I never thought that the things we never understood would suddenly become clear at the Feather Emperor's birthday banquet.

When the Feather Emperor sat on the throne and everyone paid their respects, I don't know if it was an illusion, but the person on the throne let out a sigh, as if they had tasted the food they had been longing for day and night, and expressed a satisfied sigh.

The Feather Emperor clapped three times, and the banquet began. The bells rang, and everyone sat around the tripods and began to eat.

With instrumental music and singing, graceful dances unfolded. The dancing sleeves were enchanting, like the tender peaches and willows in the Yaochi Fairyland.

Lingsu disguised herself as a wine-serving maid and shuttled around the banquet, gesturing for me to pay attention to the food and drinks.

I knew there was something suspicious about the food and drinks, so I only picked a few fruits from the fruit tray and ate them simply.

Although the Feather Emperor was already a hundred years old, he maintained himself well and looked no more than middle-aged.

The National Teacher, Jiang Shang, ranked first and was quite old. His face was pale, as if he had a serious illness.

Halfway through the banquet, the Feather Emperor raised his cup, and everyone celebrated together.

Unexpectedly, the palace doors opened, and a person entered. It turned out to be Empress Tiaohua.

"Please, father, return my husband to me."

Tiaohua knelt in the direction of the throne.

The music and dances stopped, and the hall fell silent. Everyone looked at the Feather Emperor on the throne and Jiang Shang at the table.

The Feather Emperor's face stiffened for a moment, then he looked at Jiang Shang for two seconds and said to the guards, "The Empress is unwell again. Why hasn't she been taken back to the palace?"

Then he said to the Empress, "I have neglected you in my busy state affairs, causing you to worry about me..."

"I'm not sick!" Tiaohua shouted and forcefully pushed away the guards who were close to her.

Without a word, the two guards dragged her out.

"Father, how long will you continue to wear my husband's face?! Give me back my husband!" Just as they were about to drag her out of the hall, Tiaohua's voice broke through the sky, and the guards couldn't cover her mouth in time.

"Shut up!" Jiang Shang finally stood up tremblingly and pointed at the Empress. "Unfilial woman! You've gone mad to this extent? His Majesty has treated our Jiang family with great favor, showering you with endless love, and yet you..."

At this point, Jiang Shang bent over, coughing uncontrollably, his face turning purple.

Although Jiang Shang didn't finish his words, it was clear that Tiaohua was at a disadvantage this time. If it weren't for my exploration of the palace last night, I'm afraid I would have regarded Tiaohua as a madwoman, just like everyone else in the hall.