A few days later, at Kunning Palace, the Empress's birthday banquet was specially chosen to be held in her own palace. And the person organizing the banquet was none other than Li Wanyue, who had just been restored to the rank of Imperial Concubine. This made everyone in the harem extremely envious. Not only had Li Wanyue regained her status as Imperial Concubine, but she was also personally organizing the Empress's birthday celebration—this was an immense honor! Wasn't this a slap in the face to the Empress?
However, since the Empress had no objections, the other concubines dared not act recklessly.
After the birthday banquet began, the officials arrived one after another, followed by the princes and princesses, all celebrating the Empress's birthday. Only after everyone was seated did the Emperor arrive, accompanied by the Empress and Li Wanyue, the host of the banquet.
The Emperor wore a bright yellow court robe, while the Empress had her black hair coiled on top of her head, with a golden phoenix crown placed in her hair. She wore a bright yellow phoenix robe, with tiny pearls inlaid on the phoenix tail feathers, which shimmered in the sunlight. Coupled with her exquisite makeup, the Empress appeared even more noble and unparalleled.
Behind them, Li Wanyue wore a rose-red palace dress with pale yellow plum blossoms embroidered on the hem. Standing out from behind the Emperor and Empress, she was quite distinctive.
Although I can't wear bright red or bright yellow, fuchsia is at least not presumptuous, right?
The Emperor and Empress sat in the main seats at the head of the table, with Li Wanyue on their left and Consort Qing on their right. The others were seated on either side of the venue according to the established rules.
After the Emperor sat down, he gestured to Hongfu to announce the start of the banquet.
Hong Fu stepped forward: "The birthday banquet begins...play the music!"
The dancers, who had been waiting on both sides, filed in and, together with the musicians, began the opening dance of the banquet.
After the dance ended, the Emperor raised his cup and invited everyone to join him: "Today is my Empress's birthday. My beloved ministers, let us raise our cups together in celebration. I wish my Empress long life and happiness."
The Empress bowed slightly: "Your Majesty, I thank you."
The ministers offered their prayers in unison: "May Her Majesty the Empress enjoy good health and boundless blessings. Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!"
The Emperor, holding the Empress's hand, gently raised his hand and said, "All of you, rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress."
Next came the performance by the daughters of various ministers, all eager to make an appearance at the Empress's birthday banquet. They pulled out all the stops to catch the Emperor and Empress's attention, hoping to perhaps even gain a royal status.
However, the Emperor and Empress did not mean that; they were exchanging whispers throughout the performance.
Seeing the Emperor and Empress so affectionate, it would be a lie to say Li Wanyue wasn't jealous. With so many people present, if the Emperor granted her request in front of everyone, wouldn't that embarrass the Empress?
Li Wanyue picked up a cup of wine and stood up: "Your Majesty, today is the Empress's birthday. I also wish the Empress good health and many years to come."
Rong Yuan nodded, suppressing his disgust: "Yes, Yue'er is very thoughtful."
Li Wanyue was secretly delighted: "Your Majesty, on this joyous day, your eldest granddaughter Qin'er still doesn't have a title. Your Majesty, what do you think about bestowing a title upon her today?"
Rong Yuan suppressed his anger, his fists clenched tightly beneath his sleeves. This Li Wanyue dared to embarrass him in front of so many people. There was another Li Wanyue; he'd better wait.
If it weren't for the plan, he would have shut her up right now.
The ministers present gasped when they heard Li Wanyue's words. This imperial concubine must be tired of living. How dare she ask for a title for her granddaughter in front of so many people? Even if she regains favor, she is too audacious.
Upon hearing his mother's words, Rong Mian stood up somewhat disapprovingly. Although he also wanted to ask his father to bestow a title upon his daughter, it was not appropriate for the occasion.
“Father Emperor and Mother Consort, my Qin’er is still young, there is no rush now.”
Li Wanyue glared at him: "Mian'er!"
Rong Yuan raised his hand to stop them: "Alright, I've already thought of Qin'er's title, but I haven't announced it yet. I didn't expect Yue'er to be in such a hurry, so I'll announce it directly today. I had the Imperial Observatory calculate based on her birth date and time. Qin'er's name contains the character for water, and combined with her birth date and time, it gives the character 'Qing'. So, Qin'er will be named Princess Qinghe."
Rong Yuan spoke nonsense with a straight face, showing no remorse whatsoever. In reality, the name was just something he came up with, just to make Li Wanyue believe that he genuinely cared about her.
Li Wanyue never expected that the Emperor would actually consult the Imperial Observatory for a title—that was an immense honor! Hahaha, the Empress must be utterly humiliated now. Even her grandson didn't receive such a privilege.
Li Wanyue cast a provocative glance at the Empress, but the Empress didn't even lift her eyelids.
Li Wanyue bowed slightly in an affected manner: "Your Majesty, I thank you on behalf of Qin'er."
Rong Yuan waved his hand, gesturing for her to sit back down.
It looks disgusting.
Then came the presentation of birthday gifts. Princes, princesses, and ministers presented their gifts, and the Empress nodded gently, indicating that Anruo should accept them one by one.
She had no heart to accept congratulatory gifts today, feeling that Rong Che would take advantage of the large number of people present. Although they had prepared in advance, they still couldn't help but worry.
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