The Royal Garden was unusually lively today.

Princess Zhenguo changed into a light yet gorgeous dress, took off her complicated and heavy headdress, and only used two jade hairpins to hold her head up. The two oriental pearls on the hairpins exuded a bright luster, reflecting her dignified and beautiful face, making her look much softer.

"When I get older, I like to see these young people having fun in front of me." Princess Zhenguo said with a smile.

The noble ladies who were invited today have arrived one after another. The garden is yellow and green, the willows are pink and the plums are red. The cold winter day has bloomed with a brilliant color, which makes her happy. Especially the Princess Jing'an from Beiliang, her appearance is outstanding, with deep contours, slightly blue eyes, and skin like fine snow, which makes her unable to help but look at her a few more times. The most rare thing is her manners and upbringing. I heard that Princess Roujia really taught her carefully, and she also studied seriously. At this moment, she sits and smiles, and her manners are not inferior to those of the noble ladies of the aristocratic families.

Princess Zhenguo secretly inquired about Liu Chen's unwillingness to choose a concubine, but he was attracted by Princess Jing'an's beauty. Princess Roujia and the Queen Mother watched the two of them every day, and naturally knew that there was no ambiguous feeling between the two. Not only was there no ambiguity, but Liu Chen was extremely disliked by the Beiliang people, and Princess Jing'an was also very afraid of him. She dared not say a word in front of Liu Chen. She and Liu Chen were nominally siblings, so she always paid attention to keeping a distance to avoid suspicion. It was this that made the Queen

Mother, who valued etiquette and rules the most, like her even more, and even Princess Zhenguo had to give her a good face. Princess Roujia accompanied her on the side, and said coquettishly: "The

Imperial Grandmother is still young. If you smile, you can surpass those little girls." Princess Zhenguo was indeed the most beautiful when she was young, but how could she compare with these delicate girls now? She knew that Princess Roujia was coaxing her, but for the child she raised, no matter what she said or did, she was happy.

Princess Roujia was usually dignified and generous, and only in front of her great-aunt would she show her girlish attitude.

The noble ladies sitting around envied Princess Roujia's closeness to Princess Zhenguo, but compared to this, what they cared more about was whether His Majesty would come today. Before

leaving, the elders in the family repeatedly warned them to be careful in their words and deeds in front of Princess Zhenguo and His Majesty. Noble ladies from aristocratic families have no trouble getting married, but the current emperor is young and handsome, and they have all seen him before. Many of them have already secretly developed feelings for him, not only for the benefit of the family, but also for the little feelings in their hearts. They all tried their best to dress themselves up, not only to look good, but also not to appear deliberate. Every embellishment and decoration was full of girlish thoughts.

Everyone had their own thoughts, and although they were talking and laughing, they were a little absent-minded. Suddenly, they saw the servants coming in to pass on the message, and they couldn't help but perk up and nervously twisted their handkerchiefs.

More than 20 noble ladies came to the garden. Some of them were standing far away and couldn't hear clearly. Princess Roujia smiled and nodded at the servant, and the servant ran out in small steps. Not long after, he led a handsome young man in. The young man was wearing a white fur coat and a white fur scarf around his neck, revealing a fair and handsome face. There seemed to be a smile between his eyebrows and eyes. His dark eyes were warm and clear, which made people happy. When he walked, the white fur coat opened slightly, revealing the sky-blue long gown inside, matched with a black gauze hat, which added a bit of timeless bookish air to him.

The girls in the garden all looked at him secretly. Some of them came from Jiangnan with Princess Zhenguo. They had never seen Liu Chen before, so they lowered their voices and asked curiously, "Is that your majesty?"

He was handsome, but he seemed a little shorter?

The noble ladies in the capital shook their heads slightly and said, "No, it's the third place winner of this year's exam, and now she is a doctor in the Ministry of Revenue. Her name is Mu Zhuohua, and she

is a woman." The noble ladies from Jiangzuo covered their mouths in surprise and looked at Mu Zhuohua's back: "So it's her?"

Some people have heard of her name, and some people don't know it. Even if they have heard of it, they didn't take it to heart, but just exclaimed at first. They thought she was a female teacher in her thirties, but she didn't expect her to be so young. She definitely doesn't look more than twenty years old.

