Chapter 98 The princess is definitely not of royal blood!
Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Consort Wen, Yi Shuyao, bowed gracefully, her voice melodious and pleasant: "This dance is called 'Phoenix Singing at Dawn,' wishing Princess Yongning endless happiness and longevity!"
"May His Majesty the Emperor and His Majesty the Empress enjoy long and prosperous lives! May Consort Jin enjoy good health and eternal youth!"
Her words were impeccable, including the narcissus, which made her appear humble and sensible.
This demeanor was completely different from her previous arrogant and spoiled manner, which relied on their resemblance.
Everyone in the hall was somewhat surprised to see Consort Wen.
After Consort Jing, Wen Jingfeng, who bore a striking resemblance to the late Emperor Wen, entered the palace, this Noble Lady Wen, who gained favor solely through imitation, almost disappeared from public view and was not shown any favor for a long time.
I had thought she would fade like yesterday's faded flowers, gradually withering away in a corner of the deep palace...
Who would have thought that she would prepare such a stunning dance for Princess Yongning's 100-day celebration?
What's even more striking is her makeup. It's a far cry from her previous imitation of Consort Wen's cool and aloof style. Instead, it's quite glamorous, with her eyebrows and eyes exuding a carefully crafted allure.
Bathed in candlelight, she displayed a unique vibrancy and beauty, distinct from that of Consort Jing, like a wild rose glistening with dew, brimming with life.
Emperor Zhaoheng was clearly delighted. He clapped his hands and laughed heartily, "Excellent! The dance is excellent, and the name is excellent too!"
"The phoenix sings at sunrise, an auspicious omen! Consort Wen is very thoughtful!"
He waved his hand and said, "Feng Shunxiang, convey my imperial decree: bestow upon Consort Wen one bushel of pearls from the South China Sea and ten bolts of brocade!"
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great favor!"
Yi Shuyao bowed deeply again, her voice filled with barely suppressed excitement.
This generous reward was tantamount to announcing to the harem that Consort Wen, who had been out of favor for a long time, had regained the emperor's favor!
Narcissus watched all this with a cold eye, but her sense of unease grew stronger.
Just now, Consort Wen was recommended by the Empress to come up and dance.
When exactly did the Empress become so close to the disgraced Consort Wen?
Why would they deliberately bring her out on such an important occasion?
What is the Empress's intention in doing this?
Taking advantage of the congratulatory voices that resounded in the hall because of Yi Shuyao's reward, and the discussions coming from the direction of the concubines.
Narcissus slightly turned her head and subtly summoned Silver Pearl, who was standing behind her.
She covered her lips with a handkerchief, leaned close to Yinzhu's ear, and whispered a few instructions very quickly and in a low voice that only the two of them could hear.
Yinzhu's pupils contracted slightly, and a fleeting look of surprise crossed her face.
She instinctively wanted to ask, but being in the midst of a grand banquet, she could only swallow all her questions, nod heavily, and whisper, "This servant understands."
The tribute segment continues.
When it was the concubines' turn to present their gifts, Narcissus rose from her seat.
Behind her, Yinzhu held out a tray covered with bright yellow satin, on which lay quietly a pair of baby bracelets inlaid with large pearls and a flawless white jade ruyi.
"Your Majesty, I congratulate Princess Yongning on her 100th day."
Narcissus's voice was clear and gentle, filled with a mother's loving care: "This bracelet and ruyi are my prayers for my son's peace, well-being, and a life of happiness and good fortune."
Emperor Zhaoheng looked at Shuixian and, recalling the perilous nature of her childbirth, felt even more pity in his eyes.
"Consort Jin is very kind. You have suffered greatly for Yongning and for the Great Qi, and your contributions are invaluable. Yongning will like this gift."
Emperor Zhaoheng was not only speaking to Shui Xian, but also to everyone present.
He knew that Shui Xian came from a humble background, but she had worked hard to give birth to his daughter. At this moment, Emperor Zhaoheng would not allow anyone to look down on her. This was the dignity he was giving her personally!
Therefore, once he opened his mouth, it was a sign of the emperor's affection and care.
The Empress, standing to the side, also spoke with a smile, her eyes revealing her usual delicate and gentle gaze.
"Consort Jin's motherly heart is truly touching."
The Empress did not hesitate to mention Narcissus, her birth mother.
"Giving birth to an imperial heir is already a tremendous achievement, and the Imperial Concubine is so virtuous and well-mannered, a model for the harem. It is truly a blessing for the Emperor and for the Great Qi."
Her praise was sincere and heartfelt, as if it came from the bottom of her heart, and her gaze toward the narcissus was full of admiration.
After exchanging a few pleasantries with the Empress, Narcissus curtsied and returned to her seat.
However, her doubts grew stronger.
No, something's not right!
The Empress not only did not hinder her close relationship with the Emperor, but also actively promoted it.
This is completely different from the naked jealousy and ruthless suppression of Consort Li and Consort Yi in the past!
Narcissus couldn't see the true intentions behind the Empress's gentle smile on the throne. She only felt that the smile was like a carefully painted mask, beneath which lay unfathomable scheming.
If her guess is true, then this seemingly sickly and unassuming empress is far more cunning than she imagined!
