Rebirth: The Blood Demon Empress - Chapter 55 Uninvited Guest

  "Miss, what's wrong?" Winter Snow's forehead was beading with cold sweat. She and Xia Hua were the closest to Leng Zhiyue, and they felt the strongest sense of oppression. The increasingly intense killing intent made their hearts churn, and they couldn't help but want to use their internal energy to resist.

  What exactly happened and why does Shao Zhen's body carry such a heavy aura of evil.

  "It's nothing." Leng Xueyu put down the teacup in her hand, and her expression changed instantly, as if the strong murderous aura just now had not come from her at all.

  Dong Xue's heart was still racing as she moved her stiff body, not noticing the cold sweat on her palms as she touched her forehead, she really worried that Leng Ziyue would kill someone.

  What a kind of death breath, winter snow can't describe it, just like the god of death is approaching step by step, that fear and oppression are slowly seeping into the skin, blood, layer by layer, making people's whole body stiff, scared to the extreme.

  "Miss, someone is watching us." Xia Hua swallowed hard, she was the first to feel the killing aura on Leng Ziyue's body, which was more terrifying than a killer.

  She didn't know what kind of experience would make Leng Ziyue's body carry such a terrifying aura.

  A glance, an action, even just a slight change in breathing can make people's minds produce inexplicable fear and generate the urge to run away.

  "Just stay calm, no need to explain." Leng Ziyue slightly raised her head, meeting the scrutinizing gaze of Princess Zijin. She had been carefully observing her since she sat down in the chair, and now she was openly staring at her, clearly prepared for this moment.

  Pink lips curled up a good-looking smile, cool fingertips stroked the delicate chin, cold eyes sparkled like water, under the moonlight, it seemed to be a pair of bright and shiny black gemstones, emitting soft light.

  The fiery red cloak burst forth like blood, charming and alluring, which set off the skin as smooth as snow, like top-grade jade. A crystal green necklace on her slender neck sparkled with starlight, utterly captivating.

  "The loyal subject, our princess often heard the queen mother mention that your fourth daughter's piano skills are exceptional, not only can she attract hundreds of birds to sing in unison, hundreds of flowers to bloom simultaneously, and each one can attract a group of butterflies to dance together. Unfortunately, our princess has no such good fortune, and hasn't had the chance to hear it even once." Princess Zijin sat upright on her high seat, her delicate face filled with disappointment.

  "I thank you, Princess Zijin, for your praise. My daughter... " Qingzhu's voice trembled as he quickly stood up and bowed to Princess Zijin, saying in a low tone.

  The words had not been spoken yet, when Princess Zijin rushed ahead of him and opened her golden mouth to say: "Master Hou doesn't need to be modest, today is this princess's birthday, it's rare to be happy, so Cold Fourth Miss must come forward and play a tune."

  The Empress Dowager sat leisurely in her chair, with both hands placed on the hand warmer, while Qin Auntie massaged her shoulders, and a small palace maid waited attentively by her side, truly feeling very comfortable.

  She was very confident in her daughter's ability and was quite satisfied with her performance, waiting to see a good show.

  "Your Highness, this..." Cold Zhen's face stiffened and his back went numb. How could he possibly have the ability to make Cold Zi Yue come forward and play a tune? Her temperament was not something he could control.

  Looking at Prince Zijin's attitude, if he doesn't let Leng Ziyue play a tune, he might be punished for being disrespectful.

  It is said that when you want to add a crime, how can you worry about no words? At this moment, he deeply feels it, and it's really like a mute eating a bitter melon, having a grievance but unable to speak out.

  "What's wrong, hasn't the princess had this good fortune yet?" The joyful atmosphere suddenly became gloomy, and Princess Zijin's face was as ugly as it could be.

  She's so big, and no one has ever disobeyed her, Zhong Junhou is really too bold, asking for death.

  "No, your humble servant didn't mean it that way." Leng Jing knelt on the ground, lowering his head, his shoulders shaking uncontrollably.

  Although Princess Zi Jing is a woman, she bears the royal family name, so even if he is a marquis, he can't help but lower his head in front of her.

  "Zong Jun Hou, look at this, is it necessary? Today is a good day, don't spoil everyone's mood. Just ask Miss Leng to play a tune as she likes, and let everyone enjoy themselves. Princess Zi Jing won't really get angry either." Empress Xiao said with a smile, dignified and elegant.

  All officials bowed their heads, fearing they would be named, and the imperial family members were not easy to mess with. As long as they kept themselves safe, that was enough.

