The tenth month arrived with cool autumn winds sweeping across the capital.
Golden leaves drifted through the palace gardens, and the entire imperial city seemed brighter than usual.
Because this year, a grand celebration was being prepared.
It was Crown Prince Xu Chen's twentieth birthday.
Although the Crown Prince had celebrated birthdays before, this one carried special meaning.
It was the first birthday after Yue Ning became his officially announced fiancée.
Because of this, the Emperor ordered an unusually grand banquet.
All noble families, high officials, military commanders, and royal clan members were invited.
The Imperial Palace became lively days in advance.
Servants decorated the palace halls with red silk banners and golden lanterns. Musicians rehearsed court music while chefs prepared endless dishes for the banquet.
Everyone in the capital knew that this celebration was not only a birthday banquet.
It was also a formal introduction of the future Crown Princess to the entire empire's nobility.
---
Yue Family Residence
Inside the Yue residence, the family was also preparing.
The ten brothers gathered in the main courtyard while servants brought formal robes.
Yue Ming crossed his arms.
"So tonight we enter the palace again."
Yue Qiu chuckled.
"And this time half the court will be staring at our sister."
Yue Tao laughed.
"They've been curious since the imperial edict."
Yue Jun shook his head.
"Curious is one thing. Some people are probably waiting to criticize."
Yue Heng, who had recently returned from military training, spoke calmly.
"Let them."
"If anyone dares to disrespect Ning'er, they'll regret it."
The younger brothers nodded fiercely.
Yue Rui added with a grin,
"Tonight will be interesting."
Just then, Yue Ning entered the courtyard.
She wore a beautiful pale gold dress embroidered with phoenix patterns. Her hair was arranged elegantly with jade hairpins.
For a moment, all ten brothers went silent.
Yue Bo blinked.
"…Sister looks different."
Yue Han nodded seriously.
"You look like a real Crown Princess now."
Yue Ning laughed softly.
"I'm still the same person."
Yue Ming spoke gently.
"But tonight, the entire empire will see you differently."
---
Imperial Palace
By evening, the Imperial Palace was glowing with light.
The celebration was held in the Grand Harmony Hall, one of the most magnificent halls in the palace.
Rows of golden lanterns illuminated the palace courtyard.
Noble families arrived one after another in luxurious carriages.
Inside the hall, officials whispered among themselves.
Some were excited.
Some were curious.
And some… were not pleased.
General Lin Zhiyuan stood among the officials with a stiff expression.
Beside him stood his daughter, Lin Qingya, dressed in an elegant red gown.
Many nobles quietly observed them.
After all, everyone knew that Lin Zhiyuan had once hoped his daughter would marry the Crown Prince.
But fate had chosen Yue Ning instead.
Lin Qingya's expression was calm, but her eyes were cold.
---
Arrival of the Crown Prince
Suddenly, the palace eunuch's voice echoed through the hall.
"His Imperial Majesty arrives!"
Everyone immediately stood and bowed.
The Emperor entered the hall with the Empress and Empress Dowager.
After they took their seats, another announcement followed.
"The Crown Prince arrives!"
Xu Chen entered wearing elegant royal robes embroidered with golden dragons.
His expression remained calm and dignified as always.
But tonight, many officials observed him more carefully than usual.
After all, he had publicly declared that he would only have one wife.
Such a statement had shocked the entire court.
Xu Chen bowed respectfully to the Emperor and Empress before taking his seat.
But the hall was still waiting for one more person.
---
Arrival of Yue Ning
Moments later, another announcement rang through the hall.
"Lady Yue Ning of the Yue family arrives!"
The hall turned silent.
Yue Ning walked into the hall gracefully.
Behind her followed several palace attendants.
Her golden dress shimmered softly under the lantern light.
Her calm expression showed neither nervousness nor arrogance.
She walked directly toward the imperial throne.
Normally, any noble lady would kneel before the Emperor and Empress.
But Yue Ning did not kneel.
Instead, she gave a respectful bow.
Because everyone knew about the special imperial edict—
The decree allowing her never to kneel before anyone in the empire.
Many officials watched carefully.
Some admired her composure.
Others felt uncomfortable.
The Empress smiled warmly when she saw Yue Ning.
"Come closer."
Yue Ning stepped forward.
The Empress looked at her with obvious satisfaction.
"You look wonderful tonight."
Yue Ning smiled politely.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Empress Dowager chuckled softly.
"It seems the Crown Prince has good taste."
The hall filled with quiet laughter.
Xu Chen's calm eyes briefly met Yue Ning's.
For a moment, both of them smiled slightly.
---
The Banquet Begins
Music began playing as servants brought endless dishes to the tables.
Wine was poured, and officials began offering birthday congratulations.
One noble after another stepped forward to present gifts.
Rare jade.
Ancient paintings.
Golden ornaments.
But while the celebration seemed joyful…
Many eyes were secretly watching Yue Ning.
Some nobles were evaluating her.
Some were jealous.
And some were planning something far less friendly.
Because tonight's celebration was not only a birthday banquet.
It was also the first public test for the future Crown Princess of the empire.
And not everyone in the imperial court was ready to accept her so easily.