A woman dressed in a vibrant red gown stood out among the crowd. She gracefully walked to the center of the palace and bowed, saying, "This princess is willing to present a dance to the Moon Emperor, wishing all nations an everlasting era of peace and prosperity."
"Our Emperor, it seems we are in for a treat today," exclaimed the Empress sitting next to the Moon Emperor with delight.
"Princess's willingness to entertain us is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Princess," smiled the Moon Emperor.
Suzi Mo cast a fleeting glance and recognized her as Princess Yan Zhaoxue from the Purple Mulberry Kingdom.
Some of the young ladies below watched as the Princess from the Purple Mulberry Kingdom took the stage, each harboring the desire to showcase their own talents.
The Purple Mulberry Kingdom, located in the northern region, was relatively more liberal in its customs compared to the Moon Kingdom.
Women from the Purple Mulberry and Li Xia countries were often skilled in singing and dancing and were proactive and enthusiastic.
After changing into her dance attire, Yan Zhaoxue returned to the main hall. Instead of the flowing chiffon dress, she wore a modified dance outfit in vibrant red, which complemented her striking features with a touch of boldness.
As the powerful and rhythmic music began, she gracefully moved, her sleeves casting scarlet trails as she leaped and spun. The delicate lines of her movements combined perfectly with her inherent elegance and strength.
At first glance, Suzi Mo found herself captivated, savoring the performance, and silently praising Yan Zhaoxue for her exceptional dancing skills.
"Princess, you dance beautifully," praised the Moon Emperor, leading the applause as the dance concluded.
"Thank you for the Emperor's kind words," replied Yan Zhaoxue, returning to the center of the grand hall and giving a slight bow.
"Moon Emperor, my father has entrusted me with a marriage proposal and wishes to establish everlasting friendship with the Moon Kingdom," Yan Zhaoxue said, presenting a tray handed to her by a casual palace maid. On the tray was a red-colored document.
The Moon Emperor was somewhat surprised by her words, and Qin Gonggong understood the situation, presenting the document to the Moon Emperor. He opened it and read for a while, then smiled and nodded, saying, "I wonder which of my sons the Princess has set her sights on?"
Upon hearing the mention of marriage, Jun Lin Tian instantly perked up his ears.
His gaze inadvertently drifted towards Yan Zhaoxue.
"I am interested in the Crown Prince of the Moon Kingdom, Your Majesty," Yan Zhaoxue replied.
As soon as Yan Zhaoxue's words were spoken, the crowd erupted into discussion.
Suzi Mo's eyes darkened slightly as she involuntarily looked towards Jun Shao Chen.
Suzi Mo understood her sister's thoughts, and her eyes, too, unconsciously glanced at Suzi Nian.
"This is wonderful, Princess. It is a great opportunity for Chen'er," exclaimed the Empress joyfully.
"I disagree," unexpectedly, Jun Shao Chen voiced his opposition.
"Chen'er, be quiet!" The Empress was instantly enraged upon hearing his words.
Upon hearing Jun Shao Chen's response, Jun Lin Tian's initially gloomy face softened significantly.
Meanwhile, the onlookers couldn't comprehend Jun Shao Chen's actions. This was a rare opportunity, and after the marriage alliance with the Purple Mulberry Kingdom, he, as the Crown Prince, would ascend to the throne, leaving no room for dissent.
Jun Shao Chen glanced at the position where Suzi Mo sat, his eyes flickering with emotions unknown to him.
"Father, may I have some time to consider this matter?" Jun Shao Chen stepped forward and respectfully knelt down.
"This...!" The Moon Emperor knew his son had doubts in his heart. Initially, he wasn't keen on the marriage alliance. After all, the Moon Kingdom was a great nation and currently in a prosperous era, so it had no need for such unions.
"Moon Kingdom's Crown Prince, may I ask if there's anything dissatisfying about my sister?" questioned Yan Ping'an, the Crown Prince of the Purple Mulberry Kingdom.
Yan Ping'an wore a splendid white robe and possessed a dashing appearance. Although his skin was somewhat tanned, it added a unique charm.
