Since this is the important place where the emperor lives, the ladies who are used to being arrogant and proud in their own houses now lower their heads and eyes, and follow the palace maids who lead the way and slowly walk into the harem!
The harem covers a very large area, and today is a good day for the eldest daughter of the Rong family to be crowned. Except for the Princess of the Sea and Hai Tian who have just received the honor, everyone else is walking!
However, for these young ladies and ladies who were usually spoiled, this was really a difficult situation. They saw that although the palace maids in front of them walked forward step by step, their pace was orderly, and the frequency of their steps was consistent!
These ladies and young ladies were able to keep up with the palace maids' pace at first, but after walking for half an incense stick, they all felt a little overwhelmed!
However, today is the day for the imperial concubine to be canonized, and each step has a time limit. Therefore, they dare not complain about the hardship and fatigue. They can only swallow their reluctance and follow the palace maids step by step to the outside of the Empress Dowager's Fengxiang Palace to wait for the order!
But at this moment, Yun Qianmeng was hugging the quilt, her flawless white face deeply buried in the soft bedding, falling into a sweet dream!
The Qiluo Garden was completely quiet. Yun Ruoxue and Yun Yan went out today, taking a large number of guards and maids with them. The Prime Minister's Mansion was even more peaceful and harmonious at the moment, showing a rare sense of comfort!
Outside Fengxiang Palace, the ladies and young ladies from various families were already standing there. Although they were tired, they stood firm for the sake of their own face. They stood gracefully in their places, waiting meekly, just waiting for the time to come to follow the Queen Mother to the rooftop for the sacrifice!
Meanwhile, the Queen Mother was having breakfast with Ji Shuyu and Qu Feiqing. Aunt Lan quickly walked into the hall from a side door, bowed immediately upon seeing the three of them, and then came to the Queen Mother's side. She bent down and whispered, "Queen Mother, Concubine Yuande just invited Princess Hai and Princess Tian to the Qingxi Palace!"
The Queen Mother was a little slow in picking up the food, a sneer flashed across her eyes, and she muttered to herself, "I thought she had great patience, but she loses her temper so quickly!"
"Empress Dowager, I'm afraid that Concubine Yuande will..." Aunt Lan stopped talking here. Although she was a little worried, her eyes were calm!
"How are the ladies outside?" But the Queen Mother did not continue the topic. She glanced at Qu Feiqing who was having breakfast in silence, and then asked Aunt Lan about the situation outside!
"Everyone, please wait outside the palace respectfully!" Aunt Lan picked up a piece of peony cake for the empress dowager and replied softly!
After listening to Aunt Lan's report, the Queen Mother did not even look at her mouth. She slowly finished the small bowl of bird's nest porridge in front of her, and then asked the palace servants to clear the table!
"Is mother combing Concubine Rong's hair together with Old Lady Chen now?" After rinsing her mouth with clean water, wiping her hands, and drinking a sip of tea, the Queen Mother asked Ji Shuyu in a soft voice!
Ji Shuyu smiled calmly and replied softly, "Your Majesty, yes!"
Since the birthday banquet, Old Lady Gu and Old Lady Chen have become close friends. Although they don't have much contact in daily life, they can often understand each other's thoughts!
As for today's matter, Old Lady Chen had personally visited Old Lady Gu to invite her three days ago, and the old lady naturally happily agreed!
Just after midnight, the two old ladies set out from their families and rushed to the palace at the same time, just to comb the hair of the eldest daughter of the Rong family!
"How is the Marquis' injury? I heard that this time it was Meng'er's credit! But I wonder where she got the Hu Ge from?" The Queen Mother put down the teacup and asked casually as if chatting with her family!
Ji Shuyu's mind flashed slightly. The people from the Prince of Fuguo's Mansion had not reported to the Queen Mother about Meng'er finding the antidote, but she didn't expect that the Queen Mother knew it so clearly now!
After a moment's silence, Ji Shuyu slowly replied, "The Marquis's injury is slowly recovering, but he cannot participate in the enthronement ceremony today! As for the antidote, I believe Meng'er must have bought it at a high price! I just don't know why the Queen Mother suddenly asked this?"
