Chapter 91: Forcing Favors

She had always been aloof, but now it had become even worse.

However, it was she who had implicated Concubine Mo in the past, so although she had no friendship towards Concubine Mo, she felt a bit guilty.

"I know, I know. I don't mean to blame my sister. It was just a joke!" Mo Guiren quickly laughed again, and suddenly sighed softly: "It's okay for me, but it's different for my sister. Why is the emperor treating my sister like this now? I——"

"Okay, don't say that. I don't like to hear it."

Concubine Mo paused, suppressing her embarrassment as she spoke, "Haven't you had enough of being in the cold palace? Are you willing to accept this? The Emperor must be feeling guilty about you now, so why don't you fight for it? It's okay for others, but Concubine Chen... who is she? Let someone like that dominate the scene, so arrogant and ostentatious, and overshadow her. Who can accept this?"

Meipin glanced at her and said, "Lady Mo, there's no such thing as resignation in this palace. Everyone has their own way of living. If you're not convinced, do whatever you want. But it has nothing to do with me, and I can't help you. Don't say these things to me again."

Mo Guiren was so angry that she couldn't help but say, "But I was implicated by my sister in the beginning. The emperor hasn't even bothered to look at me now. Why should I feel so wronged? How about you introduce me to the emperor? That would be your repayment."

Meipin pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Okay, I'll introduce you once, and from now on, I won't owe you anything."

Noble Lady Mo was overjoyed: "Thank you, sister!"

"But the Emperor has his own ideas. I can't guarantee whether they will succeed."

"As long as my sister asks, the emperor will definitely give her face."

Meipin did not comment and left without staying.

Concubine Mo was very pleased and went back briskly.

The next day, Aunt Nan from Shengping Office came.

Xu Lanshan had told Emperor Yuan Yong yesterday that she wanted to practice dancing to celebrate his birthday, and wanted someone from the Shengping Office to cooperate. Emperor Yuan Yong naturally agreed and assigned Dong Zhi to do so.

Dong Zhi did not dare to neglect the affairs of Concubine Chen, so he quickly called Aunt Nan over and told her to serve him well and obey any instructions given by Concubine Chen.

Concubine Chen is planning to choreograph a dance to celebrate the Emperor's birthday, and the Emperor is eagerly waiting. As long as Concubine Chen can please the Emperor, the Shengping Office will definitely benefit from it.

Aunt Nan quickly agreed and came over quickly.

Even Eunuch Dong Zhi did not dare to neglect the affairs of Concubine Chen. She was also a smart person and could understand it, so of course she had to follow up.

Xu Lanshan was very satisfied, and became even more satisfied after chatting with Aunt Nan.

She has almost mastered the dance skills in the space, and now she just needs to find eighteen dancers to cooperate with her.

The coordinated dance will not be too complicated. There is still a month left, which is more than enough time to practice the coordination and prepare the necessary props.

Aunt Nan will go back and select people according to her requirements, and the backup personnel will also be arranged. After two days, she will personally review it and decide on it, and then start rehearsals.

Aunt Nan is the second-in-command of the Shengping Office and has her own group of musicians, dancers, and musical instruments under her charge. Since Dong Zhi handed the matter over to her, Xu Lanshan felt relieved.

Aunt Nan and Xu Lanshan had almost finished their discussion when Concubine Feng came again.

Seeing Aunt Nan here, Concubine Feng was stunned and said with a smile: "Sister, what are you doing——"

This matter cannot be concealed from anyone. After all, there are so many people in Shengping Office. They can practice dancing behind closed doors, but there is no way to hide what they are doing.

Xu Lanshan smiled and sent Aunt Nan away first, then smiled and explained everything to Concubine Feng.

Concubine Feng was filled with envy. "Sister, you are truly multi-talented! I admire you! The dance you performed at Concubine Lian's birthday banquet was truly breathtaking. I still remember it. I never thought your sister would dance for the Emperor's birthday again. It's bound to be extraordinary again. I'm really looking forward to it!"

Concubine Feng was truly envious, but she knew nothing about dancing. Otherwise, she would have shamelessly tried to collaborate with Xu Lanshan. Perhaps she could even win the Emperor's favor.

Xu Lanshan smiled modestly: "Your Majesty, the Empress, and all the ladies, what good things have you not seen? I am just showing off my skills. I dare not say how well I dance. What matters is the intention."

Concubine Feng smiled faintly and sighed, "Not everyone can afford such a thoughtful gesture!"

Concubine Feng was even a little discouraged. So what if she was a lady from a noble family? So what if she came from a famous family? She couldn't say she was proficient in all the arts, but she had worked hard to achieve some success. When she was at home, she had also received many praises at various banquets and social occasions.

But after entering the palace, she found that everyone could do what she could do, and some could even do it better than her.

Therefore, whenever she needed to show off her skills to win favor, she was shy to do so. There were always people who were better at each skill than she was.

Even if she wanted to be scholarly and otherworldly, she was still far inferior to Concubine Mei.

But she really couldn't bear this kind of torture, as she didn't have many years left. She had to fight for herself, so she often came to Xu Lanshan, hoping to run into the emperor more often. Who knew that one day he would show her mercy?

Xu Lanshan smiled thoughtfully and said, "By the way, I have to think about this dance carefully these few days. From time to time, I have to go to Shengping Office to practice with the dancers. I'm afraid I won't have time to chat with my sister..."

So, you'd better not come to me.

Xu Lanshan's words were almost like a dismissal, and Concubine Feng felt humiliated. How had she ever been reduced to this state? She actually had to beg for someone like Xu Lanshan!

Since she was already here, she'd already come this far even if she didn't do anything, so there was no need to worry about being more humble. Concubine Feng forced a smile and said, "Although I'm not good at singing or dancing, I'm quite good at playing the zither. Why don't I discuss this with my sister? It would be too lonely for my sister to go to the Shengping Office alone. Why don't I accompany her? At least she'll have a companion to discuss things with, wouldn't it?"

Concubine Feng's heart moved, and her eyes lit up. If so, wouldn't this performance also be considered her contribution? Surely the Emperor wouldn't fail to notice her?

Xu Lanshan almost laughed out of anger.

Is Concubine Feng thinking of taking advantage of something that's already available? That's a beautiful thought!

He's clearly taking advantage, saying everything he does is for his own good and his own benefit! He's truly taking advantage and still acting ungratefully. Don't make yourself sick.

"No need," Xu Lanshan said calmly, "I've already made up my mind about the choreography for this dance, and I don't intend to change it. If Sister Feng has any ideas, why not think about it yourself and perform it alone, or consult with others. I really don't need it here."

Feng Guiren's maid, Ju Shuang, couldn't help but say, "Guan Guiren, our concubine sincerely wants to help you, why is Concubine Chen so unkind? We are so kind to Concubine Chen."