Not to mention the other ministers—even Gu Yanshu, who had long known the Emperor was a master of balance and manipulation, was left speechless by this final move.
Having to "balance the bowl" even during the New Year celebration—wasn't that just too exhausting?
But no matter what, the Prince Li's household had gained considerable advantages from today's banquet.
Thinking this, Gu Yanshu quickly felt that the Emperor's last-minute gesture was harmless after all.
Although Gu Yanshu hadn't participated in the drinking game, in such atmosphere, he had still drunk quite a bit and was now slightly tipsy.
Even though he appeared normal on the surface, his slightly dazed eyes and faintly reddened眼角 betrayed his true state.
Gu Yanshu was already exceptionally good-looking. His somewhat delicate features might have led some to doubt his gender if not for his powerful and confident presence.
But now, intoxicated, that delicacy seemed magnified, becoming more pronounced and even somewhat alluring.
Even Qin Lu, who had seen Gu Yanshu at his most seductive, felt his heartbeat quicken at the sight.
There was no way he would let Gu Yanshu wander around in this state.
Gu Yanshu had originally intended to chat with the Wen brothers and Grand Secretary Pei, but he had taken only two steps forward when Qin Lu pulled him back.
Though tipsy, Gu Yanshu still retained most of his rationality, even if his thinking was slower than usual.
Although confused at first by the pull, he instantly understood Qin Lu's intention when he noticed him subtly trying to shield his face.
Amused, he didn't resist and went along with Qin Lu's lead.
In the end, Gu Yanshu only managed to hastily bid farewell to a few acquainted ministers and the Wen brothers before Qin Lu hurried him out of the hall.
Rarely allowing himself to drink and let loose, Gu Yanshu decided to give his brain a break as well.
After leaving the banquet hall, he leaned his entire weight on Qin Lu and let his mind go blank.
Qin Lu, extremely patient, accepted this without complaint—even using his arm to support Gu Yanshu more comfortably.
Little did Gu Yanshu know that this moment of mental relaxation would lead to him being thoroughly "cooked, seasoned, and served" right into Qin Lu's mouth.
By the time he regained awareness, they were already back in the master bedroom of the palace, and he was completely surrounded by Qin Lu's presence.
"Your Highness?"
Feeling Qin Lu's movements, Gu Yanshu asked with a hint of confusion.
How was he so energetic so late at night?
He was sure Qin Lu had also drunk quite a bit—how could he still be up to mischief?
"Has my Consort already forgotten what he did at the palace banquet?"
Qin Lu's hands not only didn't stop but grew even more deliberate.
"At the banquet…"
After resting, the alcohol began to take stronger effect, slowing Gu Yanshu's thinking. He pondered for a moment but came up with nothing, so he glanced at Qin Lu with an innocent, questioning look.
Gu Yanshu might have been slow, but Qin Lu was still clear-headed.
Meeting that gaze, Qin Lu leaned down and whispered in his ear:
"Am I the most beautiful in your eyes?"
"That no one else, no matter how exceptional, can compare to me in the slightest?"
"That between the moon's glow and the snow's purity, I am the third kind of peerless beauty?"
"Has my Consort forgotten his own words so soon? Hmm?"
Qin Lu had long discovered that not only was his face attractive to his Consort, but his voice also held an irresistible appeal.
Lowered to a husky tone, it was especially seductive in this context—like a siren from the depths of the sea, enchanting and captivating.
Gu Yanshu's alcohol-numbed brain lost all capacity for thought. Clinging to his last shred of clarity, he struggled to remind him:
"Tomorrow is New Year's Eve… we still have to attend the palace audience."
But even these words were swallowed by Qin Lu's kiss:
"My Consort need not worry. This Prince knows his limits."
After that, Gu Yanshu felt like a small boat tossed upon a vast, turbulent ocean.
Waves rose and fell, making him drift and sink intermittently.
Just when he thought the next wave would shatter his boat, the sea would suddenly calm.
As he relaxed slightly, the next surge would rush over him again.
Finally, he had no choice but to relinquish control and let the currents carry him into the deepest parts of the ocean.
By the time Gu Yanshu regained command of his "boat," it was already the next day, and the sky was beginning to lighten.
Qin Lu had indeed kept his word and shown restraint.
Despite acting the night before as if he wanted to crush Gu Yanshu and absorb him into his very bones, he had been careful not to make Gu Yanshu face the same embarrassment as the morning after their wedding.
However, Gu Yanshu now noticed another issue:
"Where is His Highness?"
When he woke, he found himself alone in the room.
At first, he didn't think much of it—Qin Lu usually rose much earlier than him and often left for morning training ahead of time.
But after he got up, washed, and dressed, and Qin Lu still hadn't returned, it felt unusual.
Xingren's response confirmed his suspicion:
"Replying to the Consort: His Highness has gone to the palace."
"The palace?" Gu Yanshu paused while changing into his practice clothes.
Perhaps sensing his confusion, Xingren explained:
"Yes. Before 5-7 AM today, someone came from the palace saying His Majesty urgently summoned him. His Highness left for the palace immediately."
Then, as if worried Gu Yanshu might overthink, he added:
"I heard the other princes and several ministers were also summoned."
