When Chen 'Lu' walked out of the back hall, the dusk had already dimmed, and two rows of honey candles were lit in the temple, but it was still dark and deep.

  People looked up, but saw purple robes fluttering, bright and beautiful, like flowing light gently falling down. The green phoenix crown was elegant and majestic, placed on her forehead - she was not wearing her usual plain clothes, under the magnificent attire, her dignity was naturally established, and in the faintly clear and serene atmosphere, it enveloped the entire grand hall.

  Yuan Qi Zheng was taken aback, but seeing her walk to the upper right, she didn't take a seat, only lightly saying: "Today's banquet is humble, I hope everyone will forgive."

  The concubines and imperial consorts all apologized in succession, saying that the empress was too modest. As they spoke, they raised their heads to see the emperor arriving.

  "Have you arrived?"

  Her voice was crisp and melodious, as if filled with infinite surprise and sweetness. Yuan Qi saw this unusual scene, momentarily stunned, he recalled the conversation from that morning, a spark lit up in his heart, vaguely understanding, cautiously stepped forward, took her hand, and softly said: "Am I late?"

  He seemed intimate, stuck in his ear, and whispered: "Which one are you acting?!"

  "Counterbalancing the current situation for you!"

  Chen 'Lu' slightly smiled and whispered, "Also cooperate with what I say."

  The two of them whispered to each other, as if they were rubbing shoulders and ears, intimate but not avoiding suspicion. The crowd of concubines savored the taste, but was actually startled - the Emperor was very indifferent to 'feminine charm', how could he have such an expression?

  After the host and guest took their seats, the musicians in the palace slowly played a gentle melody, which was carefully tuned to produce a pleasant and solemn sound. Then, exquisite dishes were presented one after another.

  "It's nothing but the usual grand tone of the palace..."

  Chen 'Lu' seemed to have a sigh of emotion and said lightly.

  She glanced sideways at the imperial consorts, who were as colorful as a bouquet of flowers, and smiled at the emperor: "This is a family banquet; why don't we play a game of passing the flower drum? Whoever gets it has to perform their special talent. How about that?"

  She smiled cleverly and took the flower ball from the maid's hand, fiddling with it in her own hand as the drumbeats rolled out in waves.

  She gently tossed the ball, perfectly landing in Yuan Qi's hands. At this moment, the drumming stopped, and the Emperor finally came to his senses, staring at her with a mixture of shock and anger, but stood up nonetheless.

  "Everyone had a great time today, but I didn't have even half of their skills, what can I do?"

  He made a wry face, causing everyone to cover their faces and smile. Even the emperor's fear and intimidation were greatly reduced.

  "So I had no choice but to force myself, fortunately, I am tone deaf."

  He smiled and ordered Qin Xi to take out the jade flute from his small box, put it to his lips, hummed softly, and music sounded.

  Morning 'dew' eyes flashed ---- turned out to be the first " Jade Linglong" incident, he played in the midst of depression.

  The melody is faint, with the flute replacing the piano, adding a few more notes of clarity and elegance, but not as sorrowful and painful as last time, but like a gentle breeze on the face, soft and refreshing.

  Why is there such a change?

  Chen 'Lu' was startled by her own doubts, and she couldn't help but look into his eyes.

  Those smiling and introspective eyes, with deep and lasting emotions.

  The answer flashed into her mind in an instant.

  Her face turned pale, in the deepest void, she asked herself - if he knew that her beloved was just a vengeful ghost with a heart full of resentment...

  A sharp pain pierced her heart in an instant, and she was momentarily stunned, the music fading away without her even noticing.

  "Big sister......?"

  Qingyu helped her up from beside her.

  "It's truly heavenly music, I'm completely absorbed in it!"

  She returned to normal and said with a smile.

  The emperor picked up that "flower" ball and passed it on. When the drumming stopped again, it was in the hands of an unknown Xianggui person.

  Hunan people are naturally timid and inarticulate, seeing everyone staring at themselves, suddenly sweating heavily on their clothes, stuttering: "I... I don't know any skills."

  She was so flustered and embarrassed that she forgot the proper etiquette, sitting stiffly without moving, the whole scene in complete silence.

  "Morning Dew" smiled and said, "You're really too modest. Nobody is born with expertise in poetry, music, and literature. Just pick one or two things you're good at, that's enough."

  She saw that Xiang Gui was still bewildered, so she reminded him: "You are from Jiangnan, aren't you? I've always wanted to hear some elegant folk songs!"

  The Xiang Gui people finally caught their breath, and she blushed with a red glow on her face. As she stood up, she said in a soft voice, "Why don't I sing a song of picking lotus flowers?"

  Below, the many consorts and concubines could not help but stifle their giggles. Some were sarcastic, already whispering to each other with covered mouths, all of them lowering their heads as if they had seen a ghost.

  "The Lotus-Picking Song" is clear and elegant, with a soft and beautiful tone, although the words are simple and rustic, but it has more Jiangnan charm.

  The people in the hall slightly changed their expressions and concentrated their minds to listen carefully.