Xiao Yanzi and her companions, who arrived late, finally reached the Bright Hall, just in time to meet Qingyin, who was receiving the imperial decree.

Xiao Yanzi and the others were completely stunned. Could such a beautiful person really exist? She subconsciously glanced at the Fifth Prince Yongqi sitting upright to her lower left. Seeing that he wasn't looking at Qingyin, she felt relieved. Yongqi wasn't the kind of person who would be attracted to beautiful women! She should trust him.

She looked directly at Qingyin with a hint of hostility, "Who are you?"

Qingyin had finally met this lucky Princess Huanzhu, a woman favored by both Emperor Qianlong and Yongqi, two powerful figures. Her appearance could only be described as pretty, but unfortunately, the jealousy on her face ruined that beauty. Qingyin was somewhat disappointed. The only reason she was liked was because of her unrestrained liveliness, which was different from the proper way of raising a well-bred young lady. Even this advantage would only be worn away over time, leaving behind only trivial matters.

Qingyin had not yet been granted a title. With her raven-feather-like eyelashes lowered, she pretended to be frightened and said softly, "This humble woman is Guli, the eldest daughter of the Great Khan of the Hui tribe. I have met you, Princess."

Hearing the charming voice in her ear, Xiao Yanzi was even more displeased. She was about to say something when she was interrupted by Qianlong's voice.

Seeing that the late-arriving Little Swallow was still arrogant and intended to oppose his beloved concubine, Emperor Qianlong said sternly, "Princess Huanzhu has no respect for elders and does not follow the rules. Take her out and give her twenty strokes of the cane, and confine her for three months."

The sudden punishment from her father startled Xiao Yanzi, causing her to collapse to the ground. She hadn't expected it to be because she had offended Qingyin; she had thought it was because she was late that her father had punished her. Trembling, she looked at her father, who had always doted on her, but now had a cold expression on his face. Xiao Yanzi couldn't help but feel genuinely afraid, her eyes pleading for help in Yongqi's direction. Seeing that Yongqi remained motionless, she felt utterly hopeless and was dragged away by her maid.

Yongqi also noticed Xiaoyanzi's gaze, but seeing her making things difficult for the innocent Princess Guli and Consort Buyu, he couldn't bring himself to offer any words of advice.

The banquet quieted down considerably after the incident with Little Swallow, but soon became lively again at the shrewd old man's suggestion.

Having achieved his goal, Bailey looked at Qingyin, who had been bestowed the title of Imperial Concubine, with eyes full of reluctance. Now that his sister had become an Imperial Concubine, he couldn't stay long; the chances of seeing her again would be fewer. His gaze swept over Hanxiang, who was beaming with joy, and a surge of anger rose in his heart. Human hearts are made of flesh and blood; his elder sister had married the Qing Emperor for the sake of their clan, yet his younger sister had repeatedly gone on hunger strikes because of this. Seeing Lier marry, she showed no concern whatsoever. He was undoubtedly disappointed in her; his younger sister was too selfish.

Hanxiang wasn't without worries about her elder sister, but once her sister married the emperor, she would definitely be able to go back, and there was also Mengdan waiting for her in the Hui region. Hanxiang smiled, a rare occurrence for her.

Qingyin watched the beauties dancing below the stage. Being an emperor was truly wonderful; not only could she openly admire beautiful women, but she could also enjoy their attentiveness. But had Hanxiang's beloved Mengdan also arrived in the capital? Thinking of Mengdan's stubbornness, disregarding his clansmen, Qingyin frowned in disgust. Qianlong, who had been observing, assumed Qingyin disliked the bitter cabbage dish. Noticing that Qingyin had eaten many sweet pastries, he ordered several fresh red bean cakes and barley cakes to be brought over. Seeing Qingyin's delighted expression, he smiled.

She looks sweet and loves to eat sweet things, she really is like a baby raised in a sweet pot!

At the banquet, the bright and cheerful Princess Saiya was a true beauty enthusiast. She had been thinking about how to propose a marriage partner to the Qing Emperor, but now, looking at Princess Guli, she was completely captivated. She couldn't even stand the Fu Erkang she had previously admired. It was a pity that she was a woman. Princess Guli's face was truly the one she cherished most.

Seeing Princess Saiya staring at her with intense passion and delight, Qingyin smiled slightly at her, which made Princess Saiya's face turn bright red, and she dared not look at her so presumptuously anymore.

Emperor Qianlong witnessed this scene and glared at Princess Saiya with inexplicable displeasure. However, he knew that precious treasures easily attract unwanted attention, especially since he possessed the most unique and irreplaceable treasure in the world. He confidently and casually glanced at his princes, ignoring their subtle actions.

Saiya, sensing danger, shuddered, but the feeling was fleeting and quickly disappeared.

Just before the banquet ended, Saiya, prompted by those around her, finally remembered her business and proposed the martial arts contest to the Emperor. Even without Qingyin, she had no intention of marrying the Emperor or a prince. As the only daughter of the Tibetan King, she had a right to inherit the throne. Marrying such a person would not only forfeit her inheritance but also force her to leave her homeland; she would be insane to do such a thing. Originally, she had planned to take a handsome young man from the Qing Dynasty with her, but with such a gem before her, she really didn't want to go against her wishes and bring home an ugly man. She would use the martial arts contest to smooth things over for now; after all, it wouldn't affect her much.

Emperor Qianlong readily agreed to Princess Saiya's suggestion. He was currently only paying lip service to Qingyin's matter and showed little interest in anything else.

The banquet passed quickly, and Qingyin and Alisa had to stay in the palace to wait for the Imperial Concubine's ceremony.

Emperor Qianlong left Qingyin in the Qianqing Palace. He had no intention of taking Qingyin with him that night; he just wanted to be close to her and ignored the advice of the officials in charge of rites.

The system of rites was meant to bind the servants, not the ruler himself.

Faced with Qianlong's threatening gaze, the official in charge of recording and advising the emperor immediately withdrew what he was about to say. It wasn't a big deal, and he wasn't stupid to risk losing his head for it.

Before Consort Ling could go to Yanxi Palace, she received news that the Emperor had bypassed them and taken a new concubine, Consort Yu, as his concubine, and that Xiao Yanzi had been severely punished. These events completely overwhelmed Consort Ling.

"What!"

Consort Ling's sharp, red-dyed fingernails dug directly into the arm of the maid, Lü Rou, who was reporting the matter. Lü Rou shuddered in pain, but even so, she dared not cry out and could only continue to explain the situation to Consort Ling in a trembling voice.

Consort Ling may appear gentle and submissive to the Emperor, but behind the scenes she is ruthless to the point of being terrifying. Lü Rou panicked at the thought of all the maids who had offended Consort Ling and disappeared without a trace. She clenched her teeth, not daring to utter a sound that might anger her.

Supported by her maid, Consort Ling collapsed to the ground. How could this be? How could the Emperor punish Xiao Yanzi so severely for being late? Even when Xiao Yanzi trespassed into the Empress's palace, she wasn't punished this harshly! Wasn't he always so fond of Xiao Yanzi? And that lowly Consort, how dare she be called that! The more she thought about it, the more upset she became. In her anger, she smashed the glass vase beside her. The entire hall fell silent, and the maids serving her wished they could grovel to the ground.

Ziwei, who happened to be walking into a side room and heard the commotion, was startled. When she approached the hall, she saw Consort Ling's usual gentle smile, as if she were wearing a mask. "Ziwei, what brings you here?"