The wicked imperial concubine is courting death again; the comments section teaches her how to win w

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects and wish you a long and healthy life."

On the other side, Qin Lianyue's eyes instantly reddened upon seeing her birth mother. "Mother."

Yang Lanru also hugged Qin Lianyue with heartache, "My child..."

Ever since her daughter was confined to her quarters and demoted, she had wanted to visit the palace. But her husband wouldn't allow it, and she waited anxiously until the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet provided the opportunity.

She wiped away her tears with a handkerchief, "...You've lost weight."

The word "My Lord" caused Qin Lianyue's expression to change in various ways.

In the past, everyone called her "Your Majesty," but now, wherever she goes, people remind her that she is just a minor noblewoman.

Furthermore, she was the lowest-ranking person in the palace, and had to bow to everyone she met!

Yang Lanru knew her daughter's grievances. To her husband, the demotion was just a minor matter. But Yang Lanru, being in the inner quarters, knew all too well that the palace was a place of fawning on the powerful and bullying the weak.

If it weren't for the Qin family still supporting them, who knows how badly their daughter would have been treated.

"Sister-in-law, there's no need to worry. Yue'er is only temporarily relegated to the position of Noble Lady. I will find an opportunity to restore her to her original position."

Although the Empress Dowager felt that Qin Lianyue was not very bright, she was still a member of the Qin family, so how could she not help her?

"With the Empress Dowager's protection, this humble woman naturally has nothing to worry about."

After the group spoke with the Empress Dowager for a while, a palace maid came to report that the birthday banquet was about to begin.

The group then headed towards the banquet.

Yang Lanru and Qin Lianyue followed behind the Empress Dowager's carriage. When no one was paying attention, she quietly slipped a porcelain bottle into Qin Lianyue's hand and whispered, "Your father will arrange for you to drink this tonight... It's to help with fertility."

"Moon, be quick-witted then and seize the opportunity."

Qin Lianyue was overjoyed and carefully put away the porcelain bottle. "Mother, rest assured, I understand."

She knew her father wouldn't stand idly by.

Qin Zhenxiong is straightforward in his actions, but he actually despises such underhanded tactics.

But Qin Lianyue has been in the palace for so long, and they've tried everything, from kind words to harsh ones, but the emperor just won't touch his daughter.

With the war in the Northwest gaining momentum again, he probably won't be able to stay in the capital for long. What other options do he have besides resorting to underhanded tactics?

It doesn't matter if the methods are bad or not, as long as they work.

……

To signify its solemnity, the Thousand Autumns Banquet was held in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Last year, because of Xie Ling's lack of cooperation, the Empress Dowager was also frustrated during her birthday celebration. This year, with the grand scale of the event, she finally has the feel of a winner in the palace intrigue.

Although she did not become empress while the late emperor was alive.

But her son proved to be a capable ruler, and she remained the Empress Dowager.

The only thing I'm not happy about is—

The Empress Dowager's gaze shifted to the Emperor's side, her brows furrowing. Qi Yitang was merely a Noble Consort, yet she dared to sit on equal footing with the Emperor; it was utterly improper.

In fact, Qi Yitang also wanted to keep a low profile, but Xie Ling forcefully kept her by his side.

"Sit next to me."

With her emperor husband backing her up, Qi Yitang had no choice but to stand tall and ignore the various gazes below, some filled with envy, some with dissatisfaction, and some with curiosity.

There's no way around it; a favored concubine has to be dressed like this.

The palace maids served the dishes one by one, the eunuchs poured the wine, and then came the carefully rehearsed song and dance performance.

Below, Yang Lanru, standing beside Qin Zhenxiong, gritted her teeth in resentment. His Majesty was spoiling Consort Qi far too much. How could a concubine be on equal footing with the Emperor and Empress Dowager?!

Qin Zhenxiong was also somewhat dissatisfied, but he did not show it directly.

Flowers don't bloom for a hundred days; once Yue'er becomes pregnant, Consort Qi won't be able to keep her running around for long.

For now, let her be arrogant for a few days.

The banquet food was quite elaborate, so it was impossible to eat one's fill. In addition, given Qi Yitang's high position, it was naturally impossible for him to indulge in excessive eating and drinking.

She used a little bit, then listlessly watched the singing and dancing below.

Today is a grand banquet, and all the princes and princesses who could attend have come.

Qi Yitang recognized many of them. After a brief glance, her eyes met a pair of calm, watery eyes—that was Princess Anning, the fourth princess of the late emperor.

Qi Yitang's eyes darted away, as if she were feeling a little guilty.

Princess Anning stared at her for quite a while.

