CHAPTER 71: CHAPTER 71 BAI PIN TOASTS

Lin Wanyi was even more astonished by the intimacy between the two.

She knew Mu Lanchun as someone who could quickly become familiar with others, making even the slightest degree of closeness appear as if they were as close as sisters.

But the way Noble Princess Consort Ying responded was equally affectionate.

Did she truly consider Mu Lanchun an ally?

This has been such a short time, it seems Mu Lanchun moving to Yao Yue Palace is not just a rumor.

Thinking of this, the smile on Lin Wanyi’s face became more proper.

With the two of them chatting and laughing,

Lin Wanyi could enjoy listening without joining the conversation.

Just as the discussion reached a joyous point, the sound of a eunuch’s loud announcement was heard from outside.

"The Emperor has arrived."

"Lin Guifei has arrived."

"Princess Consort Lan has arrived."

With so many people arriving at once, everyone inside Shengjing Building engaged in conversation stood up and moved to the entrance to welcome them.

Princess Consort Yi stood straight, while the others performed salutes.

"We concubines welcome the Emperor, welcome the Imperial Consort, welcome Princess Consort Lan."

It must be said, this room full of concubines was quite orderly at this moment.

"Rise, today’s gathering is a family feast, there’s no need for excessive ceremony."

"Thank you, Emperor."

The Emperor, dressed in informal dragon robe attire, walked to the center and seated himself on the Dragon Chair, his gaze swept around, momentarily pausing upon seeing Lin Wanyi before retracting his gaze.

Turning to Noble Princess Consort Ying, he said.

"Traveling can be exhausting, is the noble consort’s body feeling comfortable?"

"Thank you, Emperor, for your concern, everything is well with this concubine."

She had never engaged in conflicts within the harem, whether before or after pregnancy, and had not exhibited any behavior that might appear overconfident.

Thus, everyone held a greater sense of admiration for her.

Admiration for the timing of her pregnancy being so fortunate.

Lin Guifei sat beside the Emperor, portraying a demeanor of gentle grace, naturally showing care and concern for all the other concubines.

"I have ordered double the amount of ice for Ying and Lan, and the expenses of the small kitchen have been doubled as well. Emperor rest assured, by autumn when the fruits ripen, there will be two more infants in the palace."

Princess Consort Lan’s pregnancy was further along; therefore, she was expected to give birth first.

She now touched her elevated belly with pride and covered her mouth with a handkerchief, chuckling softly.

"The Imperial Concubine is indeed meticulous, not only caring for us, but also sending precious medicinal herbs to the Second Prince, improving his health considerably."

"As long as they’ve been effective, I’ll send some more later."

"Thank you, Your Highness, for remembering, I shall bring the Second Prince to thank you someday."

"Why speak of these matters? As I oversee the affairs of the harem, it is only natural to show care for the sisters in the palace. I only hope all of you can soon give birth to sons, expanding the Royal Family’s lineage!"

"Your Highness speaks truly."

Lin Guifei and Princess Consort Lan’s harmonious exchange was well-understood by all present.

Just an attempt to appear virtuous and composed in front of the Emperor, after all, the Imperial Concubine was only a step away from the position of Empress.

Furthermore, it’s been over three years since Empress Xu’s passing. If Lin Guifei were to assume the position in the next couple of years, it wouldn’t be impossible.

Therefore, everyone’s hearts held a scale, contemplating how to present themselves favorably before Lin Guifei.

Du Changzai was now closely aligned with Lin Guifei. If Lin Guifei indeed ascended to the Empress’s position, Du Changzai’s status would naturally rise as well.

Thus, her smile was the happiest of anyone’s, promptly saying.

"The Imperial Concubine is wise and full of grace, exemplary for all women under heaven. We maidservants only hope for deep affection between Your Highness and the Emperor, allowing the entire palace to bask in the shared benevolence."

Lin Guifei smiled but did not respond, turning to the Emperor with a playful tone.

"Emperor, you see, Du Changzai truly has a way with words."

"Hmm, reward Du Changzai with a cup of Moonlight Wine, it is sweet and matches her well."

Du Changzai had not received the Emperor’s favor in a while, hearing these words, she was so delighted that she momentarily lost her composure.

Immediately kneeling, she said.

"Thank you, Emperor, for your gift."

Seeing Du Changzai gain face before the Emperor by associating with Lin Guifei, everyone’s minds began scheming again.

But Princess Consort Yi looked at Du Changzai with a mocking and disdainful expression.

She then coughed twice, and Bai Pin behind her immediately understood.

Bai Pin picked up a glass from the table, standing up with a tearful expression, and softly said.

"Emperor, since last year, I have been devoted to worshiping in the palace and haven’t seen you for a long time. Seeing you now still so majestic and dominant, I feel grateful for Bodhisattva’s blessing, wishing the Emperor longevity and wishing Da Wei an everlasting and prosperous reign, with peace and security for the nation."

She had always possessed natural beauty; her delicate appearance now added even more radiance to her charm, making her pitiful to all who saw her.

Lin Guifei glanced but didn’t pay attention, her peripheral vision searching for Lin Wanyi.

Wondering what Lin Wanyi would feel seeing Bai Pin once again?

As expected, seeing Lin Wanyi pale and uncomfortable, Lin Guifei felt very satisfied.

Watching and letting Bai Pin and Lin Wanyi contend against each other first.

Lin Wanyi at this moment was in no mood to pay attention to Bai Pin’s heartfelt words that brought her back into view; she only felt intensely dizzy.

With her elbow resting on the table, constantly restraining the feeling of nausea.

If not for the inappropriate occasion, she would gladly lie down immediately to ease the discomfort.

Bai Pin cared little about the thoughts of others, eager to express all her pent-up emotions from the past year.

Her gaze at the Emperor was filled with love, tinged with grievance.

Seeing her in this manner, the Emperor raised a glass of wine solemnly, speaking in a low voice.

"Well said, Bai Pin, I shall drink a cup."

After saying this, he tipped his head back and finished the drink. Seeing his decisiveness, Bai Pin smiled as she accompanied him in finishing her drink.

She then slowly sat down, looking at Du Changzai.

The challenge and disdain in her eyes burned Du Changzai’s heart.

But she dared only to clench her handkerchief, awkwardly sitting down.

Against Bai Pin, she admitted she lacked the courage and ability.

She knew that back when she entered the palace, she was favored for quite some time.

Yet thinking of Bai Pin’s past confinement in the palace, the recent embarrassment quickly dissipated.

Among even the most domineering concubines, wouldn’t they all have to kneel before the Imperial Concubine?

Thus, within the harem, Lin Guifei was the one true authority.

Clinging to her is the utmost priority!

Thinking this, Du Changzai smiled again.

Taking sips of the Moonlight Wine slowly.

With Bai Pin leading the toasting, all the concubines were unwilling to fall behind.

Thus, one by one, they stood up, expressing auspicious wishes, each aiming to toast the Emperor.