Just as she felt helpless, a familiar and authoritative voice rang in her ear: "Want to get close to him? I can help you."
She turned around and saw the Minister of Rites' serious and profound face. Xu Yuehuai was slightly taken aback, a complex emotion welling up inside her. She knew that this Minister had always favored her, but she had never thought of using his position to get close to the Prince of Dongsang.
However, the harsh reality forced her to reconsider. She nodded obediently and said softly, "Thank you, Father."
Then she heard the Minister of Rites deliberately loudly mention her identity: "My poor daughter! I never expected to see you in the palace after so many days."
The sound was like a thunderclap, exploding through the crowd. All eyes were on Xu Yuehuai, and she felt her cheeks burning slightly.
Bai Yu turned around as well, his gaze meeting Xu Yuehuai's, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He asked, "Is this your daughter?"
The Minister of Rites respectfully replied, "Your Majesty is right."
Xu Yuehuai's steps were light yet firm, her long dress swaying gently with each step, like ripples on a lake.
She slightly raised her head, her eyes flashing with complex emotions, but a polite smile played on her lips. She walked up to Bai Yu, gave an elegant bow, and said in a voice as melodious as a clear spring, "So it's Your Majesty. Thank you for saving my daughter a few days ago."
Bai Yu looked at her, returned a gentle smile, and said, "You're welcome, it was nothing."
Although Xu Yuehua knew that the accident was likely orchestrated, Bai Yu's rescue of her was genuine, and she was truly grateful to him.
The surrounding officials watched this scene with mixed feelings. They all knew that Bai Yu was a compassionate and righteous emperor, but they never expected that he would personally save the daughter of the Minister of Rites. They looked at Xu Yuehuai with envy in their eyes.
The Minister of Rites watched the interaction between Xu Yuehuai and Bai Yu, feeling both gratified and worried. He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and said, "Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful. My daughter is young and ignorant; if she has offended you in any way, please forgive her."
Bai Yu looked at him, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. He knew the Minister of Rites was a clever man, knowing how to protect his daughter. He smiled slightly and said, "Minister Shen, you are overthinking it. Miss Shen is intelligent and quick-witted; I like her very much."
Xu Yuehuai was surprised by Bai Yu's words. She looked up at him, but knew she couldn't show too much emotion at this moment. She lowered her head, concealing her feelings, and said, "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty."
The banquet continued, but Xu Yuehuai felt somewhat distracted. She glanced at Bai Yu from time to time, but her view was always blocked by other officials. She was anxious, wanting to find an opportunity to get closer to Bai Yu, but didn't know how to do it.
The Minister of Rites saw through her thoughts, and he felt a sense of helplessness.
He gently patted Xu Yuehuai's shoulder and said, "Yiyi, don't rush, we'll take it slowly."
Xu Yuehuai looked up and saw the deep meaning in his eyes, realizing that the transmigrator organization might have a better plan.
She took a deep breath, suppressing her emotions, and said, "Yes, Father. I understand."
After the banquet, Xu Yuehuai was led away from the palace by the Minister of Rites. Looking back at the palace receding into the distance, she was filled with reluctance and helplessness.
She knew there was an insurmountable gap between herself and Bai Yu. But she also believed that one day she would cross that gap, come to his side, and find the final truth.
Xu Yuehuai's figure disappeared into the depths of the palace, while Bai Yu stood by the palace window, watching her leave. A complex light flickered in his eyes, as if he were pondering something.
...
Xu Yuehuai stood in the courtyard of the Minister of Rites' residence, her feelings somewhat complicated. Since returning to this mansion, she had been assigned a series of learning tasks, one of which was how to attract men.
She used to scoff at this, but now she understands it's for her future plans.
Today, the old woman led a group of young men to the courtyard. They were dressed in gorgeous clothes, and their faces showed a mixture of shyness and curiosity.
The old woman looked at Xu Yuehuai, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes.
"Yuehuai, your task is to make these men fall for you and blush." The old woman's voice carried a hint of seriousness.
Xu Yuehua nodded, took a deep breath, and adjusted her mindset. Then, she slowly walked towards the men. She walked very carefully, as if each step carried her hopes and expectations.
As she approached the men, she noticed that one of them looked remarkably like Yan Qing. This surprised her, but she quickly suppressed her curiosity and focused on completing her task.
Xu Yuehuai danced gracefully, her movements light and elegant. Every movement seemed to tell a beautiful story, captivating all who beheld her. Her eyes sparkled with confidence and charm, irresistible to all.
At the same time, she used her words to seduce men, making them fall for her. Her voice was gentle and sweet, like a clear spring, captivating all who heard it.
Her words carried a hint of flirtation, making it impossible not to be captivated.
Sure enough, several men blushed for her, their eyes filled with admiration and longing.
Xu Yuehua felt a surge of pride; she knew she had completed her task for the day.
The old woman nodded in satisfaction as she watched this scene: "Very good, Yuehuai, you have passed today's lesson."
After saying that, the old woman led the men away.
Xu Yuehuai watched them leave, but in her heart she was thinking about how to find an opportunity to ask the person who looked like Yan Qing.
She walked to a corner of the courtyard, sat down, and pondered. Who exactly was that man?
Why does he look so much like Yan Qing?
These questions lingered in her mind.
In the next instant, the man who looked just like Yan Qing appeared in front of her.
Xu Yuehuai's eyes immediately flashed with surprise, and she couldn't help but ask, "Why are you still here?" This was both her doubt and her way of testing the waters.
The man smiled slightly and replied, "Your Highness, it's me!"
Xu Yuehuai's surprise instantly turned into joy. She stood up excitedly and said, "Yan Qing! It really is you!" Her voice was full of surprise and anticipation.
Then, she quickly pulled Yan Qing aside and found a more secluded place to talk.
They crossed the courtyard and arrived at a very secluded corner.
Xu Yuehuai pressed on impatiently, "Why were you at the residence of the Minister of Rites?"
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