Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1378: Queen Mother Level Acting Skills Are on Another Level

"Very well, I shall enter now." He Yangqiu did not dare utter another word, his tail tucked between his legs as he made his way towards the Imperial Garden. Before departing, however, he shot a fierce glare at Mu Hanyan and whispered, "During the banquet, I will challenge you honorably."

"Is he serious?" Mu Hanyan inquired of Zhu Xiuqing once He Yangqiu had put considerable distance between them.

"I believe he is. This fellow is known for his short temper and his tendency to act foolishly. On another note, I’ve heard He Yangqiu fancies a young lady from a collateral branch of the Wu Family, but she considers him rather slow-witted and pays him no mind. He’s likely attempting to impress her by defending the Wu Family’s honor." Zhu Xiuqing offered an explanation for He Yangqiu’s confrontation with Mu Hanyan.

"So that’s the situation. Yet, I truly do not wish to bully him, sigh." Mu Hanyan displayed an even greater sense of helplessness. She had encountered individuals seeking retribution before, but this was her first experience with someone so utterly unaware of the disparity in their strength.

"He genuinely must be ignorant of your capabilities. Otherwise, he would not engage in such a reckless act," Zhu Xiuqing commented with a touch of pity as he observed He Yangqiu’s retreating form.

Huayue and the others regarded the hot-headed young man with sympathy.

Shortly thereafter, everyone proceeded into the Imperial Garden. Long tables had been arranged throughout the garden, leaving a central area clearly designated for the impending competition.

Yue Fanyi and Lu Nianxin occupied seats in the central area. As the Jinlan Palace Banquet served primarily as a joint celebration for the Yue and Wu Families, their attire was more relaxed than that of the officials positioned below, with both adorned in golden sword robes.

Wu Tianxiong, accompanied by several members of the Wu Family, sat slightly lower than them but still elevated above the positions of other officials—truly standing out amongst the crowd.

Compared to the previous day, Lu Nianxin's complexion had somewhat improved, yet her slightly pallid face and unfocused gaze conveyed a profound weariness.

Had Mu Hanyan not been privy to the fact that she was feigning illness, she might have been consumed by worry. Internally, Mu Hanyan marveled at Lu Nianxin’s acting prowess; her skills were truly on par with a Queen Mother’s.

"Has everyone arrived?" Lu Nianxin ‘compelled herself’ to speak with apparent energy, and upon concluding her question, she erupted into a series of coughs, concealing her mouth with a silk scarf. She then swiftly crumpled it and tucked it beneath the table.

Despite her swift and convincingly executed ‘performance,’ Mu Hanyan managed to catch glimpses of small crimson spots on the fabric.

A subtle smile flickered across Wu Tianxiong’s face; he had clearly taken notice of this clandestine detail.

Mu Hanyan cast a glance toward her grandmother, and then towards Wu Tianxiong, who quickly reverted to his usual composed demeanor. She nearly burst into laughter. These individuals were unaware that, aside from her own peculiar habits, her grandmother’s acting abilities were second to none, and Wu Tianxiong was destined to be completely deceived.

"Everyone is present," Yue Fanchen responded respectfully.

He, too, must have observed the ‘secret’ concealed within the scarf, though he refrained from displaying it outwardly; his eyes, however, conveyed deep concern.

Indeed, this patriarch’s performance is quite convincing. Mu Hanyan silently acknowledged in approval.

Although it was merely a minor detail, Mu Hanyan was confident that no discerning observer would overlook it. Those ‘significant players’ her grandmother had alluded to might now be provoked.

Mu Hanyan felt an overwhelming sense of admiration for her grandmother’s theatrical skill and shrewdness.

"The Jinlan Palace Banquet is our Yue Family’s tradition, commemorating the alliance forged by our ancestors with the Wu Family. In those times, our forebears of the Yue and Wu clans fought united, dispelling chaos and ushering in a millennium of peace. We trust that the bond between the Yue and Wu families shall endure, ensuring continued tranquility for Shangyue. Let the banquet commence!" Lu Nianxin declared with a clear voice. As she finished, she brought her silk scarf to her mouth and coughed dramatically, a scattering of red droplets falling onto the tables before her.

Mu Hanyan rolled her eyes, musing that her grandmother seemed rather fond of acting; was she not concerned about overdoing it?

However, witnessing Wu Tianxiong’s undisguised delight, Mu Hanyan understood that her concerns were misplaced. Wu Tianxiong’s ambitions had reached their zenith, particularly in the wake of the previous night’s unrest within the palace. He undoubtedly believed her grandmother had lost control and sustained severe injuries, possibly even succumbing to the effects of Forbidden Techniques. Little did he realize that, less than a night later, her grandmother had shattered the prohibition and fully restored both her cultivation and her health.

Even for an individual of his standing, had Mu Hanyan not witnessed it firsthand, she would have found it impossible to believe that the legendary Holy Energy Divine Heart Spell, lost for a million years, could be so readily broken through the combined efforts of Ye Lanfeng, Fen Qianji, and others.

Wu Tianxiong must be overjoyed at the sight of her grandmother coughing up blood; he would not subject the situation to undue scrutiny.

Sweet and melodious music began to play from behind the stage; the royal banquet had officially commenced.

The Jinlan Palace Banquet, a long-established court tradition, saw most civil and military officials in attendance for what was likely not their first time. Dressed formally yet comfortably, they engaged in jovial conversations, basking in the harmonious ambiance.

"Coinciding with the Jinlan Palace Banquet today, I have some splendid news to share," Yue Fanyi announced, setting down his wine cup to address the gathered ministers.

The officials promptly lowered their cups, their gazes turning towards Yue Fanyi.

"As everyone is aware, the Fanling Crown Princess has been studying abroad. During her time there, she married Young Master Mu Rui’an of the esteemed An Yun Mu Family, and together they were blessed with a son and a daughter. Their daughter, Mu Hanyan, has now arrived in Shangyue, a fact I only learned of mere days ago. Therefore, while we celebrate the Jinlan Palace Banquet, I hereby bestow the title of Shangyue Princess upon Mu Hanyan and shall proclaim this to the world!" Yue Fanyi declared with a beaming smile.

Having anticipated this moment, Mu Hanyan immediately stepped forward to offer her deepest gratitude.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Empress Dowager!" the officials below chimed in with their blessings.

The announcement, being somewhat expected, did not elicit an overwhelming degree of surprise. They certainly would not dare object foolishly, lest they incur the displeasure of Yue Fanyi and Lu Nianxin. After all, the conferment of a Princess was an internal affair of the Yue family, having no direct bearing on them. As for the timing of Yue Fanling and Mu Rui’an's marriage, or the reasons for their lack of prior knowledge, and whether it was a clandestine elopement, no minister possessed the lack of sense to speculate on such matters.

Even if they harbored no apprehension towards Yue Fanyi, the fearsome reputation of Lu Nianxin was enough to keep them in check.

"What, she's the Princess? How did she even become a Princess?" Amidst the assembled crowd, only He Yangqiu remained utterly bewildered, looking around cluelessly and posing the question.

Regrettably, everyone regarded him as if he were an imbecile, offering no response.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Empress Dowager." Wu Tianxiong, as expected, was not surprised. His gaze flickered towards Mu Hanyan, his eyes momentarily blazing with concealed hatred before he masked it, offering hollow congratulations. He then added, "I believe the banquet has been proceeding quite enjoyably; perhaps it is time for someone to showcase their swordplay to further liven the proceedings?"

(Due to recent family emergencies requiring hospital bedside care, updates will be slightly reduced. Your understanding is appreciated.)