Shocking! Five men are in love with the same woman!

The next day was Emperor Jingzhao's birthday.

The palace banquet was held in the evening.

So Lingyan and Xiao Muyao arrived at the main hall leisurely just moments before the banquet was about to begin.

Unlike other officials who had to prepare well in advance, they also had to wait in line at the palace gates to enter the palace.

Lingyan and Xiao Muyao had no need for such feelings, nor were they nervous or excited; they were very calm, extremely calm.

At this time, apart from the envoys from various countries, Emperor Jingzhao, and the empresses and concubines, everyone else had arrived.

The Empress Dowager has been ill ever since the Zhou family was purged.

The condition never improved, kept recurring, and could not be cured.

Firstly, it's due to old age; secondly, it's mainly a psychological issue that can't be cured quickly.

Things might only get better once she comes to her senses.

Therefore, the Empress Dowager is no longer able to attend any occasion.

Even for such a grand event as today.

At this moment, everyone in the main hall was chatting amongst themselves, creating a lively atmosphere.

When Xiao Muyao carefully helped Lingyan into the main hall, everyone's eyes turned to them.

what's the situation?

What's wrong with Princess Rui?

Why were you helped in?

For a moment, everyone's mind was in turmoil.

Various speculations have emerged.

To prevent them from overthinking, Lingyan calmly explained to everyone, "I'm fine, I just accidentally twisted my waist."

Upon hearing this, everyone stopped speculating.

At this moment, Xiao Muyao had already helped Lingyan to sit in the seats above them.

In order to take care of Lingyan, Xiao Muyao also acted as her human cushion, letting her lean on him so that she wouldn't have to support herself and would avoid aggravating the pain.

Lingyan found the most comfortable angle for her lower back and sat down next to him.

At this moment, the Seventh Princess, Eighth Princess, Ninth Princess, Xie Zhiyi, and Jiang Muxue had already surrounded her.

They all looked at her with great concern.

The Eighth Princess asked with concern, "Is your injury serious, sister-in-law?"

Lingyan smiled and replied, "It's not serious, it will be fine after a few days of rest, don't worry so much."

Although the group was still worried and distressed, they did not press the matter further.

As the banquet was about to begin, the group quietly returned to their seats.

Knowing that He Jingchuan and Lu Yanqing would be worried, she had already sent them a message yesterday.

He Jingchuan knew how she was injured right then and there.

He was once again furious with those few people from the northern desert.

At this moment, both of them were looking at her, and although they were extremely worried, their faces remained expressionless.

Lingyan smiled and shook her head at the two of them.

This should put their minds at ease.

Then she turned her head and saw the Seventh Prince sitting there alone, looking gloomy, like someone from the underworld.

She smiled with immense pleasure.

Then I thought of the Tenth Prince; his leg was broken, so he naturally couldn't attend this occasion.

Then, looking at the Fourth Prince and his wife, she smiled at them and nodded.

The two gave the same response.

It's worth mentioning that the Ninth Prince, who usually had a lukewarm attitude towards her, made a special trip to toast her.

His expression was one of immense gratitude and admiration.

Lingyan naturally knew that he had come to express his gratitude to her specifically because of the Seventh Princess's marriage alliance.

Therefore, she accepted his gratitude with tea instead of wine.

The main issue is that she's still taking medication and can't drink alcohol.

After the Ninth Prince left, she inadvertently saw the Fifth Princess and the Sixth Princess.

The sixth princess remained unchanged.

The fifth princess was completely different.

She was looking down slightly, her face pale and haggard.

He looked lifeless, utterly still.

of course.

Being tormented by poison every day, it's no wonder he can't be energetic.

Ling Yan withdrew her gaze.

At this moment, accompanied by the eunuchs' announcements, Emperor Jingzhao and his concubines arrived.

Everyone in the hall immediately rose to greet them.

Lingyan was helped up by Xiao Muyao and then bowed in greeting.

After Emperor Jingzhao and his consorts were all seated, everyone else followed suit.

