Chapter 109 Dispute
On the day of the celebration banquet, all officials above the fourth rank in the court sat in two rows.
The gongs and drums sounded, and the gongs roared, making the place extremely lively.
In the harem, the queen also led the concubines to enjoy this joy and held the banquet in Chunxi Hall.
At this time, the most dazzling person was Concubine Yu.
She was dressed in purple brocade with a pattern of flying flowers and butterflies, and her lapels and cuffs were embellished with tiny white jade pieces and pearls, which sparkled with her every move, making her look extremely precious.
Coupled with the ruby hairpin with a phoenix spreading its wings on her head, she is so dazzling that it seems to have all the glory in her.
Even the queen, who was sitting on the throne in a bright red palace dress, was overshadowed by her.
Mingpin didn't even look at Yufei, but sat on the chair and enjoyed the wine and food.
As the palace maids were adding more delicacies, she suddenly smelled a strange odor. She covered her lips with her handkerchief and asked, "Why do I smell a foul odor?"
At this time, the palace servant brought up a plate of golden fruit pulp.
Concubine Chu took a light sniff and said, "I think I smelled it too. It's this thing."
Upon hearing this, the Jade Concubine opposite chuckled and glanced at him with contempt in her phoenix eyes.
"Princess Ming and Concubine Chu have never seen the world, so please stop making a fool of yourself here."
"You don't feel ashamed, but I do."
"You..." Mingpin frowned tightly, her eyes filled with anger.
Concubine Chu on the side grabbed her hand, signaling her not to conflict with Concubine Yu at this critical juncture.
Mingpin suppressed her anger and said through gritted teeth, "Then does Empress Yufei know what this thing is?"
Concubine Yu rolled her eyes in disdain, picked up a silver skewer beside her, and plucked the fruit from its flesh. She then spoke softly, "This fruit is called 'Liulian', and is native to East Asia. Because of its delicate flesh and sweet taste, it's called 'Liulian'."
[Note: Durian was called "Liulian" in ancient times, and later generations gradually adopted the homophonic name "Durian"]
East Asia was the defeated country, and the concubines realized that Yu Fei knew Ding because of her father.
Concubine Zhao smiled coldly, "Sweet? I don't know if there's something wrong with my nose, or if Concubine Yu has a unique preference. I only smelled a hint of pungent stench, not a single sweetness."
As if she had just heard the biggest joke, Concubine Yu laughed out loud and raised her eyebrows, saying, "If that's the case, Concubine Zhao doesn't have to taste it."
"Such a precious tribute fruit would be wasted if it fell into your mouth."
"Jade Concubine..." The queen on the throne spoke, calling out to Jade Concubine in a solemn voice.
"We are all sisters here, so why be so sharp with your words? Since this is a rare fruit, let's just enjoy it together."
Ning Fei, who was usually silent in the crowd, smiled calmly: "Your Majesty is right. Everyone has different tastes. Even the best things are hard to satisfy everyone. But looking at this golden fruit, my mouth is watering. I will try it first."
As she spoke, she picked up a piece of fruit flesh and put it in her mouth.
The concubines all looked over, with different expressions on their faces.
Some are curious, while others frown and look disgusted.
Ningpin tasted it slowly, and after a moment raised her head and said, "It's soft, sticky and sweet. The feeling in your mouth is completely different. Sisters, please enjoy it."
Mingpin choked up a lot, "Sister Ningpin, is this really delicious?"
Ningpin nodded gently: "Sister, you will know once you taste it. I taste a hint of milk."
The Queen smiled dignifiedly, her red lips moving slightly. "The book once said, 'The thorns are green and dense, while the flesh is purple and plump.' I believe it is referring to this lingering feeling."
After saying this, she put the fruit into her mouth, savored it carefully, and nodded in satisfaction: "It's soft, sticky, and dense, and tastes really good. Ladies, try it too."
The Jade Concubine's beautiful eyes flickered slowly: "This thing is precious and very nutritious. There are only five plates in total. I think it's not enough to share..."
She set her eyes on the seated Liu Yuetang: "For example, at Concubine Xi's table, only Concubine Rong can sit next to her."
The banquet was for three people at each table, and Liu Yuetang's table happened to be for her, Rong Jieyu and Ning Fei.
Although there are only two pieces of fruit in a plate, there is a knife and fork on the table, so they can be divided evenly.
It can be seen that Concubine Yu was deliberately making things difficult for Liu Yuetang.
However, Liu Yuetang was not surprised. In the past, Concubine Yu was the most favored, but in the past two months, Concubine Yu's favor had gradually faded, and she had often been the one to sleep with him.
Now is the time when she is at the peak of her career, so naturally she will not miss any opportunity to cause trouble for herself.
If she wants to be arrogant, then let her be even more arrogant.
When she has no way out, these arrogant people will be like a knife on her neck.
Liu Yuetang then nodded respectfully: "Yes, Concubine Rong is pregnant with the royal heir, so I should put her first."
Seeing her obedience, Concubine Yu's eyes were filled with pride. She turned to look at Concubine Zhao and said, "Since Concubine Zhao finds this fruit pungent, she probably won't eat it."
She winked at the palace attendant beside her and said, "Go and bring Concubine Zhao's portion to me."
How could Concubine Zhao tolerate such a blatant provocation? Her face immediately darkened: "Concubine Yu, please don't push your luck!"
Her pretty face was tinged with anger as she said in a cold voice, "Do you think I can do nothing to you just because you're so arrogant and presumptuous because of your father's military achievements? I'm not Concubine Rong, a weak and incompetent woman who can be manipulated by you."
"Even if I don't want to eat this, I can't give it to you!"
After saying that, she picked up the plate and poured the wine on the ground.
Everyone was shocked and looked like they were enjoying a good show.
The fiercest tigers in the palace started fighting, which was much more exciting than watching a play.
"You--" Yu Fei's face turned pale, and she stepped forward and was about to slap him.
The queen's expression changed as she slammed the table with her hand: "How dare you!"
"Do you still see me as the queen?"
Yu Fei's raised hand froze in mid-air, and she put it down angrily, and bowed down with Zhao Fei.
At the same time, the concubines all knelt and said, "Your Majesty, please calm down."
The Queen's voice was steady but carried an undeniable intimidation: "Today is a great day. You two are both among the Four Consorts, the head of the imperial concubines. How can you argue like shrews over a tribute fruit? How disgraceful!"
"Empress, it's Concubine Zhao..."
Before Concubine Yu could finish her words, the Queen interrupted her coldly: "I have eyes, there is no need for you to explain."
The Queen rarely spoke in such a harsh tone. Concubine Yu was furious but did not dare to lose her temper.
After all, she is the queen. If the emperor hears about this, I'm afraid he will be caught off guard.
The Empress looked down at everyone and said, "I don't care what your family backgrounds are. Once you enter the palace, you must abide by your duties as a concubine. Only when the harem is harmonious can the Emperor focus on state affairs."
The concubines bowed and said yes.
The Queen relaxed her expression and said, "Let's put today's matter aside. Concubine Yu and Concubine Zhao, you will each return to the palace and stay under house arrest for three days. Copy the "Instructions for Women" carefully."
Concubine Yu was startled and looked up to speak, but the Queen's oppressive voice rang out: "No discussion allowed!"
Mingpin raised a pleased smile and said loudly, "The Queen is wise."
Therefore, even though Concubine Zhao and Concubine Yu were dissatisfied in many ways, they did not dare to show it because of their status as the Empress, and could only grit their teeth and endure it.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
