"In the end, Father still thinks I'm uncouth. If that's the case, I'd better leave to avoid bringing shame to the Duke of Qi's mansion." Ruan Xiyan lowered her eyes, looking heartbroken.
With departure time fast approaching, Qi Shenhai didn't have time to argue with her any longer and said impatiently, "Alright, if you want to go, then come along."
The Imperial Garden of the Royal Palace.
The families who arrived early had already taken their seats and were exchanging pleasantries with each other.
Qi Wan looked at Ruan Xiyan sitting next to her, repeatedly and forcefully rubbing the handkerchief in her hand, as if the handkerchief were Ruan Xiyan herself, in order to vent her anger and dissatisfaction.
I don't know what my father was thinking, but he actually brought this little slut to the palace banquet.
If it weren't for the need to maintain a gentle and dignified image in public, she would have wanted to tear Ruan Xiyan's face apart right now.
Just wait and see how she deals with her!
She wanted to make her understand the gap between them, and that this was not an occasion for a country girl like her.
Ruan Xiyan completely ignored Qi Wan's murderous glare.
If Qi Wan were stronger, perhaps she would still be wary of her and think more highly of her.
But now, in her eyes, she is nothing more than a clown, someone she could crush as easily as an ant.
Soon, the people present gradually took their seats.
"His Majesty has arrived!" a sharp voice rang out.
A dignified-looking middle-aged man sat down in the main seat.
The crowd below rose and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
"My beloved ministers, please rise. I have arranged the palace banquet in the Imperial Garden so that you would not be too restrained. Please feel free to relax."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Today, talented men and beautiful women from various noble families have gathered here. Why not exchange some talents to add to the festivities? The Flower Festival should be lively and bustling." Xiao Fengchuan looked at the chief eunuch beside him.
The chief eunuch carefully carried forward a jade tray, on which lay a silver stone the size of a fist.
"This is a rare essence silver stone, an extremely rare material for refining weapons. When inlaid on a weapon, it can enhance its power. I will give it as the reward for the champion of this competition."
Immediately, a young lady from a noble family stepped forward slowly and said, "Your Majesty, I would like to offer a song to add color to the Flower Festival."
As the music began, the atmosphere gradually became more lively, with young men and women from prominent families eagerly participating.
Ruan Xiyan stared intently at the piece of spirit silver stone.
She had always wanted to refine a weapon, and this piece of spirit silver stone was just right.
Qi Wan, who was standing beside her, stood up, walked to the center of the hall, and said softly, "Your Majesty, I have a dance to perform, please excuse my poor skills."
After Qi Wan finished speaking, she began to dance gracefully on the field, her slender hands fluttering like butterflies, sometimes fast, sometimes slow and gentle.
After the dance ended, enthusiastic praise rang out from the audience.
Xiao Fengchuan nodded approvingly, "Not bad, her dance is graceful. She truly deserves to be called the most talented woman in the capital. Duke Qi is very fortunate."
Qi Shenhai humbly replied, "Your Majesty flatters me."
He said that, but his face was full of pride.
Of all these noble families, only his Wan'er is worthy of the position of Crown Princess.
Qi Wan glanced in the direction of Crown Prince Xiao Langqi, her eyes filled with shy charm, "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty."
Her eyes flickered as she glanced at Ruan Xiyan, who was sitting there eating with her head down, secretly plotting something.
"Your Majesty, my younger sister, Ruan Xiyan, has been cultivating in the mountains and has just returned home recently. She has also prepared a talent to present to Your Majesty."
She was determined to make that vulgar and uncouth village girl, Ruan Xiyan, look foolish at the banquet and turn her into the laughingstock of the entire capital.
"Oh? Is that so? Who is the second daughter of the Duke of Qi?" Xiao Fengchuan's eyes swept over the crowd.
Qi Wan sat down next to Ruan Xiyan, a mocking look on her face. "Sister Yan'er, His Majesty is calling you. Go quickly and remember to perform well."
Ruan Xiyan smiled and said, "Okay, I hope you won't regret it."
The moment Ruan Xiyan stood up, everyone's eyes were drawn to her, and they whispered among themselves.
"Is this Ruan Xiyan? She is quite beautiful, but unfortunately she is an illegitimate child, and her mother's origins are unknown and her status is low."
“I remember she was sent to the mountains when she was young because she was wicked at a young age, pushed her older sister into the lake, and was arrogant and rude.”
"This is too much! A beauty with a venomous heart, what a waste of such a pretty face!"
"There used to be rumors that this little girl was born without a heart meridian and was a strange person."
"Can someone live without a heart pulse?!"
"So he's a strange person. No wonder he's heartless; he has no heart at all."
Various strange gazes fell on Ruan Xiyan, and Qi Wan couldn't hide the smile on her face.
Ruan Xiyan, so what if you're beautiful? You're still ruined and despised!
Ruan Xiyan walked calmly onto the stage, her face revealing neither joy nor anger, and a jade flute appeared in her hand.
The woman's expression was cold, her red lips parted slightly, and the clear, melodious sound of her flute drifted on and on.
Her skirt moved without wind, as if in harmony with the heavens and earth.
Qi Wan scoffed dismissively, "Playing tricks."
The next moment, the flute music changed abruptly, like celestial music from the heavens, soothing the restlessness in one's heart, and like the beating of war drums, stirring the soul.
The group entered a strange state, feeling lightheaded and incoherent.
I felt incredibly relaxed and refreshed, all my fatigue vanished, and even the bottleneck that I hadn't been able to break through for a long time started to loosen up.
As the music ended, its lingering notes echoed in the air, lingering for a long time.
Everyone present remained frozen in place, still immersed in the beautiful music.
"Wonderful! This celestial music should only exist in heaven." Xiao Fengchuan was the first to recover his senses and praised loudly, "You are undoubtedly the champion of this competition!"
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