After being glared at by her, Chu Xingmo almost laughed.
Knowing he was the emperor, she still dared to glare at him in the main hall. She must have some serious nerve!
He tried hard to suppress the urge to smile and looked at the Empress Dowager.
Li Yunyan's surprised expression just now did not arouse suspicion from others, because all the candidates showed similar expressions after seeing Chu Xingmo's handsome face!
Even Meng Qingyu was shocked and regretful at the same time. If His Majesty were a normal person, how wonderful it would be! With such a godlike appearance and such a supreme status, she would definitely not want to leave the palace!
What a pity!
The Empress Dowager had already heard about what happened to Chu Xingmo last night. She was both happy and worried. Now, seeing her son's expression, she felt more at ease.
Even if he's not very bright, if he meets the person he loves, even the most dense person will understand without being taught!
After saying a few polite words, the Empress Dowager ordered the young ladies-in-waiting to begin their performance.
The first candidate began her performance, playing the zither. The other candidates then took their seats.
Li Yunyan's seat was near the front, giving her a clear view of Chu Xingmo and the Empress Dowager's every move. When she looked up, she found them both watching her, so she smiled at them.
The Empress Dowager returned the smile with a kind smile.
Chu Xingmo calmly turned his gaze away, but the slight upturn of his lips betrayed his good mood.
Besides them, Consort Xia, Consort Lu, and Consort Ji were also present.
They all knew Chu Xingmo's temperament and didn't harbor much hostility towards these young ladies-in-waiting. After all, His Majesty wouldn't favor them; they were just decorations in the harem.
However, the daughter of the Prime Minister Li has a very good figure and appearance, and the Empress Dowager seems to like her very much. We must make good friends with her in the future!
Li Yunyan noticed that Chu Xingmo's three concubines were also looking at her. She nodded politely to them and then reached for the snacks on the table.
Today's matter is of great importance, and Aunt Jiang doesn't allow them to eat too much. She's so hungry right now!
Seeing Li Yunyan's childlike demeanor, the three concubines all lowered their guard.
He's simple-minded!
The next batch of young women took turns performing, and the Empress Dowager, impartially, gave each of them a reward of roughly equal value. Then it was Meng Qingyu's turn.
Meng Qingyu prepared her talent as painting; she would paint a picture on the spot.
Li Yunyan kept a close eye on her movements, trying to figure out what tricks she had up her sleeve.
It wasn't until she saw her finished work that Li Yunyan suddenly realized what was going on.
Meng Qingyu painted a picture of chrysanthemums.
Li Yunyan turned her head in time to look at Chu Xingmo's face and found that he was indeed frowning, looking like he was physically disgusted.
She learned from the system that Chu Xingmo hated chrysanthemums, not for any other reason than that his wet nurse from back then had the character "chrysanthemum" in her name.
Such a secret matter was known to very few people except Chu Xingmo and the Empress Dowager, but unexpectedly Meng Qingyu knew about it!
This move was indeed brilliant. Ignorance is no excuse. Chu Xingmo was disgusted, but he would not only not keep her in the palace, but Meng Qingyu's reputation would also not be affected in any way!
Li Yunyan sneered. Even Meng Qingyu knew this, so Wen Zi'an couldn't possibly not know! But not only did he not tell her, he also insisted on making her leave the palace in a disgraceful manner!
What a vicious heart!
After Meng Qingyu finished her performance, the Empress Dowager still gave her a reward, her face showing no sign of joy or anger.
Meng Qingyu thanked the emperor respectfully. She had carefully observed the expressions of the emperor and the empress dowager. Although she could not discern anything from their faces, she was certain that they were displeased!
She'll definitely be able to leave the palace this time!
As for Li Yunyan!
Meng Qingyu laughed wildly in her heart. She was determined to keep her eyes peeled and see how this fool would make a fool of himself in front of everyone!
It's finally Li Yunyan's turn to perform!
She walked gracefully to the center of the hall and gave a respectful bow to Chu Xingmo and the Empress Dowager.
Chu Xingmo's hand, which was under the dragon robe, suddenly clenched.
Judging from her behavior last night, Chu Xingmo knew that Li Yunyan would probably choose to stay, but when it came to the moment of deciding her mind, he was still nervous.
She just found out she was the emperor. Will she be angry that he lied to her?
What if he gets angry and suddenly changes his mind?
Chu Xingmo stared intently at her, his expression stern and his eyes grave. Those unaware of the situation might have assumed that Chu Xingmo deeply disliked Li Yunyan!
Meng Qingyu thought so too. Looking at His Majesty's dark face, she sneered inwardly. His Majesty seemed particularly displeased today; Li Yunyan was likely to suffer a complete defeat!
If I were to lose my life because of this, that would be even better!
Li Yunyan was ready. She gave Chu Xingmo a bright smile, turned slightly, and tossed out the colorful ribbon in her hand.
Chu Xingmo had seen this long silk ribbon dance many times in private. He was so familiar with it that he could remember her next move and clearly know the height of her toes when she lifted her leg.
He stared intently at her, afraid that she might suddenly give him a fright at any moment.
The last spin was almost here, and Chu Xingmo prayed in her heart that she wouldn't twist her ankle again today! What if she did twist it and fell down?
In fact, Li Yunyan never misunderstood that little detail; it was something she deliberately designed to get close to Chu Xingmo!
Finally, the dance ended! Li Yunyan's dance was perfect!
Li Yunyan smiled with relief, her eyes crinkling as she smiled at Chu Xingmo, as if to say, "Look! Brother Mo! I didn't twist my ankle today!"
Chu Xingmo felt a great weight lifted from his heart, and he couldn't help but smile, clapping his hands on the spot.
"good!"
If His Majesty applauded, how could the others not applaud?
Thunderous applause erupted in the hall, as if Li Yunyan had accomplished something extraordinary!
When the Empress Dowager saw her son's delighted expression, she almost burst out laughing!
She smiled and generously bestowed many valuable gifts upon Li Yunyan, more than all the other young ladies-in-waiting had combined!
"Your Majesty, I thank you! Your Majesty the Empress Dowager!"
Li Yunyan bowed respectfully and, slightly out of breath, returned to her seat.
Chu Xingmo's gaze materialized, looking at her without any hesitation, his eyes overflowing with tenderness and smiles.
The three consorts were astonished by Chu Xingmo's unusual attitude!
When has Your Majesty ever looked at a woman like this?
No! His Majesty has never even given a woman a second glance!
They looked at Li Yunyan again, this time with sharp scrutiny in their eyes. They wanted to see why His Majesty treated her differently.
This daughter of the Prime Minister Li seems to be quite extraordinary!
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