It wasn't just Xiuning who was so cautious; everyone else present was also very careful.

The guests at the head of the table were somewhat dissatisfied with this scene. After all, on such a joyous occasion, such a petty attitude was a sign of distrust towards them.

The Empress was even more displeased. The repeated, subtle mentions of the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet by the crowd were a slap in the face to her.

Empress Hesheli Fangyi's makeup today was heavy and elaborate, with high-arched eyebrows and a delicate face. Her beautiful bright red qipao was embroidered with beautiful peonies in gold thread, showcasing her dignified demeanor as Empress.

"Your Majesty, the soup is light and refreshing, making it perfect for drinking before meals."

The Empress smiled and spoke, not forgetting to personally scoop a bowl of soup and hand it to Kangxi.

"Your Majesty, you needn't be so busy. Please have a taste." Kangxi reached out and took the bowl, then simply placed it beside him.

Seeing this, the Empress's eyes darkened slightly. Although she quickly put it away, she still couldn't hide the hint of negative emotion that was showing.

The power struggle between the emperor and empress above did not affect the people below. Xiu Ning continued to carry out her arrangements, trying her best not to touch the food on the table.

Since Xiuning had eaten some food before coming over, and she wasn't particularly hungry, it didn't affect her much. But the others were different. When the colorful, fragrant, and delicious dishes kept emitting their tempting aromas, those with shallow eyelids couldn't help but swallow their saliva just by smelling the aromas. In the end, they couldn't resist their instincts and simply started eating.

It was winter, and given the lessons learned from the past, the dishes for this banquet were all carefully prepared by the imperial kitchen. Putting everything else aside, at least the dishes were hot and warm, and the taste was just as good.

"My lady, shall I serve you a bowl of soup?"

Seeing that the young master had only drunk some fruit wine and not touched anything else, Chunyu was worried that this would harm his health, so she quickly bowed her head and asked.

Xiuning nodded, and then she saw Chunyu bending over and ladling clear chicken soup into a plain white porcelain bowl.

Her beautiful, jade-like fingers picked up the soup spoon and gently stirred the chicken soup with a few light swirls of oil floating on top.

Xiu Ning blew on it, carefully put it to her lips and took a bite. Mmm, it really tasted good.

As Xiu Ning's brows gradually relaxed, just as she was about to take another sip, a cheerful voice suddenly came from beside her, "Xitala Changzai has a really good appetite. This chicken soup has quite a strong fishy smell, yet you can still drink it."

Upon hearing this, Xiu Ning put down the soup spoon that was already at her lips, wiped her lips with a handkerchief, and smiled slightly. "I think what Consort Borjigit said is somewhat biased."

Moreover, chicken soup is warm and nourishing; even Consort Borjigit should set aside her prejudices and try it herself.

Unexpectedly, the one who started the trouble was Borjigit, someone she had little connection with.

Speaking of which, this person always liked to stay in Yonghe Palace to reminisce about the child he miscarried. He would often criticize Consort Shu and the Empress. If it weren't for the support of the Empress Dowager and the fact that the Emperor didn't hold it against them because of their connection to Mongolia and their childhood friendship, he would probably have already incurred the wrath of the masses and been attacked by others.

Xiu Ning was naturally unhappy to be mocked for being petty and stingy, but she knew where she was in the moment and continued to drink her chicken soup nonchalantly, showing no concern whatsoever.

Borjigit concubine: ...

"What precious things do you want me to try? Ha, if you like to drink Xitala, then drink more."

Borjigit flicked the handkerchief in his hand with disdain, snorted coldly, and simply turned his gaze elsewhere.

As luck would have it, Consort Shu was sitting to the left of the Empress, holding the chicken soup that had been mocked by Consort Borjigit, and was drinking it without realizing it.

Pfft—

Xiuning couldn't help but laugh out loud, though not loudly, but just enough to attract the attention of those around her.

Speaking of which, everyone else heard the conversation between Xiuning and Consort Borjigit clearly.

Looking at Xiuning laughing so happily now, and then thinking about the chicken soup that Consort Shu had served her... Hmm, this is amusing.

Consort Borjigit was clearly furious, but she couldn't show it. She could only glare at Xiuning resentfully before sitting down expressionlessly.

At the head of the table, Emperor Kangxi also noticed the dispute between Xiuning and the Borjigit concubine.

Although he couldn't hear what the two were saying, he still noticed Xiu Ning's smiling face.

He waved his hand and said, "Go and take this bowl of chicken soup to Consort Xitala."

Liang Jiugong nodded, picked up the chicken soup, and turned to deliver it to Xiuning.

"Your Highness, this is a special gift from His Majesty."

Leaving these words behind, Liang Jiugong turned and left, while Xiuning happily rose from her seat and gave Kangxi a curtsy with a smile.

A beautiful woman's smile can topple kingdoms and cities.

Xiu Ning was already strikingly beautiful, and today, on this festive day, she was dressed even more elegantly. Just by standing and sitting like this, she left some people speechless.

Hesheli Fang's expression remained unchanged, but the fingers holding the handkerchief beneath her suddenly clenched tightly.

The Empress Dowager gave Xiuning a deep look before smiling and saying, "I heard that the Empress has specially arranged a blessing dance for this occasion. Please call them up quickly."

Her smile, which had been fading slightly, was restored, and Hesheli Fangyi nodded. "Tanyun, go and make the arrangements."

As Tan Yun left, the half-finished song and dance performance in the hall ended, and a new dance began.

Dancing together in harmony, they were filled with joy.

The matter concerning Xiuning just now was like a gust of wind, blown away without a trace.

...

After the banquet at Hehuan Palace, it was a relaxing and leisurely time for the concubines in the harem.

The Empress was busy with all sorts of palace affairs, including the New Year celebrations, and even her daily greetings were changed to once every three days, while the greetings at Cining Palace were temporarily canceled.

With unexpected free time, Xiuning started entertaining herself.

In early February, rumors circulated in the court that Consort Shu's father, Ebilun, had a conflict with Oboi over court matters. The two not only argued in court but also continued their verbal sparring on their way home after court.

Ao Bai's power was even more terrifying than Ebilun's, and the final result was a compromise that Ebilun was sick and recuperating and would not come to court for the time being.

In a short time, Ao Bai's power grew increasingly immense, and no one in the court could do anything about it.

Qianqing Palace

Bang--

Emperor Kangxi slammed his hand on the table and threw the memorial in his hand aside in a fit of anger. "That old bastard Ebilun saw that Aobai was in danger and chose to retreat in order to fool me."

A feeling of disgust spread through his chest. Kangxi took a deep breath and felt that he hated Ebilun even more than Aobai.

Such a despicable and greedy person thinks he can get away with this? Ha, dream on!

"Liang Jiugong, didn't the Empress mention the matter of the concubines and their relatives entering the palace a couple of days ago?"

"I grant your permission. In addition to Consort Shu, the relatives of Consort Xitala may also enter the palace."

Kangxi sat back down in his chair, his expression calm.