Busy times fly by, and before you know it, it's time for the banquet. These past few days, Mingxiu has spent her time eating, sleeping, and practicing music.
The banquet was in the evening. After eating something to tide her over, Mingxiu changed her clothes and, accompanied by Luzhu, headed towards the banquet venue.
The banquet was held at Guanlan Pavilion, which was surrounded by Moon Cliff and Vineyard in front of it, and East River Pavilion and West River Pavilion behind it. All of these were enclosed by something, which could be used as a place to change clothes.
Mingxiu is quite far from here. Although I left early, it was already there when I arrived. Guanlan Pavilion is usually a place for sightseeing.
There is a river nearby, and the main pavilion is also very exquisite. There are lotus flowers in the river, and the vineyard next to it is in the season when the grapes are ripe. There are also some very ornamental plants planted all around, which is very pleasing to the eye and also very cool.
Mingxiu had visited this place before, but it was too far, and she really didn't want to take a sedan chair, so she gave up on it.
When Mingxiu arrived, she saw that Consort Rong and Consort Yi were already there, with Consort Xi, Lady Zhang, and Lady Zhaojia standing beside them. After giving them a brief greeting, Mingxiu and Luzhu sat down to the side.
The group sat on a bench nearby, their figures reflected in the wide lake, creating a beautiful scene.
Mingxiu had barely sat down when she saw Consort Hui hurry over, bringing Yinti with her. Naturally, everyone was attending the banquet, including the children. Yinreng would be coming out with the Emperor later, so Mingxiu wasn't worried at all.
"Sister Huipin, you are truly a sight to behold today. I adore you so much!" Mingxiu said with a grin as Huipin approached.
Consort Hui usually wears clothes in shades of purple or blue, with fabrics and styles that are generally dignified and elegant. Today, however, she is wearing a light red dress, which, while still dignified and elegant, looks bright and striking.
It's refreshing.
Upon hearing this, Consort Hui did not speak but first had Yinqi bow to her before sending him away before speaking to Mingxiu.
"Your attire today is quite remarkable, sister," Consort Hui said casually to Myung-soo, a hint of teasing in her eyes.
Mingxiu had dressed up carefully for the banquet today, wearing a green silk dress and matching jewelry, with wavy cuffs as always.
With the addition of the green eyeshadow that Mingxiu specially brought out, and the glitter on her eyelids, she looked like an ethereal fairy who didn't eat the food of this world.
She looks very lively and cute. I knew she was good at dressing up when I met her before, but this is the first time I've seen her like this.
Mingxiu smiled and accepted the praise. After all, this was the result of her efforts over several hours, and she would have cried if it had no effect at all.
The two had only exchanged a few words when the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager arrived as arranged, followed by Consort Tong and the Emperor. Behind Kangxi was Yinreng.
Mingxiu had just finished her greetings and stood up when she saw Yinreng wink at her. Before she could react, she automatically walked over and sat down with Yinti.
The Third Prince and a group of princesses were also present.
Changchun Garden is a popular summer resort, and Guanlan Pavilion is a famous scenic spot, so it is naturally very cool.
Incense burners for repelling insects and mosquitoes were lit around the area. Without the bother of mosquitoes, the waterwheels on the river kept turning, bringing a cool breeze, which was very pleasant.
The Emperor sat in the main seat, with the Empress Dowager to his left. Below them, in order, were the Empress Dowager, Consort Xuan, Consort Yi, and Consort Rong.
To the Emperor's right is Consort Tong, then Mingxiu, followed by Consort Hui and Consort Xi, Lady Zhaojia, and Lady Zhang.
Looking at them one by one, each one was incredibly beautiful, dressed in their finest attire, a feast for the eyes.
Of course, the most outstanding one is Mingxiu, after all, the cosmetics and makeup techniques from more than 300 years ago are incomparable to those of people today.
The Emperor was also amazed when he saw Mingxiu's appearance. Mingxiu was already very beautiful in her private life, but he never expected her to have such skills.
In fact, it wasn't just the Emperor and Consort Hui who were amazed by her appearance. Ever since Mingxiu arrived here, her eyes had been constantly on her, and even the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager would observe her from time to time.
If Mingxiu hadn't gone through so many years of experience, she probably wouldn't have been able to handle the enthusiastic gazes of so many people.
Sitting quietly, listening to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor exchanging pleasantries and occasionally asking about their grandchildren, Mingxiu listened silently. Even Consort Tong wouldn't feel comfortable interrupting at this point, let alone Mingxiu.
When Emperor Kangxi announced the start of the banquet, Mingxiu swallowed hard and asked to move his slightly numb body.
Emperor Kangxi beckoned, and several palace servants came up with trays. Kangxi looked at the people sitting below and said quietly, "These are the prizes prepared by me, the Grand Empress Dowager, and the Empress Dowager. As for who will receive these prizes, that's up to you all."
Consort Tong chimed in, saying that she had also prepared a prize to bestow upon her sisters.
Mingxiu and the others stood up and thanked her for the reward.
Mingxiu glanced around and saw that no one seemed to have any doubts about Consort Tong's absence, so she figured everyone knew the reason.
The Imperial Concubine has always considered herself to be of high status. In addition, since there is no Empress in the palace now, she is basically in charge of the palace power, so she naturally sees herself as the next master of the harem.
After receiving the rewards, the banquet officially began. Everyone looked at each other, and Consort Rong took the lead and went up first.
"Your Majesty, please let me go first. If I don't perform well, I hope everyone will forgive me," Consort Rong said gently.
No one had any objections.
Seeing that the Emperor had agreed, Consort Rong had her guzheng brought up.
Slowly sitting on the stool, with a gentle wave of her fingers, a series of soft melodies resounded. The melodious piano music instantly transported one to the mountains and fields. Combined with the surrounding scenery, this piece, "Lotus Emerging from Water," was played exceptionally well.
"Very good. Your choice of this piece is excellent, and the artistic conception is also good. It's just that you're not quite proficient in the middle, but you can still see that you put your heart into it. Not bad, reward you." Kangxi waved his hand.
Consort Rong smiled and thanked the emperor before leaving.
Then Consort Xuan volunteered: "Your Majesty, I am not very familiar with these musical pieces, but my dancing is the best on the grasslands. I hope my dancing will please Your Majesty."
Emperor Kangxi nodded and ordered the venue to be cleared. Consort Xuan had even changed her clothes specially for tonight's dance and came out shortly afterward.
Consort Xuan changed her clothes and stood still, and the drum beside her began to beat softly.
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