  Hehe... Amidst the oppressive atmosphere, a crisp and silvery laughter suddenly rang out, immediately dispelling the eerie ambiance and putting everyone's mind at ease.

  Leng Xue's smile brought a faint flush to her cheeks, making her, who was originally cold and beautiful with an aura of detachment, suddenly become more approachable.

  What is called a smile as brilliant as flowers, dazzling and intoxicating, she is.

  "What are you laughing at?" Princess Zijin's face sank, and she pushed away the maid who was attending to her and stood up, gazing at Leng Ziyue from afar.

  "What's it to you if I'm laughing?" she raised an eyebrow and replied indifferently.

  She really didn't like being stared down at by someone who thought they were superior, the feeling made her very uncomfortable, she really wanted to kick her to the ground and never let her get up again.

  "Leng Ziyue——" Princess Zijin felt as if she had been slapped in the face, he was the first person to dare speak to her with such disrespect, and also the first person to look down on her like that.

  The Empress Dowager mentioned her with gritted teeth, but she didn't think much of it at the time. Now, however, she had secretly taken note of Leng Ziyue's name in her heart.

  I won't rest until I've killed her.

  "You don't have to be so loud, I won't forget my own name." With a playful blink of her eyes, she leaned back in her chair and said with a hint of a smile: "Since ancient times, the harem has not been allowed to interfere with politics. This refers to the emperor's concubines and the emperor's mother, as well as the princesses born into the royal family. As a subject, one must kneel to heaven above and earth below, kneel to their lord and parents... but I've never heard of having to kneel to a married-out princess. If this gets out, people will inevitably think that in Qi Yue Guo, women are in power... how interesting."

  As soon as this was said, the whole room fell silent.

  "Look at your expressions, it seems you still know how to write the word 'shame'. Tell me, what are you afraid of when dealing with a spoiled and arrogant woman who thinks she's above the law? Just because the Empress Dowager and the Emperor favor her, does that mean she can do whatever she wants and still be above the law? The saying goes 'the prince who breaks the law will be punished like a commoner', but this princess who doesn't even have any real power thinks she's above the imperial authority. Are you telling me that the emperor on the dragon throne is just a paper tiger?" Her body trembled slightly, perhaps from her own rage, as Cold was her biological father and seeing him kneel down in such a manner sparked her anger.

  The Moon Emperor did not attend Princess Zijin's birthday banquet, which is enough to illustrate a problem. His favor towards Princess Zijin was just superficial. The mind of the ruler is hard to fathom, an eternal and unchanging principle.

  The seemingly calm and peaceful princess's mansion, in the darkness, there are unpredictable dark shadows lurking everywhere, whose subordinates they are is temporarily unknown.

  The only thing that can be confirmed is that they are not on the same road.

  "Zi Jing sat down, got a break." The Empress Dowager was after all a woman who had seen great winds and waves in the palace, her ability to observe words and expressions had long been honed to perfection. Seeing the change in the officials' faces, she said nothing more, fearing that everyone would be led by the nose by Leng Zhiyue.

  It was she who underestimated her, and actually belittled this little girl.

  "Mother, mother... after that..." Princess Zi Jing stamped her foot and sat back in the chair unwillingly, a pair of eyes full of anger staring straight at Leng Ziyue.

  Keep telling yourself to calm down, a great achiever is not bothered by trivial matters, she needs to be patient.

  At first, she had the initiative in her hands. Now, Cold Xue's few words have turned the situation around, and those ministers who were not a threat at ordinary times became nothing once they united their hearts.

  The emperor was a monarch of a country, and his thoughts were hard to fathom; she couldn't push herself into a desperate situation.

  In the end, if there's anyone to blame, it's because she's a daughter. Otherwise, her mother would have definitely supported her ascension to the throne. The harem is not allowed to interfere with politics; even just this one rule, if infinitely magnified, would be something she couldn't bear the consequences of.

  The empress dowager glanced at her daughter, who had already calmed down, and was somewhat satisfied that she hadn't been blinded by anger, "Alright, Zhong Junhou, sit down quickly. Don't you understand Princess Zijin's temperament? She was just joking around. At such a big age, she still has the heart of a child."

