Hustle Queen in the Harem: My Consort Won't Stop Grinding

Chapter 40: Chapter 39: Promotion to Noble Lady (2)

The little eunuchs had rehearsed this setup countless times, and they were more skilled at it than ever. But during the rehearsals, Shu Changzai had never performed her dance. She only supervised them, ensuring the pillars were stable and pointing out the correct spacing and positioning. As a result, the little eunuchs had no idea what the six pillars were for.

Shu Changzai had instructed that the six pillars must be arranged in the shape of a five-pointed star.

A newly favored concubine indeed—she certainly knew how to build suspense!

※

At that moment, a woman in white slowly emerged onto the second-floor balcony of the pavilion beside the stage.

Though to say she was in white wasn’t entirely accurate.

Her snow-white dancing dress was covered in golden embroidery, and beneath the gold, a special technique concealed subtle patterns that seemed to dance in the light. The design of the dress was exceptional—it was light and sheer, yet not revealing. Everything that should be covered was, so she hadn’t sacrificed her dignity in her bid for favor.

Cradling a thick, long satin ribbon, she bowed from afar toward the Emperor. After being told to rise, she recited her birthday wishes: "My congratulations on Your Majesty’s birthday. May you enjoy great health, may the world be at peace, and may you live for ten thousand years."

Since the Emperor had given his imperial word—promising to raise her rank if she performed well—this was effectively her professional review. Jiang Xian was giving it her absolute all and had also resorted to a few "extra moves."

The [Fan Filter] halo was active.

The [Resist Extreme Cold] halo was also active, preventing her from shivering in the frigid weather and ruining the aesthetic.

Considering the bonus she would get after a promotion, Jiang Xian had also purchased a new halo and two single-use consumables.

[Name]: Center Stage

[Type]: Halo Type

[Function]: When activated, as long as you are within a creature’s line of sight, they will unconsciously focus all their attention on you.

[Note]: Please be aware that this halo has no beautifying effect. It only magnifies the host’s every action—making the beautiful more beautiful, and the ugly uglier. Should you suffer public humiliation while this halo is active, the moment will be seared into the minds of all observers, leaving an indelible, comical impression. Please use with caution. Friendly Reminder: If the host lacks self-confidence, this halo can be paired with other beautification halos [Recommended Product Link].

This was a high-risk, high-reward halo.

No one is perfect, and Jiang Xian didn’t dare use it often.

But at this crucial juncture, with a promotion and bonus on the line, she steeled her heart and activated it!

[Name]: Butterfly Attracting Fragrance

[Type]: Single-Use Consumable

[Function]: After use, the host will emit a wondrous fragrance that attracts butterflies for half an hour.

[Note]: Hosts from the adjacent Apocalypse and Wilderness systems have complained that butterflies are not a good source of protein and have suggested adding effects to attract ants, silkworms, and the like.

This idea came to Jiang Xian from watching *My Fair Princess* as a child.

There weren’t many butterflies in winter, but it wasn’t as if there were none at all.

’But what if they did show up?’

That would create a beautiful scene the Emperor would never forget. It was worth the gamble.

Bolstered by two Golden Fingers, Jiang Xian was astonishingly beautiful as she glided out before the crowd.

Even the Empress Dowager, who had seen Jiang Xian during the concubine selection, couldn’t help but be slightly taken aback.

’It was the same face, yet she looked completely different.’

She smiled faintly. "Shu Changzai looks much healthier than she did at the concubine selection. The feng shui of the Imperial Palace must truly suit her." ’Feng shui is just superstition,’ she thought. ’It’s Holy Favor that truly nurtures a person. With such peerless beauty, it’s no wonder I heard my son was doting on her even while I was in seclusion for prayer.’

The Emperor’s eyes never left Jiang Xian.

Although everyone’s attention was on Jiang Xian, he could clearly feel her eyes resting only on him. They were filled with the same adoration and longing as always, shining with a searing intensity.

The stars above shed their cold light, and thousands of lanterns burned to celebrate the Emperor’s sacred birthday, yet Shu Changzai was like a bright moon hanging in the sky—gentle, soft, and radiant. From a distance, the long water sleeves of her gold-embroidered dress fluttered in the breeze, making her look like a Dragon Girl rising from the waves. The Emperor may rule the four seas, but this was the first time he had ever laid eyes on such transcendent beauty.

Yet she seemed so distant, so untouchable.

Except for the music of strings and bamboo, the entire venue had fallen silent.

*Dare not speak too loud, for fear of startling one from the heavens.

It was the Emperor who broke the silence. He raised a hand. "My dear concubine, what are you doing up on the balcony? Quickly, bring Shu Changzai down. I am waiting for her."

Hearing this, Shu Changzai broke into a smile.

In the eyes of the onlookers, it was the smile of the Fairy Sister.

She flicked the long satin ribbon from her hand. Driven by her Inner Strength, the red ribbon shot out and coiled around the central pillar. After wrapping around it twice, it miraculously held fast. This was where she used her other single-use consumable: a transparent adhesive on the end of the ribbon, which produced this exact effect.