In her previous life, the Empress was able to survive the treacherous power struggles of the harem, perhaps not because of divine favor, but because... she was destined to be the one in control!
What exactly is she trying to do?
Soon after, a soft melody filled the hall, interrupting her thoughts.
Princess Yongning, dressed in elaborate attire, was carefully carried out by her wet nurse, Zhang Mama.
The little princess, wearing the pair of gold bracelets presented by Narcissus, was wrapped in a bright yellow swaddling cloth bestowed by the Queen, a symbol of royal nobility, and curiously observed this noisy world with her big, dark eyes.
Today is an important day for my daughter!
Narcissus temporarily suppressed her doubts, her gaze instantly fixed on that small figure, unable to look away.
She looked at her daughter with undisguised tenderness in her eyes, wishing she could rush forward and hold her in her arms immediately.
However, in this solemn and respectful occasion, she, as the birth mother, could only watch from afar.
The wet nurse placed the awakened princess into Emperor Zhaoheng's arms.
Emperor Zhaoheng held his only bloodline as if it were a priceless treasure.
He held his daughter's soft little hand and teased her softly, "My Yongning, look at all these guests in the hall, they've all come to celebrate your 100th day!"
"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty the Empress! Congratulations, Princess Yongning!"
His Highness, his relatives, court officials, and concubines once again offered their congratulations in unison.
Emperor Zhaoheng was overjoyed. He gently swayed his daughter in his arms, and then, under the watchful eyes of countless people, he very naturally handed his daughter to the Empress beside him.
With a gentle smile on her face, the Empress carefully took Yongning, gave her a symbolic hug, and then immediately turned around and handed her back to the wet nurse who had been waiting by her side.
As Narcissus sat below watching all this, the knuckles of her hand resting on the table turned slightly white from the force she exerted.
Her daughter was just steps away from her, yet she didn't even have the right to touch her!
Even though she is the biological mother, she is now bound by her identity and finds it difficult to overcome the high wall of hierarchy.
After handing the princess back to the wet nurse, the Empress nodded slightly to Feng Shunxiang.
Feng Shunxiang understood and announced loudly, "Summon the Chief Astrologer of the Imperial Observatory to an audience to interpret the horoscope of Princess Yongning and pray for blessings!"
Soon after, an elderly man dressed in a black official robe, holding a compass, solemnly entered the hall and knelt three times and kowtowed nine times before the throne.
"Your subject, Wu Xuan, the Imperial Astronomical Observatory Commissioner, pays his respects to Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress!"
"Rise." Emperor Zhaoheng was in a good mood. "Today is Yongning's 100th day. I would like to ask you, my dear minister, to calculate her fate and fortune. May my son have a smooth life."
"I obey the order."
Wu Xuan stood up and walked solemnly to the incense table that had been prepared in the center of the hall.
He first respectfully burned incense and prayed towards the sky, then carefully took out Princess Yongning's birth date and time and placed it on the compass.
He muttered incantations to himself, his fingers moving rapidly and intricately across the compass, his expression devout.
The hall was completely silent. Everyone held their breath and watched the old minister in charge of celestial phenomena and destiny, waiting for him to interpret the auspicious prophecy for the much-anticipated eldest daughter of the emperor.
Time passed slowly, and wisps of smoke rose gently from the incense burner.
Wu Xuan's brows furrowed more and more, his fingers moved faster and faster on the compass, and his expression changed from solemn to surprised and suspicious.
"This...this is impossible..."
He muttered unconsciously, and his body began to tremble slightly uncontrollably.
"Minister Wu, how is it?"
Emperor Zhaoheng noticed his unusual expression and asked in a deep voice.
Wu Xuan seemed to be awakened by the emperor's voice. He suddenly raised his head, his face completely drained of color!
He fell heavily to his knees, his aged voice distorted and strained with fear:
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty the Empress! Her Highness the Princess...her fate...her fate is unusual!"
These words sparked a great deal of discussion within the hall.
The process of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau appraising horoscopes is a long-standing practice.
In everyone's mind, this part is just a formality where they listen to some auspicious words.
It's as if I've never heard of the Imperial Observatory stating that a person's fate is unusual in a similar setting! Is Chief Envoy Wu... just too old and tired of living?
"What did you say?!"
Emperor Zhaoheng abruptly stood up, his dragon eyes filled with power, and demanded an answer in a stern voice.
The Empress, caught off guard by this turn of events, covered her mouth and exclaimed, "Lord Wu! You... explain yourself! What's wrong with the princess's destiny?!"
Wu Xuan, the chief astronomical commissioner, was seen prostrate on the ground, his voice trembling but firm.
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty has repeatedly deduced it! There are absolutely no errors or omissions!"
"The compass results show that... a malevolent star has disguised itself as a lucky star and entered the harem! Its radiance is dim and carries a hint of bloodlust! This star is constantly eroding the brilliance of the Purple Star Emperor!"
Wu Xuan kowtowed repeatedly, "This is a terrible omen that will shake the foundations of the nation and bring chaos to the palace!"
He suddenly raised his head, his withered finger pointing to the innocent little baby in the wet nurse's arms.
"This calamity... is destined to befall this woman!"
"She is definitely not of royal blood!"
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