Reborn into the palace, she seduces the emperor's heart, driving the chief minister to madness!

Chapter 236 New Year's Eve Palace Banquet

The few people who had just stood up after receiving their rewards knelt down again, saying repeatedly, "This servant greets Your Majesty."

"Your Majesty, what brings you here?"

Chu Qingyin was slightly taken aback, not expecting him to come to Feixue Palace at this time. She hurriedly went to greet him and said with a smile, "It's almost the end of the year, and the girls have served me so well, so I thought I'd give them some gifts."

"I see."

Pei Yuanling glanced at the gold and silver jewelry displayed on the plate, a faint smile playing on his lips. "My beloved consort is quite thoughtful."

As he spoke, he gently took Chu Qingyin's hand, but his gaze swept over the group of palace maids: "Since it is a reward from the master, you may all accept it."

Perhaps out of affection for the house and its inhabitants, he turned to the side and instructed Chen Zhongliang to give them some more rewards.

Overjoyed, the men hurriedly kowtowed in gratitude, saying, "Thank you for your reward, Your Majesty!"

Pei Yuanling waved his hand, signaling everyone to stand up.

After they left, his gaze returned to Chu Qingyin: "I had some free time today, so I thought I'd come and keep you company."

Chu Qingyin smiled gently on the surface, but her heart was as taut as a string, afraid that Pei Yuanling would see through her. "I am overjoyed that Your Majesty has come."

As it was the end of the year, both the imperial court and the harem had many things to do, and Pei Yuanling had not set foot in the harem for many days.

Perhaps due to days of hard work, there were faint dark circles under his eyes, making him look somewhat haggard.

"With the year-end approaching, I know Your Majesty is extremely busy, so I dare not disturb you by going to the Imperial Study. I hope Your Majesty will not blame me," Chu Qingyin murmured softly, nestled in his arms.

Pei Yuanling gently embraced Chu Qingyin, his handsome face softening: "My beloved consort is so sensible, how could I blame her? It's just that I've been busy with court affairs these past few days, and I'm really overwhelmed. I'm afraid I've neglected you."

"With New Year's Eve fast approaching, is there anything my beloved concubine desires?"

"With Your Majesty by my side, that is enough. I dare not ask for anything more."

Chu Qingyin buried her head even deeper, snuggling closer into Pei Yuanling's arms, her fair cheeks flushed with a delicate blush.

Seeing her shy and bashful appearance, Pei Yuanling's heart softened, and he couldn't help but kiss her forehead.

"My beloved consort's thoughtfulness only makes me feel more guilty."

The two hadn't seen each other for many days, and once they met, things quickly became uncontrollable.

Seeing that the atmosphere was just right, Pei Yuanling picked up the two of them and carried them to the bed.

The charcoal fire burned inside, but the warmth it emitted was not as intense as the heat emanating from the man's body.

Chu Qingyin felt as if she were pressed against a furnace when she pressed her body against him; even in the dead of winter, she felt no cold at all.

After a passionate and intimate encounter, Pei Yuanling leaned against the headboard, one hand gently resting on Chu Qingyin's waist, stroking it casually, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

Chu Qingyin's cheeks were flushed, her hair was disheveled, and she was slightly out of breath. She buried her head in Pei Yuanling's chest, and the affection in her eyes had not yet faded.

"Yinyin, I have decided to promote you to the rank of Imperial Concubine after New Year's Eve."

Pei Yuanling played with a strand of her hair, his tone filled with unwavering certainty.

Chu Qingyin's heart skipped a beat, but she feigned surprise and raised her head, saying in a sweet voice, "Your Majesty, really?"

"What virtue or ability do I possess to deserve such favor from Your Majesty?"

Seeing her so happy, Pei Yuanling hugged her even tighter. "In my heart, no one can compare. You truly deserve the title of Imperial Concubine."

"Besides, this was originally yours."

Chu Qingyin inwardly groaned.

