The news that the emperor intended to continue to confer the title of noble concubine on Consort Su was like thunder in spring, instantly exploding in every corner of the palace.

Inside the Imperial Household Department, everyone was bustling like ants on a hot pan. The maids in the Clothing Department toiled day and night, their needles darting up and down in their hands. The phoenix on the phoenix robe seemed to come alive, poised to take flight at any moment. Every stitch and thread was imbued with their passion and anticipation. The artisans in the Jewelry Department were even more engrossed, meticulously selecting each gemstone and carefully considering the angle and placement of each setting, striving to create a headpiece that would radiate a dazzling brilliance.

Officials from the Ministry of Rites were also relentless, sitting together to meticulously deliberate on the auspicious date and time for the enthronement ceremony. After much deliberation and calculation, they finally settled on a date deemed most auspicious. They then devoted themselves to meticulously planning the ceremonial procedures, from the rhythm of Concubine Su's steps as she passed through the palace to the angle of her posture during the ceremony, meticulously considering every detail as if they were crafting a rare treasure. Meanwhile, the officials tasked with drafting the imperial edict racked their brains, using the most beautiful, ornate, and commanding words to express the Emperor's love and expectations for Concubine Su. Every word of the edict seemed to carry a weight of immense proportions.

On the day before the enthronement ceremony, the Imperial Household Department respectfully delivered the prepared formal attire, jewelry, and ceremonial items to Consort Su Xianfei's chambers. The palace maids carefully unfolded the gown, its lush colors and exquisite embroidery captivating and captivating. Jewelry boxes were opened one by one, their dazzling light illuminating the entire room like daylight.

On the day of her enthronement, before dawn, Concubine Su awoke to the gentle calls of her maids. She slowly stepped into the tub, the water filled with fragrant flower petals, emanating a rich aroma that enveloped her in a dreamlike world. After her bath, the maids meticulously dressed her like a fairy. They first combed her silky hair until it was perfectly smooth, then coiled it into a high bun and inserted exquisite hair ornaments, each movement gentle and focused. Then, they began applying her makeup, meticulously drawing her eyebrows, meticulously painting her eyes, and gently applying her rouge. Each step was like creating a masterpiece, striving to bring out the most charming and alluring face possible.

After finishing her makeup and dressing, Concubine Su Xian was dressed in her magnificent gown and adorned with a dazzling headpiece. With everything ready, surrounded by a throng of palace maids and eunuchs, she made her way with graceful grace to the main hall where the enthronement ceremony would take place. Along the way, drums and music blared, colorful flags fluttered, and the palace maids and eunuchs lining the road knelt in obeisance, creating a solemn and spectacular scene.

Entering the main hall, the enthronement ceremony officially began. The resonant and solemn voice of the Ministry of Rites official echoed throughout the hall, as each word of the enthronement decree was read out, clear and powerful. Concubine Su knelt, listening with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation, her palms sweating slightly as if she could hear her own heartbeat. After the decree was read, Concubine Su, filled with awe and gratitude, performed the ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows to express her gratitude for the Emperor's grace. The Emperor then personally presented Concubine Su with the imperial decree and seal, symbolizing the Imperial Concubine's status. She accepted them with both hands, her eyes gleaming with excitement, but deep down, she knew the road ahead would be filled with even more thorns and challenges.

After the ceremony, the palace held a grand banquet. Concubines from all over the palace, ministers and their families came to congratulate, and the scene was extremely lively.

At the banquet, Concubine Su Xian sat beside the Emperor, a graceful and gentle smile on her face, yet her heart raged like the turbulent waves of the ocean. Beneath that perfectly composed smile lay a wary and cautious awareness of the turmoil at the imperial court. She knew that while she had been favored by the Emperor and elevated to the rank of Imperial Concubine, this was merely a facade of prosperity, for the jealousy and schemes within the palace were relentless. She recalled her naiveté upon entering the palace, cherishing dreams of love and beauty, only to be shattered by repeated plots and treacherous schemes within the inner sanctum. She had weathered countless taunts and attacks to reach her current state. Behind this current glory lay countless days and nights of fear, each step treading on thin ice.

Concubine Li sat in her seat, her once charming eyes now filled with jealousy and resentment. She leaned slightly to the side, her voice deliberately lowered, and whispered to Concubine He Shu beside her, "This Concubine Su has truly risen to prominence! Look at her smug look; it's truly unbearable." Her voice was soft, but the jealousy within her surged like a raging wave. Concubine Li had been in the palace for many years, her family's influence waning, its former glory gone. Seeing Concubine Su's rise to power, resentment grew like wild weeds. She felt that her beauty and talent were no less than Concubine Su's, but she lacked that luck and favor, and thus, she was filled with resentment towards her.

Concubine He Shu took a sip of wine, a subtle sneer curling her lips. Her eyes were cold, filled with calculation and resentment. She felt that she, born into a distinguished family, talented and beautiful, was now inferior to Concubine Su Xian, a great injustice. She gently twirled the wine glass in her hand, her eyes never leaving Concubine Su Xian, plotting her next move. She was determined to bring Concubine Su Xian down from her laurels.

At this moment, the wife of a minister rose to offer a toast, a flattering smile plastered across her face. She bowed slightly, her eyes filled with flattery, and said, "Congratulations, Concubine Su. May your majesty be blessed with many children for the Emperor in the future." This minister's wife, well aware of the shifting tides of the court, was eager to curry favor with the new nobles to safeguard her family's interests within the palace. But Concubine Su knew these seemingly good wishes were merely motivated by profit; if she lost her position, these people would turn against her.

