121 Her Schemes (1/2)
”The Emperor has arrived!”
”The Empress has arrived!”
”Imperial Concubine Jin has arrived!”
The Emperor entered the banquet together with Empress Wei on his right side while Imperial Concubine Jin occupied the left side.
When the three entered, the entire banquet turned quiet. All the officials and the noble families lowered their head and bent their knees to show curtsy.
”Greetings Emperor! Long Live the Emperor! May the Emperor live a thousand years! Greetings to the Empress! Greetings to Imperial Concubine Jin!”
The crowd spoke in unison.
”Rise! No need to show formalities.”
Xu Ji Mo raised his hand and waved it, dismissing the entire crowd from showing curtsy.
”This lowly official thanks the Emperor!”
”This official's daughter thanks the Emperor!”
”This subject-son/daughter thanks Imperial Father!”
When the entire crowd was expressing their respect towards the Emperor, only XuanRong remained impassive. She was standing in an inconspicuous place, away from the crowd. When the people kneeled, she simply moved her body behind the pillar, obstructing the Emperor's view. She vowed that she would never kneel in front of her enemies ever again, even if it was the Emperor himself.
XuanRong was arrogant through and through, thus, YuYing and YuShang who stayed with her slowly copied XuanRong's arrogance, especially YuShang.
”Che. The Emperor acts magnanimous on the surface, but this servant knows he's a scheming person. Ai.”
YuShang murmured. Her voice was low but it was enough for XuanRong to hear her. XuanRong turned her head and stared at YuShang, warning her to close her mouth. YuShang saw XuanRong's intense stare and immediately closed her mouth while pouting.
”This servant is wrong.”
When the two communicated with each other subtly, the Emperor had already climbed up the stairs and sat at the dragon throne. Empress Wei and Imperial Concubine Jin followed Xu Ji Mo and sat on his both sides.
”Start the banquet!”
The Emperor was in a good mood since the banquet was prepared to celebrate his natal day.
Music started playing, the liveliness of the banquet returned.
”Your Majesty, This Lowly Wife prepared everything. This Lowly Wife hopes that Your Majesty enjoys the celebration.”
When Empress Wei saw that Xu Ji Mo was in a good mood, she was happy. The competition inside the palace was very fierce and currently she was at the disadvantage. The affection of the Emperor was not solely focused to her alone, instead, he was favoring Imperial Concubine Jin. Seeing that the Emperor was satisfied with her work and was praising her for her own effort, she could not help but feel delighted.
”Indeed, Zhen is glad that Empress prepared this banquet.”
”Empress Wei smiled. She opened her mouth to speak but a very melodious voice suddenly spoke.
”Your Majesty, This Lowly Concubine begs to be forgiven. This Lowly concubine was not able to share the burden with Elder Sister, making Bis Sister encounter difficulties preparing the entire banquet. This Lowly Concubine hopes that Elder Sister would not blame Younger Sister's incapability. *cough* *cough*”
”Nonsense! Ai Fei[1], do not blame yourself. Your body is very weak. Didn't Zhen told you that you should stay in your palace and recuperate? No need to feel guilty over such trivial things. Your health is more important that this insignificant banquet. Let the Empress do it alone, no need to feel guilty and stress yourself out.”
Xu Ji Mo grabbed Imperial Concubine Jin's hand and squeezed it lovingly, making Imperial Concubine Jin smile shyly. She stared at Empress Wei and blinked her eyes innocently.
”Elder Sister, Younger Sister still feels guilty. May Elder Sister accept Younger Sister's apology.”
Empress Wei smiled amiably, she was exuding a magnanimous air around her. She stared at Imperial Concubine Jin and chuckled.
”Younger Sister, what are you saying ah? Elder sister knows that your body is weak. Besides, As the Empress of this country, Elder Sister has duties to fulfill, so, Younger Sister should not mind these trivial things and focus on attending His Majesty's needs. The Imperial Palace has thousands of beauties, Elder Sister will rely on you instead of those maidservants and tongfangs[2].”
When Imperial Jin heard Empress Wei's words, her left hand that was concealed inside her sleeves curled in a tight fist.
Was Empress Wei viewed her and the rest of His Majesty's concubine as the same level of those lowly bitches inside the Imperial palace?
Empress Wei snickered inside her heart when she did not hear Imperial Concubine Jin's reply.