Hearing that other princes and officials had also been summoned, Gu Yanshu felt slightly relieved.
Since it wasn't a private audience, the issue likely wasn't specifically related to the Prince Li's household:
"And what did His Highness arrange regarding today's palace audience?"
"His Highness said that if he had not returned by the time you woke, the audience should be postponed."
According to protocol, even if Qin Lu was absent, Gu Yanshu should still go to the palace on time to pay respects.
But because Gu Yanshu was a man, even as the official consort, entering the inner palace alone to see Consort Gui could invite gossip.
So the rules designed for women didn't quite apply to him.
Gu Yanshu wasn't surprised and nodded slightly:
"Very well, I understand."
Since the audience was postponed, Gu Yanshu used the time before Qin Lu's return to handle some household matters.
Because of the recent housewarming banquet, the Prince Li's residence had received New Year gifts from many ministerial households.
Deciding how to manage these gifts and what to give in return required Gu Yanshu's attention.
He also needed to review the gifts to be presented to the Emperor and the imperial consorts when he and Qin Lu later went to the palace.
Additionally, for New Year's Eve, red envelopes needed to be prepared for all the servants in the household as a festive gesture.
Though these tasks weren't difficult, they still took some time to arrange.
Gu Yanshu had initially assumed that since Qin Lu said they would go to the palace after his return, it wouldn't take long.
But unexpectedly, he ended up waiting until noon.
With the lunch hour almost over, the food on the table had already been reheated twice.
Even Xingren and Baizhu, standing nearby, had reminded Gu Yanshu three times to eat first and attend to matters later.
It was only then that Qin Lu finally walked in from outside, bringing with him a chill and the scent of winter air.
Noticing the movement at the door, Gu Yanshu quickly stood up and walked toward him:
"Your Highness, why are you only returning now?"
"Stay there, don't move."
But Gu Yanshu had taken only two steps forward when Qin Lu's voice stopped him.
Qin Lu first took off his snow-dusted cloak and handed it to Zhige, then stepped closer to Gu Yanshu:
"I was discussing matters with Father Emperor at the palace, which took longer than expected."
No sooner had he spoken than Qin Lu noticed the untouched food still on the table.
His brow furrowed slightly:
"Why haven't you eaten yet?"
Even as he asked, he already knew the answer—Gu Yanshu had likely been waiting for his return.
Seeing Qin Lu's expression darken, Gu Yanshu quickly put on an obedient smile:
"Naturally, because I wanted to wait for Your Highness to return and eat together."
"Next time something like this happens, there's no need to wait for me."
Qin Lu's tone was full of disapproval.
It was well known throughout the Prince Li's household that Gu Yanshu was particular about meals—not only about the quality of the food but also the timing.
Usually, when it was time to eat, no matter what he was doing, Gu Yanshu would pause to have his meal. Since he took over managing the household, meal times had become much more punctual.
Normally, by this hour, he would have already finished lunch.
Gu Yanshu knew Qin Lu wasn't being ungrateful but was心疼 (concerned) about him. He nodded agreeably:
"I know. Even if you hadn't returned just now, I was already planning not to wait any longer."
Qin Lu's expression softened slightly. He pulled Gu Yanshu to the dining table, served a bowl of soup, and placed it in front of him:
"Let's eat first."
Originally, Gu Yanshu had wanted to ask why the Emperor had summoned Qin Lu so urgently in the early hours.
But seeing Qin Lu's stern face as he continuously added dishes to Gu Yanshu's bowl, he ultimately chose to swallow his questions and remain silent.
Fortunately, although Qin Lu was annoyed that Gu Yanshu hadn't eaten on time, he still cared about his preferences—all the dishes he added were ones Gu Yanshu liked.
It wasn't until Gu Yanshu had eaten about half of the food in his bowl that Qin Lu's expression improved somewhat, though he didn't stop serving him.
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Gu Yanshu finally began to slow down.
Looking at the remaining food in his bowl, he felt a bit troubled:
"Your Highness gave me so much—I can't finish it all."
"Finished?" Qin Lu raised an eyebrow and, without waiting for a reply, reached out and gently patted Gu Yanshu's stomach.
Caught off guard, Gu Yanshu's slightly rounded belly, full from the meal, was touched directly.
!!!
How could this person suddenly start getting handsy?
But Qin Lu's movement was swift. Before Gu Yanshu could say anything, he had already withdrawn his hand.
His serious expression made it seem as if he were only checking whether Gu Yanshu was full.
Gu Yanshu had been about to say something, but under Qin Lu's smooth and effortless actions, he ultimately stayed silent.
Otherwise, it would seem like he was making a big deal out of it.
In the end, Gu Yanshu could only watch, with slightly reddened ears, as Qin Lu calmly helped clean up the remaining food.
Distracted by Qin Lu's sudden gesture, Gu Yanshu didn't notice that Prince Li—who had been wearing a stern expression until then—let his gaze briefly touch Gu Yanshu's ears before a faint smile tugged at his lips.
By the time Gu Yanshu had collected himself, Qin Lu had nearly finished his meal.
Finally, Gu Yanshu had the chance to ask the question on his mind:
"What was the matter that made His Majesty summon you to the palace in such a hurry today?"