The princess regretted it.

Chapter 4: Flower Appreciation Banquet Concubine Zhang

The next day, the Imperial Gardens were ablaze with blossoms, each vying for attention with its own unique beauty. Walking along the cobblestone path into the garden, the path was lined with vibrant blossoms, reds like fire, pinks like clouds, whites like snow, each vying for attention with a dazzling array of colors. The air was thick with the rich fragrance of flowers, making one feel as if they were immersed in a sea of blossoms.

In the heart of the garden stood a vast, ornate pavilion, its roof covered in golden glazed tiles that shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight. Inside, exquisite tables and chairs were placed, covered in intricately embroidered brocade. The tables were laden with a variety of rare fruits, pastries, and fine wines, a mouth-watering feast.

Surrounding the pavilion, a circle of enormous flower pots holds a variety of exotic flowers and plants. Some are as large as plates, their petals layered like colorful clouds; others are small and exquisite, with unique shapes, like exquisite works of art. Next to the flower pots, exquisite sculptures and bonsai complement the flowers, further enhancing the garden's artistic atmosphere.

On one side of the garden, a group of musicians played beautiful music. The melodious tunes echoed in the air, enchanting the audience. On the other side, the ladies attending the flower-viewing banquet, adorned with gorgeous attire and precious jewelry, were all radiant. Some walked in groups of two or three among the blossoms, admiring the beauty and chatting softly; some sat in the pavilion, savoring delicious food and appreciating the garden's beauty; and still others, in a corner of the garden, played instruments and chanted poetry, adding a touch of elegance to the banquet.

"Noble Consort Zhang has arrived!" A shrill voice broke the atmosphere. Everyone turned to see a group of palace maids escorting a woman, dressed in gorgeous clothes and elegant demeanor, slowly entering. She was the current favored Noble Consort of the Six Palaces—Noble Consort Zhang.

Concubine Zhang approached slowly, surrounded by a crowd of people. She wore a gorgeous crimson-purple palace gown, the exquisite embroidery gleaming brilliantly in the sunlight. The phoenix pattern, outlined in golden thread, was vivid, as if ready to take flight at any moment. She wore a phoenix crown studded with countless gems, the shimmering gems framing her stunningly beautiful face. Her eyes were bright and deep, yet within that seemingly gentle gaze lay an elusive edge. Her every frown and smile exuded nobility and grace, yet beneath this elegance lay a deep, calculating mind.

Concubine Zhang, whose full name was Zhang Xinrou, was born into the aristocratic Zhang family. The Zhang family, through generations of officials, had accumulated extensive connections and resources, and enjoyed a deep-rooted and complex influence in the court. Her grandfather, Zhang Enfeng, had served as a veteran of three dynasties, making illustrious military achievements for the Jin state and highly regarded by the emperor. Her father, Zhang Chengde, was the Minister of War, a third-rank official, holding important responsibilities within the Ministry of War. Her mother, Yao Miaorong, was a legitimate daughter of the Yao family, a member of the Honglu Zhengqing family. She was well-educated, gentle, and virtuous. Her brother, Zhang Hengrui, also held a prominent position as the Left Commander of the Imperial Guard.

From a young age, Zhang Xinrou displayed remarkable intelligence and talent, commanding admiration. She excelled in the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and her dancing skills were particularly impressive. Her graceful movements resembled a fairy, a breathtaking sight. Upon entering the palace, Zhang Xinrou's beauty and talent quickly won the emperor's favor, leading to the birth of twins, a boy and a girl, and the title of Imperial Concubine. Following the untimely death of the Empress, Zhang's status within the palace intensified, rising to the highest position among the concubines. Deeply trusted and favored by the emperor, she oversaw all matters in the six harems, wielding immense power—literally, she was only one step away from the title of Empress.

Upon seeing this, all the ladies immediately stood up, lined up in two neat rows, and bowed to Concubine Zhang. Their movements were graceful and dignified, with expressions of respect and awe on their faces.

Concubine Zhang slowly raised her hand and waved it gently with a faint smile on her face. She said in a gentle tone but with a hint of majesty: "No need for formalities! Everyone, stand up!" As her words fell, everyone stood up and stood in place respectfully, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.

Concubine Zhang sat high in the main seat, looking elegant and graceful, gazing at the crowd below with a gentle smile. Her exquisite makeup and gorgeous attire betrayed her noble status. Her eyes swept over the crowd, a flicker of satisfaction in them.

"Recently, when I looked at the beautiful flowers in the imperial garden, I couldn't help but think that the harem has not been lively for a long time. So I asked the emperor to hold this flower-viewing banquet, aiming to have fun with everyone. Now seeing the girls' beautiful and charming faces, they are more beautiful than all the flowers in the imperial garden!" Concubine Zhang said with a smile.

"Your Majesty, you are too kind!" A lady in a light blue dress stepped forward first. She walked with graceful steps, bowed slightly, and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, how are you? The flowers in this garden are indeed beautiful, but I think they are far less elegant and beautiful than Your Majesty's face." Her voice was crisp and pleasant, like a yellow oriole singing in a valley.

Concubine Zhang raised her eyebrows and smiled gently, her expression gentle but majestic: "You have such a sweet mouth. Although this flower is beautiful, it needs someone who understands flowers to appreciate it. Tell me, which flower in this garden is your favorite?" There was a hint of curiosity in her eyes, as if she was really interested in the lady's preferences.

The young lady thought for a moment, then said, "Your Majesty, I love peonies the most. Peonies are a symbol of wealth and splendor, with a beauty and fragrance that transcends the realm of the land. Just like you, Your Majesty, they are graceful and elegant, inspiring admiration."

Concubine Zhang raised the corners of her mouth, and a hint of imperceptible pride flashed in her eyes: "Well, peony is indeed the king of flowers, with a majestic beauty. You are a good kid. Which family are you from?" She nodded slightly, expressing her appreciation for the lady's answer.

The woman bowed gracefully and spoke in a clear voice, "Your Highness, I am Zhao Wan'er, daughter of the Minister of Rites."

"Oh! So you are the daughter of Minister Zhao! How old are you this year? Are you married?" Concubine Zhang asked softly.

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present began to speculate, "Has this caught the Imperial Concubine's eye?" Zhao Wan'er also tried hard to suppress her inner excitement and replied calmly, "Your Majesty, I am sixteen years old this year and unmarried."

Concubine Zhang seemed lost in thought. Sixteen was still a good age. She raised her eyes slightly, her smile growing wider. "Are you proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting?"

Zhao Wan'er was secretly delighted, but she remained neither humble nor arrogant: "Your Majesty, I know a thing or two."

"Hmm~, very good! I will definitely appreciate it carefully when I have the chance." Concubine Zhang leaned back on the chair, moved her fingers slightly, and said with a chuckle.

However, at this moment, there was a sudden, crisp clinking of rings and pendants. The sound, coming from far away and approaching with remarkable clarity, instantly attracted everyone's attention. Then, a coquettish voice rang out like a yellow oriole from a valley: "Mother Zhang, your flower viewing banquet is truly lively!"

There was a hint of playfulness and liveliness in the voice, making people curious about who the newcomer was. As the voice fell, everyone saw a woman dressed in a gorgeous red palace dress approaching gracefully. Her steps were light and graceful, each step seeming to have a unique rhythm. The pearls and jade on her head swayed slightly with her movements, sparkling with a dazzling light. Her delicate face was covered with a brilliant smile, and her eyes were bright and lively, as if hiding endless energy.