That Imperial Concubine is both wicked and cunning! Your Majesty, wake up!

At the Song residence, Gong Yerong was burning with rage for days, and the news coming from the palace felt like needles piercing her heart.

Her Luo Wei was demoted to a minor beauty, while the concubine's daughter Song Shuangning was promoted and given a title.

How much suffering did her daughter endure in the palace, and how did Song Shuangning manage to rise so high in rank?

If Song Mingyuan hadn't stopped her, Gong Yerong would have already dealt a severe blow to that vile woman, Aunt Su.

On the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Song Mingyuan said to Gong Yerong, "I was able to attend the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet at the palace this time entirely thanks to the Minister's patronage. The banquet requires verifying the names of the officials attending and the ceremonial rites for their conferment. These matters are handled by the Ministry of Personnel, and as a Vice Minister, I am very familiar with them. So, you submitted a petition to the Ministry of Rites, stating that on the day of the banquet, I would be needed to assist in verifying the officials' positions and delivering relevant documents to prevent any oversights or breaches of etiquette. The Ministry of Rites and the Emperor have already approved my presence as an official attendant, and I can accompany you to the palace tomorrow."

"After I enter the palace tomorrow, I will find an opportunity to have a good talk with Shuangning. Shuangning is not a heartless person; she will listen to me."

Gong Yerong sneered, "If she's not a heartless person, then why has she been able to rise through the ranks in the six months since she entered the palace, while our Luo Wei is suffering?"

Song Mingyuan was also getting impatient. "Why is the blame for Luo Wei's demotion being placed entirely on Shuang Ning?"

He flicked his sleeves, his words tinged with dissatisfaction towards Song Luowei, "I've inquired. Luowei's demotions have all been due to others, what does it have to do with Shuangning? Luowei has served the emperor for so many years, yet she shows no improvement. Who can she blame? Besides, Shuangning has risen step by step; that's Shuangning's ability. I warn you, if you dare to act recklessly, don't blame me for disregarding our marital bond!"

Gong Yerong had long seen through Song Mingyuan's intentions.

Ultimately, Luo Wei has fallen from grace and lost her former usefulness, while Song Shuangning has risen steadily and has a bright future ahead of her. Now, she may become a stepping stone for the Song family to climb the social ladder and gain access to the powerful.

"Song Mingyuan!" Gong Yerong trembled with rage, pointing at Song Mingyuan's nose and cursing angrily:

"How dare you speak to me like that? If it weren't for my father's timely help back then, would you be where you are today?"

Song Mingyuan shoved her away, glancing at her with disgust: "Enough!"

"Look at you! Where is your dignity as a mistress? Luo Wei's temperament is just like yours!"

"you……"

The two argued in the study until midnight.

……

On Mid-Autumn Festival night, a bright moon hangs in the sky, its gentle light spilling over the red walls and black tiles.

The Mid-Autumn Festival banquet was held in Chengguang Hall.

This year, the nation is peaceful and prosperous. His Majesty, out of consideration for the fact that his officials and concubines rarely see their families, has granted them permission to sit together in celebration.

Civil and military officials, dressed in court robes, sat in order of rank, while concubines, adorned in brocade robes and surrounded by jewels, sat in rows. The tables were laden with mooncakes, pomegranates, grapes, and other seasonal fruits, and delicacies were served in succession.

After Song Mingyuan sat down, he immediately looked for his two daughters. He couldn't find his younger daughter, but he saw his older daughter in the lower seat. She looked much more haggard and listless.

He sighed.

A moment later, Song Shuangning gracefully took her seat in Chengguang Hall.

Song Shuangning looked up and saw that there was someone at the table who shouldn't have been there.

Her scumbag father, Song Mingyuan.

That scumbag dad is quite capable; he managed to sneak in.

Song Mingyuan smiled at her, but Song Shuangning found it an eyesore and immediately looked away.

Song Mingyuan was a little puzzled: Why was Shuang Ning ignoring him?

Once everyone had arrived, the Emperor, Empress, and Empress Dowager appeared. Immediately, everyone rose and knelt in obeisance, chanting in unison, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress! Long live the Empress Dowager! May the Empress Dowager enjoy good health!"

Xiao Yan sat down: "Rise."

The Empress Dowager had long resided in Shou Kang Palace, practicing vegetarianism and chanting Buddhist scriptures. She rarely intervened in affairs and never concerned herself with palace intrigues. However, she had heard that a certain concubine had recently gained special favor.

She rarely spoke, but she did ask the Emperor, "I've heard that a certain Consort Yuan has recently gained special favor. Which one is she?"

Xiao Yan pointed: "That one wearing royal blue clothes is it."

[My darlings, before the official release, for every 5 book reviews you get, I'll add an extra chapter. Don't let this "Fish Holding the Moon" chapter slip by, let me update like crazy!]