Chapter 17: Volume 1 – Chapter 17  Birthday Tribute

Rong Luoge reassessed the current situation; the Crown Prince and Prince Qi are locked in a fierce struggle for the throne, and in the inner palace the Empress and Consort Ming also refuse to yield to each other.

And her position is the most awkward: she is neither liked by Consort Ming nor spared from being used by her, while the Empress treats her as an enemy; she is not merely beset on all sides, she is a target riddled with holes.

Tragic!

Too tragic!

To break out of the current deadlock, Rong Luoge must devise a comprehensive plan, but she has no allies now and can only fight alone, so she must seize every opportunity.

For example, Ming Yuhua, and also exploiting the inexplicable hostility of Su Mingshan and Yun Shizhuang toward her; she must completely stir up this pool of water so she can fish in the muddied water.

Thinking this, Rong Luoge appears outwardly relaxed, but deep inside a string is taut; after all, she still doesn't know what Rong Dai and Han Yifeng's plan is.

If she knew, she could act accordingly; now, knowing nothing, she can only pin her hopes on Ming Yuhua, hoping she truly isn't bluffing and can uncover something in the inner palace.

As the appointed hour approached, the group, led by the Empress, proceeded to the Hall of Celebration, the Zhengyang Hall; those of them in the outer hall naturally rose and followed.

Rong Dai trailed behind Rong Luoge, watching the crowd with slight nervousness; it was her first time at such an event, but she forced down her inner unease, gritted her teeth and followed Rong Luoge, thinking that whatever happened, Rong Luoge would stand in front of her.

Who made her Prince Qi's consort, who made her my sister.

The Empress, clad in a phoenix robe, led the way, followed by the four consorts, then the various princess consorts, and behind them the noblewomen and ladies‑in‑waiting; everyone wore solemn expressions and walked forward quietly.

The Zhengyang Hall was spacious and luxurious, traditionally the venue for grand ceremonies; gilded and painted columns were even more opulent than those of the Phoenix Hall, and triangular bronze incense burners stood at the four corners, emitting a slow wisp of fragrant smoke that filled the hall with a faint aroma.

At the far end, the Emperor already sat high upon his throne, ministers arrayed on both sides, several princes seated calmly; when the Empress entered, everyone rose to greet her.

Empress Su led the group forward and saluted His Majesty, "Your Majesty, I bow to you, congratulations on your boundless longevity, may your sacred body be healthy, and may our dynasty prosper."

Rong Luoge's seat was relatively forward; she lifted her head slightly and saw the Emperor on the throne, entirely unlike her imagination—no handsome, dashing figure as in dramas. The current His Majesty was advanced in years, his black hair already tinged with frost, his face lined with wrinkles, bearing the demeanor of a man in his twilight years.

Perhaps because today was his birthday celebration, the Emperor's joy brightened the gloom; he radiated a festive cheerfulness and appeared considerably more spirited.

After the Empress finished speaking, Rong Luoge and the others jointly congratulated His Majesty on his birthday; hearing the Emperor's delighted voice, he said, "Empress, rise, you're thoughtful."

When the Empress rose, Rong Luoge and the others only then stood; they saw the Empress stride onto the imperial platform and sit beside His Majesty, followed by the four consorts and the other palace concubines taking their seats in order, and when it was Rong Luoge's turn, each found their own side.

Rong Luoge led Rong Dai to where Han Yifeng was seated; although he holds the third rank, because the Second Prince died early, he is second only to the Crown Prince, so his seat was directly opposite the Crown Prince—a very favorable position.

Rong Luoge looked up and saw the Crown Prince across the table with a faint smile… and felt something was off.

After taking her seat, Rong Dai let out a small sigh of relief, leaned slightly toward Prince Qi, and whispered, "Prince Qi, are you alright?"

Han Yifeng heard this and realized Rong Dai must have been wronged; he turned his head toward her and asked concernedly, "What's wrong? Did someone bully you?"

Rong Dai remained silent, only glancing timidly toward Rong Luoge's direction, unable to speak.

Han Yifeng then turned his head toward Rong Luoge, his face full of accusation.

Rong Luoge immediately fell silent, her eyes flicking to Rong Dai, "Rong Dai, I urge you to speak plainly; otherwise, if today's birthday celebration erupts, I'm not afraid. I have nothing to lose, but I don't know whether His Majesty will vent his anger on Han Yifeng."

Rong Dai's heart tightened; she thought Rong Luoge's words had some merit, gently tugged Han Yifeng's sleeve, and softly said, "It was the daughter of Prime Minister Su and Minister Yun who insulted me; it has nothing to do with my sister. Prince, please don't overthink."

Han Yifeng frowned slightly at her words, about to speak, when Rong Dai continued, "It's also because my status is awkward; others look down on me, which I find helpless and bitter. After all, this position isn't my choice. Since we're all women, why can't we understand each other a bit?"

Rong Luoge, listening nearby, sneered inwardly; when the original owner was still present, Rong Dai had also used her upbringing on Zhuangzi to suppress others, and now she resented others for using their status against her—truly a double standard with no justification.

Han Yifeng, naturally feeling sympathetic, said softly, "Dai'er, endure a little longer; after some time, when these people see you again, they'll naturally treat you with respect."

Rong Luoge: …

Don't brag so recklessly; whether Minister Yun or Prime Minister Su, both wield great power. Unless Han Yifeng can secure the Crown Prince's position and sit there as firmly as a nail on a board, these crafty old ministers won't so easily board Han Yifeng's pirate ship.

She raised her head with a hint of sarcasm, unintentionally meeting the Crown Prince's half‑smile; he lifted his wine cup toward her with a barely perceptible gesture.

Rong Luoge forced out a strained smile, truly feeling suffocated.

Power is a good thing; even without it, having strength would prevent one from shrinking back as now, constrained in everything.

She was lost in thoughts as the Emperor above was being cheered by the ministers, and the birthday feast began at that moment.

When the feast started, singers and dancers immediately took the stage, and the hall instantly became lively.

There were even noble ladies from various families performing to entertain; Rong Luoge felt the purpose of these performances was impure, as most performers were concubine daughters, while the legitimate daughters remained seated securely.

Rong Luoge grew suspicious, and seeing the eager Rong Dai, she slightly understood—could Rong Dai also intend to perform?

Indeed, it's a good chance to appear before His Majesty; if she earns a word or two of praise, it would add luster to Rong Dai's reputation.

Thinking that, she indeed saw Rong Dai turn her head and say something unknown to Han Yifeng; Han Yifeng gave a slight nod, and Rong Dai quietly rose and went to the rear hall.