flstandardbreds Chapter 238 Dancing Again
Chapter 238 Dancing Again
Is Qin Rong'er's skill in feigning affection from the same master as the Empress?
Chu Qingyin sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm.
She gently patted Qin Rong'er's hand and said, "Sister is kind and can still take care of these younger sisters. This is truly a blessing for the harem."
"However, the rules cannot be broken. In my opinion, we can arrange the seating according to rank, but make some adjustments to some details. For example, we can add some exquisite ornaments to the tables of the concubines with lower ranks, so as to save face for them without violating the rules."
Qin Rong'er's eyes lit up, and she nodded repeatedly: "My sister is so clever. How come I didn't think of that?"
As she spoke, she leaned closer to Chu Qingyin and lowered her voice, saying, "I heard that you just encountered Consort Qiao and Consort Li having a conflict in the Imperial Garden?"
Chu Qingyin raised her eyebrows slightly and sighed gently, "Yes, it's the New Year, and I didn't want to cause trouble, but Qiao Qingling was dressed in plain clothes, which was really jarring, so I said a few words."
When it came to clothing, Qin Rong'er glanced at her again.
Although she was only a concubine, she wore a deep purple palace dress that only a noble concubine could wear, with even the hem of the skirt embroidered with the national beauty of peonies.
This design is surely going to surpass even that of the Empress!
Despite her inner grumbling, she maintained a smile on her face: "Sister Liangfei, you are dressed beautifully today. This peony suits you very well."
As soon as she said that, everyone's eyes fell on Chu Qingyin's skirt, and their expressions changed.
Everyone knows that peonies are known as the "national beauty" and that only the empress could wear them.
She was merely a concubine; how could she wear peonies?
Seeing everyone's gaze fall on her skirt, Chu Qingyin smiled slightly and said softly, "Sister, you flatter me. This palace dress was prepared and sent by the Imperial Clothing Bureau. Among that pile of green and blue clothes, only this one suits my taste. If you hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have noticed that the skirt is embroidered with peonies. I wonder which palace maid sent it, so ignorant of etiquette..."
Upon hearing this, Consort Qin's lips twitched slightly.
She was in charge of deciding on the clothes for all the concubines in the palace. Now that such a mishap has occurred, isn't this a slap in the face for her?
"His Majesty has always doted on my sister, so I don't think he would blame her for such a small matter."
Qin Rong'er smiled and took Chu Qingyin's hand to sit down at the pre-arranged seats.
By this time, many concubines had already taken their seats, while the wives of officials and noblewomen of the capital were seated further out.
As expected, Qiao Gongquan brought Jiang Shi into the palace.
Seeing the great injustice her daughter had suffered in the palace, Madam Jiang's eyes remained red.
She suppressed her anger and whispered to Qiao Gongquan beside her, "Master, Qingling is having a hard time in the palace right now. You must think of a way to help her."
Qiao Gongquan frowned and gently patted Jiang's hand, signaling her to calm down.
But the other party wouldn't listen to him and said aggrievedly, "Master, Consort Liang and Qingling are sisters no matter what. Now that the Consort is favored, it's one thing that she doesn't help Qingling, but she makes things difficult for her time and time again. Isn't that too disregarding the dignity of sisters?"
Madam Jiang's eyes were red. "And now that she's in power, she doesn't even come over to greet you, sir. She's becoming increasingly disrespectful to her elders."
"That's a woman's view! In this palace, every word and action is related to one's future and destiny. The slightest carelessness can lead to utter ruin. Don't cause any more trouble."
Qiao Gongquan's expression hardened, and he scolded in a low voice: "Moreover, tonight is New Year's Eve, a joyous and festive day. Don't keep crying and wailing, lest you displease His Majesty!"
Jiang's eyes reddened even more after being scolded, but she could only suppress her anger and remain silent, her gaze towards Chu Qingyin filled with resentment.
Qiao Qingling gently took Jiang's hand and whispered comfortingly, "Mother, don't be sad, I'm fine."
A flash of hatred crossed her eyes; she would settle both old and new scores tonight!
Isn't it because she relies on His Majesty's favor that she dares to wear clothes that exceed her rank?
If the Empress Dowager, who always values rules, were to find out about this, she would never believe that Qiao Qingyin would still be so arrogant!
Qiao Qingling had made up her mind. While everyone was talking, she secretly gave Ya'er a wink.
The crow understood immediately and quietly withdrew.
At this moment, the main hall was bustling with activity.
Chu Qingyin sat gracefully at the table, conversing with Qin Rong'er beside her, occasionally sipping her wine, her every move exuding an air of pampered favor.
As Qiao Qingling watched this scene, her nails unconsciously dug into her palms, but she still had to put on a happy expression and talk to the people next to her.
As if sensing her resentful gaze, Chu Qingyin turned her head slightly and raised her glass to her with a smile.
Before long, everyone was seated.
As the Grand Secretary present, Lu Zhiheng sat in the head position among all officials, while only Wang Chengxun from the Wang family attended the banquet.
Chu Qingyin and Lu Zhiheng glanced at each other from afar. The arrangements for tonight were all in place, and they were just waiting for the fireworks to light up the sky at the end of the banquet.
"His Majesty has arrived!"
"Her Majesty the Empress has arrived!"
"The Empress Dowager has arrived!"
With three high-pitched shouts, everyone stood up and respectfully knelt down to pay their respects.
The young emperor Pei Yuanling strode into the main hall, a dignified yet approachable smile on his face. Behind him followed the dignified empress and the empress dowager, who was surrounded by a crowd. Her expression was cold as she swept her gaze over everyone.
The Emperor raised his hand to signal everyone to rise, and his booming voice rang out: "Today is New Year's Eve. All of you, my ministers and concubines, have gathered here for the sake of family joy. There is no need to be reserved. Enjoy this New Year's celebration to the fullest."
Everyone expressed their gratitude and sat down again.
The man's gaze lingered on Chu Qingyin for a moment before he sat down on the dragon throne high above.
Empress Wang, who had not appeared in public for a long time, wore a dark red phoenix-patterned gown, a phoenix crown, and dazzling hair ornaments. Every step she took was graceful and elegant.
She slowly sat down, her gaze calmly sweeping across the hall, seemingly indifferent to everything.
Qin Rong'er was hosting the New Year's Eve banquet. Seeing that the Emperor, Empress, and Empress Dowager had already entered, she bowed and stepped forward to ask if the meal could be served.
Pei Yuanling nodded slightly, a gentle smile playing on his lips: "Consort Qin has worked hard preparing for this New Year's Eve banquet. Everything will proceed as you have arranged."
Qin Rong'er bowed to express her gratitude, then raised her hand in greeting.
Soon, the palace maids filed in, and one exquisite dish after another was brought to the table.
During the banquet, everyone toasted and laughed, and the hall was filled with singing and dancing, with flowing sleeves fluttering, creating a scene of a prosperous and joyful era.
After several rounds of drinks, Consort Qin's gaze fell on Chu Qingyin, and she suddenly smiled and said, "Previously, Consort Liang's dance at the banquet was so captivating that it left a deep impression on everyone. I wonder if I would have the honor of watching your enchanting dance again tonight?"
As soon as she finished speaking, everyone in the hall focused their attention on Chu Qingyin.