Although the banquet wasn't held on a grand scale, all officials of the second rank and above, along with their families, attended. Coupled with members of the royal family, the gathering was quite substantial.
The venue for the banquet was set at Zhenbao Hall.
This first birthday banquet for the Fourth Prince was the first joyous occasion held in the palace since Pei Yao's ascension to the throne.
Recently, due to ongoing border conflicts, Pei Yao had been in a less-than-pleasant mood. However, today, he was rare to see with a smile, which lightened the atmosphere for the ministers as well.
Naturally, it also highlighted the Emperor's affection for Zhao Fei and his love for the Fourth Prince.
Today, Fang Yun had dressed up specially for the occasion.
She wore a pine-green brocade palace dress, her hair styled in a Chaoyun bun adorned with a set of emerald jewelry, complemented by a few delicate pearl hairpins and a pair of South Sea pearl earrings. Her ensemble was dignified and elegant, exuding grace and poise without losing her refined charm.
Her elevated status now required her to eschew overly coquettish or playful styles. As a consort of the Emperor, she needed to project an aura befitting her position.
Otherwise, she wouldn't command respect, and as she ascended to even higher ranks in the future, idle gossip would inevitably arise.
Sure enough, her attire today garnered admiration from many of the banquet guests, who viewed her in a new light.
As the saying goes, "Clothes make the person." Today, Fang Yun embodied this truth.
Even Pei Yao couldn't help but steal a few glances at her.
He felt a sense of pride. However, the main star today was the Fourth Prince.
The guests' compliments soon shifted to focus on him.
After some polite exchanges, Pei Yao turned to Fang Yun.
"Zhao Fei has worked hard raising two children. The Empress and I appreciate it. Today, on the Fourth Prince's first birthday, I toast to you."
With this, all eyes turned towards them.
The Emperor and Empress raised their glasses, and Zhao Fei respectfully stood and drank her wine.
Afterwards, Fang Yun refilled her glass and turned to the Empress.
"Today's banquet was only possible because of the Empress's meticulous planning. I know nothing of such matters and relied entirely on Your Majesty. This toast is to you."
"You've always been sensible and respectful. The Fourth Prince is bright and lovable, and I adore him. It's only natural for me to handle these matters. No need for such formality," the Empress said, drinking her wine.
She then addressed Pei Yao.
"Your Majesty, in the harem, Zhao Fei is the epitome of gentleness, thoughtfulness, and wisdom. On such an important day, she deserves a reward for her efforts in raising the children."
Fang Yun hadn't expected the Empress to advocate for her reward.
Pei Yao smiled and nodded.
"The Empress is right. Zhao Fei, what reward do you wish for?"
Naturally, Fang Yun wanted a promotion.
But advancing from consort to noble consort was no small feat, requiring either time, more offspring, significant achievements, or the children's accomplishments.
Therefore...
Fang Yun's gaze subtly shifted towards Wan Liangyuan before speaking softly.
"Raising imperial offspring is my duty, not something to seek rewards for. But since Your Majesties are so gracious, I do have a request, not for myself, but for Song Meiren."
"Song Meiren?"
Pei Yao was surprised.
So were the others, including Song Meiren herself.
"Yes," Fang Yun nodded calmly. "Due to my health, Song Meiren often helped care for the Second Princess when I was expecting the Fourth Prince. Even after entering the palace, she frequently assisted at Yuzhang Palace. I see her dedication and wish to seek a promotion for her."
The Empress glanced at Fang Yun and added.
"Indeed, Song Meiren entered the Eastern Palace with Zhao Fei and has served for a long time. A promotion is warranted."
Pei Yao had no reason to refuse, especially with the Empress's support.
"Very well. Song Meiren will be promoted to Liangyuan."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Fang Yun said, bowing slightly.
Song Liangyuan, now fully realizing what had happened, quickly stood and bowed in gratitude.
This made her equal to Wan Liangyuan.
Sure enough, Wan Liangyuan's expression soured.
Demoted and stagnant, she watched Song Liangyuan rise by simply staying close to Fang Yun.
It seemed as long as Fang Yun was around, Song Liangyuan's future looked promising.
Wan Liangyuan felt increasingly irked, as if she could never surpass Fang Yun and would remain on par with Fang Yun's followers.
She glanced at Yang Fei, regretting her alliance.
When she was in trouble, Yang Fei hadn't said a word in her defense.
She realized Yang Fei wanted her demoted for control.
While Wan Liangyuan saw Yang Fei as a partner, Yang Fei saw her as a pawn.
Being a pawn under Fang Yun was better treated than under Yang Fei.
Clenching her handkerchief, Wan Liangyuan's mind raced with new ideas.
Unbeknownst to her, this was precisely the effect Fang Yun had intended.
But Fang Yun wasn't in a hurry to see the results. She had more pressing matters to attend to.
Neither Yang Fei nor Wan Liangyuan would escape her plans.
After the Fourth Prince's first birthday ceremony, Fang Yun seized the moment to announce that the gifts received today would be converted into silver and donated to the military for supplies.
This had been prearranged with Pei Yao, and the Empress was also aware.
The Empress generously contributed her share, stating that in honor of the Fourth Prince's birthday, she would donate sixty thousand taels in his name.
The guests praised the Empress's virtue and Zhao Fei's kindness, even showering compliments on the young Fourth Prince.
Yang Fei, standing nearby, was seething.
Realizing too late, she cursed inwardly. No wonder the Empress hadn't mentioned donating money earlier; she had planned to steal the spotlight with Fang Yun today!
Fifty thousand taels, wasted, and she couldn't even keep the Emperor for the night. Yang Fei's heart bled with rage.
Unable to contain herself, she left the banquet early, citing chest pain.
Back at Zhongcui Palace, she vented her fury.
"That wretch Fang Yun, conspiring with that harlot Lu Yuehua, always opposing me! They think I'm easy to bully? They may have had their moment, but I'll make sure they know that such easy gains don't come without a price!"
YOU ARE READING
The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)
RomanceAuthor: Huatang Xiuge Translator: Me (Xiaobai) 东宫掌娇 Upon entering the Eastern Palace, Fang Yun lived cautiously, burdened by the label of a substitute bride and daughter of a traitor. She knew well that, as a daughter of low birth, she had been cas...