"It's nothing, I just think this child is really thoughtful! She's so attentive to her uncle, it's worth it that we all dote on her!" The Queen Mother spoke slightly coldly, then turned her gaze to Qu Feiqing. Seeing that she was just sitting aside sipping tea, a hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes, and then she said, "Fei'er, you are sixteen years old. There are many princes and nobles here today, including many young talents. Your aunt will keep an eye on you!"
Qu Feiqing was drinking tea when she didn't expect the Queen Mother to shift the topic to herself. She raised her head and looked at the Queen Mother with a little surprise, but saw that she had turned her eyes away and started chatting with her mother again!
Qu Feiqing felt depressed and thought that she should have gone to the palace with the group of young ladies, so that the empress dowager would not set her sights on her. She also envied Yun Qianmeng. If she had known this would happen, she would have enjoyed a night of cool breeze to avoid facing these annoying things!
Seeing her daughter lower her head and remain silent, and seeing her habitually clenching the handkerchief in her hand, Ji Shuyu tried to speak to the Queen Mother, "The Marquis is recovering. If we discuss the concubine's marriage now, isn't it too early?"
Unexpectedly, the Queen Mother's face suddenly darkened upon hearing this. She put the teacup in her hand on the table with a slightly heavy sound, and then she scolded, "My concubine has passed the age of marriage. I didn't mention this matter before because you and Ling Ao were reluctant to part with this child, and the old lady also wanted to keep her by her side for a while! Then Ling Ao had such a thing again, so you kept putting it off! Now it's September, and in three months it will be the end of the year. My concubine will be seventeen years old. Do you plan to support her for the rest of her life? You just heard that Concubine Yuande has set her eyes on Hai Tian. Hai Tian is the same age as my concubine. If she marries into Prince Chen's Mansion, my concubine will have one less choice! Do you just want to marry her off to a small official and let her live a mediocre life? Even if you agree, I will not agree!"
Seeing that the Queen Mother was angry, Ji Shuyu and Qu Feiqing immediately stood up and knelt down!
The Queen Mother, however, waved her hand, letting the two men stand up. Then, she softened her tone and continued, "I know what you're thinking. I just want my concubine to marry a husband who loves her! So, a few days ago, the Queen intentionally or unintentionally proposed proposing a marriage for her brother, but I rejected it every time! But, how long can I suppress this matter? My concubine is getting older. If I delay any longer, I'm afraid her life will be ruined!"
As she spoke, the empress dowager's gaze was still on Qu Feiqing. Seeing that her outfit today was a little plain, she asked Aunt Lan to fetch a golden hairpin with the pattern of a magpie climbing a plum blossom. Then she waved Qu Feiqing to come in front of her and personally inserted this exquisitely crafted and gorgeous hairpin into Qu Feiqing's left temple. Then she asked Qu Feiqing to stand further away while she carefully looked at the girl in front of her!
Qu Feiqing was seen wearing a goose yellow long dress today, with delicate lavender orchids embroidered on the lapels, cuffs and hem of the dress. An orange belt was tied around her slender waist, and a silver purse embroidered with orchids hung on the side. She looked very elegant. With a magnificent golden hairpin in her hair, Qu Feiqing's aristocratic girl temperament was further highlighted, making people unable to stop looking at her at first sight!
The Queen Mother looked very satisfied with the result and praised repeatedly, "This is what a young lady from the Prince of the State's Mansion should look like! You were really dressed very simply just now. You must never do that again in the future!"
Concubine Qu felt that the golden hairpin was so heavy that she could hardly lift her head. She could only bow and say, "Thank you, Queen Mother, for the reward!"
"Empress Dowager, it's almost time!" At this time, Aunt Lan reminded from the side!
The Queen Mother nodded slightly, stood up with the help of Aunt Lan, and then led Ji Shuyu and Qu Feiqing out of Fengxiang Palace!
When everyone saw the Queen Mother finally come out, they immediately cheered up and saluted in unison, "Greetings, Queen Mother!"
Today, the Queen Mother was dressed in a bright red palace dress, and on the palace satin was a flying golden phoenix painted with gold thread. She was full of majesty. Even though the Queen Mother did not speak a word, she was like an invisible net pressing down on everyone!
