pdf-ebookys Chapter 1426 The Lotus Appreciation Banquet Begins
Chapter 1426 The Lotus Appreciation Banquet Begins
Every seat has a great view, allowing one to enjoy the lotus and get some shade, which shows the care that went into the planning.
The concubines in the harem and the invited noble ladies and ladies of state, dressed in clothes that matched their rank and status, were led into the garden one after another by palace servants.
The sound of rings and bracelets, the fragrance of clothes, whispered greetings and the rustling of skirts are heard continuously, adding a bit of liveliness to Quhe Garden.
The virtuous concubine arrived quite early and chose a seat with a good view but not too conspicuous.
Today she was wearing a lotus-colored palace dress with dark patterns. She had only a red gold hairpin and a few small pearl flowers in her hair, and she exuded a cool and refreshing air.
The virtuous concubine did not exchange too many pleasantries with others. She just quietly sipped the new tea served by the palace maid. Her eyes occasionally swept across the lotus cups swaying on the water, or swept over the people who came to the table one after another, like a lotus standing quietly in the pond.
Concubine Zhuang was still wearing a simple and elegant palace dress, holding Buddhist beads, and whispering something to the lady beside her.
Concubine Kang had a faint smile on her face, but she looked a little unnatural when her eyes occasionally fell on Baharguli who was beside the eldest princess.
Concubine Dun had clearly dressed up for the day, wearing a water-red dress woven with gold gauze and adorned with pearls and jade, making her stand out in the crowd. Her eyes drifted, subtly assessing the arriving ladies.
Concubine Xuan was much quieter. She and Zhu'er found a place near the water and sat down, their eyes fixed on the swaying lotus shadows in the pond.
Holding the hand of a palace maid, Concubine Tong quietly entered Quhe Garden.
She was the oldest of the concubines, and although she wore a light green dress appropriate for the occasion, the material and style were somewhat outdated. Her hair was meticulously combed, and the few pieces of jewelry she wore were also well-placed, exuding a sense of careful antiquity.
She had served the emperor for many years, and her edges had long been smoothed out, and her complexion had faded, and her eyes and eyebrows were very gentle.
Tongpin deliberately avoided people and chose a seat in the least noticeable corner to sit down. She almost held her breath and tried hard to reduce her presence.
Occasionally, his eyes would sweep past her, but they would just pass by without stopping for long.
In this lively scene of elegant clothes, smiling faces and pleasantries, Concubine Tong existed quietly, like a dim shadow that could not be reflected in the pool water.
The ladies took their seats in order of rank, according to their husbands' ranks and their relationships with the imperial concubines. Their speech and behavior were all in accordance with etiquette. Only the occasional glance towards the main seat betrayed a subtle hint of anticipation.
Soon, the garden was filled with pearls and emeralds, and was filled with laughter.
We are just waiting for the host of today's banquet, the Imperial Noble Consort, to arrive.
Soon, the sound of jingling bells was heard from the garden gate.
"The Imperial Concubine has arrived!!"
Qu Heyuan, which was originally full of laughter and chatter, suddenly became quiet, and everyone's eyes were cast towards the entrance.
Shen Zhinian was seen holding Fuqiu's hand and walking slowly and calmly towards them.
She was not overly adorned with jewels and jade today. She was wearing a brocade palace dress with a skirt sparsely embroidered with lotus patterns in silver thread, and a wide-sleeved gauze robe of the same color over it.
Her hair was tied high in a bun, pinned only with a red gold phoenix hairpin with kingfisher feathers and pearls, and a few small lavender palace flowers. Her simplicity revealed luxury, her elegance exuded majesty.
Almost at the same time, everyone in the garden, whether it was concubines, ladies of high rank, or noble ladies, all stood up and saluted respectfully: "Greetings to Her Majesty the Imperial Noble Consort, may Her Majesty be blessed with good health!"
The voices were in perfect unison, echoing among the lotus fragrance in the waterside pavilion.
