Chapter 24: Is this the Imperial Noble Consort?
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No one had ever seen such a thing before, and they all craned their necks to get a better look.
It was two-tiered, topped with two beautiful, vivid flowers and surrounded by delicate pieces of fruit.
Its sweet fragrance immediately drew everyone’s attention.
“It certainly is something novel.” The Empress Dowager had lived through many decades, yet this was the first time she had ever seen anything like it.
Feng Wuchen took out the candles, lit them, and held them before the Empress Dowager.
In his soft, childish voice, he said, “Imperial Grandmother, close your eyes and make a wish in your heart.”
He even added solemnly, “You mustn’t say your wish aloud, or it won’t come true.”
His mother had taught him that. A delighted smile spread across Feng Wuchen’s little face.
At his words, the Empress Dowager obediently closed her eyes and began making her wish in silence.
“Happy birthday to you~ Happy birthday to you~”
A song suddenly rang out, and the Empress Dowager could not resist opening her eyes for a look.
Jiang Daiyin was singing the birthday song with Feng Lingyao and Feng Wuchen.
“Imperial Grandmother, once you’ve finished wishing, just blow out the candles,” Feng Wuchen reminded her when he saw her open her eyes.
The Empress Dowager hurriedly closed them again and earnestly made her wish. Then she gazed at the flickering candle flames before her and blew gently.
The candles went out, trailing wisps of white smoke.
Feng Lingyao and Jiang Daiyin applauded from the side, and together they called out, “Happy birthday, Imperial Grandmother!” “Happy birthday, Mother Empress!”
Everyone was moved by the joyous atmosphere.
Such a novel way of celebrating a birthday was truly rare, and excitement stirred in every heart.
From now on, they wanted to celebrate their birthdays this way as well.
The Empress Dowager’s face was radiant with joy, and she could not stop smiling.
Surrounded by a group of younger relatives singing and applauding for her, the old woman felt warmth bloom in her heart.
With children and grandchildren gathered around her knees, she finally experienced the happiness of family.
“Imperial Grandmother, you get the first slice of cake.”
Jiang Daiyin helped cut the cake, and Feng Wuchen carried the plate over to the Empress Dowager.
Unexpectedly, the cake held even more surprises within. Between its soft layers of sponge were fresh fruit and sweet-and-tart jam.
The Empress Dowager was dazzled by the first bite. It was entirely different from any pastry she had ever tasted.
Feng Wuchen gave the second slice to the Emperor. Feng Yu had never cared for sweets, and when he accepted it, the sugary fragrance made him frown slightly.
Seeing how much the Empress Dowager was enjoying hers, he scooped up a small piece with his spoon and brought it to his lips. At once, a ripple passed through his dark, still eyes.
Everyone below watched the Emperor and the Empress Dowager intently. Seeing their reactions, they could not help swallowing and staring longingly at the cake, of which only a little remained after being divided among them.
It seemed they would have no chance to taste it after all.
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“What is this white cream on top?”
After two bites, Feng Yu found it somewhat rich. He ate two more bites of fruit from inside before managing to dispel the cloying taste.
“Your Majesty, that is cream.”
When Jiang Daiyin saw that he had stopped eating the cream after a single bite, she understood at once. It seemed this particular gentleman did not care for the taste of cream.
The egg whites needed lemon to remove their raw odor, but lemons did not exist in this era, so she had used rice vinegar instead. The result was not quite as effective.
When Fu Linhai saw that the Emperor had eaten everything except the cream, his eyes fixed on it. He truly wished he could taste the cake.
The remaining cake was divided among the consorts, princes, and princesses, leaving almost nothing behind.
At first, several of the consorts looked solemn and hesitated to eat. But when they saw that both the Empress Dowager and the Emperor had tasted it, they relaxed.
“It’s delicious!”
The Eighth Prince cried out in astonishment.
Feng Linye had originally resolved that he would rather starve to death than eat it. But as he watched everyone else smiling with delight, he bit his lower lip.
Perhaps he could have just a tiny taste.
Thinking this, he scooped up a large spoonful and put it into his mouth.
“Mmph!”
He had taken too much in one bite, leaving cream smeared around his lips like a white beard and making him look even more adorable. His eyes lit up.
“It smells wonderful!”
After hurriedly swallowing what was in his mouth, he picked up the plate he had just despised and polished it off in a few quick bites.
If something this delicious existed, did that mean Feng Wuchen and Feng Lingyao could eat it every day?
At the thought, he cast a resentful glance at his elder sister.
His heart filled with both grievance and sadness.
Back when they had lived in Yikun Palace, any delicious food had always been given to him first.
Now that his sister had gone to the Empress’s palace, she got to live so happily every day. His young heart immediately felt unbalanced.
“Mother Consort, this cake is delicious,” the Third Princess whispered beside Consort Shu. She was, after all, still only a child.
“Xuan’er, mind your status.” Consort Shu patted her hand.
The little girl’s bright eyes dimmed at once.
“Yes.”
Her mother never let her eat whatever she pleased, always saying that she had to maintain her figure.
She could not understand it. She was already a princess, so why could she not live a little more freely?
Yet her mother insisted that she study all manner of things, even more than the princes.
She was not preparing for the imperial examinations. In the future, she only needed to marry a prince consort. But her mother disliked such an attitude.
She looked at Feng Lingyao, laughing with genuine happiness beside Jiang Daiyin.
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She could not help feeling envious.
The Empress was so kind to them—kinder than their own mother. She accompanied them in doing things and even sang with them for their Imperial Grandmother…
Her mother had never played with her.
Feng Lingxuan lowered her eyes in disappointment.
“Hahaha, the Empress has certainly put her heart into this. This is the happiest birthday I have ever celebrated,” the Empress Dowager said with a hearty laugh.
“Mother, next year, let all the children sing the birthday song for you. You will surely be even happier.”
Jiang Daiyin gave a graceful curtsy, her smile sincere.
“Good! Good. If there are a few more children by next year, I shall be even happier.”
At those words, Feng Yu’s heart trembled.
Jiang Daiyin silently grumbled to herself. She thought she knew what wish the Empress Dowager had made.
Suddenly, music began to play, and everyone turned toward the sound.
A clear and melodious female voice followed.
A woman in a peach-red dance dress appeared before them.
“Blessed light and auspicious clouds illuminate the palace halls,
On this sacred birthday, blessings gather in abundance.
The strings and bamboo instruments carry wondrous melodies,
May your longevity rival the Southern Mountain, green and majestic.
Golden goblets pour forth fine wine like a stream,
Words of congratulations stretch on like warm sunlight.
May the Empress Dowager enjoy enduring health and crane-like years,
May her blessings be as boundless as the Eastern Sea, forever without end.”
Every movement and every glance of the woman overflowed with tenderness. Her voice was like the most beautiful nightingale in the forest—graceful, lilting, and enchanting—instantly capturing everyone’s attention.
Her dress traced the exquisite lines of her figure. With light, measured steps, she moved in perfect time with the drumbeats, precise yet weightless.
Whenever she lifted her hands, her arms seemed boneless, moving with effortless elegance.
“Is that the Noble Consort?”
Someone suddenly cried out in surprise, and everyone felt their breathing catch.
Everyone knew that the Noble Consort was stunning and imperious, but no one had known she could sing and dance so beautifully.
Feng Yu felt his heart stir.
The Noble Consort had danced only for him before. This dance was a testament to the bond between them.
When Wei Ranzhu finished her dance, she knelt before the hall, her voice clear and melodious.
“Your servant respectfully offers congratulations on the Empress Dowager’s sacred birthday. May Your Highness enjoy everlasting health and endless years.”