Consort Xiao seized the opportunity to chime in, “1 didn’t prepare any talent either!”

“Both of you, shut up!” The empress pointed at Consort Xiang, her anger palpable. “Consort Xiang! i know you conspired with Su Yingxue. You’re deliberately trying to sabotage my birthday banquet!”

“Your Highness, I wouldn’t dare.” Consort Xiang responded with composure.

“Empress, Consort Xiang’s argument makes sense. Is it truly a fault not to perform for you? Do you still wish for me to perform to satisfy you?” Chu Mingyuan had originally intended to avoid scolding her in public.

However, after she scolded Consort Xiang, he couldn’t bear to see Consort Xiang endure any injustice. He held Consort Xiang’s hand and gently caressed it. “Xiang’er, if you wish to leave early, return to rest. I will visit you after the banquet.”

“Emperor, I am perfectly fine. I will accompany you here,” Consort Xiang replied with a gentle smile.

Su Yingxue observed this. In contrast to her previous timidity, Consort Xiang was now assertive, not only usurping the empress’s favor but gradually seizing her position from Chu Mingyuan.

“Emperor!” Holding back her tears, the empress’s eyes turned red.

“Father! Today is Mother’s birthday, and Su Yingxue’s behavior is indeed disrespectful to Mother. Moreover, before she entered the palace, she told me that she had prepared a talent to present to Mother. Now, by refusing to perform, she may fall behind others. Father, you could promise to reward her regardless of her talent, as a form of encouragement,” Chu Chengye spoke eloquently.

Not only did he pressure Su Yingxue into performing, but he also insinuated that they had met privately before entering the palace, suggesting an improper relationship.

Additionally, Su Yingxue had previously pursued him, which immediately led to subtle expressions among the madams and young ladies.

Su Hao couldn’t bear it and argued with Chu Chengye. “Seventh Prince, please refrain from baseless accusations. My sister is an innocent young lady. When did she ever meet you in private?”

“General Su has been secluded recently. How would you know your sister’s whereabouts? If your sister wanted to conceal it, would she let you know? Initially, it wasn’t anything scandalous. After all, Yingxue and I had pleasant conversations, and she had given me many gifts.” Chu Chengye smirked slightly..