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Lian Hua thought so, feeling a sense of novelty as she looked up carefully, only to notice that His Majesty’s face was tinged with a drunken red, as if a layer of thin rouge had been applied, appearing somewhat intoxicated, his eyes somewhat mesmerized.

His features radiant and his eyes drunk, he looked stunning—she had never seen him quite like this before.

He seemed quite indifferent, his tone very impatient as he helped Consort Liu up and promptly wanted to send her away.

Well... how to put it, she felt like laughing, ha ha.

Although she felt sympathetic towards Consort Liu, she harbored a secret glee in her heart—perhaps it was due to His Majesty’s dismissive attitude; in any case, she felt delighted.

Consort Liu was very beautiful, a different kind of beauty compared to the Noble Consort, but although Consort Liu seemed very affectionate towards her, she just couldn’t bring herself to like her.

Just now, she couldn’t help but feel that Consort Liu seemed to want to swoon into His Majesty’s embrace.

If... if His Majesty had really embraced her, she would have felt quite awkward.

But His Majesty just gave a helping hand, and that was fine by her; after all, it wouldn’t do to just watch someone who was sick fall without lending a hand.

Suddenly feeling very sympathetic towards Consort Liu when His Majesty wanted to send her away directly, she couldn’t help but laugh, ha ha...

At this moment, His Majesty was truly deserving of her kiss; yes, that’s right.

Let His Majesty pretend to be mad drunk if he wants to; she’ll just cajole him when he gets back.

Thinking thus, she became cheerful again, sneakily glancing up and playfully blinking.

The Emperor saw her gaze, peevishly looked away, but his mood gradually improved.

He hadn’t realized himself that, usually restrained and self-disciplined, rarely drinking alcohol, his emotions were particularly externalized and direct, as well as willful today—a contrast to his usual avoidance of embarrassing others like he did Consort Liu today.

Consort Liu, supported by the people of Huafu Hall, hung her gaze low, pondering something, yet to depart.

As the Noble Consort passed by her, she gave a meaningful smile, "Younger Sister Liu should take care of herself. Look how concerned His Majesty is about you, knowing you’re not in good health, cherishing you, and specially allowing you to leave first."

Saying so, she turned to the Palace Maid and Nanny supporting Consort Liu, "What are you standing around for? Help Consort Liu back. If anything happens to her health, I will be the first to hold you accountable."

After hearing this, Consort Liu laughed softly, lifting her gaze to look directly at the Noble Consort, "Younger Sister thanks you for your kindness, Elder Sister; I will surely remember your benevolence."

She then slightly bowed to the Emperor seated at the head, supported by others as she slowly left the hall.

She had heard that His Majesty was extremely fond of Beauty Lian, and she came wanting to see what His Majesty’s favor looked like when bestowed upon someone.

Another reason was to see the joke that was Xue Wanjun, who fancied herself clever but was never cherished by the one she fancied. It must be painful witnessing her beloved doting on someone else, mustn’t it?

Was there anything more satisfying than this scene?

Unfortunately, she miscalculated, missed a step, and didn’t anticipate such a reaction from His Majesty.

But no matter; she believed Xue Wanjun would suffer a thousand, no, ten thousand times more than her in the future!

Noble Consort Xue felt extremely pleased with herself as she gracefully walked towards the Emperor’s side, full of charm and ready to sit and say something, when the Emperor suddenly raised his hand to stop her.

The onlookers saw this and halted their actions, everyone in the hall looking puzzled, including Lian Hua.

The Emperor thought to himself, annoyed by the little ingrate, that he almost forgot the matter at hand. It wasn’t until he saw her following Xu Rongying to her place that he remembered.

His intoxication surging, he propped his forehead with his hand, and said irritably to Zhang Qing, "What are you stupefied for? Read the decree!"

Only then did everyone realize that Zhang Qing was holding an imperial edict in bright yellow, waiting to be announced.

