Chapter 129: Princess Meets Princess

???? Important Note : For the continuity of this story consider to Support us on Patreon.com/Flokixy to access +200 advance Chapters and To Support The Daily Update The palace banquet was well underway when Jun Wan gracefully rose. The tassels and jade pendants at her waist chimed with a subtle, crisp, and elegant sound. With delicate lotus steps, she walked to the center of the hall. "Father Emperor, your daughter and Imperial Elder Sister have prepared a song and dance to celebrate your longevity and bring a smile to your face." After speaking, she exchanged a glance with Princess Pingyang. Pingyang nodded, rose, and walked to sit behind a guqin. The Emperor, seated above, smiled. "You sisters have put much thought into this. Go on." Seeing the Emperor's continuous smile, except for the moment the Sixth Prince presented his gift, the assembled crowd understood. Rumor had it that the Sixth Prince had done something to displease His Majesty, and now his birthday gift had unfortunately backfired. If the Sixth Prince wished to regain imperial favor, he would have to put in considerable effort. Jun Wan exited the main hall, returning only a moment later. She stood in the center of the hall, her figure graceful, clad in a white gown, her face clear and fair, ethereal as a celestial fairy. She exchanged a glance with Princess Pingyang and nodded slightly. Princess Pingyang gently raised her jade-like hands, and the music of the qin flowed from her fingertips. Jun Wan’s long sleeves billowed as she danced, her white attire like a secluded orchid in an empty valley. With her light and graceful movements, the water sleeves swirled around her, further accentuating her myriad charms and exquisite figure. Everyone in the hall watched, transfixed. Jun Wan’s dance, paired with Princess Pingyang’s superb qin skills, was truly a feast for both the eyes and ears. Su Li couldn't help but sigh in admiration; the daughters of the imperial house were indeed all exceptional. Su Li looked towards Jun Mo, who was seated opposite her, only to find him watching her while sipping his wine. Seeing Su Li look over, Jun Mo gave her a slight smile. Su Li quickly averted her gaze, only to see Jun Hui, who was beside him, also looking at her. Su Li withdrew her gaze, a slight frown creasing her brow. She disliked that kind of look; it appeared gentle and harmless on the surface but carried a subtle, predatory undercurrent. The qin music gradually faded, and Jun Wan smoothly drew back her water sleeves, standing charmingly in the center of the hall. Thunderous applause erupted all around. Princess Pingyang also rose and stood shoulder to shoulder with her. "Your daughters have made a humble display." Looking at his two beautiful, flower-like daughters, the Emperor beamed with pride and joy. "Excellent! Pingyang’s qin skills have improved yet again, and Chaoyang’s dance has deeply pleased Zhen! Rewards!" Jun Wan smiled. "Father Emperor, if you are to grant a reward, could you perhaps gift your daughter that authentic work by Master Yan from the imperial study?" The Emperor feigned a pained expression. "You mischievous girl, you certainly know your treasures, even picking your own reward!" Consort Xian smiled. "They are all spoiled by His Majesty." The Emperor laughed. "It's fine! If Chaoyang likes it, she may take it. Pingyang, is there anything you desire?" Towards Chaoyang, the Emperor felt genuine affection; this daughter, much like her title, was full of youthful vigor, and seeing her always brought him joy. But towards Pingyang, he felt more guilt and heartache. If not for that war a few years ago which emptied the state coffers, perhaps that person would not have died. Princess Pingyang curtsied slightly. "Your daughter likes any reward Father Emperor bestows." The Emperor sighed inwardly; this daughter was so sensible it made one's heart ache. "Very well, Father Emperor will certainly gift you something to your liking." "Thank you, Father Emperor!" The two princesses returned to their seats amidst congratulatory remarks from the surrounding officials. At this moment, Zhao Wange, dressed in pink, stood up and walked to the center of the hall. "Your Majesty, today is your esteemed birthday. This subject daughter has also prepared a dance to present to Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty radiant glory like the sun and moon, and longevity like the pine and crane!" The Emperor smiled. "Commandery Princess Zhao has a good heart." Su Li saw the other girl shoot her a provocative glance and felt utterly baffled. Speaking of which, although she and Zhao Wange were both Commandery Princesses, Su Li's rank was actually slightly higher. After all, she had an enfeoffed title, while Zhao Wange had only obtained her status as a Commandery Princess through her family's influence. Su Li met her gaze without flinching. Zhao Wange hadn't expected Su Li to show no sign of avoidance and snorted coldly in her heart. Just wait, I'll make you lose face soon enough! She had put immense effort into this dance, hiring a renowned master for guidance and practicing diligently for half a year, all to make a good impression in front of Consort De and Prince Jing. Zhao Wange looked at the woman in green beside her. "Biyu, you will play the qin for me." The woman nodded. "Yes, Commandery Princess!" The qin music began, and the beauty started to move. It was undeniable that Zhao Wange, as one of Tianqi's Four Beauties, possessed talent and looks that were one in a million. As if a light cloud veiling the moon, as if the swirling wind returning snow. As the qin music played and she danced, she lightly parted her lips, her clear and melodious voice reciting a tender, sentimental poem that slowly drifted through the grand hall. When the performance