After the death of the host: the tyrant cried red eyes

On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the gates of the imperial palace were opened wide to welcome the arrival of ministers and their families.

The moonlight is like water, gently sprinkling on the ancient palace walls, covering this witness of history with a layer of silver mysterious coat, which is both solemn and holy.

The glazed tiles sparkled with a cool light under the moonlight; the tall palace walls and the palace lanterns in the courtyard complemented each other, competing with the bright moon in the sky.

The white marble railings appear softer under the moonlight, as if whispering of the glorious days of the past.

The eaves of the palace are like a phoenix spreading its wings to take off. The bells on the eaves sway gently in the night breeze, making pleasant sounds, like ancient music echoing in the night sky.

Inside the palace, Shen Bingning's meticulous arrangement made the golden splendor and the soft moonlight interweave together, adding a touch of grandeur.

The gorgeous screens and exquisite furnishings, every detail demonstrates the royal dignity and grandeur.

The guests gathered together, talking and laughing one after another, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

"The Queen is here!"

"Your humble servants greet the Queen."

Following the announcement, everyone stood up and saluted.

Shen Bingning was wearing a moon-white long dress with orchid patterns embroidered on it with silver thread and gold trims that made it look even more luxurious. The dress shone brightly as she walked, contrasting with the bright moon in the sky.

A lifelike phoenix was embroidered on her shoulder, and it was adorned with intricate hair accessories and beads, making her look graceful and stunningly beautiful.

Tao Ming and Shen Bingning's eyes met in the crowd, and Tao Ming was the first to praise: "I heard that tonight's banquet was planned by the Empress, it is indeed extraordinary and magnificent."

Shen Bingning responded with a smile, but the harmony was broken by Gu Linzheng beside her: "Although the Queen's decoration is gorgeous, it is full of jewels, which covers up the beauty of the Mid-Autumn Moon and seems to lack novelty."

As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar all around. Gu Linzheng's words were full of doubts and contempt for the queen's taste.

"Minister Gu, please be careful with your words!"

There was obvious dissatisfaction in Tao Ming's tone.

However, Gu Linzheng didn't seem to care. He looked directly at Shen Bingning, with a provocative tone: "I have always been outspoken. Your Majesty, you won't mind, right?"

Shen Bingning remained calm as she faced Gu Linzheng's challenge.

Gu Linzheng, as a minister and Xu Qingyou's father, dared to embarrass her so publicly, obviously seeing that she was isolated and helpless in the palace.

Xu Qingyou obviously inherited his father's arrogance and arrogance, and also underestimated Shen Bingning's ability and wisdom.

"Minister Gu seems a little impatient."

Shen Bingning smiled gently and waved her hand. The maids beside her understood and started to add tea to the adults present.

"Why does the Queen say that?"

Gu Linzheng frowned, with a hint of provocation in his eyes, as if saying: Let's see how you respond to my doubts.

Shen Bingning's smile deepened, and her words revealed a profound meaning: "If you are eager to be picky, you might as well calm down and experience it carefully, and you will find something."

Gu Linzheng was about to retort when suddenly, a faint floral scent quietly diffused. The surroundings suddenly became quiet and everyone was immersed in this sudden beauty.

After a moment, Tao Ming seemed to have discovered something, his eyes lit up, and he spoke first:

"Why is there a scent of flowers wafting through this hall?"

"Teacher, the Queen specially ordered people to move a few osmanthus trees in full bloom, so the room is filled with fragrance. It is a unique experience to appreciate the moon amid the fragrance of flowers."

Lu Zhong explained softly, a smug smile on his face.

"The tea in your hands is also made from fresh osmanthus flowers picked by the queen herself."

Lu Zhong continued, with a hint of pride in his tone.

Upon hearing this, the ministers hurriedly lowered their heads to taste the tea. The aroma of tea and flowers intertwined, and the voices of praise were endless:

"The aroma is refreshing and the tea tastes sweet. It's just wonderful!"

The sweet osmanthus flowers are in full bloom, and the fragrance is everywhere, which contrasts with the melodious sounds of the zither and the bright moonlight, forming a beautiful picture.

"Minister Gu, this shows your shortsightedness. In my opinion, the arrangement made by the Queen is really ingenious."

While enjoying this beauty, Tao Ming did not forget to tease Gu Linzheng.

Gu Linzheng gritted his teeth and chose to remain silent in response to Tao Ming's ridicule.

Shen Bingning smiled as she looked at Gu Linzheng, whose face was ashen, with a hint of amusement in her eyes: "Minister Gu, why are you silent?"

Gu Linzheng's face became even gloomier, but he didn't know how to respond.

Deep in his heart, he secretly despised Shen Bingning's superficiality, thinking that she only cared about superficial luxury and pomp. He never thought that today, she would personally prepare tea for everyone present. This seemingly simple but meaningful "thought" was difficult for him to directly refuse, no matter how dissatisfied and disdainful he was, as if any words of refusal would seem too harsh and ruthless.

"Your Majesty is so thoughtful. I was too impatient and failed to appreciate your good intentions."

Gu Linzheng clenched his teeth, and every word was almost squeezed out from between his teeth, with reluctance and helplessness mixed in his voice.

"That's great, I hope everyone enjoys it."

Shen Bingning nodded with satisfaction, her brows revealing an imperceptible sense of pride and confidence.

"The Emperor has arrived——"

Eunuch Li's sharp and loud voice cut through the brief noise, and the crowd instantly quieted down. Everyone hurriedly stood up and performed the formalities, fearing that any delay would arouse the dissatisfaction of the "strict king" who was known for his severity.

"See the Emperor."

Shen Bingning also saluted with everyone else, with an elegant posture and a barely perceptible gleam in her eyes.

Xiao Yi didn't stop for a moment, and walked directly to Shen Bingning's side. With a bit of interest in his eyes, he asked softly: "Just now when I was outside the door, I seemed to hear that the atmosphere here was lively. Did something interesting happen?"

Shen Bingning raised her eyebrows slightly, secretly surprised in her heart. It turned out that he had been standing outside the door, witnessing all the difficulties and provocations that Gu Linzheng had made against her.

Just as she was about to speak and prepare to make Gu Linzheng's behavior public, Gu Linzheng took the lead and said in an almost flattering tone: "Your Majesty, it's just some insignificant chat, there's nothing particularly interesting."

Shen Bingning curled her lips slightly and sneered in her heart. This old fox was trying to write off her previous challenge with just a word of "casual chat", but it was not that easy!

Just as she was about to expose Gu Linzheng's hypocrisy, a thought suddenly flashed through her mind, causing her to suddenly shut her mouth.

"Host, don't you want to appeal for yourself?"

The system's voice sounded in her mind, with a hint of curiosity.

"The time has not come yet."

Shen Bingning replied calmly, a cunning light flashed across her eyes, and then disappeared under her calm face.

Xiao Yi sat down. According to convention, the maid would serve exquisite pastries and everyone would enjoy the bright moon together.