  "Thank you, Empress Dowager." Leng Zhen stood up with a slight stumble and sat back down in her chair. She wore a pale blue cheongsam with a high collar, revealing her fair and captivating shoulders. A sky-blue satin sash was tied around her waist, and her wide sleeves and long robe were snowy white, with a delicate hem that perfectly accentuated her slender yet curvaceous figure. On her head, she wore a golden lotus-shaped hairpin, with a jade hairpin inserted at an angle. Her three thousand black hairs were piled high on her head, and her pale blue powdered face was adorned with a subtle smile. Her fox-like eyes were slightly upturned, and her face maintained a humble and gentle expression.

  Jiang Guifei adjusted her cloak of the same color, put down the hand warmer in her arms, and said softly: "Miss Lin, I saw that your dance was extremely beautiful last time, quickly offer a dance."

  Soon, the named Lin Pei Huan gently stood up, a water-blue long skirt trailing on the ground, a pink cloak fluttering, occasionally revealing her waist's emerald green belt, bringing a hint of spring in the cold winter.

  "Yes, Your Majesty." After bowing and backing away, Lin Pei Xuan followed the palace maid in pink clothes as they walked slowly out to change into their dance attire and get ready.

  The sound of silk and bamboo rose, on the spacious stage, the dancer danced a light dance, diluting everything that had just happened, the banquet continued to proceed in an uneventful manner.

  Leng Xueying pouted, but the old lady was still spicy.The Empress Dowager was the Empress Dowager after all, and she immediately stopped Leng Xueying's intention to provoke Princess Zijin.

  That princess was also impatient, and in a moment she could think ahead and understand, and turned out to be a thoughtful woman.

  Like mother, like daughter; birds of a feather flock together.

  "This Leng Xue is getting more and more interesting, no one has ever dared to retort to the imperial aunt before, but she not only retorted, but also got away with it unscathed, how intriguing." Baili Hongfeng drained his cup of wine, a smile spreading across his handsome face, but in those sharp eyes, a few flashes of calculation flickered.

  The more outstanding you are, the more likely you are to arouse a man's desire to conquer.

  "What's this, Third Brother has taken a liking to her?" Bai Lichang smiled lightly and looked at Leng Ziyue with a few more probing glances. The last time at Fifth Brother Blood King's welcome banquet, he had already learned that anyone who provoked her would not die, but would have to peel off several layers of skin.

  She's really got some nerve, let's see if she's got what it takes.

  "Big brother, don't you like her? She's the most beautiful woman in our Qi Yue country." Bai Li Hong Feng laughed even louder, his palace wasn't lacking in beautiful women, but what was missing was a female lead who was not only breathtakingly beautiful, but also had such a strong personality.

  Let her be his queen, it seems like a very interesting thing.

  "Hehe... Hundred miles of green but smile without words."

  He had the chance to like Leng Xueyu, but he would never be able to get her.

  Since he can't get it, why bother wasting his true feelings.

  "Second Brother spoke very little tonight, what's on his mind?" Ba Li Zi Ying usually didn't like to talk, always with a stern expression on his handsome face, it was rare for him to be in a good mood and speak up.

  "The fourth brother's mood seems pretty good." Baili Changjian listened to the conversation between Baili Hongfeng and Baili Changqing, his face as gloomy as Judge Bao.

  He didn't know what was wrong with him either, he just felt stuffy in his heart and really wanted to find someone to have a good fight with.

  With just one move, his chest was severely congested, and the bloody smell began to overflow. How could he forget that this palm on his chest was given by Leng Qingyu?

  That woman is too ruthless and shows no mercy.

  "It's indeed good, for I've discovered a small secret." Baili Ziyu took a shallow sip from his cup, with a hint of smile flickering in his eyes.

  "Oh, what's the secret, go ahead and say it out loud. The dance on stage isn't something we haven't seen before, we've lost interest in it long ago." Baili Hongfeng couldn't even be bothered to lift an eyebrow, Lin Peixuan's dance was good, but after watching it a few times, it just became repetitive, and continuing to watch would only make one feel nauseous.

  "When I passed by the garden on my way here, I heard a poem and couldn't help but applaud. Ba Li's gaze jumped over layers of obstacles and landed on Leng Ziyue's small face, which was filled with the words 'bored', and the smile at the corner of his mouth couldn't be hidden no matter what."

  She has many sides that he had never seen before.

  "Fourth brother, speak quickly and let me hear it too." Ba Li Chang Qing was the first to speak up, everyone knew he was infatuated with poetry and songs, and was a renowned talented young man in the imperial court.

  A poem that can make a hundred miles of scenery appear in one's mind and evoke applause will certainly be excellent.

