northernbook Chapter 498: Gaining a Sense of Presence
Chapter 498: Gaining a Sense of Presence
At the same time, many concubines in the harem were unhappy when they heard the news from Eunuch Lin. They thought that Princess Anping was really too much of a hassle to go and get some small gifts in person.
However, when they realized that this was the will conveyed by Eunuch Lin, it meant that the emperor knew something about this matter. Moreover, if they went to the Imperial Study, they might have a chance to see the emperor again!
After all, they have been using these skin care products for a long time, and it is time to show the results in front of the emperor and brush up their presence. So, everyone dressed up carefully, changed their clothes, and hurried to the imperial study.
Along the way, these concubines competed and compared with each other, all wanting to show their most charming side in order to attract the emperor's attention.
However, when they arrived in front of the Imperial Study, they were surprised to find that except for the guards standing there and a carriage at the bottom of the stairs, the entire hall seemed empty and unusually quiet. Many concubines could not help but feel very confused and strange.
The queen was the last to arrive. She still maintained her elegant and noble temperament, walking towards the imperial study with steady and slow steps.
When Eunuch Lin saw that the Queen and all the concubines in the harem had arrived, he hurried into the imperial study to ask for instructions.
After a while, footsteps were heard from the door of the imperial study, and then someone was heard saying loudly: "Hahaha! My beloved concubines are really blessed. Princess Anping has specially prepared delicious food for you. My beloved concubines may wish to taste it first."
Everyone looked up and saw the emperor walking out with big strides, followed closely by Sheng Zhen. Then, Eunuch Mu came with a tray with a dish of food on it, but due to the distance, it was impossible to see what it was.
The three of them approached, and then the emperor stopped. Everyone greeted the emperor and saluted, and then Sheng Zhen also saluted everyone.
"Xiao Muzi, please invite all the concubines to taste the delicious food! Hehehe!" The emperor said with a smile to eunuch Mu beside him.
Eunuch Mu responded and walked forward with the tray. Everyone could see clearly what was in the plate - wasn't it brown sugar? They couldn't help wondering how delicious brown sugar could be.
However, the queen saw some clues from the brown sugar. She found that it was different from the brown sugar she usually ate. It was not only more solid, but also more colorful and beautiful. It was not like some brown sugar that was loose and sticky.
Eunuch Mu brought the tray to the Queen. The Queen gracefully raised her index finger, picked up a piece of brown sugar and put it in her mouth, wanting to savor it carefully.
However, when the brown sugar just entered her mouth, her eyes suddenly widened, an expression of disbelief appeared on her face, and she exclaimed: "Is this really brown sugar?"
Emperor Yongshun had been paying close attention to everyone's reactions. Seeing the Queen's expression, he knew that the Queen must have been shocked by the taste of brown sugar. So, he couldn't wait to ask, "Queen, how does it taste!"
After swallowing the melted brown sugar in her mouth, the queen showed a satisfied expression and said with a smile: "It is extremely delicious and breaks our previous understanding of brown sugar. May I ask your Majesty, where is this tribute from?"
After hearing this, Emperor Yongshun burst into laughter with a delighted gleam in his eyes: "This is not a tribute, but a snack prepared by Princess Anping for her concubines. There are snacks of various flavors in it, which are so addictive! As for what flavors they are, I'll just have to wait for you concubines to discover them. Haha, Zhen'er, why don't you hand over the gift quickly?" Emperor Yongshun deliberately kept the secret in order to maintain a sense of mystery.
Sheng Zhen bowed and said, "Yes, Father, ladies, please come this way." Then he took the lead and walked towards the carriage, his steps steady and confident. Seeing this, Eunuch Lin hurried forward and helped open the carriage door.
The concubines who had tasted the brown sugar were all overwhelmed by the wonderful taste and followed the carriage, full of anticipation, fearing that they would miss out on a precious gift if they were a step late. Their faces were filled with excitement and curiosity, and they couldn't wait to explore this mysterious gift.
In an instant, many people gathered around the carriage, but the queen remained dignified and stood there watching. She knew that her share would not be reduced anyway, so there was no need to worry.
Some concubines were cunning and, seeing that the emperor was still standing there without moving and the queen was beside him, they gave up queuing and turned around to show their presence in front of the emperor. What if the emperor noticed them because of this and favored them tonight? Then, with the emperor's favor in the future, they would be able to turn things around.