"That's what I said, but I'm always worried." Huiyue was very worried, "Next year there will be a talent show and new people will be coming in. It's been three years in a flash."
It took three years for her to climb from Wanrong to the position of Jieyu, but the promotion was indeed not fast.
Of course, this is because Ye Yun had a higher position when she entered the palace, unlike other people who mostly started out as Cai Nu or Bao Lin.
However, Wu, who came in with the same rank as her, has now given birth to the third prince and has become Xiuyuan, one of the nine concubines.
But Ye Jun was not in a hurry. He fanned himself with a calm look in his eyes.
"Without An, the most threatening person in the harem is Yi Xiuyuan. With favor, a son, and a family background, it's only a matter of time before she's crowned a concubine. Just wait, the queen won't let her climb to the top that easily. Fang Xiuyuan has too little favor, so the queen will definitely help me fight Yi Xiuyuan."
"However, if the Queen is too stupid and didn't think of this, then just ignore what I said. But... I think Aunt Ding beside the Queen is smart and should be able to remind her."
Especially now that Concubine Su is pregnant.
Although Su was not favored, her mother's family was special.
In order to stabilize the Zasak, the emperor will definitely promote the Su family.
Looking at the harem, Ye Jun, who has no children but has a family background and favor, is the best candidate to compete with her.
As for Yao, she had such a high position before she even had a child, so the empress would not honor her any other way.
If Yao gets pregnant, she will definitely be suppressed.
In short, there is never an absolute advantage in the harem, and the superior will always find ways to balance the various forces.
August 15th, Mid-Autumn Festival.
This was the first time that Ning Chen had held a state banquet, and it was a dinner party, in Lingxi Garden since he ascended the throne.
The location is very elegant, it is a large hall overlooking the lake.
It used to be a place for setting up the stage for watching plays, and it was spacious. Now it is quite suitable for holding banquets.
Although there are no singers, the stage in the middle is nice for dancers.
The empress dowager, with a smile on her face, was supported by her son and daughter-in-law and sat steadily in the main seat. She looked like an ordinary old lady from a wealthy family.
The concubines below were all dressed up with all their might.
After all, those who can appear today show that they are somewhat important in the emperor's heart, so why not seize the opportunity to win his heart
Even though the room was full of beauties, Ning Chen still spotted Ye Jun among the crowd at a glance.
There is no other reason, Ye Jun’s outfit today is really eye-catching.
She was wearing a pine green, chest-length brocade skirt with thousand-leaf cloud vines embroidered on it with silver thread mixed with ice silk. The cuffs and waist were adorned with plump, round pearls the size of soybeans, which shone softly under the candlelight in the hall, and faintly outlined the girl's exquisite curves.
Pine green is a very challenging color for skin condition, and Ye Jun has a very fair and tender skin, which makes her look even more charming against the background of the dress.
Today she had deliberately combed her hair into a bun, with her black hair tied up high, revealing her swan-like neck, but she didn't wear any jewelry such as necklaces, which made people want to take a bite at first sight.
In terms of makeup, she used rose-red powder and made her already attractive eyes even narrower and more charming, like a fox. With just a slight smile, she was captivating.
Of course, there are other areas that require more thought.
Ye Yun ordered people to grind the silver powder into a finer powder, dip some with the fingertips, and apply a small amount on the collarbone, earlobes and other places to create a highlight-like effect.
The hall is now lit by candles, and from a distance it looks like the crystal luster of her skin itself.
It is so beautiful that one can’t take their eyes away.
If Ning Chen noticed Ye Jun, naturally others would notice him too.
It also made many people feel sour.
"Ming sister, you look really beautiful today. Look at the clothes and jewelry. They are so valuable, right? After all, I don't have many good things. The material of this dress is not as good as my sister's."
In the crowd, Yao Xiang suddenly spoke with a smile.
Yi Xiuyuan's eyes flickered, and she spoke as if unintentionally.
"Ming Jieyu has a maternal grandfather who is an imperial merchant. The Chu family has a wide range of business. They can find all kinds of good things for Ming Jieyu. If Sister Fang is envious, she can also go back and ask her family to work harder."
"Sister Yi, you are joking." Yao Xiang covered her lips and glanced at Ye Jun indifferently, "The Yao family doesn't have that many capable people. It's rare to find an official and a businessman who can complement each other."
"I used to think Fang Xiuyuan was a straightforward person, but I didn't expect her to be so pretentious." Ye Jun did not hide the sarcasm in his tone, and looked up at Yao. "If you want to know about collusion between officials and businessmen, just say it. If you hide it, who has the time to talk to you?"
Yao Xiang didn't expect her to be so direct. She felt a little awkward for a moment, but she quickly forced a smile and said, "Ming Jieyu, you misunderstood me..."
"Whether it's a misunderstanding or not, Xiuyuan knows it clearly. I have always had this temper. If I have done nothing wrong, I will not tolerate slander from others. My father and brother risked their lives to guard the border. Although my grandfather's family is a merchant, they also serve the country. All their positions were granted by the emperor himself. My Ye family and Chu family are even more loyal to the emperor. I don't know what Fang Xiuyuan means by saying these specious words in front of the emperor!"
Ye Jun has always been protective of his people, so he immediately refuted all the arguments very rudely.
As for how expensive the clothes were, she was too lazy to explain.
This piece of fabric was given to her privately by the emperor not long ago.
Although there are open and covert struggles in the harem, most of the time it is a covert fight. It is the first time in Yao Xiang's life that he has encountered someone like Ye Jun who speaks out openly.
For a moment, I was speechless.
Seeing that she shut up, Ye Jun stopped being aggressive, picked up the wine glass on the table, stood up and looked towards the main seat.
"Your Highness, Your Majesty, I was too impatient and was trying to protect my shortcomings. I spoke a little too sharply and lost my sense of propriety. I will drink a cup as punishment. Please forgive me."
After she finished speaking, she raised her head and drank the wine, showing the generosity of a daughter of a military general.
This move also shut up those who wanted to say that she was too domineering and eccentric.
Everyone has apologized to the emperor, so it's up to the emperor to decide whether to blame or not. Who has the right to interfere
And Ning Chen naturally wouldn't blame him.
Even... he loved this woman's arrogant look.
If Ning Chen knew the words "beautiful and cool", he would definitely praise her like that.
"Okay, you've been impatient for a long time. Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, so I won't blame you. Just be gentler in your words in the future. Fang Xiuyuan is in a high position, and she didn't do it on purpose. Don't take it too seriously."
"Yes, I'm grateful for your advice." Ye Jun bowed.
But I didn't say I would change.
There's nothing to change. This temper will never change in my lifetime.
The Queen noticed Ning Chen's expression and knew that the Emperor was fond of Ye at the moment.
Although I felt sad, I knew I couldn't miss the opportunity.
So he smiled and spoke.
"The Emperor was right in giving Concubine Ming the title. She is open and honest, and I like her very much. Concubine Ming has been in the palace for almost three years, and she has served very well. It is rare for the Emperor to have someone he likes by his side, and there are many high positions in the harem that are vacant. Why not take advantage of this festive occasion to give her a promotion?"