  "Big brother is particularly interested as soon as he hears poetry, haha." Ba Li Zi Ying smiled slightly and continued to recite: "Plum blossoms need to yield to snow in three parts white, but snow loses to plum in a burst of fragrance."

  "What a great poem! It's truly wonderful." Ba Li Chang Qing murmured the lines to himself twice, smiling as he said, "What a perfect farewell like plum blossoms in snow."

  "She was proficient in three of the four arts, but it was unclear whether she was skilled at Go." Baili Hongfeng stroked his chin, his gaze burning with even greater intensity as he looked at Leng Ziyue.

  Leng Xueyu slightly furrowed her brow, only to feel that the four men sitting diagonally across from her must have gone mad, each and every one of them staring at her as if she had grown flowers on her face or was especially alluring.

  "What should we do?" Xia Hua lowered her head and whispered into Leng Ziyue's ear.

  It's really annoying to be stared at all the time, it's so uncomfortable.

  "Let's wait and see." Leng Zheye's face sank, her voice soft, with a faint smile at the corner of her mouth, but no one could guess what she was really thinking.

  The banquet was less lively without Baili Chuanxiao, it seemed really dull. With him there, at least she could laugh out loud with a true smile.

  "Yes." The two nodded, their eyes fixed on each other's noses, even if the hairs on the back of their necks stood on end.

  "Third Brother should be careful, she's a flower with thorns." Bai Li's eyes darkened, as if something that belonged to him was being coveted by someone else, and a small flame of anger ignited in his heart.

  Leng Xueyue, in your heart, will you care about who?

  "Isn't it more attractive with thorns?" Before he could turn his head, Baili Hongfeng heard the eunuch's sharp voice coming from the entrance of the flower garden.

  "The Regent Arrives——"

  The purple crystal princess raised an eyebrow, pulled the long hem of her skirt and stood up with the help of her maid's arm. She didn't remember inviting Regent Wang Situ Wubai, this man came uninvited, probably with ulterior motives.

  A radiant and fair face, with sharp and handsome features; deep and mysterious black eyes, shining with an enchanting color; those dense eyebrows, high nose, and perfect lip shape, all of which are proudly displaying nobility and elegance. A brown long gown with rolled edges perfectly wraps around Situ Wubian's tall and majestic body, stunning everyone in sight.

  He walked slowly and steadily, attracting the attention of all the women, even the imperial concubines on the high platform stared at him, forgetting to blink.

  Lu Hu and Qin Jin each held a beautifully packaged gift box in their hands, with a calm expression, unhurried and composed.

  Situ Wushuang stood still in the arena, his rose-colored thin lips curled up with a hint of emotionless smile, and said loudly: "Princess Zijin shouldn't blame this king for coming uninvited, should she?"

  "What the Regent said was right, I, the Princess, was impolite. I should have asked my attendants to deliver the invitation to the palace earlier."

  "There's no need for that, I came here because I'm in a good mood and wanted to add to the celebration by giving the princess a gift. At the same time, I'd like to thank someone for saving my wife's life." Situ Wusuo didn't even glance at the infatuated gazes of the women, his smile was evident but there wasn't a hint of joy in his eyes.

  The empress dowager's sharp eyes occasionally swept across Situ Wuxiang, she didn't understand what he meant, and who he wanted to thank.

  There was a faint sense of unease in her heart, and she could only hope that things wouldn't turn out as she feared.

  The purple crystal princess glanced at the queen mother's gloomy face, her heart sank, and she raised a faint smile again. "I don't know who the regent king wants to thank, could it be that he is the one at this princess's banquet."

  A slightly raised tone, with a hint of inquiry and scrutiny.

  "Lu Hu, bring the birthday gift that our king sent over to Princess Zi Jing for her inspection." Situ Wuxiang's wide sleeves fluttered as she elegantly took a seat, envied by those around her.

  "Yes." Lu Huo took orders and stepped forward with a big stride, holding the gift box.

  Dahong Chun's maid, Spring Peach, nodded in understanding and curtsied to Princess Zijin. She took the gift from Lu Hu's hands and walked up to the high platform, standing between several masters with lotus steps.

  "Zi Jing can't help but fulfill the Regent King's wish, open it and take a look, also to personally offer the Regent King a cup of thin wine as a token of gratitude." The Empress Dowager gave a hint with her eyes to Qin Gu Gu behind her, and her loving voice sounded in Princess Zi Jing's ears.

  The slightly lowered gaze inadvertently met the faintly worried black eyes of his superior, Tu Wu Shuang. Leng Zhe Yue only felt a sudden jolt in his heart - this uninvolved regent king was going crazy again.