"Everyone, get up!" The Queen Mother spoke calmly and solemnly, and then led everyone to the front hall with standard palace steps!
"Look, the golden hairpin on Qu Feiqing's head is so dazzling. This kind of craftsmanship can only be made by the old craftsmen in the palace!" Xing Jindie didn't pay attention to anything else, but observed the golden hairpin on Qu Feiqing's head very carefully!
However, looking at the beautiful Qu Feiqing today, Xing Jindie felt uncomfortable in her heart, so she deliberately spoke in a low voice, trying to provoke the other daughters to be hostile to Qu Feiqing!
"Miss Xing, Miss Qu is the daughter of a marquis, so she's naturally worthy of this golden hairpin! Why are you so sour grapes?" At this time, Qin Yian, who was walking in front, turned around and said sarcastically! He was very annoyed with the daughter of the Minister of Justice, always feeling that she was looking for trouble and was the kind of person who would stir up trouble!
Xing Jindie was hurt by Qin Yian's words and felt unhappy immediately. Just as she was about to speak, she was stopped by Su Qianyue in front of her. Su Qianyue shot a gloomy look at her, which immediately made Xing Jindie quiet down!
An argument just stopped silently!
But even so, Aunt Lan, who was walking behind the Queen Mother, glanced back seemingly unintentionally, and then turned her head with a normal expression!
The group followed the empress dowager around the front hall and walked towards the palace gate. However, when they stepped out of the threshold of the inner palace, they bumped into Concubine Yuande and others who came at the same time!
"Your servant pays homage to the Queen Mother!" Concubine Yuande led Princess Hai and Hai Tian to pay their respects to the Queen Mother!
The Queen Mother glanced at Princess Hai and Hai Tian. Although their expressions were relatively normal, there was a hint of embarrassment in their eyes that was difficult to detect. Then she smiled gently and said, "Get up! The Sea Palace is quite far from the Imperial Palace. It must have been hard for the Princess and the Princess!"
Seeing the Queen Mother being so polite, Princess Hai immediately said in panic, "Your Majesty, today is a day of great celebration for all. How could I feel hardship?"
Hearing this, the Queen Mother just smiled and said nothing. After a while, she spoke again, "I wanted to take advantage of the free time just now to chat with the princess, but I didn't expect my sister to invite me over. What a pity!"
When Concubine Yuande saw that the Queen Mother said this deliberately, the expression between her brows became even colder, and her tone still carried the arrogance that ordinary people would not dare to say, "I didn't expect that my sister would have the same idea as me!"
Everyone present was stunned by the tone of Concubine Yuande's voice. They felt the temperature around them suddenly drop, and they all lowered their heads and dared not say a word!
The Queen Mother smiled magnanimously, then said with profound meaning, "Yes, but I am still a step behind my sister! However, I have now caught up with her! I will get on the carriage first, and my sister, remember to make sure you stand firmly on the stool before boarding the carriage behind!"
As she spoke, the Queen Mother slowly boarded the phoenix chariot amidst the sneer on the face of Concubine Yuande!
Concubine Yuande looked at the carriage following the phoenix chariot, a hint of unwillingness flashed across her eyes, and then she raised her hand to adjust the golden phoenix hairpin with spread wings on her head. Only then, with the help of the eunuch, she stepped onto the carriage with a dignified and elegant posture!
At this time, the emperor and empress came over with all the civil and military officials. After everyone saluted the empress dowager, Emperor Yugan took the empress on his own dragon sedan chair. The civil and military officials spontaneously walked to the back of Concubine Yuande's sedan chair and lined up, and her family members stood behind the civil and military officials!
Until the ceremonial eunuch shouted "The time has come!"
Emperor Yugan's dragon sedan slowly began to move. Lord Wu, the commander of the imperial guards, led the way. The palace gates opened wide, and the guards lined up on both sides knelt on one knee, shouting, "Long live the emperor!"
Emperor Yugan and the empress sat together in the dragon sedan chair. Both of them had a look of royal majesty, and their upright sitting posture showed the dignity of the royal family. The people who had been gathered outside the palace looked into the dragon sedan chair, wanting to see the appearance of the emperor and empress clearly!