This sudden promotion undoubtedly added another insurmountable obstacle to her escape plan.

"I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's kindness, but..."

Chu Qingyin bit her lower lip, her face full of worry, and said, "Since I entered the palace, hasn't my rank risen a little too quickly? I'm afraid this will displease the court officials..."

Pei Yuanling, however, remained unconcerned, saying, "Does my decision to bestow titles upon anyone require the consent of my court officials?"

"But I don't want to put Your Majesty in a difficult position."

Chu Qingyin said softly, "Your Majesty, I only wish to be with you."

Pei Yuanling chuckled softly, his large hand stroking her lower abdomen, gently caressing it. "It would be even better if Yinyin could conceive my child soon."

Chu Qingyin felt a chill run down her spine when Pei Yuanling touched her abdomen.

She suppressed the strange feeling in her heart and forced a shy smile: "Your Majesty, such things cannot be forced; everything depends on fate."

Pei Yuanling, however, seemed lost in beautiful daydreams, saying to himself, "If you can bear me an imperial heir, the position of the empress will be yours sooner or later."

"Your Majesty, I no longer crave any rank or title. I only wish to stay with you forever," Chu Qingyin said sweetly, snuggling against her.

"Yinyin, you don't understand. Only by elevating you to a high position can I feel at ease."

Pei Yuanling lowered his eyelashes and said thoughtfully, "Just wait patiently. After New Year's Eve, the position of Imperial Concubine will be yours."

Chu Qingyin had no choice but to nod, "It is entirely up to Your Majesty to decide."

For now, we should try to keep him calm; otherwise, it will be even more difficult for him to escape.

The New Year's Eve banquet is just around the corner. The palace is decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and everywhere is filled with a festive and lively atmosphere.

The people of the Imperial Household Department were so busy that they barely had time to breathe. It had snowed again a couple of days ago, and the red plum blossoms in the Imperial Garden were blooming in profusion. The red plum blossoms and white snow created a very festive scene.

This palace banquet was originally to be presided over by Empress Wang, but because of the previous incident that had severely damaged the Wang family, even with the Empress Dowager present, they were unable to salvage the situation.

Therefore, this banquet was jointly organized by the Shanggong Bureau and the Ministry of Rites, with Consort Qin overseeing it.

Chu Qingyin didn't care about this; she hadn't wanted to get involved in these matters anyway.

However, Lu Zhiheng also seems to have connections with the Ministry of Rites, and many of the details at the banquet were meticulously planned by him.

It seems that Lu Zhiheng had his own plans regarding her escape.

"Your Majesty, you look very beautiful in this lake-blue palace dress. Why don't you wear it?"

Xianglan carefully examined the several pieces of clothing in front of her and compared them one by one.

These clothes were sent over half a month ago, and were sent back a few days ago to be altered. Although the changes were minor, they fit much better now.

This time, it was Qinglan who came to deliver the clothes.

Chu Qingyin's gaze was drawn to a crimson palace dress, which was embroidered with intricate gold peony patterns and trimmed with snow-white fox fur at the collar and cuffs, shimmering in the candlelight.

"Let's keep this one."

Chu Qingyin spoke softly, her voice carrying an undeniable certainty.

Xianglan was slightly taken aback. "Your Majesty, this crimson purple is a color usually worn by the Empress and the Imperial Concubine. You..."

"Since His Majesty said he would bestow upon me the title of Imperial Concubine after New Year's Eve, what harm is there in wearing it in advance?"

Chu Qingyin curled her lips into a smile. "Besides, since that person sent the clothes over, doesn't it mean they want to see me wear them? In that case, I will grant her wish."

The late Consort loved purple the most; she loved all kinds of purple, in countless varieties.

In the eyes of everyone in the harem, she was favored because of her face, which resembled that of the late Consort. Now that the Imperial Dress Bureau had suddenly sent her a purple palace dress, she would naturally wear it in order to attract His Majesty's attention.

