They even fell to the point of never speaking to each other again, and because they were siblings, they hated each other even more.
Xiao Heng naively believed that Song Lingyu could reconcile with her Consort sister, since they were from the same family and should consider some of their relationship.
Thinking of this, Xiao Heng quickly embraced Song Lingyu, who was sobbing uncontrollably, and comforted her.
"Yu'er, I know what you're thinking. Your grandmother's birthday banquet is in a few days. You must make the most of this opportunity and not let the Imperial Concubine have any ill feelings towards you."
Xiao Heng was simply thinking that it was better to be prepared. He couldn't place his own people around the emperor, but wasn't Song Lingyu a natural ally?
He knew that some spices alone could cause a woman to miscarry. If Yu'er were to accompany the Imperial Concubine every day, the Imperial Concubine would miscarry without anyone noticing.
It was a flawless plan, done without anyone noticing, and it would never dirty his hands. Even if it were discovered, it would be the Song family's fault; their daughter hadn't been properly raised, what did it have to do with him?
Xiao Heng couldn't help but imagine how secure his position would become after the plan was completed, until he ascended the throne...
"Your Highness, Your Highness, what are you thinking about?"
Song Lingyu's voice interrupted Xiao Heng's reverie. After Xiao Heng came to his senses, he casually made up a couple of sentences to brush it off.
"I've been busy with things these past few days and have neglected you a bit. Thank you, Yu'er, for not holding it against me. I'll keep you company tonight."
"good"
Song Lingyu lowered her head shyly, but in her heart she was complaining that the man was clearly a womanizer, yet she had to play along with his act.
The couple, each harboring their own secrets, outwardly presented a picture of idyllic happiness.
...
Ten days later.
The Empress Dowager's birthday banquet was held as scheduled.
The banquet was filled with singing and dancing, a scene of peace and harmony.
The Empress Dowager originally only intended to hold a simple family banquet, but coincidentally, the Prime Minister returned from disaster relief, so she decided to hold a celebration banquet as well.
Actually, this was also because the Empress Dowager felt guilty. Her son had done such a thing, which was unprecedented since the founding of the Xiao Kingdom. His father had devoted himself to the Xiao Kingdom until his death.
Alas, children are always a source of trouble. The Empress Dowager could only take this opportunity to host a banquet for the Prime Minister to express her apologies.
The Empress Dowager raised her cup to toast the Prime Minister on behalf of her son: "Prime Minister, your great achievements are a blessing to our time and will bring peace to future generations. I admire heroes like you the most. I toast you."
The Prime Minister hurriedly stood up, his face respectful, showing no sign of dissatisfaction with the Emperor. One could only say that the old fox was indeed an old fox, with profound skills.
"Your Majesty is too kind. I am merely doing my part for the Xiao Kingdom; it is my duty."
The Empress Dowager nodded in satisfaction. She glanced at the main seat; the Emperor and Consort Ling had not yet arrived. Thinking something had gone wrong, she urged someone to go and invite them.
Before the young palace maid could even step out of the palace gate, Eunuch Li's voice rang out from outside.
"His Majesty has arrived! Consort Ling has arrived!"
"Your subject (this servant) pays respects to Your Majesty and Your Highness the Imperial Concubine."
Xiao Heng also knelt in the middle of the crowd. He looked at Xiao Jin, who was stepping up to a high position, and a strong desire surged in his heart. He was the one who would be admired by thousands in the future.
"Rise."
After Xiao Jin helped Song Lingxi sit steadily in the chair, he casually said "Rise," and everyone was fortunate enough to see the beloved Consort Ling.
It's fine if you don't look, but once you do, everyone is frozen in place, completely stunned.
The beauty smiled, her almond-shaped eyes shining like stars, so dark and bright that it was astonishing. Just looking at her, one felt as if drawn to her expressive eyes.
With her delicate nose, cherry lips, snow-white skin, and slender figure, her stunningly beautiful and peerless elegance was further accentuated by her bright red palace dress.
Xiao Heng was captivated by her beauty. After all, there were such beautiful women in the world, with a beauty that could make fish sink and geese fall from the sky, and the moon hide its face and flowers blush with shame. They possessed a beauty that could topple kingdoms and cities.
The others, seeing Song Lingxi for the first time, were stunned by her beauty and stood there speechless for a long time.
But they all knew their place and understood that this was not a woman they should covet. When they came to their senses, they all averted their gazes and dared not look at her again.
Only Xiao Heng was so captivated by Song Lingxi's beauty that he couldn't extricate himself. If Song Lingyu hadn't reminded him, Xiao Jin would have already set his sights on him.
Who would want their husband to fall for someone else? Song Lingyu felt disgusted, but for the sake of her own glory, she had to bring Xiao Heng back to his senses.
"Your Highness, Your Highness?"
Xiao Heng was being pulled by Song Lingyu's sleeve. When he looked at Song Lingyu impatiently, he saw her indifferent face and felt even worse.
They are sisters, yet their appearances are worlds apart. One looks like a celestial being high above the heavens, while the other is like mud on the ground.
However, before Xiao Heng could react, Xiao Jin, after settling Song Lingxi in, began to make some polite remarks, forcing Xiao Heng to swallow the insults he was about to utter about Song Lingyu.
"Today is the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet. The Empress Dowager specially discussed with me the idea of holding a celebration banquet for the Prime Minister's disaster relief efforts. This act is a meritorious deed for the present and a benefit for future generations. I am very pleased."
"Come, let's raise a glass in celebration!"
Everyone in the palace knew that Consort Ling was pregnant and couldn't drink alcohol, so they specially prepared a cup of fine tea for her, the finest Xian Shan Qiong Xue, which was refreshing and delicious.
After drinking the wine, Xiao Jin did not put down the cup. Instead, his face became even happier, his complexion rosy. He continued.
"To my shame, I have been without an heir since I ascended the throne. I am ashamed before my ancestors and have no face to face the legacy they left behind."
"Now that Consort Ling is pregnant, it is a great blessing for me. Considering her contributions to the country, I hereby announce in front of all my beloved ministers that Consort Ling shall be made Empress and head of the Central Palace."
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com