Due to the importance of the sacrifice and enthronement, Emperor Yugan did not agree to let the Northern Qi envoys participate in today's daytime activities. Instead, he asked Prince Chen to send people to "protect" the envoys!
The huge procession from the palace walked in an orderly manner on the long street, heading towards the altar. This team of tens of thousands of people was even more shocking than the envoys from Northern Qi yesterday!
Especially when the common people saw the wives and daughters of officials, whom they rarely saw on weekdays, they began to discuss in low voices!
"Tell me, who is the eldest daughter of Prime Minister Yun's Mansion? It's the eldest daughter who tried to commit suicide after Prince Chen broke off his engagement!" A woman, still breastfeeding a baby, squeezed into the crowd, staring with jealous eyes at the young ladies and ladies who were walking slowly in front of her, but were dressed in bright clothes, expensive clothes, and well-maintained. Her mouths were still busy, and she started to gossip about them!
"I haven't seen her, but I did have the honor of seeing the princess of the Sea King's Mansion just now. She is truly a goddess, too beautiful to be an earthly woman!" A young man next to her stared greedily at the beauties in front of him, almost drooling!
"You are a dishonest man. Stop pretending to be a toad and want to eat swan meat. Are these people worthy of you? Don't take care of the child anymore. You can take care of it yourself!" The woman saw that her husband was so lustful in front of her, and immediately threw the child in her arms to him regardless of the occasion, and turned around and left angrily!
At this time, a man wearing a bamboo hat standing behind the crowd heard what the young couple had just said. A sarcastic smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and he murmured, "A figure of a celestial being? Not like an ordinary woman?"
Hearing his mumbling, another man next to him, who was dressed similarly but looked slightly younger, immediately said, "You're like that, and you're worthy? Humph!"
"Go back!" Seeing the young ladies from the official family walking past him, the man suddenly lost interest, turned around and went in another direction!
"Brother, what's wrong with you? Don't you want to..." The young man was confused for a moment, but seeing that the man had turned and left, he could only follow him and no longer join in the fun!
At this time, the royal team had arrived at the altar. Emperor Yugan and the empress got off their dragon sedan chairs respectively, followed by the empress dowager and Concubine Yuande. All the officials stood on one side, and their families stood on the other side. The two prime ministers on the left and right stood at the head of all the civil and military officials respectively. In addition to the emperor and the empress, several princes such as Prince Chen, concubines in the harem, and royal men and women stood in front of the officials' wives, with the empress dowager at the head, making way for the aisle in the middle covered with red felt carpet!
"The time has come! Sacrifice!" At this time, the master of ceremonies standing on the right side of the altar shouted loudly, and then the heavy and solemn sound of bells and tripods slowly sounded!
On the other side of the altar, Emperor Yugan and the Queen were walking hand in hand on the red carpet, slowly walking towards the altar!
Everyone present bowed and saluted until the two men stepped onto the last step of the altar, and then everyone straightened up slightly!
At this time, the ceremonial officer shouted again, "Burning incense!"
At this time, two stronger eunuchs came forward, carrying three incense sticks about one meter long and as thick as a child's wrist in diameter. Emperor Yugan and the Empress simultaneously stretched out their hands and held the three incense sticks tightly, waiting for the ceremonial officer to solemnly say "Kneel!"
All they heard was the rustling of clothes under the altar. Although they knew it was the sound of people kneeling on the ground, Emperor Yugan and the Queen slowly knelt on the cushion in front of them with serious expressions!
"May our Western Chu Kingdom be peaceful and prosperous forever!" Emperor Yugan and the Queen spoke at the same time!
"May our Western Chu country be peaceful and prosperous forever!" Then, the crowd below immediately responded loudly!
Upon seeing this, the two young eunuchs at the side immediately stepped forward, one on the left and one on the right, carefully helped Emperor Yugan and the Queen up, removed the cushions in front of them, and Emperor Yugan and the Queen personally put the incense in their hands into the stone incense burner in front of them!
"The eldest daughter of the Rong family, please come forward and listen to the order!" Seeing that the ceremony was over, the ceremonial officer immediately proceeded to the next step!
The music sounded again, and Rong Rong, dressed in the red palace dress of an imperial concubine, walked slowly towards the altar on the red carpet with a solemn expression, supported by Old Lady Chen and Old Lady Gu!
