Chapter 192 Incident

Perhaps Xu Lanshan had become insensitive over time and had turned a deaf ear to what was happening outside, or perhaps she simply had no thoughts about this, so she didn't think about it.

It was Concubine Shu who came closer to her with a smile and asked her to look, "Look, sister, there are so many fresh and beautiful girls at the palace banquet today! Ah, it's good to be young. We are a bit older, no matter how much we dress up in brocade and pearls, we can't compare to the youthful and lively girls of fifteen or sixteen! Look at these girls, each one of them is as tender as a shallot, with lively eyes and innocent smiles. Who wouldn't like them when they see them!"

Xu Lanshan: “…”

She was a little speechless. What do you mean by "somewhat old"? She's not even twenty yet! She's completely different from Concubine Shu.

However, if Concubine Shu hadn't told her, she really wouldn't have noticed that there were indeed many aristocratic girls at the palace banquet.

Xu Lanshan asked unconsciously, "Weren't there so many young girls at the palace banquet in previous years?"

"Of course!" Concubine Shu smiled. "I think the selection is coming soon. Since there is an opportunity, my family will naturally be happy to bring them in early to see it."

Xu Lanshan said "Oh!" softly and nodded without saying anything.

Concubine Shu glanced at her and couldn't help but say, "Sister, look, is there anyone outstanding? Let's guess who will come out on top and catch the emperor's eye during the selection."

Xu Lanshan smiled faintly: "It's not a good idea for us to discuss this... right?"

"What's the big deal? We were just talking casually in private!"

"Forgive my poor eyesight for not being able to see it. I am so disappointed, Sister Shufei."

Concubine Shu looked at her deeply and smiled, "That's fine. I can't say I'm disappointed. Anyway, we'll know when the selection comes!"

"Yes, Sister Shufei is right."

As he was speaking, Dong Zhi brought two palace maids over and instructed them to place the two dishes on the trays in front of Concubine Shu and Xu Lanshan respectively.

"Empress Shufei, Empress Chenfei, this is a special gift from the Emperor to the two ladies and the eldest prince. The Emperor also said that as long as the two ladies like it, there is no need to thank them."

Xu Lanshan and Concubine Shu subconsciously turned their heads and looked towards Emperor Yuan Yong. Emperor Yuan Yong happened to look over, but he only looked at Xu Lanshan. When their eyes met, a faint smile flashed across his eyes, and then he looked away.

Shufei suddenly felt a little upset and angry, but because she was proud of her status, she naturally would not compare herself with Xu Lanshan face to face, otherwise it would be too ungraceful.

Dong Zhi withdrew respectfully.

Concubine Shu smiled and said, "Your Majesty is thoughtful, but I am grateful to my sister, Concubine Chen!"

Xu Lanshan smiled and said, "Sister Shufei, what are you talking about? The Emperor naturally values ​​Sister Shufei and the eldest prince more. In fact, it is because of Sister Shufei that I am able to achieve this!"

Shufei watched as Yuchan served Xu Lanshan a small bowl of fish paste and golden fin soup. Xu Lanshan was eating it in small bites, obviously liking it very much. She then glanced at the Baxi duck and roasted sea cucumber that the emperor had rewarded her with. They looked exquisite and grand, but neither she nor the eldest prince liked these two dishes.

The gift the emperor gave to Concubine Chen was what she liked, but the gift he gave to them and their son was not what she liked.

Is there any need to tell me who the emperor values ​​most?

Concubine Shu secretly told herself that she already had a prince! Although the prince was young and hadn't yet begun to learn, and it was unknown how much knowledge he would have in the future, the emperor and her child would definitely be extraordinary, and would definitely be a promising and outstanding person! Why should she be so upset? She just had to wait patiently...

She had said this to herself at least eight hundred times, if not a thousand times, and each time it made her calm down, feel composed, and then full of fighting spirit, and she felt as secure as if she was sitting in a fishing boat.

But today, looking at Xu Lanshan's belly which had not yet shown any signs of pregnancy, she suddenly felt very upset!

These words of comfort I've said eight hundred times don't seem to be working anymore...

Xu Lanshan felt a hint of sharpness in Concubine Shu's eyes. She looked up and saw Concubine Shu smiling at her gently. Xu Lanshan smiled back, still lowering her head and eating her food leisurely.

This palace banquet is really boring!

Emperor Yuan Yong occasionally spoke a few words to the Empress and the Queen Mother, and the audience would inevitably echo and join in the fun. The singing and dancing were very exciting, but also very noisy.

Xu Lanshan and Bai Jieyu could not sit at the same table. At the concubine's table, there were only her, Concubine Shu, and the eldest prince.

Shufei was originally talking to her enthusiastically about this noble lady and that noble lady, but for some reason she lost interest and stopped talking.

Once she fell silent, Xu Lanshan became even more reluctant to speak.

When the banquet was finally halfway through, Xu Lanshan asked Nanny An to report to the Emperor, the Empress, and the Queen Mother that she was a little tired and wanted to return to Lianyi Palace first.

The Queen smiled and said, "Sister Chenfei is pregnant and can't stay up late. It's my fault. I should have cared about her earlier. Why don't we let her go back? What do you think, Your Majesty?"

The Queen Mother nodded and said a few polite words.

Emperor Yuan Yong wished he could go with Xu Lanshan, but that was obviously impossible at this moment. He nodded and said, "Send Concubine Chen back carefully. If she feels sleepy, help her to bed. If she wants to have something to eat for a midnight snack, send someone to the imperial kitchen to make it. Be careful on your way back!"

Nanny An responded one by one and knelt down to retreat.

The Queen listened to what Emperor Yuan Yong said with a smile on her face all the time, but no one knew what she was thinking in her heart.

When Nanny An, Yu Chan and others escorted Xu Lanshan out of the hall, a biting cold wind blew in their faces.

Even though she was wrapped in a thick cloak and holding a hand warmer, Xu Lanshan couldn't help but shiver. Nanny An hurriedly ordered someone to bring the sedan chair to the corridor.

Although it is against the rules, the emperor has always loved Concubine Chen. If Concubine Chen catches a cold and falls ill while pregnant, that is a big deal. Other minor details are not that important.

Two teams of palace maids came slowly from one end of the palace, holding trays with plates of fresh fruits and candied fruits.

When they were behind Xu Lanshan and the others, someone stepped on someone else's skirt and fell forward. There was only a scream, and the two teams of palace maids fell down in confusion and panic. At this moment, Xu Lanshan and the others were completely focused on the sedan chair at the bottom of the stairs, and they didn't notice what was behind them at all. In the chaos, Xu Lanshan felt someone push her hard from behind, and suddenly her feet were empty, and she fell towards the stairs involuntarily!

Yuchan hugged Xu Lanshan regardless of everything and rolled down with her.

Everyone was scared out of their wits!

"Empress!"

"Empress Chen!"

Nanny An and the people serving Xu Lanshan were so frightened that they almost fainted!

The screams, cries and shouts outside the palace could not be drowned out by the lively and cheerful singing, dancing, music, drinking and laughter inside. Emperor Yuan Yong frowned and the empress hurriedly sent someone out to see.