Chapter 290 Struggle for Favor in the Harem
But after the selection of the emperor, the young men waited day and night for half a month, but the emperor still did not enter the harem.
I heard that he was too busy with the affairs of the previous dynasty, and even though the Imperial Attendant had gone to invite him several times, he had been refused.
Everyone eagerly awaited the Empress's birthday, which arrived on May 15th.
The Emperor specially set up a banquet by the Taiye Pond, inviting everyone in the harem to join in the festivities and celebrate the Empress's birthday.
Only then were these young men able to meet the Emperor.
Of course, many people had seen the Emperor before at various banquets and autumn hunts, but this was the first time they had seen her as the Emperor's attendants, which naturally made it different.
Therefore, everyone at Taiye Pond tonight is dressed in their finest attire.
Only Wang Yanzhi remained in a moon-white long robe, standing out starkly from the surrounding brocade and fine clothes, prompting others to mutter to themselves, "He's dressed like his parents have died; doesn't he feel unlucky?"
Someone nearby immediately chimed in meaningfully, "You just don't understand. Our colorful attire only makes him appear more refined and otherworldly. Look at his ethereal, otherworldly demeanor—isn't that a unique approach?"
The speaker gazed at Wang Yanzhi's solitary figure by the water, his tone tinged with a hint of envy: "With such grace, perhaps His Majesty might catch his eye."
Huang Mian went to great lengths, having specially inquired that "His Majesty used to love light green dresses the most," and searched all the embroidery workshops in the capital before finally finding a piece of brocade of the same color, and rushed to make the new dress she was wearing.
He stood in the crowd, feeling quite pleased with himself for wearing such an elegant and refined light green dress, when he heard a clear voice say, "Hey? Why are you wearing the same color as me?"
Huang Mian's heart tightened, and when he turned around, he saw Jue La Yun Dan walking towards him.
He was wearing a light green palace dress, with delicate cloud patterns embroidered on the collar and cuffs, which looked even more luxurious than his brocade robe.
Jue La Yun Dan looked at him, frowned, and said seriously, "Isn't this just 'imitating others without understanding'? Don't copy my clothes next time. I don't like wearing the same things as others!"
This was a newly learned idiom, and he wasn't quite sure if he used it correctly. But seeing Huang Mian's face turn liver-colored instantly, looking as uncomfortable as if he had swallowed a fly, he figured he was probably right.
A few suppressed chuckles came from the surrounding area.
Although Huang Mian was unwilling, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and respectfully bow, since his rank was lower than others.
"Greetings, Your Excellency. Your instruction is correct. I will certainly pay attention in the future."
Just then, a palace attendant announced loudly from afar, "His Majesty has arrived!"
Li Yuanzhao, dressed in a red robe embroidered with gold dragons and with his black hair tied up high, arrived under the moonlight.
Beside her stood Pei Huaijin, who was also dressed in a bright red palace gown with phoenix patterns.
The emperor and empress, their robes complementing each other, looked like a perfect couple.
The area around Taiye Pond fell silent instantly, and everyone knelt down to pay their respects.
Only Jue La Yun Dan was very bold. She stepped over the crowd and stood in front of Li Yuan Zhao, complaining, "What have you been busy with for the past two weeks? I haven't seen a single person..."
This outrageous act caused the people kneeling on the ground to gasp in unison.
The Imperial Attendant Chen dared to complain about His Majesty in public and even make irresponsible remarks about state affairs; he was simply outrageous!
To everyone's surprise, Li Yuanzhao was not angry at all. Instead, he indulgently took his hand and said, "It was my fault. I will go and keep you company tomorrow."
Pei Huaijin also smiled and said, "Today, I specially asked the imperial kitchen to prepare your favorite butter tea and milk cake. You should eat more of them."
Everyone's eyes widened in surprise.
This Imperial Concubine Chen is not only so indulgent from His Majesty, but even the Empress goes along with him!
Such favor is truly unique in the imperial harem!
Huang Mian clenched her fists, feeling that the green color was particularly dazzling.
If one day I too could receive such divine favor...
At the banquet that followed, everyone with discerning eyes could see Huang Shiqing's ambition.
Although it was said to be a birthday celebration for the Empress, his eyes sparkled as he gracefully raised his cup, and his flowing sleeves fluttered as he performed the dance. Every glance and every smile was precisely directed at the one on the throne.
This blatant attempt to curry favor was obvious not only to the men, but even the usually carefree Jue La Yun Dan frowned.
When Huang Mian finished her dance and knelt down to express her gratitude, drenched in sweat, Li Yuanzhao casually remarked, "Not bad."
Huang Mian was overjoyed and was about to say something flattering when he saw Jue La Yun Dan turn to Li Yuan Zhao and say, "I can do that too!"
Li Yuanzhao's interest was piqued. "Really? I had no idea you had such a talent."
Jue La Yun Dan looked up at Huang Mian and said, "It's just dancing, anyone can do that. His dancing is all limp and doesn't look good. I'll dance our Tubo Hu Teng dance for you, it's much better than his."
He walked straight to the center of the banquet and casually untied half of his sleeve and tied it around his wrist.
Huang Mian was so angry that her teeth itched, but even though she was full of resentment, she could only retreat to the side in a huff.
The musicians quickly changed the drumbeat, and the rapid, powerful drumbeats instantly resounded throughout the hall.
Jue La Yun Dan moved to the beat of the drums, stepping, kicking, spinning, tilting her head back, swaying her waist, raising her arms...
He was dressed in palace attire, which should have made him appear dignified, but when he started dancing, he instantly transformed into a different person.
His movements were vigorous and powerful, like a galloping horse on the grassland, yet with a touch of untamed wildness.
As the drumbeats quickened, he spun faster and faster, his light green robes billowing like a whirlwind, intertwining with the drumbeats.
Occasionally, he would perform a daring backbend, then suddenly stand up and leap, causing the people in the hall to gasp in surprise.
Unlike Huang Mian's gentle charm, his dance is full of vitality and explosive power, making people's blood boil.
The rapid drumbeats came to an abrupt halt after the final spin. Jue La Yun Dan knelt on one knee, supporting herself with one hand on the ground and raising the other.
He was panting, so he looked up at Li Yuanzhao on the throne, gave him a flirtatious wink, and asked, "How was it?"
The crowd had never seen such a blatant way of vying for the emperor's favor, and they were all eager to see the emperor's reaction.
Li Yuanzhao slowly raised his hand and clapped.
"You jumped exceptionally well." She said with a smile.
This praise carried far more weight than the previous "not bad."
The others also realized that, as expected, compared to Huang Shiqing's flamboyant manner, the Emperor still preferred men with more masculine qualities.
Therefore, many people have changed their previous submissive attitude and have instead started to stand tall and proud.
Huang Mian, at this moment, wished he could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.
The birthday banquet, which was attended by people with different thoughts, finally came to an end. Everyone stood with their hands at their sides, but their eyes were seemingly glued to Li Yuanzhao.
She naturally took Pei Huaijin's hand and said, "Let's go, I'm going to Kunning Palace tonight."
Pei Huaijin gently pulled his hand away from hers, his tone tinged with apology.
"Your Majesty's kindness is deeply appreciated by your subject."
"But I drank some light wine today and I feel quite dizzy. I'm afraid I won't be able to serve Your Majesty well."
“These younger brothers have been in the palace for many days, hoping to gain His Majesty’s favor. Today is an auspicious day, so why don’t you go and see them, so that everyone can have their wish fulfilled?”
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