Chapter 132: A Grand Feast

This meant that Yun Zui was to be permitted to enter the imperial court.

Grand Preceptor Xikong was not only well-versed in astronomy and geography, but his divination and calculations were also unfailingly accurate; therefore, no one dared to question his words. Consequently, the way the crowd looked at Yun Zui immediately shifted.

Seeing this, Yun Zui straightened her posture and asked, "Your Majesty, may this Dowager Consort enter now?"

At that moment, the guards were still blocking her path with their weapons, a sight that was utterly preposterous. Ever since she could remember, it had always been Yun Zui holding a pistol to someone else's head; she was not about to let anyone point a weapon at her. Did they really think she couldn't take them down? She was simply too lazy to do so. Out of respect for the high status Grand Preceptor Xikong had just bestowed upon her, she would hold back and refrain from ruthlessly knocking the two men in front of her to the ground.

"Let the Dowager Consort enter," Chi Xuan ordered immediately.

Only then did Yun Zui’s expression soften slightly. As she stepped into the court, she asked, "Is this... a wolf?"

She had heard Chi Xuan’s words earlier, but she had not expected that the Mo Chi Kingdom actually ate wolf meat.

Furthermore, they were sharing it with all the civil and military officials.

"Yes," Chi Xuan replied from his high position on the dragon throne.

The corners of Yun Zui’s mouth curled up as she asked nonchalantly, "Who is capable enough to have hunted a wolf?"

It was a casual question, but the answer caught her off guard.

"It was, of course, Prince Mie."

The image of Chi Mie’s bewitchingly evil, mesmerizing face instantly flashed into her mind. She had decided to keep her distance from him... Was this the wolf Chi Mie had hunted during the time they were separated after drawing lots? While she was facing an assassination attempt, she wondered if he had rushed to her side in a panic when the meteor flares lit up the sky.

For some reason, Yun Zui suddenly felt a strong urge to know the answer. But she shook the thought away. The disparity in power between her and Chi Mie was too vast; if she became his woman, people would say she was merely a social climber, a woman delusional enough to think she could fly to the branches and become a phoenix. Perhaps, before deciding whether to be with him, she needed to become stronger first. A woman with a strong sense of pride could not tolerate others speaking of her in such a way.

"I’ll have a taste," Yun Zui said, unceremoniously picking up her chopsticks and taking a bite.

The "whole wolf" was clearly freshly prepared and steaming hot. Having been slow-cooked since the night before, the flavors had seeped deep into the meat, making every bite incredibly savory. Yun Zui couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, this is amazing!"

She immediately went in for another bite.

The onlookers couldn't help but feel that Yun Zui lacked any semblance of femininity. What kind of woman would stuff her face in front of so many people? She had no manners at all! She was a Dowager Consort of the nation, yet she showed absolutely no regard for her image.

Yun Zui loved the taste and didn't care what anyone else thought, so she continued to eat as she pleased.

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Chi Xuan’s pale, delicate face. He said, "There is a portion for every civil and military official; do just taste a little."

He meant that no one was to eat too much. If everyone ate like Yun Zui, there wouldn't be enough for all the officials.

Upon hearing this, Yun Zui immediately stopped. She threw down her chopsticks and said, "That is true. I shouldn't eat someone else's share. Otherwise, who knows if rumors will spread that I, Yun Zui, am a glutton who gorges herself in front of the officials without a shred of decorum? That would not only lose me face, but it would also disgrace the royal family."