The following morning, sunlight streamed through the intricately carved window lattices, dappling the main hall of the Zichen Palace and adding a touch of softness to this solemn place. Lin Muhan, dressed in a python robe embroidered with gold dragons, had a handsome face and eyes that exuded an imposing and dignified aura.
His fingers were long and strong, gently gripping the armrest of the chair. He sat upright in the head seat, his face stern, with a hint of barely perceptible dissatisfaction in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Feng Jun Li Jing, dressed in an elegant moon-white robe, sat at the lower end, silent and with a complex expression in his eyes.
He and the Emperor's Consort had been waiting for an hour, but the Imperial Noble Consort still hadn't arrived. Clearly, Yunzhang wanted to give this newly appointed Emperor's Consort a hard time.
Ranked attendants like Li Jin took their seats next to the Phoenix Lord. Meanwhile, the male attendants without rank sat near the entrance of the Zichen Palace, their hearts filled with unease.
Well, this is going to be interesting.
Everyone had different thoughts.
"The Imperial Noble Consort has arrived—"
With a crisp announcement, Imperial Nobleman Yunzhang slowly walked into the main hall. He was dressed in a magnificent brocade robe, the wide robe embroidered with exquisite cloud patterns, and the snow-white waistband embroidered with flying crane patterns, which made his waist look even more upright and slender.
Behind him, several servants carried trays with steaming hot tea, ready to serve the royal consort.
"Your Majesty, please have some tea," Imperial Noble Jun Yunzhang said coldly, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible provocation.
Lin Muhan smiled slightly, calmly accepted the tea, first respectfully nodded to Yun Zhang, then took a sip, his demeanor exuding elegance.
However, Yunzhang's gaze, fixed on the rim of the teacup, grew increasingly cold.
At this moment, the imperial attendant Li Jin stepped forward lightly, a cryptic smile on his face. "Your Highness is truly quite imposing, making us and the Emperor wait for a full hour." His words carried a hint of dissatisfaction; in his life, what he hated most was effeminate men.
On his way to Zichen Palace today, he met Feng Jun. From Feng Jun, he learned that the Imperial Noble Consort had been drunk in Jisheng Lake last night and was pulled out of the lake this morning, disheveled.
Yun Zhang's gaze lingered on Li Jin's face for a moment, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Thank you for the compliment, Your Excellency. Last night, I accidentally drank too much and slept past my appointed time. My Royal Consort hasn't blamed me yet. Are you going to stand up for him, Your Excellency?" In just a few words, Yun Zhang subtly sowed discord between the Royal Consort and the Attendant, causing Li Jin's smile to freeze slightly.
At this moment, Feng Jun Li Jing finally spoke, "Your Majesty, I, Feng Jun Li Jing, offer you a toast." He raised the teacup in his hand, his eyes full of sincerity.
Lin Muhan readily accepted, and the two exchanged a smile, as if they had reached some kind of tacit understanding.
Li Jin glanced at Lin Muhan, then at Li Jing, wondering what the two were trying to evade. He scratched his head, raised his glass in return.
At the entrance of Zichen Palace, a group of male servants without official rank stood or sat, discussing amongst themselves. Although they were not allowed to enter the main hall, they were all filled with curiosity about what was inside.
"Look at him, the Emperor's Consort is so handsome, even the Imperial Noble Consort and the Phoenix Consort look at him differently," a servant said enviously.
"Hmph, what's the use of being handsome? The Imperial Noble Consort is the powerful Prince Yi, and she doesn't treat him very well," another servant retorted. "Our Imperial Consort is just from a humble background. In terms of methods, how can he compare to the Imperial Noble Consort? Don't choose the wrong side."
"Haha, that's right. Perhaps His Royal Consort has his own methods to satisfy His Majesty and all the masters," a clever male servant joked, eliciting a burst of laughter.
Just as everyone was discussing amongst themselves, Yun Zhang had finished the tea ceremony and was preparing to leave the main hall. As he passed the doorway, his gaze swept over the male servants, a gentle smile appearing on his face, as if he could see right through them. "You've all worked hard. Please come and have a cup of tea with me when you have time."
Upon hearing this, the male attendants bowed deeply, their reverence for the Imperial Noble Consort growing even stronger.
Inside the Zichen Palace, Emperor Fengjun Li Jing watched as the face of his new consort, seated high above, grew increasingly grim. He seemed to have a premonition that this new consort would bring considerable turmoil to their peaceful harem life.
Let's see, when two tigers fight, one will surely be injured. He can simply play the role of the oriole in the rear, unaware of the danger.
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