"By the way, there is something I need to apologize to Your Majesty," Yun Qingran said with a gentle smile.

"Oh, go ahead." The Emperor of Chu nodded.

"When I came in just now, your family's wedding attendant said that the main gate of your Chu Palace was broken, so I helped to fix it. I didn't expect to break the bolt. I'm really sorry," Yun Qingran apologized sincerely.

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall immediately fell silent.

A eunuch had already reported what happened at the palace gate. She didn't repair it; she kicked it! She kicked the bolt off! What kind of woman is she?

Originally, I wanted to use this opportunity to teach the Northern Yin marriage delegation a lesson, but I didn't expect her to admit and apologize first. If I were to use this excuse to make things difficult for them again, it would seem a bit petty.

"It's nothing, just a door bolt. Princess Rongchang, please take a seat." The Emperor of Chu waved his hand, gesturing for her to sit down.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Yun Qingran followed the eunuch's directions and sat down.

"Ranran." She had just sat down when she heard someone call her name. She turned around and saw that it was Nangong Xu sitting next to her.

"Greetings, Your Highness." Yun Qingran smiled at him warmly.

Nangong Xu looked at her tenderly and smiled.

A girl sitting not far away saw this scene, clenched her fists, looked at Yun Qingran with resentment, and then stood up.

"I've heard that Princess Rongchang is the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Beiyin Zhen'an's family. She must be of noble birth, so she must be exceptionally talented."

"Hmm?" Yun Qingran looked at the girl who seemed to have ill intentions, a big question mark in her mind.

I've only been in the capital for a few hours, how could I have offended this beautiful young lady?

"She is the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister's family of Southern Chu, named Gu Ruoyan. She likes Nangong Xu, and I heard that the Emperor of Chu also intends to bestow a marriage upon the two of them," Ying Yu, who was sitting to the side, whispered to Yun Qingran.

"Oh, I see." Yun Qingran nodded. She must have misunderstood the way Nangong Xu greeted her earlier.

This Nangong Xu is truly a femme fatale.

"Princess Rongchang, I'm asking you a question!" Gu Ruoyan urged, seeing that Yun Qingran hadn't answered her for a while.

"Not bad, not bad." Yun Qingran grinned and replied. She always had a good eye for beautiful women.

"Then do you dare to have a dance contest with me?" Gu Ruoyan continued to ask.

"Huh?" Yun Qingran looked at Gu Ruoyan in confusion.

“Then I’ll take that as a yes.” Gu Ruoyan stepped forward. “I’ll go first.”

Yun Qingran: When did I agree to that? Oh well, a beautiful woman dancing is a must-see.

"Your Majesty, I would like to request to perform a dance to compete with Princess Rongchang." Gu Ruoyan walked to the center of the hall and bowed gracefully to the Emperor.

"Hmm." The Emperor nodded.

Gu Ruoyan has an oval face, big eyes, and a classic beauty. In addition, she must have practiced martial arts since childhood, as she is slender and has a flexible waist. She looks stunning in her red dance costume.

She held a long shawl in her delicate hand, struck a pose as if flying, and as the music began, her body swayed to the rhythm.

Her movements were graceful and every gesture was a delight to behold. Under normal circumstances, Yun Qingran would never have missed such a wonderful performance.

But it was getting dark, and Yun Qingran's stomach was growling with hunger. She had no mood to appreciate the food, so she picked up her chopsticks and started eating.

One bite of the stir-fry brought immense satisfaction to her body, though it was a little cold.

She quickly served herself another bowl of soup, which was at the perfect temperature and tasted delicious.

She ate quickly, but with elegant posture. Many people watched her intently, and seeing her enjoying her meal made them feel hungry too. Several adults and ladies present without daughters instantly became her fans.

"This child looks easy to raise."

"I wish my son ate this well."

"I really want to ask the Marquis of Zhen'an for advice on how he raised his daughter so well."

...

Watching her, Nangong Xu's mood unconsciously brightened. He usually had no appetite, but seeing her eating so heartily, he picked up his chopsticks and started eating as well.

Today's food seems to taste a bit sweeter than usual.

While dancing, Gu Ruoyan stole glances at Yun Qingran. She was furious when she saw Yun Qingran eating so heartily. How could Yun Qingran have time to eat at a time like this? Didn't she know she was in trouble? Gu Ruoyan was the best dancer in Nan Chu.

The music stopped, Gu Ruoyan put away her pose, turned to look at Yun Qingran, and said to her, "Princess Rongchang, it's your turn."

"Huh?" Yun Qingran looked up, staring at Gu Ruoyan with an innocent and bewildered expression.

“I’ve finished my jump, it’s your turn,” Gu Ruoyan said.

"You can finish your jump if you want, but why should I jump when it's my turn?" Yun Qingran spat the chicken bone in her mouth into the empty plate and shook her head.

Gu Ruoyan was dumbfounded, then said anxiously, "You clearly agreed to compete with me just now, are you going to regret it now?"

"I didn't agree to that. If you don't believe me, ask everyone here when I agreed to a duel with you." Yun Qingran looked around at the people in the hall.

Everyone looked at each other, realizing that Yun Qingran had indeed not agreed to Gu Ruoyan's request to compete with her.

“You…” Gu Ruoyan looked at Yun Qingran with teary eyes, looking aggrieved.

"Don't cry, don't cry, I declare you the winner. Your dance is the best I've ever seen," Yun Qingran quickly comforted her.

"Who asked you to declare me the winner?" Gu Ruoyan turned and ran out in anger.

Yun Qingran held the chicken leg in her hand, looking completely bewildered and helpless. She hadn't done it on purpose!

A chuckle came from beside me.

Yun Qingran turned her head and saw Nangong Xu, who was watching her with amusement, enjoying the spectacle.

Laugh at my ass! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have offended such a beauty.

Although Gu Ruoyan was hostile towards her, judging from her tactics and demeanor, she wasn't the scheming, manipulative type. Yun Qingran actually had a good impression of her.

Ning Jitang and Yan Shuangshuang: Scumbag women!

"My daughter is unruly and lacks manners; I hope Princess Rongchang will forgive her." The Prime Minister stood up and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect towards Yun Qingran.

"It's nothing, it's nothing. Your daughter's dance is captivating, and I, the princess, am very pleased." Yun Qingran quickly stood up to return the greeting.

"Ugh..." Yun Xiyue suddenly vomited, and everyone's eyes turned to her.

Being watched by everyone greatly satisfied her vanity, and she covered her mouth with her handkerchief and vomited.

"I apologize, everyone, but I feel unwell whenever I smell food these days," Yun Xiyue said, rubbing her stomach.

This is the eldest grandson of Southern Chu, the unborn child who will inherit the throne of Southern Chu.

"Miss Yun, please take good care of your health," a lady said with a smile, not expecting her words to fall to the ground in embarrassment.

"Yes, thank you, Madam," Yun Xiyue replied with a charming smile.