Chapter 206: What Was Su Yingxue Acting For?
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
The grievances in the empress’s heart flowed like a river.
At this moment, Noble Consort Xiao spoke up and said, “Empress, the emperor, and the Ninth Prince have a brotherly and respectful relationship. I low can we bear to chastise them? The emperor came to celebrate your birthday. Do you want to dampen the emperor’s spirits? Emperor, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Indeed, Noble Consort speaks wisely,” Chu Mingyuan complimented as he glanced approvingly at Noble Consort Xiao.
Noble Consort Xiao half-covered her cheeks and let out a coquettish laugh.
If only the empress could remove her phoenix crown, she might have confronted Chu Yihan head-on!
But she couldn’t.
All she could do was watch as Chu Chengye set up a separate table, placed it behind Chu Jinling, and reluctantly took his seat.
And she, in turn, could only return to Chu Mingyuan’s side.
She wished Chu Mingyuan would hold her hand, even if it was just for comfort.
However, as soon as she had settled down, Chu Mingyuan turned to Consort Xiang and inquired, “Xiang’er, are you feeling unwell today? Did the imperial physician check your pulse on time? If you’re uncomfortable, you must inform me!”
“I am fine. Thank you for your concern, Emperor,” Consort Xiang replied, her lips curving into a delicate smile, radiating a demeanor akin to that of a celestial being.
When Su Yingxue glanced over, she witnessed an interaction between the two of them.
The empress clenched her teeth and continued to preside over the banquet. All the attendees presented their gifts and offered their birthday wishes, yet her countenance remained sour.
The wives had anticipated the princes’ attendance today and had made preparations for their daughters. They encouraged them to perform at the banquet, hoping to catch the eye of a prince and secure a future as a prince’s consort.
The empress was more than willing to assist in their endeavors. Seven or eight noble ladies showcased their talents, excelling in singing, dancing, reciting poetry, or painting. Each one displayed remarkable skill.
Chu Mingyuan was focused on his sons’ marriages too and rewarded several exceptional noble daughters.
The ninth noble lady to perform was Su Yurou. She had shed her outer attire and adorned herself in a white, wide-sleeved gown of light gauze. Her beauty was captivating, and her graceful form danced elegantly on the stage, her white garments billowing in the breeze, resembling a celestial nymph.
Su Yingxue couldn’t tell whether the attending princes were awestruck or not, but she did observe envious glances among the noble ladies.
“Well done, the Marquis of Martial South has indeed raised an exceptional daughter,” Chu Mingyuan commended, rewarding her with a smile.
Su Yurou, having gained favor in front of Chu Mingyuan, became even more affected. Blushing, she feigned shyness and said, “I possess little talent. Apart from this dance, I have also composed a birthday song for the empress. I hope Your Highness will accept it.”
“Oh? Why don’t you recite it for us?” The empress’s eyes brimmed with admiration.
Su Yurou’s voice, as melodious as a warbler’s song, brought her lyrics to life in a melodious tune. After her performance, many were captivated by her singing and artistic talent.
Even the envious gazes dared not be too overt.
“Exquisite both in appearance and demeanor. I shall certainly reward Su Dingheng, his daughter is truly outstanding.” Chu Mingyuan praised Su Yurou.
Even the empress gestured to offer her generous rewards.
If Su Yurou was content, she had certainly earned herself plenty of recognition by accepting the rewards.
However, upon seeing Su Yingxue’s relaxed demeanor, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of disdain.
A hint of cruelty flashed in her eyes. After changing out of her dance attire, she adopted a soft and charming tone, “Emperor, my father has always held my sister to a higher standard. Today, my sister has also prepared some talents to celebrate the empress’s birthday!”
“Oh? Is that so?” Chu Mingyuan stroked his beard and glanced at Su Yingxue.. “Are you perhaps prepared to provide on-the-spot medical treatment for everyone today?”