After Yu Jingchen bestowed herself upon Luo Yuncheng, she became Luo Yuncheng's concubine... yet Luo Yuncheng had never touched her. What's more, she had discovered a secret...
"This subject's daughter pays her respects to Your Majesty!" Just as everyone was lost in their own thoughts, a clear voice echoed from the center of the grand hall.
It was Yu Yan, the sister of Yu Jiangyan, the young county princess of the Prince Yu's estate.
"Today is the Lantern Festival. This subject's daughter recently learned a new dance. Just now, I saw how all the young ladies presented their skills for this banquet. This subject's daughter also wishes to offer a dance." Yu Yan said.
"The County Princess is thoughtful," Yan Qing remarked. Yu Yan smiled sweetly, and cast a glance towards Yu Jingchen. Regrettably, Yu Jingchen's attention was solely on Nan Zhiyun, which caused her expression to sour slightly.
Yan Qing naturally noticed this situation. Everyone understood Yu Yan's intentions. She was among the imperial concubine candidates this time. Many officials' wives who were present were also on the list of imperial concubine candidates, hence the performance segment just now was for them.
They all wished to attract His Majesty's attention before the banquet, to shine. Thus, it was natural for them to compete in beauty and talent.
Yu Yan composed herself and began preparing for her performance. Yu Yan's dancing skills could be considered among the best in the capital.
She had prepared this dance for a long time, so she performed it with ease. Coupled with her usual confidence, especially in dancing, Yu Yan was truly dazzling at this moment.
Her gaze was consistently cast upon Yu Jingchen. Yu Jingchen looked up. Yu Yan became even happier, but... Yu Jingchen truly did not spare more than a couple of glances.
Seeing Yu Jingchen's doting affection for Nan Zhiyun, Yu Yan felt a pang of unwillingness. Her gaze towards Nan Zhiyun gradually turned cold. Nan Zhiyun, was it? She had never taken her seriously.
The Empress Dowager, watching this scene from above, found it quite amusing. She propped her head slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips. It should be like this...
The dance concluded. Yu Yan bowed again in the center, "This subject's daughter has been clumsy." Yu Yan's voice was delicate and soft. Yan Qing saw through it but did not expose it. Just as she was about to speak, the Empress Dowager spoke at this moment.
"Your dancing skills have improved a lot, my child. You are getting better and better," the Empress Dowager said.
After all, she was the young county princess of the Prince Yu's estate and had visited the palace many times before. The Empress Dowager had interacted with her for a period.
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager flatters me," Yu Yan replied, feigning shyness.
"This old one remembers that General Bai's daughter is also very skilled at dancing. I wonder where Bai's daughter is?" the Empress Dowager looked down. Upon hearing this, Yu Yan's expression immediately soured.
"Replying to Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, this subject's daughter is here." A female voice came from the crowd. Everyone looked over and saw a young lady dressed in a light blue gown walking out. Compared to Yu Yan's delicate charm, she was elegant and graceful, yet her eyes carried a hint of heroism. This was Bai Yusheng, the legitimate daughter of General Bai.
"Miss Bai's given name is Bai Yusheng, is it not? This old one has heard that Miss Bai is skilled in dance. What do you think of County Princess Yan's dance just now?" the Empress Dowager asked.
At this moment, not only did all eyes below turn towards her, but even Yu Jingchen looked up, solely because of the name Bai Yusheng...