Liu Liu heard the Emperor's words and realized that Jin Shaoyuan had also toasted her. She quickly raised her wine cup, "Oh, there's me too? Then let's drink."
Feng Xie's expression was extremely unpleasant. A cold, bluish aura emanated from his handsome face, as clear as snow. Fortunately, this woman was somewhat cooperative. He didn't want to escalate the conflict between them, so he suppressed his anger and drank the cup first.
Liu Liu followed him, drinking a cup. Only then did the people below the banquet slowly finish their drinks and sit down.
Today was the birthday of Consort Shu, Jin Jiali. After giving her a warning, the Emperor decided to appease her and turned to instruct a servant.
"Today, on Consort's birthday, I have rewards: a pair of 'Wan Fu Wan Xi' long hairpins, a pair of 'Shuang Xi Ru Yi' hairpins, a pair of jade Ruyi scepters, and a pair of 'Shuang Luan Xian Shou Guo' gold hairpins."
Hearing the Emperor's bestowal, Jin Jiali's previous dejection vanished instantly, and she became radiant. Jin Shaoyuan, sitting beside her, couldn't help but worry inwardly.
His sister's emotions were too easily revealed. In the palace, she would surely suffer greatly. Look at the Prime Minister Lou's daughter, how poised and elegant she was.
"This concubine thanks Your Majesty for the gifts."
Liu Liu saw Feng Xie's actions. Was it just a few gifts? Did she not get any? Seeing her smug expression, her face froze. She called out coolly, "Today is Consort Shu's birthday, and I also have gifts to bestow."
When the other women heard that the Empress also had gifts, they widened their eyes in curiosity and looked up. Liu Liu glanced at Feng Xie. Since they had respectfully addressed her as Empress, she naturally had to bestow gifts.
"Cui'er,"
Cui'er responded and led Caixia in from outside. In fact, the Empress had already prepared the gifts.
They just hadn't been presented yet. Upon hearing the Empress's call, Cui'er quickly brought in a tray. The tray was covered with a red cloth, so the items were unclear. Cui'er reached out and removed the red cloth, revealing exquisite gifts.
"The Empress bestows a set of coral prayer beads, a pair of agarwood bracelets, a pair of white jade mandarin duck clasps, and a pair of ivory thumb rings."
The noble daughters and imperial concubines below exclaimed in admiration. Compared to the Emperor's gifts, the women preferred the Empress's gift list. Each item was so beautiful and catered entirely to women's tastes.
For a moment, whispers filled the banquet. Feng Xie was furious, radiating a chilling aura. Lou Sijing, sitting beside him, truly felt the undercurrents of conflict between the Emperor and Empress but remained outwardly composed.
Through her constant observation, she knew the Emperor was an unfathomable person, and no one knew his next move. He clearly disliked the ugly woman, yet he didn't act as such, leaving everyone guessing.
But if one were to say he favored the Empress, that wasn't entirely true either. Why else would he have banished her to Huaqing Palace? Lou Sijing calculated inwardly. In this deep palace, it was best to tread carefully. A hidden gleam flickered at the corner of her lips.
Jin Jiali was extremely displeased with Liu Liu's gifts because she hated this woman, who had stolen her position. However, she had learned her lesson. The Emperor was not one to tolerate women's recklessness, so she immediately spoke with a gentle expression.
"This concubine thanks the Empress for her gifts."
Feng Xie's eyes darkened, a cold, captivating smile playing on his lips. He waved his hand subtly, not wanting anyone to know he was angry. "You may withdraw."
"Yes," Jin Jiali slowly retreated to her brother's side and sat down. The Yunxiang Courtyard became lively again. The noble daughters secretly cast glances at the three most eligible bachelors in Tianfeng. The Emperor was out of the question, but there were still three others.
Each of them was outstanding. Even the imperial concubines secretly eyed the three men opposite them.
Among them, Nangong Yue was the most captivating due to the melancholic beauty that emanated from his very bones, making people want to smooth his brows. Women have always sympathized with the weaker party, especially those who were beautifully weak.
Therefore, everyone gazed longingly at Nangong Yue. Even though he was just an imperial physician, it didn't matter; he was still incredibly endearing.
While undercurrents surged below, the situation above was also unsettled. Feng Xie and Liu Liu were like sworn enemies from past lives. Although they didn't clash directly, they used their cold auras to express their disgust towards each other.
The thought of being called the "ugliest woman" made Liu Liu furious. If it hadn't been for the Crown Prince's decree at the time, would she have become the famously ugly woman in the capital? She would not forget this debt.
As for Feng Xie, the mere thought of the entire Tianfeng mocking him for marrying the ugliest woman in the world sent his anger soaring. However, he hadn't forgotten that he had just said he would coexist peacefully with her, so he should exercise some restraint.
"Prince Yan, today's imperial concubine's birthday banquet is truly filled with blooming flowers and vying beauties. If my imperial brother fancies any of these young ladies, you can mention it to me, and I will bestow a marriage upon you." Feng Xie, upon thinking of the ugly woman beside him, felt his life was wasted, so he empathized and hoped his imperial brother would find a woman he liked.
Also, his good brothers should not end up like him, bound by a mysterious imperial edict. But don't think he would yield; there was nothing in this world that Feng Xie couldn't achieve.
The unmarried noble daughters' faces lit up with joy upon hearing the Emperor's words. They boldly stared at Prince Yan. Some daring ones sent furtive glances, their delicate faces shy and alluring, like boneless willow branches swaying in the east wind, appearing soft and weak. They covered their mouths with silk handkerchiefs and giggled.
Unfortunately, Feng Lie had no interest in these women. After these women struck various poses, he coldly refused.
"My mansion already has two favored concubines; I do not need common beauties."
Feng Lie's words instantly offended all the women at the banquet, yet he himself acted as if nothing had happened, raising his wine cup to drink. He blocked his face with his elbow and made a rude face at Liu Liu, causing her to smile faintly.
Her smile was like the radiant sunshine, warm and comforting, making many feel as if they were bathed in sunlight, lingering in the moment.
Everyone at the banquet had an illusion: the Empress's smile was so lovely! Where was the ugliness? Even Feng Xie was momentarily stunned.
This woman's smile was so pure and bright, as transparent as a newborn baby's, attracting everyone's attention. He wondered how she managed it.
Despite being an ugly person, she could smile so harmlessly and brilliantly, as if surrounded by countless halos. This made him, an Emperor, have the thought of keeping her by his side.
Feng Xie was startled by his own thought and quickly turned his head to calm his wandering mind.
Rumors are truly hurtful! While everyone lamented, they also felt a pang of sadness because Prince Yan had called them all common beauties. What kind of woman could be considered both talented and beautiful?
The banquet became bleak. Except for the imperial concubines who were mere spectators and enjoyed the show, the marriageable young ladies were pale-faced and crestfallen. Their previous pride and self-confidence had long since vanished.
Seeing everyone's dejected expressions, Jin Jiali quickly stood up and smiled, trying to smooth things over.
"Brother, do you see anyone you fancy?"
Upon hearing Consort Shu's words, those women's faces flushed again, their hearts beating like startled deer as they shyly looked at Jin Shaoyuan.
Although he didn't possess the power and prestige of Prince Yan, he was still a man of considerable wealth, so every woman still wished to marry him.
Jin Shaoyuan glanced at his sister, a look of disapproval flashing in his eyes. He had no intention of getting married, and he already had several concubines in his mansion; he certainly didn't lack women.
"Li'er, your brother will not get married."