Chapter 185 Nian Shilan's Birthday
Just as Zhen Huan and others were discussing how to find out what had happened between the late queen and the new queen, the days passed quietly, and soon, Nian Shilan's birthday was approaching.
"Sister Hua, I heard that the Emperor is planning to hold a banquet for you this year to celebrate your childbirth. I've heard before that Sister Hua is the most favored of the six harems, and now it seems to be true."
Yana came to Yiku Palace to look for Nian Shilan today as usual. Seeing that everyone in the palace was busy preparing for Nian Shilan's upcoming birthday, she felt very envious. She knew that on her birthday, no family would be with her anymore.
"Yana, sometimes what you see with your eyes may not necessarily be the truth."
In previous years, Nian Shilan's birthday party would also be held very grandly, but since she was reborn, she has been tired of this kind of superficial extravagance. In the past few years, she has declined the emperor's kindness, but this year, for some reason, the emperor has made such a decision without informing her. Nian Shilan guessed that the emperor must have done so with the instigation of her people behind the scenes, but she didn't know what the purpose of this person behind the scenes was.
However, no matter what the purpose was, she would soon know.
That day soon arrived.
On that day, Nian Shilan got up and dressed slowly. She did not seem very happy about the special occasion of the day, but in order to avoid being caught by others, she still had to pay due attention.
"Songzhi, bring me the red dress I just made. I'm going to wear that today."
In fact, her dressing style has changed a lot in recent years. Her favorite red color has been put aside after her past self died, and she often chooses light and elegant series.
But today, she decided to put on the red dress again, as a reminder to everyone in the harem that she, Nian Shilan, is still as bold and unrestrained as ever.
"Yes, I will get it for you right away."
No matter what decision Nian Shilan makes, Songzhi will feel very happy in her heart. Her queen is now more and more beautiful, and she has good relations with Concubine Xi, Concubine Jing, Concubine Duan, Concubine Hui and others. Compared with previous years, she is now happier from the bottom of her heart.
"Songzhi, you need to be more alert today. I suspect that person from Jingren Palace is getting restless again. I wonder what he's going to do at this banquet. If something does happen, you need to be able to adapt to the situation."
Nian Shilan didn't want to think of the worst, but she knew the queen's temper very well. The harem had been unusually peaceful during this period. It seemed that the queen was holding back a big move, and she had to deal with it carefully.
Just then Zhou Ninghai walked in from outside.
"Your Majesty, I have heard that Concubine Rou has been going to Jingren Palace very frequently these days. Even the Fourth Prince has not been summoned so frequently during this period."
The Queen has always attached great importance to the Fourth Prince's studies and would personally ask him about them every day. Now this behavior is unusual no matter how you think about it.
"Send someone to keep a close eye on Rou Changzai and don't alert the enemy."
She wanted to see what else Rou Changzai could do.
“Yeah.”
Nian Shilan sat there quietly and let Songzhi carefully put on makeup for her.
"Alright, Songzhi, you're going to turn my face into a mess."
When Songzhi was about to check herself again, Nian Shilan couldn't help but speak. She looked at Songzhi through the mirror helplessly.
Looking at this girl's behavior, if you don't know her, you would think she is getting married today, as she is making it such a grand occasion.
"Well, it's almost time, and we should definitely set off."
If it wasn't really time to set off, Songzhi would have really wanted to carefully dress up Nian Shilan again.
"I pay my respects to the Emperor."
Nian Shilan and Songzhi soon arrived at the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
"My dear, please get up."
The emperor saw Nian Shilan walking towards him from afar. She was dressed in red today, which made him feel dazed for a moment, as if he saw the unrestrained little girl who had just entered the mansion.
"Yes, Shilan looks very different today. I like her very much. This dress makes you look even more gorgeous."
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. I am very happy to have such a banquet prepared for me."
Although she was very impatient in her heart, Nian Shilan still smiled brightly in front of the emperor, which made the emperor even happier.
The emperor stepped forward and held Nian Shilan's hand, leading her to sit down at the seat next to him. However, this action made the queen sitting on the other side feel very resentful. However, when she thought about what was going to happen later, she felt very happy.
Soon, Zhen Huan and others also arrived at the Palace of Heavenly Purity one after another.
"Your Highness, I pay my respects to you. May your Highness be blessed with good health and happiness."
"Greetings to the Empress, and to Concubine Hua."
"No need to be polite, please sit down."
The emperor waved his hand to everyone and told them to be more casual.
"Today is Se-ran's birthday. I know that given Se-ran's personality, she wouldn't want to host such a grand banquet. However, the Queen suggested to me that Se-ran has been busy with all kinds of trivial matters in the palace for many years and is very tired. Why not take this opportunity to give Se-ran a surprise? I think this suggestion is very good. I am very pleased to see such harmony in the harem."
The emperor's words did not surprise Nian Shilan too much. She had guessed before that the queen must have said something in front of the emperor, which led to today's banquet. It seemed that she wanted to take this opportunity to let Rou Changzai regain the emperor's favor. However, the queen did not think about whether she, Nian Shilan, would let her have her way.
Nian Shilan took the opportunity to look at Songzhi, who immediately understood what she meant and found an excuse to leave the banquet.
"I heard the Queen say earlier that she would give Concubine Hua a surprise today. Can you tell me now?"
When the Queen first spoke to the Emperor, she only mentioned it briefly, without mentioning what specific surprises she had prepared. This aroused the Emperor's curiosity.
"Today is Concubine Hua's birthday. I know that Concubine Hua has always loved crab roe pastries, so I specially ordered them to be prepared early. Concubine Hua will definitely enjoy some later."
"Your Majesty is so thoughtful. I thank you for your grace."
"As long as Concubine Hua likes it, this is just one of the gifts I gave you. As for the second one, I know that Concubine Hua loved riding and shooting before she entered the palace. I ordered someone to make a set of riding and shooting clothes for her. I wonder if you like it.
"What your Majesty has prepared is naturally the best. I am sure you will be very happy."
"That's good."
The emperor saw that they had almost finished talking, so he ordered Su Peisheng that the banquet could officially begin.
Following Su Peisheng's movement, the musicians in the palace stepped into the hall one after another. The sound of music rang out in an instant, and many court dancers with veils followed closely behind and came slowly.
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