Just half a month later, the empress dowager urged the imperial physician to check Chu Mingrou's pulse, and it turned out that her pulse was slippery, indicating pregnancy.
The empress dowager was so happy that she couldn't stop smiling, and kept saying that it was God's blessing that the emperor had another child.
After that, Chu Mingrou was treated like a idol, and people were sent to take good care of her every day to ensure that she did not suffer any injustice.
On the contrary, the empress dowager was so overjoyed, but Ye Jinyun felt that the emperor did not seem to be very happy about it.
Although Xiao Quanzi heard that the emperor often visited Chu Mingrou and doted on her in public.
But every time Ye Jinyun went to the emperor's bedchamber, she could feel that the emperor didn't seem to care about Chu Mingrou.
And because he couldn't stay with her every day, he would hold her and refuse to let go after she left, which made Ye Jinyun very helpless.
…
The day soon arrived, April 15th
Today is Chu Mingrou's birthday.
Because she was pregnant with the heir to the throne, the Queen Mother specially ordered a birthday dinner to be held for her, and the task of organizing the dinner was left to the Imperial Concubine.
The concubines in the harem naturally had to attend.
After Lin Qingtang and the other two had packed up, they went to Lingyue Pavilion to wait for Ye Jinyun. After she had packed up, the three of them went to Qiongxiang Pavilion, where the banquet was held in the palace.
Now Ye Jinyun has become the emperor's favorite concubine, and her status is naturally extraordinary. Many concubines greeted her along the way, and she was stared at by everyone when she entered the Qiongxiang Pavilion.
After separating from the two of them and sitting down at her own seat, Ye Jinyun looked back and saw that Lin Qingtang and the other two were sitting not far behind her, which made her feel a little relieved.
I think it was the emperor who arranged it this way, but after the imperial concubine knew about it, she must have become even more resentful towards her.
It doesn't matter. Anyway, Lin Qingtang's second brother sent her news these two days, saying that things have been making some progress and will be settled in a while, so she is not worried about what the imperial concubines and sisters will do to her.
…
As the concubines came in one by one, Ye Jinyun smelled the mixed fragrance on their bodies again. Her breathing stopped and she quickly took out the fan from her sleeve and fanned them gently.
She turned around and looked at Lin Qingtang and the other person. Seeing that they were both doing the same thing, she couldn't help but smile at them. They both responded to her in the same way.
Because of the experience from last time, Ye Jinyun asked them to bring fans with them when they went out knowing that they would be attending a dinner party this time, just in case this situation might arise.
Sure enough, she was prepared correctly.
Whenever these concubines had the chance to see the emperor, they would want to roll in the incense pile and make the fragrance on their bodies as strong as possible.
If she didn't make some preparations, the smell would probably damage her sense of smell.
…
Ye Jinyun fanned himself lightly as he looked at the people coming in, and saw that the person sitting below the main seat was today's protagonist, Chu Mingrou.
Sitting next to her were Concubine Shu and Concubine Qi, sitting opposite her were Concubine Gui, and sitting next to Concubine Gui were Concubine Xian and Concubine Jing.
She sat below Concubine Qi, which really made her feel a little flattered.
After all, she had seen several concubines sitting behind her in the Empress Dowager's palace before.
After Concubine Qi sat down next to her, she also looked at her. Her eyes were filled with amazement for a moment, and then she smiled at her politely, as a greeting to her.
Ye Jinyun also smiled back at her, thinking that Concubine Qi was a quiet person.
As the Emperor and the Queen Mother arrived.
Ye Jinyun stood up and saluted along with the other concubines.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to the Emperor and the Empress Dowager. May the Emperor be well and may the Empress Dowager be well."
"My beloved concubines, please stand up. Today is a family dinner, so there is no need for formalities."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Then they all sat back in their seats, and Ye Jinyun also quickly sat back and fanned himself.
Just now, when these concubines sat together, they emitted a strong fragrance that almost suffocated her.
Mo Qiyuan, who was sitting up there, could also smell the smell that gave him a headache at every banquet. He frowned and endured it.
When he looked up, he saw his beloved fanning herself below, and he couldn't help but laugh.
Well, she was quite clever, bringing a fan with her in April, not afraid of being laughed at.
Ye Jinyun also noticed that the emperor was looking at her, and winked at him secretly, as if to say, look how smart I am, you just bear with it up there.
Mo Qiyuan couldn't help but feel a hint of fondness for her in his eyes.
The imperial concubine watched the two of them exchanging glances in front of so many people, and her fingers in her sleeves turned white from pinching.
Concubine Shu also saw this scene, but she just curled the corners of her lips and thought to herself, as she expected, the emperor really had special feelings for Yun Zhaoyi, and she was glad that she did not choose the wrong path.
…
As exquisite dishes were served one after another, the banquet began.
This time was different from the last time, when they could hide at the back and eat heartily. Ye Jinyun looked at the delicacies on her table and could only eat in small bites like the concubines.
At this time, Chu Mingrou stood up with her glass raised to prepare a toast.
As soon as she stood up, the Queen Mother immediately stopped her:
"Sit down quickly. Why are you standing up? What if you sprain your waist? If you want to toast, then do it while you sit down."
Suddenly, many concubines in the palace cast jealous glances at her. Chu Mingrou felt these glances, and her vanity was greatly satisfied.
Rou Ruo said: "Yes, Queen Mother, then I would like to offer a toast to the Emperor and thank him for the honor of attending my birthday banquet."
"My beloved is so thoughtful."
Mo Qiyuan raised his hand to her, raised a glass of wine and drank it. While drinking, he secretly glanced at Ye Jinyun's expression out of the corner of his eye.
Seeing her calm expression, I felt a little annoyed. Why didn't she react at all?
Ye Jinyun had no idea what the emperor was thinking. Seeing that everyone stopped and watched the two of them toast, he had no choice but to stop and watch as well.
All I was thinking was, could you guys drink faster? I’m really a little hungry.
After toasting the emperor, Chu Mingrou toasted the empress dowager and all the concubines.
Ye Jinyun raised his glass and drank with everyone. Just as he put down his glass and prepared to eat, the imperial concubine spoke again.
Ye Jinyun was so angry.
No, you two sisters are not done yet, are you? You won’t even let us eat.
But there was nothing I could do, I could only sit back and listen to her.
The imperial concubine glanced at everyone and said with a smile:
"Today is my sister Rou'er's birthday. I'm very happy that you sisters can come together to celebrate for her. However, because Rou'er is pregnant, I haven't prepared any singing or dancing today, which may have dampened your spirits.
But I just had an idea. How about we draw lots on the spot and let the talented sisters perform?
We are all sisters, so there is no need to be shy. Besides, the Emperor is here, so it's a good opportunity for him to see the elegance of the sisters. How about it?"
Many concubines were eager to try after hearing this. The imperial concubine was right. This was a good opportunity for them to show up in front of the emperor, and of course they couldn't miss it.
Many concubines immediately agreed with her proposal.
When the imperial concubine saw that there was someone who matched her, a hint of success flashed in her eyes and the smile on her face deepened.
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