  Not only did he attend the extremely boring Hongmen banquet uninvited, but also looked at her with that worried gaze, as if it was now sunrise in the west rather than late at night.

  His queen should have woken up by now and shouldn't be here joining in the commotion instead of staying by her side.

  As the exquisite gift box was opened, everyone felt a sudden flash of red light before their eyes, with pure crimson contrasting with the faintly red candlelight in the colored lanterns, truly dazzling and astonishing.

  That was a gigantic coral of pure and unadulterated blood color, everyone present had seen the world, seen all sorts of rare treasures, such a huge and lush coral was truly seen for the first time.

  It's not true that I didn't cry.

  The purple crystal princess's eyes shone brightly as she stared at the blood-red coral, unable to resist stretching out her hand to touch it. "The regent king is really generous, this blood-red coral, I truly love it."

  "It's fine as long as the princess likes it." Situ Wujian never fought an unprepared battle, he dared to send it, naturally he had already figured out her preferences.

  If a coral of blood colour could buy her, it would be worth its price.

  "I'd like to propose a toast, everyone! Let's raise our glasses and offer a cup of wine to the Regent King. I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude." Without looking at the Empress Dowager, Princess Zijin took the wine cup handed by her maid, Yueling, and raised it high, beaming with joy.

  "Qin Jin, give this small gift to Miss Leng. I want to properly thank her for saving the life of the princess." Situ Wushuang turned around, his dark eyes meeting Leng Ziyue's calm and peaceful phoenix eyes, a smile spreading across his face.

  In the dead of night, he asked her to save his dancer, letting her stay up all night, and also let those people in Zhongjun Houfu take advantage of the opportunity. How could he stand by and do nothing?

  As soon as the words fell, the whole scene was in an uproar. After searching for famous doctors all over the world to no avail, the Regent's Consort was saved by Leng Ziyue. This statement once again pushed Leng Ziyue to the highest point, receiving the most enthusiastic attention from the entire audience.

  She is still so mysterious after all.

  "Miss Leng, Master Wang said it's a small gift, please accept it." Qin Jin was not good at speaking, and this sentence was still taught to him by Lu Hu.

  Her eyebrows slightly raised, Leng Xueying smiled and called out: "Xia Hua, take it down."

  "Thank you, Miss Leng." Qin Jin let out a sigh of relief. He was really worried that she wouldn't accept it, and then even the prince wouldn't be able to help her.

  Dongxue carefully opened the box, and a flash of pink entered her eyes. If she wasn't mistaken, it was the "Golden Thread Jade Robe" made by the number one tailor in Beihancheng. It was said that under the heavens, there was only this one piece, and it had been bought by the Regent King to give to his queen as a birthday gift.

  "Miss, you are a golden brocade jade garment." Xia Hua blinked hard, making sure she wasn't seeing things.

  Leng Xue'er took a glance and suddenly understood. Si Tu Wu Shuang was using the clothes delivery as a reminder to be careful, so she considered him thoughtful.

  But who is she, and how can she be so easily manipulated?

  Those three sisters wanted to see her make a fool of herself at the banquet, so they had someone tamper with her clothes. When she got up at noon to change, she found that something was wrong with her clothes and naturally didn't wear them.

  But for the sake of the game, she put on a set of clothes that were identical to those worn by the passive hands and feet, just to see their puzzled eyes when they arrived.

  The reason for ignoring Ling Yin's provocation was just to let them feel at ease and relax their vigilance.

  What she's doing is fake, but there are other small actions that are real, just let her slowly taste and see.

  "Take it well." Leng Xueyue blinked, she liked crimson, scarlet, and pink, although slightly golden, the craftsmanship was exquisite, but she didn't like it.

  "Yes." Xia Hua puckered up her small mouth and smiled, carefully putting away her clothes.

  The regent is still very generous, in her opinion, the golden brocade dress is much more beautiful than that coral one, and it's also one-of-a-kind.

  "Regent, thank you for the little gift. It's interesting that you can bear to part with it." With a playful blink of her eyes, Cold Zi Yue smiled sweetly, full of youthful beauty.

  "Leng Xiaojie likes it, that's all. My wife said only you deserve it." Jinlv Yuyi was indeed the birthday gift he had bought for Wu Er, but unexpectedly, she never woke up again on that day.

  Countless times, looking at that garment, he wanted to destroy it, but in the end, he couldn't bring himself to do it.

