TICIEC Chapter 30.1

The bright moon hung high in the sky.

A bonfire was lit on the Wild Goose Release Terrace in front of the Zijin Palace, roasting the game hunted during the day, accompanied by exquisite pastries made by the accompanying imperial chefs, as well as jars of imperial wine brought from the palace.

A group of princes and ministers was seated and waiting.

The imperial guards carried the magnificent and solemn imperial carriage. As it arrived, all the officials knelt down in unison to pay their respects, saying, “Greetings, Your Majesty!”

“Rise, my lords.” Helian Qi, now dressed in a brand-new dragon robe, led Ning Wanyin out of the imperial carriage.

Everyone was astonished by this scene.

Riding in the same carriage as His Majesty, this Ning Meiren, who was rumored to be the most favored concubine in the palace, was indeed even more favored than the rumors suggested.

Zhuang Fei was extremely annoyed, muttering under her breath, “You vixen! What’s she showing off for? I had sat there before!”

Her gaze swept resentfully toward the Emperor. She angrily picked up the wine cup on the table and took a big gulp.

Her personal maid quickly reminded her, “Your Majesty, His Majesty hasn’t raised his cup yet.”

“His Majesty won’t bother with such things.” Zhuang Fei said, pouring herself another cup.

Before Ning Wanyin appeared, she was the most favored concubine in the imperial harem.

The Emperor had indeed always indulged her temper. Whenever Zhuang Fei had a dispute with another concubine, it was always the other person who suffered.

Helian Qi took his seat.

The singing and dancing began.

Ning Wanyin sat back in her seat. She had dressed up carefully, wearing a new pink ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) and her favorite butterfly hairpin.

She was truly radiant and captivating, a beauty of unparalleled grace.

Every move she made was impeccable, except for her calves, which were hidden under her skirt, trembling slightly.

Tired.

The two of them were deeply in love, and during the bath, it couldn’t have been just a simple bath.

“Ning Meiren was just complaining of being hungry, so give her this Eight Treasure Cake.” Helian Qi said, looking at the pastry on the table.

The Emperor, his concubines, and his court officials have different dietary standards.

Of course, Ning Wanyin’s table would never be without a dessert. But the Emperor’s attention to it revealed his favoritism toward her.

This immediately drew everyone’s attention, and their expressions varied.

Wang Degui presented the Eight Treasure Cake to Ning Wanyin.

Ning Wanyin rose shakily and bowed respectfully, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty.”

“Your Majesty, I want one too!” Zhuang Fei glared at Ning Wanyin angrily.

Helian Qi chuckled, “You don’t like sweets, so why would you want the Eight Treasure Cake? Send a plate of the roasted venison leg that I hunted today to Zhuang Fei.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty! I am deeply honored that Your Majesty hunted it personally.” Zhuang Fei then smiled broadly, her gaze turning provocatively toward Ning Wanyin.

This was the game Your Majesty hunted himself.

Better than yours!

No sooner had she finished speaking than Helian Qi instructed, “Give each of the concubines a plate of this, but not Ning Meiren. She has always preferred light food and doesn’t like smoked or roasted dishes, so send her a bowl of clear pheasant soup.”

The Emperor had hunted a lot of game today. Among them were several pheasants, which the imperial chefs had prepared as chicken soup.

Ning Wanyin and the other concubines rose and bowed.

Zhuang Fei’s smile froze on her face, looking sullen.

Xue Zhaoyi and Cen Jieyu never cared about the Emperor’s favor. The Emperor rewarded them with food, thus saving face for them; as for any extra favors, they were insignificant.

The most heartbroken was Song Qingzhi. She always ate a light diet, but His Majesty couldn’t remember her preferences, yet he could remember Ning Wanyin’s dietary restrictions. How could she not be saddened?

After a song and dance and several rounds of drinks, the event concluded.

Helian Qi suddenly looked at the assembled officials and said, “Last month, the pagoda that the Empress Dowager prayed for the prosperity of the Great Yan Dynasty was completed. The abbot told me that the essence of prayer lies in sincerity. If the person praying for blessings personally goes up to the pagoda and observes a three-year period of fasting and chanting Buddhist scriptures, it will best demonstrate their sincerity.”

Xue Zhaoyi’s expression changed slightly. She immediately stood up and said, “Your Majesty, please forgive me, but my aunt is ill and is currently recuperating. I’m afraid she will be unable to personally go up the mountain to pray for blessings.”

 

 

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