The moon hung over the willow branches, and Kunning Palace was brightly lit.
The Empress had always been frugal, leading by example, and this year's birthday banquet was no extravagant affair. The celebration was modest, attended only by a few noblewomen, imperial princes and princesses, and the imperial concubines for a night of merriment.
The atmosphere was lively, filled with music and dance.
Concubine Qian sat to the right of the Empress, dressed unassumingly, though her hands never stopped lifting her wine cup—she had already drained two large jugs of fine grape wine.
Noticing this, the Empress gently chided, "Concubine Qian, do not overindulge."
Concubine Qian flashed a tipsy smile, her still-beautiful face flushed crimson. "Your Majesty, let this humble one drink just one more cup. If I get too drunk, I'll share your bed tonight."
