The first day of February is the birthday of Concubine Xian.
The queen has already ordered people to take care of it, so it is much more grand than in previous years.
The congratulatory gifts sent from various places were more numerous and valuable than in previous years. Chi Su whispered to Xue Hengzhao from the side: "It is true that these four words are inseparable from the world. Last year's birthday of the Concubine Xian was completely silent.
It’s not even as good as the tenth princess’s birthday. This year it’s so grand, second only to the queen’s birthday.”
Xue Hengzhao and she both followed Empress Fu Fei to the Tian'en Palace, watching the palace people coming in and out in an endless stream.
I can't help but think of the Queen's birthday party last year.
Of course, Concubine Xian’s birthday is still incomparable with that of the Queen, but today’s pomp is indeed grand.
When everyone was almost there, the queen walked in holding the concubine Xian's hand.
The wise concubine was dignified with a bit of humility and shame, as if she felt that she was being overly polite.
When she was seated, she insisted that the queen sit first, and she would not sit side by side with the queen in any case, but would take the second seat.
Someone was whispering below, saying that the Concubine Xian really knew the truth and it was no wonder the Queen promoted her.
Chi Su didn't think so in her heart. If she said she knew etiquette, she might be no better than their empress.
The queen praised her so highly just because the sixth prince married the one-eyed girl of the Yao family.
As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats, and the courtesy you receive is for a reason.
Naturally, Yao Wanyi was also present. Now that her confinement has been lifted and she is pregnant again, she is still as proud as ever.
Of course she had seen Xue Hengzhao a long time ago and was so filled with hatred that it was just difficult to get angry in such an occasion.
In any case, Concubine Fu is now something people don’t dare to mess with easily.
Yao Wanyi naturally heard about Concubine Fu's dealings with Concubine Li. Moreover, the Sixth Prince respected Concubine Fu extremely and repeatedly told her not to cause trouble on this side.
Furthermore, it is impossible to say that Yao Wanyi is not afraid of Xue Hengzhao.
In her heart, Xue Hengzhao is a demon-like existence.
Now that she is pregnant with her child, she is really afraid that she will have a miscarriage like Ma did before.
Although there is no evidence that it was Xue Hengzhao who did it, Yao Wanyi is determined to have something to do with her.
When everyone sat down, Lady Li and the Seventh Princess arrived belatedly.
It is a must to come forward to congratulate the Concubine Xian on her birthday and pay her respects to the Queen and others.
Concubine Xian treated her no differently before and after, and returned the gift very kindly.
Naturally, the queen would not do anything, and she was very peaceful to her.
Concubine Ying said with a half-smile but not a smile: "Mr. Li, you are so arrogant! The Queen and Concubine Xian have arrived before you come. I wonder where the rules are?"
Li Guiren gritted her teeth, but had to lower her attitude and explained: "I and the Seventh Princess also left the house early, and didn't want to get their clothes dirty along the way.
I thought it was really unsightly, so I had to go back and change my clothes again."
The Caiwei Pavilion where she lived was far away from Tian'en Hall. When she was halfway there, someone poured a basin of dirty water down from a high place, staining all her clothes.
Li Guiren knew that this must have been done by someone who had a personal grudge with her in the past.
In this palace, you will never have to worry about someone who will add insult to injury.
However, looking at Concubine Ying's expression, she guessed that it was probably her instigation.
However, she didn't say anything delicate, knowing that there were some things she shouldn't say on such occasions, otherwise it would only further degrade her status.
Because no one here will sympathize with her, and all she can get is ridicule.
Of course, Concubine Ying would not let her go and said: "No matter what, you are late and it is rude after all.
Let’s pour a glass of wine to everyone present as an apology!”
Everyone could see that Concubine Ying wanted to humiliate Lady Li on purpose. The servants did all the work of serving wine and serving dishes.
However, no one sympathized with Lady Li. Firstly, they knew that she had been at odds with Concubine Ying for a long time, and secondly, when she was Concubine Li, she often made things difficult for others.
The queen sat there without speaking, and no one present interceded for Lady Li.
Lady Li had no choice but to take the jug and pour the wine one by one starting from the queen.
After the Queen comes Concubine Xian, Concubine Fu comes after Concubine Xian, and then Concubine Ying.
Everyone focused their attention on the two of them.
I saw Concubine Ying holding the wine glass, and Lady Li pouring wine into the glass.
I don’t know whether it was Concubine Ying’s cup that was tilted, or whether Li Guiren’s hands were shaking, but the wine spilled out.
Concubine Ying immediately lowered her face, raised her hand and gave Li Guiren a mouthful.
The slaps were clear and sharp, and many people's hearts trembled.
"What a scumbag! I asked you to pour wine for everyone to apologize, just to give you a step up. You still played tricks in a coquettish manner, so shameless!" Concubine Ying not only beat her, but also scolded her extremely unpleasantly.
The reason why she is so confident is that once the emperor is not here, Li Gui has no one to rely on.
Secondly, after so many years, the queen also disliked her very much.
But the queen's identity is there, so it's hard to get to know her.
But if someone embarrasses her, the queen will be happy to see it happen.
Concubine Ying and the Queen have known each other since childhood, and they know the Queen's temperament quite well.
Another point is that Concubine Ying wants to establish her own authority.
The power of her natal family is not what it used to be. No one says anything in front of her, but there are few discussions behind her back.
Concubine Ying is also trying to frighten those gossips by hitting Li Guiren today.
Let them all be afraid and don't make yourself angry.
"It's done, Lady Li, you can go down! Don't ruin everyone's fun here." The queen said lightly.
Someone immediately came up and pulled Li Guiren down, and the seventh princess followed her out with tears in her eyes.
"Sister Xianfei, I'm sorry, I have a really hot temper. Let me offer you a drink as my apology." Concubine Li put on a smiling face, filled a glass of wine herself, and toasted to Concubine Xian.
"Sister, what you said is a big deal." Concubine Xian also raised her glass quickly, "Then let's all have a drink and thank the Queen for her grace!"
For a while, there was a lot of cheers and congratulations, and the matter just now was quickly diluted.
"Why didn't the emperor come today?" After the birthday banquet, Chi Su asked Xue Hengzhao on the way back.
"The emperor asked Taoist Qingque to teach him how to adjust his breath and guide his breath after his morning court these days. He must fast and be pure at the same time. So he didn't come."
"So that's it. Have you seen that Qingque Taoist? They all said it was amazing." Chi Su was curious, "I heard that there will be no draft this spring, and it was he who suggested it to the emperor."
"I have never seen that person." Xue Hengzhao said, "Probably only the people in Yangze Palace have seen him."
Qingque usually does not enter the palace, but his suggestion to the emperor to put aside Taoism practice is actually in line with the advice of ordinary ministers to the emperor.
Take care of state affairs, cherish your body, do not collect people's wealth, and do not recruit beautiful women.
From this point of view, the emperor is already a virtuous king.
Because of this, even those who are suspicious of Qingque do not dare to touch him easily.
Otherwise, if you are not careful, you will become a traitor.