  Wu Er is right, she doesn't suit wearing red clothes, no matter how she wears them, she can't bring out that charm. After thinking about it, Situ Wushuang really thinks that the crimson red dress is only suitable for Leng Ziyue to wear.

  Just like the Blood King wearing red clothes, it gives people a stunning feeling.

  "Hehe, this young lady's red dresses are not just one or two pieces. This piece, no matter how precious it is, can only be used to fill the bottom of a trunk." The slender fingers lightly touched her vermilion lips, and Leng Zhiyue said nonchalantly.

  "Now that I've given it to you, what you do with it is your business, I don't care." Situ Wusuo couldn't help but smile in his eyes, he should have known that his worries were unnecessary.

  She is such a clever woman, those little tricks are played under her eyelids, it's simply looking for death.

  If Lu Hu hadn't told him, when he went to Zhong Junhou's mansion to seek help from Leng Ziyue, that he overheard the eldest and second young ladies of the Leng family ordering a maid to sabotage Leng Ziyue's clothes, Situ Wushuang wouldn't have come in person.

  He made it clear that there were two purposes, one was to hope that they would not find trouble with Leng Ziyue everywhere, and the other was to remind them that it was Leng Ziyue who saved his princess, if Leng Ziyue asked for his help, he had no reason to refuse.

  "The regent is indeed a straightforward person, I like it." She raised the wine cup in her hand, but Cold Xue only lightly touched the wine with her lips and didn't drink it.

  The lineup of Princess Zijin is indeed different, all the wines are actually all famous wines from Man Xiang Lou - "Qing Cheng".

  Many people come here just to drink for free.

  "It turned out that Miss Leng saved the Regent's wife, what a wonderful thing! Why don't we three have a drink together?" Golden threads and jade clothes, as long as you are a woman, there is no one who doesn't want to own it.

  That rare and precious garment now belongs to Leng Xiu Yue.

  The purple crystal princess ordered the two palace maids beside her to hold wine, one walked to Situ Wubai's side, and one walked to Leng Ziyue's side, bowed their bodies, and handed over the wine cups.

  "This wine...," Leng Ziyue trailed off, smiling faintly. Her stunning face lit up with a smile, revealing two beautiful dimples that seemed to radiate warmth and vitality like sunlight, making one feel both envious and jealous.

  That phrase is verified: one smile can conquer a city, and another smile can conquer a country.

  A single frown, a single smile, all are dazzling and captivating, leaving one intoxicated.

  "Was it this wine that displeased Miss Leng? No matter, I, Princess Zijin, still... " Princess Zijin forced a polite smile, wishing she could drag Leng Ziyue to a secluded spot and torture her to death.

  The innocent blinked, looking harmless and pitiful, with every move full of charm. "The princess misunderstood, I meant that drinking also requires atmosphere, why not watch the performance while drinking, wouldn't it be more interesting?"

  "Which young lady is willing to come on stage and show off her talents, this princess will heavily reward her." With a dark face, Princess Zijin swallowed all her anger and stiffly smiled as she shouted.

  After a while, low murmurs of conversation came from below, and it seemed that no one was willing to go up on stage.

  "Your Highness, I have something to say." In the Zhen Ding Hou Fu, Xiao Yu Yan stood up with a gentle and weak body like a willow, her long white robe tightly wrapped around her, a small face painted with delicate plum blossoms, especially evoking sympathy.

  "Xu Yan has something to say, just say it." Princess Zi Jing looked at Xiao Xu Yan, tonight the queen helped her a lot, and her intention of pleasing her was so obvious.

  "Yes." Xiao Yu Yan first bowed her body, her voice as sweet as a canary's. "Apart from the Fourth Miss being proficient in all four arts of zither, chess, calligraphy and painting, the other three misses also have their own strengths. On ordinary days when we young sisters gather together, they are indeed the most formidable ones. I suppose they will be able to bring unexpected surprises for Her Highness the Princess."

  Su Jingwen clenched her silk handkerchief tightly, hating Xiao Yu Yan to the extreme. Not only did she always steal the spotlight from her, but also liked to do everything before her, which was extremely detestable.

  From afar, Consort Jiang's gaze seemed to fall on her, and the chair beneath her felt like it had needles, making her entire body feel uncomfortable, she only wanted to escape.

  If she had been ruthless enough, she wouldn't be sitting here politely. Everything has to go through her parents' and elders' approval before she can do it, she can't choose what she likes.

