The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 51 - First Meeting with Lan Fei

When she looked at Lin Wanyi, her eyes were filled with a terrifying hostility. If it weren't for the inappropriate setting, she might have torn Lin Wanyi's face apart.

Lin Wanyi turned to see Chu Guiren but she showed no fear.

Since their relationship was already strained, there was no need to pretend to be close sisters.

She then walked into the main hall ahead of Chu Guiren and took her seat.

Chu Guiren suppressed her anger and followed suit, sitting quietly among the other concubines, blending in.

Today, Lin Guifei sat on the central throne, dressed in a luxurious golden gown embroidered with phoenixes, exuding elegance and grandeur.

"Lin Guifei's attire today is quite different from ours," Yi Fei remarked, her tone low-key but clearly irritated by Lin Guifei's elaborate outfit.

It seemed they were all there to serve as a backdrop for Lin Guifei, making her shine even more.

Lin Guifei smiled gracefully and said, "Today, I will accompany the Emperor to the river ceremony, so I wore this ceremonial gown. What do you think, Sister Yi?"

"It's beautiful, but what about the Emperor's recent decree to mourn Empress Xu? How do you view that, Your Highness?" Yi Fei asked.

"Mourning is important, but so is the dignity of the Wei royal family. I believe Empress Xu, in heaven, would understand my intentions and not blame me," Lin Guifei replied.

Their exchange continued, as it had since they entered the palace, with the others watching silently, not daring to speak.

Yi Fei's eyes were cold, clearly displeased with Lin Guifei's behavior, but she could only snort and remain silent due to their ranks.

Seeing Yi Fei back down, Lin Guifei turned her attention to Lan Fei.

"Sister, it's been a while. How have you been?" she asked.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I've been well. The imperial physician says the baby is very well-behaved, so I haven't suffered," Lan Fei replied.

"Well-behaved? That's wonderful. It seems my daughter Mingruo will have another sister to accompany her," Lin Guifei said.

Lan Fei blushed and said softly, "I hope for a well-behaved little princess to keep me company."

Lin Guifei saw the sincerity in her expression but remained cautious, her heart hardened by years of palace intrigue.

She smiled warmly and said, "I have a jade Guanyin statue here, which my grandmother specially requested when Mingruo was born. Without the Bodhisattva's blessing, I might not have survived. I hope it will bring you a smooth delivery and fulfill your wishes."

She then had her chief maid, Qin Liu, bring out the brocade box.

The jade Guanyin inside was made of top-quality Hetian jade, with exquisite craftsmanship, depicting the Bodhisattva's serene and compassionate face.

Lan Fei accepted it with a smile. "Your Highness's gift is truly heartfelt. I will enshrine it in my palace and pray for the child's safe and healthy growth."

The others followed suit, saying, "We wish Lan Fei a smooth delivery and fulfillment of her wishes."

Lan Fei smiled happily, her eyes full of maternal love as she touched her belly.

But Lin Wanyi noticed that Ying Pin, in her slightly loose clothing, kept her hands over her belly.

Clearly, she was also pregnant, but why hadn't she announced it yet? What was she waiting for?

Lin Wanyi couldn't quite figure it out.

Today was the Dragon Boat Festival, and everyone had to attend the palace banquet. Even those who wanted to confront Lin Guifei and Lin Wanyi had to hold back for now.

Yi Fei glanced at Lin Wanyi, noting her low-key attire.

Her gaze deepened with meaning.

After chatting for a while in Linzhi Palace, they all headed to the banquet venue—Haiyan Island.

Though called an island, it was actually a flat land built with huge stones and wooden pillars on Shounan Lake.

Haiyan Island offered excellent views, with a grand palace named Qingyuan on it.

The palace was magnificently decorated, with jade pillars and intricate carvings.

It was surrounded by railings, ensuring safety while allowing the cool breeze to flow through, making it comfortable for the concubines in the summer heat.

Qingyuan had five spacious rooms, enough to accommodate dozens of low tables for the banquet.

A purple sandalwood screen divided the middle, with the left side for the royal family and their relatives, and the right side for the concubines.

When Lin Guifei arrived with the concubines, most of the left side was already filled.

The Four Princess Consort was the most respected, followed by the Nine Princess Consort and the Zhan Princess Consort, along with other princesses, consorts, and noble ladies.

It was quite lively.

Seeing Lin Guifei, several noble ladies crossed the screen to greet her.

"We pay our respects to Lin Guifei and the ladies," they said.

"Princess Consort, please rise. You are the Emperor's elder and naturally my elder too. No need for formalities in the future," Lin Guifei said.

The Four Princess Consort, the Emperor's aunt and the highest-ranking noble lady, was the leader.

Lin Guifei always sought to win her favor rather than suppress her with power.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but rules cannot be broken," the Four Princess Consort replied.

She was well-respected both inside and outside the palace, known for her virtue and grace, and the other noble ladies followed her lead.

"Please sit comfortably, Princess Consort. The Emperor and the princes will arrive soon, and we can watch the dragon boat race together," Lin Guifei said.

"Indeed, Your Highness," the Four Princess Consort replied.

Everyone then returned to their seats.

Lin Guifei sat on the phoenix chair, with a clear view of Shounan Lake and Shoushan Mountain in the distance.

The scenery was beautiful, with shimmering water and lush mountains.

Since she took charge of the palace, she held a position second only to the Empress. If the Empress were still here, she wouldn't be sitting there, but now no one was more qualified.

She sat upright, her chin slightly raised, exuding elegance.

Lan Fei, being pregnant, was seated in the middle left, safe from any risk of falling into the water, with a perfect view of the dragon boat race.

She was very grateful for Lin Guifei's thoughtful arrangement and sat down comfortably.

Yi Fei sat beside her, while Ying Pin was on the far left, near the lake.

The tables were filled with seasonal fruits, looking fresh and tempting.

Especially the lychees from Lingnan, making everyone's mouth water.

Not every concubine could enjoy such delicacies, but today, everyone had some, though in varying amounts.

Led by Du Changzai, they all praised Lin Guifei once again.