Chapter 2430: Flower Appreciation Feast
Chapter 2430: Flower Appreciation Feast
Madam Tian felt uncomfortable under the scrutinizing gazes directed at her and her daughter. Though privately irritated, she maintained a pleasant demeanor and greeted everyone with a smile.
The uncertainty surrounding the Emperor’s plans for his cousin added an edge to the situation. While the Tian family, connected to the Fourth Prince by maternal ties, had now aligned themselves with the Emperor, their capabilities were acknowledged. Speculation about whether the Emperor might grant them a significant role lingered.
As more guests arrived, Ding Xiang made her entrance.
Dressed in an orange-red gown adorned with intricate hibiscus embroidery, Ding Xiang’s attire shimmered with pearls and jewels, accentuating her high-spirited and flamboyant nature. She appeared even more striking in the elegant outfit.
Recognized as the Empress’ most trusted confidante, with her husband being both a close ally of the Emperor and from the same hometown, Ding Xiang commanded respect. Consequently, many guests greeted her warmly.
Tian Shanshan cast a cold glance at Ding Xiang, her lips curling in a barely perceptible smirk.
Tian Shanshan’s distaste for Ding Xiang was palpable. In the past, she might have demanded Ding Xiang be expelled from the capital on sight.
Meanwhile, Qiao Xuan approached the Flower Appreciation Feast with great seriousness. Rising early, she dressed meticulously for the occasion.
Once all the guests had arrived, Qiao Xuan made her way from the Qianqing Palace to the imperial garden in the grand phoenix carriage.
At the Floating Jade Palace, the staff quickly aligned with the ritual aunt’s instructions, preparing to receive the Empress.
When the young eunuch announced the Empress’s arrival, the madams and young ladies hurriedly knelt in respect. “Greetings, Empress! Greetings, Empress!”
Qiao Xuan descended from the phoenix carriage with Liqiu’s support, her smile warm as she addressed the gathering. “Please rise.”
“Thank you, Empress!”
As the guests stood, many took the chance to scrutinize Qiao Xuan. While some had seen her before, her current appearance was strikingly different, making her seem almost unrecognizable. Clad in a resplendent bright yellow phoenix robe, adorned with five shimmering phoenix tail hairpins, and sporting flawlessly done makeup, Qiao Xuan presented a commanding presence. Even those who had previously remembered her began to question if this imposing figure was indeed the same Madam Shao from years past.
Almost no one remembered Madam Shao from the past; all eyes were on the Empress now.
The Empress exuded elegance and dignity. Despite any lingering doubts, everyone had to admit that Qiao Xuan truly lived up to her esteemed position. She was far removed from their previous impressions.
Tian Shanshan felt her blood boil as she clenched her fists, frustration evident in her gaze. Why had Ms. Qiao risen so high? The Emperor had elevated her from humble origins to such prominence. Without him, she would be nothing.
The grandeur of the Empress’s current status felt like a loss to Tian Shanshan, who believed it should have been hers by right. The Emperor and Qiao Xuan seemed like a perfect pair, with the Emperor’s favor transforming Qiao Xuan into a figure of exceptional status.
As Qiao Xuan took her seat, she invited everyone to do the same, her smile warm and welcoming. “The flowers are in full bloom in the imperial garden. I’ve prepared this banquet to celebrate them, and I’m delighted to have all of you join in the enjoyment. Please, make yourselves comfortable and enjoy the festivities.”