Zhang Qing hastily stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Then he turned, raised the decree with both hands, and proclaimed, "Xu Zhaoyi is invited to receive the imperial order."

Everyone was startled, their expressions diverse.

The Noble Consort’s face remained unchanged, but she couldn’t help feeling puzzled. Why would there suddenly be a decree for Xu Rongying? She had a bad premonition...

People promptly reformed their ranks, with Xu Zhaoyi calmly stepping out to the front, appearing unaffected by favor or disgrace.

Lian Hua followed behind, quite astonished. What was His Majesty going to do to Sister Zhaoyi? To issue a special decree—could it be a promotion or an increase in rank? That would be wonderful. She wondered if there would be reward silver involved; she was truly happy for her sister.

As the crowd lined up to kneel and receive the decree, the Emperor suddenly said from his seat of honor, "Hold on, Beauty Lian is pregnant; there’s no need for her to kneel. She may stand and listen."

As soon as these words were spoken, they struck like a thunderbolt, exploding in the minds of the assembly. Apart from the Noble Consort and Xu Zhaoyi, everyone else couldn’t hide their shock as they turned to look at Lian Hua.

Hearing rumors was one thing, but hearing it directly from His Majesty was entirely different. A long-suspected matter was suddenly confirmed without warning, shocking everyone. They looked at Lian Hua with eyes filled with astonishment and complicated feelings, mixed with envy and jealousy.

For so many years, there had been no offspring in the palace. Who wouldn’t want to rise to the heavens in one step by carrying the emperor’s child?

They had entered the harem and become concubines much earlier than Beauty Lian, but over the years, they hadn’t conceived an imperial heir, and now someone who came after them had surpassed them. How could they not feel jealous?

The Noble Consort lowered her head to conceal her intense jealousy.

The flames of envy in her eyes seemed ready to burst forth.

His Majesty’s casual remark seemed thoughtless, but today’s Mid-Autumn Festival banquet was out of the ordinary.

The entire former court, harem, and the whole land were celebrating.

To say such a thing on such an important day signified the importance he placed on Beauty Lian.

This news would probably spread throughout the land by tomorrow...

Changzai Zhou covertly glanced in the Noble Consort’s direction, her lips curling into a scornful smile. Others might only know jealousy, but they didn’t consider why they couldn’t conceive and who was the source of the malice. Still in the dark, how pitiful and tragic they were...

Consort Fang Pin felt her chest ache again as she looked at Lian Hua with eyes full of resentment. Wasn’t she just complimented for her poetry? Why didn’t she confide such a big matter to her? Her chest hurt so much; she needed the Imperial Physician...

The calmest person in the hall was Xu Zhaoyi. She looked at Lian Hua and smiled contentedly. Her sister had truly done well; the Emperor had good taste.

Lian Hua, a bit confused, bit her lip and looked up with feigned anger, feeling the scorching gazes of the others. She lowered her head slightly, unable to endure it, as the tips of her ears involuntarily reddened.

Oh dear, His Majesty was being too conspicuous. Wasn’t there a decree for Sister Zhaoyi? Why make such a scene before announcing the decree, catching her completely off guard?

If she was pregnant, so be it. Wouldn’t it have been better to say it in private or when she wasn’t present? Why did he have to say it in front of so many people? Kneeling wouldn’t cost her a piece of flesh.

Now, with so many eyes on her, she felt utterly uncomfortable.

The Emperor sat at the head of the room, propping his forehead, sweeping his gaze over the crowd below, observing their various expressions. Finally, his gaze landed on Lian Hua.

Yes, no matter how he looked at it, his Little Concubine was the most beautiful and the most sincere.

Just look at her bashful, timid demeanor, so endearing. That flirtatious glance at him made his heart feel soft and tingly. This little white-eyed wolf, he thought, he would kiss her fiercely later.

The Noble Consort was the first to regain her composure despite the intense jealousy.