Chapter Twelve: The Legend of Zhen Huan - Fang Jiachunyi 12

The famous "Dance of the Flying Swan" is about to begin!

Under the verbal provocation of Prince Dun and the Emperor's order, Zhen Huan had no choice but to change into her dance costume and go on stage.

Consort Hui volunteered to play the zither as accompaniment, and also asked Consort An to sing a song.

The dance of the woman from Guan Guiren was quite pleasing to the eye; she is indeed a beauty with several years of dance training.

However, he seemed a bit rusty, probably because he hadn't practiced for a while.

Adding to the pressure from the Emperor and Prince Dun, it's understandable that he felt a bit flustered and couldn't act freely.

Fortunately, Prince Guo arrived with his wife to save the day, and a flute melody inspired Consort Wan.

No longer following the dance moves from memory, but dancing freely, is truly amazing.

The Emperor even specially bestowed a seat upon Consort Wan beside him as a sign of his favor.

In other words, if she dances well, but not well and makes the Emperor lose face, Consort Wan will fall out of favor for a period of time.

Demotion is impossible; if the emperor were demoted because of this, he would be even more humiliated.

In fact, this could be considered a help to Consort Cao. If Consort Wan had been embarrassed, her suggestion would have incurred the Emperor's wrath.

Although Consort Wan's stunning dance surprised Consort Hua, Consort Hua still recited "Ode to Lou Dong" as planned.

With Prince Dun's intervention, Consort Hua regained the emperor's favor.

When Consort Hui's false pregnancy was exposed, she was demoted to a lower-ranking concubine, stripped of her title, and imprisoned in the Xianyue Pavilion.

In order to win favor, Consort Hua took Princess Wenyi back from Consort Cao and brought her to Qingliang Palace.

Although it was somewhat cruel to Consort Cao, it was reasonable for Consort Hua to take back Wenyi's custody since it was in Consort Hua's hands.

Unfortunately, Consort Hua didn't have the patience to soothe the child, and even gave the princess a calming medicine to stop her from crying at night.

Poor Consort Cao, with the heart of a loving mother, could only pretend not to know for the time being, even though she couldn't bear it, and secretly planned to take him back.

Of course, even the pitiful can have their hateful aspects.

Consort Wan helped Consort An to sing for the Emperor, and Consort An's singing voice was deeply loved by the Emperor.

After serving the emperor and accompanying him for several days, Consort An was promoted to Consort An.

Qixi Festival Feast

"Tonight is Qixi Festival. Your Majesty and Empress wish each other a long and happy life together."

The Emperor and Empress both smiled as they looked at Consort An and accepted the toast.

Consort Qi chuckled, and said in a rather sarcastic tone:

"Oh my, Consort An is truly rare. We, as her older sisters, have all forgotten about her. Ah, we are so ashamed."

"I see that the items on your table are tributes; why don't you bring them to me?"

"Yes." Hearing the Emperor speak, Consort Qi's face lit up with joy, but after responding, she realized something was amiss. "Your Majesty, you have one yourself... why do you need mine?"

"I see you're not focused on eating, you're just talking non-stop. Why don't you give it to me, so it doesn't just sit there unused?"

Consort Qi blushed slightly, imagining to herself, "Your Majesty just loves to tease me."

"Consort Qi, your words are misleading. Recently, His Majesty has clearly only enjoyed joking and laughing with Consort An."

"Why do you insist on taking it out on yourself? If others hear this, they'll think you're trying to benefit from An Changzai's fame."

Consort Hua sneered, her tone laced with a hint of mockery and jealousy.

"This humble concubine is of limited talent and virtue, and humbly requests Your Highness's guidance in all matters. I also offer a toast to Consort Hua."

Despite being favored, Consort An still maintained an inferior, timid, and cautious demeanor.

Consort Hua rolled her eyes subtly, finding it unsatisfying to be targeted by others.

He didn't return the toast, but downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, which was considered as accepting An Changzai's toast.

"Consort Hua is truly magnanimous," the Empress praised.

"Where are Consort Ru and Noble Lady Xin?" The Emperor frowned as he looked at the two empty seats.