The crabapple tree is fragrant in the tent, and the bright moon is in my arms

The charcoal fire on Huazhang Terrace was burning brightly, the screen was exquisite, all objects were arranged in a luxurious style, and the long couch with auspicious dragon and phoenix carvings was exquisite from top to bottom.

Concubine Gao put a lot of effort into it, even the handkerchief she used to rinse her mouth and wipe herself were all made of top-quality silk.

The invited concubines dressed up, put on makeup, and wore hairpins in their hair. The whole palace was delighted. Even though the weather was cold, the beauties had smiles on their faces.

Zhao Yue got on the imperial sedan chair, and brought He Quan and Tao Xi with her as usual. Huang Quan stood in front of the sedan chair and said, "Noble Lady Zhao, His Majesty went to the Hall of Supreme Harmony early in the morning, and asked me to personally take you to Zhanghua Terrace."

He really treasures her.

"Did your Majesty sleep well yesterday?"

Huang Quan smiled gratefully: "Your Majesty's Ningzhu Pavilion is really a treasured place. Your Majesty had a rare good sleep."

Thinking about the nightmares His Majesty had suffered over the past few days and his mood swings, he felt even more grateful to Zhao Yue: "Sit down, Your Majesty."

"Thank you, Manager Huang."

Zhao Yue leaned on the soft seat and closed her eyes lazily. What was there to refuse this time? It was enough for His Majesty to know that she knew the rules. A man, if he wanted to be good to you, should be moderate in his kindness.

Now that she is a favored concubine, she naturally has to act like a favored concubine.

Today she was wearing a wide-sleeved silk long dress with butterflies embroidered with enchanting crabapple patterns. With a little makeup on, she was already a stunning beauty. Her hair was piled high, and the jingling of her pearl hairpins was charming. The emerald green earrings on her ears were a little ordinary, but they complemented the green silk handkerchief in her hand.

It is true that Xi Shi was drunk and weak, smiling as she leaned against the white jade bed by the east window.

She no longer looked deliberately pure as she had before entering the palace, nor did she try to hide her clumsiness on purpose. Instead, she showed them her ripples of spring water, her cloud-like hair and her flowery face without any hesitation.

Look, this is the face that His Majesty likes. It is not gentle and lively at all. Men only like the best, not the similar ones.

This time, Zhaoyue's position was no longer the unknown one at the back, but was arranged in the first position on the left hand side of His Majesty.

When she appeared, everyone at the table looked over, their eyes glued to her as if they were crazy.

Today, there are not only imperial concubines but also the families of the royal relatives.

Gao Jiamin, who had never seen her before, held her saliva in her mouth and said, "Sister, sister...she, she is your majesty's concubine?"

How come it's so beautiful?

Concubine Gao also felt dizzy and powerless. She suddenly realized that no matter how beautiful she became, she would never be able to surpass Zhaoyue.

Now that she was dressed up, Concubine Gao realized that she had been restrained before.

If she continues like this, can His Majesty's favor... really be shared with others?

No, no, she had to give it a try at least today.

Everyone's gaze was murky, jealous, fearful, and indifferent, and they withdrew their eyes from Zhaoyue.

Zhaoyue seemed to be blind. He said a few words to Concubine Fang and sat down.

She felt comfortable around her waist and reached out to touch it. It must be His Majesty's order to put a soft pillow for her to avoid hurting her waist from sitting for a long time.

When Concubine Fang saw this, she sighed sincerely, "Sister, His Majesty really loves you."

How could they treat her so specially? However, there was no jealousy in her eyes. She just stared at her eagerly: "She is so beautiful, like a fairy descending from the earth. I am happy just looking at her."

Zhao Yue smiled: "Sister, don't tease me."

"Really? You should wear it like this from now on. Forget about the light colors." Concubine Fang continued to tease her with a smile: "When His Majesty sees you later, will his eyes be filled with infatuation?"

"Sister!" Zhaoyue knew that she was free to speak and that they became closer after having Xiaoyinzi. She poutily signaled her to stop talking.

