Chapter 143

Although Mu Qingrou is dressed splendidly and gracefully today, she wears a veil, timid and shrinking, looking as if she dare not be seen, which truly affects the beauty.

「I heard that the scar on Mu Qingrou's face is like a centipede, truly frightening! 」

「No wonder she wraps herself tightly with a veil! I remember she used to look decent, with fair skin; adding one scar isn't that noticeable, is it? 」

「Originally, the Mu Family Head planned to spend a fortune to buy the Snow Skin Pill from the Medicine King Pavilion for her facial scar, but who would have thought Ye Qingran bought it for her own cat—don't you find that interesting? 」

……

In a short time, the focus of public opinion turned to Mu Qingrou.

Those harsh words, one after another, reached Mu Qingrou's ears, dealing a heavy blow to her, already feeling inferior due to her disfigurement; she felt the surrounding sounds, like demonic whispers, echoing all around.

Her face instantly turned pale; she stepped back a few steps, tripped on something, then fell backward, letting out a cry, and crashed heavily to the ground, sprawled out like an overturned turtle, drawing loud laughter from the crowd.

Mu Qingrou, helped up by a maid, scrambled to her feet and fled the scene in disarray, not knowing where to hide.

The banquet had not yet begun; the garden was lively and noisy, making Ye Qingran frown. Originally the banquet should have started by now, but because Empress Gu had not yet arrived, it was delayed.

A melodious tune drifted from not far away, hard to hear amidst the noisy garden. Ye Qingran, not wishing to linger, followed the sound and found a person sitting on the lake-center pavilion not far outside the garden; judging by the back view, it was a man.

The melody came from his hands.

A young man in blue robes stood guard outside the lake-center pavilion, solemn and dignified, like a statue.

Ye Qingran quickly recognized him: the current emperor's younger brother, Ninth Prince Dongfang Mo.

She did not disturb him, standing by the lake to listen; when the music ended, the blue-robed man strode toward her, saying, 「Miss Ye, my lord summons you. 」

Ye Qingran nodded and walked toward the lake-center pavilion.

Although she had only recently returned to Xiliang City, having received several favors from this Ninth Prince, Ye Qingran found herself quite fond of him.

「Prince, is this piece the one I played last time? 」

Dongfang Mo lifted his eyes, smiling at her, 「Not bad, it's indeed your piece. However, although I have memorized your tune, I can never play it with that feeling. 」

Ye Qingran smiled as she appraised the man before her.

'A gentleman like jade' is the best description of him; he truly resembles a flawless piece of precious jade—pure, clear, untainted by dust.

Only, his legs…

Ye Qingran pressed her lips, gathered her thoughts, and said, 「It's normal for the Ninth Prince, who has never experienced battle, to be unable to play with that feeling. 」

「But aren't you the same? How could you play with such a grand and mighty aura? 」

「Your Highness probably hasn't forgotten—my mother is General Dingyuan. 」

Dongfang Mo laughed heartily, 「Then it was my oversight. 」

The two continued chatting about that piece.

Both were stunning in appearance and refined in demeanor, talking and laughing, the atmosphere harmonious, making one reluctant to interrupt.

Outside the pavilion, Qingshu's eyes were deep and tranquil, his face showing no ripple, yet his heart was filled with emotion.

It seemed that only when in Miss Ye's company could the master reveal a genuine, heartfelt smile.

How wonderful it would be if Miss Ye and the master could be together!

Only, the master's legs…

A dark memory surged into his mind…

Back then, if it weren't for that clan's deliberate persecution, how could the master have ended up in this remote corner of Donglin? With his talent, he should have already made his name across that vast land!

Qingshu's whole body was tense, the hand at his side clenched tightly, veins bulging on his forehead, revealing his inner unrest at this moment.

……

Inside the pavilion, Dongfang Mo's smile gradually faded, his lifted gaze as dark as ink, 「Do not marry Zhou Hai; he is not your true match. 」

Ye Qingran's eyebrows slightly rose, yet she felt no surprise.

