Chapter 21 Queen Mother
The news of the Empress Dowager's return to the palace was like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, instantly shattering the palace's tranquility. This revered old lady, who had prayed for the nation for months at Tianlong Temple, was the biological mother of Emperor Nangong Yu and Prince Yong, Nangong Ye, and Empress Dongfang Qiwu's strongest supporter.
She was personally escorted on this trip by the twin princes, the fifth prince Nangong Yijun and the sixth prince Nangong Lintian (both born to the queen), which further demonstrated the queen's unshakable status in the harem - giving birth to three princes and a princess in two pregnancy was a unique honor since the founding of Dayong.
However, as soon as the empress dowager stepped into the Cining Palace, without even taking a sip of tea, she immediately summoned Empress Dongfang Qiwu and... her little sister, Dongfang Yuning, who was rumored to be no longer stupid.
Dongfang Qiwu brought the still somewhat naive Dongfang Yuning into the Cining Palace. The palace was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood, and the furnishings were simple and elegant.
An elderly woman in a dark purple palace dress sat in the main seat. Her hair was meticulously combed and pinned with a simple jade hairpin. Her face was impeccably maintained, her complexion fair and rosy. Although there were fine lines around her eyes, she showed no signs of aging at all, instead exuding a grace and dignity gleaming from the passage of time.
Especially those eyes, bright and sharp, exactly like Nangong Ye's.
[Tongzi, is this your brother-in-law's mother? The Queen Mother?]
The villain in Dongfang Yuning's heart opened his mouth in shock.
[Oh my god! I can't tell! With this temperament and skin condition, it's no exaggeration to say she's my sister! Oh my god, my brother-in-law's genes must have been inherited from eating beauty pills, right?
They all look so good! From the oldest to the youngest, not a single one is ugly! This family of looks is incredible!
System 118:
[Beep beep! Host's accurate comment! Queen Mother's biological age scan: 65. Appearance age assessment: Around 45.]
Analysis of beauty secrets: top-notch palace secret recipe + a peaceful mindset + excellent genes (Nangong family's inherited beauty).
Conclusion: Host, you've uncovered the truth! Their family might have collectively taken the Rejuvenating Pill! (Data stream displays envious starry eyes)]
The empress dowager's originally serious gaze softened involuntarily when she met Dongfang Yuning's beautiful, innocent, and slightly chubby face.
The little girl was wearing a pink palace dress, which made her skin look whiter than snow. Her almond-shaped eyes were watery and clear, like a little deer that had strayed into the human world, timid yet with a natural agility.
Hearing her undisguised, amazed and honest praise in her heart, especially the compliments on her youthfulness like her elder sister and the good genes of the Nangong family, the old lady's mouth curled up almost imperceptibly.
No matter how old a woman is, she loves to be praised for her youth and beauty, especially when the praise hits the heart.
"Qiwu, is this your precious sister Yuning?"
The Queen Mother spoke in a gentle voice, with a hint of smile, and waved to Dongfang Qiwu.
"Come here quickly and let me take a good look."
"Yes, mother."
Dongfang Qiwu smiled and pulled his sister forward.
Dongfang Yuning saluted obediently:
"Your humble servant Dongfang Yuning pays respects to the Queen Mother. May the Queen Mother be blessed with good health and happiness."
The sound is soft, sweet and clear.
"Good boy, get up quickly and come to me."
The empress dowager personally extended her hand to support her, and when Dongfang Yuning came closer, she held her little hand and looked at her carefully.
The more I look at her, the more I like her. This little look, these eyes, are clean and lively, much better than those pretentious wooden beauties in the palace!
"Look at this little face, it's so tender that you can squeeze water out of it."
The Queen Mother smiled and took off a jade bracelet that was emerald green and full of water from her wrist. Without saying anything, she put it on Dongfang Yuning's slender wrist.
"I fell in love with you the moment I saw you. This bracelet is a gift for us."
【!!! 】
Dongfang Yuning was flattered:
[Tongzi! A welcome gift! A glass-type imperial green jade! How much is this worth! The Queen Mother is so generous!]
