As everyone turned their gaze toward Feng Yao, she stepped gracefully up the stairs. At that moment, she was radiant, even more dazzling than the glow of sunrise and sunset, as noble as a queen.
"Your Majesty, I am Consort Yao, daughter of the Feng family. I pay my respects to Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty enjoy eternal health and may the Northern You Dynasty be blessed for ten thousand years! May Your Majesty the Empress enjoy good health and long-lasting happiness..." Feng Yao bowed slightly, clasped her hands in front of her chest, and performed a curtsy to the Emperor and Empress. Every word and action was extremely skillful.
Mu Qiye and Meng Yuan stood up at the same time. Then, Meng Yuan went over first and personally helped Feng Yao up. She nodded and smiled slightly: "Good, she is a clever child."
"Come, sit next to me." Meng Yuan turned around and smiled at Mu Qiye, then led Feng Yao to sit down next to her.
Meng Yuan, the current Empress of the Northern You Dynasty, is Mu Feiyu's younger cousin. They have been very close since childhood. When Meng Yuan was sixteen, Mu Feiyu used her as a pawn, personally sending her to the Emperor's side. This younger cousin has helped him a great deal, both openly and secretly. Because of the ambiguous relationship between them, Mu Feiyu has always taken her for granted.
The Empress's appearance was elegant and graceful, and her clothes were magnificent and luxurious, almost exactly as Feng Jin had imagined. She wore a bright red robe with five phoenixes, the hem of which trailed on the ground. Her black hair was styled into a magnificent bun, with a phoenix hairpin in her hair, which made her face look extremely beautiful.
Feng Yao thanked the Empress and sat down next to her. She looked at Feng Jin, who was chatting happily with people, and a cold glint flashed in her eyes.
She secretly clenched her fists, determined to clear this "obstacle" from her sight.
Looking at Feng Jin's smug expression, she suddenly chuckled and said, "I've heard that Princess Jing has recently gained a great reputation and her personal qualities have improved considerably. Your Majesty, why don't you let her entertain everyone with songs and dances?"
Feng Jin was never good at dancing or singing. Besides that, she also lacked all the fancy skills that girls should know. With her aptitude, even three more years of practice would be futile. Today, she must be made to lose face in front of all the civil and military officials, as well as the Emperor and Empress.
Especially after witnessing Feng Jin's outstanding performance at the last imperial banquet, Feng Yao has been harboring doubts. Therefore, in addition to arranging her own future, she has also been secretly observing Feng Jin's every move. She will never miss any opportunity to suppress Feng Jin.
Mu Qiye nodded repeatedly, "Alright, I would also like to see Princess Jing's talent."
“But… I don’t know how to sing or dance at all…” Feng Jin slowly turned around and noticed everyone’s gazes directed at her. Her face darkened, and she immediately froze.
She originally just wanted to be a regular at the banquet and didn't prepare any special talents at all.
"Sister, aren't you being a bit too modest? If I remember correctly, you've been quite capable lately!" Feng Yao smiled sarcastically as she looked at Feng Jin's bewildered expression, as if she could already imagine Feng Jin embarrassing herself in front of everyone.
At this moment, Feng Jin suddenly paled, her face turning ashen compared to the worst she had ever seen. She didn't even dare to look up, afraid of the expectant gazes of the people. Last time, the only reason she had managed to change everyone's opinion of her was by relying on her most proficient swordsmanship. But... who could she rely on this time?
At this moment, the onlookers, who loved watching the excitement, were still cheering and making a fuss. Even Mu Qiye thought that Feng Jin would reveal an amazing skill again, just like last time.
Mu Beichen turned to look at her and saw her tightly pursed lips and trembling fingers. In just one glance, he knew that she was unsure of herself because she was not good at those things.
He reached out his long, beautiful hand and took her hands in his palm, whispering, "Don't be afraid, I'm here for you."
Feng Jin looked up at him and saw that his dark, deep eyes were filled with endless determination and tenderness, which seemed to have won her trust in an instant. She and he smiled at each other in silence.
"Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, a precious time for everyone to gather together. Your Majesty, I would like to take this opportunity to perform a song and dance with the Princess Consort, just to bring a smile to everyone's face. I hope Your Majesty will grant me permission." Mu Beichen stepped forward first and bowed slightly to Mu Qiye.
“Very well, I grant your permission,” Mu Qiye replied immediately.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." As soon as Mu Beichen finished speaking, Feng Jin stepped forward and stood beside him.
"Is this Prince Jing perhaps taking advantage of the fact that he has managed to achieve some minor merits and is planning to play a trick on us?"
"I've never heard of a grown man who can sing and dance so well. Is he really capable of it? I hope he doesn't spoil everyone's fun!"
The voices of doubt grew louder and louder, almost to the point of being unstoppable.
Meanwhile, Mu Feiyu silently observed everything from the sidelines. He had a feeling that something unexpected was about to happen, but... as long as the Empress was backing him up, he figured Mu Beichen wouldn't dare to do anything. If Mu Beichen really dared to act recklessly in front of him, he could simply use his overwhelming power to force Mu Beichen to submit to his fate.
Mu Beichen turned around and looked at Feng Jin. At this moment, she had a slight smile on her lips and seemed much more confident than before.
She wore an elegant, snow-white dress, with a cloud-patterned belt around her waist that accentuated her slender figure. A delicate plum blossom hairpin adorned her hair, which was casually styled into a flying fairy bun. With only a touch of makeup, she was already captivating. Her lips were naturally red without any rouge, and her eyebrows were naturally curved. Her almond-shaped eyes were bright and intelligent. Although she had the appearance of a charming beauty, she also possessed a dignified and elegant demeanor.
As a melodious flute tune began to play, Mu Beichen waved his colorful fan and gently swept the sleeves of his pristine white robe. His agile figure swiftly passed through the forest, and in an instant, he soared into the air, as if he had just emerged from an illusion.
Before Feng Jin could catch her breath, he freed his other hand and pulled her into his arms. He held her hand, closed the fan, and, as if wielding a brush, danced it gently. With a flick of his finger, countless delicate petals fluttered around him, and a refreshing fragrance instantly filled the room, making everyone feel intoxicated without wine.
As the flowers fell with a flick of his wrist, Mu Beichen softly began to sing: "A crimson hue amidst jade, an unparalleled beauty."
"Her flowing black hair was captivating, and her fingers touched her stunning beauty."
"Let the fireworks of the other shore dance in the sky, in this life I only wish to lean on you, singing and drinking, amidst a profusion of flowers..."
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