"Oh, my dear sister, you've finally arrived! I was just saying, look at our Crown Prince's new concubine, Consort Yan. Isn't she stunning? How does she compare to you back then? Consort Yan, quickly show her to Consort Zhen." Consort Lixian said with a smile, full of malice.
These words disgusted Consort Zhen and provoked the Empress. As for Yan Nangui, the person in question, she didn't care at all.
The Empress never wanted to hear about what happened back then. Her daughter-in-law becoming her sister was a lifelong disgrace.
She was overjoyed when Shu Changfeng married Cao Shi. Cao Shi was beautiful and talented, an excellent choice. Shu Changfeng was the eldest son of the legitimate wife, and it was only a matter of time before he was made crown prince.
When the time comes, it would be fitting for Lady Cao to become the Crown Princess and, in the future, the Empress. But…
Looking back now, it was absolutely disgusting.
Consort Keli, relying on the Second Prince's favor, never gave the Empress any face. Now that she can disgust both the Empress and Consort Zhen, she doesn't care at all.
Yan Nangui smiled and stood up, then bowed to Consort Zhen: "Greetings, Your Highness Consort Zhen. This concubine is Yan Nangui."
"Look at her, what a beautiful girl! Isn't she just like you back then?" Consort Lixian said with a smile.
“Your Highness, Consort Lixian, I have only been in the palace for a short time and am unaware of many things. I am a second-time bride, having divorced my first husband from the Meng family before entering the Crown Prince’s residence. How come… is Your Highness Consort Zhenzhen the same? I have never heard of such a thing. Perhaps I am too young.”
Her question was earnest, yet tinged with a hint of unease.
Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback, and then Consort Lixian laughed: "Oh dear, hahaha, this child is really honest. Oh dear, you're a second-time bride and divorced, so what's the big deal? It's perfectly aboveboard. But Consort Zhen… oh dear, I can't say that. Just pretend I didn't say anything. You're just a child, don't pry."
"Yes, thank you very much, Consort Lixian. You are such a kind person." Yan Nangui smiled gratefully and sat back down.
Consort Zhen's face turned pale with anger.
The Empress was both angry and relieved. She glared at Consort Zhen and then glanced at Consort Lixian before dropping the subject.
She doesn't like people bringing this up, but since it's already been brought up, it's good that it helps her vent her anger.
This Yan is quite a remarkable person.
She asked the question seemingly out of confusion, speaking of her second marriage without any shame, repeatedly asking if Consort Zhen was the same.
Of course not.
If that's not the case, what does it mean that Consort Li Xian specifically compared her to Consort Zhen?
That's because Consort Zhen entered the palace under unclear circumstances back then. Not to mention, she was the first to enter, and the eldest prince didn't die until six months later.
Even if she entered after her husband's death, it was still wrong.
Besides, which of the senior and high-ranking officials in the palace didn't know that she had already become involved with His Majesty before the First Prince died?
So if anyone had even a shred of decency, asking her that question in person would have made her feel quite embarrassed.
Yan Nangui's question, asked in front of everyone, was tantamount to slapping Consort Zhen in the face.
It's obviously useless, but it's good if it makes the Empress comfortable.
As for Consort Li Xian's obvious provocation, the Empress was well aware of it. They had their own battlefields, so let them fight it out slowly.
With such a good start, everyone was very happy.
Clearly, Consort Zhen had gotten used to it over the past ten years or so; otherwise, how could she have survived?
So, I was able to gradually adjust and face it calmly.
A little while later, someone came to deliver a message that the Empress Dowager had arrived at Yaoguang Palace and that everyone should go there.
When the Empress arrived at Yaoguang Palace with her entourage, His Majesty also arrived with his princes and relatives.
Yan Nangui glanced at him and clicked his tongue. This old emperor was... truly handsome. He was a half-elf with an imposing presence, and it was undeniable that the crown prince resembled his father.
She thought recklessly, if she had schemed and entered the harem back then, wouldn't she have been able to climb the ranks in this old man's harem? With the crown prince's position so precarious, wouldn't it have been faster to enter the harem and become his stepmother to get revenge?
She glanced again at the crown prince accompanying the emperor, then shook her head inwardly. No, no, the half-elf prince was much better. The old prince wasn't appealing anymore.
The Crown Prince had no idea that his beloved concubine harbored such rebellious thoughts; who would know...?
The female members of the imperial family were all accompanying the Empress Dowager in Yaoguang Palace. When they saw the Empress and her entourage, they quickly rose and bowed.
After exchanging greetings, they each took their seats.
At the head of the table, Empress Dowager Jiang sat in the center, flanked by His Majesty and the Empress. Further to either side were several princesses and princes from the imperial clan. Yan Nangui's stepmother was naturally present, but she merely glanced at Yan Nangui, who pretended not to see her. "Sorry, my status is too low; I cannot see you."
At the lower left, the Crown Prince sits first, followed by his wife, and then the other concubines.
Next, in order, are the second prince and other princes.
The princesses all sat with their birth mothers on the right. The first one on the right was naturally Consort Zhen.
Although the four imperial concubines of the first rank had the same status, the Noble Consort was the most respected.
Once everyone was seated, His Majesty waved his hand and said, "Let's begin."
Soon, the singing and dancing began, and the dishes were served one after another.
His Majesty personally poured wine and served food to the Empress Dowager, showing great respect.
Empress Dowager Jiang is only in her fifties this year. She's not old at all. It's just that she's been out of the public eye for a long time and her presence is not very noticeable.
At this moment, he simply maintained a smiling demeanor, allowing His Majesty and the Empress to fawn over him.
Below, the singing and dancing were lively, creating a bustling scene.
After His Majesty and the Empress had offered their toasts and presented their gifts, it was time for everyone else to go first, naturally starting with the Crown Prince.
Everyone presented gifts to the Empress Dowager, who smiled and said they were fine, and told them to accept them.
The banquet lasted from noon until night, and even the Empress Dowager could no longer sit still.
I'm going back now.
The singing and dancing have stopped, so it's time to disperse. After seeing the Empress Dowager off, His Majesty smiled and said, "Let's call it a day."
The Crown Prince stood up and led the way: "Father and Mother, you have worked hard. Please go back and rest."
His Majesty hummed in agreement. Although he disliked the Crown Prince, he usually acted behind the scenes and didn't completely disregard him, especially in these trivial matters.
"Go back now, everyone. You have court tomorrow." With that, he waved and left.
He didn't care about his wives, concubines, and children.
The Empress also said to the concubines, "Go back now. You've worked hard today. You don't need to pay your respects tomorrow."
Everyone thanked her.
The Empress looked at the Crown Prince and said, "See your uncles and aunts off."
The Crown Prince agreed and, together with his brothers, saw their elders off at the door. This naturally included Princess Rongning.
Only then did she speak to Yan Nangui: "Young lady, now that you've seen Mother, you haven't uttered a single word?"
Yan Nangui smiled and said, "Your Highness is too kind. Royal rules are paramount. I am now a concubine of the Crown Prince's household, and there is a world of difference between me and Your Highness. Even if I have feelings for you, how could I dare to take the initiative to speak to you?"
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