"In that case, I ask the Crown Prince to tell me what you find appealing about me!" Jun Shao Chen turned around and glanced at Yan Ping'an.
"I have heard that the Moon Crown Prince is compassionate and composed, which is why our Emperor proposed such a condition. Today, upon seeing the Crown Prince, I have personally fallen for him," said Yan Zhaoxue. The people of the Purple Mulberry Kingdom were open-minded and expressive when it came to expressing their affections.
"If you merely wish to marry me for those reasons, then I refuse such a marriage proposal. I will find a woman who truly matches my ideals to be the Crown Princess," Jun Shao Chen stated. He was relatively slow when it came to matters of the heart, and he disliked the overly free-spirited nature of the women from the Purple Mulberry Kingdom. He preferred women who were more restrained and reserved, like Suzi Nian, for example.
Thinking this, Jun Shao Chen turned and caught a glimpse of Suzi Nian, only to see her biting her lip, gazing at him with complex eyes.
Seeing Suzi Nian's expression, Jun Shao Chen felt a pang of pain, and a strong protective instinct surged within him.
Ji Rui sat next to Jun Lin Tian and, as a woman, she could easily discern the meaning behind Jun Shao Chen's gaze at Suzi Nian.
Jun Shao Chen and Suzi Nian were absolutely incompatible. The Suzi family and the Ji family would always be at odds.
"Crown Prince, a marriage alliance would benefit both our countries. I urge you to consider it," Yan Zhaoxue interjected, her voice cold. Her once-beautiful face now carried a frosty expression in her red attire.
"That's enough," the Moon Emperor quickly interrupted before the Empress could speak.
The Empress's well-maintained face darkened momentarily, but she quickly regained her composure.
Biting her lip, she dared not say another word and could only resentfully watch her son.
"Princess, since the Crown Prince has hesitations, let's give him some time to consider. As you said, let him think it through. After all, a forced marriage bears no sweetness," the Moon Emperor suggested.
The Moon Emperor held Jun Shao Chen in high regard. Despite being the Crown Prince, he had not succumbed to the typical weaknesses of the royal family. The idea of finding a likeminded woman to be the Crown Princess appealed to him. A powerful emperor would never seek to strengthen his position through marriage or political alliances. His power should be derived from his own abilities, untethered by others.
"Then, I will give the Crown Prince three days. After three days, I expect a satisfactory answer," Yan Zhaoxue declared, her voice cold. She gracefully walked back to her position, her beautiful face now exuding an even icier aura.
"Your Majesty, I believe the proposal from the Purple Mulberry Kingdom is quite favorable. It could enhance the relationship between our two nations. I hope the Crown Prince will think it through," advised an elderly minister.
Ji Yaotian stood up and knelt down, proposing, "Duke Zhen, this is such a great opportunity! But it all depends on Chen'er's sincerity and whether he has the fortune to bring back a beauty."
The Moon Emperor responded tactfully. Regardless of what others said, he would never interfere with Chen'er's decision.
A hint of confusion flashed in Ji Yaotian's eyes. What kind of words were these from the Emperor? As long as he gave the command, Chen'er wouldn't resist at all. But the important thing now was that the Moon Emperor didn't seem inclined towards this marriage alliance. Ji Yaotian also guessed at the Emperor's thoughts, but their ruler's actions were often unpredictable.
Suzi Nian squinted at the Moon Emperor, wondering what the emperor was up to. Such a good opportunity, and he didn't want to take it? Jun Shao Chen, after the marriage alliance with the Purple Mulberry Kingdom, would have a smoother path to the throne.
Privately, Suzi Nian didn't want Suzi Nianian to marry into the palace. Even without marrying into the palace, with her sister's talent and beauty, she could marry into a good family. After all, the palace was full of scheming and intrigue, and she worried that her sister's kind heart wouldn't be a match for those cunning women.
The Empress's well-maintained face darkened momentarily, but she quickly regained her composure.
"Your Majesty, I've heard that the young ladies present here are talented. Why don't we have them perform some programs to liven up the atmosphere?" The Empress smiled and suggested to the Moon Emperor.
