A middle-aged emperor, childless, was blessed with a beautiful and pregnant concubine who entered th

Consort Chen wore her hair in a towering bun, which was as majestic and tall as a pavilion in the clouds.

A filigree and jewel-encrusted gold hairpin runs horizontally through the center of the hair bun, with three strings of pearl tassels hanging from the head of the hairpin. Each pearl is the size of a lotus seed and sways gently on the smooth forehead as the wearer moves.

On each side were two kingfisher hairpins adorned with kingfisher feather ornaments.

Behind her hair was a peony pendant inlaid with jewels and pure gold, its petals layered and distinct, with a pigeon-blood red gemstone in the center, as big as a thumbprint, so vibrant it looked as if it were about to drip blood.

The most striking feature was the gold-threaded hair ornament—a style reserved for imperial concubines.

The crown is made of fine gold wire, which is woven into a net. The front is adorned with twelve pearls, which sit in a full moon shape. Gold filigree tassels hang down on both sides, and the ends are dangling extremely thin jade pieces. With the slightest movement, it makes a clear and melodious sound.

A white jade comb back was tucked behind Di's hair, its teeth hidden among his hair, revealing only the comb back carved with lotus patterns, its smooth surface as warm as solidified cream.

She wore a bright red brocade robe with gold cloud patterns, the red so rich it seemed to melt away, and the cuffs and hem were embroidered with dense patterns of waves and cliffs in gold thread.

Over the long robe was a blue brocade robe with a phoenix and cloud pattern. The phoenix was embroidered with gold thread, the gold thread forming a raised outline, and each feather was adorned with a pearl the size of a grain of rice.

The shawl draped down from her shoulders and tied in an exquisite knot in front of her knees, with a palm-sized piece of white jade pendant embedded in the center of the knot.

As she stood up, the gold and jade pendants tied around her waist jingled.

A jeweled gold belt was tied around her waist, with five-colored silk ribbons hanging from it. Scented sachets, jade rings, ivory tokens, and a travel-locking pendant were attached to the ribbons, each in its proper place.

The most eye-catching part was the forbidden walkway, which was made of seven carved jade plaques strung together with a gold chain, causing the plaques to clink together as the person walked.

Beneath the skirt, knee-length trousers of apricot-yellow silk satin peeked out, the hem edged with silver thread embroidered with peony blossoms.

At the bottom are a pair of bright red phoenix-head shoes, with a finger-sized South Sea pearl adorning the toe, and the uppers embroidered with an endless swastika pattern in gold thread.

She looked as if she had stepped out of gold leaf, every fold shimmering and every bead reflecting light.

A palace maid brought over a copper basin and asked her to wash her hands. The three pairs of gold-inlaid jade bracelets on her wrists slid down to her forearms, making a deep, clanging sound as they collided.

This was a standard that only she could wear among the six palaces.

She took one last look at herself in the mirror, a satisfied smile curving her lips, before taking the maid's hand and slowly turning around.

Her head full of jewels rustled as she turned around.

"Oh, what brings Consort Zhen here?"

She spoke as if she had just learned of Zhou Mingyi's arrival, saying, "It's my fault for keeping my younger sister waiting."

Zhou Mingyi bowed and said, "This concubine greets Your Highness the Imperial Concubine. May Your Highness enjoy boundless blessings and peace."

Consort Chen raised her hand dismissively, "Sister, you may rise."

"It's all those maids' fault; they didn't remind me."

She lowered her eyes and turned to the palace maid beside her, saying:

"Consort Zhen has arrived. Why didn't you announce her arrival? It makes people think that I have slighted my sister."

The palace maid hurriedly apologized, saying, "It's all my fault."

"This servant was so focused on serving Your Highness that I didn't even notice Consort Zhen..."

Zhou Mingyi slightly curled the corners of her lips, "Your Highness is busy with many matters, and it is understandable that you may be momentarily negligent."

Consort Chen was extremely pleased with herself upon hearing this.

No matter how much His Majesty favors you, I am a Noble Consort, and you are merely a Consort. When you see me, you must obediently bow.

Even if I deliberately try to make people ignore you, you have to endure it.

I've finally gotten rid of all the pent-up anger I've been feeling.