System 118:
[Beep beep! Priceless! Host, you've made a killing! Preliminary assessment: you can exchange it for ten luxury homes within Beijing's Third Ring Road! Queen Mother's Favorability +10086!]
Ten mansions?!
Dongfang Yuning's eyes lit up, her face flushed with excitement and shyness, and she quickly thanked him:
"Thank you, Queen Mother, for the reward! Your humble servant...your humble servant feels unworthy of it."
"What's there to be ashamed of? Just wear it for fun."
The Queen Mother patted her hands, and the more she looked at her, the more satisfied she became. And when she heard her calling her "Queen Mother-in-law" in her heart, she was even more delighted. This name was so intimate and pleasing to the ear!
This little thing is not only pleasing to the eye, but also has a pure mind and can speak (although it is in his heart). He is a hundred times better than those who can only say polite words!
Dongfang Qiwu watched from the side, knowing full well that his mother had truly fallen in love with his younger sister. With the Queen Mother's affection, his younger sister's life in the palace would only be more secure.
That night, the palace held a banquet to welcome the empress dowager. The lights were brilliant, the music was melodious, and all the officials and their families were in attendance. It was an unprecedented grand occasion.
The empress dowager sat high in the main seat, with Emperor Nangong Yu and Empress Dongfang Qiwu on her left, and Dongfang Yuning, who was wearing a pink palace dress and a striking emerald green bracelet on her wrist, sitting on her right!
This position is almost on par with the queen, so it goes without saying how favored she is!
The daughters of various wealthy families were all dressed up meticulously, adorned with pearls and jade, their rings and pendants jingling, like a hundred flowers competing for beauty. They had only one target: the prince of Yong, Nangong Ye, who sat at the bottom, dressed in a black prince's dragon robe, handsome and unparalleled, yet with an aura as cold as an iceberg!
However, no matter how they flirted and flirted, and even a few of them boldly tried to pass handkerchiefs and purses under the guise of toasting, Nangong Ye was like an old monk in meditation, too lazy to even lift his eyelids.
All his attention was focused on the small figure next to the main seat, who was nibbling on snacks and occasionally looking around curiously.
When he saw her being fed by the Queen Mother, he would frown slightly (worried that she would have indigestion); when he saw her being stared at by some short-sighted minister's family member, his eyes would instantly turn as cold as a knife, scaring the other person so much that he quickly lowered his head.
The Queen Mother took in her youngest son's reaction, her mind clear as a mirror. Great! It turns out this stubborn person in her family isn't just unintelligent, but simply too discerning!
He actually took a fancy to this sweet, adorable little girl beside her! Interesting! So interesting! The old lady picked up her teacup, covering her mouth with an irrepressible smile, and watched the show with great pleasure.
Among all the beautiful women, Shangguan Yuechu, the daughter of the prime minister, was undoubtedly the most dazzling. She was dressed in a smoky, flowing brocade palace dress, with a graceful figure, exquisite makeup, and picturesque features, surpassing all the other beauties in her beauty.
Proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, she is known as the most talented and beautiful woman in the capital. She has always been attracted to Prince Yong and believes that she is a good match for him in terms of family background, talent and appearance.
But then, unexpectedly, Dongfang Yuning appeared! A young girl who had been stupid for more than ten years and had just "gotten well" snatched away her dream position of being the Princess of Prince Yong!
What’s even more hateful is that Nangong Ye actually announced it in public!
Her father advised her to be patient, saying that the Dongfang family was now in its heyday and Dongfang Yuning had the support of the Empress Dowager, the Emperor and the Empress. But Shangguan Yuechu couldn't swallow this!
Why? A fool, why should he ride on her head?
Seeing that Nangong Ye's eyes were always fixed on Dongfang Yuning, without even a glance at others, Shangguan Yuechu was almost consumed by the jealousy in her heart.
