At this moment, a pair of eyes outside the Imperial Garden were staring intently at the scene on the stage. The depths of those dark pupils revealed unbearable resentment and unwillingness, and the hands hanging at the sides of the legs involuntarily tightened.
As the song ended, Mu Chenshuang smoothly sheathed her sword, stopping precisely opposite Fu Junheng.
Their eyes met.
Fu Junheng looked at her, a faint smile curving his thin lips. Mu Chenshuang's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly turned her gaze away, wondering what this man was up to.
He slowly stood up and walked towards her, then parted his thin lips and said, "Princess Weiyang's dance is truly stunning."
How could he not notice that all the men around him were staring at her intently, their eyes revealing undisguised excitement and admiration?
The possessive impulse within me grew stronger and stronger.
Mu Chenshuang glanced at him and said indifferently, "Then we must thank Crown Prince Junheng for his cooperation."
After Mu Chenshuang finished speaking, she raised her hand and placed the sword in the eunuch's hand, then strode towards the Empress, with Fu Junheng following beside her.
This made it seem as if Fu Junheng was intentionally trying to get closer to Mu Chenshuang, while Mu Chenshuang remained indifferent.
"What Prince Xiaoyao said was indeed true. Crown Prince Junheng's zither playing is unparalleled in the world, making me look at him with new eyes," the Empress praised.
Fu Junheng said calmly, "Your Majesty is too kind. What is truly amazing is Princess Weiyang's sword dance."
The Empress looked at Mu Chenshuang with amazement and surprise in her eyes. "Indeed, Shuang'er's dance is truly heroic and graceful, a perfect blend of strength and gentleness. Today, I have been treated to a feast for the eyes. This flower-viewing banquet has been quite successful."
Consort Ling spoke up, "Only the perfect coordination between Crown Prince Junheng and Princess Weiyang could present us with such amazing and beautiful dance moves. Those who don't know the situation might think that His Highness and the Princess had rehearsed in private. If it were someone else improvising, they might not have such a stunning effect."
This indirectly suggests that the two have amazing chemistry and are a match made in heaven.
Her purpose in saying this was simply to make people speculate that the relationship between the two was not simple.
Feng Anxue's face grew increasingly gloomy and unpleasant.
"Please, Consort Ling, do not say such things that could be easily misunderstood. I am very grateful for Crown Prince Junheng's accommodating cooperation. If it were anyone else, Crown Prince Junheng's musical skills would have been perfectly matched. Therefore, today is just a pleasant pastime and not worthy of praise or discussion."
Mu Chenshuang looked at Lingfei and retorted in a cold tone. Her words shattered everyone's suspicions, and her firm and indifferent attitude showed everyone that she and Fu Junheng had no relationship whatsoever.
Consort Ling's expression froze. She couldn't help but shiver because of Mu Chenshuang's gaze, and gave an awkward smile, "That's true."
Fu Junheng's handsome face remained impassive, but his brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of frost settled on his expression.
At this moment.
A eunuch came to report, "Your Majesty, General Shen has arrived."
"Let him in quickly."
Mu Chenshuang took her leave and returned to her original seat.
The Empress offered Fu Junheng a seat.
Immediately afterwards, a tall and slender figure slowly appeared, handsome and dashing, exuding an aura of majesty and power.
Shen Nanzhi is the dream lover of countless noble ladies, but in his eyes there is only Mu Chenshuang. In addition, Crown Prince Junheng is now treating her specially, how can this not make people jealous?
Shen Nanzhi walked up to the Empress and bowed in respect.
"Nanzhi, you've arrived. Have you finished your official duties?" the Empress asked with concern.
"It's been temporarily resolved."
"That's good."
Consort Rong looked at Shen Nanzhi and suddenly said, "General Shen, you are late. You did not get to enjoy the performance of Prince Junheng playing the zither and Princess Weiyang's sword dance."
Shen Nanzhi's expression was calm, revealing little emotion. "There will always be other opportunities to appreciate it in the future."
Consort Rong chuckled softly and said in a low voice, "That's true, but General Shen still needs to seize the opportunity and not leave any regrets like before."
These words were spoken.
The atmosphere at the scene became somber.
Who doesn't know that Shen Nanzhi and Mu Chenshuang were childhood sweethearts? Back then, Mu Chenshuang abandoned him and insisted on marrying the Crown Prince of Xilan. Now, rumors are circulating about her with Crown Prince Junheng. Mu Chenshuang is truly unworthy of Shen Nanzhi's sincere heart.
Many noble ladies began to feel indignant for Shen Nanzhi, believing that beautiful women have always been a source of trouble, and hoped that he would realize soon that Mu Chenshuang was not worthy of him at all.
Shen Nanzhi's expression was indifferent. "Thank you for the reminder, Consort Rong."
"Alright," the Empress interrupted their conversation, "Nanzhi, please take a seat!"
"yes."
Her position was right next to Mu Chenshuang.
Shen Nanzhi looked at Mu Chenshuang, and the two exchanged a glance. Shen Nanzhi smiled gently, and Mu Chenshuang could only respond with a smile.
She hadn't done anything to wrong him, but when he sat next to her, she felt awkward and even wanted to run away, not wanting to face him.
At this moment, Consort Ling spoke up: "After General Shen returned to the capital, he was busy with many affairs of state and was highly valued by His Majesty. Given General Shen's military capabilities, he is very suitable for the important task of reorganizing the Libei Army."
She spoke with remarkable ease, as if it were something she had said unintentionally.
She had always maintained a low profile in the palace, never vying for fame or fortune, so when she said these words, people would only think that she was speaking without thinking.
Consort Rong chimed in, "What Consort Ling said makes sense. I have long heard of General Shen's reputation in the palace. He is young and promising and has made many military achievements. With such abilities, he will surely be able to train the Libei Army to be even more brave and extraordinary. What do you think, Your Majesty?"
Consort Rong directly shifted the topic to the Empress.
The emperor was most averse to the harem discussing state affairs, especially now that military power was involved. On the surface, everyone was shirking responsibility, and the harem was peaceful, but in reality, undercurrents were surging. Whether it was Qi Mingsen, the commander of the Imperial Guard behind Consort Rong, Shen Nanzhi behind the Empress, or the Prince of Cheng behind Consort Xian, they could all regain control of the 200,000-strong Libei Army, so they naturally would not remain indifferent.
Therefore, if one is not careful and falls into rumors, which reach the emperor's ears, it will surely be a disaster.
The Empress glanced at Consort Rong and said with an air of authority, "The women in the inner palace are not allowed to discuss matters of the court. His Majesty will make his own decisions. You should all be careful with your words and actions."
The Empress directly stopped her.
Looking at this flower-viewing banquet in this light, one can sense an undercurrent of tension.
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