The bright moon hangs high, beckoning him down from his pedestal.

On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Taiji Hall was brightly lit, and people were drinking and chatting.

All the prominent and influential officials and their families had already taken their seats.

Empress Wulan Yun, dressed in a bright red peony palace gown and wearing a phoenix hairpin, sat regally on the left side below the main seat.

Shen Jingyan and Shen Yinian sat to her left.

Shen Jingyan had dressed up carefully today, her face showing undisguised anticipation and nervousness.

Shen Yinian sat beside her and whispered reassuringly, "Don't worry, since Mother has promised, she will do her best."

Shen Jingyan nodded and looked across the table. She saw that the Duke of Zhenguo, Xiao Wen, and his son, Xiao Yu, had already taken their seats at the head of the courtiers' seats.

Xiao Yu, dressed in a brocade robe, stood tall and handsome, exchanging pleasantries with his colleagues.

Sitting opposite the Duke of Zhenguo's residence was Duke Qi Rui of Suguo.

He smiled and raised his glass to Xiao Yu: "Young Master Xiao, you are young and promising, your charm surpassing even your former self. I've heard that perhaps good news is on the horizon tonight?"

Xiao Yu immediately put on a polite smile and returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "You flatter me, Duke Su. I am unworthy of such praise. Everything still depends on His Majesty's grace."

His tone was respectful, but he felt little joy; instead, he was somewhat depressed.

His gaze involuntarily drifted to the empty seat next to the main seat, which was the seat of the Imperial Concubine.

Just then, a eunuch's high-pitched, drawn-out voice came from outside the hall: "His Majesty has arrived—Consort Zhao has arrived—"

Instantly, all the noise in the hall stopped, and everyone stood up.

Shen Wangxi, accompanied by Shen Qingruo, slowly walked into the main hall.

He wore a dark blue robe embroidered with dragon patterns, his black hair was tied up with a jade crown, his face was incomparably handsome, his figure was tall and imposing.

Shen Qingruo, standing beside him, wore a light blue, soft, smoky silk dress with a cinched waist. The hem of the dress was embroidered with delicate intertwined branches, and a pearl hairpin swayed gently in her hair, which made her skin appear even whiter, her eyebrows and eyes more exquisite, and her demeanor more delicate and graceful.

The two, one in a deep shade and the other in a light shade, both dressed in blue, walked side by side, like a perfect couple made in heaven.

"Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Imperial Concubine!" Everyone in the hall, including Shen Yinian and Shen Jingyan, knelt down in accordance with etiquette, their foreheads touching the ground.

Kneeling on the cold gold bricks, Shen Jingyan could clearly see Shen Qingruo's trailing skirt slowly walking past her. An indescribable sense of humiliation welled up in her heart.

Even Empress Ulan Yun stood up and slightly curtsied.

Shen Wangxi paid no attention to the people bowing, but instead took Shen Qingruo's arm and led her to sit down on the imperial concubine's seat to the right of the dragon throne.

After she was seated, he took his seat on the main dragon throne.

"Rise." His cool voice rang out in the silent hall.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Consort Gui." Only then did everyone rise and return to their seats.

Many people sighed inwardly.

The last time I saw this Imperial Concubine was at the Empress's birthday banquet, where she performed a dance as Princess Qingruo, her posture humble.

In just six months, she has become the Noble Consort Zhao, who is favored by the emperor and does not have to bow to the empress.

The extraordinary circumstances and rapid promotion are truly astonishing.

After Xiao Yu stood up, his gaze involuntarily fell on Shen Qingruo at the head of the table.

Seeing her clothes, which were similar in color to His Majesty's, he felt a pang of disappointment and quickly lowered his eyes to hide his emotions.

Duke Qi Rui of Su State carefully examined Shen Qingruo, a look of understanding flashing in his eyes.

So this is the woman who made His Majesty feel down and drink alone some time ago.

She was indeed a stunning beauty, and what was even more remarkable was her pure yet gentle charm. She was so beautiful that I felt sorry for her. No wonder Her Majesty was so captivated by her.

Shen Wangxi raised his wine cup and said in a calm voice, "Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, so please don't stand on ceremony."

"Your Majesty, we thank you!" the crowd responded in unison, and the atmosphere in the hall became lively again, with the sounds of string and wind instruments rising and songs and dances taking place.