She took a deep breath, stood up slowly, walked to the center of the hall, and bowed to the head of the hall. Her voice was gentle and pleasant, but with a subtle sharpness:
"Your humble servant, Shangguan Yuechu, congratulates the Empress Dowager on her health and long-lasting blessings. On this beautiful occasion, I, a humble servant, would like to present a piece of 'High Mountains and Flowing Water' to enhance the atmosphere. However..."
She changed the subject and looked gently at Dongfang Yuning, who was being fed a piece of crystal cake by the Empress Dowager.
"I heard that Miss Dongfang has just recovered from a serious illness and is very talented. I believe she is also proficient in music. Why don't we two sisters play a piece together so that the Queen Mother, His Majesty, and the ladies can enjoy it? Sharing joy is worse than enjoying it alone."
As soon as these words came out, the hall suddenly became quiet. Everyone could hear the provocation in Shangguan Yuechu's words. What about recovering from a serious illness, being gifted,
It was clearly a reminder to everyone that Dongfang Yuning was once a fool! Asking her to play along? How could someone who had been a fool for over a decade understand music? This was clearly an attempt to publicly embarrass her!
Nangong Ye's face darkened instantly, his fingers gripping the wine glass tightening slightly, their knuckles turning pale. His icy gaze pierced Shangguan Yuechu like a sharp blade, undisguised murderous intent! Why did every single person want to step on his little thing?!
The Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Empress' expressions also darkened. Shangguan Yuechu's actions were too inappropriate!
Dongfang Yuning was struggling to swallow the slightly choking crystal cake when she was suddenly called out, feeling a bit bewildered. Blinking her watery almond-shaped eyes, she looked at Shangguan Yuechu, who was looking expectant (but actually provocative), then at her sister and brother-in-law, who were looking worried, and at the old man below, who was almost frozen.
【Tongzi! 】
The little flame in Dongfang Yuning's heart suddenly flared up:
Have I been a fool for too long? Why does everyone want to step on me?! It's okay to show off your talents, but why do you have to drag me along? If I don't show off my power, do you think I'm Hello Kitty?
Damn it! I can't stand it anymore! If I keep doing this, I'll get breast disease. Do you really think I don't have some hidden tricks?!]
System 118:
[Beep! Host's anger level is skyrocketing! A strong desire to counterattack has been detected! The opponent is using the 'Talent Humiliation' skill! It is recommended that the host activate the 'Talent Crush' mode!]
I give you my spiritual support! Go host! Show her what a dimensionality reduction attack is! By the way... the mall has just added the Heavenly Sound Experience Card (Ancient Style Limited Edition), a limited-time offer, only 999 points! You won't be cheated if you don't buy it!
【Buy! Now! Immediately!】
Dongfang Yuning did not hesitate.
There's also a Guqin Mastery (Master Level) Trial Card! Buy them together! I'm going to blind her titanium eyes today! Let her know why the flowers are so red!
System 118:
[Beep! Purchase successful! The Heavenly Sound Experience Card (Limited Classical Edition) and Guqin Mastery (Master Level) Experience Card have been activated! Time limit: one song! Host, please begin your performance! (Virtual spotlight is in place!)]
Amidst the worried, sympathetic, and gloating gazes of the crowd, Dongfang Yuning slowly stood up, his little face still showing a bit of confusion from having just finished eating.
She walked to the center of the hall and bowed to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. Her voice was soft but clear:
"Empress Dowager, Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Sister Yuechu wants to play with me, and Yuning dares not refuse. However, Yuning's piano skills are limited, and I am afraid of disturbing Sister Yuechu's interest.
How about this, Yuechu sister plays first, and after Yuning listens to her ethereal music, he can perform his own piece, how about that?
He was very humble, giving Shangguan Yuechu enough face and buying himself some time.
Shangguan Yuechu sneered inwardly, "You're smart!" She gracefully sat down in front of the guqin that had been prepared long ago, took a deep breath, and plucked the strings with her slender jade fingers.