When they reached the bottom of the altar, the two old ladies let her go, and they walked back to the team together. Rong Rong lifted her skirt slightly and knelt down on her knees!
At this moment, at the signal of Emperor Yugan, the chief eunuch stepped forward with the imperial edict in hand and read out, "By the providence of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Rong, the eldest daughter of the Rong family, is intelligent and perceptive, dignified in manners, and virtuous in character, a role model for women throughout the land. She is hereby canonized as a noble consort, awarded twelve golden edicts, bestowed with jade certificates, and personally granted residence in Changle Palace. This is my decree!"
"I thank the Lord for his grace. Long live the Emperor!" Concubine Rong immediately kowtowed to express her gratitude. Her voice was as clear as spring water, making people feel relaxed and comfortable!
The eunuch walked down the steps and handed the tray containing the imperial edict, the golden book and the jade book to Concubine Rong!
"The ceremony is over!" At this time, the voice of the ceremonial officer slowly sounded!
Everyone knelt and kowtowed to Emperor Yugan again, "Long live our emperor!"
Emperor Yugan then walked down from the altar at the same time as the empress, while Concubine Rong had already been helped up and stepped aside by the palace maids waiting on the side!
Only then did everyone breathe a sigh of relief. Fortunately, nothing else happened during this sacrificial ceremony or they would have been scared to death!
The emperor, empress, queen mother, Concubine Yuande and others left the altar first and rushed to the palace. All those who stayed behind were not as restrained as before. The young men looked boldly at the young ladies opposite them, while the young ladies shyly covered their eyes with their handkerchiefs and carefully observed the character and appearance of the men!
"Sister Yue, Prince Chen and Prime Minister Chu are the most outstanding! Prince Hai is not bad either, but his temperament is unpredictable and scary! However, it is said that the crown prince and prince of Northern Qi are on par with them!" Xing Jindie quietly moved behind Su Qianyue and commented!
Su Qianyue's gaze had long been on Jiang Muchen. She saw that he was dressed in a dark purple prince's robe and looked very noble. Standing among a group of men, he stood out like a crane among chickens, immediately eclipsing the other princes and dukes beside him!
"Cousin, are you in love for the first time? In Ruoxue's opinion, Prince Chen is indeed a rare and ideal son-in-law. You must work hard for him!" At this time, Yun Ruoxue came forward quietly and spoke with a smile!
Su Qianyue's expression improved slightly after hearing her words. A hint of smile appeared in her eyes as she looked at Yun Ruoxue. Two blushes could not help but appear on her face. She said shyly, "Xue'er, you dare to say anything? Be careful or I'll tear your mouth apart!"
Seeing Su Qianyue's face full of shyness, Yun Ruoxue knew that what she said was right, and her heart was even happier. Fortunately, Su Qianyue's ideal man was not Chu Feiyang, whom she had set her eyes on. She also praised Prince Chen generously, "With your status, you are more than qualified to marry into Prince Chen's mansion as his principal wife! Look at your appearance and figure, you and Prince Chen are really a perfect match! Why should you be shy, sister? It has always been said that men should marry when they are old enough, and women should marry when they are old enough. This is an unchanging truth. Xue'er is happy for you!"
When Su Qianyue heard this, the blush on her face became even more charming. She stretched out her hand and pretended to hit Yun Ruoxue, but she dodged it with a sweet smile!
However, Qu Jingqing, who was standing nearby, heard Yun Ruoxue's words. She looked extremely unfriendly, and as she stared at Su Qianyue's shameless expression, she said coldly, "Miss Su, you don't really think of yourself as the Princess of Chen, do you? If you can't even manage your own personal servant, how can you manage the huge Chen Palace? Besides, who knew it was your servant who did that last time? Or was that girl just a scapegoat, taking the blame for someone else's crime?"
Although Qu Jingqing's voice was not loud, the young ladies around heard it clearly. They all smiled, probably remembering what happened on the day of Old Lady Gu's birthday banquet. Qu Jingqing asked out all the questions that had been buried in their hearts for a long time. Now everyone was waiting for Su Qianyue's answer!
