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

Miss Zheng raised her chin slightly when she heard this, her arrogance evident in her words, "Humph, it was His Majesty who specially allowed me to attend Miss Yu's birthday banquet. Do you think anyone can stop me?"

After she finished speaking, a hint of pride flashed in her eyes, as if reminding Shen Bingning that no matter how favored she was, she could not change the unshakable power behind Miss Zheng.

Miss Zheng sat down next to Shen Bingning with an elegant posture, and then, in a tone that almost dominated the banquet, she gave orders to the ladies who had not yet stood up and looked surprised: "Ladies, please stand up. Today is Miss Yu's birthday, everyone should enjoy it to their heart's content, and there is no need to be restrained."

There was unquestionable authority in her tone, and it seemed as if the atmosphere of the entire banquet was quietly changing with her words.

Shen Bingning turned her head and cast a gentle gaze at Miss Yu not far away. She still maintained that indifferent smile. She seemed not to care about Miss Zheng's deliberate attempt to steal the spotlight. Her calmness and magnanimity made people admire her.

Qing'er once privately revealed that among the three beauties in the palace, her status was the lowest. She was originally just a small servant in the palace. Although Miss Yu had a slightly better background, she was only the daughter of an ordinary family in Yan State. For the sake of her family's financial support, she was forced to enter the palace as a maid.

However, with her unremitting efforts and loyal service to Xiao Yi, she was promoted to a beauty three years ago.

In comparison, Concubine Zheng had a prominent family background. Her father was the powerful Minister of Revenue, and she was also a popular candidate for the position of empress in the previous dynasty.

Looking at the completely different attitudes of the officials' families towards the three of them, Shen Bingning had to admit that in the eyes of ordinary people, it was almost a foregone conclusion that Concubine Zheng would sit on the throne of the Queen of Yan.

However, according to the book, Xiao Yi seemed to be hesitant about enthroning the queen. As for the fate of the other two beauties, the book did not elaborate, leaving Shen Bingning with only endless speculation and imagination.

Concubine Zheng was usually arrogant and rude, and she became even more arrogant at the banquet tonight. She pointed her spearhead at Fan Yun'er, the only one who showed friendliness to Shen Bingning, and her tone was full of provocation: "Princess Yong, you have never had your own opinions, but before attending such an important banquet, Prince Yong should have taught you which people to get close to and which people to stay away from."

Facing the provocation, Fan Yuner frowned slightly, but still maintained a humble and dignified attitude, and responded gently: "I just admire the queen's talent and hope to have the honor of meeting her."

When Concubine Zheng heard this, she felt as if she had heard the biggest joke in the world, and her voice was full of sarcasm: "You admire her? A former slave? As the Princess of Yong County, how can you do such a thing to lower your status?"

Shen Bingning wanted to stay out of it, but Zheng Meiren's condescending insult of "slave" made her feel irritated. She couldn't help rubbing her ears and whispered softly: "Where did this mad dog come from that keeps barking here?"

The hall fell into deathly silence for a moment, and then a burst of suppressed laughter spread among the crowd.

"Shen Bingning, how dare you be so presumptuous?"

Lady Zheng widened her eyes in disbelief, her gaze was as sharp as a knife, if she could, she would have cut Shen Bingning into pieces with her eyes.

But Shen Bingning responded with an extremely sweet smile, which was like the warm spring sun, illuminating the hall and brightening the eyes of many people present: "Why is Lady Zheng so angry? I was talking about the mad dog, not you."

Concubine Zheng was about to speak again, but was interrupted by Shen Bingning: "Concubine Zheng, you are of noble birth, but if you take away that unique birth, what else do you have left to brag about? If it weren't for this noble birth, Concubine Zheng, could you earn a bowl of porridge and a copper coin by your own efforts? Perhaps, you are not as good as a 'slave' like me. At least I know how to support myself."

Shen Bingning's eyes swept over every lady present and continued, "Although the ladies present may not be as well-born as Lady Zheng, there are many who surpass Lady Zheng in ability and wisdom."

As soon as these words were spoken, the ladies looked at each other, especially those ladies of humble origins, whose eyes flashed with resonance and approval.

Shen Bingning sneered in her heart. Concubine Zheng's arrogance and domineering behavior had made her countless enemies. It would not be difficult for her to find a few allies who were also dissatisfied with her behavior.

The atmosphere in the hall was changing subtly. Concubine Zheng's face turned pale with shame and anger. The looks from these people made her feel unprecedented humiliation!

At this moment, Yu Meiren raised her glass with her eyes rolling, trying to ease the tense atmosphere: "Today is my birthday. I am very happy that you can come to celebrate with me. I would like to take this opportunity to toast everyone."

"What to drink?"

Concubine Zheng waved her hand, and the wine glass on the table fell to the ground, completely disregarding Concubine Yu's face and the solemnity of the occasion.

Mrs. Qin frowned and accused, "Concubine Zheng, you and Concubine Yu are both in the palace. It is inappropriate to be so disrespectful."

Concubine Zheng was so angry that she didn't even care about the face of Mrs. Qin. "Shen Bingning, you said I have nothing to show off, so do you dare to compete with me? You can choose from the music, chess, calligraphy and painting!"

Shen Bingning gently put down the wine glass and sighed inwardly. She had wanted to spend the banquet peacefully, but she didn't expect things to develop to this point.

She didn't want to have a head-on conflict with Concubine Zheng. After all, the outcome was unpredictable.

What she said just now was just to make Concubine Zheng shut up. If they really wanted to compete, she was not sure she could win.

Since she was already in this situation, she could only let things take their course and mentally planned to go back and copy Buddhist scriptures to find peace of mind.

"I think I should go back..."

"How about this, the Queen and Concubine Zheng each recite a poem based on my favorite plum blossom, and everyone present will judge and choose the winner."

Yu Meiren cleverly interrupted Shen Bingning and proposed a new solution.

When Fan Yuner heard this, her eyes lit up and she looked at Shen Bingning with anticipation, as if she had already foreseen a wonderful duel.

Mrs. Qin nodded in approval, thinking it was an excellent suggestion. The other ladies also agreed, and the scene became very lively.

Shen Bingning's heart moved slightly. Yu Meiren's suggestion was just right. If it had been any later, she would probably have quietly left the table.

She couldn't help but wonder whether Yu Meiren did this intentionally to resolve the current deadlock.

Yu Meiren looked at Shen Bingning, her eyes full of apology: "Sister Shen, please don't blame me for making the decision on my own."

This sentence made Shen Bingning's words of refusal stuck in her throat. Refusal would mean disrespect to Yu Meiren.

Besides, she didn't want to have a grudge with Madam Yu after offending Madam Zheng.

In desperation, she could only accept the challenge of reciting poetry.

After quickly screening in her mind, she decided to recite this poem:

"There are several plum blossoms in the corner, and Ling Han is blooming alone. I know it's not snow from a distance, because there is a faint fragrance."

When the poem ended, the entire hall fell into a brief silence.