The imperial concubine sat alongside the current emperor on the high throne, wearing a bright red peony smoke gauze jacket with a wide piece of bright yellow satin wrapped around her chest, and a soft smoke-colored skirt embroidered with golden phoenixes that fluttered open, shining brightly and unmatched by any other object.

  Today, the emperors complexion is still not very good, and the more he appears, the more Qiguo Imperial Concubine stands out with her stunning beauty. On her disheveled green hair, aside from the gold-inlaid jade hairpin, she also wore a large, fresh peony flower at an angle, accompanied by the emperors clever smile that was as charming as can be. Truly, she is more lovely than flowers, and one frown or one smile could capture peoples hearts.

  Its just that although Queen Cheng spoke softly and smiled at the emperor, her charming and seductive gaze seemed to be drifting intentionally yet unintentionally towards me and Nan Chongyue.

  I lowered my eyelashes, covering the smile in my eyes, while Nan Chengyao gave me a sideways glance that seemed to be smiling but not quite, and his lips suddenly curled up into a mischievous arc.

  I was on high alert, but he had already leaned in, his lazy and smiling breath brushing against my ear: "Enjoy watching plays, huh? Then why dont you ask the princess to accompany me in performing one?"

  Before he had finished speaking, he took my hand and drained the jade cup that I was holding, then gently pressed his lips to mine before releasing my hand.

  I smiled bitterly in my heart: "Your Highness, I dont know what Qinger did wrong to offend you, why do you want to put me in such a difficult situation."

  He relaxed his body and leaned into my arms, lazily smiling: "Since youve married into the Third Princes Manor, did you think you could still remain uninvolved?"

  The people at the banquet were probably already used to the Third Princes indulgence, and although they had clearly seen this scene, none of them showed much surprise. Only my father, mother, and Xuaner kept glancing over at me, I knew they were worried about me.

  The emperor on the throne looked over slowly along with the gesture of Queen Jing, but also just smiled and shook his head, seemingly helpless, without intervening a single sentence.

  I gazed at Queen Qings delicate face, which was as lovely as a flower, and saw her smiling softly. Although she concealed it very well, the occasional glances that drifted towards us revealed a deep-seated resentment and jealousy.

  My eyebrows and eyes are gentle, to outsiders they seem slightly shy, always lowering my gaze, avoiding the inquiring gazes of others, yet not looking at the person in my arms with a playful smile.

  Just a faint sigh in my heart, knowing that this Mid-Autumn moon appreciation banquet will probably be another disturbance.

  As expected, before the banquet was even halfway through, the sound of Empress Qings gentle and charming voice rang out: "Your Majesty, on this fine evening, why not let me offer a song in the Clear Harmony Palace to help Your Majesty enjoy himself? What does Your Majesty think?"

  The emperor smiled and patted her hand: "With a heart like yours, of course its all right."

  Concubine Qinggui smiled charmingly at the Emperor, got up and walked into the hall, where palace maids had already presented her with a jade flute. She took it and began to play with delicate gestures.

  That melody I had never heard before, yet I couldnt help but admit that every note was exquisite and unparalleled, its beauty beyond words. When strung together, it sounded like the heavenly music of the nine skies, a rare treat for mortal ears. It seems that this Empress Qings favor is not without reason.

  When she played, her eyes kept drifting towards the seat where I and Nan Xiangyao were sitting, with expectation and affection, although it was faint, but hard to conceal.

  Nan Chengyao still leaned against me with a relaxed posture, his lips curled up in an eternally carefree arc.

  My mother looked over at me a few times, but her expression remained calm.

  The music ended, and applause thundered.

  The Empress Dowager stepped up onto the jade steps with a stately and elegant pace, and sat down beside the Emperor.

  "The beloved concubine is indeed talented and skilled. One melody on the flute, and it astonishes everyone in the hall!" The Emperor said with a smile on his face, holding the hand of Consort Qing.

  "I, your subject, thank Your Majesty for the praise."

  She smiled charmingly, casting a faint glance in my direction, and I couldnt help but sigh inwardly. But before I could react, her voice rang out again, each word dripping with sweetness: "I was just being careless earlier, its nothing but a trivial skill. Ive long heard that the Mu Rong Chancellors family is renowned for their profound learning, and Miss Mu Rong excels in all aspects of music, chess, literature, and painting - now thats what one would call a true noble lady. I wonder if Ill have the good fortune to witness it today?"

  I saw Nancheng Yao in my arms, and a playful smile curled up at the corner of his lips again.