Chapter 80 Royal Banquet
Consort Niohuru struggled internally for a long time.
Finally, she took a deep breath, straightened her slightly disheveled clothes, and felt a tragic sense of determination, like a warrior cutting off his own arm.
He slowly walked out from the inner hall.
She walked to the main hall and respectfully bowed to Jiang Nan, who was still looking around.
His voice carried a sense of helplessness.
"Sister Jinfei, I am here. I was changing my clothes just now and was unable to greet Your Majesty in time. Please forgive me."
She paused, then confirmed with her last glimmer of hope.
"My sister just said... she's only going to take a walk in the Imperial Garden? Is that true?"
When Jiang Nan saw her finally come out, her face immediately lit up with a smile, and she patted her chest to assure her.
"Really? Absolutely! I keep my word. I'll just go for a walk in the Imperial Garden and I won't do anything else."
Consort Niohuru looked at her confident demeanor, but in her heart she didn't believe her at all.
But since things have come to this, there's no choice but to bite the bullet and go for it.
"Then I will accompany my sister for a walk."
Consort Niohuru forced a smile.
Seeing that she agreed, Jiang Nan immediately stepped forward, affectionately put his arm around her, and half-dragged, half-pulled her out.
"That's right, let's go."
Consort Niohuru was dragged along by her, her body stiff.
Unable to resist turning back to her nanny for help, she called out softly.
"Granny..."
The old nanny was so anxious that she stamped her feet, but she didn't dare to step forward to stop Consort Jin. She could only follow behind and call out repeatedly.
"Oh dear, Consort Jin, please slow down. Be careful not to pull my master. Master, please watch your step."
Jiang Nan waved without turning her head, her voice cheerful.
"Don't worry, don't worry, Granny, you can rest assured. I promise that I will bring your master back safe and sound later."
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As Jiang Nan and Niu Kulu chased each other around, New Year's Eve arrived.
Because less than ten years had passed since the death of the late Emperor Shunzhi, banquets, music, and dances in the Forbidden City were reduced.
However, the royal New Year banquet at the Qianqing Palace remains the most important event of the year.
The Qianqing Palace was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and the palace servants walked briskly, exuding a solemn yet restrained festive atmosphere.
Inside Yongshou Palace, however, the atmosphere was somewhat different.
Fang Ruo carefully inserted the last kingfisher feather phoenix hairpin into Jiang Nan's hair bun, constantly giving her instructions.
"Your Majesty, today is different from usual. The Empress Dowager, the Emperor, the Empress, the wives of princes of the imperial family, and many meritorious officials from the previous dynasty are all watching in the Qianqing Palace. You must restrain your temper and proceed with caution in all matters..."
Jiang Nan looked at herself in the Western-style glass mirror from left to right.
The heavy imperial concubine robes she wore made her shift her shoulders impatiently.
"I know, I know, Fangruo, you've been saying this since this morning, my ears are practically calloused. I promise, as long as no one provokes me, I'll be the most perfect clay Buddha today, okay?"
She thought to herself that the Empress must have tacitly lifted her confinement based on this New Year's banquet.
The Empress is truly amazing; she's incredibly fun to play, and she always manages to make a comeback every few months.
The Niohuru clan's fun had just ended, and now the Empress is taking over again?
At that moment, Dai Jia's joyful voice came from outside; her voice preceded her arrival.
"Your Majesty, are you ready? The time is almost here."
Consort Dai was dressed in a brand-new lake-blue palace gown, with a light layer of powder on her face.
His eyes and brows betrayed barely suppressed excitement and nervousness as he strode in.
She was young, and it was her first time attending a state banquet of such caliber, so it was understandable that she was excited.
"Look at you, you have no composure at all."
Jiang Nan jokingly teased her.
"It's just a meal, why are you in such a hurry?"
"Your Majesty, you make it sound so easy."
Dai Jia touched her chest, her voice trembling with nervousness.
"This is the first time I've ever seen so many important people. Just thinking about it makes my heart pound."
At this moment, Lady Wang, carrying the little princess, slowly walked in, supported by a palace maid.
After nearly a month of postpartum recovery, her complexion was still somewhat pale.
But her eyes and brows were full of the gentleness and contentment of a mother.
The exquisitely beautiful little princess in her arms was wrapped in a festive bright red swaddling cloth.
With its big, bright eyes wide open, it neither cried nor made a fuss, but curiously looked around.
"Greetings to Your Majesty."
Wang's voice was soft and gentle, tinged with a smile.
"This child seems to know that today is a big day, and is being exceptionally well-behaved."
Jiang Nan stood up, took the little princess from Wang Shi's hands, and skillfully tossed her around.
