However, I still felt uneasy. With An Jin and my father-in-law away, my mother-in-law absent, the sparrow distracted, and Yuan Feng appearing agitated, I returned to my parents’ home for help. Father said, “According to historical records, similar symptoms appeared in Empress Ming De, which scholars termed ‘Secluded Wife’s Resentment Syndrome.'”
Mother rummaged through boxes and pulled out a book called “Twenty Techniques for Bearing Children,” handing it to me and saying earnestly, “Once you have a son, you’ll stop overthinking.”
My younger sister dragged me shopping, spending all my private funds, and asked triumphantly, “Still feeling anxious?” I shook my head, gritting my teeth, “Now I’m just feeling the pain of financial loss.”
My elder brother listened, then suddenly sighed deeply, “If only we had known earlier!” I was stunned, wondering if he meant I should not have married An Jin. He followed with another sigh, “What should be done… sister, tell me what I should do?”
I had forgotten he had just reconciled with Miaoyin and was likely conflicted, leaving no room for my concerns. But being tossed around by family, I gradually forgot my unease and lived on happily.
This peace lasted until the year-end Thanksgiving Banquet.
Chapter Twenty-Three: Farewell to the Eastern Palace
As per tradition, His Majesty of Qi held a banquet at Fengrui Hall to thank his officials, requiring officials of the fifth rank and above to bring their families. Officials dined in the outer hall, while the women were hosted by the Empress in the inner hall.
I was reluctant to attend but could not avoid it. The women of officials and concubines were seated according to rank, from near to far.
High-ranking concubines held their heads high, casually receiving flattery, while lower-ranking ones assessed the prominent figures and flocked to them. Among the court ladies of Qi, the Empress and the Seventh Princess drew the most attention. Among the outer court ladies, the wife of the Grand Minister and Su Hui, daughter of the Minister of Rites, were most celebrated, as many speculated that Su Hui would be the next consort of the Eastern Palace.
I was also a center of attention, mostly from young ladies, either out of curiosity or jealousy, primarily because I was married to a popular husband.