"What? Miss Qu also has her eyes on Prince Chen? As far as I know, Lord Qu is a bastard of the Duke of Fuguo's Mansion. I wonder if Miss Qu wants to enter Prince Chen's Mansion as a concubine or a maid?" Su Qianyue was not someone to be trifled with. With just a few words, she touched upon the scar in Qu Jingqing's heart!
The young ladies nearby were just watching the fire from the other side, happy to see the two fighting each other. Not only did no one step forward to stop them, some even gloated and tried to sow discord!
"There's no need to argue, ladies! Have you both forgotten what happened at the palace gate today? Concubine Yuande must have set her eyes on Princess Haitian! With her looks and wealth, we can't compare to her!" A young lady spoke lightly, and then she giggled!
Upon hearing this, the two men simultaneously turned their gazes to Hai Tian, who stood before them. Her slender, tall figure would have stunned even a woman, let alone a man. Given the status of the Sea Prince's Mansion in Western Chu and Concubine Yuande's attitude towards Hai Tian, if she truly married into the Chen Prince's Mansion, she would surely be the principal consort! By then, where would they find a place in the Chen Prince's Mansion?
During a moment of distraction, the maids in the palace reminded all the young ladies and ladies to get on the carriages that had been prepared long ago, and take everyone to the palace!
"Old sister, why don't you see Meng'er today?" Ever since the last incident, Old Lady Chen hadn't seen Yun Qianmeng for a long time. Today, she was busy combing her granddaughter's hair. Now that she had some free time, she scanned the room with her sharp eyes, but did not see Yun Qianmeng. She immediately became curious!
"Alas, the girl caught a cold last night and didn't come out today!" As she said this, Old Lady Gu's face showed some pity for the motherless child!
"Mother, after the banquet, your daughter-in-law will go to visit Meng'er. You don't have to worry too much!" Ji Shuyu glanced at Qu Feiqing, who kept her head down and looked a little depressed, and then spoke!
Old Madam Gu also noticed her granddaughter's strange behavior, and secretly kept her vigilant. She nodded to Ji Shuyu, apologized to the old ladies around her, and took Ji Shuyu and others to the carriage specially set up for the Marquis' Mansion!
When King Chen heard what Old Lady Gu said, a puzzled expression flashed in his eyes, and then he walked out!
"Where is the prince going?" At this time, Chu Feiyang followed Prince Chen out of the altar!
Prince Chen paused slightly, staring at Chu Feiyang with cold eyes. Seeing that he was smiling gently, he felt even colder. He said in a cold voice, "When did Prime Minister Chu start interfering in my affairs? Does Prime Minister Chu want to be the steward of Prince Chen's palace?"
Hearing this, Chu Feiyang's smile became more sincere, but his tone became more stern. "Your Highness, do you want to move? Is Prince Chen's Mansion a little too small for you to let me be your housekeeper?"
The eunuch who led the way listened to the two people's conversation full of mysteries, and his back was already soaked. Somehow, no matter whether it was the cold King Chen or the smiling Prime Minister Chu, as soon as they stood next to one of them, they would have the urge to run away. The fact that the two people were just standing there chatting made him panic. If a fight broke out in this sacrificial place, his life would be over here today, and he could go to serve the royal family underground!
Prince Chen's face was already frosty at this time, as cold as ice and snow that had not melted for a thousand years, but Chu Feiyang's smile became more and more brilliant, and his deep black eyes emitted bits of broken starlight under the sunlight!
The two of them, one cold and one warm, just stood there, immediately attracting everyone's attention. But at this time, King Chen snorted coldly, then flicked his sleeves and strode out!
"The Prime Minister is really eloquent!" At this time, Hai Chenxi came to Chu Feiyang and spoke with a smile on his face!
However, Chu Feiyang looked at Hai Chenxi innocently and asked, "I didn't say anything!"
Seeing Chu Feiyang starting to play dumb, Hai Chenxi didn't expose him. Instead, he whispered, "This prince is traveling to the capital with the Northern Qi envoys. We're bound to meet on the way! Does Prime Minister Chu know who they're most interested in?"
"I actually think that Princess Hai Tian is very popular recently!" After saying this, Chu Feiyang left the scene!
