The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 1)

Chapter 38 - Being Pressured

Qionghua Palace.

The Empress assisted the Empress Dowager and led the harem and noblewomen inside first, followed by the Emperor and officials.

Once everyone was seated, Ning Chen raised his glass, "Today is the Double Ninth Festival. I celebrate with all of you and wish for our Southern Qi to prosper and the country to be peaceful and secure!"

"May Nan Qi prosper and the country be peaceful and secure!"

Everyone raised their glasses in response, joining in the toast.

Ning Chen finished his drink and smiled, waving his hand, "Everyone, no need for formalities today. Just enjoy yourselves and eat and drink to your heart's content!"

The Empress Dowager also smiled and added, "It's rare for us to gather like this. Don't worry about the formalities. It's been a while since we've had such a lively occasion."

"If today's banquet can make Mother Empress happy, I'll be at ease. I'll toast Mother Empress with a cup." The Empress responded appropriately.

"Huan'er is very considerate." 

Though she preferred her niece, the Empress had not made any significant mistakes and had always been filial.

Ning Chen also praised, "The Empress has worked hard to organize the banquet. I'll toast the Empress as well."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. This is all part of my duties," the Empress immediately responded with a toast.

This exchange of pleasantries was a display of familial harmony, leading the officials below to express their admiration.

Overall, the atmosphere was quite harmonious.

After a few rounds of drinks, the scene became lively.

The Empress Dowager whispered to Fuyan, who then sent a little maid to run an errand.

Soon, Min Cairen stood up with a wine cup.

"Your Majesty, this humble servant offers you a toast. The Double Ninth Festival is traditionally a time for climbing heights. I wish Your Majesty continued fortune and great achievements!"

"You're very thoughtful. I'll drink to your good wishes!" Ning Chen graciously accepted the toast.

Min Cairen smiled and made a curtsy, continuing, "Today, I also prepared some talents to present to Your Majesty. I wonder if Your Majesty would be willing to grace us with your presence and let me perform."

Ning Chen's eyes darkened slightly.

Before he could speak, the Empress Dowager interjected, "Min Cairen is always clever. It's rare for her to put in effort to prepare something. I'd like to see it too."

"Since Mother Empress wishes to see it, then I'll join you in watching," Ning Chen agreed with a smile.

He appeared as a dutiful son.

Min Cairen sighed in relief and clapped her hands. Two eunuchs brought out a long table, followed by several palace maids carrying brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, setting them up.

At that moment, the huqin began to play, accompanied by the sounds of hand drums and bronze bells, creating a battlefield-like ambiance.

A woman in stone blue palace attire, like the fresh green of spring, entered the rhythm of the music, took her place, picked up a brush, and dipped it in ink.

The music quickened, reminiscent of a surge of armies and gallant cavalry. Min Cairen's brush moved with the music, flowing smoothly and seamlessly.

With a northern frontier military tune, the brush danced across the paper, rising and falling, slow and fast. When the music ended, the brush stopped, and everyone was still in awe.