*

Pei Linmo noticed that today's performers included not only young ladies from noble families, but also many scions of high-ranking families.

Some played the zither and sang softly, others wielded their brushes and splashed ink, and still others composed a poem on the spot, every word and phrase overflowing with praise.

There was only one thing: the corners of their eyes kept drifting towards Nan Qing's direction, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

It wasn't until Lu Ye, the son of the General Who Guards the North, and Nan Zhiyu, the grandson of the Imperial Tutor, walked out together that Pei Linmo, who had been sitting indifferently, slightly raised his eyes and focused his gaze on the center of the hall.

Nan Zhiyu, who is Nan Qing's cousin, is only one year older than Lu Ye. He is now seventeen, which is the best age for a young man.

One was handsome and dashing, with the unrestrained demeanor of a military family's son; the other was gentle and refined, possessing the noble air of a scholarly family.

The two, one a scholar and the other a warrior, were both dressed in brocade robes and had their jade crowns half-tied, standing side by side, exuding a dazzling elegance.

"Your subject, Lu Ye, pays his respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless health."

"Your subject, Nan Zhiyu, pays his respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless health and longevity."

On the high platform, Fifth Jing smiled and raised his hand: "No need for formalities."

"Lu Ye, I remember the first time you held a sword, it was the small peach wood sword that I bestowed upon you, wasn't it?"

"Back then, you couldn't even hold a sword properly, yet you insisted on challenging Zhaoyang to a duel."

Lu Ye, who was usually carefree, rarely showed a bit of embarrassment: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. At that time... I was young and ignorant."

He stole a glance in Nan Qing's direction and muttered to himself, "Who knew she was so small, yet so strong..."

Nan Zhiyu coughed lightly and gently defused the situation: "Your Majesty, today Lu Ye and I have prepared a birthday gift to wish Your Majesty a long and prosperous life."

Lu Ye then remembered the important matter and quickly bowed to each other, saying, "May Your Majesty live a long and prosperous life."

Looking at the two figures in the hall, a look of satisfaction flashed in Fifth Jing's eyes. He had watched these two grow up; they were of good character and possessed both talent and good looks.

Fifth Jing secretly considered in his heart that if Zhaoyang liked either one, she could choose either one, or perhaps both of them could enter the palace.

The palace is so lively today, with all the talented people of the court vying to show off their skills. This was all carefully arranged by him. Zhaoyang is already sixteen years old, and she should have a caring and considerate person by her side.

As for the Regent of Liang...

Fifth Jing glanced in Pei Linmo's direction and saw him still drinking alone with an indifferent expression. He immediately snorted coldly. Although he had a handsome appearance, he always had a cold face. How could he know how to be considerate of his Zhaoyang!

After receiving the reply, the eunuch presented a long sword and a jade flute. Lu Ye stood in the hall with the sword in hand, while Nan Zhiyu stood tall and elegant to the side.

A clear, melodious flute sound rang out, followed by a streak of cold light piercing the sky.

The flute's initial melody was clear and melodious, like a mountain stream; the swordplay was like flowing wind and swirling snow; the twelve layers of gauze curtains in the hall moved without wind; and the candlelight flickered uncertainly in the fierce wind.

Gradually, the flute music transformed into the sound of clashing swords and galloping horses. Every high-pitched note landed precisely on the point where Lu Ye's sword momentum was at its peak, and then turned into a trembling sound like pearls falling onto a jade plate when he finished his move.

Pei Linmo held a wine cup, coldly watching the two figures in the hall, his eyes unfathomable.

When he caught a glimpse of the words the Emperor Wei spoke to the Empress beside him on the high platform, his heart sank slightly.

By now, how could he not understand the true purpose of today's performance?

Those scions of noble families vying to take the stage must have been arranged by Emperor Wei to select a consort for the Crown Princess.

Thinking of this, he shifted his gaze to Nan Qing's direction, only to find her engrossed in watching, and his heart clenched again.

Lu Ye and Nan Zhiyu worked together perfectly, and everyone in the hall was completely absorbed in their performance.

Finally, Lu Ye performed a somersault, sheathing his longsword, while Nan Zhiyu's flute music faded away at that very moment.

Before the echoes of the music had even faded from the hall, Fifth Jing was already laughing and clapping his hands:

"Good! Lu Ye's swordsmanship has become increasingly refined, and Zhi Yu's performance of 'Breaking the Formation' is also excellent."

When the emperor uttered these words, all the civil and military officials in the hall followed suit with praise. However, Fifth Jing, who was sitting high on the throne, suddenly changed the subject and looked at Nan Qing with a smile.

"Zhaoyang, you and these two have practiced martial arts and studied together since childhood. What do you think of today's performance? Is it to your liking?"

When Nan Qing was called upon, he was slowly sipping his tea. Upon hearing this, he put down his teacup and replied without hesitation:

"Your Majesty, Lu Ye's swordsmanship is even more skillful than before, combining both strength and gentleness. As for Cousin Nan Yu, his flute playing is truly divine. Among the younger generation in the capital, he is probably unmatched."

Nan Qing gave a serious and frank evaluation, completely unaware of the glances exchanged between the senior officials at the table.

Fifth Jing gave a meaningful "Oh," and deliberately followed up with another question:

"I didn't expect you to have such a high opinion of the two of them."

Nan Qing had no doubts: "Of course, they are both young talents, which is excellent."

Throughout the hall, in places unnoticed by Nan Qing, undercurrents were already surging.

Nanqing's position as Crown Princess is more secure than that of any other dynasty's heir apparent. Everyone in the court and the public knows that it is a foregone conclusion that the Crown Princess will ascend the throne as Empress.

Therefore, for those courtiers who were eager to gain power, the future empress's harem became a new battlefield.

Therefore, in the entire capital city, almost all the eligible sons of noble families and officials were still unmarried.

The second son of the Grand Secretary declined three marriage proposals, the youngest son of the Minister of Rites is already of marriageable age but has not yet been engaged, and even the Marquis of Dingyuan, who has been guarding the border for many years, specially brought his youngest son to the capital to celebrate his birthday.

Everyone is waiting, waiting for a chance to rise to prominence.

Pei Linmo watched all this from the sidelines, his gaze growing increasingly somber. He held a wine cup in his hand, the wine swirling slightly within, yet he hesitated to drink.

Lu Ye's expression in the hall was somewhat strange, and Nan Zhiyu's gaze towards Nan Qing was a mixture of helplessness and doting.

They were all certain that their Crown Princess was completely unaware of the deeper meaning behind today's performance.

They naturally wouldn't think much of her praise. After more than a decade of companionship, they knew better than anyone that the Crown Princess only saw them as playmates and future subjects.

But others are probably overthinking it...

Lu Ye and Nan Zhiyu could even feel the hostility directed at them, both openly and covertly, from the young masters of the surrounding aristocratic families.

Everyone was harboring their own thoughts at this banquet for choosing a son-in-law, which was actually a hidden agenda behind the birthday celebration. Only the Crown Princess, who was sitting upright in her seat, remained calm and spoke with the Emperor and Empress.

Or perhaps they are completely unaware, or... utterly indifferent to it?