"Who is this? Such exquisite beauty."
"When did such a remarkable figure emerge from the imperial harem? A closer look, she bears a resemblance to Concubine Li."
"Your standards, my friend? This lady appears far lovelier than Concubine Li. To describe it precisely, Concubine Li is an abstract beauty, while the one before us is a realist beauty."
The implication being that the lady in white before them was more delicate and particular, whereas Concubine Li had only a general semblance of beauty that faded upon closer inspection.
"Am I seeing things? She seems to be wearing the white fox fur robe that the Jin Kingdom gifted to the Emperor last year!"
"What? The one that the Emperor treasured and never gave to anyone?"
Some ladies well-acquainted with Lady Zhou grabbed her hand, both confirming and doubting, "Lady Zhou, does that imperial consort not bear a striking resemblance to your niece, Sister Yue? Hmm...did your family send Sister Tong and Sister Yue to the palace during the early summer selection this year?"
If so, that would undoubtedly be Jiang Xinyue.
For a moment, Lady Zhou was taken aback, finding it hard to believe that the seemingly sacred and untouchable imperial consort was the same pitiful girl from her household.
Alas, in the palace setting, she could not lose composure. Otherwise, she would have rushed over to examine closely whether this was indeed a vixen wearing a human mask.
How could the harsh palace life allow her to grow more beautiful?
Seeing Lady Zhou's cold silence as she glared at the consort, and the absence of the eldest legitimate daughter of the Jiang family, the others began to sense what was amiss.
Lady Zhou must be resentful towards the favored consort from a lowly background.
Vice Minister Jiang was an astute man, but his wife had a narrow perspective, sadly.
Such an otherworldly beauty born into another family would undoubtedly be cherished as a rare treasure.
One who could bring rise or fall, glory or ruin to a clan - no matter how disliked, they would be forced to put on a smile.
The palace ladies eyed the fox fur robe adorning Consort Zhen, their gazes filled with envy and resentment.
What sorcery did this vile woman use to make the Emperor repeatedly break rules for her?
They had all just witnessed Consort Zhen arriving in a palanquin.
Palace rules clearly stated that only consorts of the fourth rank or higher were permitted to use palanquins. As a mere concubine of the fourth rank, how dare she ride one without the Emperor's permission?
First the fox fur robe, then the palanquin - even some of the higher-ranked consorts felt jealous, remarking acidly, "Consort Zhen is truly the apple of the Emperor's eye. That fur robe evaded everyone's grasp, yet it found its way exclusively to her. Some were eager to deliver it right to her palace."
Wang Dequan pretended not to hear the "eager" remark, observing outwardly while inwardly feeling anxious.
He was merely a humble servant following the Emperor's orders; the consort needn't direct her ire towards him.
"His Imperial Majesty arrives - Her Imperial Majesty the Empress arrives!"
The little eunuch's announcement allowed Wang Dequan to breathe a sigh of relief as he swiftly returned to the Emperor's side.
Jiang Xinyue's position was arranged after Consort Jin and before Consort Zhang, with wolves before and tigers behind - yet she remained perfectly poised as she took her seat.
Xi Que and Shuang Jiang stood vigilant guard, wary of any ill intentions from the others that might soil their mistress's fur robe.
Despite the warm spring-like atmosphere in Baohe Hall, Jiang Xinyue had no need for the fur robe to ward off the cold. After flaunting it for all to see and garnering enough attention, she removed it and handed it to a young maid to carry on her arm, retreating to a less crowded corner.
That should do it!
An imperial gift could not be carelessly damaged or lost. If anyone dared to ruin her fur robe, there would be heads to roll.
"Oh?"
Someone glanced between Concubine Su and Consort Zhen, suddenly exclaiming, "Concubine Su, why is your dress identical to Consort Zhen's?"
This was impossible!
The dresses of the harem consorts were all produced jointly by the Weaving Bureau and Office of Music and Dance. The colors and patterns each consort wore were strictly regulated - there could be no mix-up.
Everyone turned to look at Jiang Xinyue and Concubine Su, but they quickly realized that in a case of matching outfits, beauty determined the awkwardness.
Consort Zhen's tall and graceful figure, her elegant bearing, flattered the peach-colored dress embroidered with jade hairpins and floral designs, accentuating her curvaceous figure. Her snow-white skin outshone the dress itself, complemented by her rosy lips - truly a bewitching sight.
With her bejeweled hair ornaments and overall air of opulence, one felt she was naturally meant to be so beautiful, refined, and captivatingly gorgeous...
In contrast, Concubine Su's plain appearance, without any additional adornments, her hair simply tied back with a dangling pink tassel - she aimed for an aloof, scholarly air.
Viewed alone, she was still quite lovely, even more radiant than usual.
But her opponent was Jiang Xinyue. Plain porridge could not compare to abalone and lobster; there was no basis for comparison between the two.
From the throne above, the Xuanwu Emperor had clearly taken notice, his brow furrowing slightly as he gestured for someone to approach and receive his command.
"Take Concubine Su away. We mustn't upset Consort Zhen."
Without the Emperor's consent, she had violated palace rules and must be disciplined. Not everyone could be treated like Consort Zhen.
Concubine Su was gagged and escorted away.
After the small interruption, the banquet formally commenced. At Wang Dequan's resonant call of "Let the banquet begin!", palace maids streamed in, carrying a feast of delectable dishes.
Jiang Xinyue's roasted meats and fried chicken were indeed among them, prominently positioned as if the featured cuisine.
In hindsight, she should have opted for a hot pot instead. With so many gathered around one table, it would have saved money for the Emperor's treasury!
Talented and beautiful singers and dancers from the Office of Music and Dance skillfully performed to the accompaniment of music, creating a lively and joyous atmosphere.
Jiang Yulin stared unblinkingly at Jiang Xinyue, struggling to accept that the girl who once had to curry favor with her mother had become a consort so favored by the Emperor that he would speak up for her without a word from Jiang Xinyue herself.
The Xuanwu Emperor's handsome countenance and unparalleled majesty made Jiang Yulin's heart flutter with admiration.
Time waits for no one. Among those present who wished to enter the palace as imperial consorts, who would want to wait three more years for the next selection and endure years of hardship without earning the Emperor's favor?
They would much rather gain the Emperor's attention as the chosen one, thereby gaining an advantage from the start.
Xi Que heated the roasted meats on a small brazier, wrapping them in chili rings and garlic slices according to Jiang Xinyue's preferences. However, Jiang Xinyue shook her head, "No garlic, please."
She might need to be in close proximity to the Xuanwu Emperor later, and if her breath smelled of garlic, her efforts today would be in vain.
Although her kind father had thoughtfully provided a cup of lemon water for her to rinse her mouth, she would play it safe and avoid garlic altogether this evening.
Concubine Li came along with the Emperor and Empress Zhu, her position being directly to the left of the Emperor.
The ladies who had just been discussing Jiang Xinyue on the palace path opened their round eyes in apparent shock.
"That... that wasn't really Consort Li?"
"She's Consort Zhen... I knew it, with her looks, it was only a matter of time before she entered the palace. She's the illegitimate daughter of Vice Minister Jiang from the Ministry of Rites."
