Chapter 366 But the emperor’s expression doesn’t seem to like her very much?
Yang Qingxue, who was wearing a delicate goose yellow long dress just now, is now nowhere to be seen.
Just as she was wondering, a clearer sound of music rang out, drowning out the previous string music.
I saw a woman in gorgeous dancing clothes, like a fairy, walking into the stage from behind the flowers.
The dance costume was light and flowing, and the waist was slender, barely slender enough to be held in one hand. Who else could it be but Yang Qingxue?
She had obviously prepared carefully, her dance was graceful, and every turn and every look was full of deliberate seduction.
Her gaze was bold and direct towards Zhao Yunci who was sitting in the main seat, without concealing her ambition.
The garden suddenly became much quieter, and everyone's attention was drawn over.
Many ladies secretly curled their lips, thinking that the Yang family's legitimate daughter was too eager and had lost the reserve of a lady from a noble family.
But more young men were staring intently.
Zhao Yunci put down the wine glass in his hand, his eyes calmly fixed on Yang Qingxue who was dancing gracefully, and it was impossible to tell whether he was happy or angry.
Yang Qingxue felt that focused gaze and was filled with ecstasy. She danced more vigorously and looked more charming and proud.
It is said that the current emperor was once a Buddhist disciple and was pure and free from desires. But what man doesn't love beauty?
As long as you are beautiful and attractive enough, why would you be afraid of not being able to capture the emperor's heart?
Chu Ruohan slightly clenched her fingers holding the teacup, and looked at the woman who was like a peacock spreading its tail and trying her best to show off, and couldn't help but shook her head slightly.
You dare to show off such little tricks in front of the emperor?
How stupid!
For the sake of an illusory possibility, he puts himself in such a conspicuous position, becoming the target of public criticism, and is not afraid of being torn to pieces.
The daughter of the Yang family, whom the family had painstakingly trained, was so impatient and short-sighted.
Yang Zhaozhao's little white rabbit face flashed through her mind.
This Yang Qingxue is not even a little bit inferior to her half-sister.
With the last spin, Yang Qingxue stopped not far in front of Zhao Yunci, knelt on her knees, bowed deeply, and ended the dance perfectly.
There was sparse applause all around, mostly flattery from officials who were on good terms with the Yang family.
As for the officials who brought their own daughters into the palace, their expressions varied...
Some were gloomy, some sneered, and some turned their heads away with disdain.
Zhao Yunci saw everyone's expressions. He put down his wine glass, his face calm, and nodded.
"Nice dance." He said calmly, "Reward!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Fuzi immediately stepped forward, holding an exquisite brocade box in both hands.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for the reward!"
Yang Qingxue thanked him gracefully, with a look of pride in her eyes.
Xiao Fuzi opened the brocade box, and inside was a pair of gold hairpins inlaid with rubies, several pieces of fine brocade, and an exquisite jade bracelet.
This reward was quite generous, and many people present were surprised.
Yang Qingxue accepted the reward, and the smile on her face almost overflowed.
She turned and walked back to her seat. When she passed by the eldest daughter of the Lin family, she deliberately slowed down her pace and raised her chin proudly.
"Sister Lin, thank you for your encouragement just now."
Yang Qingxue's voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for everyone around to hear.
"It seems that I have indeed gained the emperor's favor."
The eldest daughter of the Lin family forced a smile, "My sister dances gracefully, it is only natural that she receives this reward."
But she couldn't help but add, "However, the palace's reward is nothing more than the emperor's grace. Sister, please don't get carried away."
Yang Qingxue smiled sweetly, ignoring the sour warning, and leisurely returned to the table and sat next to her mother.
Mrs. Yang was delighted to see her daughter's triumphant expression, but outwardly she still lectured her daughter, "You were a bit too bold just now."
"My daughter knows her limits," Yang Qingxue lowered her voice. "The emperor clearly has admiration in his eyes. I've succeeded in this first step."
Chu Ruohan took in the entire scene. These women who wanted to climb to the pinnacle of power all tried their best.
But in the end, he became a pawn and even died in pieces...
Yun Ge'er leaned beside her and asked in a low voice: "Mother, why is that sister so happy?"
"She thought she had obtained something very important." Chu Ruohan answered softly, stroking her son's head.
"But the emperor's expression doesn't seem to like her very much." Yun Ge'er observed naively.
Chu Ruohan smiled slightly, and couldn't help but be surprised at the child's sharpness...
On the other side, Gu Junze was standing in the military camp, and General Shi was standing beside him with a serious expression.
"General, Lieutenant General Gu led his men to explore Tiger Tooth Mountain, but they were discovered by bandits. Now only a few soldiers have escaped, and I'm afraid Lieutenant General Gu has been captured!"
Gu Junze frowned: "Who are those people on the mountain?"
"According to the soldiers who escaped back, those so-called bandits are well-trained and well-equipped, and each of them is a master!" General Shi said in a deep voice.
Gu Junze nodded, "Immediately gather three hundred elite soldiers and follow me to Tiger Tooth Mountain!"
"General," General Shi said urgently, "Today the palace is hosting a banquet for the King of Chu. If you don't go..."
"It's okay. I've already sent someone to inform the emperor."
After saying this, he turned and strode out of the camp, followed by the quickly assembled elite soldiers.
The banquet in the palace was already halfway through, but Gu Junze still hadn't shown up.
Chu Ruohan felt a little uneasy and couldn't drink the tea in her hand.
"Mom, why hasn't Dad come yet?" Yun Ge'er looked up and asked, his eyes full of confusion.
Chu Ruohan forced a smile: "I guess there was some urgent matter in the army that delayed him."
"Mom, when are we going back?" Yun Ge'er was already a little sleepy and asked while rubbing his eyes.
Looking at her son's tired face, she became more determined to leave. She couldn't wait any longer!
Chu Ruohan stood up suddenly, took the hand of Yun Ge'er who was already drowsy beside her, and knelt slightly towards Zhao Yunci who was sitting in the main seat.
"Your Majesty, I am not feeling well. I will take my leave first. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."
Zhao Yunci raised her eyes, her gaze paused for a moment on her slightly pale face, and finally nodded.
"In that case, Madam Gu, please have a good rest."
Upon seeing this, the envoy from Zheng State also stood up immediately and bowed to Chu Ruohan, saying, "Madam Gu, please stay."
"Early tomorrow morning, I will personally come to greet His Royal Highness the Prince of Chu on his return journey."
These words were like ice water poured over his head, instantly waking up the already listless Yun Ge'er. His face fell, and he clutched Chu Ruohan's sleeves tightly, his eyes slightly red.
"Mom..." His voice was tearful and filled with reluctance.
Chu Ruohan felt a pang in her heart and squeezed the little guy's cold hand hard.
In a voice that only the two of them could hear, she soothed him, "Yun'er, be good. I will never break my promise to you. Come home with me first."
Yun Ge'er pouted, tears welling up in his eyes, but he finally nodded vigorously and left with Chu Ruohan.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
