Li Lan Se returned to the Imperial Hall, his heart pounding. He had narrowly escaped a lashing that could have cost him his life. He must be more cautious, never again colliding with high-ranking individuals.

The young boy received a mild scolding from Xi Ying for taking so long. Fortunately, Imperial Consort Lii Fei had not yet begun her performance, allowing her time to slip away and refresh her rouge. At this moment, everyone in the Imperial Hall was reveling in joyful laughter, befitting the new reign's celebration. Even the palace consorts displayed camaraderie, offering choice morsels of food and clinking cups of exquisite wine, their faces radiant and charming. The officials, too, grew boisterous under the influence of alcohol, embracing dancing girls without heed for anyone's gaze. Wherever Lan Se looked, he saw only merriment.

Imperial Consort Lii Fei returned, smiling faintly at Imperial Consort Yuan, who sat beside her and inquired where she had gone, and why she had not informed her.

"Younger Sister merely felt a slight dizziness, so I stepped outside for a stroll. Pray, Elder Sister, do not worry," Lii Fei replied with neutral words. Though their consort ranks were equal and both had received imperial titles, she still had to show deference to Imperial Consort Yuan, for Imperial Consort Yuan had entered the palace many years before her. Furthermore, even if Imperial Consort Yuan's countenance was no longer as pleasing as it had been ten years prior, causing the Emperor to lose his favor for her, Imperial Consort Yuan still had a son, 'Wu Shuomeng,' the Second Imperial Prince, to rely upon.

Excluding the Empress, it was Imperial Consort De Fei and Imperial Consort Yuan whom she had to honor. Among the beauties of her own age, she held the highest rank. Thus, she was constantly troubled and wary of younger beauties, fearing that those consorts would attain a rank surpassing hers.

But with the Empress, Imperial Consort De Fei, and Imperial Consort Yuan, she felt no fear. What if they had sons? They were all well into their thirties. Even if the Emperor were to visit them again, it was uncertain if they could conceive a dragon child. Moreover, they showed no interest in the inner court's rivalries, allowing the others to secretly contend for the Crown Prince's position.

If asked whether she desired her own son to ascend the throne, she would readily admit it. However, she was born into a merchant family, lacking support from any official faction. Furthermore, before the position of Crown Prince could even be considered, there were still five other Imperial Princes whom her son would have to contend with. The mere thought brought despair.

But before contemplating a son, she must first find a way to conceive herself.

"Your humble consort Lin Pin humbly requests His Majesty's permission. On this auspicious occasion of the new reign, your humble consort has nothing worthy to offer His Majesty like others. Your humble consort possesses only skill in painting. Please, allow me to display painting skill as a gift to His Majesty!"

Imperial Consort Lin Pin stepped forward, her demeanor suggesting she had chosen her moment well and was confident in her abilities, daring to kneel without fear of anyone's gaze.

It was clear that the plan to display one's talent to win favor was not unique to Lan Se alone.

"Very well. I permit it. I haven't seen my beloved consort hold a brush in a long time." The Emperor smiled faintly, waving a hand. His Confidant Eunuch by his side understood His Majesty's desire, turning to order the painting equipment to be brought forth.

The Confidant Eunuch by the Emperor's side was named 'Zhou Chengke,' holding the rank of Qianqinggong Songguan. Zhou Gonggong had served His Majesty since his youth. No one understood the Emperor better than this stout eunuch. Yunzhi once recounted to the boy that the consorts and palace women often bribed Gonggong Zhou, having to pay as much as 300 taels of silver if they wished for this eunuch to utter their name before His Majesty even once.

Just to have one's name mentioned to the Son of Heaven required 300 taels. What about officials or those who aspired to high positions? How much tea money would they have to pay? The young boy dared not contemplate.

"Beloved consort, can you tell us what painting you intend to create for Our enjoyment?"

"Your humble consort shall paint 'Three Friends of Winter,' which bears an auspicious meaning, for His Majesty."

Li Lan Se gasped in astonishment upon hearing this, seeing his mistress clench her lips and dig her nails into her palms, yet unable to do anything.

In her heart, she seethed with resentment, never imagining her opportunity would be stolen so brazenly.

""Younger Sister Lin Pin is exceedingly talented. I have seen her paintings before. Her brushwork is no less skilled than that of a renowned painter, Your Highness." The Empress smiled serenely, then tilted her head to glance at Lii Fei's seat. "However, 'Three Friends of Winter' is not merely a painting with auspicious meaning. The song 'Three Friends of Winter' is also melodious and pleasing to the ear. I proposes that Younger Sister Lii Fei perform on the guqin, Your Highness? When I passed by Jingren Palace, I heard the faint strains of the song carried on the wind. If we could hear the full song from Younger Sister Lii Fei accompanied by Younger Sister Lin Pin's painting on such an auspicious day, I would surely be filled with joy and happiness, befitting the auspicious phrase 'Suihan Sanyou' throughout the entire year!"

"Good. Exceedingly good."

Gonggong Zhou commanded eunuchs to bring forth a guqin and place it beside the painting equipment.

Now, all eyes turned to Lii Fei. The Imperial Consort was quick-witted. The Empress had extended such an opportunity directly to her. Though she knew not the reason why the Empress suddenly championed her, she would accept it with full willingness.

Lii Fei composed her expression and demeanor to one of elegance, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Your Highness the Empress. Your humble consort merely plays the guqin in her leisure; I have not practiced diligently. I fear I shall display a shameful performance before Your Majesties."

'Three Friends of Winter' symbolized winter. The three friends, consisting of bamboo, pine, and plum blossom, represented the friendship and steadfastness of these three trees, never abandoning one another. They also embodied unwavering resolve, strength, and pride, enduring and unyielding against obstacles, much like braving the cold winds from the first day of winter until the beginning of spring.

Lii Fei's singing voice, though not exceptionally outstanding, blended harmoniously with the sound of the guqin, not overshadowing the instrument's gentle melodies. She sang with a deep understanding of the three friends' spirit, conveying resilience, endurance, and pride in her voice.

As for Lin Pin, she painted bamboo, pine, and plum blossoms beautifully and admirably. Both beautiful women displayed their talents to His Majesty's satisfaction. The Emperor bestowed gifts of hairpins, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and fine silks upon each of them. He also praised the Empress for governing the inner court well, and for the consorts' affection and harmony.

The Emperor was pleased, and those beneath his feet rejoiced.

Lii Fei and Lin Pin looked at each other, exchanging faint smiles.

Now, it remained to be seen which palace His Majesty would visit tonight.