Chapter 189 - What Happened on New Years Eve (1/2)

In the plum blossom courtyard in front of Tianfeng Palace.

The Empress was the one who planned the banquet tonight. When one walked down east following the corridors of Tianfeng Palace, they would come by a forest. One would reach the plum blossom forest once they exited that forest.

Near to the Empress’ Palace, was a plum blossom garden, an osmanthus garden, and a peony garden. The Empress liked these gardens and would have banquets in different gardens in different seasons. It was very interesting.

The fruits and cold platters had long been delivered. The imperial concubines greeted each other warmly and gently. The palace grew busier and busier. There were no outsiders because it was a family banquet, as such there was no need to be so punctilious.

“His Majesty is here!” A eunuch outside said loudly.

The imperial concubines all went out and knelt under the lead of the Empress.

“Rise, everyone!” It was Emperor Zongwen of the Great Qin. He was a middle-aged man who was about 50 years old. He looked ordinary. His expression was cold and stern.

Three of his sons and his nephew entered with him.

They were the gentle and sophisticated Feng Yuxuan, the philandering and handsome Feng Yulei, as well as the devilishly handsome Feng Yuran, and the elegant Bai Yihao.

After the greetings were done, the Emperor and Empress sat. Everyone sat down as well.

The Empress Dowager, just like in previous years, claimed that she was unwell and did not come.

After a few performances, the Empress put down the cup in her hand. She smiled at Emperor Zongwen and said, “Your Majesty, have you heard of the Cloud and Feather dance?”

“Empress, did you prepare it?” Emperor Zongwen asked with a smile. The Cloud and Feather dance had been lost for centuries. One could only read about it in a book.

“Your Majesty, please look!” The Empress smiled and clapped her hands. The people dancing all moved away, leaving an empty s.p.a.ce in the middle. Music sounded up and a group of girls who were dressed in beautiful clothing appeared. Amongst them, was an extremely beautiful young girl. She looked as if she had fallen from heaven. They stood on the dance floor and started to dance slowly with the music.

They swirled around like the clouds and moved lithely like the moon in the sky. Their skirts flew and ribbons danced. They turned and looked around seductively, moving their slim bodies as they leaped in the air.

“Eldest Brother, Second Miss Ling is really beautiful. Coupled with this dance, she really is a good catch.” Feng Yuran nudged Feng Yuxuan teasingly. He glanced at her and teased, “But why is Her Majesty asking her to dance at the family banquet? Is it for Father, or for my two elder brothers…?”

Even though her tone was light, it was enough for the two men beside him to understand him clearly. Feng Yulei’s expression darkened and he pursed his lips tightly. Anger rippled beneath his eyes. Feng Yuxuan’s expression stiffened and immediately returned to normal.

“Eighth Brother, don’t speak nonsense. Her Majesty is just allowing us to appreciate the long-lost dance and music.”

“The beauty is more easily appreciated than the dance and music. Eldest Brother, don’t you think it’s hard to find a beautiful woman? It would be a pity to let such a beauty go. If Eldest Brother is truly not interested, I am very much so. I might even ask Her Majesty for her!” Feng Yuran’s eyes shone as he stared at Ling Fengyan, who was dancing. His words made those who heard him feel more and more uncomfortable.

“Eighth Brother, don’t talk. Father is looking over here.” Feng Yulei reminded him.

Emperor Zongwen was indeed glaring at Feng Yuran. However, Feng Yuran did not feel self-conscious at all. He continued looking up and smiling happily.

The song and dance ended. Ling Fengyan’s long dress swept upon the ground as she knelt and posed like a flower. Then, she kowtowed to Emperor Zongwen thrice respectfully.

“Good. Empress, your niece is really good. She can dance such a dance. She is a smart one.” Emperor Zongwen laughed and praised her.

“Your Majesty, you are too kind. It is just a small skill to make you smile.” The Empress waved her hand and Ling Fengyan backed away. “Your Majesty, it is getting a little boring in the palace lately. If we can get a few more girls into the palace, we might be able to see dances that are even more beautiful than this.”

The Empress was hinting that the Emperor should hold a selection for concubines. Emperor Zongwen was a hardworking Emperor and did not like holding a selection. In his more than two decades of being the Emperor, he had only held the selection three or four times. He did not choose many girls as well.

“There are many empty courtyards in the palace and there are only two consorts but four positions. What I mean is, we can pick a few ladies from the n.o.ble families. We don’t need to make a big fuss about the selection. The palace is empty and that is my fault.” The Empress said gently, looking like the benevolent matriarch of the nation.

It was true that the palace was empty. There were not many imperial concubines, much less high-ranking ones.

“Empress, you can make the decision!” Emperor Zongwen glanced at her and said lightly.

“Then I shall find a time and pick a few. I did pick a few girls last time. Shall I bring them over for you to choose later?” The Empress asked with a smile.

“You can decide. How about the Princes’ wives? Is it decided?” Emperor Zongwen pointed at his three adult sons and asked.

“The Princes all need two consorts and a legal wife. I am making a list but my niece…” The Empress hesitated and glanced at Feng Yuxuan and Feng Yulei awkwardly. She looked as if she did not know who to choose.

“Do both number one and three like her?” Emperor Zongwen looked at the two brothers deeply. Inexplicable darkness glowed in his eyes as he spoke.