All the ladies and young women surrounding Princess Qingyun, no matter how many people were around, did not feel ignored by Princess Qingyun. The corners of Princess Qingyun's mouth always had a just-right curve, like the warm spring sun, which could dispel the gloom in everyone's heart. Her eyes were full of friendliness and focus, making everyone feel that they were valued.
Princess Qingyun stood in the middle of the crowd, her body relaxed and natural, without the slightest tension or stiffness. When communicating with others, she would lean slightly forward, tilting her head towards the other person, attentively listening to everyone's words. Her hands hung naturally at her sides or she would make natural inviting gestures, making everyone feel welcome. She spoke softly and gently to everyone, her voice not loud but clear enough for everyone to hear. Every word seemed to carry a soothing power, and her choice of words was also very careful, never containing any potentially misunderstanding or harsh language.
After talking with Princess Qingyun, everyone returned to their seats with satisfaction. Qin Qianluo was finally able to sit down and wait for the birthday banquet to begin. She secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Although she was happy to be close to these beauties, she was a little overwhelmed by so many people. Fortunately, the birthday banquet was about to begin.
Lin Ruoqing looked at her youngest daughter with amusement. Seeing the look of relief in her daughter's eyes, she didn't expose her daughter's mistake and instead looked at the young lady of the official family who was performing in the hall.
Although the birthday banquet was held many days in advance, the preparations were very thorough, and the mansion was filled with joy. Minister Lin also invited many officials to come together, and the ladies of various mansions also brought their sons and daughters. Therefore, there were many young men and women who could perform at the birthday banquet. They were all people who wanted to bring glory to their families, and it can be said that they showed off their unique talents.
Qin Qianluo was also very happy to see it. Because of her status as a princess, she was sitting in a middle seat with a very good and clear view. Qin Qianluo was very satisfied, as seeing the beautiful lady up close was good for her eyes.
After watching for a while and eating a few snacks, 001, having finished scanning, spoke up: "Luo Bao, there are no spies at Minister Lin's residence. They're all Tianxuan people; nothing seems amiss."
Qin Qian paused for a moment, indicating that she understood, and then continued watching the song and dance. Those in Minister Lin's mansion who heard her words breathed a sigh of relief and were put at ease. However, those who still suspected that she was in their own home became increasingly nervous and wanted to bring Princess Qingyun back to the mansion immediately.
When Madam Lin heard the voice for the first time, she looked around in alarm, wondering whose voice it was and who was speaking. She knew that her son was holding the birthday banquet ahead of schedule at the Emperor's behest, but she didn't know why. Why were there still spies around?
Seeing the fear on her mother-in-law's face, Madam Lin quickly stepped forward, whispered in her ear, and explained the situation. There was no other way; before this person heard Princess Qingyun's innermost thoughts, he could not say anything about them. Only after hearing them could he speak.
After hearing this, Madam Lin's eyes flashed with a sharp light. This Princess Qingyun had such amazing abilities; she was truly extraordinary. Her younger generation must be on good terms with Princess Qingyun. If it weren't for Princess Qingyun, her illegitimate granddaughter would probably be gone by now.
At this moment, a girl of about sixteen or seventeen years old had finished performing her talent in the hall. However, instead of leaving after her performance like the others, she looked straight at Princess Qingyun, her eyes filled with jealousy and dissatisfaction.
The woman performing was the same one who had looked down on Qin Qianluo during the day the top scholar paraded through the streets. While she was performing, everyone was initially enjoying her performance, but 001's voice diverted their attention, and they didn't listen to her music properly.
That's why she looked at Qin Qianluo like that after her song ended, thinking bitterly: Why can Qin Qianluo be a princess while I failed the exam several times? And why did 001 have to speak up during my performance, drawing everyone's attention away from her and making me the center of attention?
Why is it that when she appears, she is surrounded by people and showered with praise, while I am relegated to a corner, with no chance to chat with everyone? Now, my opportunity to showcase myself has been disrupted.
She was resentful, her eyes filled with disdain: "She's just a princess in name only, she must be a good-for-nothing. With so many high-ranking officials and dignitaries here today, I'll make her lose face."
Thinking of this, she slowly bowed to Qin Qianluo, her tone laced with provocation, and said, "Greetings, Princess. Your reputation is renowned far and wide, and I have long heard of you. Your talent is extraordinary, like the brightest pearl among the stars, shining brilliantly and inspiring admiration."
Today is Madam Lin's birthday banquet, a grand occasion indeed, with distinguished guests from all the city's prominent families. The Princess is renowned, and I, along with everyone present, have long been curious about her talents and eagerly hope to witness them. However, this is, after all, Madam Lin's birthday banquet. If I were to ask the Princess to demonstrate her talents first, I fear it would seem like I'm overstepping my bounds. Therefore, I am truly in a difficult position, wondering if I might have the honor of catching a glimpse of the Princess's brilliance.”
Everyone looked at the woman. Everyone present was shrewd, and they could all hear the malice in her words. Old Madam Lin and Madam Lin were a little annoyed and were about to reprimand her when Qin Qianluo's inner voice came through.
Qin Qianluo also sensed the malice and wondered to herself, "001, who is this? I don't think I've ever offended her. Is she targeting me?"
001 glanced at the woman. "Luo Bao, this is Xing Yaqi, the eldest daughter of Xing Jianxing, a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. Luo Bao doesn't know her; she just hasn't passed the imperial examinations, while Luo Bao now not only has an official position but also the status of a princess. She's resentful, believing Luo Bao only has a good father while Luo Bao herself is an incompetent good-for-nothing. So today, she's deliberately trying to embarrass Luo Bao."
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
