Yinqi was quite happy, and even the younger ones, including Jingrou, were quite happy.
This was the first time they had ever seen such a unique first birthday celebration, and they naturally loved lively occasions.
Especially those who were younger, who were initially unhappy about being dragged to a banquet that had nothing to do with them, became even happier when they saw how fun the scene was, with a fair-skinned and chubby little child standing in the middle. In any case, all the children returned home very satisfied.
The first birthday banquet had been discussed for quite some time both inside and outside the palace. It wasn't until the news came out that the palace would be holding a flower appreciation banquet that things were already being discussed. But when it came to the actual event, we still had to make some good preparations.
The topic was stopped because something new attracted people's attention, and it was replaced by a new topic.
The flower-viewing banquet was jointly organized by Lady Niohuru and Lady Tongjia.
Although the two women are still concubines, they have handled such a major event for the harem, which shows the Empress Dowager and the Emperor's attitude. Their status is definitely not limited to this.
If it weren't for the fact that the two of them have only been in the palace for a short time and are afraid they can't handle the burden, they would probably have been promoted long ago and wouldn't have had to languish in the position of concubine.
Consort Yi stayed indoors for quite some time because of Xiao Jiu's first birthday celebration.
She had originally planned to observe this whole affair from the sidelines, only needing to attend the flower-viewing banquet once.
Besides, she doesn't really want to go out right now. She'd love for people to forget what happened at the first birthday party as soon as possible. Why would she stand up and remind people of those things again?
As a result, a very unexpected person came to visit.
Consort Yi looked at the young Niohuru woman in front of her with great surprise. She hadn't expected her to come looking for her; she was truly quite bold.
Consort Yi hadn't actually met her many times, but upon seeing her now, she couldn't help but compare her to Empress Niohuru—in fact, she wasn't very familiar with Empress Niohuru either, but compared to the person in front of her, she was definitely more familiar with the former.
Compared to Empress Niohuru, the younger Niohuru had a rounder face and looked slightly plumper; judging by her appearance alone, she was indeed a woman of good fortune.
The former Empress Niohuru was considered to be sickly—it seems that several empresses from very prominent family backgrounds in earlier years were not in good health.
I wonder if there was any palace intrigue involved, or if it was simply that those concubines hadn't taken good care of themselves in their younger years and had entered the palace too early, which damaged their health...
Empress Hesheri, needless to say, died in childbirth. Before the birth, she was said to be in very good health, but she ultimately could not overcome that hurdle and died in the prime of her life.
Empress Niohuru was in the same situation, but Consort Yi entered the palace a little later. By the time Consort Yi arrived, Empress Niohuru was already bedridden and in poor health. So Consort Yi had never seen Empress Niohuru in her previous state... However, judging from the fact that she hadn't given birth to any princes in the years since she entered the palace, her health was probably very poor...
The two sisters do bear some resemblance, especially in their eyes and brows, where one can still vaguely see the elegance of the former Empress Niohuru.
After all, they are sisters, so it's normal for them to look alike.
Xiao Niohuru was not considered exceptionally beautiful, but she had a pair of large almond-shaped eyes that seemed to convey a sense of innocence when she looked at people. Judging from her appearance alone, she was indeed a gentle and approachable person.
Consort Yi chuckled inwardly. How could a girl from such a prominent family be so innocent?
"Sister Yifei, the Empress Dowager has assigned me to assist with the flower viewing banquet... but this humble servant really has no experience. Now that we have finally come up with a plan, could I trouble Sister Yifei to take a look at it?" She seemed not to notice Yifei's scrutiny of her, and simply blinked before bowing and explaining her purpose.
She adopted a very humble attitude and even seemed a little embarrassed when she said those words. Consort Yi was indeed quite surprised to see her like this.
I had seen her before mostly in public, and we rarely spoke privately. But now, she seemed quite humble.
I just don't know if this was staged or real.
At least in her words, she was putting herself in a humble position. Although she was only a concubine, everyone knew that her status was far less than that...
Consort Yi was calm and composed. She had initially thought the visitor was up to no good, but now it seemed that the situation was not so.
One doesn't hit a smiling face, and since the person in front of her was being so humble, Consort Yi would definitely not say anything unpleasant. Xi Mei was a master at speaking to people in a certain way, and since the person before her was behaving this way, she would certainly greet them with a smile.
"Has Niohuru settled in well since entering the palace? Look at me, because of this rascal... I haven't had a proper chat with my sister! This flower-viewing banquet is just a chance for the sisters to relax and unwind. There's no need for too many formalities. I believe my sister will be fine..." Consort Yi said kindly.
She's in her early twenties now, but the girl in front of her is only 16! Time really flies; it's amazing how young she is already in the palace!
She was truly at the prime of her youth; up close, Consort Yi could almost see the fine downy hairs on her face!
Although she spoke politely, she also subtly indicated her refusal; she had no desire to get involved. The flower-viewing banquet was meant for the two of them to shine, so why should a senior like her get involved? Besides, she couldn't be bothered with the trouble!
Little Niohuru's eyes sparkled. "I had heard that Consort Yi had a good personality when I was at home, and now that I've met her, it's true... Moreover, what I was worried about, I felt a sense of warmth upon seeing Your Highness, and I'm not so nervous anymore!"
She didn't seem to understand the refusal in Consort Yi's words.
Consort Yi chuckled. She had a good personality; she had never heard anyone praise her like this before—it was quite novel.
Everyone knows that Consort Yi is not someone to be trifled with; she has a straightforward and outspoken personality, and she can accept any bad rumors. It's hard to believe that this young girl in front of me has such a good personality.
"Sister is intelligent and has been in the palace for many years, so she must be more familiar with the rules of the palace than I am. I only need you to help Sister Ping see if there is anything taboo about this?" Xiao Niu Hulu said carefully, looking at Consort Yi cautiously.
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