In order to prevent Feng Guche from discovering anything amiss, Consort Rong and the others could only quickly withdraw the glint of jealousy and resentment they showed on Cang Xixue's face.
Consort Rong, feeling resentful, glanced up at Ji Luoyan, who was sitting at the end of the table and was also invited to the birthday banquet. Her eyes seemed to be blaming Ji Luoyan for not really using the things she had given her. So much time had passed, and she still hadn't regained the emperor's favor.
Faced with Consort Rong's dissatisfaction, jealousy, and suggestive gaze, Ji Luoyan simply turned her head away indifferently, not caring at all.
Although she had been tolerant of Consort Rong in the past, she still thought she was foolish. Now that Consort Rong had gotten involved with Feng Moran, she naturally paid even less attention to her and completely ignored her.
Consort Rong was unaware of all this. She only thought that the arrogant Ji Luoyan was looking down on her even more because she had lost favor, and her face was even more unpleasant. She was full of anger, but dared not and could not vent it.
Frustrated and seething, Consort Rong could only secretly tell herself to find another opportunity later and ask Ji Luoyan to think of a solution for her.
As she was thinking, she heard a eunuch remind her, and then she looked up and saw Granny Yun carefully helping the Empress Dowager slowly walk up to the platform.
The group, led by Emperor Feng Guche, immediately stood up and bowed. Feng Guche and Shen Biyun personally went to the Empress Dowager's side, took her arm from Granny Yun, and helped her to the main seat.
"Logically speaking, Mother, you are currently unwell, so we shouldn't be holding such a grand birthday banquet for you. But this is my way of showing my filial piety, so please don't take offense, Mother." Feng Guche sat down next to the Empress Dowager.
"It's alright. Of course I know this is His Majesty's way of showing filial piety. How could I blame you?"
Although the Empress Dowager was carried here in a palanquin from Cining Palace, she did look tired after walking such a long distance, and even her voice sounded weak and feeble.
"So many people have come to celebrate my birthday, I am happy, but my health is not as good as before. I will sit for a while and then turn back to normal. You may begin."
Knowing that the Empress was presiding over today's birthday banquet, the Empress Dowager looked up and glanced at the Empress.
Upon hearing this, the emperor breathed a sigh of relief and nodded to the empress. At this moment, the empress's calm and dignified voice rang out, and the birthday banquet officially began.
Mu Chenshuang, who was sitting quietly in her seat, had been following the Empress Dowager with concern ever since she appeared. Seeing that the Empress Dowager looked tired but was not seriously ill, she was relieved.
As the old saying goes, "The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind." While Mu Chenshuang was paying attention to the Empress Dowager, Feng Mozhan was also closely watching Mu Chenshuang's every move.
Seeing Mu Chenshuang's anxious expression towards the Empress Dowager, Feng Mozhan smiled slightly, a knowing glint flashing in his narrow, sinister eyes.
It seems there's definitely going to be a good show to watch.
As expected, shortly after the birthday banquet began and the palace maids who were busy serving the food had left, before the song and dance performances had even started, the Empress Dowager's slightly aged, tired, and hoarse voice suddenly rang out.
"Before I came here today, someone anonymously sent me a congratulatory gift," the Empress Dowager said, glancing at Granny Yun, who stood respectfully to the side.
Granny Yun understood and immediately walked quickly to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. With methodical and calm movements, she took out an extremely exquisite and expensive silk embroidered bag from her sleeve.
Upon seeing this, Feng Guche looked puzzled, but Feng Moran, sitting below the stage, immediately understood. His narrow, sinister eyes narrowed as he looked at the scene before him.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com