Concubine Cen was in a good mood after watching Xue Dang's joke, but she was reluctant to see Ning Wanyin die.

But Ning Wanyin didn't know what was good for her and rejected her again and again.

Since she can't use it, the sharper the knife is, the sooner it must be dealt with.

When Concubine Cen looked at Ning Wanyin, a trace of regret flashed across her eyes, but soon her expression returned to normal.

…

When the bell rang, the concubines entered the Chaohui Hall and took their seats.

Relatives and officials also arrived one after another.

Civil and military officials sit on the left, women of high rank sit on the right, and concubines sit on both sides of the main seat.

Wang Degui saluted: "The Emperor has arrived! The Empress Dowager has arrived!"

The Emperor and Empress Dowager Xue attended the event together, looking like a loving mother and a filial son.

Everyone stood up and saluted:

"Your humble servant/concubine pays homage to Your Majesty. I congratulate Your Majesty on his longevity. Long live Your Majesty. I pay homage to the Empress Dowager. May Your Majesty live a thousand years and a thousand thousand years!"

Helian Qi looked at everyone and said, "Everyone, please stand up."

The guests and hosts took their seats.

The Minister of Rites, who presided over the palace banquet, was the first to come forward and offer birthday congratulations.

According to the rules, ministers above the third rank would compose poems in response to the emperor's orders to congratulate him.

Some ministers also presented rare and precious items.

"Master, look, His Majesty has the sachet you gave him tied around his waist—" Lian Rui reminded in a surprised voice.

Ning Wanyin followed her gaze and saw that the emperor had replaced the lotus-patterned sachet she had given him, and there was a hint of surprise in her eyes.

Sachets are a very common gift.

Many concubines would embroider sachets, fan covers, clothes and shoes for the emperor.

But whether it was the lotus fragrance or the amulet, both were made with great care, making this sachet a little more special in the eyes of the emperor.

Of course, Ning Wanyin didn't think that she would be able to catch the emperor's eye just by putting in some effort.

There are countless concubines in this palace who care about the emperor.

The emperor's mind is unpredictable and difficult to understand.

All she did was fulfill her duties as a favored concubine.

It was a pleasant surprise that the emperor could tie the sachet around his waist.