The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 71 - Bai Pin's toasts

The intimacy between the two surprised Lin Wanyi even more. She knew that Mu Lanchun was someone who could quickly become familiar with others, making even a slight closeness seem like sisterhood to outsiders.

But Ying Fei's response was also very warm.

Did she really consider Mu Lanchun an ally?

It hadn't been long, but it seemed the rumors about Mu Lanchun moving to Yaoyue Palace were not baseless.

Thinking of this, the smile on Lin Wanyi's face became more proper.

With the two of them chatting and laughing, Lin Wanyi didn't need to join the conversation to enjoy it.

Just as they were having a good time, they heard the eunuch's loud announcement from outside.

"The Emperor has arrived."

"Lin Guifei has arrived."

"Lan Fei has arrived."

Suddenly, many people arrived, and everyone in Shengjing Pavilion stood up and went to the door to greet them.

Yi Fei stood straight, while the others bowed.

"Your concubines greet the Emperor, Lin Guifei, and Lan Fei."

Despite the room being filled with beautiful women, they were all very orderly at this moment.

"Rise, today is a family banquet, no need for formalities."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

The Emperor, dressed in a dragon robe, walked to the center and sat on the dragon chair. He glanced around and paused when he saw Lin Wanyi, then looked away.

He then spoke to Ying Fei.

"After the long journey, is Ying Fei feeling comfortable?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am well."

She had never made enemies in the harem, whether before or after her pregnancy and had never shown any arrogance.

So, she was more envied than resented.

Envy for her perfect timing in getting pregnant.

Lin Guifei sat beside the Emperor, displaying a virtuous and generous demeanor, naturally showing concern for the other concubines.

"I have ordered double the ice for Sister Ying and Sister Lan, and doubled the kitchen expenses. Your Majesty can rest assured that by autumn, there will be two more imperial heirs in the palace."

Lan Fei was further along in her pregnancy than Ying Fei.

She proudly stroked her high belly and laughed behind her handkerchief.

"Lin Guifei is truly meticulous, taking good care of us and even sending precious herbs to the Second Prince, which have helped a lot."

"As long as they are useful, I will send more later."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I will bring the Second Prince to thank you personally another day."

"Why say such things? Since I am in charge of the harem, I naturally care for my sisters. I only hope you all give birth to healthy children to continue the royal lineage!"

"Your Highness is right."

Lin Guifei and Lan Fei's harmonious act was clear to everyone.

They were just trying to appear virtuous and steady in front of the Emperor, as Lin Guifei was only a step away from becoming the new Empress.

Moreover, it had been over three years since Empress Xu's death, so it was not impossible for Lin Guifei to be promoted in the next two years.

Everyone had their own calculations, thinking about how to impress Lin Guifei.

Du Changzai was now one of Lin Guifei's people. If Lin Guifei became Empress, she would naturally rise as well.

So she smiled brightly and said.

"Lin Guifei is virtuous and graceful, a model for all women. We only hope that Your Highness and the Emperor remain deeply affectionate, so the entire palace can share in your grace."

Lin Guifei smiled but did not reply, instead looking at the Emperor and speaking sweetly.

"Your Majesty, look at how well Du Changzai speaks."

"Yes, reward Du Changzai with a cup of moonlight wine. Its sweetness suits her."

Du Changzai, who hadn't received the Emperor's favor for a long time, was overjoyed and immediately knelt.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for the reward."

Seeing Du Changzai gain favor because of her connection with Lin Guifei, everyone started their own calculations again.

Yi Fei looked at Du Changzai with a mocking smile.

She coughed twice, and Bai Pin, who was behind her, understood immediately.

She stood up with a wine cup, tears of joy in her eyes, and spoke sweetly.

"Your Majesty, I have been devoted to Buddhism in the palace since last year and haven't seen you for a long time. Seeing you still as majestic as ever, I am grateful to the Bodhisattva for blessing you. May Your Majesty live long and may our Great Wei prosper forever, with peace and prosperity."

Her natural charm made her even more beautiful, evoking pity from anyone who saw her.

Lin Guifei glanced at her but didn't pay much attention, while her peripheral vision searched for Lin Wanyi.

She wondered what Lin Wanyi thought of Bai Pin now.

Indeed, seeing Lin Wanyi's pale face and uncomfortable appearance, Lin Guifei was very satisfied.

Watching from the sidelines, she let Bai Pin and Lin Wanyi compete with each other.

At this moment, Lin Wanyi couldn't care less about Bai Pin's heartfelt words as she returned to the public eye. She only felt dizzy and nauseous.

Propping her elbow on the table, she tried to control her dizziness and nausea.

If it weren't for the formal setting, she would have preferred to lie down immediately to stop the discomfort.

Bai Pin didn't care what others thought and was eager to pour out all her feelings after a year of not seeing the Emperor.

Her eyes were full of love and a bit of grievance as she looked at the Emperor.

Seeing her like this, the Emperor picked up the wine beside him and said in a deep voice.

"Bai Pin's words are good. I will drink a cup."

He then drank it all in one go. Seeing him so straightforward, Bai Pin also smiled and drank a cup immediately.

Then she slowly sat down and looked at Du Changzai.

The provocation and disdain in her eyes burned Du Changzai's heart.

But she only dared to twist her handkerchief and sit down awkwardly.

She didn't have the courage or ability to compete with Bai Pin.

After all, when she first entered the palace, she was favored for a long time.

However, thinking about Bai Pin being confined to the palace, her earlier embarrassment disappeared.

No matter how arrogant a concubine was, she still had to kneel and salute Lin Guifei.

So, in this harem, the only one who could truly make decisions was Lin Guifei.

Clinging to her was the most important thing!

Thinking of this, Du Changzai smiled again.

She picked up the moonlight wine and sipped it slowly.

With Bai Pin leading the toast, the other concubines didn't want to be left behind.

One by one, they stood up and offered auspicious words, each wanting to toast the Emperor.