Ning Chen glanced at her, perhaps recalling his healthy daughter, his expression easing a bit.
"Why didn't you bring the princess along?"
"Your Majesty, you may not know, but it has been snowing heavily these past few days. Last night, when I mentioned 'trampling through the snow to seek plum blossoms,' Jia Yu insisted on going to the plum garden early this morning. Besides, Jia Yu has a lively temperament; it would be best not to startle the Eldest Prince. The siblings can see each other again in the future."
Shu Fei wore a smile on her face, covering her lips with a handkerchief.
Wen De Fei was displeased and tugged at the corners of her mouth. "The Eldest Prince is a boy after all; he shouldn't be so fragile. However, the princess running outside in this cold weather—let's hope she doesn't catch a chill. Shu Fei, you should be more careful."
"There's no need for sister to worry. This child is just like me; she prefers warmth over cold and is in good health."
Shu Fei raised her eyebrows slightly, displaying a somewhat provocative demeanor.
"I was too worried; after all, Sister Shu comes from a family of military officials and might be tougher than I am... oh no, I meant to say healthier." Wen De Fei's expression turned completely cold.
She seemed to change her wording casually, as "tough-skinned and thick-meat" was hardly a compliment.
Shu Fei felt offended and was about to retort when they heard the sound of ceremonial chanting from outside.
It was the "congratulatory gift" from the second daughter of the Chen family.
Ning Chen was puzzled and asked, "What is this?"
"Your Majesty, this is a birthday gift I prepared for the Eldest Prince. I accidentally left it in the Ci Ning Palace, and it just arrived now."
The young girl stood up, twisting her waist as she gracefully bowed, her voice perfectly modulated and as melodious as a lark.
"No need for such formalities." Ning Chen waved his hand, his gaze darkening a few shades. "What are you doing here?"
This question was quite...
In any case, Ye Yun in the crowd couldn't help but let out a light laugh.
Perhaps because she started it, others soon followed suit, and the low laughter fell into Chen Su Zhi's ears, making her feel utterly humiliated.
Wen De Fei shot Chen Su Zhi a disdainful glance, her eyes filled with mockery, as she relayed the Empress Dowager's words unchanged.
As expected, Ning Chen's expression darkened even further.
All the women present were from the imperial harem, and what was Chen Su Zhi, an unmarried young lady yet to come of age, doing here?
The Empress Dowager was truly foolish; a mere illegitimate daughter of the Chen family had no right to attend such a banquet, tarnishing the dignity of the royal family.
Ning Chen knew the Empress Dowager's intentions well. He had originally thought to resolve the matter gently, but now, he had no intention of giving any face at all.
"I remember you are fourteen this year?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," she replied.
Chen Su Zhi's heart leapt with joy as she shyly glanced up at the man before her, only to quickly lower her head again, exuding both youthfulness and allure.
For a moment, those present were uncertain of the Emperor's thoughts.
Could it be that he really took a liking to her?
YOU ARE READING
The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 1)
Ficción históricaNote: This is a translated novel by me. Title: 贵妃她千娇百媚 Ye Yun was supposed to be the prince's concubine, but due to the sudden death of the late emperor, her entry into the palace was delayed for over a year. She entered the palace with the new bat...
