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

Chapter 54:Dancer

Yulan quickly reassured her, "How could that be, Your Highness? You have been favored for so many years, and His Majesty's love for you is evident. That Ning woman is merely a passing novelty."

Consort Zhuang fell into deep thought before declaring firmly, "I will never allow her to become another Consort Rong."

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The Mid-Autumn Banquet

Two days later, on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, the grand Mid-Autumn banquet was held.

The event was attended not only by the consorts of the inner palace but also by the imperial princes and their wives. All consorts were required to dress in full court attire.

Ning Shuyan wore a light blue palace gown. Her long, jet-black hair was styled into a delicate Ling Snake Bun, adorned with two hollowed gold hairpins and a pearl butterfly hairpin at the back. Elegant and refined, her attire was perfectly suited to her status.

Xiao Yu raised his cup with a smile. "Fourth Brother, you've always appreciated fine wines. Have a taste—what do you think of this one?"

Prince Si (Fourth Prince) took the cup, bowed slightly in acknowledgment, and took a sip before commenting, "Rich in fragrance, smooth in texture, and with a lingering aftertaste—an excellent wine, Your Majesty."

Xiao Yu smiled as he set down his own cup. His gaze then shifted to Prince Xuan (Third Prince), who appeared utterly engrossed in the performance before him. His eyes were fixed, unmoving.

Following his line of sight, Xiao Yu's gaze landed on the same spot—right where Ning Shuyan was seated. A flicker of displeasure crossed his face, though his expression remained composed, his eyes darkening subtly.

Unaware of this, Ning Shuyan was chatting with Beauty Xu, her every smile and movement exuding a natural, soft charm.

Xiao Yu furrowed his brows slightly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. Then, his voice rang out: "Stop."

The music and dance immediately ceased. The performers lowered their heads anxiously, fearing they had displeased the Emperor.

Xiao Yu pointed at the lead dancer, a woman dressed in red and blue. His tone was calm. "You, lift your head."

The consorts exchanged glances, startled. Many had already noticed this dancer's exceptional beauty and the flirtatious air in her gaze. Could it be that the Emperor had taken a liking to her?

Consort Zhuang's eyes gleamed coldly as she fixed her gaze on the dancer, while the Empress watched with an amused smile.

The dancers hesitated before the lead performer finally raised her head.

She was indeed stunning—her beauty comparable to the finest ladies of the palace. Though she did not surpass Consort Rong or Ning Shuyan in allure, she was undeniably captivating.

The consorts collectively held their breath.

But the Emperor's next words made them all relax at once.

"Such a remarkable beauty—it's no wonder Prince Xuan could not take his eyes off her."

Prince Xuan was taken aback, his face instantly draining of color. "Your Majesty, I—"

Xiao Yu cut him off, his tone cool yet amicable. "Since it is the Mid-Autumn Festival, I shall grant her to you."

His voice was warm and gentle, yet utterly devoid of emotion. His smile, too, remained pleasant.

Prince Xuan felt a chill creep down his spine. He must have been too obvious in his staring, and the Emperor had caught him. He immediately regretted his lapse in self-control. Forcing a smile, he said, "Your Majesty, I have no such thoughts toward this dancer. Please, do not trouble yourself on my behalf."

Xiao Yu's expression remained unchanged, though his voice carried a hint of amusement. "But did you not just now fix your gaze upon her? Or is it that another dancer has caught your eye? Speak freely—I will grant her to you as well."

His warm demeanor was almost brotherly, yet it sent a shiver through Prince Xuan.

The prince's face alternated between pale and flushed. He was at a loss for words. Could he dare admit that he had been looking at the Emperor's woman?

Princess Xuan's expression was equally dark, though she restrained her fury. She hadn't noticed her husband's wandering gaze before, but now she felt humiliated. Her hands clenched tightly around her silk handkerchief.

Prince Si chuckled. "It seems our Third Brother does indeed fancy her." His eyes flicked toward the bewildered dancer.

Xiao Yu idly turned his jade thumb ring. "Well then, since our Third Brother is too hesitant to speak, let Princess Xuan decide. She has always been generous—surely she won't mind making the decision for her husband."

Ning Shuyan's gaze drifted toward Princess Xuan. She was a breathtaking beauty, as delicate as a blooming peach blossom. No wonder Prince Xuan had once been determined to marry her and refused to take concubines.