Chapter 177: Palace Banquet - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 177: Palace Banquet

Consort Shu watched coldly, indifferent to Consort Wei's hatred. They had met briefly, but Consort Wei's temperament was too wild. How had she survived in the cutthroat imperial harem for over twenty years? It seemed that the real challenge was her backer, Duke Wei.

"Your Majesty, Sister Wei spoke out of anger. Please don't take it to heart."

Emperor Qi was naturally furious as he watched Consort Wei leave in a huff. But he remembered their many years together and softened, telling a nearby servant, "Send the ice jade bracelet tribute from Xuegu Kingdom to Hanzhang Palace. Tell Consort Wei that I hold her in the same regard as always. When she has calmed down, she can come see me."

After all, she had been by his side for many years, and he couldn’t bear to be harsh.

"Your Majesty is truly sentimental."

Hearing Consort Shu's teasing, Emperor Qi was again drawn to her enchanting gaze. Holding her close, he said, "It's because of you that I've grown distant from Consort Wei. I even sent my trusted Duke Wei to guard the imperial tombs. They say beauty brings disaster, and it seems you're a particularly potent one!"

"Hmph, Your Majesty made the decision and issued the decree. How can you blame me? With this talk, I'm afraid to attend the banquet with you. People might say I'm a disaster too."

Her coquettish manner almost made Emperor Qi lose control. He whispered in her ear, "I am the true dragon emperor. Do you think I can't handle a little disaster like you?"

Consort Shu lowered her head, laughing softly, her smile radiant.

In Ninghui Hall, the empress and the women of the harem arrived before Emperor Qi and Consort Shu. When a servant whispered about Consort Wei's confinement, a satisfied smile quickly spread across the empress's face.

The crown princess was equally pleased. "Mother, you are indeed wise and resourceful, toppling Consort Wei without lifting a finger."

"It's too early to say she's toppled. But after all these years of her domineering behavior in the harem, it's time she learned some humility."

Mother and daughter-in-law exchanged triumphant smiles until the eunuch's voice announced from outside, "The Emperor arrives, Consort Shu arrives."

The empress led the harem ladies, and the crown prince led the officials and envoys in respectful greeting.

"Long live the Emperor."

Standing beside the emperor, Consort Shu felt for the first time the overwhelming power of this formal salute. Though she had been a goddess second only to the ruler in Qinglei, she usually dealt only with her attendants. Now, beside Emperor Qi, she felt the vibrant pulse of true power.

If being chosen for 'marriage diplomacy' had initially filled her with reluctance, today's scene ignited a thirst for power. No wonder everyone aspired to be supreme. Who could resist such an experience?

"Rise, everyone."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Emperor Qi led Consort Shu to the main seats in Ninghui Hall. The empress's seat was on the left, and the right seat, originally for Consort Wei, was now vacant.

The empress stepped forward, dignified and gracious, and praised Consort Shu. "This must be the newly appointed Consort Shu. Truly a celestial beauty, surpassing all the ladies of the harem."

Her sincere smile pleased Emperor Qi.

"The empress is truly the empress."

Though he didn’t finish, everyone understood the meaning.

"Greetings, Empress. May you have eternal joy."

"Well done. Not only beautiful, but well-mannered too. Your Majesty has excellent taste."

"Empress, tomorrow let Consort Shu visit your palace to learn the rules. Tonight, we have guests to entertain."

Emperor Qi ignored the empress’s implication, acting as if nothing was amiss. "You’re right, Your Majesty. Consort Shu, please take the seat prepared for Consort Wei. She’s unwell, so it's fine for you to sit there."

Newly appointed Consort Shu getting such honor left long-serving Consort Liu feeling overshadowed. But being non-competitive, she only lowered her head, saying nothing.

Glancing at the emperor as if to ask if it was appropriate, Emperor Qi thought for a moment. "Since the empress suggests it, take the seat."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Empress."

Once everyone was seated, the crown prince raised his cup. His achievements today were numerous. With his grandfather's absent, Duke Wei demoted, and his rival, the ninth prince, missing, the crown prince stood unrivaled in Ninghui Hall, elated.

"Father, Mother, let me toast to our great Jin's eternal prosperity."

"Good, your words please me. Let us drink."

The emperor downed his golden cup, and the empress followed, exchanging a meaningful glance with him.

"Recently, the crown prince has shown much progress. The tributes were handled well, and with the crown princess expecting soon, let’s have double joy. I decree the crown prince be titled Prince Ke to honor his contributions."

Prince Ke, the first such title, wasn’t a crown prince but was above other brothers. Many expected the ninth prince to get it, but fate favored the crown prince.

The empress couldn't hide her joy, and the crown prince, ecstatic, thanked them with his wife.

As they rose, an official congratulated, "Congratulations, Prince Ke!"

The crown prince's smile lasted all night.

"Minister Zheng of the Ministry of Rites has worked hard. Since the previous minister retired, you shall assume the position. Serve diligently."

The swift decree, though expected, was still satisfying.

Assistant Minister Zheng immediately thanked the emperor, and his family became the toast of the night.

"Relax, everyone. Though a palace banquet, treat it as a family feast to welcome our envoys. Enjoy freely."

At the emperor’s command, musicians played, dancers performed, and the hall became lively and relaxed.

As the cups clinked and music played, Emperor Qi drank with the empress, then looked lovingly at Consort Shu. Consort Zhen also offered him wine, her soft voice pleasing him.

After several rounds, everyone was slightly drunk when a serious figure hurried in from outside.

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