Before we knew it, it was the fifteenth of August, the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time for family reunions. The air was filled with a festive atmosphere, and the palace was adorned with red lanterns, creating a joyous and lively scene.
Zhou Huaijin disliked extravagance, but this time he held a grand banquet for his officials and invited their families to the palace to pay their respects. Many people started preparing early, after all, the palace was not a place that could be entered casually. It was a rare opportunity, so of course they had to make the most of it and dress themselves up in their finest attire.
In such times, every banquet is a rare opportunity to expand one's network. Men hope to showcase their talents and realize their life's ambitions at these banquets. Women hope to gain a good reputation and marry their ideal husband in the future.
Before the Emperor arrived, most people gathered to socialize and build relationships, creating a harmonious atmosphere. The five princes, in particular, did their utmost to cultivate relationships with the ministers, while the women in the inner quarters also huddled together to chat.
In the southeast corner of the palace, five elegantly dressed women stood together, each wearing an identical graceful smile, subtly exchanging barbs. Of these five, aside from the Fifth Prince's concubine, all were princes' principal wives, formally betrothed by imperial decree, and of noble status.
They sat together chatting about the latest clothes and jewelry, creating a joyful scene.
Wearing a lake-blue jumpsuit, her hair neatly tied up, and the rose gold hair ornament tassels on her head swaying gently with her movements, Jiang Changle followed behind a woman in formal attire with a smile on her face.
Although she considered herself of noble status, she was only a concubine. In the presence of the principal wife, she was still inferior and could only follow behind with a smile, without having the opportunity to speak.
"Alright, this is none of your business. Go sit down over there! This isn't a place for you." The Third Prince's principal wife glanced at Jiang Chang Le, a disdainful and mocking smile on her lips, and spoke coldly.
“Yes.” Filled with resentment, Jiang Changle had no choice but to bow respectfully and leave, clenching her fists.
"Third sister-in-law, you've gone a bit too far. Consort Jiang is, after all, a member of Consort Chen's family. It wouldn't be good if people found out," the First Prince's wife gently advised. After all, she's just a concubine; there are plenty of ways to deal with her. Why make a scene and embarrass others?
"Sister-in-law, you're overthinking it. The Imperial Concubine and Consort Jiang don't get along. She might even be happy to know! Besides, troublemakers need to be taught a lesson." The Third Prince's wife casually fiddled with her well-maintained nails, speaking rather nonchalantly.
When Consort Jiang first married into the prince's residence, she frequently tried to steal people from his courtyard and cause him trouble. Most hateful of all, she tried to seize control of the household affairs and planted spies around him. However, Consort Chen was favored and held a high position, and the Third Prince doted on Consort Jiang, so she had no choice but to endure it.
But the other party went even further, trampling on her, the legitimate wife.
Later, she learned that Consort Chen and Consort Jiang had fallen out of favor, and the Third Prince gradually turned his back on Consort Jiang. As a result, Consort Jiang lost favor, and he finally had the opportunity to teach this little bitch a lesson.
No matter what, she was still the lawfully wedded wife, and she couldn't afford to be looked down upon anymore. A concubine without anyone to back her up was no match for him.
"Third sister-in-law is right. Those servile concubines need to be taught a lesson, otherwise people will laugh at us for being bad at managing the household," the Fourth Prince's wife chuckled, her tone light and sarcastic.
Jiang Changle overheard every word of the princes' consorts' conversation, which enraged him. Tears welled in his eyes; he felt wronged, embarrassed, and above all, filled with hatred. He hated the Third Prince's consort, he hated the Third Prince, he hated Jiang Jing, and he hated Wuyou even more.
If Wuyou hadn't appeared, none of this would have happened, and he wouldn't have become the object of ridicule.
He completely ignored the fact that the Third Prince's wife was dissatisfied with him because he was arrogant and disrespectful to her, taking advantage of her favor.
"The Emperor has arrived—the Imperial Concubine has arrived—" The eunuch's distinctive hoarse voice suddenly rang out, shattering the bustling noise of the city and instantly silencing the palace.
The men and women present straightened their clothes, knelt down and kowtowed, shouting "Long live the Emperor!"
What's particularly intriguing is that Consort Chen, who rarely left the palace after entering, actually made a public appearance. Those who know Zhou Huaijin's personality are incredibly curious about this Consort Chen—what kind of beauty could melt such steel and win such favor?
Although Consort Chen did not appear, rumors about her never ceased. The Emperor visited her Bamboo Pavilion Palace daily, leaving the Beamless Hall almost empty. She seized power in the harem upon entering it, managing it meticulously and employing ruthless methods to kill a number of palace staff, demonstrating her seasoned experience.
The light blue skirt flowed like water, the jade pendants jingling with each movement, followed by a faint, elegant bamboo fragrance that soothed the soul.
"Rise, my beloved subjects." Dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, the tall and imposing Zhou Huaijin laughed heartily, his voice deep and powerful. Since the arrival of Consort Chen, Zhou Huaijin had become increasingly energetic, a testament to the joy that comes with good fortune.
"Thank you, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!" A group of people stood up in a rush, and only then could they see the woman beside the Emperor clearly. Although she was dressed simply and wore light makeup, she still showed amazing beauty. No wonder the Emperor was so infatuated with her.
The moment they saw Wuyou, everyone let out a sigh. Princess Minghua smiled, looking at the two with satisfaction; after all, she was their matchmaker!
Song Yuan's expression was complicated. He never expected that the slender, unassuming woman who was a few years younger than him would one day become his aunt. Was this fate? Even so, he was happy that his uncle could find happiness and peace, and he offered his blessings.
Wuyou placed his hands on his abdomen, dignified and elegant. Suddenly, he felt his hands being enveloped by a warm, large hand. He turned his head in surprise, his eyes filled with doubt.
Zhou Huaijin smiled slightly, tightening his large hand slightly. His body heat quickly warmed Wuyou's slightly cool hand, gently stroking it as a sign of affection. Wuyou instantly understood. Jiang Wuyou had been in poor health since childhood, leaving him with some chronic ailments. His body was cold and needed slow conditioning, and the other party was worried that he would get cold.
A gentle warmth filled her heart, and Wuyou lowered her eyes, concealing the involuntary curve of her lips. It felt wonderful to have someone watching over you constantly, caring about everything about you, and taking meticulous care of you.
"Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival..." After a long speech and a few cups of yellow wine, the atmosphere at the banquet was heated up. The dancers on the stage were graceful and their movements were light and charming, with every move captivating.
Jiang Changle clenched her fists tightly, staring at the Third Prince beside her, who was practically wide-eyed with disbelief. She glared hatefully at the dancers on stage, her eyes filled with jealousy. Seeing the tender interaction between the two only fueled her envy and resentment, filling her chest with a burning rage that threatened to explode at any moment.
"Ugh..." Wuyou looked at the steamed fish on the table and unconsciously let out a dry heave, instantly attracting everyone's attention.
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