Everyone present knew perfectly well how the Esteemed Imperial Consort was feeling.
Within the Yu Ruins, the Sixteenth Prince had thrown everything aside to support Bai Nineteen. That had surely been the Esteemed Imperial Consort's intention, and it was also where she stood within the harem.
And now, the fat morsel delivered right to her mouth had been snatched away!
Li Tianming and the Seventeenth Prince had dug it straight out of her mouth, taking a bite each and dividing it between themselves.
How could she possibly endure that?
Everyone silently watched the Esteemed Imperial Consort!
The Seventeenth Prince was instinctively afraid. He knew that although these were all women, their influence and strength were terrifying beyond measure.
Fortunately!
The Divine Oracle furnace had given him increasingly greater confidence, allowing him to straighten his back before the Esteemed Imperial Consort.
At that moment, dead silence reigned!
The Esteemed Imperial Consort stood high above them, imperial majesty radiating from her.
Worthy of being someone who had received the Emperor's favor, she was steeped in the authority of the Yu Emperor.
"Seventeenth Prince."
The Esteemed Imperial Consort finally spoke. At once, everyone's heartstrings tightened as they waited for her to lash out. The Seventeenth Prince's entire body jolted as well!
Yet unexpectedly, the Esteemed Imperial Consort suddenly broke into a smile, like a peony in full bloom, like a hundred flowers opening together.
Her voice, carrying a motherly imperial dignity, washed over and enveloped the Seventeenth Prince.
"Your performance in the Yu Ruins was outstanding. You have finally received the ultimate reward bestowed by His Majesty. It may be said that bitterness has ended and sweetness has come; your efforts have finally borne fruit. This palace is happy for you!"
Her words caught the Seventeenth Prince completely off guard. The Sixteenth Prince