The Empress acted swiftly.
Ye Yun had just agreed to assist in organizing the Mid-Autumn National Banquet, and by the next morning, she received a booklet sent from Wutong Palace.
"Her Majesty said that time is tight, and the Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching soon. She asks for Shunyi to bear some of the burden and, together with Hui Zhaorong, quickly come up with a plan," Suqin, the messenger, said as she curtsied.
Looking at the thick booklet, Ye Yun couldn't help but feel a bit of regret.
But since she had already accepted, there was no backing out now.
"I understand. Please convey my thanks to Her Majesty, and I will certainly be thorough and diligent."
Suqin nodded. "Yes, if there is nothing else, this servant will take her leave now."
Ye Yun waved her hand, signaling Nanzhi to give Suqin a small pouch before dismissing her.
Huiyue came over and poured a cup of tea. "Shunyi, when you were back at the residence, you helped the Lady organize banquets many times. It should be similar to that, right?"
A daughter of a high-ranking family could not avoid learning such things.
Although the Chu family came from a merchant background, they were still a well-established household with proper customs and etiquette, and they naturally taught their daughter to be very capable.
"Each year, aside from changes in seating, dishes, and entertainment, there is a standard process. It doesn't require much extra effort from me," Ye Yun said lightly.
She took a sip of tea and opened the booklet.
While looking through it, she said, "I'll familiarize myself with the content this morning. Then, I'll visit Hui Zhaorong to discuss the details. Have Kong Qing go ahead and deliver a message first to find out what time would be appropriate so that I don't arrive at an inconvenient time."
"Yes," Huiyue replied, and then left to make arrangements.
Meanwhile, at Molan Pavilion...
Jing De Fei was accompanying the Second Prince, reading a children's picture book when Nianzhu quickly entered from outside.
"Your Highness..."
Hearing this, Jing De Fei looked up at her, understanding that there was something to discuss. She ordered the nursemaid to take the Second Prince out.
"Go ahead, what is it?"
Nianzhu gave a slight curtsy. "This servant has found out that early this morning, the Empress assigned all matters regarding the Mid-Autumn banquet to others. Hui Zhaorong and Ming Shunyi are each handling half, and the tasks have been divided between them."
Jing De Fei's gaze lowered slightly, her expression unreadable.
After a moment of silence, she spoke softly.
"Is the Empress planning to take a hands-off approach this time? Palace affairs have been left to me and Shu Fei, and now the Mid-Autumn banquet is handed over to Hui Zhaorong and Ming Shunyi. The Empress, who usually fears losing control, has certainly delegated quickly this time."
Tansheng, standing by, nodded as well. "Yes, although ever since her miscarriage, the Empress has been less domineering, this seems a bit extreme—almost like..."
"Avoiding suspicion," Jing De Fei squinted her eyes and coldly spoke the two words Tansheng hadn't finished.
Others might not harbor as much hostility or suspicion toward the Empress, but Jing De Fei had suffered at her hands and knew well the Empress's cruelty.
YOU ARE READING
The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)
Ficción históricaNote: This is a translated novel by me (Xiao Bai) 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 th...
