The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 393 - Unique

None of the concubines dared to respond, creating an awkward silence. Finally, Jing Xian Fei spoke up.

"Little sister, you are misunderstanding us. We were just discussing that since you are pregnant, it's safest for you to walk slowly. Being late is no problem; everyone understands that a pregnant woman is delicate."

Ye Yun slightly curled her lips. "It seems I didn't hear the whole conversation. However, it's also my fault. My sisters are all well-mannered and know the principles of courtesy and integrity; how could they possibly engage in gossip behind someone's back? Here, I apologize to all my sisters."

As she spoke, Ye Yun gently placed her hand on her belly and gave a slight bow.

"Alright, you are a straightforward person and need not take these things to heart. Today is a family banquet; please take a seat," Ning Chen said, helping her slightly.

Perhaps it was because Ye Yun's temper had been poor due to her pregnancy, often getting annoyed with him. Today, hearing her retort the group of concubines, he didn't find anything inappropriate about it. He just hoped she wouldn't get upset.

With the Emperor's attitude being this way, she naturally wasn't angered; however, it left the others quite irritated.

Once Ye Yun was seated, Jing Xian Fei ordered someone to fetch a soft cushion for her to lean against comfortably. After all, the face-saving effort was done quite well.

"I heard that Ming Zhaoyi loves spicy food, so I specially arranged for the Imperial Kitchen to prepare a few spicy dishes. I wonder if they suit your taste?" Jing Xian Fei said.

Her demeanor had a distinct feeling of taking on the role of the hostess. However, today's family banquet was indeed arranged by her, so no faults could be picked.

Ye Yun smiled and nodded, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your thoughtfulness; I like them all."

Yet, as she spoke, her gaze lingered on Jing Xian Fei a little longer.

It was nothing particular; it was just that what Jing Xian Fei was wearing today was something she would never typically wear. Not to mention the luxurious attire, the six-tailed phoenix hairpin on her head was quite eye-catching.

In the harem regulations of Nan Qi, a second-rank consort could wear a five-tailed phoenix hairpin, a first-rank consort could wear a six-tailed hairpin, a Guifei could wear a seven-tailed one, and the Empress would wear a nine-tailed hairpin.

Though concubines could also wear them, almost no one would, as the phoenix is a symbol of the Empress and would be too ostentatious.

Especially on Jing Xian Fei, it seemed somewhat out of place, as she was usually low-key and gentle.

Seeing this, combined with what had happened previously, Ye Yun's intuition told her that Jing Xian Fei was certainly not as unambitious as she appeared.

"Ming Zhaoyi is pregnant, so she must be extra careful about what she eats. Yuan Jiu, call in the eunuch who tastes the dishes to serve Ming Zhaoyi."

Ning Chen, sitting nearby, suddenly said.

Hearing this, everyone turned their heads in surprise.

Though the masters could usually take care of their own tasting, this was something only the Emperor had, and this statement meant that someone who served the Emperor was to be assigned to serve Ye Yun.

This was an immense honor.

The tasting eunuchs were not ordinary poison testers; they were specially trained individuals with a very discerning palate who could tell if anything was amiss with just a taste.