It wasn't just because of the princess's outstanding appearance, but also because of her calm and composed demeanor. Even though she was just an unfavored girl in the Prime Minister's residence, she still possessed a noble air about her.
Qingdai used to think that the environment could influence a person's temperament, but now she thinks that some people may be born with that extraordinary temperament and will not be affected by the environment at all, just like the princess.
Little did Qingdai know that the poor little girl from the Prime Minister's mansion was long gone. The current Qu Qingxi was the eldest daughter of the Qu family in modern times. As a young lady raised by the Qu family from childhood, she naturally possessed an extraordinary temperament.
Seeing the amazement in Qingdai's eyes, Qu Qingxi simply smiled faintly and said nothing.
Seeing that it was almost time and He Liufeng still hadn't appeared, Qu Qingxi prepared to take Qingdai by carriage to the palace herself.
As soon as the two stepped out of the courtyard, they saw He Liufeng, also dressed in princely attire, walking towards them with Ling Mu.
Noticing the person coming out of the courtyard, He Liufeng paused, looked up, and was instantly amazed.
She wore a purple gown, her skin was as smooth as jade, her eyebrows and eyes were exquisite, her lips were red and her teeth were white, and her beautiful eyes were bright and lively, yet there was a hint of aloofness between them.
The amazement in He Liufeng's eyes largely pleased Qu Qingxi.
"I thought you weren't coming back." Qu Qingxi chuckled and stepped forward slowly.
"A single glance from her among the crowd makes all other beauties pale in comparison." He Liufeng gazed at the person before him and exclaimed in sincere admiration.
"His beauty is unparalleled, unmatched in the world." When others sincerely praised her, Qu Qingxi naturally didn't hesitate to return the compliment.
They both saw appreciation and praise in each other's eyes, and their hearts drew closer together at that moment.
Ling Mu and Qing Dai exchanged a glance but remained silent.
Forgive Qingdai for not having read many books and being illiterate. Qingdai could only sense that the two people were praising each other, but she didn't know the meaning of the two lines of poetry. However, this did not affect Qingdai's happiness.
She was happy when the princess and the prince had a good relationship.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, it's almost time," Ling Mu reminded them, knowing they would be late if they continued admiring the scenery.
“Let’s go.” He Liufeng extended his hand, and Qu Qingxi glanced at him, then smiled and placed her hand on his.
When the two arrived at the palace, it was not yet time, and the families of the ministers were already entering one after another.
Palace maids stepped forward and led the two to their seats. Qingdai and Lingmu, on the other hand, had to be checked outside before they could enter the palace.
By the time Qingdai and Lingmu finished their inspection, it was almost time, and almost everyone inside had arrived.
The Emperor and Empress entered, and everyone bowed to them. Then, a eunuch stood aside and announced loudly, "The envoy from the Great Zhou Dynasty has arrived."
Soon, several people entered the hall. One of them, dressed in a black robe, with striking good looks, appeared to be a refined young master. He walked at the front. This person should be the fifth prince of the Zhou Dynasty, named Zhou Wenli.
Following on the right was a man, probably in his twenties, with wheat-colored skin. He was dressed in rather thin clothes, but it was clear that he was strong and powerful, a trained fighter. He was probably the young general named Liu Shiqi.
It wasn't that Qu Qingxi was being opportunistic; rather, the person to the Fifth Prince's left was a man in his fifties or sixties, who didn't fit the characteristics of a young general at all. He must be the civil official named Li Shun.
"Greetings, Your Majesty." Zhou Wenli led his men to pay their respects to the emperor, but not by kneeling; they merely bowed slightly.
Qu Qingxi was somewhat surprised, but seeing that everyone around her looked normal, she understood once again the importance of a strong nation.
Otherwise, it would be strange if a prince of a country were to perform a simple bow when he was sent on a diplomatic mission to another country. According to Qu Qingxi, most of the etiquette and customs of the Zhou Dynasty were similar to those of the Ling Dynasty.
"Fifth Prince and all envoys, you may rise." The Emperor spoke personally.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"You have come from afar and must be tired from your journey. Please sit down and rest for a while." The Emperor waved his hand, and soon palace maids led the group to the seats arranged for them.
The dancers from the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) quickly came up, their skirts fluttering as they danced gracefully, exuding charm. Accompanied by beautiful music, the atmosphere was instantly joyful and relaxed.
After discreetly observing the Zhou Dynasty envoy, Qu Qingxi turned her gaze to the dancing girls.
Qu Qingxi dared not touch anything at the banquet, for who knew if someone had tampered with it and might cause her further trouble.
He Liufeng also noticed Qu Qingxi's actions, but he lowered his eyes slightly and said nothing. He would glance at Qu Qingxi from time to time, or look down at the food on the table, as if he was very curious about the food. He was not interested in the dancing girls at all.
Upon seeing the dancers from the Jiaofangsi again, Qu Qingxi couldn't help but sigh. They were indeed trained by professional institutions. They danced exceptionally well, with alluring figures. Although they were dressed very conservatively and nothing was exposed, they inexplicably aroused people's desires. Yet, their charm was tinged with a touch of elegance and grace, making them even more attractive.
Everyone in the hall was enjoying themselves, and Qu Qingxi was also happy. Suddenly, Qu Qingxi keenly sensed a sharp gaze directed at her.
Qu Qingxi turned her head slightly and followed the gaze, only to find that the owner of that gaze was none other than Zhou Wenli, the fifth prince of the Zhou Dynasty.
Seeing Qu Qingxi looking at him, Zhou Wenli smiled gently, raised his wine glass to Qu Qingxi across the dancing girls, and then watched Qu Qingxi drink it all in one gulp.
Qu Qingxi's smile remained unchanged. She simply nodded slightly and looked away. Even though Zhou Wenli's gaze hadn't meant to offend her at all, as if he genuinely just wanted to offer her a toast, Qu Qingxi felt inexplicably uncomfortable.
He Liufeng had also noticed what had just happened. He glanced at Zhou Wenli calmly, his hand holding the teacup tightening slightly.
How dare Zhou Wenli covet his princess?
Others may not know what kind of person Zhou Wenli is, but He Liufeng knows him very well.
Zhou Wenli outwardly appears to be a gentle and refined gentleman, but in reality, he is a ruthless and cruel psychopath. What makes him terrifying is not only how vicious he is, but also how he can lure people into his traps without them even realizing it, and make them willingly die for him.
After the dance performance by the Imperial Music Bureau ended, while everyone was still immersed in the exquisite dance, Li Shun, the Zhou Dynasty envoy and civil official, burst into laughter, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
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