Volume One, Chapter 8: The Spiral Master's Banquet in Haojing (Part Two)

Yang Jian and Empress Dugu had many children, but the birth of a daughter in their later years was a source of great joy. Born into a prosperous and flourishing era, this child’s name bore no grand ambitions of changing the world; instead, it carried the hope that she would possess a gentle elegance and live a peaceful, beautiful life. Thus, she was named Xiangning.

Yang Jian doted on her so much that before she even turned one, he bestowed upon her the titles “Zhaoming” and “Ninghe,” expressing his wish for a bright and peaceful era. Ultimately, she was granted the title “Princess Zhaoning.”

Though young, Xiangning attended all important family gatherings where relatives assembled, and this occasion was no exception. Among her many elder brothers and sisters, it was Yang Guang who loved her the most. Yang Yong once thought Yang Guang’s kindness stemmed from Xiangning being the favored youngest princess, and that Yang Guang was trying to win favor with their parents through her. But in truth, Yang Guang knew it was not so.

While other actions might have had ulterior motives, this was not one of them. Yang Guang simply and genuinely loved his little sister and wished to treat her well.

It was an indescribable bond, one forged by blood and mutual affection.

From a young age, Xiangning favored her second elder brother most. When choosing among her many brothers, she instinctively chose Yang Guang. Likewise, while the others were too old to play with her, Yang Guang was the only one who could play alongside her, telling her all sorts of stories.

The siblings often spent time together, their affection deepening and their bond growing ever closer.

“Thank you, elder brother,” the little girl replied sweetly to Yang Guang, then picked up her chopsticks, trying hard to grasp the food on her plate.

Yang Guang smiled, busy tending to Xiangning, barely managing to eat a few bites himself.

This scene inevitably caught Empress Dugu’s eye. Seeing the warmth between the siblings, she felt greatly comforted. Not only was Yang Guang talented, but his character was impeccable. Setting aside other matters, just observing how patient and gentle he was with his little sister filled Empress Dugu with satisfaction.

In contrast, on the other side sat Crown Prince Yang Yong... As the legitimate eldest son, both Empress Dugu and Yang Jian had placed great hopes on him, but his conduct in recent years had been deeply disappointing.

At this moment, Yang Yong sat alone, devouring his food with large bites, pouring his own wine and drinking without restraint, paying no heed to etiquette. His gaze was fixed on Yang Guang, sharp and fierce, hiding no hostility.

Empress Dugu silently observed her two sons from the high platform. Comparing Yang Guang’s politeness and humility with Yang Yong’s hopeless demeanor, her expression darkened further.

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Midway through the banquet, Empress Dugu set down her chopsticks, cleared her throat, and fixed Yang Yong with a steady gaze. “Crown Prince, today is more than a family feast; it is a celebration of victory. You are a few years older than your younger brother. The two of you must unite wholeheartedly and always think of the realm and its people.”

Her words were clear—on the surface, a hope; beneath, a warning. The assembled officials all understood perfectly, but Yang Yong seemed oblivious.

Naturally, Yang Guang was the first to catch the underlying meaning. Sharp as ever, he immediately responded, “Yes! Your Majesty’s words are most wise! I will sincerely cooperate with my elder brother and serve the Great Sui faithfully!”

Yang Yong sneered disdainfully at Yang Guang upon hearing this, then raised his eyes to meet Empress Dugu’s slightly angry gaze. He hastily recovered and replied, “Yes!” before bowing to Yang Jian and Empress Dugu.

Seeing the Crown Prince’s demeanor, the Emperor and Empress exchanged a glance, each with varying degrees of disappointment and helplessness. Yet, they were on the main hall’s platform, with all the court officials watching—they could not openly shame their heir.

In the end, no more was said, and the banquet resumed. Dancers and musicians took to the stage one after another, filling the hall with graceful melodies. Everyone watched the performance with interest.

Yang Jian was no exception. While dining, his eyes brightened as he enjoyed the music and dance. The New Year had just passed, and the palace was still adorned with joyous decorations. The splendid scenery combined with the elegant performances made the moment intoxicating.

Suddenly, a meaningful cough brought Yang Jian back to reality. He turned away from the stage’s performance after a brief mental preparation, slowly turning to look at the person beside him.

Empress Dugu cast him a sideways glance tinged with displeasure—the only woman in the world who dared gaze so boldly at the Son of Heaven.

Yang Jian, too familiar with this look, felt momentarily at a loss. He raised a hand to his mouth, coughing lightly to mask his unease.

Those nearby sensed a subtle tension between the Emperor and Empress. Yang Guang dared not show any expression and continued caring for Xiangning, but Yang Yong, ill-timed, laughed.

A soft snort, tinged with disdain, was barely covered by the music, but Empress Dugu keenly caught it. “Crown Prince! What is there to laugh about?”

Though it sounded like a question, those who knew Empress Dugu understood it was a warning.

Yang Yong, unable to read the nuance, saw Empress Dugu’s displeasure and dared not speak further. He fixed his gaze on Gao Jing beside him, silently asking for assistance.

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Gao Jing, ever astute, quickly bowed to Empress Dugu. “Your Majesty, the Crown Prince must be overjoyed that our Great Sui has finally unified the realm. The thought alone brings a smile he cannot contain.”

“Is that so...” Empress Dugu’s sharp intellect was well-known; everyone present knew this excuse would not fool her. However, since Yang Yong was her eldest son, she would not embarrass him openly.

In the end, Empress Dugu said nothing more, but her gaze toward Yang Yong remained stern and commanding.

Yang Guang, observing this, saw a peculiar light flash in his eyes before he quickly regained composure. Judging by the situation, his mother’s dissatisfaction with Yang Yong was profound—perhaps the moment for change was drawing near.

Realizing this, Yang Guang’s heart stirred with excitement.

Empress Dugu then shifted her attention from Yang Yong to Yang Guang and Xiangning. Seeing the siblings together, her expression softened.

Looking at her well-behaved little daughter, her smile deepened, overflowing with affection. “Xiang’er, come here to Mother.”

Her voice was a thousand times gentler than before.

Under the watchful care of palace attendants, Xiangning ran to Empress Dugu’s side.

As the banquet drew to a close, Yang Jian offered a few simple words before the guests dispersed.

Yang Jian and Yang Lin retired to the inner study to discuss affairs, while Empress Dugu took Xiangning and Yang Yuer to the imperial garden to play.

Children were naturally energetic, but Empress Dugu, no longer young, soon felt tired after a short while. In the end, palace attendants took over watching the two children as they played.

Elsewhere, after leaving the palace, Yang Guang returned to the Prince of Jin’s mansion, accompanied by Yuwen Huaji.