Ling Yan was then helped down to sit by Xiao Muyao.

Ling Yan cursed inwardly: Damn it, this evil ancient dynasty.

Do you know how much her back hurts when she gets up and sits down again? Just that one back and forth hurts her back!

And she can no longer rely on Xiao Muyao.

If no envoys from other countries arrive today, we can make an additional request.

However, with envoys from six countries coming to offer congratulations, Princess Rui must not be so disrespectful, lest she diminish the dignity of a great nation.

Lingyan could only sit in her seat and endure the pain in her waist.

Xiao Muyao had naturally made thorough preparations long ago, and he would never let Yan'er endure such hardship for an entire night.

He waved his hand, and immediately a young eunuch brought over a small stool.

It was covered with various soft fabrics.

Xiao Muyao personally placed the stool behind Ling Yan.

Lingyan felt that her weight was all on the stool, and she didn't have to exert any effort in her waist. Instantly, she felt that she no longer needed to force herself.

She couldn't help but give Xiao Muyao a thumbs up.

A gentle smile instantly appeared on Xiao Muyao's lips.

Emperor Jingzhao and his consorts were puzzled by this scene.

Xiao Muyao then stood up and explained, "Father, please forgive me. Yan'er twisted her waist yesterday, so I came up with this method."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingzhao and his consorts all looked at Lingyan.

Then Emperor Jingzhao asked with concern, "Is it serious?"

Xiao Muyao replied calmly, "It's not that serious. He'll be fine after a few days of rest."

Emperor Jingzhao stopped caring once he heard that the illness was not serious.

The Empress, Consort Liang, and Consort Min were more concerned and worried than Emperor Jingzhao.

However, they didn't say anything more, wondering if they could send over any good medicine after the banquet.

Lingyan naturally noticed their gazes.

Look at the three people sitting at the head of the table.

Needless to say, the Empress and Consort Min were the first to surprise her, but Consort Liang was the one who surprised her the most.

She has always been aloof from worldly affairs and rarely attends any banquets.

They also refused to interact with others, indifferently isolating themselves from others.

Of the palace banquets that Lingyan attended, Consort Liang never attended.

You finally appeared in public today!

The passage of time has not left many wrinkles on her face, but it has etched a deep sense of vicissitude in her eyes.

She sat there quietly, her expression indifferent as frost, yet revealing a resilient and heroic spirit.

His eyebrows were slightly raised, sharp as swords, as if they could cut through all the illusions of the world.

Although her gaze had lost its luster, it was so profound that one dared not look directly at it, as if it held a thousand troops, ready to be unleashed.

But when she saw the look in Lingyan's eyes, she smiled very lightly at her.

The indifference vanished instantly.

But there was no light in her eyes.

Ling Yan sighed.

Consort Liang was so friendly to her, probably because of the Ninth Princess.

Then she turned her gaze to someone who was impossible for anyone to ignore.

Consort Li.

The birth mother of the fourth prince.

She was Emperor Jingzhao's true love, and the most favored concubine in the harem for many years.

She was the woman Emperor Jingzhao truly cherished in his heart.

This level of affection is unmatched.

Consort Shu is no match for her.

It was only because she had always put on a good act, pretending to be a gentle and understanding woman, that Emperor Jingzhao had shown her more favor.

In reality, Emperor Jingzhao would definitely be disgusted if he saw her true self, but Consort Li was her most authentic self.

Although she is not young, she is like a poppy in full bloom, exuding a captivating charm.

Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, with a slightly upturned curve that carried a captivating charm. Her peach blossom eyes had slightly upturned corners, and her gaze seemed to exude a myriad of emotions.

Her skin was as white as snow, as smooth as cream, and a cinnabar mole on her forehead, as fiery as a flame, added a touch of allure to her already beautiful face.

She wore a bright red brocade palace dress, with gold thread outlining gorgeous patterns, and the hem of her skirt swayed gently in the wind, like a blooming red lotus.

She truly is the most favored concubine in the harem, with unparalleled beauty!