bookcurios Chapter 162 The Book-Traveling Girl Appears
Chapter 162 The Book-Traveling Girl Appears
Shen Zhinian gave the emperor a shy smile.
The two people's eyes met only briefly in the air, without attracting anyone's attention.
Today, Queen Jiang wore a phoenix robe that represented her status as the mother of the nation, and an exquisite nine-tailed phoenix crown on her head. Her entire attire was noble and looked extremely luxurious!
But... Shen Zhinian felt that Queen Jiang seemed to be thinner than the last time they met, and could not support such gorgeous clothes. Even with thick makeup on her face, it could not cover up her gray complexion.
Standing next to the dazzling Concubine Liu, she was completely outshined!
No wonder Concubine Liu never takes Queen Jiang seriously. She really has the capital to do so.
The eldest princess and Concubine Liu sat together, like a pair of cute little balls, no one would dislike them.
Even the shrewd Queen Mother Liu looked at her with kindness when she looked at her.
Shen Zhinian's hand under her sleeve gently touched her belly.
Everyone in the harem wanted to give birth to a prince. Although she had to give birth to at least one prince if she wanted to ascend to the throne, Shen Zhinian still preferred a daughter.
Because sons can often better understand their father's feelings, and daughters can better empathize with their mothers.
She would like her first child more whether it is a prince or a princess.
Concubine Kang took a deep breath and forced herself to look away. She was afraid that if she looked at the vicious queen for one more time, she would not be able to suppress the hatred in her heart!
Shen Zhinian shook his head secretly.
Even if they are unable to overthrow Queen Jiang with their abilities, Concubine Kang will soon get what she wants.
Because in her previous life, Queen Jiang died of illness in the early winter of the second year of Jingtai. Calculating the time, she only had nine months to live at most.
Noble Lady Zhou came in behind Noble Concubine Liu.
She was only three months pregnant and her pregnancy was not yet obvious, but she kept touching her belly. She sat down leisurely and gave Concubine Kang a provocative look.
"Ah, how do the palace people do things? Sister Kang is a noble lady with a title, half a level higher than ordinary noble ladies, so why is she ranked behind me?"
"I guess they also think that the heir in my sister's belly should sit as close to His Majesty as possible. I'm really sorry, I hope Sister Kang won't mind!"
Although Concubine Zhou was apologizing, her words sounded sarcastic.
Lady Kang had an important mission today and didn't want to bother with Lady Zhou. However, she didn't expect that the other party would take advantage of her and still act like a good boy. This is intolerable!
"If that's the case, why doesn't Sister Zhou sit in the Imperial Concubine's seat? Isn't that closer to His Majesty?"
Concubine Zhou's expression changed: "...You!"
Concubine Liu is jealous. It is already difficult for her to make a living under the control of the other party, and now she is even ridiculed by Concubine Kang!
At this time, everyone stood up with their wine glasses in hand and expressed their congratulations to the emperor and Queen Mother Liu.
Pregnant people are not allowed to drink alcohol, so there was juice on the table of Concubine Zhou and Ruyan Liu.
Fuqiu handed the wine glass to Shen Zhinian and whispered in her ear, "My lady, no problem."
Although the New Year's Eve palace banquet was organized by Concubine Liu, Shen's father was the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, in charge of sacrifices, court meetings, banquets, wine, and food. It was not an easy task for him to replace the wine in her jug with juice.
After toasting, everyone sat down, and the palace maids served exquisite dishes to everyone one after another in an orderly manner.
Queen Jiang tried to hold on and said with a smile, "This mutton soup tonight was carefully cooked by the chef in the imperial kitchen using goat. It is soft, glutinous, delicious, and fresh. You can try it."
Everyone raised their glasses and said, "Thank you, Queen! We, your servants, and your concubines, offer you a toast and wish you good luck, happiness, longevity and good health!"
"Everyone, please sit down."
After Liu Ruyan sat down, she took the mutton soup from Xun Yousheng and drank it in small sips.
Mutton has the effect of promoting blood circulation. Within two quarters of an hour, she will definitely have a miscarriage. Shen Zhinian's period is about to come!
Shen Zhinian naturally noticed Liu Ruyan's action of drinking soup. He exchanged a glance with Xunyou calmly and smiled meaningfully.
This little episode went unnoticed by everyone.
Duke Zhenguo and Queen Jiang looked at each other, and finally the highlight of the day began!
He picked up the wine glass, stood up and said respectfully: "On this New Year's Eve, I wish your Majesty a long life and good health! I wish the Great Zhou a prosperous country and the people peace and happiness!"
"On this auspicious day when all the people are celebrating, I have specially prepared a gift for you, Your Majesty, to enjoy!"
The emperor's majestic face seemed to be alight with interest: "Oh? Since the Duke of Zhenguo is so thoughtful, I will certainly honor you."
The Duke of Zhenguo looked towards the entrance of the hall and clapped his hands.
Everyone's curiosity was aroused and they looked over.
I saw a beautiful woman with a graceful figure, wearing a fiery red dress, slowly walking in from outside.
She had black hair like clouds, eyebrows and eyes like paintings, and she walked with a slender waist, looking graceful under the light gauze. She wore a red veil on her face, covering her beautiful face, revealing only a pair of star-like eyes, which made her look even more mysterious.
Even if you can't see her face clearly, just looking at her eyes and graceful figure, you can tell that she is a stunning beauty!
Queen Jiang had a kind smile on her face, as if she had been looking forward to this day for a long time.
Concubine Liu's hand holding the wine glass suddenly tightened, and she looked at the beauty in red below, her eyes narrowed dangerously!
There were no fools among those present, so they naturally understood that the Duke of Zhenguo was doing this in order to present this beauty to His Majesty!
Aren’t there enough women in the harem? Why would this old man, the Duke of Zhenguo, bring in a vixen? !
The beauty in red stood in the center of the hall, and her gestures of saluting were so graceful that she looked like she had walked out of a painting: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you! I pay my respects to all the ladies!"
"Today is a beautiful day, and I have written a poem to present to Your Majesty!"
Her voice was like a clear mountain spring. Compared with Sun Changzai's angelic voice, it had a touch of the elegance of a noble lady and the scholarly air of a talented woman.
Shen Zhinian watched this scene with great interest.
She remembered that in her previous life, the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion only sent Jiang Wanning into the palace during the selection, and this woman in red had never appeared.
Could it be that because Jiang Wanning died early, subsequent events changed?
Duke Zhenguo and Queen Jiang both had a look of determination on their faces!
Jiang Wanning was the youngest daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo. She was of noble status and had been loved by everyone since she was young! But she died not long after entering the palace, which made the Duke of Zhenguo and Queen Jiang understand a truth. Even if you have a noble status, you may not be able to live long in the harem, let alone seek the position of queen.
Therefore, the Duke of Zhenguo specially selected a woman from the Jiang family who was superior in talent, appearance, and sophistication, adopted her as his daughter, and prepared to send her to the palace.
Little did they know...the woman in red looked calm on the outside, but she was actually panicking inside!
Because she is not the original body at all, she is a traveler from the book!