Among the younger generation of the Cai clan, Cai Yueshi was the most highly regarded. At that time, before the Cai clan had moved out, some scholars compared Cai Yueshi with Qin Qi, jokingly saying, "Qin Qi is like a graceful tree branch, standing tall and elegant. Cai Qi is like a graceful and virtuous lady."
Later, the Cai family moved away, leaving the young men in the capital heartbroken. Despite this, Cai Yueshi continued to have suitors, though the jokes became, "In the capital, there is a beautiful woman, with a graceful and ethereal appearance. In the hills, there is a poet, who stirs my heart. I have both her and her poetry, but I cannot have both."
"This is it? And it's supposed to be with you?" Lu Huai leaned closer and muttered in a low voice.
Qin Xi knew he was trying to be friendly, but a broken mirror can't be glued back together and the damage is done. Even though almost half an hour had passed, Lu Huai's words still made her heart ache with a coldness when she thought about them.
Qin Xi pursed her lips and lowered her eyes, refusing to look at him.
"You're the granddaughter of the Emperor's father-in-law?" Emperor Yuming snapped out of his daze and raised an eyebrow at Cai Yueshi.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Having received an affirmative answer, Emperor Yuming was in high spirits and waved his hand, saying, "Reward me! Give me a generous reward!"
Cai Yueshi smiled slightly, unperturbed by praise or criticism, and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
She had certainly brought honor to the Yu Kingdom by performing before the Emperor. Emperor Yuming finally showed some pride, and asked Shangguan Jingci with a boastful tone, "What does the Crown Prince think of my niece?"
Shangguan Jingci's fox-like eyes were deep, and he smiled as he said, "Miss Cai has a melodious voice, graceful dance moves, and superb skills. I'm sure few can compare to her."
Cai Yueshi smiled and thanked her, "Your Highness is too kind."
Although his assessment was quite fair and did not directly answer the emperor's question, it still made Emperor Yuming smile.
"Hahaha," he glanced at the two of them, smiled casually, and ordered someone to offer Cai Yueshi a seat. Then he suddenly sighed, as if lamenting, "Qinling's elegance is indeed unmatched. In recent years, only the daughter of the Prime Minister's family can be compared to her."
The conversation suddenly turned to her, and Qin Qi frowned slightly, not understanding what he was trying to do. Lu Huai glanced at her subconsciously, his expression tense.
Upon hearing this, Shangguan Jingci became interested and raised an eyebrow, looking up. "Oh? Miss Cai is already exceptionally beautiful, but the Prime Minister's daughter is just as stunning? I'm quite curious, may I ask who the Prime Minister's daughter is?"
Qin Xi has been famous in the capital for many years, and her marriage to Lu Huai last year caused quite a stir. Therefore, there are few people present who do not know her.
Receiving the complex gazes of the crowd, she took a sip of tea before rising and bowing to Shangguan Jingci, "This humble servant is Lu Qinshi, greetings to Your Highness the Crown Prince."
Seeing her step forward, Shangguan Jingci raised an eyebrow slightly, as if seeing her for the first time, "Madam, there's no need for such formalities."
Qin Qi breathed a sigh of relief. Whether he really didn't recognize her or was pretending not to, it was best for both of them not to say anything in this situation.
If he says he knows himself, it will probably stir up another wave of public opinion.
Shangguan Jingci smiled and said, "Madam looks no more than sixteen years old, yet she is already married."
"My husband and I are mutually in love, so my father-in-law asked His Majesty for our marriage." Qin Xi smiled, her eyes overflowing with a girlish shyness, her expression revealing undisguised happiness.
The dimples at the corners of her mouth were faintly visible, making Lu Huai's heart flutter.
"Oh?" Shangguan Jingci raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Well then, it seems the lovers have finally gotten married."
"Indeed." Qin Qi bowed gracefully to him, and seeing that he seemed to have no other questions, she sat down again.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
