Cold-faced Empress

"In my opinion, Miss Fu is not only as talented and intelligent as your younger sister and brother, but also bolder and more straightforward."

Fu Siying nodded: "Your Majesty is too kind in praising me. I wonder if Your Majesty would grant my request for a reward?" She glanced at Consort De out of the corner of her eye, and Consort De's expression had already turned annoyed.

Without hesitation, the Emperor glanced at Mo Canglan, his heart filled with joy: "Of course I will grant your request. Prince Mu, the princess I have chosen for you is absolutely unique."

Suddenly called out, Mo Canglan glanced at Fu Siying, who was blooming like a fragrant orchid in the hall. She was dressed in a dark dress but had a bright luster, and stood calmly and elegantly with a smile on her face.

This unique style is truly one of a kind.

Upon hearing the Emperor call out Mo Canglan's name, Fu Siying also looked at him. Their eyes met, and she wrinkled her nose slightly, rolling her eyes at him with obvious disdain.

Although she didn't say anything, Mo Canglan immediately understood what she meant: He got off easy!

Mo Canglan: ...Her face is bigger than the imperial palace.

The Emperor read aloud Fu Siying's note in public: "The Prime Minister's eldest daughter, though of ordinary talent and incomparable to her younger siblings, is diligent and studious, and has always been a role model for them. She is a role model for the family, and before the Emperor, her younger siblings are honored, yet also feel ashamed. Blood relatives are one, and no one can criticize her."

Slowly putting away the note, the Emperor said with appreciation, "You are reserved and honest, virtuous and upright. This is my reward."

Before anyone could react, Fu Siying immediately knelt down to accept the reward, her voice clear and bright: "This humble woman kowtows to thank Your Majesty for your praise!"

She spoke very politely, but everyone could tell that Fu Siying had responded to Consort De's question with just four words: "None of your business!"

She sets a good example at home by urging her younger siblings to continue their studies, so she dares to say that her efforts have contributed to the rewards her younger siblings have received today!

The Emperor and Empress Dowager bestowed the rewards, and the Prime Minister's family also received them. Why would a concubine in the harem need to speculate whether she was ashamed or shamelessly trying to take advantage of the situation?

She stood there, full of confidence!

After bowing, Fu Siying stood up and, for the first time without any restraint, looked directly at the high-ranking master.

Looking at Consort De, she smiled slightly, her eyes filled with intense mockery. Consort De's smile was stiff and cruel, her anger and resentment impossible to conceal.

Consort De, trying to save face with a forced smile, said, "Now that you've received such high praise from the Emperor, Miss Fu has nothing to be ashamed of."

Fu Siying smiled faintly: "I have long heard that Consort De is accustomed to judging others by her own standards, and I have learned that lesson today."

With a "whoosh," the last bit of smile that Consort De had maintained on her face vanished, leaving her completely cold and indifferent.

Judging others by one's own standards. Fu Siying was merely mocking the idea that if Consort De were in such a situation, she would definitely resort to pretense and reaping the benefits without contributing anything in return!

He directly provoked people in front of nearly a thousand people!

She wasn't afraid of Consort De at all, because she looked down on Consort De from the bottom of her heart.

A concubine who submits to a high-ranking official of the new dynasty after the fall of her kingdom naturally has no need to hide her shame!

Seeing that Consort De's face was about to fall, the Emperor finally allowed Prime Minister Fu and his family to leave and return to their seats.

Under the envious gazes of everyone in the hall, he returned to his seat. As soon as he sat down, the officials and their families on both sides couldn't help but lean in to offer their congratulations.

No one expected that the Fu family would make such a splash at the palace banquet today. Fu Siying's prestige goes without saying, Fu Yunzhi and Fu Rongchen are able to marry freely, Fu Rongchen's future career and official position are secured, and the Fu family has also received an imperial plaque praising their family style as "simple and elegant".