Thinking about this, Lin Xihe's mood grew increasingly heavy.

On the stage, Sun Ningxiang sat gracefully in the center, her slender fingertips gently plucking the strings of the zither. The melodious music, like flowing water, slowly echoed throughout the hall.

Her musical skills were superb, and her figure was graceful and charming. The moon-shadow gauze she wore shimmered under the flickering candlelight, as if outlining a dreamlike halo around her. Anyone who saw her would find it hard to look away.

Witnessing this scene, Lin Xihe was suddenly shocked and realized that she could not find a single skill that she could use in such an occasion.

Her expression froze instantly, and her eyes began to wander unconsciously, sometimes glancing furtively at Mu Ruoyan beside her, and sometimes involuntarily landing on the radiant Sun Ningxiang on the stage.

Suddenly, her gaze met Mu Ruoyan's. Lin Xihe's heart tightened, as if someone had touched a sore spot. She subconsciously gritted her teeth and glared at him fiercely.

Mu Ruoyan was stunned for a moment, her mind filled with doubt: She was fine just now, why did she suddenly get angry again?

Could it be because he had seen Sun Ningxiang? Did she care about him? Did Sun Ningxiang have such a great influence that he couldn't even look at her a few more times? Countless questions flooded his mind, and he finally concluded that she was actually jealous.

With this thought flashing through her mind, Mu Ruoyan decided to test the waters.

After all, he had long been at a loss when it came to dealing with Lin Xihe.

Although he had already planned to use force to keep her by his side, it would be even better if she could take the initiative to open up and express her love.

Therefore, Mu Ruoyan deliberately stopped looking at Lin Xihe and instead focused all her attention on Sun Ningxiang on the stage.

Sun Ningxiang seemed to sense something, raised her eyes to meet his gaze, and smiled gently.

Seeing this, Mu Ruoyan's lips curled up slightly, returning a seemingly casual smile.

When Lin Xihe saw this scene, she felt a rush of blood to her head, and her hands under the table unconsciously clenched into fists.

She tried her best to suppress the surging emotions in her heart, turned to look at Ji Zhuo, only to find that Ji Zhuo was staring at her intently with a complicated expression.

Lin Xihe was instantly thrown into disarray. In her panic, she whispered, "A-Zhuo..."

"You actually care about him?"

Ji Zhuo's voice trembled slightly, his tone filled with disbelief and deep hurt.

He stared intently at Lin Xihe, his complex emotions growing stronger.

He had always thought that Lin Xihe's previous statement about her relationship with Mu Ruoyan being more than just coercion was merely a way to comfort him and prevent him from worrying too much. He had assumed that Lin Xihe simply wasn't that averse to Mu Ruoyan, but now, looking at her eyes and seeing her jealous expression, it was clear that it was far more than just "a little bit of concern."

Besides, he was the one who was betrothed to Sun Ningxiang.

At this moment, Sun Ningxiang was performing on stage, but Lin Xihe paid no attention to her own reaction, her mind and eyes were only focused on Mu Ruoyan.

Lin Xihe bit her lip, looking at the hurt in Ji Zhuo's eyes, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

The words of admission stuck in my throat; I just couldn't bring myself to say them.

Her hesitation made Ji Zhuo's heart sink even further, making it almost impossible for him to breathe. He felt that if he stayed any longer, he might lose control, but he couldn't afford to lose his composure at this moment.

Ji Zhuo suddenly stood up and left.

Lin Xihe watched his retreating figure, her heart filled with self-reproach and helplessness, yet she didn't know how to explain. She lowered her head, her fingertips trembling slightly, her mind a jumble of emotions.

Mu Ruoyan did not miss their actions.

A glimmer of hope ignited in his heart, making him even more certain that Lin Xihe had feelings for him.

Otherwise, given how much Ji Zhuo usually dotes on her, how could he bear to be angry with her?

Sun Ningxiang's fingertips danced lightly on the strings. When the piece ended, the lingering notes still echoed in the hall. She rose gracefully, took a few light steps forward, and gave a slight bow.

Mu Ruoyan looked at her, a perfectly timed smile on her lips, and praised, "Miss Sun's music is like a nightingale singing in a valley, melodious and lingering, leaving a lasting impression."

Sun Ningxiang was surprised that Mu Ruoyan remembered her surname. A gentle smile appeared on her lips, and her eyes seemed to sparkle.

She was full of confidence. She had seen all the talent performances of those people and was certain that she could stand out from the crowd.

Although she was raised by her father outside the region from a young age, the Western Regions never neglected her upbringing. She became proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, making her a person of exceptional talent.

"Your Majesty of the Northern Border is too kind. I am truly humbled." Sun Ningxiang's voice was soft and melodious.

"I've heard that you are an exceptionally skilled musician. May I ask if you can play any other pieces?" Mu Ruoyan asked with great interest.

"If Your Majesty wishes to hear it, I am willing to play another piece of 'Yangchun Baixue' for you." Sun Ningxiang nodded slightly, her posture humble yet unable to conceal her confidence.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Miss." Mu Ruoyan nodded slightly, her expression revealing anticipation.

Sun Ningxiang first bowed to Mu Ruoyan, and then turned to face Xiao Yugan, bowing gracefully with perfect manners.

Then, she walked gracefully back to the zither table and sat down again with elegant posture.

A moment later, the melodious sound of the zither rang out again. This time, the tune was even more gentle and ethereal, as if a gentle breeze carrying the breath of spring was blowing towards you, or as if you were being led into a wonderful scene of snow-covered landscapes that were also filled with the warmth of spring, immersing you in the music and making you feel completely captivated.

Xiao Yugan sat in the main seat, his gaze shifting back and forth between Mu Ruoyan and Sun Ningxiang.

He desperately hoped that his princess could marry into the Northern Border and form a marriage alliance with Mu Ruoyan. However, if Mu Ruoyan had no interest in this, Sun Ningxiang, judging from her appearance, would be a good alternative.

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