Entering the palace means entering a high position; I'm His Majesty's cousin, who am I afr

In fact, Pei Yan noticed her as soon as he entered the banquet hall.

Even amidst the dazzling array of jewels and finery on stage, she stood out remarkably, her beauty breathtaking.

Even though Pei Yan had been an emperor for many years and had seen countless beautiful women in the world, he had to admit one thing.

His cousin is really beautiful.

Her beauty was unparalleled, surpassing all others.

However, his personality... remains unrestrained and reckless.

In front of all the concubines, she dared to act so boldly to seduce him.

Pei Yan's eyes darkened slightly, but he didn't refuse her. When it was her turn to congratulate him, he said lightly, "You're very thoughtful."

Their eyes met briefly.

Something indescribable and inexplicable was flowing and spreading in the air.

Shen Jiayu was the first to look away from the table, and she raised her hand to drink the wine in her glass.

Then the other concubines began to offer their congratulations, and Pei Yan turned to look elsewhere.

After the concubines of the six palaces offered their congratulations, the two princes also stepped forward to congratulate Pei Yan.

Unlike Empress Dowager Shen's kindness, Pei Yan's expression towards the two princes was rather stern and imposing, making him appear to be a strict father.

After that, it was time to send birthday gifts.

Empress Dowager Shen looked at the Emperor with a rare expression of kindness. "After today, Your Majesty will be twenty-six years old. As Your Majesty's birth mother, I must prepare something to celebrate Your Majesty's birthday."

She raised her hand, and immediately palace servants carried the congratulatory gifts into the banquet hall.

After the red silk was unveiled, a gasp of surprise rang out.

The Empress Dowager's gift was a coral tree as tall as a person.

With its towering red branches and lush crimson foliage, it resembles a celestial fiery tree, truly a rare treasure in the world.

Even the concubines in the palace, who were quite worldly, couldn't help but marvel at this sight. Coral was not rare, but they had never seen one so large and lush.

Empress Luo smiled and said, "With Your Majesty's kindness before us, we concubines feel our gifts are inferior and dare not present them to you."

Empress Dowager Shen chuckled lightly: "Your Majesty is too kind. I have heard that your congratulatory gifts are all very unique, and I am looking forward to them very much."

Empress Luo glanced at the emperor on the throne and said softly, "I'm glad Your Majesty doesn't mind."

The first person to present a congratulatory gift was Bai Baolin.

She was a new concubine who entered the palace at the same time as Shen Jiayu. As was customary, she served the emperor once, and then had no further opportunities to see his face.

She had been preparing for this palace banquet for a long time and planned to perform a water sleeve dance.

As the music began, Bai Baolin, dressed in a light blue dance costume, gracefully entered the stage.

With light, graceful steps, her sleeves trailed like flowing clouds.

With each twist and turn, her figure is graceful and elegant.

She really put in a lot of effort; the dance was excellent.

After the dance ended, the concubines gave her ample face and praised her in unison.

The emperor on the high platform had a calm and indifferent expression.

Seeing this, Bai Baolin was quite discouraged and retreated in disappointment.

Next, there were those who played musical instruments and recited poems, as well as those who played the pipa and guzheng, each with their own unique charm.

However, the emperor seemed uninterested, and no interest was shown between his brows.

Several dishes on the table looked quite good, and the fruit wine was refreshing and sweet. Shen Jiayu sat at the table, watching the song and dance performances while filling her stomach.

Noticing that the three consorts had finished presenting their gifts, she said to Hongling, "Give the treasure box to Chief Eunuch Qing and have him present it to His Majesty."

Hongling asked, "Won't Your Majesty present it in person?"

Shen Jiayu shook her head: "No need."

Hongling nodded, stepped forward with the treasure box, and quietly called to Chief Eunuch Qing, "This is a congratulatory gift from our Noble Consort to His Majesty. We hope that Chief Eunuch Qing will present it to His Majesty."

Through the bustling banquet, Qing'an looked at the seated Shen Jiayu and asked with some doubt, "Doesn't the Noble Consort serve it herself?"

Hongling smiled and shook her head.

Qing'an asked no more questions, took the document with both hands, and said, "Tell the Noble Consort that this servant will certainly forward it to the Emperor."

Hongling bowed to him: "Thank you very much, Steward Qing."

Taking advantage of the lively atmosphere of the banquet, Qing'an placed the gifts next to the pile of congratulatory presents on the imperial desk and explained in a low voice, "Your Majesty, these were sent by Consort Shen."

Pei Yan lowered his eyes slightly.

The treasure box was square and well-proportioned, and looked very exquisite and meticulous, indicating that it was prepared with care.

However, this woman is usually so spoiled and arrogant. This was a congratulatory gift she made herself. Why did she suddenly become silent and not come to claim credit?

Pei Yan casually withdrew his gaze, his tone nonchalant, "I know."

The banquet lasted for several hours, but Empress Dowager Shen left early, citing fatigue.

After all the concubines presented their congratulatory gifts, only Empress Luo remained.

She stood up with a smile: "It is Your Majesty's birthday. Since I am not as talented as my sisters, I have made another plan: to set off a fireworks display to celebrate Your Majesty's birthday. Would Your Majesty do me the honor?"

Pei Yan nodded slightly: "Your Majesty is very kind."

Empress Luo smiled and said, "Your Majesty, please step outside."

Pei Yan stood up and led a group of concubines to wait in front of the balcony railing.

In the stillness, a muffled sound suddenly came from the sky.

A dazzling beam of light exploded in the deep night, shattering the jade-like blossoms into a shower of stars.

After that sound, fireworks burst forth in a spectacular display. The sky was ablaze with color, and the flames danced in the air.

Faced with such a beautiful view, the concubines were filled with amazement.

Amidst the spectacular display of lights, Shen Jiayu sensed something amiss and frowned slightly.

Was it the fireworks that were illuminating the scene? Or was I just drunk?

Why do I see a palace maid next to me whose eyebrows and eyes are somewhat similar to those of Ruan Cai Nu?