Concubine Fang then gave up: "You are too shy."

She turned her head to glance at Xiaoyinzi behind her. He was standing next to Cuiyun, staring at her seriously, as if everything around him was empty. She saw Concubine Fang looking at him.

The pretty face suddenly turned red.

Concubine Fang chuckled and turned around. Now, she also had someone who only had eyes for her.

Prince Duan Ze also appeared at the banquet. He looked at Zhao Yue inconspicuously, and also at He Quan behind her.

Seeing that He Quan didn't even look at him, he just lowered his eyes quietly and looked at his young lady tenderly.

He coughed a few times in anger, really a man who forgets his principles for the sake of beauty.

Prince Duan Ze sat opposite, between Concubine Gao and Gao Jiamin. He looked at Gao Jiamin shyly, wanting to say something.

Gao Jiamin snorted and turned her head away.

Huang Quan shouted, "Your Majesty has arrived!"

"The Queen is here!"

Huazhang Terrace quickly fell silent. They stood up, looked towards the high seat, and saluted.

"Your Majesty (Empress), long live Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty, and live the Empress a thousand years, a thousand years, a thousand thousand years."

"No gift."

Zhu Dingyuan was wearing a golden silk dragon robe today, looking dignified as an emperor. He held the empress's hand, and his gentle eyes looked at the people who were paying their respects to him.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

They sat down, and the sound of stringed instruments and orchestras began softly, pleasant but not harsh, heralding the official start of the birthday party.

The Queen sat beside Zhu Dingyuan, stroking her belly, her eyes showing the dignity and dignity of a mother and the mistress of the harem.

However, Zhu Dingyuan turned his gaze to Zhaoyue. His expression quickly relaxed as he was surprised and dazed by his beautiful Yue'er.

His lips moved slightly: "When she turns around and smiles, she becomes extremely charming, and all the beauties in the palace pale in comparison."

The queen sitting next to him could naturally hear it. She froze and called out softly, "Your Majesty..."

Zhu Dingyuan retracted his gaze and picked up the wine in front of him: "Today is the birthday banquet of my seventh brother, Prince Duan Ze, and also to celebrate the Queen's happiness."

"Since this is a family dinner, there won't be so many rules today." Zhu Dingyuan swallowed the wine in one gulp.

"Yes, we congratulate Prince Duan Ze and Her Majesty the Queen." They picked up the wine and drank it.

The atmosphere became a little more relaxed.

Zhu Jing stood up and said, "This birthday banquet of yours is only possible because of the blessing of the Empress's sister-in-law... ahem, and the heir in her belly... ahem, yours truly toasts to the Empress's sister-in-law."

"I cannot drink alcohol, so I'll take tea instead." The Queen took a sip and said, "This birthday banquet was personally organized by Concubine Gao. I can't take all the credit for Concubine Gao's work, can I?"

Concubine Gao smiled softly, holding back her anger: "Your Majesty has worked hard carrying the heir, and I am lucky to be able to share your worries."

Lingpin said faintly, "That's right. In order to seek the blessing of the Majesty, Concubine Gao personally arranged every detail of the banquet, and Majesty Fang didn't even take a look at it."

Zhu Dingyuan's eyes fell on Concubine Gao and Concubine Fang. Concubine Fang said, "I am not as careful as you, and it would only cause trouble if I saw you. Now that everything at the banquet is elegant, why should you be so concerned about these trivial matters?"

"Okay." Zhu Dingyuan waved his hand.

Concubine Gao clapped her hands quickly: "Let them in."

The dancers from the Jiaofangsi were wearing tight dance costumes and had their makeup done perfectly today, dancing gracefully at the banquet.

Zhu Dingyuan had a calm expression. He drank several sips of wine and looked at Zhaoyue from time to time. Seeing her winking at him playfully, he raised his lips and smiled softly: "Huang Quan."

The queen looked at him and clenched the teacup in her hand.