"Your Majesty seems to think highly of her." Someone whispered, "Before Your Majesty ascended the throne, she was a lecturer for the princes. Later, for some reason, she was removed from the position of lecturer. A few days ago, Your Majesty issued an edict to make her a doctor in the Ministry of Revenue and also take charge of the emperor's banquet." When

this was said, everyone's heart sank a little. "She came here today... could it be..."

"It shouldn't be, she is wearing scholar's clothes, if she had that intention, how could she not dress up? I heard that Princess Roujia invited her..."

While everyone was discussing, Mu Zhuohua had been led into the inner hall. She bowed respectfully, then stood aside with her hands hanging down, accepting the scrutiny of the Zhenguo Princess.

The kind eyes looked her up and down, and she smiled at the corners of her lips, letting everyone on the scene examine her generously. After a while, the laughter of Princess Zhenguo was heard: "It's rare that Jiaojiao values ​​someone, and he is indeed a romantic figure. It's rare that you, as a woman, have such talent and courage."

Mu Zhuohua thanked her with a smile, and said, "I am invited by Princess Roujia today. I am embarrassed to come empty-handed, but thinking that the Grand Princess has seen all kinds of treasures, I dare not show my ugliness. I just made some plum blossom cakes myself to present them, which not only fits the scene of today's plum blossom banquet, but also repays the princess's kindness."

Princess Roujia chuckled and said, "Grandaunt, Zhuohua is not only a good writer, but also a superb cook. She puts a lot of thought into every dish."

Princess Zhenguo's curiosity was also piqued, and she smiled and said, "Then I'll also take advantage of you to see it."

The servant immediately took the food box from Mu Zhuohua and handed it to the maid. The maid tested it for poison before she was willing to send it to the two princesses.

There were three plates of pastries, with two white and one red pastries on the bone china plates. The pastries were made into the shape of plum blossoms, which were lifelike but not rare. Princess Zhenguo tasted the white plum blossom cake out of curiosity. With just a light bite, a sweet taste of wine rushed into her mouth. The wine was fragrant but not intoxicating. The pastries were soft and glutinous but not sticky, sweet but not greasy. The flavors complemented each other, with both the coolness of snow and the rich fragrance of plum blossoms.

Mu Zhuohua explained: "This snow red is made by picking newly opened plum blossoms to make wine, and the dew before sunrise is mixed with the flour, so it has both the fragrance of snow and plum, which is the most refreshing."

Princess Zhenguo has tasted all kinds of delicacies from the mountains and seas, but she likes this delicate little snack with great care. She tasted one piece after another and nodded repeatedly: "Not bad, not bad, Jiaojiao praised you for your cleverness, and she was right. I will stay in Beijing for a few days. If you have time, come with Jiaojiao to talk to me."

Mu Zhuohua was flattered and bowed his head to thank her.

This is the recognition of Princess Zhenguo. It is such a great honor to be able to walk around the royal villa at will. Princess Zhenguo was of course looking at Princess Roujia's face, but she did like Mu Zhuohua a little. The orioles and swallows in the garden are beautiful, but after seeing so many, seeing such a light green and handsome color, it feels even brighter and precious.

Mu Zhuohua was led to sit next to Princess Roujia, and was as far away from Princess Zhenguo as possible. The indoor heating was burning brightly, so she took off her fur coat and scarf, and knelt down to accompany the conversation.

Before she could say a few words, she heard the servants come to report anxiously that His Majesty and Prince Ding had arrived. This time, even Mu Zhuohua was shocked.

Didn't His Majesty come to see her? Why did Liu Yan come too?

She stood up to greet the emperor, lowered her head, and saluted with everyone else.

"Greetings to Your Majesty, greetings to the Prince Regent!"

"Stand up." Liu Chen's voice came in first. He walked quickly into the house and said to Princess Zhenguo, "Greetings to Imperial Aunt!"

Then it was Liu Yan's voice: "Greetings to Imperial Aunt."

Princess Zhenguo's voice with a smile rang out: "Why are you so late? You're waiting for Your Majesty."

