Chapter 4
Chapter 4 — General Triumph Blocks My Prayer, My Palace Has No Free Time
In the name of giving flowers, in reality it was to welcome Hue Quy Concubine Duong Nguyet who had just been ordained. After all, after giving birth to the prince, Duong Nguyet always rested in her Thua An palace. This was also the first time she officially appeared in front of everyone. Luu Ngoan Nhi, as the wife of First Class Tran Quoc Cong, is of course also on the invitation list. She clutched the gilded card tightly in her hand, her nails almost digging into her palm. She knew this was an opportunity. An opportunity to humiliate Duong Nguyet in front of everyone. She meticulously applied makeup, wore the most gorgeous clothes, and wore the most precious jewelry. She didn't believe that a national expert like her who acted righteously in the name of justice could be oppressed by a concubine. In Ngu Hoa Garden, hundreds of flowers bloom. Three or five concubines and madams gathered together, talking and laughing. When Luu Ngoan Nhi entered the garden, it caused a small stir.
"Is that Mrs. Tran Quoc Cong, she looks really beautiful."
“That's right, I heard that a few days ago General Tieu was in front of the palace gate…”
“Shh, keep quiet, don't you see that Concubine Hue Quy hasn't arrived yet?”
The sound of discussion was not loud, but every word reached Luu Ngoan Nhi's ears. Her expression changed slightly, but she quickly regained her arrogant look. The Queen sat on the throne, and when she saw her, she smiled gently.
"Lady Tieu has arrived, take your seat."
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Luu Ngoan Nhi bowed and sat down, but her eyes kept searching the crowd. She did not see Duong Nguyet. I couldn't help but laugh coldly, what a great price. After a while, I only heard the eunuch chanting loudly.
“Your Highness Hue has arrived——”
Everyone's eyes simultaneously turned towards the garden gate. Duong Nguyet, surrounded by a group of palace maids, slowly walked forward. Today I am wearing a light purple palace outfit, the skirt of the dress is embroidered with large peonies with silver thread, each step sparkles with light. On her head she wore a simple Phi Tien design, only wearing a phoenix crown with pearls, and in addition there was no additional jewelry. But even so, when I appear, the spring scene in the garden seems to only be the background for me. Thanh Lanh. Cannot be violated. Luu Ngoan Nhi's heart felt like it was stabbed by something fierce. In her memories, Duong Nguyet was always gentle and smiling, following behind Tieu Quyet, like a small tail without temperament. But this woman in front of her eyes emitted a kind of aura that made her both jealous and afraid.
"I beg your pardon, Your Highness the Queen. I wish you all the best and happiness."
I walked up to the Queen and bowed properly. The Queen immediately reached out her hand to help slightly.
“Sister, quickly stand up, you just gave birth, your body is important, no need to be too polite.”
The Queen's attitude was close and familiar, as if the two were truly sisters.
“Come here, sit next to this palace.”
This position, besides the Queen, is the most noble position. I did not refuse, said a word of thanks, then leisurely sat down. After I sat down, my eyes just faintly swept across the whole arena, finally stopping on Luu Ngoan Nhi. Four eyes met. One side is as calm as water. On one side, the underground waves are rolling. Being looked at like that, Luu Ngoan Nhi's heart twitched slightly, but she quickly straightened her back. What is she afraid of? She is the main wife that Tieu Quyet properly married! The banquet begins, with peaceful singing and dancing. Luu Ngoan Nhi was not in the mood to watch songs and dances, she was always waiting for an opportunity. Finally, when the dance ended and everyone was chatting, she raised her wine glass and stood up.
“Your Majesty, my father has something to say, I don't know if I should say it or not.”
The smile on the Queen's face faded a bit.
"Mrs. Tieu has something to say."
Luu Ngoan Nhi's eyes shot straight towards me.
"My father heard that Concubine Hue Quy and my father's husband were once old friends."
As soon as these words were said, the atmosphere immediately became quiet. Everyone's ears perked up. The main topic has come. I held the teacup and gently used the lid to brush away the tea leaves, not even bothering to lift my eyelids. Luu Ngoan Nhi continued to speak, her voice carrying a hint of self-pity mixed with boastfulness.
"My father's husband is a loving person. Even though he is now married to my father, he still thinks of his noble wife often in his heart."
"A few days ago, for the sake of His Highness, he opposed His Majesty in advance. He is truly a lovesick person."
She pretended to sigh, then suddenly changed her tone, seeming to sincerely wonder:
"It's just that my father is stupid, there's one thing I still don't understand."
"Why is it that even with women, some people can become the main wife, have a good reputation, and enjoy all the glory and wealth."
"And there are people... who can only act as concubines under others, and even their status must be obtained through favor?"
On the surface, this seems to be talking about the fate of women in the world. But in reality, every sentence and every word is aimed directly at us. She wanted to say that that year Tieu Quyet chose her to be his wife, and I was just an abandoned person. Right now, even if I become a noble concubine, I will only have status based on being favored by the emperor. As for her, she is the first wife to marry properly, with a dignified status, more noble than me. Many ladies' faces showed signs of waiting to see a good drama. Everyone knows that Concubine Hue's background is her only weakness. Even though she is the daughter of the Grand Deputy, compared to the prime minister, she is still one level behind. Moreover, there is also an unsightly part in the past where he was divorced. Just when everyone thinks we will be angry, or awkward. I just put the tea cup down. The tea cup hit the table, emitting a clear sound. I finally raised my eyes and looked at Luu Ngoan Nhi, the corners of my lips even carrying a smile as if it were nothing.
“Lady Tieu asked a very good question.”
I slowly opened my mouth, my voice was not loud, but every word resonated clearly in the banquet.
“This palace also really wants to ask something.”