"You danced well." Of all the people present, Rou Niang only gave Zheng Wanru this evaluation.

Madam Zheng was overjoyed upon hearing this. In truth, Rou Niang's knowledge of dance was not very advanced, and she couldn't discern good from bad. However, Zheng Wanru's dance, just like her appearance, had a sweet and lovely quality that made people happy to watch.

Hearing this, Madam Zhou clenched her handkerchief and gave Zhou Ruxue a sharp rebuke. Zhou Ruxue was the daughter of a distant relative of the Zhou family. Known for her talent, she sat there calmly. Madam Zhou had been urging her to go up quickly, but Zhou Ruxue remained seated. More and more young ladies from other families continued to come up and perform, each with their own style, but nothing particularly novel.

Finally, when Mingyue saw that no one else wanted to go on stage, she went up and asked, "Are there any other young ladies who would like to showcase their talents? If not, then we'll have to..."

Before she could finish speaking, Zhou Ruxue slowly rose and walked forward. She bowed to Liu Rouniang and said, "Your Highness, in celebration of today's grand occasion, I, a humble woman, have spontaneously composed a poem. Please accept it with a grain of salt!"

Having said that, she waved her hand, and two maids unfolded a piece of paper. On it was a poem she had written. Zhou Ruxue's voice was gentle and melodious; her lips parted slightly, and she slowly began to recite it. It was a very good poem, and everyone below applauded. Rou Niang saw that even the young ladies below were applauding and cheering, which showed how excellent the poem was.

Rou Niang doesn't understand poetry!

She could only awkwardly applaud and say with a smile, "Miss Zhou is exceptionally talented. This poem is naturally outstanding."

Zhou Ruxue was even happier to hear this, and bowed to Liu Rouniang, saying, "Thank you for your praise, Your Highness. I am unworthy and have nothing else to offer, so I present this poem to Your Highness."

She accepted it with both hands. Mingyue took it and handed it to Liu Rou Niang, who was even more embarrassed; she truly didn't understand at all.

But given the circumstances, she had no choice but to accept it.

This left a deep impression on Zhou Luxue.

The others suddenly realized why they hadn't given the princess anything like Zhou Ruxue had. Wouldn't that have made a more obvious and lasting impression on her?

It was already late, and the banquet was drawing to a close. After all the guests had left, Rou Niang sat there wearily, her face stiff from maintaining a smile all day.

"Mingyue, the first one to go on stage today is Liu Ping'er, was she arranged by the Liu family?" Rou Niang still remembered Liu Ping'er.

“Your Highness, I have inquired. She is from a branch of the Liu family. Her grandfather fought alongside our General Liu and achieved some minor merit, but his two sons were both incompetent, and he fell into obscurity. Liu Ping’er is his legitimate granddaughter, but her mother has passed away. Her father remarried and has been unkind to her, which is why she is trying to make a name for herself. But this is not the Liu family’s intention,” Mingyue replied.

Rou Niang nodded. Although Liu Ping'er was courageous, she was rather mediocre. So she was also puzzled as to why the Liu family would choose such a person for the selection, but it turned out that she herself wanted to give it a shot.

Think back to your childhood, wasn't it just like hers? Your birth mother died early, and your father remarried. He was often unkind to you, and you struggled to survive.

A feeling of empathy welled up within me. Liu Ping was so ordinary, yet it was unlikely she would amount to much. Oh well, it's all up to fate; if things really don't work out, I can always find a way to help her elsewhere.

"Master, what do you think of Miss Zheng Wanru?" Chunhong asked.

Rou Niang naturally knew that Old Madam Liu was probably also paying attention to this matter, so she said, "She does have a pleasing appearance." As for whether the Emperor likes this type, only the Emperor himself probably knows!

When Mrs. Zheng returned home, she was overjoyed and praised her daughter to her husband for a long time.

"Master, what should we do with this poem?" Chunhong asked, pointing to Zhou Ruxue's poem.

"Sigh, it would be a waste to keep her in my hands, but giving her away wouldn't be appropriate either. Let's keep her in the storeroom for now. She is indeed a talented woman," Rou Niang said.

"It's just a poem for the master; I wonder if it's intentional showing off or something else," Chunhong said, pursing her lips.

Rou Niang smiled but remained silent. She didn't care. Everyone knew her background, and she didn't want to speculate maliciously about others. Besides, it wasn't worth her time to worry about it.

Madam Zhou brought Zhou Ruxue home and happily praised her for being clever. However, after telling Lord Zhou about the incident, Lord Zhou angrily scolded and beat her, saying, "Foolish!"

The two were puzzled. Lord Zhou said, "Who in the capital doesn't know that the princess comes from the common people? How could she know poetry and songs? Giving her this is either showing off or being sarcastic. She must be furious. And you two are actually happy here. How foolish!"

Zhou Ruxue then realized that her cleverness had backfired!

"What should we do?" Mrs. Zhou asked worriedly.

"Alas, the only solution now is to seek Ya Hui's help for advice," sighed Lord Zhou.

Zhou Ya Hui is Rou Niang's maternal aunt, Zhou Shi. Considering their kinship, it would be easier to clear up the misunderstanding.

Madam Zhou hurriedly pulled Zhou Ruxue to go find her daughter; she was also anxious.

Only if Zhou Ruxue enters the palace can the Zhou family rise in status and their son have more opportunities. To put it bluntly, it's all for the sake of their son!

Hearing Madam Zhou's words, Madam Zhou felt helpless, but still comforted her, "Mother, don't worry, Rou Niang isn't the kind of person who holds grudges. Don't worry, I'll find some time to talk to her about it."

Madam Zhou was relieved after hearing this.

"Master, something terrible has happened!" Chunhong cried out as she entered.

"What's the matter that you're so flustered? By the way, tell Mingyue to change her address from now on at the General's Mansion. Call me Madam, and when you see the Princess, please do so," Rou Niang said.

Chunhong changed her words and said, "Yes, Madam, General, no, Master, he brought a woman back."

Rou Niang found it intriguing: "What woman? Where is she? Let's go see her."

"Madam, aren't you worried?" Chunhong asked.

“What are you worried about? As for whether Master will take a concubine, even if we’ve been married for a while, who can stop him if he wants to? But I trust Master; his heart is with me, and he won’t take a concubine!” Rou Niang said.

“Madam is right!” Mo Bei said as he walked in.

"Who is it that you have to bring back?" Rou Niang asked.

"I came from Fucheng. I was sent to the princess's residence, and the servants there happened to see me, so I brought me back," Mo Bei said.

Rou Niang said, "Then let's go take a look together."

The couple entered the hall, where they saw a woman standing there. Her beauty was like the morning dew, crystal clear and so beautiful that it was hard to look at her; her fragility was like a snowflake about to melt, which aroused their pity.

It's that kind of look that can evoke a protective instinct in both men and women at first glance—a gentle and delicate beauty!

Rou Niang's voice softened unconsciously, afraid of startling her: "You're from Fucheng?"