Du Changzai’s words instantly lifted Bai Pin’s slightly disappointed spirits.
Isn’t that in conflict with hers?
So she was too embarrassed to dance after seeing her own performance?
Thinking of this, she loved to use people as stepping stones, how could she let go of such a golden opportunity?
So she immediately ignited the situation by speaking up.
"I didn’t know Ming Changzai also prepared dance skills. I heard that you were born in the Northwest and then raised in Dengzhou. I suppose the aura of both places has gathered in you. Today, you must perform a good dance to open my eyes."
As she spoke, she turned to look at the Emperor, speaking coquettishly.
"Your Majesty, this concubine has loved singing and dancing since childhood. If today I can gain a confidante like Ming Changzai, I will surely choreograph better dances to present to Your Majesty!"
With her words, Ming Changzai had no choice but to dance.
Otherwise, Bai Pin could easily accuse her of disrespect.
Lin Wanyi watched from the sidelines.
Today’s spotlight was not on her; it seemed the drama was just beginning.
But with Bai Pin’s striking performance earlier, what kind of dance would Ming Changzai do to catch the Emperor’s special attention?
Not only was she curious, but everyone else was too.
Stuck in an awkward position, Ming Changzai showed difficulty on her face.
Seeing no one to support her, she reluctantly said she would go change her outfit.
Bai Pin was waiting for her to embarrass herself to highlight her own superiority.
She immediately teased her.
"Ming Changzai, you must dress well; otherwise, it would be a waste of your beauty."
In this palace, when it comes to beauty,
only Lin Wanyi could compare with Bai Pin.
However, the beauty of the two was at opposite extremes.
One was enchantingly glamorous, the other purely elegant.
Ming Changzai, sandwiched among the concubines, was not even worth mentioning.
Thus, upon hearing this, Ming Changzai’s face fell.
She could only awkwardly smile and leave.
Lin Wanyi grew increasingly puzzled, wondering why this ordinary Ming Changzai could become Lin Guifei’s chosen person to back.
Even compelling Du Changzai to pave the way for her.
Deliberately saying those words to draw attention.
When she saw Ming Changzai return, she was wearing a thin veil on her face.
Her attire was quite unique, seemingly from the Western Regions.
The colors were vibrant, even her eyebrows and eyes were styled anew.
Her hair was braided, hanging long on her left chest.
Decorated with some bright red fruits and sparkling sequins.
There was no denying, after changing into these dance clothes, Ming Changzai was completely transformed.
If she seemed just a shy concubine before, she now resembled a girl from the Western Regions.
Gazing affectionately in the direction of the Emperor.
Then, as the sound of the huqin began, Ming Changzai started dancing passionately.
In terms of dance skills, hers was naturally not as soft and delicate as Bai Pin’s.
But she stood out as no one had seen this style before.
Everyone watched her spinning at the center of the hall with delighted eyes.
Even Lin Wanyi, who had traveled north and south with her grandfather, was seeing such attire and dance for the first time.
She glanced at the Emperor and saw his gaze fixed on Ming Changzai.
Lin Wanyi felt a pang of jealousy for a moment, but it quickly subsided.
Even ordinary families had multiple wives; how much more so for the ruler of the world.
From the day she entered the palace, she knew she would only be one of the Emperor’s many women, so she harbored no grand illusions.
She withdrew that bit of sentiment and focused back on Ming Changzai.
Just in time, the dance concluded.
Ming Changzai was slightly panting.
Her movements were more vigorous compared to Bai Pin’s, so naturally, she was more tired.
Nervously yet expectantly, she looked at the Emperor.
Only to find him silently watching.
Bai Pin was infuriated.
Even though this dance couldn’t compare to her meticulously designed one, why couldn’t the Emperor take his eyes off her?
Could youth really be the king?
Suddenly, all sorts of doubts flooded her mind, and she glared at Ming Changzai with eyes nearly popping out.
After a long pause, they finally heard the Emperor speak.
"Good, this dance is well choreographed!"
With that, he started clapping by himself.
With the Emperor leading the way, the other concubines naturally didn’t foolishly sit idle.
Suddenly, applause thundered, though everyone’s expressions were rather unsightly.
After today, this previously unknown Ming Changzai might become the new favorite.
Du Changzai held her anger at the corners of her mouth, but her snorting let Lin Wanyi feel her wrath.
Due to love, one is anxious, and due to love, one fears.
At this moment, she finally understood, yet among the concubines’ "love" for the Emperor, how many were sincere?
At this moment, she suddenly felt, even as an emperor, there was helplessness in being a monarch.
Indeed, although Ming Changzai only received a reward, even as she sat down, the Emperor’s gaze followed her all the way.
That demeanor made several concubines grind their teeth in frustration.
At the palace banquet, aside from Lin Wanyi eating fairly freely, Noble Princess Consort Ying and Consort Ye also ate quite a lot.
The reason she noticed them was simply because Lin Wanyi’s position was closer to them.
After all, looking around, the food before Ming Changzai was almost untouched.
While the dishes in Du Changzai’s plate were "torn apart" quite forcefully.
Doing what she should with lowered eyes, Lin Wanyi did not stir up any ripples at this banquet.
Until the moon hung high outside, and the palace feast formally ended.
Having not seen the Emperor for many days, everyone hoped to be the lucky one to gain his favor today.
But to everyone’s surprise, the Emperor, citing state affairs, left Shengjing Building first and returned to Zeping State.
Lin Wanyi originally felt it wasn’t a big deal.
But when she realized one by one, the concubines were looking at her with pity, she realized.
Clearly, she also came from the west, clearly heading in the same direction as the Emperor.
Yet the Emperor couldn’t even remember her and left directly.
Her favor, after all, was as fleeting as that moment of excitement.
Noble Princess Consort Ying and Mu Daying, who were on fairly good terms with her, naturally came to aid her.
"The moonlight is deep. Would it be convenient for you to return, sister? Shall I have someone bring a sedan chair for you?"
Noble Princess Consort Ying’s heart was in the right place, but Lin Wanyi refused.
"The moonlight is just right; this servant hasn’t left Huifang Courtyard in a while. Walking back now would be like enjoying the moonlight. Rest assured, sister."
Then she pointed to Xia An and added.
"Outside, there’s still Mr. Qiu and Xiao Luzi waiting for me. With them lighting the way, there won’t be any mistakes."
Seeing Lin Wanyi’s firm stance, Noble Princess Consort Ying didn’t insist.