The Job Of An Imperial Concubine

60

TJOAIC 60 – NIGHT BANQUET (晚宴)

The annual new year banquet for the imperial clan members was exquisite and luxurious. But because he didn’t have many brothers, after Emperor Chengxuan had ascended the throne up until now, such banquets weren’t as lavish as the ones from the previous emperor.　　

Since it was the new year, Zhuang Laoyan put on the fine clothes the emperor had bestowed her in a very tactful manner. Before the mirror, she slowly put on her makeup, making her complexion rosy to the max. 　　

“Master, why are you putting on this kind of makeup?” asked Yunxi, looking at the glamorous Zhuang Laoyan. She didn’t understand why her master had changed from her previous plain appearance.　　

“In the blink of an eye, one year has passed.” Zhuang Laoyan touched up her brows. Smiled. “Everyone wants to be happier today. Why should I make myself look like that and cause others upset?”

At that moment, realization struck Yunxi. A delicate appearance made others pity the person. However, as women of the imperial harem, they must also know the general principles to garner good fortune during the New Year. Who would feel happy seeing such a sour expression?　　　

The New Year Banquet was to be held at Taihe Hall as well. Apart from the imperial clan members, the guests consisted of envoys from the surrounding subsidiary states. It was bustling with noise and excitement to the extreme. Just as Zhuang Laoyan had stepped foot within Taihe Hall, she encountered the dressed-to-the-nines Noble Imperial Concubine Yan. 　　

“This concubine greets Xiuyi Zhao.” Noble Imperial Concubine Yan performed a light curtsy. “Xiuyi Zhao’s complexion has improved. It seems your condition has recovered a lot after the miscarriage.”　　　　

Just how badly did this Noble Imperial Concubine Yan want to hurt her feelings? Quite suitable for the occasion, Zhuang Laoyan stiffened her expression. “Noble Imperial Concubine Yan’s complexion seems decent today as well.”　　

Noble Imperial Concubine Yan smiled as beautiful as a blossoming flower. “You as well, you as well.”　　

Ontop the dragon throne, Feng Jin held a wine cup. Swept his gaze toward the corner of the hall. He beckoned for Gao Dezhong. “Gao Dezhong, We remember that a few months ago, we said we would not promote Noble Imperial Concubine Yan for two years.”　　

Gao Dezhong bowed. “Reporting to Your Majesty, your honored self has indeed said such words. Because your honored self is always busy, this matter seems to have been forgotten. It is this slave that did not do my duties well, and forgot to remind Your Majesty. May Your Majesty forgive this slave.”

“Enough. You also have many things to attend to every day.” Feng Jin waved. Tone tranquil, he said, “Since this is the case, let’s have the Department of the Palace cancel the bestowment for Noble Imperial Concubine Yan. Because she neither has the merit of birthing a son, nor the virtue of governing the harem, letting her remain as a noble imperial concubine is enough.” 　　

The emperor did not say these words too loudly. However, it was loud enough for the empress, who sat next to him, to hear. Expression not changing, she looked at the Noble Imperial Concubine Yan who wore a pink blouse and wrap-around skirt. Ridicule flashed in her eyes.　　

In this imperial harem, the list of people who would be promoted had already gone out to the public. If word came out in public that the emperor cancelled Noble Imperial Concubine Yan’s promotion now, she would lose all her face. That Noble Imperial Concubine Yan was stupid. She just had to do something the emperor disliked. Even if he had still favored her a little, she squandered it all.