Thousands of miles away in Capital City.

During yesterday’s New Year’s Eve banquet at the palace, the Emperor made only a brief appearance before departing with his new favorite.

The Empress Dowager did not show herself at all, citing discomfort, having excused herself from greetings for a month now, thus her absence today was expected.

The remaining concubines and princes and princesses exchanged glances, their smiles either forced or hiding their private thoughts, as they looked at the Empress sitting at the head.

The Empress’s expression was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger, and ordered that the Ninth Prince be sent back to Changchun Palace early.

Consort Xian immediately stood up with a bright smile, aware that her Second Prince was evenly matched with the Crown Prince in the front hall, wielding significant influence.

Already, many in the palace have aligned with her, forming a tripartite power structure with the Crown Prince’s mother and the Empress.

Thus, although outwardly respectful to the Empress, Consort Xian spoke boldly before the entire royal assembly: "Indeed, time flies. Seeing the Ninth Prince, I am reminded that tomorrow is New Year’s Day as well as the fortunate day for His Highness, The Ninth Prince. Tomorrow we ought to go to Changchun Palace for a cup of celebratory wine to share in the Ninth Prince’s good fortune."

The Empress’s expression stiffened, and she replied with a strained smile: "Consort Xian is thoughtful! However, the Ninth Prince is still young, and tomorrow is New Year’s Day; there is no need for a grand celebration—"

Before she finished speaking, the Crown Prince’s mother, Consort Shu, stood up to interject: "Your words, Your Ladyship, do not resonate. Our Ninth Prince’s first birthday deserves a grand affair. Tomorrow must be lively! Rest assured, sisters throughout the palace, including all princes, surely wish to celebrate, and see what His Highness will grasp tomorrow."

The concubines loyal to Consort Xian and Consort Shu exchanged looks, then stood to agree.

Even the Crown Prince and Second Prince voiced their plans to attend their young brother’s first birthday celebration.

The Empress prepared to speak but hesitated.

Meanwhile, Consort Xian and Consort Shu harmoniously secured the group’s attendance at the Ninth Prince’s birthday celebration.

Everyone else naturally stated their intentions.

The Empress could only display a helpless smile: "Since it is so, we shall host a luncheon in Changchun Palace after the New Year’s feast, without inviting the Ladies of the Outer Court, just for us to celebrate among ourselves."

But Consort Xian raised her eyebrow: "On such an auspicious day, the Ninth Prince’s first birthday, surely both inner and outer members should come to congratulate. Perhaps His Majesty will join us, too, as the Ninth Prince holds favoritism with His Majesty, no? Can the first birthday be missed? Your Ladyship, do not be stingy; everyone wishes to share in the Ninth Prince’s good fortune!"

Consort Shu also laughed: "If Your Ladyship fears busying oneself, let younger sister assist Consort Xian’s sister tomorrow, ensuring the Ninth Prince’s birthday is done lively and appropriately!"

This was nearly a direct provocation.

The Empress took a deep breath, her forced smile growing more strained, and finally relented: "Then, after tomorrow’s New Year’s feast, we shall host the Ninth Prince’s first birthday in Baohe Hall at noon."

The concubines below, as well as the princes and princesses, quickly stood to agree with laughter.

After such an exchange, the Empress became restless, leaving her seat prematurely under the guise of concern for the Ninth Prince.

Once the Empress departed, Consort Xian and Consort Shu became the most important figures. Without an adversary in the Empress, they grew irritable with each other.

They exchanged a few tense quips, then a knowing glance, before dispersing.

Owing to this affair, come New Year’s Day, the well-informed Ladies of the Outer Court arrived at Baohe Hall wary.

Other than those openly favoring a side, the rest bore symbolic smiles masking inner anxiety.

Three forces now contend within the palace, offending none, yet amidst this commotion, even a fool could foresee the potential disturbances at the Ninth Prince’s luncheon.

Were it possible, many would feign illness and retreat home, daring not to entangle themselves.

Yet having entered the palace, escape proved futile, compelling perseverance.

The Old Lady Gu pleaded illness at home, while the Lady of the Gu Family attended with Gu Changqing, leaving daughters- and sisters-in-law of lesser rank at home under Gu Changqing’s cautionary advice.

Other families followed suit, sheltering younger members from unforeseen developments.

Yet some bold or ulterior families brought their unmarried daughters, arrayed in floral splendor, youthful and mesmerizingly lovely.

Such is the usual First Day state banquet, where the Emperor appeared briefly and then departed.

But Consort Xian’s audacity spurred her to speak, speaking ostensibly to the Empress, asking whether preparations for the Ninth Prince’s first birthday were complete, or if assistance from their sisters was needed.

The Empress maintained a calm demeanor, merely glancing at Consort Xian before speaking, only for the Emperor to overhear.

He paused, turning to the Empress and the Ninth Prince beside her, inquiring: "Is everything ready for Little Nine’s first birthday?"

The Empress rose respectfully to reply: "Your Majesty, all is prepared; the luncheon begins at noon. Might Your Majesty join us?"

The hall silenced, awaiting the Emperor’s response.

After a moment’s contemplation, the Emperor replied: "But of course." This indicated his assent.

An unnoticed twitch crossed Consort Xian’s face but soon returned to its jovial state as she remarked: "Your Majesty’s affection for the Ninth Prince surely warrants bestowing gifts today?" 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

The officials and Ladies of the Outer Court lowered their gaze collectively; Consort Xian’s boldness surprised them, as she had openly sought royal favor from the Emperor—a transgression against protocol!

Some sneaked glances at the Emperor’s and Empress’s expressions above.

The Empress remained composed, worthy of her title as mother of the nation, stalwart and dignified amidst the situation.

The Emperor appeared startled, but amused: "Consort Xian speaks rightly; Little Nine, being a legitimate son, differs from other princes. Thus, let the customary birthday gifts for princes be increased by thirty percent. Additionally, retrieve the items I used in my own grasping ceremony for Little Nine to attempt."

Upon hearing this, the faces of several princes shifted, and even Consort Xian and Consort Shu clutched their handkerchiefs. They had not intended for the Emperor to speak such words.

They assumed the Emperor’s recent indifference towards the Empress and Ninth Prince meant waning affection, unsuspecting he might neglect the first birthday, embarrassing the Empress and Ninth Prince publicly, undermining their future standing.

Unexpectedly, they inadvertently reminded the Emperor to voice such affirmations, mere slaps to their faces.

Amidst silent indignation, Chief Steward Su promptly issued orders to prepare.

Having finished these instructions, the Emperor surprisingly nodded to the Empress: "Very well, let me change, then I shall return shortly."

With these words, he departed with his retinue.

All in attendance rose promptly, offering respectful farewells.

Once the Emperor left, an air of unease enveloped the hall.

However, the Empress kept composure, feigning ignorance, before advising a respite in the rear wardrobe.

Once the luncheon commenced, she would invite them back to their seats.

With these instructions, she departed with her attendants.

Upon the Empress’s exit, Consort Xian and Consort Shu angrily left, trailed by the remaining concubines.

Meanwhile, the Ladies of the Outer Court and officials were ushered by chamberlains and palace maids to change and rest briefly in the rear hall.

The group soon splintered into male and female, retreating to the rear of the hall.