CHAPTER 759: CHAPTER 759: HOW COULD BEAUTY LIAN BE AN EXCEPTION

For instance, they all praised Xue Ping as a great hero, indispensable in exposing and eliminating treacherous officials. For instance, because of Consort De’s wrongful grievances that were cleared, not only His Majesty’s wisdom but also Xue Ping had contributed, they said, which made Xue Ping, whose heart was as dead as ashes, regain some vitality. Veins bulged on his forehead, and his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets in fury, yet he could not erupt.

To onlookers, this spectacle held different meanings.

In a desolate corner, several people sneered repeatedly, cursing Xue Ping a thousand and eight hundred times in their hearts, denouncing him as no good, mingling with brute men, heartless and devoid of loyalty, viciously wishing that Xue Ping would not die a good death and hoping that Xu Hu and others would get trampled by Xue Ping in the future.

They were too agitated, aggravating the injuries from the rods on their buttocks, each grimacing in pain. They shifted gingerly in their seats, unable to sit properly, yet still had to maintain a dignified posture, each overwhelmed by the effort.

They suddenly realized that those beaten military generals were bouncing lively, immediately feeling envious beyond measure. They lamented that generals had tough skin and could withstand beatings, enduring even double without trouble, whereas they, frail ministers, ended up in such pathetic states. Remembering the current situation, they felt a desolate sadness and began to drink their sorrows away, turning a good Longevity Banquet in this corner into one that tasted of a funeral feast.

The other ministers toasted to the Emperor from time to time, who, with slightly reddened ears, was unable to fend off his subjects’ enthusiasm, could only smile bitterly. Given this pace, he feared he might not be able to leave easily today. He wondered how his Little Concubine was doing, whether the food was to her taste, or if she was tired from playing.

Inside Taiji Hall, each had its own liveliness.

Inside Qianqiu Hall too, a boisterous scene unfolded, unlike previous years. This year, the Noble Consort spoke surprisingly little, her whole demeanor very cold, displaying an indifferent face that kept everyone at bay. Her left hand was hidden under the broad sleeve while her right hand held a wine cup she poured for herself, the dishes before her untouched.

Consort Xu De had no choice but to take over the Noble Consort’s usual role, said a few pleasantries, made comprehensive toasts, and then took up the task of moderating the atmosphere.

The people, intimidated by the Noble Consort’s authority at first, dared not speak much, and Consort Xu De, no matter how displeased the higher-ups were, started a topic on her own. "His Majesty’s grace is profound. Some sisters will leave the palace the day after tomorrow. After this separation, we may never meet again in this lifetime. I hereby wish you a future as splendid as brocade."

Having said that, she drained the fruit wine in her cup.

Whether happy or unhappy, the ones about to leave the palace felt a touch of sorrow at this time, all raising their glasses in thanks, adding a few more layers of melancholy to the hall.

Consort De then said, "Today is His Majesty’s jubilant day of longevity. Drinking merely for the sake of drinking is rather dull. Let me throw a stone to attract jade by sharing some interesting folks’ tales with my sisters, to also give those about to leave the palace a head start in revisiting memories of the outside world."

Everyone unanimously responded well.

Women in the military were inherently bold and unconstrained by trifles. Initially, the atmosphere in the hall was somewhat stuffy. However, after Consort De recounted a few interesting military anecdotes, the mood instantly livened up. Most concubines had once lived sheltered lives and had never known that women could experience such days. Especially those about to leave the palace could not help but long for it, incessantly asking questions.

Consort De, as usual, was supposed to sit next to Lian Hua, and Concubine Fang Pin wanted to as well, but she lacked the courage. Under the cold gaze of the Noble Consort, she had no choice but to give up mournfully.

Seeing that Lian Hua also looked yearning, with her eyes sparkling as she gazed at her, Consort De chuckled and pinched her face, then picked a few more interesting stories to tell. Under her lead, many concubines began to share their past amusing incidents. The atmosphere was harmonious with laughter and lively discussions.

This scene made Noble Consort Xue seem out of place. Her expression grew even colder as she drank one cup after another. The concubines below could not figure out her mood. Some cautiously tried to talk to her only to be rebuffed, making others even more reluctant to disturb her. Only Consort De fearlessly asked for her opinion from time to time. Noble Consort Xue responded either with a cold laugh or a mere indifferent "Hmm," noncommittal.

This meal was the best Lian Hua had ever enjoyed at any palace banquet. Each dish seemed tailor-made for her, leaving her utterly satisfied. At that moment, she fully embodied the spirit of "eating without speaking," enjoying the delicacies and listening to the "interesting stories" the other concubines spoke of, though she found them not particularly amusing. She only spoke a few words when Consort De asked her; otherwise, she tasted the warm and fresh meals with a content face.

If someone looked carefully, they would notice that although the dishes on Lian Hua’s table seemed the same as those for others, there was a difference. Cousort De had specially made these dishes in a separate kitchen in Huaying Hall, with dedicated people cooking, delivering, and supervising. Everything was closely monitored by Huaying Hall’s staff from start to finish, and even the food was tested with Silver Needles for poison, prompting the Noble Consort to make a sarcastic remark.

Seeing her sister eating joyfully, Consort De felt very heartwarming. Her sister was indeed lovable. This was her first time hosting a banquet, and she was so considerate to her sister. Looking at others pecking at their food like little birds and then at her sister joyously consuming bowl after bowl without pausing, cleaning every dish on the table, Consort De felt secretly relieved that each portion was not too large; otherwise, it might have been too much.

Seeing Lian Hua enjoy her food made Consort De enjoy her own meal more. She blocked anyone trying to speak with Lian Hua, allowing her to focus on eating.

The somewhat tipsy Noble Consort looked at Lian Hua below, her dislike undisguised. At that moment, the topic had turned to each concubine sharing a childhood anecdote. Seeing Consort De blocking for Lian Hua again, she coldly spoke while holding her wine glass, "Consort De, every sister has participated, it is unfair to make an exception for Beauty Lian. Why not let her tell a story herself?"

Consort De raised her head to look over, her eyebrows arching, "Does the Consort suffer from a sudden illness that she could not see that Beauty Lian is in the midst of dining? One should not speak while eating, to prevent spitting food. This is written in the palace rules, which the Consort, having managed the Harem before, surely knows, right?"

Turning her wine glass in hand, the Noble Consort looked over coldly, "I had thought that Consort De neither respected seniority nor cared for palace rules—mentioning them when needed and discarding them when not. Ah, Consort De truly sets a fine example for the Harem, no wonder those allied with you are so bold."

Her words mocked Consort De for disregarding seniority and palace rules and also taunted Lian Hua for being bold.

The hall fell silent; everyone was shocked by the Noble Consort’s harsh words. They were used to seeing the Noble Consort as kind but unassailable, always composed even when reprimanding someone, never losing her poise. For many, this was the first time they had seen the Noble Consort act this way.

Consort De slowly smiled, an air of solemnity spreading, "Thank you for the compliment, Noble Consort. Most people admire those with virtue, and I am no exception. If a person is outwardly virtuous but harbors a viper’s heart, even if they possess a status as exalted as yours, Noble Consort, I would still disdain it."