  Power is what she has been indoctrinated with since childhood, wanting to be in a superior position requires constantly using her wits and tactics.

  "Yes, Princess, Yanyan said it's true. The other three young ladies of the Zhongjun Hou Mansion are also extremely formidable." Yanyan smiled, like a lily blooming, bringing a refreshing breeze to everyone.

  A dress with intricate embroidery made her slender figure even more delicate, a dark green cloak draped lightly over her shoulders, like a flower blooming in the night, leaving people slightly amazed.

  "Yu Yan and Jing Wen both did well, good job." Princess Zi Jing waved her long sleeve, rewarding each of them a pair of dragon and phoenix jade bangles, not favoring one over the other, neither of them was left out.

  Xiao Huanghou, Jiang Guifei, she had heard a lot about the two of them competing for favor in front of the emperor. She had always been learning from her imperial brother's style, treating them impartially, and no one could get the better of her.

  "Thank you, Your Highness." Rong Rong finished her curtsy and sat down according to etiquette.

  The Empress Xiao smiled, adjusted her cloak and said: "Today is a happy day, I'll say something too. No matter how good or bad the performance is, I will reward you all. Don't be nervous when you go on stage."

  "The Queen's sister is so elegant, I'll join in the fun too. The girls all performed well, no matter what program, as long as it can make everyone laugh, I'll reward them." Jiang Guifei didn't fall behind, with a wave of her hand, the palace maid behind her brought out a large tray, on which were placed jewelry and accessories that truly made one's eyes widen.

  As these two mixed together, it became lively below, and the young ladies of each family proposed to their fathers that they would go on stage to perform programs later.

  Good things in the palace, one look and you know they are priceless, but if you don't take them, you're no fool.

  "Alright, I'm not a petty person either. Any young lady who volunteers to perform on stage will be rewarded. As the main character, I cannot let the two imperial sisters steal the spotlight. The three Misses of the Cold family, which one of you will go first?" Princess Zijin asked with a smile, looking at the list handed over by the palace maid.

  "Returning to Your Highness, I'll go first." Leng Yinling stretched out her foot and stood up before Leng Fengling, her voice neither loud nor soft, just enough for everyone to hear.

  She can't let others steal her thunder. With one person rewarding one item, she can get three items in hand, no matter how you calculate it, she's making a stable profit.

  "Ah, indeed a wonderful person, so beautifully and movingly brought up. Good fortune to the loyal and filial, four daughters each more lovely than the last." Princess Zijin gazed at Leng Xue with a faint smile of praise.

  "Thank you, Your Highness, for your praise. I don't dare to accept it." Before Leng Zhen could speak, the words had already been snatched away by Leng Yinling, eliciting a low murmur of laughter.

  The purple crystal princess frowned and asked: "What are you going to perform?"

  "Play the piano." Leng Yinling gritted her teeth and said with a slightly lowered head.

  It's not that she didn't want to perform other things, but rather that her only skill was playing the piano.

  When she was young, she thought her piano skills were the best, but then a cold Ziyue appeared, and from then on, no one mentioned her again. For so many years, she had never given up practicing piano, accumulating some confidence, and she wouldn't be worse than Cold Ziyue.

  "Leng Er Miss, please——" Big Ya Tou Chun Tao gently placed a good guqin on the center of the stage, with an expression on her face that looked arrogant no matter how you looked at it.

  "Good." She calmed herself down and kept telling herself that as long as she could make a name for herself with this one song, the road ahead would be smooth sailing, and no one would ever ignore her existence again.

  She can be more eye-catching than Leng Zixue.

  The sound of the guqin rose, Princess Zijin raised her wine cup, "Miss Leng, can you drink this cup now?"

  "Of course." Blinking her eyes, Leng Ziyue stretched out her hand, and her gentle gaze fell on the small palace maid's eyes holding the wine cup, a faint smile that lasted only for an instant.

  A strange scene unfolded, and everyone saw the palace maid snatch the wine cup from Leng Ziyue's hand, which had already been handed over, and drink it all in one gulp, with the spilled wine dripping down her collar.

  Looking at the empty space between her fingers, Leng Xueyu smiled faintly and said, "It seems that Princess Zijin's wine is truly too delicious, even a little palace maid like you can't help but rush over to drink it."

  The little palace maid suddenly came back to her senses and saw that several pairs of eyes on the high platform were looking at her with different expressions. Her face instantly turned pale and bloodless, and she knelt heavily on the cold ground with a "thud". She knocked her head and said: "Princess, spare my life, I didn't...I..."