He kissed the little guy's chubby cheek and smiled.
"Our little princess is naturally the most sensible, isn't she? Today, let's take our little darling to see the world and let everyone see how handsome our Yongshou Palace's precious baby is."
The little princess was amused and giggled, waving her little hands around.
Dai Jia came closer, looking at the child with eyes full of affection.
"Sister Wang, Little Princess is getting more and more beautiful. Look at her eyebrows and eyes, so full of life."
Looking at her daughter, Wang's eyes were full of tenderness.
"I just hope she grows up safely. At today's banquet, I'll have to trouble Your Majesty to take good care of her and make sure she doesn't cry or make a fuss."
"Don't worry, I'm here."
Jiang Nan handed the child back to Fang Ruo and gave her instructions.
"Fangruo, hold the child carefully. When you arrive at your destination, stay behind me. It is not proper for you, Sister Wang, to hold the child outside, or at the New Year's banquet."
She then looked at Dai Jia and patted her on the shoulder.
"Don't be too nervous. When we get there, just sit behind me with Sister Wang. Don't talk too much, and no one will make things difficult for you."
Dai Jia nodded vigorously.
"Yes, Your Highness, I understand."
With everything prepared, Jiang Nan led the group from Yongshou Palace toward Qianqing Palace in a grand procession.
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The Qianqing Palace was already brightly lit and solemnly decorated.
The four thrones at the top were still empty, but the seats on both sides were already occupied by many members of the imperial family, nobles, and concubines.
As soon as Jiang Nan entered, she immediately attracted countless gazes, both overt and covert.
This is Consort Jin, who is currently the most powerful woman in the harem, acting as the Empress Dowager, and whose actions are...unconventional.
Soetu also cast a mixed look at Jiang Nan, a look that was a mixture of disgust, hatred, disdain, and a hint of excitement.
He, Amasoni, is now lying in a hospital bed, and his days are numbered.
Just a few months ago in the Imperial Study, Father coughed up blood, and his body collapsed at that moment.
Jiang Nan's gaze swept across the entire room, and in addition to the familiar concubines in the harem, she also saw many unfamiliar faces.
It wasn't until he caught a glimpse of his uncle Tu Hai sitting in the noble seat that he finally showed a genuine smile.
She walked over slowly.
When Tu Hai saw her, he immediately tried to get up and bow.
Jiang Nan offered a slight support and said in a low voice.
"Uncle, there's no need for such formalities. We're family, so we don't stand on ceremony."
Tu Hai carefully examined her and saw that she had a rosy complexion and although she looked tired, she was still in good spirits.
"I am relieved that Your Majesty is well. His Majesty previously revealed that Your Majesty is two months pregnant, and I have been concerned about that."
"Don't worry, Uncle, I'm perfectly fine."
Jiang Nan smiled and said sincerely.
"I must also thank my uncle for finding Chunlan for me. This girl is very capable, and I am very satisfied."
"It is my duty to share Your Majesty's burdens."
Tu Hai said modestly, then remembered the important matter and lowered his voice even further.
"I have already begun to carry out the task assigned by His Majesty, so please rest assured, Your Majesty."
A glint of light flashed in Jiang Nan's eyes, and she nodded slightly.
"Yes, this matter is of great importance and is a real achievement. Uncle, you must be careful, seize the opportunity, and not let others reap the rewards."
"Your subject understands and will act with caution and never make a fuss."
Tu Hai solemnly promises.
Jiang Nan knew that there were many people around and it was not advisable to talk too much.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, he carried the child and headed towards the seating area for the imperial concubines.
Her position was at the very front left of the Emperor and Empress's throne, second only to the vacant Empress's seat.
Opposite her was Consort Niohuru, who was also seated.
When Consort Niohuru saw Jiang Nan approaching, her body stiffened almost imperceptibly.
He subconsciously lowered his eyelashes, as if afraid that if he made eye contact with her, he would be dragged away for some terrible lesson.
Seeing this, Jiang Nan found it amusing, but refrained from provoking her for the time being.
Fangruo stood quietly behind her, holding the little princess, while Daijia and Wangshi sat down in the row behind her according to their rank.
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There's foreshadowing here, anyone guessed it? Who's up to something? Here comes another exciting moment.
You guys are having a blast, but I'm about to be finished. Traffic has been cut again and again. Yesterday I only got 3,000 bookstore recommendations, and today it doesn't feel good either.
If you remain indifferent and do not help me, I am truly going to collapse.
Check-in area, check-in area. No need to type, just send me an emoji. This isn't something a few dozen people can save. Every little one needs to lend a hand. Consort Jin is about to die.
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