In the golden autumn season, a grand chrysanthemum appreciation banquet was held in the palace.
A refreshing autumn breeze blows, chrysanthemums bloom in vibrant colors, and the entire palace is immersed in a magnificent sea of flowers.
On that day, the sky was a clear, bright blue, and sunlight streamed through the thin clouds, adding warmth and brightness to the chrysanthemum appreciation banquet.
Outside the palace gates, rows of exquisite potted chrysanthemums were neatly arranged, red, yellow, white... a riot of colors, like a giant scroll unfolding before you.
As the heavy and solemn palace gates slowly opened, the invited dignitaries filed in.
They were dressed in brocade robes, their garments fluttering, like a flock of colorful butterflies dancing gracefully.
Everyone's face was filled with undisguised joy and anticipation.
The atmosphere at the banquet was exceptionally lively, with laughter and chatter filling the air like a beautiful symphony playing in the palace.
However, today's gathering is not just a simple chrysanthemum appreciation feast—it hides a more important purpose: to select the most suitable concubines for the princes of marriageable age.
These powerful and influential people knew perfectly well that being able to attend this banquet was an unparalleled honor.
If one's daughter is fortunate enough to be chosen as a prince's consort, it signifies an elevation of the family's status and the arrival of wealth and honor.
Therefore, every guest harbored high hopes, as if a burning flame was burning in their hearts, hoping that their beautiful daughters could stand out and emerge victorious in this fierce competition for the imperial concubine.
After all, this is a major event that concerns the family's honor and future prospects!
However, the situation is quite different among the princes of the current age.
Crown Prince Qi Hao and Fourth Prince Ming Wang Qi Heng are already married and have children, so their marriage can be considered settled. However, becoming their concubine or mistress would also be a wonderful thing.
The remaining Prince Liang Qi Shen, Prince An Qi Yu, and Prince Jing Qi Xuan, who had just returned to the palace, became the focus of everyone's attention.
These young and handsome princes each possessed unique charm and talent.
Prince Liang, Qi Shen, was elegant and refined; Prince An, Qi Yu, was witty, intelligent, and exceptionally talented; while Prince Jing, Qi Xuan, attracted everyone's attention with his extraordinary and refined temperament.
They are all elites of the royal bloodline, and whoever ultimately becomes the empress will have a profound impact on the entire country.
The Prince of Liang, the Prince of An, and the Prince of Jing stood tall and straight at the lower end, exuding an air of grandeur.
The Empress sat upright on the phoenix throne, dressed in a magnificent brocade robe and wearing a dazzling phoenix crown. Her face was beautiful and her expression was kind and gentle.
Her clear, deep eyes, as bright as autumn water, slowly swept over the three princes below, a look of satisfaction appearing on her face.
Then she said softly, "You are all of marriageable age now, and it's time to consider your life's important matters. Today's chrysanthemum appreciation banquet is attended by many daughters of noble families, and even princesses from other countries have come to participate."
She paused slightly at this point, as if she were thinking about something important.
Then, she gently raised her head, her gaze sweeping over everyone present, a barely perceptible smile flashing in her eyes.
Although a crown prince had been established long ago, as time went on, the emperor became increasingly dissatisfied with the prince's performance.
However, the Empress knew in her heart that even so, it would not be easy to depose the Crown Prince.
As for Prince An, although he was the Empress's son, he was always physically weak and unable to bear too much responsibility and pressure.
Therefore, the emperor probably wouldn't pass the throne to him.
In contrast, the Prince of Liang has been enjoying great success lately.
He was not only proficient in both literary and military arts, but also held considerable prestige in the imperial court, gaining the support and recognition of many ministers.
Many people believe that Prince Liang is very likely to become the future successor.
As for Prince Jing, who had just returned to the palace, he seemed rather obscure.
Lacking both a powerful background and sufficient political capital, he will likely only be able to live a leisurely and carefree life as a prince in the future.
However, no matter who ultimately ascends to the throne, the empress firmly believes that she will be honored as the Empress Dowager.
After all, as the mother of the nation, her position is unshakeable.
For this reason, the Empress treated each prince equally and did not show favoritism to any one of them due to personal preferences or interests.
"Your father is also very concerned about this matter," the Empress said with a slight smile and a kind tone. "If you take a fancy to any girl today, feel free to tell your mother." Her gaze swept gently over everyone present, her eyes full of affection.
"Your subject will humbly follow Your Majesty's teachings."
"Alright, go ahead and enjoy this beautiful scenery." The Empress's words were ambiguous, causing the concubines present to cover their mouths and chuckle.
"You all should go and give them your opinions. Go on!" This was the only amusement the women in the harem had.
After everyone left, the head maid asked with a puzzled look, "Your Highness, why don't you go and have Prince An take a look?"
This head maid had been with the Empress since childhood, going through countless ups and downs with her, and could be said to be the person who understood the Empress's thoughts the most.
However, at this moment, when faced with the question from the head maid, the Empress only frowned slightly and did not answer immediately.
She stood there quietly, gazing into the distance, seemingly lost in thought.
After a long while, the Empress sighed softly, her voice seemingly filled with endless sorrow and helplessness.
She frowned slightly, a deep sorrow in her eyes, and slowly said, "He may appear to be obedient, but in reality, he is only paying lip service!"
Actually, she originally intended for him to marry Ruoxi.
However, things did not go as planned. He confessed to his father that he might not have much time left and strongly advised the two not to let him get married or take a concubine, so as not to leave a young woman alone in her empty room.
Oh well, let him be.
Now that things have come to this, she has no other wish but that her beloved princess can find a good man and have a happy ending.
As for who will ultimately control the world and who will ascend to the supreme throne, that is no longer important.
All she prayed for was that the new emperor would treat the princess well, give her the respect and love she deserved, and let her live a carefree life.
And so, she was content.
The appearance of the princes and princesses immediately attracted everyone's attention.
Li Xi, standing to the side, gently tugged at Meng Zhelan's sleeve, gesturing for her to look over. "Lan'er, this Prince An is truly handsome and dashing. What do you think?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com