After tasting those pitch - black “fried chickens”, Concubine Dong and the others were on the verge of crying. They only felt a numbing sensation in their mouths. How could there be something so unpalatable in the world?
Dongfang Yi gave an awkward smile on the side. She had also tasted it. She originally thought it just looked unappetizing, but it turned out the taste was also extremely dreadful.
“It's okay. Everyone has a first try. I'll be able to make it delicious next time,” Dongfang Yi said to them with an awkward smile.
“Next time?!” The three of them asked in surprise in unison, as if they could already anticipate what kind of mess they would have to eat next time.
After cleaning up, they returned to the palace. Concubine Dong said she wasn't feeling well and left first.
Dongfang Yi felt a bit guilty and told her that she would ask Donghua to send some top - grade bird's nest to nourish her later.
After the three of them were seated, Concubine Shu said, “Your Majesty, the Mid - Autumn Festival is coming soon. In our Dongsheng, we always hold a grand celebration every Mid - Autumn Festival.”
“Really?” Dongfang Yi asked in confusion.
Seeing her confused look, Concubine Shu frowned and continued, “Your Majesty seems not very familiar with this. This is a major event in Dongsheng. Every year, it has to be hosted by the most noble woman in the harem. And of course, that most noble person is Your Majesty.”
Only then did Dongfang Yi search her memory carefully. The original owner of this body had never hosted a Mid - Autumn banquet. She was oppressed by Concubine Chu before, and in previous years, it was always Concubine Chu who hosted it single - handedly.
Thinking of this, Dongfang Yi felt annoyed. Although she was indeed not a person who liked to organize things, it was unacceptable for others to casually say that the Queen was weak. She must host this Mid - Autumn banquet herself.
Immediately, she said, “I also really want to host the Mid - Autumn banquet. I'll start preparing in a couple of days.”
After hearing this, Concubine Shu was overjoyed. She was a person who loved excitement the most. She would surely not miss such a grand banquet. Immediately, she said to the woman opposite, “Your Majesty, I'll assist you!”
On the other side of the palace, in Concubine Chu's palace.
Concubine Chu and Concubine Lian were also discussing the Mid - Autumn banquet.
“This Mid - Autumn banquet has been hosted by Your Majesty every year. How could there be an exception this year? Your Majesty, don't worry,” Concubine Lian said with a fawning smile to the woman beside her.
Concubine Chu gave the talking woman a fierce look. She cursed her as stupid in her heart and then said resentfully, “You've seen Dongfang Yi. She's nothing like her previous weak and useless self! What if she tries to take this from me?”
Concubine Lian was momentarily speechless.
Seeing her like this, Concubine Chu rolled her eyes and continued, “And there's also Concubine Shun. Although she was sent into the palace by my adoptive father, she's never been close to me. The Emperor has been doting on her recently. What can I do?”
This time, Concubine Lian couldn't say a word. She stammered, trying to find words to say that they had no experience, but was intimidated by Concubine Chu's even more fierce look and didn't dare to say anything else.
Seeing the woman in front of her at a loss for words, Concubine Chu got angry. Immediately, she raised her hand and slapped her.
“You useless thing!”
Concubine Lian was hit by the slap and immediately knelt on the ground. Covering her face, she looked at the woman in front of her pleadingly and said, “Your Majesty, calm down. Please forgive this concubine.”
Seeing her pleading with tears in her eyes, Concubine Chu felt extremely annoyed. Immediately, she waved her hand to push her away and said, “Get out quickly.”
Concubine Lian immediately stood up and trotted out of the palace.
Concubine Chu was left alone on the chair. Her cold eyes stared straight ahead. She thought it was time to get rid of Concubine Shun. Since she couldn't deal with Dongfang Yi, couldn't she even handle a mere Concubine Shun...
On the other side, Concubine Lian, who had run out of the palace in a hurry, was covering her face, full of grief and indignation. She hated so much. She hated Concubine Chu's cruelty, her own cowardice, and also hated that her family had to rely on the Nangong family, which made her live worse than a servant.
Thinking of this, a hint of killing intent flashed in her once gentle eyes. She didn't want to be trampled under others' feet anymore. She didn't want to suffer such humiliation...
In another corner of the palace, in Concubine Shun's palace.
Concubine Shun, who was eating snacks, was still thinking about the Queen. Suddenly, a cry came from outside the palace:
“His Majesty is coming—”
She quickly ran out of the bedroom. After seeing the man's tall and straight figure, she bowed slightly and said, “This concubine pays respects to Your Majesty.”
Helian Qi replied indifferently, “Rise,” and then stepped into the bedroom. Concubine Shun followed closely behind.
“Your Majesty hasn't been to the palace for some days,” Concubine Shun said pretending to be angry while pouring tea.
“I've been busy with the affairs of the court recently. I've been too preoccupied,” he still replied coldly. Then he picked up the teacup, took a sip of tea, and continued.
“The Mid - Autumn Festival will be here in two months. Does my concubine know about the Mid - Autumn banquet?”
“This concubine knows,” she replied.
Concubine Shun naturally knew about the Mid - Autumn banquet, but she didn't know why the Emperor was talking about it at this moment.
Helian Qi put down the teacup and stared at the woman in front of him intently. “How about entrusting this matter to you, my concubine?”
Concubine Shun was already blushing under his unwavering gaze. Then, after hearing what he said, she was a bit surprised and opened her mouth wide.
“But shouldn't this be done by the Queen...?” Concubine Shun couldn't help but ask. She knew very well that the Mid - Autumn banquet should be hosted by the most noble woman in the harem, which should be the Queen according to the rules.
But Helian Qi didn't answer her question. He just picked up the tea and took a few sips. Then he continued, “My concubine, think about it and start preparing.”
After saying that, he stood up and was about to leave the palace.
“Your Majesty, won't you stay here tonight?” Concubine Shun immediately stood up in a hurry and asked.
Helian Qi just paused for a moment, but didn't even turn his head. He said, “There are still affairs in the court,” and then strode out of Concubine Shun's palace.
Concubine Shun watched his figure disappear completely from her sight, and then lowered her eyes, her mind filled with countless tangled thoughts.
She didn't know why the Emperor would entrust such an important matter to her, but she knew that her uncle would be very happy if he knew. But what about the Queen... She was afraid the Queen would hold a grudge against her.
On the other side, Helian Qi, who had already left Concubine Shun's palace, was also entangled in his heart. He made this decision in order to give the Nangong family a chance to relax their vigilance. But when he thought of Dongfang Yi, his eyes immediately became pained.
It should be okay. Maybe she doesn't like these things...