"Very well."
The Moon Emperor nodded in agreement, wanting to expedite this matter.
Jun Lintian bit his lip. In his father's eyes, there was only Jun Shao Chen. His father didn't even notice him. Didn't he still have other sons? Jun Lintian was unwilling. The marriage alliance partner could also be a prince, but his father remained silent on the matter.
Hearing this, the young ladies below were eager to try. Such an opportunity was rare. They might be noticed and chosen by some nobleman or young master.
The first to perform was Gong Yao, the eldest daughter of the Minister of Personnel.
Gong Yao played a traditional piece from the Haoyue Kingdom on the zither.
Suzi Nian's evaluation of Gong Yao was: her technique is decent, but lacks emotion and captivating skills.
Following that, many other young ladies performed, and the hall was filled with music and festivities.
When Suzi Nian grew tired of the various performances and lazily rested her head on the table, she suddenly noticed Qing Feng walking in.
Mu Yunxuan's eyes flashed, and he whispered to Qing Feng.
"Qing Feng, have you found Princess Jun Yaoxi?"
"Your Highness, I've searched the entire Qingyue Palace, but still haven't found Princess Jun Yaoxi."
Upon hearing this, Mu Yunxuan's face turned gloomy. He embraced Suzi Nian and whispered a few words in her ear.
Suzi Nian's face showed a pensive expression. It couldn't be true. Only by keeping Jun Yaoxi by her side would Ji Rui dare to be so bold, not even fearing Jun Lintian. That meant Ji Rui had confidence in not letting anyone find Jun Yaoxi.
"Yunxuan, how long can you hold Ji Rui off?"
"Sister, are you planning to personally go find Jun Yaoxi?"
"Yes!" Suzi Nian nodded lightly.
Hearing this, Mu Yunxuan's face showed a hint of disagreement.
"Yunxuan, tell Qing Feng and the others not to expand the search area. They should focus on the Qingyue Palace, especially Jun Yaoxi's room—under the bed and the walls near the bed—they must search carefully."
"Alright!" Mu Yunxuan turned back and immediately communicated via a secret message with Qing Feng.
Qing Feng disappeared silently once again.
"Emperor, I've heard that Miss Su is talented in many fields. Why not take advantage of this opportunity and let people from different countries also appreciate Miss Su's charm?" Princess Jun Yaoxi spoke up, instantly pushing Suzi Nian into the spotlight.
Everyone's attention turned towards Suzi Nian. After all, her reputation had been quite significant recently, and stories about her Mingyue Villa could be heard throughout the streets and alleys of the Haoyue Kingdom.
Suzi Nian's face remained expressionless as she glanced at Jun Yaoxi, her gaze sharp. Was she so impatient to make Suzi Nian lose face?
"Why doesn't Princess showcase her own talents on stage? So many young ladies have performed, but the most representative one of the Haoyue Kingdom is Princess herself."
Suzi Nian's face carried a faint smile, and her tone was filled with sarcasm. If she wanted to play mind games with her, she needed to have some real skills.
A flash of worry passed across Jun Yaoxi's face momentarily. After all, she had displayed her talent in front of the Moon Emperor on several occasions. Hearing and seeing it once more would naturally raise suspicion. But as she looked at Jun Lintian beside her, Ji Rui's worries disappeared instantly.
Bold, too bold. In front of the Moon Emperor, she dared to openly contradict the Princess, with such an overbearing attitude. Those who had encountered Suzi Nian before were shocked at her audacity.
At this moment, Suzi Nian's face exuded a radiant brilliance, and her beautiful face carried an aura of coldness that warned others to keep their distance. Yet, it also made people unable to resist the desire to stay by her side.
"Is everyone from the Haoyue Kingdom so fond of rising above their station?" said Princess Zhao Xue, the representative of the Zisang Kingdom, her tone filled with sarcasm, leaving a displeasing impression on those who heard it.
At the mention of this, everyone turned their attention to Princess Zhao Xue, then shifted their gazes to Suzi Nian.