「Rest assured, Ninth Prince, I currently have no plans to marry. 」

「If you are unwilling, I can help you. 」

「If I need the Ninth Prince's assistance, I will let you know. 」

A faint glint flashed in Dongfang Mo's eyes; after a moment he returned to his warm, jade-like demeanor.

「Time is almost up; let's go to the banquet hall. 」

……

With Qingshu's assistance, Dongfang Mo took his seat; seeing him appear, everyone offered greetings and performed salutations.

Just then, a sharp voice announced, 「Her Majesty the Empress, His Highness the Crown Prince, and His Highness the Seventh Prince have arrived! 」

The crowd immediately grew solemn again, walking toward the banquet hall to pay respects to the three imperial family members.

Ye Qingran, holding the Former Emperor's decree, was exempt from performing the salute.

Empress Gu appeared splendid and dignified, every gesture displaying royal etiquette. The Crown Prince was handsome, wearing a purple brocade robe with a cinched waist and tall collar, his bearing majestic. The Seventh Prince was also full of noble grace, handsome and stylish.

「Everyone, please rise; today's banquet is held to celebrate the marriage of General Dingyuan's daughter Ye Qingran and Minister of Rites Zhou Hai—just enjoy yourselves, no need for formality. 」

Empress Gu spoke and laughed gently, truly graceful and magnanimous.

The crowd nodded with smiles, repeatedly agreeing.

Although formality was not required, the Empress still arranged the banquet seating; for example, Ye Qingran and Zhou Hai were seated at the same table.

At tonight's banquet, seating is divided into three types: single-person tables, double-person tables, and quadruple-person tables.

Only the Empress and the Ninth Prince enjoy single-person tables.

As for double tables, only those of higher status may enjoy them—for example, the Crown Prince and Ye Huanhuan share a table, the Seventh Prince and Ye Sisi share a table, and Ye Yu and Zhao Shi share a table.

Most people sit at quadruple tables.

Ye Qingran had no objection to this arrangement, but Han Xing Leng Yue found it utterly disgusting.

That Zhou Hai, whom they had just seen with their own eyes, was even worse than the rumors!

Ye Qingran took her seat, and Zhou Hai also found his way over; gazing at her languidly seated figure, a look of astonishment flashed in his triangular eyes.

No wonder she's the Xiliang Cheng First Beauty; her looks truly are heaven‑and‑earth, unrivaled!

He has seen countless sails, yet has never beheld someone so beautiful!

For him to marry such a person, he is truly blessed for three lifetimes!

Thinking that, Zhou Hai's eyes involuntarily flashed with lewd light.

"Miss Ye, I…"

Before Zhou Hai could finish his sentence, he saw the seat that belonged to him snatched away by someone else.

Zhou Hai was startled, a clear surprise flashing on his face; when he looked closely, it was none other than Crown Prince Ling, Ling Shaoyang of the Ling State Mansion.

Although Zhou Hai is an imperial official, he is only a Ministerial Attendant of the Ministry of Rites, and before the Crown Prince of such a prestigious family as the Ling State Mansion, he is utterly inferior.

Thus, Zhou Hai, licking his face, cautiously said, "Crown Prince Ling, this seat is mine…"

Ling Shaoyang lifted his eyelid and glared at him, "Now it belongs to this Crown Prince!" His whole body exuded fierce killing aura, sending a chilling dread.

Zhou Hai shivered.

Although fearful of Ling Shaoyang, he still forced himself to say, "But this seat was arranged by Gu Huanghou…"

Ling Shaoyang remained unmoved.

The commotion here attracted many eyes. Seeing the Crown Prince sitting there with an unapproachable demeanor, the crowd couldn't help but gasp.

Everyone knows the seat beside Ye Qingran was assigned to Zhou Hai. After all, the two are the main figures of the banquet. Seating them together seems perfectly appropriate.

But that seat was seized by Ling Shaoyang, and he clearly has no intention of giving it up.

"Crown Prince Ling, the seat you are occupying was arranged by My Palace for Lord Zhou."

Gu Huanghou noticed the situation here and raised her voice, saying,

"My master, I am not accustomed to sitting together with other men!"