The piece "High Mountains and Flowing Water" was played smoothly, with perfect technique and profound artistic conception, which drew applause from the whole audience. After she finished playing, she looked at Dongfang Yuning provocatively, her eyes full of pride.
Dongfang Yuning seemed not to notice her gaze, and walked over to the Queen, whispering a few words. Although Dongfang Qiwu was worried, he still ordered his precious Jiuxiao Huanpei Qin to be brought up.
Dongfang Yuning sat down in front of the piano and took a deep breath. The moment the system experience card was activated, her entire temperament underwent a subtle change.
Those almond-shaped eyes, always filled with innocence or cunning, were now as still as water, containing an endless stream of stars. Her slender white fingers gently brushed the strings of the zither, like brushing against a clear spring under the moonlight.
【Tongzi, are you ready? 】
System 118: [Host, rest assured! The sound system has been adjusted to the optimal setting! The lights are focused! The background music is ready! Please begin your crushing!]
The first note flowed out, ethereal and clear, with a power that penetrated the heart, instantly capturing everyone's ears. Immediately afterwards, the melodious and graceful piano sound was like the tinkling of a mountain stream, or like a moonlit breeze blowing across the lake of the heart.
This piano skill, even more so than Shangguan Yuechu's skillful performance just now, possessed a more natural artistic conception and indescribable spirit! It was as if the person and the piano had become one!
What was even more shocking was that Dongfang Yuning opened her cherry lips and sang:
"One day, flowers bloomed beside the willows, and I followed the fragrance and mistakenly found the pavilion marquis..."
Her voice wasn't deliberately high-pitched and resounding, but rather clear and ethereal, like melting snow in early spring, with a girl's unique tenderness yet possessing an incredible penetrating power and appeal. Every word, every note, seemed to carry a magical power that struck deep into the soul.
"Even if I drink the morning glow for half a day, the wind and rain can't penetrate me..."
The piano and the singing blended perfectly, sometimes soft and gentle, like a plaintive lament; sometimes clear and melodious, soaring to the sky. The tune was beautiful and moving, and the lyrics were profound, carrying a profound understanding of the changes in the world and the vicissitudes of life. It didn't seem like the words a teenage girl could write! (System: The joy of copying homework!)
"The palace chief is thin and emaciated, the stage is high and icy, tears are hard to shed..."
The whole hall was in complete silence! You could hear a pin drop!
Everyone's eyes were fixed on the young woman in the center, singing and playing the zither. The candlelight illuminated her beautiful and delicate profile, her long eyelashes casting a small shadow under her eyes.
She looked focused, as if lost in her own world, a holy and ethereal aura emanating from her body. Such a shocking power erupted from that delicate body!
The pride on Shangguan Yuechu's face had long since vanished, leaving only extreme shock and embarrassment! Her piano skills, which she was so proud of, were like rubble compared to this heavenly sound!
Her carefully prepared "High Mountains and Flowing Water" seemed so pale and powerless in front of the unprecedented and profound "Do You Know?" She felt like a clown!
Nangong Ye was even more mesmerized. His little thing seemed to be glowing at this moment! That focused look, that ethereal singing voice, that elegant posture when playing the piano...
All of these feelings were deeply imprinted in his heart, arousing an unprecedented possessive and protective desire. He just wanted to rush over immediately, hug her tightly in his arms, hide her, and not let anyone see her beauty!
Those men who stared at her with their eyes wide open... they all deserved to die! A strong dark color was surging in his eyes, and the veins in his hand holding the wine glass were exposed.
The Queen Mother's eyes shone with astonishment and pride! Look! This is the girl her little Ice Cube has chosen! How outstanding! How dazzling!
She glanced smugly at the pale-faced Shangguan Yuechu below. "Humph, you want to step on my little darling? You're asking for humiliation!"
Emperor Nangong Yu and Empress Dongfang Qiwu were both delighted and proud. Their little sister was so outstanding!
The song ended, and the last note was like pearls falling on a plate, with the lingering sound echoing in the silent hall.