  She also didn't know what had just happened, and she didn't know why Ling Zuo's wine cup, which he had clearly taken away, ended up in her own hand.

  She doesn't know anything.

  "Damn it, you cheap servant girl, come here and take her away." Princess Zijin was furious. She knew exactly what was in that cup of wine. What if the little palace maid went crazy at the banquet? How would she deal with the aftermath?

  "Hmph, I say, Princess, if a good day is seen with red, it's unlucky, but it's just one cup of wine, why be so serious." Cold Zifei played with the small yet razor-sharp Blood Wei, and everyone only saw a silver light surrounding her fingers as they rotated, but because the speed was too fast, they couldn't discern what it was.

  Drugging someone's drink and using such a lowly trick on her is really disgusting.

  "The ignorant servant girl needs to be taught a lesson, otherwise what kind of discipline is this?" The Empress Dowager's face was stern and majestic as she signaled the guards to quickly take that little palace maid away.

  "It's just that the princess is not strict with her, she only brought her down to teach her well, Miss Leng doesn't need to mind." Princess Zijin lowered her eyes, and her heart was raised, perhaps she had discovered something.

  Leng Xueyu shook her head slightly and smiled faintly, "The princess is kind."

  A few short words, impossible to discern praise or blame, whoever falls into her hands will have no way out.

  "Princess, spare my life! I really don't know what's going on, she's a monster, it must be her doing, princess, spare my life...!" The little palace maid screamed and hugged the stone pillar in the garden tightly, not wanting to be dragged away, for if she was taken down there, she would certainly die.

  She only remembered that when she gave Leng Xue a drink, she stared at her eyes and then...and then...she inexplicably snatched the drink from her hand to take a sip.

  It must be her, it's her, how scary.

  "Pull it down." Is Cold Xue Yue really moving on her own?

  Princess Zi Jing shook her head in denial, she didn't believe that with so many eyes watching, Leng Xue could use any trick to make the little palace maid take the initiative to grab the wine and drink it herself.

  The sound of the zither was melodious and pleasant to hear. With a cold gaze, she watched as the little palace maid was dragged away, leaving behind a long trail of blood on the ground, which had flowed from her forehead.

  Leng Xue is not a philanthropist, she doesn't have that much sympathy, and for those who want to harm her, it's impossible to show mercy.

  No one would believe that Xia Gong was taken down just for a simple lesson. Her fate had been sealed long ago, and death might be a kind of relief.

  "Miss Leng, I owe you an apology for what happened earlier. This cup of wine is my way of making amends." Princess Zijin gazed at Cold Silver Bell playing the piano alone on stage and met Cold Ciyue's gaze with utmost sincerity.

  Bayberry carefully held the wine jug, step by step approaching Leng Ziyue, her heart racing. As a lowly servant girl, how dare she drink at the banquet? She didn't want to end up like Xia Gongnu.

  "You're afraid of me, huh?" Ling Zhiyue smiled lightly, her white jade-like fingers holding up the wine cup, gesturing for her to pour.

  "No...no...I don't have any." Trembling with sound, shaking hands, Moon Gui poured the wine and quickly turned around to leave.

  Her smile was warm and gentle, but her whole body was emitting a chill, from the soles of her feet to the top of her head.

  "Your Highness, I toast to you." Leng Ziyue raised her wine cup and drank it all in one gulp without any hesitation. Unlike other women who would use their sleeves to cover themselves while drinking, she was very open and drank in front of everyone, as if afraid that others wouldn't see her drink the wine.

  The party is getting more and more interesting, several groups of people drugged her, and the effects of various drugs are all different.

  Time and time again, she would get hit even if she didn't get caught, it was absolutely enough.

  The Empress Dowager saw that Leng Ziyue had drunk the cup of wine, and the smile on her face was indescribably relieved and pleased, only not standing up to applaud in celebration.

  The mother and daughter exchanged a tacit glance, their smiles at the corners of their mouths were not quite the same, sinister to the point of being nauseating.

  In the corner, there was always a gentle gaze that kept watching the little girl in red with a distance that was neither close nor far. Others might not have noticed her small movements, but he saw them clearly.

  Her movements were so fast they were almost invisible to the naked eye, truly divine.

  No one has ever noticed how gentle his eyes are, how indulgent they are, and how intoxicating they are.

  Digression

  Mua mua da, everyone must give strength, Yan will also be very powerful, hehe!

  Ten thousand times more, Ah, Yan strives to make every day like this.

  Add oil!