Guarding the imperial mausoleum was merely the emperor's momentary anger; once this storm passed, he would find a way back.
Thus, he shouted, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your benevolence."
Then he rose and left directly, leaving those present with much to ponder.
The faction of the First Prince was naturally the most pleased. Without Duke Weiguo, that formidable obstacle, many of their endeavors would become much smoother.
Duke Weiguo, Duke Weiguo, who would have thought that a man of such intelligence would be so foolish at a crucial moment? By the time you return from the imperial mausoleum, the court might have already undergone a complete change.
With this thought, the First Prince's mood lifted, and even the Quli Divine Maiden appeared more agreeable than before.
He immediately bowed and said, "This son congratulates Your Majesty on acquiring another beauty. I pay my respects to Consort Shu."
The divine maiden before him appeared no older than twenty, much younger than himself, but so what?
Having become His Majesty's woman, she was naturally his "concubine mother."
Emperor Qi, seeing the First Prince's tactful demeanor, regarded him with a little more favor. "My son has worked hard recently. Your reception of the envoys was thorough. You shall be rewarded in a few days."
"Thank you, Father Emperor!"
Glancing sideways at the Ninth Prince's face, which was as gloomy as dripping water, the First Prince's years of pent-up frustration were instantly dispelled.
Yue Yao, standing beside Emperor Qi, remained indifferent, neither happy nor objecting, as if the matter of her ennoblement to consort was as common as daily chores.
Her slender, jade-like fingers were tightly held by Emperor Qi. Had it not been for the crowd present, he might have pulled her into his embrace.
The usually astute and capable Emperor Qi seemed bewitched, gazing dotingly at Consort Shu like a lovesick youth, his mind clouded. Consequently, no one paid much attention to the gifts presented by the subsequent envoys. All they knew was that Emperor Qi, with his heart elsewhere, left with the newly enfeoffed Consort Shu, leaving the First Prince to handle the aftermath.
"Esteemed envoys, you have traveled from afar, bringing glory to our Great Jin. The Ninghui Hall has prepared a palace banquet. I invite all of you to attend." The First Prince's courteous and orderly demeanor caused many envoys to begin their calculations.
Judging by the current situation, this First Prince had a considerable chance of becoming the Crown Prince. Befriending him was far better than antagonizing him, hence everyone showed him due deference.
The Sixth Prince accompanied him, occasionally interjecting a few words, which greatly pleased the First Prince. He patted his shoulder happily and said, "Sixth Brother, you are doing very well. Your elder brother will not treat you unfairly in the future." His words were not explicit, but those within the imperial family, with their sharp minds, naturally understood his meaning.
The Sixth Prince smiled faintly and replied, "Thank you, Elder Brother, for your support. Your brother will surely serve you with all his might."
His attitude was as respectful as a subordinate's. Alas, the Sixth Prince's maternal clan was weak, and he had no support from his wife's family. He was an insignificant figure in court. Had it not been for gaining the First Prince's favor recently and assisting in the arrangements for this imperial congratulatory event, he might not have had the opportunity to appear before everyone.
The Sixth Prince in the outer court was like Consort Liu Xian in the inner court.
Similarly, she was not favored, yet no one sought to displease her.
A woman of concubine rank, originating from a servant girl, who often accompanied herself with Buddhist scriptures, one could not even say she had lost her charm.
Yet, she possessed a disposition that did not contend for anything. She neither fawned over the powerful nor flattered the high, thus becoming a rare figure of tranquility in the inner court. Consequently, Emperor Qi would occasionally visit her to find peace.
Today, while the outer court was receiving envoys, the inner court was also bustling with activity.
Firstly, the First Prince's Consort was nearing her due date. Secondly, Noble Consort Wei's niece was getting married. Such joyous occasions followed one after another, as if heralding good fortune for the year.
The Empress, adorned in a phoenix robe of crimson and gold, appeared radiant. Her hair was meticulously styled, adorned with a gold filigree inlaid with colorful gems and kingfisher feathers, and a phoenix pendant dangling from her forehead further enhanced her elegance.
To her left sat Noble Consort Wei. Today, her attire was also very charming. Time had left few traces on her, and it would not be an exaggeration to say she looked like a woman in her twenties. Her languid demeanor and every gesture exuded allure.
To her right, Consort Liu Xian wore a modest green lotus-colored palace gown, seeking no prominence but aiming for correctness.
However, Concubine Zhen, seated below her, was dressed so extravagantly, as if she wished to wear everything bestowed by His Majesty. Noble Consort Wei glanced at her with disdain and whispered, "Dressed like a wild pheasant in the mountains, utterly vulgar."
Concubine Zhen, having not heard, maintained a smug expression.
The remaining palace concubines were seated according to their ranks. The room, filled with a multitude of beauties, was more pleasing to the eye than the imperial garden. The First Prince's Consort, due to her advanced pregnancy, had a significantly bulging belly. Although she should have been seated below, the Empress, doting on her daughter-in-law, had a stool specially placed beside her. Four or five palace maids attended her, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.
"Looking at the First Prince's Consort's belly, it is as round as a pomegranate. I presume Princess Fuya will soon have another sister," Noble Consort Wei said with a laugh, her eyes fixed on the First Prince's Consort, wishing she would become agitated.
Princess Fuya was the First Prince's eldest legitimate daughter, now nearing ten years old.
Since her birth, the First Prince's Consort and the First Prince's harem had no other offspring. Therefore, after so many years, her pregnancy was being treated with utmost importance by everyone in the household, especially since it was highly likely to be a male fetus.
Empress Dowager was even more so, having meticulously selected the midwives, palace maids, and wet nurses for the delivery.
Upon hearing Noble Consort Wei's words, the First Prince's Consort was not provoked. "Thank you for your auspicious words, Consort Sheng. Regardless of gender, the child will be a beloved treasure to His Highness and me. You should urge Ninth Brother more. He shouldn't be solely focused on official duties all day; he should start contributing to the royal lineage sooner. Otherwise, your eagerness for a grandchild might age you."
"The First Prince's Consort is indeed quite sharp-tongued. I hope your pregnancy proceeds safely and smoothly. I am eagerly awaiting the opportunity to present a congratulatory gift."
"Consort, rest assured, your gift will not be forgotten when the child celebrates its full moon."
The two exchanged barbs, neither willing to yield. Just as they were about to continue their verbal sparring, they were interrupted by a eunuch arriving with an imperial decree.
"This old servant pays his respects to Her Majesty the Empress, Noble Consort, Virtuous Consort, and the First Prince's Consort."
"Eunuch Wang, please rise. Has the palace banquet been prepared?"
"Replying to Your Majesty, all preparations are complete. Your Majesty may lead the concubines of the inner court to attend the banquet."
The Empress's face bloomed with a gratified smile. She nodded, holding the First Prince's Consort's hand. The First Prince's Consort understood the Empress's intentions and said, "Mother Empress, please be assured. With His Highness present, everything will be handled perfectly."
Noble Consort Wei cast an impatient glance and said to Eunuch Wang, "Where is His Majesty? Has he already gone?"