Chapter Sixty-Six: The Family Banquet (Part Two)

Page (1/3)

Li Yuechen lowered her gaze, glanced out the window, and estimated it was about eight o’clock in the evening. The dishes on the table were all ready; surveying the remaining ingredients, she decided to make a West Lake beef soup.

When it came to preparing soups, the imperial chefs here undoubtedly had more experience, so Li Yuechen beckoned one over. “I’ll describe the soup, but you will cook it. If you have any suggestions, voice them directly.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Li Yuechen stood by, explaining the recipe. “Control the heat as you see fit. All the ingredients are here—make sure it’s perfect.”

“Rest assured, Your Highness,” said the chef, who specialized in soups and had absolute confidence in his craft.

Li Yuechen nodded, picked up the braised carp she’d finished, and placed it at the center of the round table, positioning the fish’s head toward Li Zhi’s seat.

She had originally planned to ask Liu Shenwei for some ingredients to make braised pork, but ultimately abandoned the idea. Pigs in this era were raised on human waste, serving as living toilets. Thus, neither royalty nor the wealthy ate pork. Li Yuechen didn’t want to break that taboo; once the grain issue was solved, pigs could be fed proper feed. Braised pork could wait for another year—this year, chicken, duck, beef, and lamb would suffice.

Soon, as the chef lifted the lid, the aroma of the soup filled the air. Li Yuechen approached, took a look, and nodded, “Keep it warm on low heat. We’ll serve it shortly.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” The chef withdrew.

Li Yuechen waved her hand, “Father, please announce the start of the banquet.”

“Very well, let’s begin!” Li Zhi had been impatiently waiting; the table was laden with dishes, each one whetting the appetite, and the fragrance filled the room.

The other children came to sit, waiting for Li Zhi and Wu Zetian to make the first move. Zhang Chengxin poured wine for the pair and their brothers; Li Lun and Li Yuechen, still young, drank berry juice instead.

Seated at the head, Li Zhi spoke, “Tonight is New Year’s Eve. May the coming year be peaceful and prosperous.”

Wu Zetian raised her cup, “May you all thrive in the year ahead.”

My goodness, this is the first time the couple’s New Year wishes sounded so down-to-earth… Li Yuechen thought.

Next came the children’s turn to toast. Li Hong, as usual, recited a lengthy, flowery blessing for the emperor and the country. The other brothers followed suit, their words similar in essence.

Then came Li Yuechen and her two elder sisters. Traditionally, the older sisters would speak first, but Li Yuechen rose and took the lead, “I wish Father and Mother good health and happiness in all things!”

Seeing Li Yuechen speak, her sisters quickly followed, each wishing their parents well, health, and joy.

Li Zhi, in poor health, was naturally delighted by such wishes, smiling as he nodded, “Good, very good… Come, let’s begin!”

After Li Zhi and Wu Zetian started eating, the children eagerly followed. Li Xian and the others, unable to contain themselves, began eating with gusto after a cup of wine.

Their ravenous manner made Wu Zetian frown, but realizing there were no outsiders present, she said nothing. Her brow relaxed, and she herself picked up her chopsticks to sample the fresh dishes.

Indeed, it was delicious!

It had to be said, the whole family found the meal exceptionally satisfying. Not just Li Zhi and the others—even Li Yuechen, who had cooked, felt the same.

Afterward, she couldn’t help but exclaim, “Not having to wash the dishes is wonderful!”

Li Yuechen had lived independently since high school; though she didn’t mind cooking, she detested washing up. Her first purchase after earning money was a dishwasher.

Now, as a royal princess, dishwashing was entirely beneath her!

At this family feast, Li Zhi and Wu Zetian relaxed completely, shedding their imperial airs. They behaved like ordinary people, even taking the initiative to serve the children food.

Li Yuechen truly enjoyed this atmosphere, and her siblings, though initially surprised by the favor, grew to like it as well.

When most of the dishes were finished, Li Zhi leaned back in his chair, holding a cup of clear wine, his face content.

Watching the children, now full and playfully sparring across the table, Li Zhi smiled and murmured, as if speaking to his wife, “This scene—I once only fantasized about it, never thought it could come true.”

Page (2/3)

Wu Zetian glanced at her wine cup and smiled, “In an imperial family, it’s perfectly normal.”

Li Zhi sighed, “Yes, since ancient times, imperial families have always been like this. But if I could, I’d want to change it.”

Wu Zetian looked at him, saying nothing; their conversation paused.

Perhaps sensing their silence, Li Yuechen hopped off her chair and ran over to Li Zhi, throwing herself onto his lap. “Father, Mother, why are you so quiet?”

“You children are playing—must I join in?” Li Zhi gently patted her back.

Li Yuechen nodded, “I’d actually love to play with you, but you’ve worked hard all year. You should rest these days.”

Li Zhi nodded, “Then let’s follow your advice, Yuechen. We’ll rest well.”

Li Yuechen sat on his lap, hugged him, “Yes, let’s rest well these days.”

She then hugged her mother, “Mother, you must rest too.”

Seeing her sister ask for a hug, Li Lun ran over to Wu Zetian, arms outstretched, “I want one too!”

Li Zhi laughed, opened his arms, and picked him up, “Come, let me hug you first!”

He tickled Li Lun, making him laugh aloud.

The older sons and daughters, embarrassed by their age, hesitated, but Li Zhi, perhaps emboldened by wine, stood and hugged them all, including his two daughters born out of wedlock.

Wu Zetian, usually severe, watched the children flock to their father for hugs, then walked over herself and embraced them.

Only Crown Prince Li Hong maintained his big brother posture, standing unmoved.

