The Poisonous Consort, the Regent's Beloved

Almost simultaneously, everyone saw the person behind the emperor, and in an instant, the atmosphere in the hall became extremely quiet, as if time had stopped flowing.

Finally, someone reacted and immediately knelt down, saying in a trembling voice, "Greetings, Regent."

The Regent? Some people who usually dared not look directly at the Regent were stunned by his appearance and demeanor when they suddenly saw him today, especially since most of the people in the hall were women.

His face was handsome and deep-set, perfectly sculpted, with thin lips slightly pursed beneath a high, straight nose. However, the terrifying aura emanating from him sent chills down one's spine! Even a single glance from afar would make one's scalp tingle.

The moment someone called out the Regent's name, everyone in the hall was startled, and they couldn't help but curse the eunuch who had just made the announcement.

Why did he only mention that His Majesty came, but not the Regent? Now that the Regent has been neglected, who can bear the consequences?

The moment their buttocks touched the bench, they sprang up again, preparing to kneel before the Regent. Su Fuying also stood up.

Just as she bent her knees, she heard a voice from above: "Dismissed. Today is the Empress's birthday, so these tedious formalities are unnecessary."

His voice was cold, and in this sweltering weather, it sounded even more like the icy sound of striking jade.

After he finished speaking, the people below kept their knees slightly bent, shocked that the regent was so approachable, but because the emperor was present, they could not openly listen to the regent alone.

Where does this place His Majesty? The Regent dares to openly offend His Majesty, but they wouldn't.

Just as the atmosphere reached a stalemate, the emperor spoke up, "Rise. I am in a good mood today. Listen to the Regent."

The Emperor's words were law, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief, quickly getting to their feet. Two more seconds in that position and they would have collapsed.

At this moment, the Empress, who had been resting in the back, also walked out quickly, her face beaming with smiles. "Your Majesty, why have you come so early?"

"Official duties are never-ending, and the Empress's birthday only comes once a year."

The emperor spoke gently, but his innate regal aura was undeniable.

Su Fuying looked at this scene with a hint of surprise in her eyes. She did not expect that the Emperor and Empress had such a good relationship. She wondered whether it was because the Empress favored the Ren family or because the Ren family doted on the Empress.

After all, she never believed in men's so-called true feelings, let alone the emperor, who was the most respected person in the world, with three thousand beauties in his harem. Could he really only take one?

The Empress had a hint of shyness on her face, but with so many people present, she couldn't say anything.

Just as she was inside, she heard that the Regent had arrived. Something suddenly occurred to her, and her eyes darkened for a moment before quickly regaining their composure. She turned to look at the Regent and said in a slightly joking tone, "I didn't expect the Regent to grace us with his presence today."

The Regent stood there, his black attire accentuating his tall and imposing figure, exuding a cold and aloof air. Upon hearing the Empress's words, he merely responded with a curt "Hmm, nothing much to do."

These words instantly darkened the Empress's expression. What did she mean by "having nothing better to do"? Did she mean that this place was a place he could just wander around at will? Wasn't this a blatant disregard for her?

However, her years of refinement made her immediately composed herself, a dignified smile appearing on her face. Knowing this person had a sharp tongue and showed no respect, she could only smile and remain silent.

The crowd below dared not breathe. They had originally wanted to make an appearance in front of the Empress and gain the attention of the Ren family in the future, but they did not expect the Regent to arrive.

I just saw the legendary face, and it was completely different from the ferocious image in the rumors. It was an unforgettable sight.

Everyone was somewhat dazed, unsure how to react. The Regent's appearance made the entire scene tense and oppressive, as if everyone was intimidated by his aura.

In this tense atmosphere, no one dared to speak easily, for fear of displeasing the Regent.

However, Su Fuying noticed the person sitting next to the Empress, Ren Yinxue.

Her eyes softened, and a clear smile graced her face, a stark contrast to her ethereal demeanor just moments before.

She would occasionally glance at the Regent out of the corner of her eye, her gaze lingering on him, a slight blush creeping onto her face.

The Regent sat there quietly, his sharp, curved features tinged with a faint air of detachment and indifference. His clear, black-and-white eyes remained calm and unusually cold.

Su Fuying glanced at him and then looked away. She had initially thought he was quite handsome, but now that she knew he had someone he liked, she couldn't possibly have any feelings for him, no matter how handsome he was.

The other noble ladies were even more apprehensive; how could they dare to even dream of the Regent's status?

Hearing the conversation on the high platform, I was even more frightened. When gods fight, I really hope that innocent bystanders won't get caught in the crossfire.

This regent is simply lawless, publicly humiliating the empress. But then again, if he dares to speak out against even the emperor, what wouldn't he dare to do?

At this moment, the entire scene fell into a deathly silence, with everyone waiting to see what would happen next.

Su Fuying listened with great interest, but just now she heard the Regent's voice, which sounded somewhat similar to Lu Yanxiu's.

Before she could think it through, she heard the Empress speak: "With so many young masters and ladies here today, why doesn't His Majesty give them a prize and let them have a competition?"

"Very well, it's rare to find the Empress in such a refined mood." The Emperor readily agreed. "However, what does the Empress think would be a suitable reward?"

"The prize offered by His Majesty is naturally decided by His Majesty," the Empress said.

"Very well, then I will grant the winner one wish." As soon as the emperor spoke, the quiet people below began to stir restlessly.

To ask the emperor for a wish is tantamount to having a chance to change one's fate.

This ignited a flame of hope in the hearts of everyone present, especially the young women, who secretly prayed that they would be the first to win the emperor's favor and that marrying into the royal family would be no problem.

In an instant, the originally calm atmosphere became tense and exciting, and everyone's face was filled with anticipation and longing.

Just then, a eunuch's voice came from outside: "His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"

Then, Crown Prince Xiao Junlin strode in. He was tall and steady, and his court robes gave him a certain air of imperial majesty.

He walked up to the emperor, knelt down and bowed: "Your subject greets the emperor and the empress dowager."

After finishing his greetings, Xiao Junlin suddenly noticed the Regent Prince standing to the side. He paused slightly, then spoke again: "Royal Uncle."

The Emperor smiled and said cheerfully, "No need for formalities, Your Highness. You've arrived quite early today."

Xiao Junlin stood up, bowed his head respectfully, and replied, "Although official duties are important, my mother's birthday is even more important."

These words brought a smile to the Empress's face. She looked at her son, her eyes filled with love and pride. This son was her only hope.

Immediately afterwards, voices came from outside the door: the Second Prince, the Sixth Prince, and the Fourth Princess had all arrived.

Su Fuying looked curiously towards the door. These people were all unfamiliar faces; she had never seen any of them before, yet they had all come today.