Chapter 157 - The Contest Between the Imperial Concubines and the Competition at the Banquet (2/2)

The fights between the royal consorts as well as the power struggle between the Empress and Imperial n.o.ble consort Su was something that everyone was aware of. However, it would not do to bring it to the surface. One had to maintain the balance on the surface. The women of the palace would affect the court. And turmoil in the palace would often lead to changes in court.

The Empress gritted her teeth and pretended not to understand. She looked at the time and was about to call for the banquet to begin when a servant hurried up from the sh.o.r.e. He knelt and reported, “Your Majesty, the Princes asked if you would be able to ask the ladies to perform so that they can admire their talents.”

“Alright!” The Empress had not even said anything when Imperial n.o.ble consort Su flicked her handkerchief and laughed. “This is a good idea. We have many talented young ladies present, so they can take this chance to show off their talents. It’s hard to find time for everyone to get together and have fun. You won’t mind, would you, Your Majesty?”

She was fighting to be heard even before the Empress, and this was very impolite. Some of the more educated Madams and young ladies lowered their heads and did not speak. Only those who were slightly ignorant grew excited when they heard that they were going to perform. They felt that it was the opportunity they were waiting for.

The Great Qin only had a few Kings. They were the three Princes as well as the Empress Dowager’s grandson. Only King Ning was in Yan Kingdom as a hostage and was not present. There was King Jin, but he rebelled and all his family was killed. That was more than 30 years ago. So in the Great Qin, there were only King Chu, King Yan, and King Xuan. No matter which Prince was the one to suggest this, they were all n.o.bility. They were handsome and powerful, and the hearts of the young ladies speeded up when they thought of that.

Even though they all lowered their heads and played with their skirts shyly, they all glanced at the Empress from the corner of their eyes. Their desire to perform did not have to be said.

The Empress was reluctant to agree, especially since Imperial n.o.ble consort had spoken, and she did not like her at all. However, when she saw the heated gazes of the ladies and even the Madams, she knew that she could only agree. If she did not, she would be rebuked by the Emperor later when they returned. Her heart flared with anger when she thought about how she had gone against His Majesty’s will a few days ago and had been rebuked in front of many consorts.

Her expression turned cold and solemn.

“Lady, the Princes are waiting, what are we to do?” Nanny Han was intelligent and she reminded the Empress softly by her ears. The three Princes were not born to the Empress. Even though they all had to respect the Empress as the Empress Dowager in the future no matter which one of them ascends the throne, there was more to the entire thing.

“Tell them that I have agreed. There will still be a lantern festival later tonight. Tell them to be careful and not drink too much right now. I will test them later during the festival.” The Empress regained her wits and swept her gaze coldly at Imperial n.o.ble consort Su, who appeared to be more subdued.

“Yes!” The servant answered and ran towards the island on the left. He crossed over to the other island at the point where the two islands were the closest.

The banquets on the two islands were not held too far away from each other. They could see the people on the other island clearly, and those with sharp ears can even hear what’s being said on the other island. As such, the n.o.blemen who practiced in martial arts already told those beside them what they heard when the Empress agreed. Cheers sounded on the island on the left immediately. The ladies all flushed shyly and played with their handkerchief, unable to look up.

On the island on the left, the gentle and elegant King Chu, Feng Yuxuan, sat at the main seat. On his left and right, were King Yan, Feng Yuyan and King Xuan, Feng Yuran, who was lying lazily on a seat. The three Princes raised the cups in their hand when they heard the cheers and gestured for those seated in front of them to drink. Those present were all young men, and the three Princes, who led them, were also all young men. Compared to the sh.o.r.e, where the Emperor was leading the other officials, and the other island, where the Empress was leading the other young ladies, the atmosphere here was more relaxed.

Feng Yuran held the cup in his hand and smiled charmingly at You Yuecheng who was seated to the side. He turned around and spoke to You Yuecheng softly, pointing at a beautiful woman in pink who sat right in front of the Fifth Princess. He asked lazily, ” Marquess, is that beauty your sister?”

You Yuechengw as shocked by his question and followed where Feng Yuran was looking. Indeed, at the seat right in front of the Fifth Princess, was You Yuecheng, who was dressed in pink. He nodded and said, “That is my sister.”

“Your sister is indeed good looking. She is beautiful. How old is she and is she engaged?” Feng Yuran looked at You Yue’e with a smile in his eyes and asked with a sigh.

This…You Yuecheng turned around to look at Feng Yuran in shock. His face was pale.

“Such a beautiful face, such beauty, belongs to the heavens. Her beauty is second to none.” Feng Yuran seemed as if he had not noticed You Yuecheng’s expression as he muttered to himself. He picked up the wine gla.s.s beside him and took a few sips. He continued looking at You Yue’e while muttering to himself softly. Even though he was soft, it was not really that soft. There were a few n.o.blemen who were seated across him who heard his mutters. They all followed in the direction of where Feng Yuran was looking and looked at You Yue’e.

They laughed and pointed at her. Even though they spoke softly, they sounded rather flippant.

<script>