Yun Shan pondered for a moment, then timidly attempted to analyze:
"On the day of the enthronement ceremony, the Emperor should have accompanied the Empress in the evening. However, that day happened to be the anniversary of Consort Chen's miscarriage a year ago...
If the Emperor accompanied the Empress and neglected Consort Chen, she would surely become jealous and might even plot against the Empress. But if the Emperor went to accompany Consort Chen, it would mean neglecting the Empress, and she would definitely feel uneasy."
"Hmm, not bad," Song Zhao nodded approvingly, her eyes filled with a hint of admiration. "You have become more mature after spending time with Xiao Fuzi."
Upon hearing this, Yun Shan's cheeks blushed deeply. "Empress, you're teasing this servant again..."
Xiao Fuzi stood awkwardly to the side, smiling and scratching the back of his head.
Song Zhao smiled lightly and stopped teasing them, her expression turning serious. "The Empress is truly resourceful, always able to achieve two goals with one action, ensuring her own safety. After all, the ceremonies for the imperial consorts are held on auspicious days, and no one can say anything against it.
However, it's a pity that she miscalculated one step."
Song Zhao's gaze turned cold, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.
She didn't continue with her words.
But with just a glance exchanged between the mistress and servant, they understood each other's thoughts.
Song Zhao had never had any feelings for Xiao Jingheng, so why would she care if he accompanied her on this important day?
Since she didn't care, she wouldn't harbor any resentment.
Song Zhao thought:
Since the Empress has set up this situation, she should naturally appreciate it.
When the time comes, not only will she not keep Xiao Jingheng, but she will also persuade him to visit Consort Chen.
She wanted Xiao Jingheng to think of her as understanding and not prone to jealousy, a virtuous and considerate woman.
On the day of the enthronement ceremony,
The Empress performed the rituals while Song Zhao, being a consort, didn't need to be present.
Among the onlookers in the hall, there were only Consort Yao, Consort Hui, Noble Consort Xiao, and Concubine Liu.
After the elaborate ceremony, the Empress allowed everyone to take their seats and engage in casual conversation.
Consort Yao stepped forward to congratulate Song Zhao, saying, "I've always said that you are not an ordinary person, but a shining pearl. How could you remain hidden in the dust?"
She tugged at Song Zhao's sleeve, looking left and right, and said with a smile, "This ceremonial dress is exquisite, making you even more beautiful."
Upon hearing this, the Empress also smiled and said, "The pattern on Consort Yi's ceremonial dress is embroidered using the Fenghui needle technique. From different angles, the patterns on the dress appear diverse and naturally beautiful. Moreover, purple is a color of nobility. You usually dress modestly and rarely adorn yourself so brilliantly. I think it suits you very well."
Song Zhao quickly expressed her gratitude for the Empress's praise and said, "This ceremonial dress is truly precious. The Fenghui needle technique was only used during the enthronement of consorts in the past. I am unworthy of such a position and feel sincerely humbled."
Empress Wen spoke in a gentle tone, "If the Emperor likes it, there is no question of unworthiness. However, Concubine Yi is always composed and restrained. No matter how favored she is, she never forgets the rules. I believe that's why the Emperor loves you so much."
"Yes! I wouldn't have realized it if Empress hadn't mentioned it," Consort Hui replied playfully.
Consort Hui was always childish in nature.
Before Empress could finish her sentence, Consort Hui interrupted and changed the topic.
She got up and ran over to Song Zhao, circling around her curiously.
"Wow! The cloud pattern on this dress actually changes! Sister Song, can I touch it?"
Song Zhao smiled, "Of course."
Consort Hui touched the fabric and from the way her eyes lit up, it was clear that she was delighted.
"Hehe, the fabric is so soft, it's wonderful. I'll ask my father to make me a dress like this too."
Song Zhao had just mentioned that the phoenix embroidery on the dress was an exclusive honor for the titled consort. If someone else had said these words, it might have been seen as coveting the consort position. But because it was Consort Hui who said it, no one took offense.
Consort Yao teased, "Little sister comes from a wealthy family and is the beloved only daughter. Naturally, she can have whatever she wants. But look at me, so envious of Sister Yao."
Consort Hui couldn't sense the sarcasm in Consort Yao's words and casually said, "If Sister Yao likes it, I'll have my father send you one too."
"You..." Consort Yao looked embarrassed and glanced at the Empress. She cleared her throat and hurriedly said, "This palace doesn't need anything from the younger sister. I appreciate the kind offer, but I'll kindly decline."
Consort Hui noticed Consort Yao's awkwardness but didn't understand why she was acting this way. She touched her ear, unable to figure it out, so she decided to forget about it and turned to her personal maid, Rui'er.
"Rui'er, bring the food box over."
Rui'er handed the food box to Consort Hui. When it was opened, everyone saw that it was filled with plum cakes.
Consort Hui gave it to Yun Shan and smiled at Song Zhao.
"Sister Song, you're happy, and I didn't know what to give you, so I made plum cakes myself and gave them to you. They're sour and sweet, very delicious."
She took one out and politely handed it to Noble Consort Xiao, saying, "Consort Xiao, you should try it too. The Empress has been having morning sickness and likes to eat something sour and sweet. I made these for her, and she said they're great. I believe you will like them too."
Noble Consort Xiao held the plum cake as if it were scalding hot.
She thanked Consort Yao for her kindness but said, "Before coming here, I took a medicine to protect the fetus. The physician advised me not to eat anything for an hour. Your cooking, Your Highness, I will taste it when I return to the palace."
After saying this, she was afraid that Consort Yao would urge her to eat, so she quickly pulled Concubine Liu together to congratulate Song Zhao.
"Consort Liu pays respects to Consort Yi. Congratulations on your happiness."
"Quickly, get up! Are my sisters going to part ways with me?" Song Zhao hurriedly reached out to help Noble Consort Xiao and Concubine Liu up. "We entered the palace together out of sisterly affection. When I agreed before, my sisters never mistreated me and have always been good to me. When we interact privately, let's not worry about our positions."
Upon hearing this, the Empress smiled and praised Song Zhao, saying, "Consort Yi, you treat people kindly, without any airs, even if you were to become the main consort. If all the sisters in the palace could be like you, treating others with kindness and getting along harmoniously, this palace would be even happier."
The concubines all echoed, "We, your humble concubines, will abide by the teachings of the Empress and treat each other kindly, supporting one another."
"Oh..."
Just as she was about to respond, Noble Consort Xiao suddenly exclaimed, attracting everyone's attention.
Song Zhao noticed Noble Consort Xiao furrowing her brows and quickly supported her, asking, "Sister, what's wrong?"
"He moved." Noble Consort Xiao relaxed her furrowed brow for a moment, protecting her abdomen and gently rubbing it, her eyes filled with joy.
"Right here! He just kicked me!"
