Chapter 252: The Schemes at the Birthday Banquet (Part 8)

Chapter 252: The Schemes at the Birthday Banquet (Part 8)

When Yun Ji spoke again, he was once more the distant and cold Prince Jiyue, pulling Su Rao's mind back to reality. Her gaze, which had been fixed on Yun Ji, finally shifted away.

Another sip of wine.

Her expression became clearer.

Even though his original intention was for her to rest well, it did not matter. Sealing her acupoints was his fault, and she had not wronged him. Why should she feel guilty?

Another sip of wine, her gaze grew even clearer, and she pushed all thoughts of Yun Ji aside, no longer dwelling on them.

After delivering the birthday gifts, it was nearly noon, time for the imperial birthday feast.

The music began, and dancers entered the hall.

Music accompanied by dance.

"Concubine Zhao, I've heard that you are renowned in Yunlang for your talents in poetry, calligraphy, painting, and music. Judging from your figure, I imagine your dancing skills must be excellent as well.

You have been married to our Zhu Xian for some time now. Usually, Shao keeps you hidden, but today, on the Emperor's birthday banquet, we finally get to see you. How about you perform a dance for us?"

Empress Rong suddenly spoke, asking Zhao Lianxin to dance. Though she wore a smile, her words carried an underlying meaning. However, when she waved her hand to dismiss the other dancers, it was clear that her intentions were merely superficial.

"Shao wouldn't be unwilling, would you?"

She followed up with this teasing remark, looking at Prince Yi and Shao. Empress Rong appeared to be a good royal sister-in-law at that moment.

But anyone who knew of the discord between Empress Rong and Prince Yi and Shao understood that she was deliberately targeting them.

And Su Rao was one of those who knew.

She swirled the cup in her hand, watching the ripples form in the wine.

In the instant she tasted the wine, Su Rao quickly glanced at Empress Rong and Prince Yi and Shao.

Her almond-shaped eyes were filled with a deep, unfathomable color.

Was an invisible war about to begin?

A moment later, she looked at Zhao Lianxin.

Zhao Lianxin was Prince Yi and Shao's concubine. If she danced like a courtesan in the grand hall, it would be a humiliation to Prince Yi and Shao. Empress Rong's deliberate provocation made Su Rao curious about how she would respond.

"As a consort of His Highness, my actions should be guided by His Highness's wishes."

Zhao Lianxin rose and bowed to Empress Rong, adhering to the etiquette expected of a noble lady. Then she spoke these words, turning to look at Prince Yi and Shao.

Waiting for Prince Yi and Shao to speak.

A woman's three obediences: before marriage, obey your father; after marriage, obey your husband; after widowhood, obey your son.

For a noble lady like Zhao Lianxin, she naturally held herself to these standards, always mindful of them.

Her every move and gesture exuded the dignity expected of a noble lady, showing no hint of anger or humiliation. She did not disgrace her status as a noble lady, leaving Empress Rong without any fault to find.

Such measured behavior would have attracted many suitors if she had not fallen in love with Yun Ji. Perhaps she could have lived a life of her own instead of being trapped in an arranged marriage.

In terms of palace intrigue and dealing with scheming women, Su Rao had to admit that Zhao Lianxin had mastered the art.

Zhao Lianxin was far from shallow. As long as it was not related to Yun Ji, her intelligence was evident.

Su Rao believed that even if Zhao Lianxin did not fully understand the tension between Empress Rong and Prince Yi and Shao, she must have sensed something.

She had been in Zhu Xian for several months, mostly confined within the walls of Prince Yi's mansion. But she must have heard rumors and gossip from the many maids and servants there, giving her a clear understanding of the situation.

Her current actions showed her wisdom in aligning herself with Prince Yi and Shao.

She knew how to position herself for her own benefit.

Just as Su Rao had guessed, Zhao Lianxin was very clear.

From the first time she paid respects to Empress Rong, sensing the subtle attempts at alliance and the verbal sparring between Empress Rong and Prince Yi and Shao, Zhao Lianxin realized the situation.

Taught by Concubine Shu since childhood, she understood the art of veiled threats and silent manipulation.

Given the discord between Empress Rong and Prince Yi and Shao, she, as a princess consort, would inevitably become a pawn between them.

She had to choose a side, and only by standing with the right person could she survive in Zhu Xian.

Without hesitation, Zhao Lianxin chose Prince Yi and Shao.

Aside from other reasons, Concubine Shu's instructions before her marriage made it clear what choice she should make.

Moreover, due to frequent visits to the imperial palace, Zhao Lianxin understood the dynamics among the imperial consorts.

After just a few interactions with Empress Rong, she knew that Empress Rong would discard a pawn once it lost its utility.

With Prince Yi and Shao, she knew that as long as she remained a loyal consort and avoided entanglements with Empress Rong, she could live peacefully in Zhu Xian.

These reasons were fundamental to Zhao Lianxin's choice, but another reason was that Prince Yi and Shao were her husband.

In ancient times, a woman's honor and disgrace were tied to her husband's. If he thrived, she thrived; if he fell, she fell.

From the day of her marriage, from the moment she became Prince Yi and Shao's consort, her fate was bound to theirs. If anything happened to Prince Yi and Shao, she would suffer as well.

"Beloved... Consort..."

Zhaollianxin waited for Xianyi Chishao to speak, but before she could, Emperor Wei furrowed his brow first.

What mischief do you plan to make now?

Under the imperial desk, a hand with prominent knuckles grabbed Empress Rong's right wrist, and the sound of her wrist cracking could be heard, indicating the force applied.

Empress Rong's phoenix eyes fell on her, her face seemingly helpless, yet inside, her calmness turned into a hidden fury.

No matter how Empress Rong treated him, Emperor Wei would not easily frown or get angry, except when it involved Xianyi Chishao.

Only then would Emperor Wei get angry.

"Wei Lang is actually angry again; truly rare!"

A low remark.

Empress Rong seemed to feel no pain in her wrist.

"Your Majesty also enjoys dance, isn't it? I merely asked Concubine Zhao to dance a segment. This concubine has danced for Your Majesty before, and Your Majesty praised my dance as enchanting!"

The seemingly affectionate couple, secretly clashing, showed no sign of discord on their faces, only deep love.

After these words, Empress Rong looked at Lianxin, her eyes narrowing slightly, her cold and stunning gaze becoming even more piercing.

"Zhao... Concubine..."

Father... Mother...

Yaling, seated beside the prince, felt a pang of sorrow in her eyes, and now, she could easily see the underlying tension beneath the affection. She was about to stand and speak...

"Does the empress want to see the concubine dance?"

Xianyi Chishao finally spoke, perhaps sensing Yaling's reaction or not wanting Emperor Wei to anger Empress Rong, that mad woman, at this moment.

"In this matter, my concubine fears she will disappoint the empress."