Palace Banquet on March 15th
The emperor sat on the high seat, and below him sat his ministers and their wives. The sounds of stringed instruments were so mesmerizing that one couldn't help but be intoxicated by them.
The ministers complimented each other, and from time to time they glanced up at the woman sitting next to the emperor, with a hint of coldness in her eyes.
"Master Liu, Concubine Li is so favored now, and His Majesty still values you so much. Riches and honors are yet to come."
The man raised his head, his expression a bit arrogant and proud, and said modestly: "I don't deserve it. Concubine Li is now your majesty's concubine. It is my duty to help your majesty have children."
"Lord Yun, I heard that Concubine Yun has been in the palace for five years and has no children. If you have time in the future, you can go and ask Concubine Li for advice."
Yun Chengbai looked unhappy when he heard this. He put the wine glass on the table with a little more force, making a crisp sound.
"Liu Yong, what do you mean? Today is a palace banquet. I don't want to argue with you. You'd better know your place."
The two of them had been fighting openly and secretly since they were in the academy, and neither of them was willing to submit to the other. Later, when their daughters were sent to the palace, their private fights became even more intense.
Especially after Concubine Li became pregnant and Concubine Yun became depressed, the two of them quarreled fiercely when they met...
Seeing the other party's smug look, Yun Chengbai was so angry that he almost vomited blood. This damn old man was not as knowledgeable as him, but he was very eloquent.
Liu Yong was not afraid at all. He raised his wine glass and looked at the other party provocatively.
"Heh, it's like who wants to care about you."
"you……"
After watching the show, other ministers began to persuade him.
"Alright, both of you, keep your words to yourself. Today is a palace banquet. It will be bad if you anger His Majesty."
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Emperor Gan placed some food in her bowl and coaxed her softly, "My beloved concubine, eat more. This way, your child will be born healthy."
Concubine Li smiled shyly, stretched out her hand, clenched her fist, and gently hit the emperor's chest, saying coquettishly: "Your Majesty is teasing me again. The imperial physician said that I can't eat too much."
"Look, I'm small to begin with. If I eat too much, the baby will be too big and difficult to give birth to."
"What if the birth is difficult? I can't bear to leave Your Majesty."
Emperor Gan glanced at her and whispered, "Don't say that. I still hope that my beloved concubine will give birth to more children in the future. Please don't say such unlucky words."
The queen glanced at him from the side, her expression neither sad nor happy.
I could hear the concubines talking.
"Tsk, this Concubine Li has really risen to prominence. Look at the occasion, His Majesty even lets her sit next to him."
"She only has that Concubine Li in her eyes and heart. She doesn't even look at us. From now on, the harem will only be favored by that bitch."
"Shh, don't talk nonsense. The Queen is a beauty, yet His Majesty hasn't even glanced at her, let alone us."
The queen lowered her eyes and drank to hide the sarcasm in her eyes. Being favored by the emperor was just a nightmare. She didn't know whether Concubine Li would live or seek death when her dream was shattered.
Well, that's really boring.
The old lady sat in the upper seat, eating her meal in silence, not expecting someone to bring up the topic.
The imperial concubine covered her mouth and chuckled, her face becoming more charming and seductive.
"Your Majesty, please don't just focus on Concubine Li. You've even neglected the Princess. I'm sure the Princess will be very happy that the Jiang family will return to the capital soon."
Emperor Gan raised the corner of his mouth slightly and said with a smile: "Yes, the Jiang family has made great contributions this time, so it is natural to reward them according to their merits."
"It's just that my sister, there is something that has stumped me."
"If the General's Mansion is to bestow more rewards, it should also include a title and fiefdoms. I wonder which fiefdom my sister thinks would be appropriate?"
The old lady put down the cup, her face very calm, still turning the Buddhist beads in her hands, and said softly: "This matter involves state affairs, it is not something a mere woman like me should get involved in."
"I have been a vegetarian and chanting Buddhist scriptures for many years. All I hope for is the safe return of my children and grandchildren so that I can have a good reunion dinner."
When these words were spoken, many old ministers thought of the fact that the eldest princess had given birth to seven sons, and the sixth son died in battle in southern Xinjiang.
Only Mr. Jiang Liu is left, and he has only a few grandchildren. For such a huge general's mansion, no matter how great the honor is, it is probably not as good as having someone come back alive.
Emperor Gan's expression froze for a moment, but soon returned to normal.
"Imperial sister, I will always remember your sacrifice for Dagan. When the people from the General's Mansion return to the capital, I will definitely treat them well."
"The Xiongnu won't come again in ten years. They can rest and no longer have to work so hard."
The old lady turned the Buddhist beads in her hand, paused, and nodded.
"Everything is at your command."
"Alas, as a person half buried in the earth, I wish to find a quiet place to spend my remaining years after seeing my children and grandchildren return."
Emperor Gan laughed and said, "My sister is only three years older than me. How can she be half buried in the ground? When they come back, they will wait for you to arrange a marriage for her."
"Did Jiang Ling have a fiancée before he went to Southern Xinjiang?"
The old lady unconsciously clenched her hands and hummed, "Yes, there is one, but Ling'er went to Southern Xinjiang and I don't know when she will be back. I don't want to delay the girl."
"The marriage is off."
"Oh, that's a pity, but it doesn't matter. After returning to the capital, my sister will hold a few more spring banquets."
"There are many noble ladies in the capital, we can meet them later."
The old lady nodded and said softly, "Your Majesty is right. As a grandmother, I really need to pay more attention to my grandson and take good care of him."
The two of them chatted back and forth until the palace banquet was over.
Qiuxiang reached out her hand to support the man and whispered, "Master, please slow down and go back home to rest early."
"Well, I'm old and tired, and indeed I don't look as young as Your Majesty."
Emperor Gan was very pleased to hear this. If the longevity elixir had not been broken, he would look even younger. But it didn't matter. Just waiting for another month would be enough.
His eyes wandered over Concubine Li's belly, then quickly looked away.
The queen saw it clearly from the side, and when she lowered her eyes she felt nauseous and almost vomited.
The nanny supported her as they walked slowly. Seeing that she looked unhappy, she whispered to comfort her, "Madam, you are angry."
"Concubine Li is indeed arrogant now. His Majesty dotes on her so much that he doesn't allow other concubines to look at her. It's as if he's afraid of hurting Concubine Li. He looks at her like the apple of his eye."
"...Angry? No, I just feel disgusted."
The queen's dignified face showed a hint of deep meaning: "Don't judge things by appearances. Some candies are poisonous. You have to spit them out after eating them."
"It's a good thing not to go. Just live your own life quietly."
The nanny sighed, thinking about how His Majesty and the Empress used to be in harmony and enviable, but later... after he ascended the throne, everything changed.
"Ah, it's also because Concubine Li is so lucky. Even at His Majesty's age, she can still get pregnant. I just don't know if it's a prince."
The Queen narrowed her eyes slightly and sighed, "It doesn't matter whether it is or not. He won't survive anyway, so it doesn't matter whether he is a prince or a princess."
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