Chapter 10 The Legend of Zhen Huan Fang Jiachunyi 10

The lush green lotus leaves made the pink lotus flowers appear even more delicate and vibrant.

The lotus flowers sway gently in the breeze, releasing a delicate fragrance that is intoxicating.

The boat glided slowly across the lake, leaving a trail of gentle water in its wake.

A young girl dressed in a light pink cheongsam stood on the boat, the lotus flower in her hand pressed against her pretty face, truly living up to the saying that the person was more beautiful than the flower.

"People are more beautiful than flowers, and flowers pale in comparison to people."

Looking at the beautiful scenery before him, the emperor couldn't help but recite a poem.

After finishing his dinner, the Emperor looked at the green plaque that had appeared for the first time, decisively flipped it over, and set off for Hanyue Tower.

Because it was in the Yuanmingyuan Garden and at Hanyue Tower, the process of serving the emperor for the first time was skipped.

In the spring chill, the emperor bestowed a bath at Huaqing Pool; the smooth, hot spring waters cleansed her delicate skin. A maidservant helped her up, her limbs limp and weak; this was the moment she first received the emperor's favor.

Her cloud-like hair adorned with flowers and golden hairpins, she spent a warm spring night in the hibiscus-scented tent. The spring night was fleeting, and as the sun rose high, the emperor ceased holding morning court…

Fang Jiachun served the emperor for five consecutive nights, attracting much attention.

It was only because of the news that Consort Shen was pregnant that Fang Jiachun's continuous favor was interrupted, and she was unable to surpass the number of times Consort Wan had been favored.

However, she successfully became one of the most favored members, on par with Consort Wan.

Afterwards, Consort Wan and Consort Hui, who was pregnant and had been granted a title, suggested to the Emperor that Consort An be brought to the Yuanmingyuan.

This news successfully drew the concubines' attention back from Fang Jiachunyi.

What's going on? Consort Hui is pregnant and cannot serve the emperor, so what's the meaning of you taking Consort An over?

Does the Emperor's favor have to be concentrated on the three of you sisters? That's going too far.

The concubines in the harem were filled with resentment.

Jiuzhou Qingyan——

The sounds of string and wind instruments drifted from the waterside pavilions on the lake, where dancers in gorgeous costumes gracefully swayed to the melodious music.

Her graceful dance moves were as delicate as flower petals and as ethereal as willow catkins, captivating and enchanting all who beheld her.

This banquet was Wenyi's birthday celebration and also a family gathering. The guests were the concubines and several princes and their wives from the Yuanmingyuan Garden.

After the dance ended, the dancers withdrew one by one.

The Emperor frowned as he looked at the empty seat on his left:

"I don't know what new thing this seventeenth brother has seen, he refuses to move, and he still hasn't come at this hour."

Prince Shen explained, "Your Majesty, you know the Seventeenth Brother; he is the most carefree and unrestrained."

"It's just a family banquet. I've seen him skipping banquets before, so let him be."

Consort Qi turned her head and saw the particularly conspicuous hairpin in Consort Hui's hair, and asked:

"Consort Hui, this hairpin is truly exquisite. Was it a new gift from the Empress Dowager?"

Consort Hui nodded gently and replied, "Yes."

"When the Empress Dowager learned that Consort Hui was pregnant, she specially ordered someone to send it over. The two immortals of harmony on the hairpin symbolize many children and many blessings, and that all wishes are fulfilled."

The Empress looked at Consort Hui with kindness, her smile appearing extremely sincere.

"This hairpin is valuable because it was worn by the Empress Dowager when she was pregnant with the Fourteenth Prince."

Unlike the Empress, Consort Hua had no smile on her face, and it was clear at a glance that she disliked Consort Hui.

"This shows how much the Empress Dowager longs for the child in Consort Hui's womb. I also really want to know how handsome the prince will be."

Upon hearing Consort Cao's words, Consort Qi's smile vanished, and she gave Consort Cao a subtle glare.

Consort Hui: "It's not a prince at all. I'd rather it be a princess, as lovely as Wenyi."

Consort Cao's smile deepened as she turned her head to look at Wen Yi, who was babbling in the wet nurse's arms, her eyes filled with tenderness.