Dongfang Yuning withdrew her hand and let out a soft breath. The experience card's effect faded, and she returned to her soft and innocent appearance. The radiant Qin Ge Fairy just now was not her. She raised her head a little embarrassedly, looked at the main seat, and asked softly:
"Yu Ning, excuse me for showing off. Is your playing... okay?"
[Tongzi! How's it? Is it amazing?!]
System 118:
[Explosion! Host! The effect is explosive! The entire audience is silent for 15 seconds! Shangguan Yuechu's face turns from red to white, then to blue, and finally to black!]
Nangong Ye's energy fluctuations indicate 'stunning + possessive + jealous'! The Queen Mother's favorability has skyrocketed! Mission completion rate: SSS+! The host is mighty!
[Hey, keep a low profile! Don't do any basic exercises!]
The villain in Dongfang Yuning's heart stood with his hands on his hips in triumph, but his face still looked innocent and harmless.
After a brief silence, the Queen Mother was the first to clap her hands and laugh loudly, her voice full of undisguised admiration:
"Good! You played well! You sang even better! I've lived to this age, and I've never heard such a moving piece of music! Yuning girl, you really gave me a big surprise!"
She looked at Shangguan Yuechu, whose face was ashen, and her tone became lighter.
"Yuchu, your suggestion is a good one. I've really broadened my horizons today. I know there are always people better than you. Go down."
Shangguan Yuechu was filled with shame and anger, digging his nails deep into his palms. He held back his tears and humiliation, and almost staggered back to his seat, wishing he could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.
Emperor Nangong Yu also laughed out loud:
"What a great song 'Do You Know'! The lyrics and music are both excellent, and the artistic conception is profound! Miss Yuning, you deserve a reward! A huge reward!"
Queen Dongfang Qiwu's eyes were filled with pride as she smiled gently at her sister.
Nangong Ye couldn't bear it any longer. He stood up suddenly, strode to the center of the hall, and in front of everyone's astonished eyes, he picked up the still confused Dongfang Yuning and carried her sideways!
"Brother, Mother, Ning'er is tired. I will take her back to rest first."
His voice was low and full of unquestionable strength. After he finished speaking, without waiting for a response, he picked up the petite person in his arms, turned around and strode out of the banquet hall, leaving behind only the stunned crowd and countless broken hearts.
【!!! 】
Dongfang Yuning was petrified instantly after being suddenly carried like a princess:
[Tongzi! He hugged me again! In front of so many people! My innocence!]
System 118:
[Beep! Target character's 'Jealous + Protective' behavior triggered! Energy Fluctuation: Possessiveness MAX! Action SSS! Host, in the eyes of the prince, your innocence... may have long since disappeared? (Spreading hands.jpg)]
【Shut up! 】
Dongfang Yuning buried his face in Nangong Ye's strong chest in shame and anger, pretending to be dead.
The Queen Mother watched her son walk away with his future daughter-in-law in his arms, her face filled with joy as she said to the Emperor and Empress beside her:
"Look! This ice lump is quite powerful when it starts to work! I like it! Hahaha!"
The protagonist of the palace banquet left early, leaving behind a palace full of people with different thoughts. Shangguan Yuechu's disastrous defeat, Dongfang Yuning's stunning appearance, Prince Yong's undisguised possessiveness...
It became the hottest topic of the night. And the delicate young girl carried away by the overbearing prince had completely solidified her unshakable position as the future Princess of Prince Yong, as well as her unfathomable (?) talent and charm.
As for Dongfang Yuning, who was being carried back to the palace, he was being held tightly in Nangong Ye's arms, feeling his burning body temperature and the steady and powerful heartbeat in his chest, while hearing his low and dangerous warning:
"Ning'er, let's settle tonight's account... when we get back. You attracted so much attention, and you made me... wait for you for an entire song."
[Tongzi! Help! He's coming for revenge again! This time it's double!]
Dongfang Yuning wailed inwardly.
System 118:
[…Host, this system has activated the 'Do Not Look' mode. I wish you… a happy reckoning? (Lightspeed Logoff)]
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