The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 317 - Sudden Inspiration

The Empress sat beside Ning Chen and immediately noticed his gaze fixated on a certain spot.

Following his line of sight, it was indeed Ye Yun.

In an instant, the Empress felt a pang of discomfort in her heart.

It had always been said that An Shi was favored, but the Emperor had never looked at her so intently in public.

One An Shi was gone, and now there was another, and even more so, Ye Shi was much more favored.

Perhaps it would have been better if An Shi had remained alive.

However, thinking about these things now was futile; once a person was dead, they could not come back to life.

As the banquet commenced, after the Emperor and the attendees raised their glasses in a toast, the song and dance performances began.

"Your Majesty, this cup is for you. I wish for the prosperity and flourishing of our Nan Qi, and may Your Majesty's reign last for a thousand years," the Empress raised her glass and said.

Ning Chen graciously drank, and then added, "The Empress has worked hard over the years managing the harem for me, so I shall also raise a glass in honor of the Empress."

"It is simply what I should do." The Empress smiled gently.

The couple drank two cups, maintaining the image of harmony between the Emperor and Empress. Afterward, it was time for those of appropriate status to offer their toasts in turn.

Following Hui Shunyi was Ye Yun. She stood up with a smile, raised her cup, but did not say any elaborate words. She simply said, "Your Majesty, I drink this cup in full and wish you much joy in the new year, with laughter always by your side."

Upon hearing this, Ningchen laughed. "You, always like a child, enjoy saying such innocent and playful things."

Indeed, how childish it seemed. Even the six-year-old Grand Princess would say something like, 'May Your Majesty have health and long life.'

"I'm foolish. Please don't make fun of me, Your Majesty," Ye Yun smiled, biting her lip.

Ningchen shook his head helplessly. "Empress, look at her. If she's foolish, how many others could be called clever?"

"Ming Shunyuan has always been lively. Even as a mother, she remains playfully youthful," the Empress smiled, albeit a bit stiffly.

Hui Shunyi added, "Indeed, only someone with a pure heart and a kind soul like Sister Ming can stay so vibrant and bright."

"Everyone seems to be praising you. If that's the case, I must not let your brilliance go to waste. Pass on my decree: Ming Shunyuan is to be promoted to Shunyi," Ningchen declared with a grand gesture, suddenly shocking everyone.

No one had anticipated this turn of events. The Empress was visibly unsettled. But just moments ago, she had complimented Ye Yun along with Ningchen, so she could not suddenly contradict herself and criticize Ye Yun.

It was truly a moment of bitter resignation.

Not only the Empress but even Ye Yun herself was momentarily stunned. In truth, this promotion was the result of Ningchen acting on a whim. Looking at Ye Yun, so beautiful and intelligent, pleasing to his heart, he had suddenly decided to elevate this woman to a higher position.

Such grace and elegance did not belong to just any ordinary rank. Though she could not be immediately promoted to the highest ranks, she deserved to be higher than she currently was.

"Your Majesty, I humbly thank you for your immense favor," Ye Yun quickly composed herself and bowed with perfect decorum.

Her calm demeanor, showing no sign of arrogance or unease, only reinforced the impression that she was indeed deserving of this new rank.