Chapter 200: Chapter 200

Ms. Lien also thought he made sense, nodding lightly, "I understand. I will keep an eye out for talented young men and try to have Yunzhi married off before then."

Saying this, she started looking around to see if there were any suitable candidates among the nobles attending the banquet tonight.

Pei Yunzhi pressed her lips together, her fingers nearly pinching themselves bloody.

If Yu Nianzhao were truly to become Princess Consort Su and marry from the Pei Family, she would be thoroughly and decisively trampled on.

Nan Guili murmured this name, his expression changing repeatedly. He looked eagerly at Yu Nianzhao, complex emotions swirling in his eyes.

Yu Nianzhao noticed his gaze, innocently blinking her beautiful eyes and calmly waved at him.

"Does he look good?" A cold voice sounded beside her ear.

"Hmm, not bad," Yu Nianzhao replied without hesitation.

Xie Jiuxiao’s heart sank. Seeing Yu Nianzhao still boldly looking at Nan Guili, he discontentedly said, "Still looking? Do you really want to change seats and see him up close and clearly?"

"It’s not impossible."

Yu Nianzhao pondered for a moment and actually nodded in agreement.

He looked at Nan Guili with eyes now filled with murderous intent.

A suddenly chilled Nan Guili raised his hand to touch his nose, gave a light cough, and continued to have the gifts presented.

A few guards from Nanwang Country brought forward trays, with transparent glass cups and several jugs of wine on them.

"These utensils look quite nice, but is this wine next to them?"

Xie Yunzhe chuckled, "Our Great Chao Country has no lack of wine; we have all sorts of it. I wonder what is so special about this Nanwang Country wine that you had to transport it all the way here?"

Nan Guili unhurriedly opened a jug of wine, and the aroma of grape wine wafted through the air, quite novel in scent.

"This is grape wine from the Western Regions, rich in flavor, sweet in taste, also suitable for ladies to drink." Nan Guili poured the grape wine into the glass, the swaying red wine making the glass look beautiful, "Grape wine is best paired with a glass, taking a sip is a lingering experience."

Xie Jiuxiao said coolly, "Grape wine from the Western Regions has long been introduced to Great Chao Country. Several orchards can brew grape wine, is it that rare?"

Nan Guili personally offered the fine wine, "Nanwang Country’s climate is suitable for growing other grape varieties, so the taste might differ from Great Chao Country’s grape wine. Such fine wine is something I also wish to share with the Emperor."

Emperor Anqing did not reach out to take it but raised an eyebrow, glancing at Mr. Wang beside him.

Just as Mr. Wang was about to step forward, Xie Jiuxiao stepped ahead, taking the wine glass and draining it in one go.

"I’ll taste this cup of wine on my emperor brother’s behalf first."

Xie Jiuxiao placed the glass back down, sneering coldly, "It’s nothing special after all."

Nan Guili’s gentle gaze met the icy cold gaze of Xie Jiuxiao, an unspoken clash between the two.

Emperor Anqing laughed and said, "It’s enough that Prince Su has tasted it for me. I’ll keep these fine wines and glass cups."

Nan Guili withdrew his gaze, smiling, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Emperor Anqing said, "Your Nanwang Country has already given so many gifts. When you return, I will also prepare a generous gift for you to take back."

Nan Guili said, "Your Majesty, there is one more gift I haven’t presented yet."

Emperor Anqing was surprised, "Another one?"

"Yes, last time I gave the Empress a Phoenix Auspicious standing mirror. In fact, there is also a Dragon Auspicious bronze mirror. There was a slight mishap during its transport, causing it to be delayed, but now it naturally should be given as a pair to the palace."

Nan Guili spoke humbly, and a carved bronze standing mirror was brought forward.

"Oh? This mirror looks nice, able to reflect the entire figure? Moreover, the mirror surface is so smooth, better than the bronze mirror I bought at the Treasure Pavilion."

"This way, after changing clothes, you can see the complete look. It’s wonderful. I wonder if such mirrors are sold in the market? Even if it’s more expensive, it’s worth buying."

"Things from the Western Regions are really nice; why hasn’t Great Chao Country seen such rare and interesting mirrors?"

The full-length standing mirror attracted all the women at the banquet, who were envious and wished to take such a mirror home.

The Empress gracefully commented, "The Sixth Prince has been thoughtful; I like both these bronze mirrors very much."

Nan Guili said, "The auspicious symbolism of dragon and phoenix is good, adding to the celebration of the future birth of a prince."

These words pleased both Emperor Anqing and the Empress greatly.

"Mr. Wang, take the mirror to the Empress’s quarters."

The dessert in Yu Nianzhao’s hand no longer seemed appetizing. She looked at the bronze mirror with a serious expression, feeling as if something had flashed by in the mirror a moment ago.

"What’s the matter, Zhaozhao?" ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novel-fire.ɴet

The Empress felt an inexplicable unease seeing her gaze fixed on the mirror, "Is there something wrong with the bronze mirror?"

"How could there be something wrong with the mirror? It was transported specially, untouched by others."

The guard behind Nan Guili hurriedly explained.

"This is not for you to speak." Nan Guili frowned slightly, quietly scolding him.

Then he turned and asked, "Miss Yu, is there something wrong?"

Xie Jiuxiao also asked, "Zhaozhao, is there that kind of thing about the bronze mirror?"

Those who knew Yu Nianzhao understood.

The Empress gently stroked her abdomen, her hairs standing on end.

"Not that kind of thing."

Yu Nianzhao shook her head, walked to the bronze mirror, and reached out to touch its surface.

There was no change in the bronze mirror, only the reflection of Yu Nianzhao herself.

That subtle feeling disappeared, and she pursed her lips, shaking her head, "Since there is already a mirror in the Empress’s quarters, there’s no need to place too many. In terms of feng shui, having too many mirrors in a sleeping area isn’t good."

The Empress breathed a sigh of relief, smiling, "Zhaozhao is correct. Since I already have a mirror, let the other Dragon Auspicious bronze mirror be sent to the Emperor’s quarters."

"What do I need a mirror for? If you don’t need it that much, send it to the Dowager Consort."

Since there was no issue with the bronze mirror, Emperor Anqing decided to send one to the Dowager Consort.

Just as the Dowager Consort succeeded in losing weight and was busy tailoring new clothes to admire her beauty, it suited her to have it.

"I leave it to Your Majesty’s discretion." The Empress had no objections, as honoring the Dowager Consort was also appropriate.

When Mr. Wang had people carry the mirror away, Yu Nianzhao still felt uneasy, unable to resist advising, "Mr. Wang, it would be better to place this mirror a bit further from the chamber."

Mr. Wang glanced at Xie Jiuxiao, and upon seeing him subtly nod, he smiled and said, "Alright, this old servant understands, it will be placed farther."