Drunk Bamboo

"Today is a family dinner, so there's no need to be so polite, sister. If your presence was not required, and you were not feeling well, you could have rested in the palace. Why would you have come out all this time, adding insult to injury?" The Queen Mother said gently and politely.

The imperial concubine had a slight smile on her face, but her eyes were always indifferent and her thoughts could not be revealed.

"I should have been the one to host this banquet, but I have no other skills except recuperating and chanting. It was only thanks to the Queen that we were able to host it so dignifiedly and smoothly."

"I am here to share your worries. I have been fasting and chanting for your blessings all day long, and it has moved heaven and earth. You and I are one."

Then he ordered: "Give the Imperial Concubine an extra cushion so she can sit more comfortably."

"Thank you Queen."

After the Empress and the Imperial Noble Consort exchanged a few pleasantries, the mood finally quieted down.

Xie Yuzhu sat close and heard everything clearly, even seeing the subtle changes in their expressions.

It sounded like she was really tired.

"Your son pays homage to the Queen Mother and the Consort." Hua Qinming walked over from the arch bridge with Xiao Bingxin.

The eyes of the ladies from noble families sitting in the seats suddenly lit up and they all looked over here.

"Ming'er is so polite." The Queen said with a smile.

"I haven't seen you for a few days. When did you find such a pretty girl by your side?" The imperial concubine's eyes fell on the woman in red.

Some of the girls present thought she looked familiar and remembered that she was Xiao Bingxin from yesterday, and they stared at her with jealous eyes.

Who made her come with King Wen!

"I met a lost girl on the road. She said she was from the Third Emperor's wife's mansion, so I brought her along."

"So they are from Prince Feng's Mansion." The Imperial Concubine nodded.

Xie Yuzhu frowned slightly.

Is it just a coincidence or intentional?

How could such a coincidence happen?

She stood up and bowed slightly: "Replying to the Queen, the Imperial Concubine, Bingxin is the sister of the prince's old friend from the western frontier. She came to Zhongdu for a few days to play. This is her first time entering the palace. She must have been dazed and lost her way for a while."

Then he thanked Hua Qinming: "Thank you for your help, fifth brother."

"You're welcome, Third Princess." He looked harmless and smiled like an angel.

The Queen Mother looked at Xiao Bingxin carefully, and she knew what was going on. She did not expose her in person, but smiled and said:

"Since you are the family of the soldiers defending the Western Frontier and the friends of the Wind King, you don't have to be restrained and join us at the table. What do you think, sister?"

"The Queen is the master of the harem." The Imperial Concubine still smiled faintly, and she looked really like Hua Qinming.

"Just sit next to Princess Feng."

The Queen gave the order.

Xiao Bingxin said repeatedly: "Thank you, Queen! Thank you, Royal Concubine!"

Xie Yuzhu turned around and returned to her seat, lowered her eyes, feeling uneasy.

"Thank you, Princess Sister-in-law, for speaking for me." Xiao Bingxin smiled.

It seemed as if all his plans had succeeded, everything was going smoothly, and he even felt a little proud.

Xie Yuzhu's tone was cold and serious:

"I have not concealed your name or where you came from. I have told you the truth. People who understand will naturally know who you are."

After a pause, he warned, "Whether you are the fourth daughter of the Xilin Xiao family, the most beloved daughter of General Xiao, or the beloved sister of several major generals, from now until the end of the banquet and leaving the palace, you cannot act on your own. Because everything you do represents the Feng Palace."

Xiao Bingxin was stunned for a moment, then quickly nodded: "I understand, don't worry, Princess Sister-in-law."

"Just sit back and watch the show."

Sure enough, she just sat there quietly and didn't cause any trouble.

At this time, the girl in purple came forward.

"Gu Ziyi from Yongxing Marquis' Mansion pays respect to Her Majesty the Empress and Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine."

"The daughter of Marquis Gu is really pretty and graceful."

"Thank you for the compliment, Her Majesty. This is a gift that I specially prepared for Her Majesty. It is Mr. Sanshi's original work "Ink Bamboo". I hope Her Majesty will like it."

A picture of ink bamboo slowly appears before your eyes, with vigorous and powerful brushstrokes.

The queen was delighted and praised: "Mr. Sanshi's ink paintings are first-class in the world. The ink bamboo shows his style. It is really a good painting."

Then she tried to please the Imperial Concubine: "I have always known that the Imperial Concubine loves to grow flowers and plants. This pot of black orchid is elegant and has a rich fragrance. It is dedicated to the Imperial Concubine."

The Imperial Concubine's emotions did not fluctuate: "Miss Gu is thoughtful."

"It is my honor to make you happy."

Gu Ziyi went down, followed by the girl from the Liu family.

"Liucheng meets the Queen and the Imperial Concubine." She is cute and has a baby face.

"My gifts are not as precious as Sister Gu's. They are just some rouge and powder that I made myself. I hope the Empress and the Imperial Concubine will like them."

"Good, all very good. All very thoughtful." The Queen looked at the Royal Consort, "Sister, look at these daughters. Not only are they beautiful, but they are also filial. Ming'er is blessed."

The Imperial Concubine replied, "His marriage still needs your Majesty's decision."

The Queen smiled and said nothing more.

Later, several other girls presented various rare treasures to their future mothers-in-law in order to please them.

Xie Yuzhu was dazzled by what she saw.

Meanwhile, Xiao Bingxin's face looked increasingly worse.

A palace servant came to report: "Your Majesty, His Majesty's banquet has begun."

"Let's have a feast here too."

"Let's have dinner—"

Opposite the lotus pond, the emperor and his officials were drinking.

The emperor was in a good mood and smiled: "Today is a banquet, no need to be formal, drink to your heart's content, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and listen to the music!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

An official asked: "I have heard that King Wen played the zither very well. I wonder if I can have the honor of listening to a piece of music today?"

This hit the emperor's heart: "I haven't heard Ming'er play the piano for a long time."

Hua Qinming stood up and said, "I, your son, would like to present a song for your father."

"Good, good! There is music but no fun. Wouldn't it be more pleasing to the eyes if there were some dancing?"

Eunuch Dong echoed, "The ones coming over to the lotus pond are all the daughters of the masters. Why don't you ask the Queen to arrange for a daughter who is good at dancing to go with Prince Wen?"

The emperor's eyes flashed: "This is a good idea. What do you think, Ming'er?"

"It's all up to my father to arrange."

Eunuch Dong followed the emperor's order and went to find the empress.

After hearing this, the Queen Mother said to the ladies at the banquet, "King Wen is playing the zither himself. Are there any ladies who are good at dancing and singing willing to go on stage with King Wen to perform for everyone?"

Gu Ziyi volunteered: "Empress, I have been practicing dancing since I was a child, and I am willing to dance with King Wen!"

Liu Cheng was not modest at all: "My Queen, I sing beautifully!"

"I……"

Xiao Bingxin's eyes lit up, and she was finally able to take action. Just as she was about to speak, she was stopped by Xie Yuzhu.

"Just sit still."

"Princess sister-in-law..." A pitiful look.

"No way." Without looking at her face, he refused directly.

She didn't want to get into trouble again as her back injury hadn't healed yet.

He gave Baiguo a wink.

Bai Guo nodded and stared at Xiao Bingxin.