Chapter 822 Did He Require Lu Liangwei’s Permission
A burst of light laughter broke the uncomfortable atmosphere in the hall.
Everyone looked toward the laughter and found it came from the Pure Consort, who was seated one seat below the Empress.
The imperial harem was now left with only the Empress and the Pure Consort. Everyone had nearly forgotten about her as the Pure Consort had been quiet for quite a while. No one had expected her to suddenly break the silence at this moment.
Their gazes turned toward her. The Pure Consort was holding an exquisite jade-white wine cup. Held against her slender hands, her skin looked especially fair and pretty.
She looked at Wanyan Luosang nonchalantly. “Princess Luosang, can’t you see that the Empress is tired and His Majesty is about to see her back? Why not let me have a drink with you instead?”
Even though Wanyan Luosang had no idea who she was, Wanyan Luosang was able to tell that she was a concubine judging by where she was seated. Wanyan Luosang frowned at the Pure Consort’s words and replied with some disdain, “I believe the decision for His Majesty to drink with me isn’t yours to make. Moreover, I never drink with women.”
The Pure Consort was not angered by her words. All she did in response was shrug and finish the wine in her cup.
Lu Liangwei gave her a surprised look.
Ever since the Virtuous Consort was sentenced to death, the Pure Consort’s existence seemed to be gradually forgotten in the imperial harem.
Even though the Pure Constant greeted Lu Liangwei as usual every day, she would never stay behind and instead went about her days in a very low profile.
If not for those daily greetings to Lu Liangwei, Lu Liangwei would have thought that the Pure Consort was no longer in the Palace.
The Pure Consort’s sudden action of accepting the toast on behalf of His Majesty indicated that she had the intention of protecting Lu Liangwei. This made Lu Liangwei realize that she actually had no idea what the Pure Consort was thinking.
The Pure Consort had previously treated her with animosity and had even offended Lu Liangwei verbally, which had caused Long Yang to confine her in Pure Jade Palace.
“Your Majesty, please accept my toast to you.” Wanyan Luosang continued holding her wine cup. It looked like she was not about to give up until Long Yang drank with her.
Lin Qingyuan sneered coldly. This woman had no idea how to read a room and was acting quite like she had come from the wilderness.
Long Yang looked at Lu Liangwei and said in a voice that was neither too loud nor quiet, but it was enough for the entire audience hall to hear him.
“Empress, Princess Wanyan is toasting me. Can I accept the toast?”
There was an expectant look on everyone’s faces when they heard this and Wanyan Luosang’s expression immediately went pale.
What did the Great Shang Emperor mean by this?
Did he require Lu Liangwei’s permission to accept a toast from her?
Wanyan Luosang had heard stories about Long Yang when she was in Danjue.
She had heard that he had ascended to the throne at thirteen when Great Shang was in great political turmoil. Neighboring countries were eyeing the Great Shang with interest and yet, he was able to turn the tide on a critical situation. Under his rule and leaders.h.i.+p, Great Shang, which was supposed to fall into decline and even collapse, had instead prospered far beyond other countries around them.
Even Danjue had to surrender themselves to Great Shang. This was a man with great abilities. He was not only good-looking, but also possessed an air of a superior being that created fear and respect in others.
Wanyan Luosang had become more and more obsessed with him at those thoughts, but when she heard him requesting Lu Liangwei’s permission, that wonderful imagery she had of him was instantly shattered.
Such a strong and capable man had actually asked his woman if he was allowed to drink.
Was he really the legendary Emperor of Great Shang who had instilled fear in everyone?
Wanyan Luosang refused to give up. She stared intently at the two seated on their thrones.
She did not believe that His Majesty would really listen to Lu Liangwei.
Lu Liangwei was unperturbed by the gaze of everyone in the hall.
She looked into the man’s deep, mysterious eyes and saw mischief hidden within. She paused and clenched her teeth. His Majesty was clearly doing this on purpose.
They were right in front of all his officials.
If she did not allow him to accept the toast, she would be known to the world as nothing but a jealous wife.