The noble ladies who were hoping to marry into the Shen family as consorts were especially respectful and enthusiastic. Their eyes followed Shen Zhinian's skirt, trying to gain the slightest favor from the Imperial Noble Consort.
Shen Zhinian's eyes swept calmly over the people present, a faint smile on the corner of his lips, and his voice was clear: "Everyone get up."
"I'm hosting this lotus viewing banquet today simply to invite all the sisters, ladies, and young ladies to gather together and relax for a while. No need to be polite."
She spoke in a soothing tone, raised her hand to support herself, and had a charming demeanor that was impressive.
As soon as Shen Zhinian finished speaking, a wave of flattering voices rang out in the garden.
"Your Majesty, the Imperial Concubine is so considerate. I am truly sorry for waiting for you."
A lady dressed in a crimson imperial robe spoke first, her face beaming with smiles, the fine lines around her eyes piling up: "It is a great honor to be invited by the Imperial Noble Consort to appreciate these lotuses!"
Another slightly younger lady beside her immediately chimed in, complimenting, "That's right!"
"As your humble servant looks at the lotus flowers in the pond, and then at the Imperial Noble Consort, I realize that the lotus flowers are no match for her beauty. These flowers would be ashamed of themselves in the presence of the Imperial Noble Consort."
This remark caused several ladies around to cover their lips and chuckle, and they nodded in agreement.
The corners of Concubine Xian's lips held a cold smile: "It is rare that the Imperial Noble Concubine has such a refined mood and is hosting a banquet to enjoy the fun. Your servants and I are naturally delighted."
Her words were appropriate, neither appearing overly enthusiastic nor expressing her obedience.
Concubine Xuan looked at Shen Zhinian with sparkling eyes: "Sister Imperial Concubine, you are too modest. Being able to attend your banquet is a blessing we can't even ask for!"
"Look at how exquisitely this garden is laid out. The lotus flowers are blooming more vibrantly than anywhere else. They must be blessed by the Imperial Concubine's spiritual energy!"
Those noble ladies who had dreams in their hearts were even more determined.
A young girl in a goose-yellow dress, her voice like a yellow oriole, said, "I've long heard that the Imperial Noble Consort is so graceful. Seeing her today, I know the rumors are true. No matter how beautiful these lotus flowers are, they lose nine points of their beauty without the Imperial Noble Consort here."
After she finished speaking, two blushes appeared on her cheeks, making her look even more charming.
Another older lady was more composed and said with a smile, "The Imperial Concubine is kind and considerate of us ministers. It is truly a blessing to be able to listen to the Imperial Concubine's teachings and observe her demeanor here in the refreshing lotus breeze."
Every word you say and every word I say are words of gratitude, grace and praise.
For a moment, Quhe Garden was filled with the chirping of birds and the whispering of flattery, which spread out like ripples in a pond.
The atmosphere became more lively, and it was truly a joyful banquet.
The banquet was filled with laughter and chatter. A sharp-eyed lady glanced around and smiled at Princess Wenshu: "Why isn't Princess Yun'an here? Was she delayed on the way?"
This attracted the attention of several nearby female relatives.
Some people don't show it on their faces, but they are secretly shaking their heads in their hearts.
Princess Yun'an, whose mother was just a palace maid, was raised with an arrogant and pretentious temperament.
It's bad enough that he's arrogant, but he also doesn't know what's important.
Although the eldest princess's marriage needs the approval of His Majesty, the Vice Queen has a lot of say.
Look at Princess Wenshu. Because of her close relationship with the Imperial Noble Consort, she was able to get a marriage with Bai Hanlin, a marriage that everyone envied.
Princess Yun'an was so bad that she even dared to be late for the banquet hosted by the Imperial Concubine herself. She was really afraid that her future would be too smooth.
Princess Wenshu sat upright, a gentle smile still on her lips as she heard this. She gently explained for Princess Yun'an, "Third sister must have been held up by something, or perhaps she spent a little extra time getting dressed. She should be here soon."