Upon hearing this, Shangguan Yanran echoed, "Indeed, my calligraphy is hardly worthy of being presented in a refined setting, and I dare not embarrass myself by offering it."
Princess Huaiyin smiled slightly upon hearing this. "You two are too modest. Which young lady in the capital is not proficient in calligraphy, poetry, and prose? It seems you two want to leave the opportunity to someone else."
Her next sentence was full of profound meaning.
However, Rong Qingqing and Shangguan Yanran remained unmoved.
Princess Huaiyin's interest waned when she saw that the two men were not provoked by her words.
Anyone with eyes can see the Empress Dowager's true intentions at today's plum blossom appreciation banquet. Otherwise, those noble ladies wouldn't be so eager to show off. But Rong Qingqing and Shangguan Yanran are doing the opposite.
With his noble status and unparalleled handsome appearance, which young girl wouldn't be captivated by the Crown Prince?
Princess Huaiyin didn't believe it, and Rong Qingqing and Shangguan Yanran had their own thoughts on the matter.
Just as she was about to say something more, Emperor Zhaojing, who had been watching the center of the room, suddenly spoke up: "Rong Qingqing, Shangguan Yanran, you two shouldn't just focus on eating. Everyone has to perform their talents, so don't stand aside. In a little while, show us your special skills and let the Empress Dowager and me have a good look."
Upon hearing this, many noble ladies covered their mouths and secretly laughed.
Rong Qingqing and Shangguan Yanran are really funny. Did they come here to eat?
He acted as if he'd never eaten anything delicious before, only caring about eating, to the point that even the Emperor couldn't stand it anymore.
Being criticized by the emperor in public was incredibly humiliating.
Rong Qingqing was eating and discussing the recipe for plum blossom pastries with Shangguan Yanran when she suddenly heard Emperor Zhaojing call their names. She choked on the plum blossom pastry she hadn't swallowed yet.
She immediately coughed.
Everyone present looked at her with disdain upon seeing this.
Shangguan Yanran was startled and quickly poured her a glass of water, and also considerately reached out to pat her back.
Xie Jingrun, seated to the lower right of Emperor Zhaojing, frowned slightly upon seeing this and glanced at Emperor Zhaojing.
When Emperor Zhaojing received that glance from his son, his expression immediately became somewhat embarrassed and innocent; he hadn't actually said anything.
What kind of look was that in his son's eyes?
His future wife choked, is it his fault?
They're already protecting him like this even before they've married him. Once they do, his father probably won't even have a corner to stand on.
Emperor Zhaojing sighed, turned his gaze back to Rong Qingqing, and said with a slightly helpless tone, "Why did you suddenly start coughing, you silly girl?"
After drinking a glass of water, Rong Qingqing finally calmed down. Upon hearing this, she thought to herself: "Isn't it because you scared me?"
What special skills does she have?
If we really have to count it, would her cooking skills count? But she can't exactly pull out all the stops and show off her cooking skills to everyone, can she?
But since Emperor Zhaojing had spoken, she obviously couldn't refuse, so she could only say, "This humble woman is not very learned. I was a little nervous when I heard Your Majesty's words. In my nervousness, I choked on the plum blossom pastry. I was embarrassed and made Your Majesty laugh."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Zhaojing found it quite amusing; this girl was indeed interesting!
She made no attempt to hide her lack of talent, and what she said was so honest that it made people want to laugh.
"That's my fault, I made you choke on the plum blossom pastry."
Rong Qingqing looked terrified. "It's my fault for being clumsy, how can you blame Your Majesty?" Of course, it's your fault. If you hadn't suddenly called me out and asked me to perform some special skill, I wouldn't have been choked up! Of course, she could only complain in her heart.
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