Not even the presence of the emperor could prevent Jinshen Hall from breaking out into a small commotion. It wasn't just the concubines who whispered to each other with incredulity. The imperial relatives and even the servants were just as shocked by this sudden declaration.
Not once in all five years of ascending to the throne had the emperor ever played such obvious favourites. All the jealousy and hatred that the harem had once directed towards Gracious Consort Yao for obtaining the emperor's occasional invites to play chess were simultaneously turned onto Noble Lord Yue instead.
Yan Zheyun's heart threatened to leap out of its cage. The sudden rekindling of hope was an overwhelming feeling that left him light-headed. He felt like a gambler who had gone all-in only to run up against a royal flush. He had been so sure that the emperor was going to leave him alone to face the embarrassment of showing up for an unappreciative audience.