"Just a woman with a tarnished reputation, abandoned by others."
Zhao Xue's mocking voice sounded somewhat ethereal, but those who heard it understood how much she despised Suzi Nian, and it was also a sarcastic comment about the Moon Emperor's indulgence towards people.
"Princess, please be mindful of your own identity. Even if you're going to marry into our Haoyue Kingdom, your authority shouldn't be too wide," Suzi Nian made it clear. If you're not from the Haoyue Kingdom, then don't meddle in other people's affairs.
"You...!" Yan Zhaoxue was rendered speechless by Su Zimo's words, which also reminded her of the recent rejection from Jun Shaochen. The confrontation between Haoyue Kingdom's beloved Su Zimo and Paozi Kingdom's Princess Zhaoxue had caught everyone's attention. The anticipation of a good show filled their hearts. Surprisingly, Su Zimo remained calm and composed, sitting there nonchalantly. Ji Rui watched the situation unfold with delight, finding satisfaction in Su Zimo's troubles. "A woman who was publicly rejected and suddenly resurfaces after six years actually dares to challenge me? You truly think highly of yourself," Yan Zhaoxue coldly stared at Su Zimo, her words laced with disdain. Mu Yunxuan wanted to intervene multiple times but was restrained by Su Zimo. Jun Zi Xi narrowed his eyes, glancing at Jun Yaoxi and then at Yan Zhaoxue. These two women were audacious for bullying his daughter-in-law. He planned to deal with them later. Mourong Shaofeng tightened and loosened his grip on the teacup, wanting to speak up but feeling that it might bring more trouble to Momo. Su Qi and Su Li stared at Yan Zhaoxue with anger in their eyes. "Momo," Mu Yunxuan couldn't bear it anymore. In his presence, no one was allowed to insult his woman. "Yunxuan, people live in a vast world filled with diverse hearts. How can we not encounter malicious individuals?" Su Zimo's voice was not loud, but everyone present heard it clearly. Hearing this, Princess Zhaoxue's face turned pale, then green. She stood up and shouted at Su Zimo, "Su Zimo, are you too afraid to come up on stage? Are you just a talentless fool?" Zhaoxue suddenly changed the topic, aiming to embarrass Su Zimo. Before coming to Haoyue Kingdom, she had gathered some information about the people here, including the renowned Su Zimo. Su Zimo continued to sit there, paying no attention. Talent? She did possess talent, but why should she display it to them? At this moment, Jun Yaoxi couldn't help but chuckle. "Princess Zhaoxue's words are spot-on. Six years ago, when Su Zimo was rejected by the crown prince, she was indeed a talentless fool." "Yaoxi!" The Haoyue Emperor's angry shout pierced the air, and his gaze was like sharp knives. Ji Rui quickly restrained herself, lowered her head, and tried to hide the smug smile playing at the corner of her mouth. However, Yan Zhaoxue seethed with anger, wishing she could rush forward and slap Su Zimo. Nalan Wenhao and Situ Ruoyan had reached their limits, watching their daughter being insulted. Few parents would sit still in such a situation. However, they received Su Zimo's restraining gaze and could only suppress their anger. "Lord Mingyue, since both princesses have spoken, why not let Lady Mingyue showcase her talent?" Murong Zeyu's voice echoed coldly, looking at Su Zimo. This woman, who had thrown him out of Mingyue Villa, dared to ignore him. He couldn't swallow his anger until he settled this score. Su Zimo didn't even spare him a glance, let alone respond to his words. Ignored, blatantly ignored—Murong Zeyu had never experienced such disregard before. Mourong Shaofeng lowered his head and smiled. This Yu Wang didn't understand Momo at all. To put it in Momo's words, he had already been added to her blacklist, and she could treat him as if he were invisible. Seeing Mourong Shaofeng's smile, Murong Zeyu turned his head and glared at him. Murong Zeyu awkwardly touched his nose. At this moment, Su Zimo stood up, glanced at Yan Zhaoxue, and spoke to the Haoyue Emperor, "Your Majesty, it's not that I refuse to perform; it's just that Princess Zhaoxue hasn't showcased her talent. How could I steal the spotlight?" Su Zimo's words pushed Jun Yaoxi aside again. Even if Jirui could imitate Jun Yaoxi's actions, she could never imitate her talent. Mourong Shaofeng lowered his head, his lips curling upward. It seemed that Momo had set her sights on Jun Yaoxi, and there was a glimmer of amusement in his deep and captivating eyes. "Since Miss Su insists, then let Xiaoxi be the first to showcase her talent!" the Haoyue Emperor said. Whenever matters related to Su Zimo arose, they were never pleasant. Since Su Zimo insisted, he decided to start with his own daughter, as resolving the situation would be easier that way. "Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty," Su Zimo expressed gratitude on her face, her smile filled with smugness as she looked at Jun Yaoxi.
