Lin Yun raised her eyes, her gaze calm as still water: "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am well."
Her tone was neither humble nor arrogant, neither impolite nor timid.
Consort Nian was speechless for a moment and could only return to her seat dejectedly.
Yongzheng took all of this in, and a barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips.
He raised his wine cup and said loudly, "Today is New Year's Eve. I drink this cup with you all, wishing for favorable weather and a prosperous nation in the coming year."
Everyone raised their glasses again, and the atmosphere in the hall became lively.
The princes and ministers rose one by one to toast the emperor and empress, followed by the concubines of the harem.
As the music grew louder, the dancers' steps became increasingly light, as if they were walking on clouds.
After offering the toasts, Lin Yun sat quietly, occasionally whispering to the concubines beside her, her demeanor composed.
Yongzheng's gaze always unconsciously fell on Lin Yun. The fair wrist that was revealed when she raised her cup, the glimpse of snow-white skin on her neck when she lowered her head, and even the slightly trembling eyelashes when she ate, all made him unable to help but take a few more glances.
Lin Yun seemed to notice the emperor's gaze. Occasionally, she would raise her eyes to meet his, then quickly lower them again, a faint blush rising on her cheeks.
Consort Nian witnessed everything, her hatred almost overflowing. She stared intently at Lin Yun, wishing she could tear her apart with her gaze.
The wives of officials and noblewomen also glanced at Lin Yun, their eyes filled with envy and jealousy.
Lin Yun remained calm and composed, as if she were in another world, completely undisturbed by the outside world.
As the clock struck midnight, the banquet drew to a close.
Emperor Yongzheng rose and said in a loud voice: "My beloved ministers, I am very pleased to have you all gathered here today."
May Heaven bless the Great Qing Dynasty, and may its reign be long and prosperous; may your families prosper, and may you enjoy happiness, longevity, and good health. Come, let us drink this cup together! Everyone raised their cups in unison and shouted "Long live the Emperor!"
Lin Yun rose and bowed with the others, her gaze inadvertently meeting that of Yongzheng.
His deep eyes seemed to hold a thousand words, yet they returned to calm.
As Lin Yun stepped out of the Hall of Preserving Harmony, the night breeze caressed her face, carrying away the day's fatigue; it was finally over.
She looked up at the starry sky and took a deep breath.
Fortunately, she had experience attending various modern banquets and didn't embarrass herself at the palace banquet.
Actually, Consort Nian was quite good-looking, but she always had a long face, which made her look old.
Today is New Year's Eve, and the Emperor is going to the Empress's palace. She thought she would not be able to accept it, but at this moment, she does not feel as upset as she imagined.
She seemed to gradually accept the fact that she had become a person from the past.
So he stopped thinking about it and quickly pulled Chunlan back to the palace. Of all things, sleeping is the most important thing.
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