Liu Chen's face didn't look good. He didn't want to come. Liu Yan forced him here. When he arrived at the door and saw so many carriages, he was about to turn around and leave. Liu Yan put his hand on his shoulder and smiled meaningfully: "Your Majesty, you're not going to the battlefield. What is there to be afraid of?"

Liu Chen chuckled: "When have I ever been afraid of going to the battlefield."

It's just that dealing with a group of women is more terrible than going to the battlefield. On the battlefield, when the enemy comes, you just raise your knife and kill them. When women come close to him, not only can he not kill them, but it's also difficult to hide. It's really frustrating.

Liu Chen held his breath and walked in. He followed Princess Zhenguo for a few steps and saw a color different from others. He shouted in surprise: "Mu Qingjia, why are you here too?"

Mu Zhuohua bowed and said: "Your Majesty."

Princess Roujia answered for her: "I invited her."

Liu Chen suddenly remembered Shen Jinghong's words, and his face became a little strange. He looked at Princess Roujia in confusion, doubting Princess Roujia's intentions.

Princess Roujia smiled and said: "I told my great-aunt that I made a good friend in Beijing, and my great-aunt asked me to invite her to the banquet." Princess Zhenguo

sat down and said with a smile: "She also brought homemade snacks today. It's rare that she is so thoughtful and elegant. Your Majesty should try it too."

Liu Chen sat on the other side of Princess Zhenguo, picked up a piece of snow red and put it into his mouth without hesitation. The sweet wine aroma burst in his mouth, and the fragrance of plum blossoms filled his lips and teeth. The beauty of the taste was beyond his imagination.

"It's really good." Liu Chen smiled with lingering feelings, "I didn't know she had this ability."

After Liu Chen sat down in the first seat on the left hand side of the Princess Zhenguo, Liu Yan took the opportunity to sit next to Liu Chen, so that he was face to face with Mu Zhuohua. Mu Zhuohua lowered his head and thanked him, without looking up.

The purpose of the Princess Zhenguo's banquet today was clear. After a while of polite words, someone came forward and said that they specially presented congratulatory gifts to welcome the Princess Zhenguo back to Beijing. Giving gifts was also superficial. The real intention was to show their talents in this way and show off in front of His Majesty.

This matter had nothing to do with Mu Zhuohua, she just ate, drank and watched the show. The noble ladies also had unique skills. They were all first-class in knitting, sewing, chess, calligraphy and painting. It was really pleasing to watch a room full of graceful girls performing. Everyone else had their own thoughts, but Mu Zhuohua was the most devoted, with admiration in her eyes, and was very supportive.

Liu Chen frowned and glanced at Mu Zhuohua. He was so upset that he could hardly eat. He didn't like this kind of soft and decadent music, but he was forced to sit here and watch it. Princess Zhenguo and Princess Roujia even introduced to him which family this noble lady was from, which minister her father was in the court, how old she was this year... He perfunctorily hummed a few times, and didn't think about any of them.

Mu Zhuohua had actually noticed Liu Chen's impatience a long time ago, and laughed in his heart at the mistakes of these noble ladies, who only knew how to show their strengths but didn't know how to please the emperor. If someone could sing "Ten Sides of Ambush" to cheer up His Majesty at this time, maybe the candidate for the imperial concubine would be found.

Another noble lady finished her performance, and as soon as the music ended, a beautiful woman in goose yellow soft satin and fox fur walked in.

"Your Majesty, the eldest princess, the prince of the council, Princess Roujia." The woman's voice was soft and gentle, pleasant to the ear. She seemed to look better than others when she performed the same greeting. She had an oval face with plain makeup, soft eyebrows, elegant features, cloud-like hair and fragrant cheeks. She was beautiful but not ostentatious. The whole person standing there was a beautiful picture of a lady.

Princess Zhenguo smiled and said, "Yunyun, come here."

Mu Zhuohua's heart skipped a beat when he heard the name, and his eyes swept over Liu Yan's face.

Liu Chen's pupils also shrank, and then he showed a mischievous smile and looked at Liu Yan.

Sun Yunyun walked in front of Princess Zhenguo and stood exactly between Mu Zhuohua and Liu Yan.