A little further up is Xie Jingyu.

The moment their eyes met, Xie Jingyu even raised his glass and gave her a gentle, warm smile.

Qi Yitang tried her best to hold back and avoid rolling her eyes in public.

Does he think he's particularly handsome like this?

[I feel nauseous. I'm hallucinating a group of self-proclaimed handsome middle-aged male celebrities.]

[It's alright, the male lead isn't that ugly, just a bit slick.]

Seeing that her attention was entirely on someone else, Xie Ling's eyes darkened slightly. "Tangtang."

Qi Yitang immediately snapped out of her daze and leaned closer, "What's wrong?"

Below, seeing Qi Yitang almost leaning into Xie Ling's arms to listen to him speak, while someone secretly gave him a provocative smile, Xie Jingyu's face darkened, and he gripped his wine glass tightly.

But a moment later, the corners of his mouth curled up again.

Laugh all you want, Xie Ling can only be so smug for a little while. When he sees Qi Yitang pleasuring him from beneath him, I don't believe he'll still be able to laugh.

Xie Jingyu couldn't wait any longer.

The banquet was filled with singing and dancing, and toasts were exchanged. Before long, it was time for the gift-giving part of the birthday celebration.

As the Empress Dowager's elder brother, Qin Zhenxiong was extremely generous, showering her with gifts such as fox fur cloaks, pearls from the East China Sea, and luminous cups...

They collected all sorts of good stuff, many of which were rare and precious items found only in the Northwest.

Next came the presentations of gifts by the imperial concubines. Consort Shu presented a longevity scroll embroidered by Consort Shu, and Consort Hui presented a Buddhist prayer bead string blessed by a master... Each one had its own unique charm.

When it was Qin Lianyue's turn to present her gift, she stood in the center of the hall.

Qi Yitang frowned slightly.

Many noblewomen below exchanged glances silently, wondering why Consort Qin was dressed so similarly to the Imperial Concubine.

Qi Yitang has always loved the vibrant color of begonias, but today she is wearing a purple palace dress. Purple is a noble color, and the skirt is embroidered with golden phoenixes, which matches the purple robe worn by the emperor, making her look luxurious and elegant.

Looking at Qin Lianyue's clothes, from head to toe, except for the color being slightly lighter, the style was almost identical.

If you're far away and only see their backs, you might easily mistake one for the other.

Qi Yitang was speechless. She wasn't like this before, so why did she imitate her?

Qin Lianyue seemed oblivious to everyone's expressions. Her face was somewhat pale as she curtsied and said, "I know I am foolish. It would be better if my sisters came up with something more original. I have only heard by chance that blood is formed from the soul. If blood is used instead of ink, then each word represents a wish, and each wish represents a life."

"During my confinement, I used my blood to mix with ink and hand-copied the Ksitigarbha Sutra... I wish Your Majesty a long and healthy life, and that your blessings will last forever."

As he spoke, a eunuch presented the scroll.

The writing on it was dark red, and when Qin Lianyue raised her hands, her wrists were wrapped in snow-white gauze, with specks of blood seeping out from the center.

Everyone was astonished; how could Consort Qin be so filial?

One official couldn't help but say, "It's truly touching that Consort Qin has gone to such lengths."

The Empress Dowager was also deeply moved, "Yue'er, how could you be so foolish..."

Qin Zhenxiong said, "Your Highness has devoted yourself to praying for the Empress Dowager, and is truly a role model for the harem. It is a pity that you have been demoted and confined to your quarters for a small mistake. Even though I am not Consort Qin's biological father, I am extremely disheartened."

When Qin Zhenxiong speaks, he always commands a large following.

Many court officials echoed his sentiments, saying, "The General is absolutely right."

The Empress Dowager readily accepted the offer, saying, "Consort Qin is extremely filial, serving me with utmost care. Now, she has even transcribed scriptures in her own blood, demonstrating her utmost devotion. I hereby issue this imperial decree to restore Consort Qin to her rank of Li Pin, and to bestow upon her ten pearls from the East Sea and ten bolts of shimmering brocade from Jiangnan."

She turned to Xie Ling, "What does the Emperor think?"

Xie Ling stroked the wine glass with his fingertips and said calmly, "Today is the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet, so naturally we will follow the Empress Dowager's wishes."

Qin Lianyue was overjoyed. "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness."

The atmosphere inside the hall was incredibly lively.

Qin Lianyue curtsied and was about to leave when she suddenly seemed to remember something, a smile playing on her lips. "The ladies of the palace have all shown great thoughtfulness. I wonder what Your Highness has prepared for the Empress Dowager?"