Li Yuechen ran over, “Doesn’t big brother want to hug Mother?”

“I… I am a grown man—how can I embrace Mother like a child…”

“Oh? Fine, let me ask you, big brother, what causes someone to blush and stutter when talking?”

Li Hong answered reflexively, “It’s surely because they’re lying!”

“Then why did you lie just now?”

“When did I lie?” Li Hong protested.

Li Yuechen grinned, “You said you couldn’t embrace Mother like a child, but you stuttered and blushed.”

“I… I did not!”

“Did he?” Li Yuechen asked.

“He did!” Li Xian, eager for mischief, answered first.

The other brothers nodded in agreement.

Li Hong stood stunned, then smiled as if relieved, and walked up to Wu Zetian, “Mother, I’d like a hug too!”

Wu Zetian smiled and hugged him gently.

Li Hong was the couple’s favorite; Li Zhi came over and hugged him as well, patting his back encouragingly.

Seeing Princess Xuancheng and Princess Yiyang, who looked awkward, Wu Zetian proactively hugged them both.

“No matter your feelings toward me, I won’t dwell on the past. You are my daughters now.” Her voice carried tenderness rather than authority.

Li Yuechen observed, her eyes flickering—perhaps this was a gesture to win their hearts. Yet the effect was undeniable.

The two sisters, newly freed from the Palace of Hidden Courtyards after Lady Xiao’s death, had known kindness only from Li Yuechen. Wu Zetian’s sudden warmth naturally made them feel, “She must be sincere.”

Either way, whether it was a show or genuine, it didn’t matter. The sisters could never threaten her, so there was nothing to fear.

At least, pretending to be a family was better than acting like strangers.

…

The family feast lasted until midnight. The children wished Li Zhi and Wu Zetian a happy New Year and spoke auspicious words before preparing to return to their rooms and rest.

On their way back, Li Zhi and Wu Zetian strolled hand in hand, digesting their meal.

Cool moonlight bathed the grand palace, stretching their shadows endlessly.

Li Zhi gazed at the crescent moon, his expression thoughtful.

“When I once attended the late emperor on his sickbed, he regretted the affair at the Gate of the Black Tortoise—not the act itself, but its retribution, which was visited upon my elder and fourth brothers…”

Wu Zetian was unsure how to respond at first, but then tentatively replied, “There was no other option. At the time, the late emperor was in dire straits; if he hadn’t acted, today’s hidden crown prince would have been the result.”

“I know,” Li Zhi nodded. “But you and I both lived through my elder brother’s rebellion… To be honest, when the late emperor named me crown prince, it was because he knew I’d never kill my elder or fourth brothers.”

“Mm,” Wu Zetian agreed.

“Hong is kind-hearted and gentle. I once feared the same fate would befall the next generation, but now… I have no such worries.”

He smiled.

“Is that because of Yuechen?” Wu Zetian smiled.

Li Zhi nodded, “With Yuechen here, I am at ease.”

Wu Zetian nodded in agreement.

Her youngest daughter was not only clever, but truly harmonious with her brothers. Wu Zetian, sharp-eyed, could see this clearly.

With Yuechen mediating, even if the brothers clashed one day, at least their lives would be spared.

She also recalled sending Liu Rengui to test Yuechen last year—not just to prepare her to support the emperor, but perhaps for this very purpose.

…

Page (3/3)

The next day was the first of the New Year. Although there was a morning court session, it was uneventful—mainly officials’ congratulations and foreign envoys bringing tribute.

This was the emperor’s most comfortable court session; even the Censorate would refrain from criticism, choosing only pleasant words.

Upon waking, Xiao He came in to help Li Yuechen dress.

“Your Highness, happy New Year!”

“Happy New Year!”

In the hall, her two sisters and Shangguan Wan’er had already arrived. After exchanging New Year greetings, they began practicing yoga.

With no newsworthy events at court, Li Yuechen saw no reason to attend, and donned her Taoist robe to recite scriptures.

She spent the morning chanting, then prepared to attend the New Year banquet at noon.

The previous night’s banquet with officials had been canceled, so it was moved to noon on New Year’s Day.

She hurriedly changed clothes and headed to Qianyuan Hall, arriving just in time.

There wasn’t much to say about today’s banquet—just eat.

Yet Li Zhi and Wu Zetian, seated at the head, clearly had little appetite. Having enjoyed Li Yuechen’s cooking just yesterday, they still craved those flavors. But the chefs hadn’t learned her methods yet, so they had to settle for the usual fare.

Seeing the emperor and empress less than pleased, the officials exchanged glances, silently asking what was wrong. The answer was confusion—no one knew.

So the meal, which should have been the happiest of the year, was tinged with unease, for reasons unknown.

Li Yuechen guessed why, but said nothing, focusing on her own meat-stuffed flatbread.

…

After the meal, with the emperor refraining from any outburst, the officials breathed a sigh of relief.

Next came a seven-day holiday—both emperor and officials could finally rest.

Li Yuechen pondered what simple amusement she could devise during the New Year. Entertainment was sorely lacking in this era.

She thought and thought, but couldn’t come up with anything fun that could be made within the holiday.

Many things that seemed simple required vast industrial systems behind them.

True, the craftsmen of this age were impressive, but their handmade efficiency could never rival industry.

Still, it depended on the item. Now that she was a woman, thinking from a woman's perspective, anything that appealed to a young girl's heart should be popular.

But that was precisely Li Yuechen’s weak spot.

Forget it—better to play Red Light, Green Light with Shangguan Wan’er and her sisters. At least it was simple.

If that failed, she could always rope her brothers in. It would pass the time, anyway.