It's better than him favoring only one person and letting her suffer from the pain of not being loved by her.

"Your Majesty is right. It seems that the reign of the Concubine Chen is about to disappear."

Queen Duan pointed to a big red peony flower, and the palace maid picked it and presented it to her with both hands.

"For a year and a half, she has been favored alone and has been promoted from a noble lady to a concubine in one step. This is a blessing from heaven, and she should be content."

Qingdai gave her a hairpin with flowers, "My concubines come and go, but only you, my lady, remain the eternal master of the six palaces."

"Does it look good?" Queen Duan stroked her hair.

“It’s beautiful.”

Empress Duan felt a sense of loss. How sweet it would have been if Emperor Xuanwu had said these words.

Two days later, at dinner time, in Jiaotai Hall.

Emperor Xuanwu and Empress Duan took their seats.

Below are the concubines, sitting in order of their rank.

The emperor and the empress had a very good understanding of each other. Emperor Xuanwu wore a black robe with a red nine-dragon pattern, while Empress Duan wore a bright red dress with dark dragon and phoenix patterns and a pearl crown on her head.

Sheng Xiyan glanced behind her and wished she could sit in the back row like before so she could talk with Gao Guirong and the others.

It just so happened that she was sitting at the first table in the front.

In the first part, the concubines came forward to present gifts to Queen Duan.

Starting from high and low positions, Sheng Xiyan is the first one.

Today she was wearing a honey-colored peony-scented outer dress and a pleated skirt, looking as beautiful as a lotus emerging from the water.

The palace maid brought over a ruby ​​bonsai, which was made of precious gems such as rubies and jade, and was luxurious and exquisite.

"I present the Empress with a ruby ​​bonsai, wishing her prosperity, longevity, and everlasting happiness."

The concubines beside him whispered, "This is too generous! Whatever we give will be outshined!"

"The Concubine Chen has many good things, so naturally the gifts she gives must be very valuable."

"It's almost gone. How can there be any good reward after falling out of favor? She doesn't even spend it slowly. She will cry later."

Empress Duan said with a smile, "Your Majesty, the gift from Concubine Chen is too valuable. I am embarrassed to accept it."

Xuan Ling picked up the jade cup and glanced at Sheng Xiyan coldly.

"Since it is the Empress Chen's intention, please accept it."

"Yes. Please take a seat, Concubine Chen. I like this gift very much."

Sheng Xiyan sat back. Fortunately, today's task was completed, so she could just stare blankly and plug her ears.

No one, whether sitting in the upper seat or sitting below, looked at each other.

After the banquet, everyone went to the observation deck to enjoy the fireworks display.

In the front are Emperor Xuanwu and Empress Duan.

The hierarchy is clear, and people stand according to their positions. Sheng Xiyan is on the right side of Xuan Ling.

The concubine behind him said, "Finally, the queen has become beautiful, and there is also a fireworks banquet."

Concubine Liang sneered and said, "But someone must be very sad. I lost my only favor."

Concubine Jia was behind Xuan Ling, squeezing in between him and Sheng Xiyan.

"Your Majesty, my birthday is in two months, and I want a fireworks banquet too."

Xuan Ling said coldly: "Your position is not qualified."

Concubine Jia was so angry that she almost broke into pieces.

Because Concubine Jia squeezed in, a large gap appeared between Xuan Ling and Sheng Xiyan.

She didn't move closer to him anymore and stood alone.

The fireworks bloomed in the darkness above Yu Lake, dazzling and spectacular.

Empress Duan held Xuan Ling's hand and said tenderly, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for the gift you prepared for me. I am very happy."

Xuan Ling pulled his hand back halfway, then held Queen Duan's hand again.

He smiled gently and said, "As long as the Queen likes it, I'm glad. I haven't seen you smile so brightly in a long time."

Queen Duan blushed and leaned on his shoulder, looking shy.

The concubines behind her were furious. It was unbearable. The Queen has even tried to act coquettishly and charmingly now. Is she going to give us any chance to live?!

Sheng Xiyan's eyes fell on the two people's clasped hands. Death, is this going on again?

That's fine, don't you just want to see me jealous and sad?

I'll satisfy you.

She pulled out a silk handkerchief, suddenly covered her eyes with it and burst into tears.

Oh, oh, oh...