Hai Chenxi watched Chu Feiyang walk forward without hesitation, slowly withdrew his gaze, and then turned to Hai Tian on the other side. Seeing that her eyes were still following Chu Feiyang's back, a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth!
It was already past lunch time when everyone returned to the palace. Thinking about keeping in good shape for the evening banquet, the ladies did not pick up their chopsticks. They just ate a few pieces of cakes to fill their stomachs, and then went to the bedroom that had been prepared long ago to close their eyes and rest, to recharge their energy for the evening banquet!
At this time, Yun Qianmeng was in a good mood and ate a bowl of rice. She also tried all the dishes in front of her, which was rare. Finally, Mu Chun served her a small bowl of chrysanthemum soup and then she finished her lunch!
"Miss, you have a really good appetite today!" Mu Chun handed Yun Qianmeng a wet towel to wipe her hands, and said with a smile in his eyes!
But Yun Qianmeng just smiled and said nothing. She was naturally in a good mood because she could avoid such a banquet that was full of hidden disputes!
Then I picked up the book I had read halfway yesterday and started reading it quietly again!
In the palace, all the ladies rested for only an hour before being taken to the imperial garden where the banquet was held!
It was just past noon when the sky was covered with red clouds like frosted leaves. Combined with the beautiful scenery of the imperial garden, everyone was stunned for a moment. It was not until the palace maids reminded them softly that they realized their mistake and sat down in order as they were led!
This time, everyone did not communicate too much. It seemed as if they had held back their energy. They just quietly drank the tea in their hands, waiting for the arrival of the harem masters!
At three quarters past three in the afternoon, Emperor Yugan came in with all the people in the harem. The ministers and female relatives who had already taken their seats stood up and saluted, and Emperor Yugan smiled and allowed them to sit down!
The Queen naturally sat with the Emperor, the Queen Mother sat on the right of the Emperor, and Rong Rong, who had just been canonized as a noble concubine today, sat on the left of the Queen. She was dressed in formal attire, making Noble Concubine Rong look extremely gorgeous and wealthy. Because of her pale complexion, she looked even more majestic!
It was not until this time that everyone could truly see the appearance of Concubine Rong. They felt that the Rong family was really good at hiding. Such a peerless beauty had never been allowed to show her face in all these years. Outsiders only knew that the Rong family had an eldest daughter, but they never imagined that she was so stunningly beautiful. Even Hai Tian, who was always proud of her beauty, could not help but think that Concubine Rong was too dazzling when she saw her!
However, Hai Tian couldn't help but feel fortunate in her heart that this young lady from the Rong family was already the chosen candidate for imperial concubine, otherwise her existence would be a great threat to her!
And today, even Concubine Rong Xian, who has always lived in seclusion, brought Rong Yunhe to sit in the imperial garden!
But both of them had the same cold expression, as if something unpleasant had happened to them!
As soon as everyone sat down, the chief eunuch beside the emperor came in and announced, "Your Majesty, the Sea Prince is here!"
Everyone was surprised, wondering why the Sea King, who never went out, came at this time?
Although Emperor Yugan was surprised, he put on a rare smile and said loudly, "Why don't you invite the Sea King in!"
The eunuch left immediately. After a while, everyone heard the sound of wheels rolling over the cobblestone road. Then they saw Neptune sitting in a wheelchair, being pushed in by the young eunuch!
Everyone knew that Aquaman was seriously injured. After the banquet, they had heard the ladies and gentlemen mention this. But when they saw it today, they were deeply moved. They felt that it was fate that the Aquaman, who was so powerful in the past, ended up in a wheelchair!
"Your humble servant pays his respects to the Emperor and the Empress Dowager!" Unlike what was said in the outside stories, Aquaman appears to be polite and not the rough and rude man who only knows how to play with knives and guns!
Upon seeing this, Emperor Yugan immediately said sympathetically, "Your Highness is not feeling well, so why did you come here today? Come quickly, push Your Highness down to my side. I want to get drunk with Your Highness today!"
The Sea King's face immediately showed gratitude, and he nodded repeatedly, his voice revealing a trace of vicissitudes. "This is my blessing! I heard that the Crown Prince of Northern Qi was coming, so I also wanted to take a look at this Crown Prince who is good at military tactics!"