"Yunyun was entrusted by Old Lady Sun to send me to her father in Dingjing, but I accompanied her all the way and we got along very well, so I let her stay in the villa for a few more days." Princess Zhenguo explained with a smile.

Liu Chen nodded kindly to Sun Yunyun. He was more friendly to this girl who might become his aunt: "Thanks to you for taking care of the imperial aunt all the way."

Sun Yunyun turned sideways to face Liu Chen, knelt down and saluted: "Your Majesty, it is an honor for Yunyun that the Grand Princess does not despise me."

As Sun Yunyun spoke, her eyes fell on Liu Yan's face, and her fragrant cheeks unconsciously turned rouge, and her voice became a little lighter.

"Grandfather asked Yunyun to say hello to the prince."

Liu Yan nodded lightly, as if he was completely unaware of the strange atmosphere around him.

"Is Old Master Sun healthy?"

Sun Yunyun said softly, "Everything is fine. Thank you for your

concern, Your Highness." Seeing that the scene was a little cold, Princess Zhenguo smiled at Sun Yunyun and said, "I heard from your grandfather that your zither skills have been passed down from the zither saint. I wonder if we have the opportunity to hear you play today?"

Sun Yunyun stood up and smiled shyly, "Grandfather, you are too kind. If Your Highness doesn't mind, Yunyun will perform."

Princess Zhenguo smiled and said, "Why would I mind? It just so happens that there is a phoenix-tail zither in the other garden. The sound of the zither is clear and the quality is excellent. If you play well, this zither will be given to you."

Sun Yunyun smiled and said, "Then thank you first."

"You are very confident." Princess Zhenguo nodded appreciatively and waved for someone to bring the phoenix-tail zither.

Sun Yunyun put the zither on the table, closed her eyes and brewed for a moment, then raised her slender white hand and placed it on the strings.

The startled plum blossoms, the falling flowers. Mu Zhuohua thought that this delicate and gentle girl would play a graceful and moving song, but she didn't expect that the sound of the piano was full of heroic spirit, free and unrestrained, which made people look at her with new eyes.

Liu Chen also felt that Sun Yunyun was better than he thought. He turned to look at Liu Yan, but found that the latter looked absent-minded.

Princess Zhenguo was generous by nature, and this song was just what she liked. She nodded with a smile and her eyes showed appreciation.

"This song "Cang Hai Xiao" is very rare for women to play well. Her song is about 70% interesting." Princess Zhenguo said to Liu Yan with a smile, "But this song is best played with the piano and flute. Yan'er, your flute was once famous in the capital. Why don't you play a song with Miss Sun today and let us enjoy it."

Liu Yan said helplessly: "I didn't bring the flute today..."

Princess Zhenguo seemed to have expected it: "I have the best jade flute here."

As soon as the voice fell, someone brought the jade flute to Liu Yan. The attendant held the jade flute in both hands, bent over and stood in front of Liu Yan, waiting for him to take

it. Liu Yan looked down at the jade flute, which was emerald green and lustrous, a rare treasure. He raised his hand, and his white and slender five fingers grasped the jade flute. When he raised his eyes, his eyes swept across the person opposite. Mu Zhuohua turned his head and looked at Sun Yunyun with a smile, as if he admired her piano skills very much.

She knew that the marriage between Liu Yan and Sun Yunyun was the will of the late emperor and was the popular choice, so she was not surprised to see the intention of the Zhenguo Princess to match them up.

The man was handsome and elegant, and the woman was quiet and gentle. They were really a perfect match made in heaven. What was even more rare was that the woman was so infatuated. At this time, her watery eyes looked at the man shyly and timidly, and her face flushed slightly.

Mu Zhuohua did not turn her head to look at Liu Yan, but her eyes still went to that side involuntarily, and she saw him silently picked up the jade flute.

Snap - a crisp sound.

Everyone looked at Liu Yan in astonishment, only to see that the jade flute in his hand had broken into two pieces!

Liu Yan smiled faintly, looked at the Zhenguo Princess who was sitting at the top with a complicated expression, and said slowly: "Maybe the jade flute was not well maintained, it broke with a slight touch."

The blush on Sun Yunyun's face disappeared completely in an instant, leaving only a pale face, and her eyes were originally filled with admiration and shyness, which now purified into tears and fell.