[1]The Consort is Both Charming and Scheming, Rising Through Palace Intrigue

Chapter 39: Zhuang Fei Birthday

The conversation continued with polite exchanges, until Xiao Yu and Consort Zhuang finally arrived, drawing all eyes to them.

Consort Zhuang was dressed in a deep red palace gown, with royal blue embroidery adorning the collar and waist, depicting a profusion of flowers—an elegant and noble display. The most striking piece was the golden peacock crown on her head, from which strands of glossy red agate dangled. Her earrings and necklace were also made of agate, her entire appearance exuding a sense of flamboyant opulence. However, it was almost too extravagant—perhaps befitting a Noble Consort, but not her current status.

The Empress was momentarily taken aback but quickly resumed her composed demeanor. No matter how vibrant the red, it would never surpass the crimson of the rightful Empress.

"Sister, this hairpiece suits you well," the Empress remarked warmly.

Consort Zhuang smiled radiantly, raising a hand to lightly touch the agate tassels that shimmered with each movement. With a hint of pride, she said, "Her Majesty has a keen eye—this was a gift from His Majesty." As she spoke, she gazed at Xiao Yu with eyes full of affection.

Xiao Yu, however, remained focused on sipping his tea, seemingly unaware of her affectionate look.

The Empress's smile stiffened slightly before she recovered. "Then it is His Majesty who has excellent taste."

Xiao Yu continued drinking his tea without replying.

Consort Rong, who had gone to great lengths to dress up, now appeared somewhat overshadowed in front of Consort Zhuang. With a hint of jealousy, she said, "Such a precious piece—Sister Zhuang should wear it just this once and store it away carefully. If it gets damaged, you'll regret it later."

Consort Zhuang scoffed internally but maintained her graceful demeanor. She raised her delicate brows and replied, "Since His Majesty gifted it to me, why should I keep it locked away? He gave it to me so that I could wear it, did he not? Your Majesty?" She turned to Xiao Yu with a sweet voice.

Xiao Yu looked up indifferently and smirked. "Do as you wish with what I give you."

The Empress lifted her wine cup and said warmly, "Time flies—Sister Zhuang has been by His Majesty's side for six years now. If I recall correctly, you are twenty-two years old? I wish you continued beauty and everlasting grace."

The smile on Consort Zhuang's lips grew faint. Did the Empress really need to remind her that she was already twenty-two? Among the women present, aside from the Empress and Consort Rong, she was the oldest. Forcing a smile, she raised her cup. "Many thanks, Your Majesty."

Just then, the sound of retching interrupted the banquet.

The Empress turned her attention to Xijieyu. "Are you feeling unwell?"

Xijieyu quickly stood up, pressing a hand to her chest. "I feel a bit nauseous from the smell of the shiitake duck dish. I'll be fine soon, it's nothing serious."

Xiao Yu immediately ordered the dish to be removed and said gently, "If there are any other dishes that make you uncomfortable, have them taken away."

Ye Jieyu frowned slightly—her favorite dish had just been removed. But there was nothing she could do; after all, Xijieyu's body was delicate.

Consort Zhuang rolled her eyes. That woman always managed to steal her spotlight.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yu's gaze fell upon Ning Shuyan, who was dressed in a violet gown. She had worn this color once before, and on her, it exuded an air of elegance, mystery, and gentle charm.

Sensing someone's gaze, Ning Shuyan lifted her eyes slightly and found herself locking eyes with Xiao Yu. Startled, she quickly averted her gaze, biting her lower lip.

She wasn't sure why, but she suddenly felt flustered. Why was he looking at her like that?

Xiao Yu withdrew his gaze, amused by her avoidance.

Consort Zhuang noticed the Emperor smiling at seemingly nothing and asked curiously, "Your Majesty, what are you thinking about?"

Xiao Yu snapped out of his thoughts, his lips curling into a faint smile. "I was just thinking how time flies—Ling'er has been with me for six years now."

Hearing him call her so intimately in front of everyone, Consort Zhuang's expression softened, her gaze tender. "Yet to me, it feels as though I've been by Your Majesty's side for much longer..."

That night, Consort Zhuang, blooming like a delicate cherry blossom, basked in Xiao Yu's attention. Consort Rong, gritting her teeth in frustration, finally pushed the First Prince toward Xiao Yu to regain some of her composure.

Unsurprisingly, Xiao Yu spent the night in Consort Zhuang's chambers.