Consort Chen vaguely guessed Zhou Mingyi's intentions, but she pretended not to know.

She simply left the person standing to the side and said to Chen Mama beside her and the palace servants who stood with their hands at their sides:

"The Water Moon Palace is the main banquet venue. Since it is a Mid-Autumn Festival palace banquet, everything must reflect the concept of 'roundness'."

This was Consort Chen's first time overseeing a palace banquet since regaining her power. She didn't want to be overshadowed and wouldn't allow anything to be imperfect.

"The largest glass lamp on the roof, the Nine Dragons Holding the Moon, must be lit at 3:45 PM. The candle wick must be made of whale fat from the South China Sea, so that the light is bright and lustrous."

"The beaded curtains hanging on the twelve nanmu pillars inside the palace were too pale in the apricot yellow color that was sent the other day, so I replaced them all with silver-red brocade woven with real gold thread to create a subtle pattern."

"When illuminated by candlelight, a faint glow of flowing clouds could be seen."

She picked up the white glazed teacup beside her, moistened her lips slightly, and continued:

"Below the imperial steps, twelve seats are set up on both the east and west sides."

"The tablecloths and chair covers are all made of kesi (silk tapestry) with the pattern of the Jade Rabbit pounding medicine."

"The bonsai fruits and melons displayed on the table should be made from real golden and silver osmanthus branches, and each branch of osmanthus must be kept in a small jade pot filled with water."

"The leaves must be emerald green, the petals must be full, and not a trace of withered yellow is allowed."

"As for the trading at the banquet..."

She then glanced at Zhou Mingyi with a half-smile before quickly looking away.

"In addition to the usual dragon and phoenix, flower and fruit, and treasure patterns, the plate-viewing area now features a celestial paradise."

"The outline of the moon palace is carved out with the finest rock sugar, and pavilions and towers are piled up inside with various candied fruits and dried fruits. Pearls are strung together with silver threads to make stars."

"This matter is to be personally overseen by Zhang, the head of the Imperial Kitchen. If there is any imperfection, I will hold him responsible."

The palace servants naturally responded with "Yes."

Consort Chen then said:

"The white marble terrace outside the hall is a place for moon viewing."

"The lichen was laid on a dark blue velvet carpet, a tribute from Persia, symbolizing the night."

"At each of the four corners, there should be a gilded crane-shaped lantern tree with a pearl in its beak. Each tree should have forty-nine lanterns lit, and the oil should be mixed with osmanthus dew so that it has a faint fragrance when it burns."

As she spoke, she slightly raised her hand, and a palace maid immediately presented her with an exquisite illustrated book. She did not take it, but instead touched one of the pages with her nail guard.

"In the center of this terrace, surround the circular dance floor with freshly picked osmanthus branches, the most fragrant kind of golden osmanthus, and change them every hour."

"Make sure that His Majesty, the Empress Dowager, and the guests attending the palace banquet can smell the sweet fragrance of newly blooming osmanthus whenever they stop."

She finished speaking in one breath, then seemed to have exhausted herself. She leaned back lazily, her eyelids half-closed, and instructed her trusted nanny beside her, "I'm a little tired. Go to the small kitchen and start stewing that bowl of rock sugar bird's nest."

In his words, he completely treated Zhou Mingyi as a bystander who happened to be passing by.

They couldn't even be bothered to say a polite "What does my sister think?"

Zhou Mingyi came here today not to be a background figure for Chang Le Palace.

Consort Chen intended to treat her as if she were invisible, so she wouldn't jump out and become a target.

A head-on confrontation is foolish.

She deliberately took half a step forward, her steps light, her face showing just the right amount of hesitation and doubt.

"The Imperial Concubine's arrangements are so meticulous that it makes my younger sister seem superfluous."

"But... just now when I heard you mention the beaded curtains in the palace and the regulations for the materials used for the lichen on the terrace, I suddenly remembered something that seems a bit inappropriate. I feel uneasy and have to ask you for advice."

"Perhaps my sister is a bit slow-witted and is overthinking things."

Consort Chen didn't even lift her eyelids. She had been deliberately suppressing Zhou Shi, and she was already somewhat displeased that Zhou Shi dared to speak.