As he spoke, the Sea King glanced across at the other side. Seeing that Yun Qianmeng was not among the families of the first-rank officials, he smiled and asked the Queen Mother, "Queen Mother, why is Miss Yun not here?"
When Lady Gu, Yun Xuanzhi and the others heard that Neptune mentioned Yun Qianmeng for no reason, they were puzzled and felt that something was wrong!
The Queen Mother smiled and replied, "Meng'er caught a cold and didn't go out today! Why did the prince suddenly mention Meng'er?"
The Sea King smiled elegantly, his gaze drifting towards the horizon as he slowly spoke, "Last time the Sea King's Palace held a banquet, Miss Yun played the pipa and guqin with such masterful skill that it reminded me of those past times! Today, I thought Miss Yun was present, and was hoping to enjoy her music, but I didn't expect her to be unwell. What a shame!"
The praise from the Sea King made people feel that it was sincere and not fake, and it also aroused everyone's curiosity about Yun Qianmeng's piano skills. I wonder who is better between the two of them and Princess Hai Tian!
Chu Feiyang glanced at Hai Tian, who looked a little relaxed, and raised his thin lips, which were covered by the wine glass, into a mocking smile. When Prince Chen noticed the curiosity of the people around him about Yun Qianmeng, a trace of displeasure flashed through his heart!
Although Rong Yunhe sat aside with an expressionless face, when Neptune mentioned Yun Qianmeng, his brows slightly frowned in disgust!
"Your Highness, thank you for your compliment! I was just killing time when I was free. How can it compare to the princess' unparalleled piano skills! I can't bear your praise!" Although Yun Xuanzhi couldn't figure out what was going on in the backyard of his home, he was shrewd and wise in the court that ordinary people didn't have!
At this moment, the Sea King mentioned Yun Qianmeng as soon as he opened his mouth. Fearing that there was more to say, he immediately interrupted the Sea King to avoid dragging the Yun Xiang Mansion into trouble!
"Your Majesty is too modest! There were many young ladies present at the time, and all of them praised Miss Yun's piano skills. As everyone can see, it is obvious that I am not exaggerating!" The King of the Sea smiled and blocked Yun Xuanzhi's words, but his eyes were looking inquiringly at the young ladies who attended the banquet in the imperial garden that day!
Yun Xuanzhi was speechless for a moment. After all, he was not present that day, so he really had no idea what level Yun Qianmeng's piano skills had reached!
"Your Majesty, I think the princess's piano skills far surpass Miss Yun's! The piece 'Three Variations on Plum Blossoms' that the princess played that day was truly a masterpiece! And Miss Yun was just playing it to suit the occasion, and she just chose the word 'coincidental'!" At this time, Qu Feiqing stood up and said with a smile on her face!
As soon as she said this, Hai Tian's eyes turned cold. She couldn't help but snort in her heart and looked at Qu Feiqing again today!
Normally, I always feel that the eldest daughter of the Duke of Fuguo's Mansion does not like to fight and is not good at fighting. It seems that she is very good at disguising herself. She mentioned the song she played that day in a few words, letting everyone know how eager she is to get married. I'm afraid it's not just a simple intention to make everyone laugh at her!
As soon as Qu Feiqing sat down, she felt a lustful gaze directed at her. Following her intuition, she saw a young man with greasy hair and powdered face frivolously raising his glass to drink with her when she looked at him. The young man looked 70% similar to the queen. Qu Feiqing suddenly understood something in her heart, and immediately turned her eyes away coldly, staring at the queen dowager above!
"I heard that the Marquis was seriously injured. I wonder if he is feeling better now?" But the King of the Sea stopped dwelling on the previous topic and turned to look at Old Lady Gu and asked politely!
Old Lady Gu smiled back, and responded appropriately, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern. I'm much better now! But wasn't Your Highness ill a few days ago? Is there anything wrong with him coming out today?"
Old Lady Gu also holds a grudge. When the King of the Sea knew that the Prince of Fuguo's Mansion would come to him for a request, he actually announced that he was seriously ill and could not see guests for a month!
Now that the one-month deadline has not even arrived, why are you contradicting yourself?
And when Old Lady Gu said this, there was a deeper meaning.
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