Chapter 234: Chapter 234: Palace Banquet Verbal Sparring
"Your Majesty, during this trip to Taishan to offer sacrifices to heaven, I heard that you witnessed a rare spectacle not seen in a hundred years. This must be Heaven’s blessing upon our Da Wei. Therefore, I offer this humble cup of wine to congratulate Your Majesty on your everlasting fortune and wish our Da Wei eternal prosperity!"
With that, she raised her cup and gave the Emperor a graceful smile.
Her demeanor was just like that of Lin Guifei back in the day.
The Emperor glanced at her, his expression not showing much reaction.
He casually lifted the wine cup and drank it all in one go.
He was straightforward, and naturally, so was Princess Consort Yi.
As a result, those who hadn’t seen the Emperor in a long time began to become restless.
Everyone was eager to clink glasses with the Emperor.
Lin Wanyi sat beside Ming, still as low-key as ever.
Only this time, there was a hint of concern in her eyes when she looked at the Emperor.
He hadn’t eaten much, yet he had already downed several glasses of wine. One could only wonder if he might get drunk.
Noticing her expression out of the corner of her eye, Ming adjusted the hairpin by her temple and then spoke.
"Sister Lin, you must feel comfortable returning to the palace. I heard that the entire Yihua Palace is now occupied by you alone."
"Little Sister Ming, you flatter me. It’s just because His Majesty remembers that I still have to take care of two children, so he went along with it."
After saying this, she made a slightly plaintive expression.
Seeing this, Ming Changzai was puzzled.
"Sister, what’s the matter? Isn’t returning to the palace a good thing?"
"Of course it’s a good thing, but as the year goes by, isn’t it already March again?"
March, the season of warming spring and blossoming flowers.
The new round of selection will begin again.
Upon hearing this, Ming’s expression also shifted from joy to worry.
Their positions in the harem were not yet stable.
And they were about to become things of the past.
No matter their unparalleled beauty or extraordinary talents, what of it?
One batch of fresh faces would enter the palace after another, and it would only become more crowded inside.
Sooner or later, they might become insignificant decorations by the roadside, moved aside if found redundant.
Thinking of this, she lost her appetite for the banquet.
Contrarily, Concubine Qian, upon hearing this, smiled and comforted them.
"Younger sisters of such talents and beauty are worried, then what about those of us less fortunate? Rest assured, the Emperor values old ties and will not forget them easily. Just look at Yi Changzai and me; aren’t we still by the Emperor’s side?"
Ming smiled. There was now a bit more sincerity in her smile.
"Sister, you are right. Instead of causing ourselves unnecessary troubles, it’s better to seize the opportunity and fight on."
She then turned to look at Lin Wanyi, who seemed innocent, and felt a touch of disdain.
Lin Guifei remained at the Taishan Palace, whatever excuse was given, indicating the collapse of Lin Family’s influence within the palace.
She had once been a follower, but now that the stable support had disappeared, new paths had to be found.
She scrutinized those seated.
With Princess Consort Yi now gaining power, it was clear that the restrictions on Noble Lady Bai and Chu Daying would soon lift.
She and Noble Lady Bai were incompatible, so going there now would be courting disaster.
Thus, that path was closed.
On the other hand, Princess Consort Ying seemed to be on the rise, especially with a healthy Fourth Prince in her care, making her quite competitive for the future.
However, with Mu Changzai already as her companion, trying to edge in now might not be feasible.
But there were only two high-ranking concubines, and if she couldn’t attach herself to either...
What paths would be available in the future?
Her delicate face was filled with worry and gloom.
Comparing to her, Mu Changzai and Yi Changzai seemed much more lively and engaged.
One was fully intent on climbing up, while the other was determined never to falter in pursuit of advancement.
It was natural for thunder to meet with fire, causing a stir even without reason.
Mu Changzai had recently moved to the rear hall of Yao Yue Palace, growing closer to Princess Consort Ying.
This naturally gave her an increased sense of self-importance.
Both as Changzai, Yi Changzai not only had a title but was favored earlier, so her discord with Mu Changzai was understandable.
At the palace banquet.
Mu Changzai had just praised the Fourth Prince for his brilliance.
Yi Changzai immediately followed by extolling the Third Prince’s noble character.
Mu Changzai added another commendation about Princess Consort Ying’s gentleness and grace.
Yi Changzai immediately lauded Princess Consort Yi for her fair dealings.
Though they argued fiercely, as the main figures, Princess Consort Yi and Princess Consort Ying paid no heed.
If it were before, Princess Consort Ying might have already signaled Mu Changzai to restrain her aggressiveness.
Today, however, she seemed oblivious to the underlying rivalry.
Sitting high beside the Emperor, she remained silent.
Only then did Lin Wanyi notice the change in Princess Consort Ying.
The serene and indifferent Noble Princess Consort Ying had transformed into a Princess Consort Ying who knew how to leverage opportunities.
Seeing Princess Consort Yi’s displeased face yet remaining silent, Lin Wanyi realized.
It seemed that during her time at the traveling palace, this Princess Consort Ying had indeed turned things around in the harem.
However, what leverage did she have in her hands that could make Princess Consort Yi, usually so composed, act this way?
How to put it?
An extreme reticence.
When Lin Guifei was in power, Princess Consort Yi, despite her lower status, maintained the style of a Liu Family woman.
How, when facing a newly promoted Princess Consort Ying, could she seem so constrained?
The only possibility was that Princess Consort Ying had discovered a secret that could threaten the Liu Family.
Otherwise, with Princess Consort Yi’s temperament and personality, how could she tolerate Mu Changzai’s impudence without rebuke?
It appeared that the waters in the harem had indeed become more turbulent.
Observing without engaging, she had no interest in these entanglements and intrigues.
Having traveled for most of the day, she just wanted to return and rest.
Like her, the Emperor also seemed weary.
His expression grew displeased, and he looked at Mu Changzai and Yi Changzai with obvious dissatisfaction.
With a cold snort, he was about to rise.
When Princess Consort Ying stopped him.
"Your Majesty has traveled long and hard; it’s best to rest early. When it’s time for the evening meal, I will bring the Fourth Prince to see Your Majesty."
"Hmm."
As Princess Consort Ying spoke, everyone present realized the banquet was coming to an end.
After all, the Emperor was unwell, who would purposefully seek trouble?
Thus, they all rose to speak.
"We humbly bid Your Majesty farewell."
Being in the side hall of Qian’an Hall, the Emperor rose and left immediately.
Having become accustomed to tranquility in recent months, the sudden chatter of so many women gave him a headache.
Outside the side hall, a chilling wind blew.
By the time he reached the main hall, the alcohol had somewhat dissipated in the breeze, so he instructed Dong Yuzhong.
"Tell Princess Consort Ying that there’s no need to bring the Fourth Prince tonight, the wind is too strong, I shall visit another day."
"Yes, this servant obeys."
And added another instruction.
"Ensure more winter clothing and charcoal fires are sent to the Second Princess. She has a weak constitution, and winter is especially difficult for her."
"Yes, this servant understands."
Dong Yuzhong had barely taken three steps back when he witnessed one of the guards, originally following behind, draw a blade and slash forward.