The clothes in front of her were clearly beyond the standards for her current rank, yet they were still presented to her. Wasn't it just to make her break the rules in front of everyone and be disliked by His Majesty?

Seeing that her mistress already had a plan, Xianglan said no more and quickly helped Chu Qingyin change into palace clothes and carefully did her hair and makeup.

Her long, black hair was styled into a high bun, adorned with several jade hairpins and pearl tassels, making her appear even more noble and imposing.

In the bronze mirror, her figure was graceful, her crimson palace dress accentuating her snow-white skin and adding a touch of radiance to her eyes. The peony patterns embroidered with gold thread seemed to sway gracefully in the candlelight, showcasing luxury and nobility.

"Your Majesty, you are so beautiful," Xianglan exclaimed sincerely.

Chu Qingyin smiled slightly, neither confirming nor denying.

She knew, of course, that wearing this outfit would make her the center of attention tonight and would also attract some unnecessary trouble, but she didn't care.

Anyway... Pei Yuanling will take care of everything.

"Your Majesty, since you have no further instructions, I will take my leave now. There are still many matters awaiting me at the Imperial Clothing Bureau." Qinglan bowed respectfully, and seeing that she had chosen that outfit, she did not find anything wrong with it.

Chu Qingyin looked at herself in the mirror and touched the red mole on her forehead. "Go."

Xianglan bit her lip, and finally couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, are you really going to leave tonight?"

She wasn't worried about her future situation, but escaping the fire was extremely difficult, and if she wasn't careful, she might perish in the flames.

"Besides tonight, there probably won't be a better opportunity."

Chu Qingyin lowered her eyes in thought. She had already received a letter from her brother. He had returned to his hometown in Jiangnan. He was escorted by Lord Lu's entourage and had not let Pei Yuanling notice anything amiss.

Once she escapes the palace, the two of them can completely disappear from the world's sight.

She no longer wished to stay in the palace: "Xianglan, do you really not want to leave with me?"

"No..."

Xianglan shook her head. "If I were to leave the palace as well, His Majesty would become suspicious, which would only jeopardize Your Majesty's plans."

As she spoke, she forced a light, relaxed smile at Chu Qingyin, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will never be bullied in the palace."

Even if all else fails, there's still Lord Lu to help out.

Chu Qingyin nodded and said softly, "Yes, after tonight, Qiao Qingling and Jiang will both receive their due punishment."

The punishments they have received so far are far from sufficient.

After Qiao Qingling walked back to the palace from Baohua Temple, she did indeed fall seriously ill and was confined to the palace. However, at this New Year's Eve banquet, Consort Qin released her on the grounds of family reunion.

After all, Qiao Qingling's mistake was not serious enough to warrant death, and she will be able to appear at the New Year's Eve banquet tonight. It is likely that Jiang will also follow Qiao Gongquan into the palace, so they can be caught in one fell swoop.

Chu Qingyin frowned, thinking that if she could bring Qiao Qingling into the sea of ​​fire with her, it would be a way to avenge the original owner of this body.

It's just a pity for Minister Qiao, who worked diligently his whole life, only to have both of his daughters die in the end.

Thinking of this, Chu Qingyin felt a pang of pity.

However, the Qiao family did not consist of only the two of them, so there was no shortage of successors.

"Your Majesty, I am already quite satisfied that they have received their just deserts."

After thinking for a long time, Xianglan slowly said, "Since Your Majesty has made up your mind to leave, you should not concern yourself with these trivial matters, lest you cause unnecessary trouble."

Now that Qiao Qingling is out of favor, even with Consort Qin's support, her life will only get harder day by day.

Seeing her suffering every day, more painful than death, Xianglan was content.

Chu Qingyin felt a pang of heartache seeing how sensible Xianglan was, but while Xianglan might not care, she couldn't.

Now that I've taken her body, how can I not avenge her?

"I will handle this matter accordingly."

She raised her hand to smooth the tassel hairpin at her temple and said calmly, "Let's go, the banquet is about to begin."