Su Zimo's face showed a grateful expression as she smiled triumphantly at Jun Yaoxi. Yan Ping'an, who was observing Su Zimo, felt a hint of confusion in his heart. This Su Zimo was truly different from six years ago.
"Father, Xiaoxi is not feeling well today and may not be able to showcase her talent on stage," Jun Yaoxi stood up, looking apologetically at the Haoyue Emperor. Going on stage to perform would be like walking into a trap. With Su Zimo's astuteness, if she discovered any clues, it would be a dead end for herself.
Su Zimo naturally understood Ji Rui's concerns, but if she didn't go on stage to perform, would Ji Rui spare her? Ji Rui's talent was not comparable to Jun Yaoxi's, who had received various teachings since childhood. In order to expose the true Jun Yaoxi, Su Zimo had to play along and hope that Qingfeng and the others would find Jun Yaoxi soon.
"Since the princess can neither dance nor sing, why don't we play a word game instead?" Su Zimo lightly smiled, causing the men present to be momentarily stunned, looking at her with a hint of fascination.
"No laughing," Mu Yunxuan instantly felt a bit uncomfortable when he saw the men's expressions and tightened his embrace around Su Zimo's waist.
"A word game sounds interesting. I'd like to participate as well," Yan Ping'an turned his head to look at Su Zimo. In previous years, they would watch some singing and dancing performances and drink, which was quite boring. This year was different, so he naturally wouldn't miss out.
Su Zimo glanced at Yan Ping'an and cursed him inwardly for being meddlesome. She just wanted to manipulate Ji Rui.
"Since the Crown Prince is interested, then let him participate later. Why not let us see Princess Yaoxi's talent now?" Su Zimo's words fell, and the Empress gave her a sharp look.
Ji Yu, sitting in the corner, had a gloomy expression and secretly gestured to the Empress.
"Miss Su, isn't this making things difficult for the princess? After all, the princess is of noble birth, and dealing with words requires even more effort. The princess has clearly expressed that she's not feeling well. Why do you have to be so pushy?" The Empress's words made it seem like everything was Su Zimo's fault.
"The Empress is right. The princess is indeed of noble birth. Since the princess is unwell, then let's forget it. Originally, to liven things up, I was thinking that if anyone won, I would gift them a Divine-grade Third-rank Rejuvenation Pill," Su Zimo said with a tinge of regret, playing with her teacup.
Sometimes, the more you think, the more trouble you encounter. The more afraid you are, the more people will bully you. When you fear nothing, no one dares to bully you. When you have a good character, others will take advantage of you, but if you act assertively, they will come to please you. That's human nature.
Indeed, the crowd erupted into a heated discussion, with everyone chiming in.
"A Divine-grade Third-rank Rejuvenation Pill is a rare find. After consuming it, one can maintain eternal youth. However, the number of people in Haoyue Kingdom who can refine Divine-grade Third-rank pills can be counted on one hand, and the prices are exorbitant and awe-inspiring. Su Zimo's generosity is truly remarkable."
What they didn't know was that Su Zimo had gone all out today to completely ruin Ji Rui. It was worth sacrificing a Divine-grade Third-rank Rejuvenation Pill just to hook Ji Rui.