ended, applause filled the hall, though the expressions of those in the upper seats were somewhat unnatural. Su Li inwardly chuckled. She finally understood why this Commandery Princess had glared at her for no reason; it turned out she resented her for snatching the position of Princess Consort Jing. But this Commandery Princess’s way of expressing her affections was truly ill-suited for the occasion. Today was the Emperor's birthday, and she herself had said this song and dance was to wish the Emperor longevity. The song was good, the dance was good, and the poem was good. But what was she trying to do by reciting such a melancholic, deeply sentimental poem on the Emperor's birthday? Could it be that she had taken a fancy to the Emperor and wished to enter the palace? This young Commandery Princess seemed like such a clever person; truly, infatuation clouds one's judgment. Jun Mo, noticing Su Li looking at him with a strange expression, stiffened his hand holding the wine cup, a trace of confusion flashing in his eyes. "Your Majesty, this poem was composed by this subject daughter on the spur of the moment. This subject daughter has made a humble display." The Emperor, seated above, twitched the corner of his mouth and chuckled dryly. "Commandery Princess Zhao is greatly talented. Reward!" Those in the know secretly glanced at Prince Jing's expression, only to see him consistently staring at his fiancée opposite him, not even sparing a sidelong glance for the young Commandery Princess of Prince Zhao's household who had just recited a love poem. Zhao Wange naturally saw this too and seethed with anger inwardly. "I hear that Princess Changning is skilled in both song and dance. Might we have the honor of witnessing it?" Hearing this provocative remark, Su Li cast a meaningful glance at Jun Mo. Before she could even respond, the Emperor, seated above, said with a pleased expression, "Changning, you know these arts as well?" At the last palace banquet, during the competition with the Seventh Princess of the Northern Frontier, everyone had only learned that she was proficient in qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. They hadn't expected her to also be skilled in song and dance. This woman was truly a treasure! Exquisitely beautiful, skilled in medicine – was there anything she couldn't do? The young noblemen present, upon receiving Prince Jing's death glare, quickly suppressed the excitement on their faces. Alas, such a beautiful flower already had an owner. Su Li smiled helplessly. These young ladies, apart from comparing clothes and jewelry all day, did nothing but compare talents. She had disliked attending these banquets precisely because she was tired of this. Since they loved to compete so much, it was a pity the Seventh Princess of the Northern Frontier had returned to her country. Otherwise, in such a situation, she would surely be willing to enter the fray, though whether anyone would dare compete with her was another matter. Seeing her remain silent for a long moment, Zhao Wange said smugly, "What? Is Princess Changning scared?" "Alas, what a pity for a man like His Highness Prince Jing, that his future Princess Consort is such a timid and cowardly person..." Su Li gave a languid smile, tucking a strand of her dark hair, a faint smile playing on her lips, but said nothing. From above, Consort De coldly rebuked, "Insolence! Princess Changning is already considered part of the imperial family. For you to recklessly criticize a member of the imperial family, what crime do you deserve!" How had this Zhao family raised their daughter? So petty and lacking in grace. On such an occasion, reciting poems about love and passion, singing such decadent tunes – it was simply disgraceful! Everyone was astonished. Consort De had always been known for her gentle temperament and had never loudly admonished anyone. Today, the Zhao family had become the first. Zhao Wange immediately knelt on the ground, looking at Consort De in panic. Prince Zhao hurriedly stepped forward to plead for forgiveness. "May Consort De appease her anger! My young daughter is merely of a child's disposition, a bit overly competitive. Having heard that Princess Changning is skilled in song and poetry, she merely wished to compare skills, with no other ill intentions." Jun Mo snorted coldly. "My Princess Consort, you think she should dance just because you say so? Such audacity!" Zhao Wange hadn't expected that merely by saying a word against Su Li, she would anger both Consort De and Prince Jing. She instantly glared resentfully at the composed Su Li. Su Li rose and said with a gentle smile, "Today is His Majesty's birthday; everyone should be happy. This subject daughter will also present a dance, not to compete with Princess Zhao, but solely to wish His Majesty longevity." Her clear and pleasing tone, like pearls dropping onto jade, when contrasted with the Zhao family's young princess’s flustered state, immediately highlighted the difference: one was petty, the other graceful and poised. The distinction was instantly apparent. The Emperor, seated above, smiled. "Good! Well said." He glanced indifferently at Prince Zhao and his daughter. "You two may withdraw for now." Prince Zhao quickly expressed his gratitude for the leniency and pulled his daughter away. The crowd looked at the stunningly beautiful woman in the center of the hall, their hearts filled with sighs of admiration. Just a few months ago, she was known as the woman of no talent, no virtue, and no beauty – the laughingstock of Tianqi. Looking at her today, she was already a respected Commandery Princess, the future Princess Consort. And seeing how cherished she was by Consort De and Prince Jing, it was enough to make all the young ladies from official families present red-eyed with envy.