She gave a soft snort, her expression revealing impatience.

"Um?"

Zhou Mingyi pretended not to notice.

According to the "Inner Court Regulations", although the Mid-Autumn Festival Palace Banquet was not a grand ceremony for ancestor worship, it included a ceremony for worshipping the moon. Therefore, the fabrics used in the main hall and the moon-worshiping terrace were chosen to be of the colors of the ceremonial system in order to show solemnity.

"Like black, crimson, vermilion, and purple."

"The silver-red brocade and deep blue Persian velvet carpet that my sister just ordered are naturally extremely beautiful and precious, but... they seem less solemn than the colors used in ceremonial rites."

Zhou Mingyi paused, "My sister is dull-witted, and I fear that the Ministry of Rites, after reviewing the matter, will have some complaints, which might... be contrary to ancestral rules and disrespect the Moon Goddess."

She spoke at a measured pace and with a humble demeanor, yet her words were like needles, pricking Consort Chen's brow and making her twitch.

"Consort Zhen".

Consort Chen gripped her teacup tightly, her eyes like icy knives. "Are you accusing me of being ignorant of etiquette and overstepping my bounds?"

Consort Chen's humble origins and limited education were her sore points.

"This concubine dares not."

Zhou Mingyi immediately lowered her eyes, "I'm just worried that some villains might use this to cause trouble, damage your reputation, and disrupt the peace of the palace banquet."

"If elder sister thinks younger sister is overthinking, it is because younger sister is ignorant."

A flash of provocation crossed Zhou Mingyi's eyes, which she deliberately made sure Consort Chen saw.

Consort Chen was indeed furious.

"presumptuous!"

"What a shallow understanding you have!"

Consort Chen slammed her teacup down on the table, making a crisp clinking sound.

"I have served as the assistant to the six palaces for many years and presided over countless ceremonies, large and small!"

"When did it become your place to dictate color regulations?"

Consort Chen grew angrier the more she thought about it. Last time, she had her maid Chunhui identify Zhou as having an affair with the Crown Prince, and as a result, Chunhui was executed by His Majesty.

She clearly saw the smugness in Zhou's eyes.

It's clear that this vile woman is good at pretending; she has deceived His Majesty and the Empress Dowager.

Now, they actually come to her door and openly mock her ignorance?

This is tantamount to openly challenging her authority, practically an insult to her, calling her incompetent.

"You keep talking about ancestral rules and etiquette; are you implying that I'm not exercising my power properly, or do you think that just because you've read a few more books, you can overstep your bounds?"

She stood up, her magnificent dress rustling with her movements, her jewels clashing, exuding an imposing aura.

"It seems I have been too lenient with you, causing you to forget your place and dare to discuss palace affairs so recklessly, disturbing my peace!"

"Consort Zhen!"

Do you know your crime?

Consort Chen spoke sharply and sternly.

Zhou Mingyi immediately knelt down, but her back remained ramrod straight.

Pomegranate and wax apple followed Zhou Mingyi and knelt down as well.

Zhou Mingyi's play is not over yet.

"Your Highness, please calm your anger."

"I had no intention of criticizing you, sister! It's just... I was concerned about the success of the palace banquet and feared there might be oversights, so I said something out of turn."

"If the elder sister feels that the younger sister is guilty, the younger sister is willing to accept the punishment!"

Consort Chen immediately said:

"good!"

"You said it yourself!"

"Consort Zhou, the Virtuous Consort, has presumptuously discussed regulations and acted disrespectfully towards her superiors..."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a eunuch's urgent report came from outside the hall.

"The Emperor has arrived!"

Zhou Mingyi curled her lips into a smile.

The timing was perfect.

Emperor Qianwu strode into the hall and saw Consort Chen with a frosty expression, clearly still angry.

Consort Zhen knelt on the cold ground, her figure slender. When she looked up at him, her eyes were red and seemed to hold a hint of tears, but she stubbornly refused to let the tears fall and tried her best to remain calm.

Zhou Mingyi had just started to sow discord among Emperor Qianwu.

Now, if Emperor Qianwu saw this scene, he would immediately assume that Lady Chen was arrogant and bullying her again.

"What happened?"