Chapter 21
Underneath the red cloth was an ordinary folding fan.
Song Xuan picked up the folding fan, opened it, and inside was a painting of green bamboo, with a few inconspicuous little jasmine flowers blooming beside it.
The painting is very simple; with just a few strokes, it captures the upright spirit of the green bamboo and the delicate beauty of the white jasmine.
Those who understand painting will certainly call it a masterpiece.
Upon seeing the painting, Song Xuan's originally gentle gaze instantly turned fiery. He looked at Shen Qingnian sitting below, his expression a mixture of joy and excitement.
She had feelings for him.
Song Xuan had been personally taught by the emperor since childhood and was not one to show his emotions. Even though his emotions were surging now, he still managed to keep it from being noticed by others. However, the empress beside him noticed something amiss.
The Empress blinked, her heart filled with joy.
When Lin Yue'er saw that Shen Qingnian had only given her an ordinary folding fan, she couldn't help but mock, "Miss Shen's gift is truly special."
It was indeed a bit stingy to give a folding fan as a birthday gift to the Crown Prince, but everyone would keep it to themselves and not say anything.
Lin Yue'er and Lin Minxin are indeed of the same lineage.
Upon hearing Lin Yue'er's words, Song Xuan frowned slightly and said, "The green bamboo stands proudly in the cold, and can also shelter the flowers and plants around it from the wind and rain. I really like Miss Chen's folding fan."
The Empress also leaned over to take a look at the folding fan. She was a lover of paintings, and her eyes immediately lit up when she saw the painting on the fan: "This painting is of the highest quality, which shows that the painter has some skill."
After saying that, she looked at Shen Qingnian and asked, "Was this painted by Miss Shen herself?"
Shen Qingnian bowed and said very humbly, "Your Majesty, this was written by your humble servant and is not worthy of being presented in a refined manner."
“It is a fine painting, I like it very much,” Song Xuan said.
Those below couldn't see what was painted on the folding fan, but hearing Song Xuan and the Empress say so, they all echoed, "Miss Shen's congratulatory gift is full of heartfelt sentiments and is truly precious!"
"Yes, yes, yes, a folding fan is a perfect gift for a gentleman. His Highness the Crown Prince is a gentleman, and a folding fan is a perfect match for him."
"Miss Shen is a talented woman, and her paintings are naturally masterpieces!"
"Your Highness is right, Miss Shen is truly very thoughtful."
......
A single word of praise from the emperor would attract countless admirers. Even an ordinary folding fan would be elevated to a staggering status, overshadowing even the priceless coral from before.
After tonight, the rumors about the position of Crown Princess will likely change hands, as the Crown Prince is clearly more inclined to be closer to Miss Shen.
The fact that a simple painting by Miss Shen could win the Crown Prince's favor more than a priceless coral shows just how much the Crown Prince values her.
As Lin Yue'er listened to the crowd's discussion, her face turned ashen. She glared fiercely at Shen Qingnian, wishing she could tear her apart.
She never imagined that the coral she had painstakingly bought from the Lin family mansion would be inferior to a broken folding fan.
Lin Minxin's face turned pale. He stared at the exquisite coral, his heart trembling...
The palace banquet continued. Shen Qingnian was pleased to receive Song Xuan's praise and drank several cups of wine in succession. After a while, she took a break and left the table. Lin Yue'er, who was next to her, pursed her lips and followed her.
Shen Qingnian carried a rabbit-shaped palace lantern and walked slowly toward the Jade Terrace. When she was still some distance away from the Jade Terrace, Lin Yue'er blocked her way.
"Shen Qingnian, I told you last time not to even think about becoming the Crown Princess," Lin Yue'er said, her eyes bloodshot.
She should have been the star of the banquet tonight, but Shen Qingnian ruined it all.
It's all because of the person in front of me!
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