eurekapd Chapter 397 Choosing a Concubine
Chapter 397 Choosing a Concubine
No one could answer Song Siyao's question at this moment.
After the mysterious man's underground palace was destroyed, he remained quiet for a long time until February arrived.
February 10th.
Consort De held a banquet in the palace to appreciate the greenery.
There was an open space in the palace, where the grass was growing and birds were singing. Various small flowers were interspersed among the green foliage, and as far as the eye could see, it looked like a colorful carpet, which was extremely beautiful.
Next to the open space is an artificial lake. The sunlight shines on the lake, making it sparkle like twinkling stars, which is hard to look away from.
There is a pavilion in the middle of the open space and the artificial lake. In this season, one can enjoy a few cups of tea in the pavilion, admire the flowers, and look at the green lake water in one's leisure time. That is a wonderful thing in life.
The Empress Dowager's banquet for appreciating the spring scenery was held in the pavilion.
However, to add to the fun, she also laid out several mats next to the pavilion, with wine jars weighing down the four corners of the mats.
It was covered with sunflower seeds, fruit, peanuts, pine nuts, pastries, juice...
There were also some soft cushions next to the main cushion for people to sit on.
When Consort De arrived, all the young ladies from noble families who had been invited that day had already arrived.
"Greetings, Consort De." The crowd bowed to Consort De.
"Please don't stand on ceremony, everyone. Please sit down," Consort De said with a smile.
"Thank you, Your Highness." The group expressed their gratitude and sat down.
The banquet for appreciating the greenery was originally intended to be hosted by Consort De, but now Consort Jia is in charge of the seals of the six palaces.
Consort Jia simply sent someone to check on her and ask if Consort De needed any help; she didn't say anything else.
Without Consort Jia present, Consort De began to put on airs.
She suddenly exclaimed, "Seeing you is like seeing these beautiful flowers in their prime. Youth is the best adornment for beauty. I truly envy you."
"Your Highness, you flatter us. We can never match your beauty." The speaker was Miss Dong, Song Suxin's sister-in-law.
Song Suxin is Song Yu'er's older sister and Song Siyao's cousin.
"And who is this?" Consort De asked, feigning ignorance.
"Your Highness, my father is Vice Minister Dong of the Ministry of War, and my name is Dong Yingying."
Dong Yingying was wearing a pink dress and a forehead pendant. She had a baby face and a lively personality. This outfit made her look quite charming.
"So it's Miss Dong. I've read Miss Dong's poems; she's a rare talent," Consort De praised.
Dong Yingying was delighted upon hearing this. "Thank you, Your Highness, but before Your Highness, I dare not call myself a talented woman. Your Highness is truly a woman of both beauty and talent."
Consort De chuckled a few times, then covered her face with a handkerchief. "Miss Dong, you are such a lovely girl. The more I look at you, the more I like you."
"This humble woman also admires Consort De. No, it's not just admiration, but also respect, awe, and love," Dong Yingying said sweetly.
"You, you, your mouth is like it's been coated with honey." Consort De pointed at Dong Yingying, then laughed a few more times, looking extremely happy.
But Song Siyao saw a fleeting look of disgust in Consort De's eyes.
Consort De disliked Dong Yingying.
However, given Consort De's status, if she truly disliked the daughter of a court official, why would she invite her to the palace to attend her banquet?
Could it be that Consort De and Dong Yingying share some secret?
More accurately, it was a secret between Consort De and Vice Minister Dong.
Song Siyao was also invited by Consort De.
She knew that Consort De's purpose in holding the banquet to celebrate the arrival of Princess Shen Xuanxu was to give her a proper consort.
Logically speaking, it would be easier for Consort De to act if she didn't come.
But since Consort De had already invited her, she naturally had to come; she wanted to see what Consort De was up to.
She didn't say anything, she just ate quietly.
Wait and see.
"Ladies, the spring scenery is endlessly beautiful. Wouldn't it be a waste for us to just sit here? Why don't you all show off your talents and add some fun to this spring festival?"
As soon as Consort De finished speaking, some women eagerly tried it out.
As everyone knows, although Jiang Yu gave birth to a son for Shen Xuan, Shen Xuan did not like the son, let alone Jiang Yu. She has lived in the Prince's Mansion without any official status.
If she could marry into the Li Prince's mansion and become the Li Prince's principal wife, that would be a good match.
Of course, some people don't want to perform their talents.
For example, Lin Nan was there, looking around listlessly. She had only come because she received an invitation and had no interest in Shen Xuan.
Qin Yun Chu was the same; she lowered her head slightly, sipping her tea, and didn't want Consort De to notice her at all.
Dong Yingying was the first to step forward, "Your Highness, I have recently been practicing a dance and would like to ask for your guidance."
"Alright, Miss Dong, please come on over," Consort De said with a smile.
"Yes, Your Highness." Dong Yingying walked to the center of the open space, her long sleeves fluttering as she began to dance gracefully.
She was petite and graceful, her dance light and lithe, moving with the wind like a playful and agile sprite.
Just then, a conversation came from not far away; it was Emperor Changlong arriving with his court officials.