Concubine Su Xian smiled in response, her voice gentle and polite, "Thank you, Madam, for your kind words." Her eyes were clear and calm, not a trace of displeasure at the jealousy of Concubine Li and Concubine He. But deep down, she knew that behind this seemingly beautiful blessing, there might be a deeper purpose. She understood that sincerity was hard to find in the palace, and everyone lived for their own interests.

At this moment, Rong Fei suddenly spoke, her tone tinged with sarcasm, her eyes gleaming with cunning: "I heard that Concubine Su also suffered in the cold palace in the past. Now that she has finally found her happy life after all the hardships, it is truly not easy." At these words, Su Xianfei's heart tightened. She knew that Rong Fei was jealous of her current favor and was deliberately bringing up the matter of the cold palace to humiliate her. But she still maintained an elegant smile on her face, saying neither servile nor arrogant, "The past is the past. It is my honor to receive the emperor's favor." However, a strange feeling welled up in her heart. Poor Concubine Su Xianfei had perished in this way. It was a pity that these people were vying for fame and fortune, fighting openly and secretly. Although her life in Canxin Palace was difficult, Su Jin was actually very happy.

The banquet was filled with singing and dancing, everyone was filled with laughter and joy. Beautiful dancers, adorned in gorgeous costumes, danced gracefully, like fairies descending from the heavens. Musicians played melodious music, the lingering sound echoing through the air. The table was laden with delicacies and fine wines, each emitting an alluring aroma. But Concubine Su Xian had no time to appreciate all this; she remained alert.

When Concubine Zhou summoned the late emperor's beloved guzheng and said in a delicate voice, "Her Majesty Su is so happy, I've specially sent for this guzheng, hoping to have you play a tune to liven up the occasion," a flicker of alarm flashed through Concubine Su's mind. She recalled how Concubine Zhou had mentioned the guzheng at a previous banquet arranged by the empress, and she had felt something was amiss. Now, she was even more certain there was something fishy going on, perhaps a trap set for her.

Then, when Concubine He Shu suggested that they join her sisters in making lily ruyi cakes, promoting the tradition of imperial cuisine, Concubine Su became even more suspicious. Concubine He Shu had also mentioned lily ruyi cakes at that same banquet, and she had a vague feeling that there was a conspiracy. But she remained impassive and readily agreed. With a shifty look, she said, "My skills are not perfect, but Concubine He Shu's talent is exceptional. Why not invite her to showcase her talents?" A sly glance crossed Concubine Su's face, and the corners of her mouth curled up slightly. She knew Concubine He Shu was eager to show off, so she deliberately offered her this opportunity to see what she was up to. Concubine Su was now mentally prepared to deal with any situation. She was determined to protect herself no matter what.

Concubine He Shu didn't quite understand the situation, but she saw it as an opportunity to show off. Secretly delighted, she quickly replied, "Then I'll show you my skills." Confidence radiated from her face as she stood up and approached the guzheng. However, eager to show off, she failed to notice the worry that flickered across Concubine Zhou's face. The guzheng was exquisitely crafted, its body inlaid with gems, exuding an air of nobility. Concubine He Shu fully anticipated this opportunity to shine, but she had no idea what awaited her was a disaster.

Concubine He Shufei sat before the guzheng and began to play with confidence. At first, the melodious sound captivated everyone. Concubine He Shufei's expression was enchanted, her fingers deftly plucking the strings, as if to unleash all her talent. However, just as Concubine He Shufei was playing with great joy, the string suddenly broke, piercing her face. Instantly, Concubine He Shufei turned pale, screamed, and blood gushed from her face. Concubine He Shufei's eyes widened in horror, and she covered her face with her hands.

Concubine Zhou trembled as she presented the finished lily Ruyi cake to the Emperor. Seeing this, Concubine Su quickly took it for the Empress, saying, "This is a great tonic for women. Your Majesty, it's not appropriate to consume it. I will accept it for the Empress first." Concubine Su's movements were swift and decisive, her eyes brimming with concern. The Empress gave her an admiring look and nodded slightly.

The other concubines shared in the lily cakes. Soon, several turned blue, foamed at the mouth, and collapsed to the ground, blood splattering everywhere. Their expressions were contorted with pain, some clutching their stomachs, others convulsing. Screams erupted, and the scene was a scene of chaos.

The emperor's face was livid as he roared, "What on earth is going on?" His eyes were filled with anger and authority, his voice thunderous. He knew that if he didn't get to the bottom of this, the palace would be in turmoil, and his own authority would be challenged.

The queen was also frightened and her face turned pale. Her body was shaking and she said in a fearful voice, "Call the imperial physician quickly!" The queen's eyes were full of panic.

Concubine Su, with a look of horror on her face, knelt and said, "I do not know why this tragedy has happened. Your Majesty, please investigate." Her eyes were filled with innocence and fear, and her body was trembling slightly. But in her heart, she was rapidly thinking about how to deal with this crisis, how to protect herself, or even turn defeat into victory.

At this moment, Imperial Concubine Su said secretly in her heart: "I didn't expect that you would be so calculating, but you fell into the trap of Imperial Concubine He. Imperial Concubine He, you clearly knew that this combination contained a deadly poison. You clearly wanted to kill me, but you failed to harm others and ended up being harmed. This is retribution." At this moment, Imperial Concubine Su knew very well that this was a huge test, and she had to deal with it calmly in order to continue to survive in this palace.

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