The queen is sober in the world, and she is winning every step of the palace fight.

"I am willing to dance for your majesty."

Qiu Chang agreed in a low voice and went downstairs to change into her dance costume and prepare.

Soon the musicians came and played a melodious tune.

When the melody is passionate, autumn often appears suddenly.

Different from her previous fresh and light dance moves, this time, Qiu Chang's sleeves stretched out like clouds, and the peonies embroidered with gold thread on her skirt were warm and eye-catching, and she dazzled people with just a few spins.

Her makeup was also heavier than when she first arrived, and she looked radiant and charming.

The emperor stared at it intently.

After the dance, the emperor clapped his hands and said, "I didn't expect Concubine Qiu to be like this. I underestimated you before!"

"I have no special skills except dancing. I may not be a good dancer, but as long as Your Majesty likes it, I will practice hard and keep learning new dances."

Qiu Changzai bowed gracefully and said something tenderly that made the emperor even more pleased.

Wu Xiangrong smiled and said, "I have seen Sister Qiu's efforts. She came to Zhuhui Palace today so that I could see if her dancing has improved. Sister Qiu said before that if she can accompany the emperor, she will serve wholeheartedly. If not, she will practice dancing with all her might and wait for the next opportunity to accompany the emperor. Sister Qiu's heart is all about His Majesty."

Wu Xiangrong's explanation, coupled with Qiu Changzai's shy and graceful look, made the emperor's smile deepen.

These two concubines are the ones who have the least trouble in the palace.

He doesn't form cliques or get involved in many things. Although he has a better relationship with Concubine Zhao, they haven't been together as often lately.

The emperor likes people who are simple-minded and simple in their words and deeds.

He then gave the two of them a jade rockery bonsai and a table screen with calligraphy and embroidery that were placed in the hall.

Wu Xiangrong thanked him and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, I would like Sister Qiu's desk screen."

The emperor asked the two to exchange.

Wu Xiangrong said: "No, I won't give this to Sister Qiu, but Sister Qiu, I still want that."

"Why are you so greedy?" the emperor asked with a smile.

"Because I haven't been with you for a long time, Sister Qiu is staying here today. I want to take one more thing back so that I won't feel so bad."

The emperor asked curiously, "How did you know that Concubine Qiu wanted to stay here?"

"Your eyes told me!" Wu Xiangrong said with a smile, "Your Majesty was so engrossed in watching Sister Qiu dance that I had no chance today. I must have the same thing as Your Majesty."

The emperor was amused. "How dare you compare me to those things, Wu? Aren't you too bold?"

Wu Xiangrong pretended to be terrified and lowered her head, saying, "Your Majesty, calm down. I will never dare to do that again. Please give me the screen now. I will leave immediately and will never stay here to provoke you."

She took advantage of the situation and stepped forward, taking both the bonsai and the table screen in her arms, looking as if she loved money.

The emperor was in a good mood because of her amusement.

I just gave her everything without thinking.

He also gave her an extra piece of satin.

Wu Xiangrong chatted and laughed for a while, then took the opportunity to say goodbye.

The emperor didn't keep her either.

She bowed and withdrew.

Before leaving, he secretly gave Qiu Chang an encouraging look, encouraging him to continue working hard.

Wu Xiangrong hasn't been in much contact with Fei Wan, Zhi Shu and others recently, simply because those two have both held high positions and are no longer the same as before.

The rift between the sisters was not caused by their different status - that was the perception of others.

In fact, they had just agreed with each other that Wu Xiangrong would reduce her intimacy with Fei Wan in the palace and gradually form her own faction.

Centrist.

Do not interact too much with any high-ranking concubines, and do not get involved in major events in the palace.

Specializing in eating, drinking and having fun.

Let the emperor rest assured to give them grace.

This was Feiwan's arrangement.

Fei Wan knew that many things would be different now that she was in a high position. Even if the emperor doted on her, an invisible rift would still arise between them because of their respective status.

The fewer trusted concubines around him, the better.

Wu Xiangrong's independence can reduce the emperor's vigilance towards her.

It can also create opportunities for Wu Xiangrong.

Serving as a reference for each other.

Wu Xiangrong gladly accepted Fei Wan's arrangement and secretly developed her own sisters.

Qiu Changben has a good relationship with Fei Wan and others, but he has been going to Chunxi Palace less frequently recently, and mainly hangs out in Wu Xiangrong's Zhuhui Palace.

Today, summoned by the emperor, Wu Xiangrong immediately brought Qiu Changzai here.

It seems to work well.

The emperor was not wary of either of them and enjoyed their service to his heart's content.

The two of them did not mention Fei Wan and others throughout the whole process, and acted as if they were trying their best to win favor.

That night, Qiu Chang was sleeping in Chen Qian Palace.

The next day was the first day of the winter month.

According to the rules of the ancestors of Daliang, the emperor and empress would sleep together on the first day of every month. This was considered the first time the emperor and empress would sleep together every month.

However, emperors of all dynasties did not strictly implement this ancestral system because there were always favorite concubines that the emperors could not let go.

The current emperor and the former queen, Zheng, rarely spent the first day of the new year together.

This was the first New Year after Queen Yan came to the throne.

Whether the emperor goes to Fengming Palace or not will indicate whether he will follow the ancestral system with Queen Yan.

Although it was my first time there, I may not go every New Year’s Day thereafter.

But if you don't go the first time, then there will be no hope in the future.

"Your Majesty, would you like to send some soup or something else to the Imperial Court to remind His Majesty?"

In Fengming Palace, Linglong and her master discussed privately.

Empress Yan said, "No, wait and see if he will come on his own."

Every morning, soup was delivered to the emperor from Fengming Palace.

If she sent it one more time during the day, it would be deliberate, letting the emperor know that she was reminding him.

Queen Yan would rather sit and wait.

See if the emperor is aware of it.

She actually had no expectations of sleeping with the emperor.

When she first entered the palace, she was still shy as a young girl and was feeling excited for the first time.

After a few years, one thing after another happened, and it has long faded away.

Especially after Qu Bing entered the capital and before he ascended the throne, his heart had died. Now, every time Empress Yan met with the emperor, she secretly rejected and annoyed him.

It's just that due to my status, I have to do what I should do.

Today she wants to see whether the emperor will show her basic respect after elevating her to the throne!

"Your Majesty! His Majesty has arrived!"

At the end of the second watch, Linglong suddenly entered the hall with surprise.

Queen Yan was already getting frustrated with waiting, and sneered to herself. She changed into her pajamas, let her hair down, and prepared to go to bed.

After hearing the report, he just said "hmm".

There was no intention of going out to welcome the emperor.

"Your Majesty, the emperor's carriage will soon arrive at the gate of our palace. Could you please comb your hair for me?" Linglong felt that her mistress's hair was not very neat when it was loose.

Not only did Queen Yan not comb her hair, she also lay down on the bed directly, drew the curtains, and asked for the lights to be turned off.

"Miss?"

"Just do it."

Hearing her master's bad tone, Linglong didn't dare to persuade her anymore and simply turned off the lights in the inner hall, leaving only a small gauze-covered lamp that emitted a faint glow.

Then close the door and leave.

So the emperor stepped into the gate of Fengming Palace, walked around the screen wall, and saw that the lights in the main hall were dim and the door was closed.

The palace maid standing on duty at the corridor hurried forward and knelt to greet him.

He reported in a low voice: "Your Majesty, the Queen has gone to bed."