Seated in the main position, Shen Shuangyu cast a stern glance at Kuang Lianyue.
“Making such a fuss is utterly improper. Why continue to embarrass yourself here? Leave at once!”
Though Kuang Lianyue knew she had spoken out of turn, she was still filled with resentment.
She shot Shen Zhaoli a fierce glare before hastily departing with her maidservant.
The crowd fell silent, not daring to utter another word.
The Grand Princess swept her phoenix-like eyes across the surroundings, her gentle voice carrying a hint of authority.
“There is no need to let trivial matters spoil our refined enjoyment.”
With a graceful wave of her hand, the Spring Radiance Banquet officially commenced.
Every year at the Spring Radiance Banquet, Shen Shuangyu would offer some items as additional prizes.
Whoever excelled in the poetry composition segment would receive the Grand Princess’s prize.
While the items themselves were valuable, what mattered most was the opportunity to earn a good reputation.
Whether for young women seeking marriage prospects or men pursuing official careers, it was beneficial.
In an instant, the guests dispersed, wandering through the Qionghua Garden in search of inspiration for their poems.
Shen Zhaoli paid little attention to the matter, sitting calmly by Shen Shuangyu’s side.
Meanwhile…
After escorting Su Qingxi to the ladies’ seating area, Nanny Xue took her leave.
Upon hearing that Su Qingxi had been brought by the Prime Minister himself, the noble young ladies couldn’t help but glance at her curiously as they passed by.
What kind of person could outshine a beauty like Princess Changle?
Yet, after just a brief look, their interest waned.
Su Qingxi wore a Su embroidery moonlit brocade gown, her hair styled in a charming double-bun.
For the banquet, she had even adorned herself with a set of jade and pearl lotus hair ornaments from Old Madam Xie’s treasured collection, dressing with great formality.
Even so, among the gathering of noble young ladies, she was far from standing out.
On her own, she could be considered a delicate and pretty young woman, yet there was an air of pettiness about her.
Not to mention her appearance, even her demeanor fell far short of Princess Changle’s grace.
The peculiar gazes from the crowd left Su Qingxi feeling uneasy.
The hushed whispers around her only added to her sense of grievance.
Unable to help herself, she lightly bit her lower lip, lowered her eyelids, and avoided the stares of others.
After hesitating for a long while, Su Qingxi mustered the courage to approach the elevated platform. However, before she could get close to Shen Zhaoli, she was stopped by a palace maid.
“Miss, this area is reserved for the esteemed guests. Is there something you require?”
Su Qingxi was taken aback for a moment. “I wish to see Princess Changle.”
The palace maid had recognized Su Qingxi earlier, a flicker of disdain flashing in her eyes.
“Her Highness Princess Changle is not someone just anyone can meet. What is your status?”
Su Qingxi tightened her grip on her sleeve, her delicate face flushing slightly with embarrassment.
“I… I am a young lady from the Prime Minister’s Mansion.”
The palace maid’s tone grew even more mocking. “The Prime Minister’s Mansion? I’ve never heard of Prime Minister Xie having any sisters. You’d best not try to claim connections where there are none.”
Su Qingxi’s face paled, her hands clutching her skirt growing tighter.
“It was… Prime Minister Xie who asked me to seek out Her Highness Princess Changle. Please, sister, could you announce my arrival?”
Having said this much, the palace maid could no longer outright refuse. She rolled her eyes.
“Wait here.”
When Shen Zhaoli heard that Xie Yuheng had asked her to look after Su Qingxi, she couldn’t help but be taken aback.
Was Xie Yuheng trusting her, or was he deliberately trying to embarrass her?
“Li’er, if you are unwilling, I can have someone send her away.”
A sharp glint flashed in Shen Shuangyu’s eyes. “She should consider her own status. Is she worthy of your personal attention?”
Warmth blossomed in Shen Zhaoli’s heart, yet she still shook her head.
She had resolved to draw a clear line with Xie Yuheng, and there would be no further interactions in the future.
Why stir up unnecessary trouble?
“Aunt, there’s no need to be upset. Taking care of a young girl is nothing much.”
“Within Dajing, all are its subjects. I have no wish to trouble an innocent person.”
Upon hearing this, Shen Shuangyu looked somewhat relieved.
“Li’er has grown up. It’s best that you can think this way.”
Shen Zhaoli curved her lips slightly and ordered someone to bring Su Qingxi over.
Although she had heard much about Su Qingxi from Xie Yuheng, this was the first time they had met.
The young girl before her appeared to be around the same age.
Yet her figure was even more delicate and frail, with exquisite features on her small, palm-sized face.
Her plain-colored dress accentuated her fragile, willow-like grace, as delicate as the legendary beauty Xizi.
She possessed a natural charm of her own.
Shen Shuangyu glanced briefly before averting her gaze.
Su Qingxi twisted her handkerchief nervously, timidly raising her eyes. With just one look, she was stunned by Shen Zhaoli’s beauty.
From a distance earlier, she had already thought her breathtakingly beautiful.
But now, up close, she realized Princess Changle was even more beautiful than she had imagined.
Every feature seemed meticulously sculpted, without the slightest flaw.
It evoked an inexplicable sense of inferiority in others.
“Prepare a seat for Miss Su.”
The clear, melodious voice snapped Su Qingxi out of her daze. She hurriedly lowered her head, her cheeks burning.
The elevated viewing platform was originally reserved for the royal family, with no extra seating available.
After a moment’s thought, the palace maid had someone bring a round stool and placed it in a corner not far from Shen Zhaoli’s side.
Keeping a distance from the others.
Su Qingxi glanced at it but did not move. Instead, she looked at Shen Zhaoli, her voice tinged with a hint of grievance.
“Princess Changle, may I sit next to you?”
As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of those around turned somewhat strange.
Even the noble ladies from prominent families were not qualified to sit on this high platform.
For Princess Changle to allow her up here was already an immense favor.
Yet this Miss Su remained unsatisfied, even wanting to sit in Princess Changle’s seat—truly unaware of her own limits!
Shen Shuangyu also frowned slightly, displeased with Su Qingxi’s rudeness.
How had Prime Minister Xie raised her, allowing her to become so ill-mannered?
Shen Zhaoli was only slightly surprised before nodding.
She rarely attended her aunt’s Spring Radiance Banquet and saw no need to spoil everyone’s mood over such a trivial matter.
“In that case, move the stool to my side.”
Although somewhat reluctant, the palace maid complied with the order.
Su Qingxi sat down beside Shen Zhaoli with her head lowered.
A faint sense of disappointment and grievance stirred in her heart—did Princess Changle look down on her?
Shen Zhaoli did not pay much attention to Su Qingxi. After having tea and refreshments served, she engaged in conversation with Shen Shuangyu.
Since taking up Buddhist practices, Shen Shuangyu had developed a fondness for discussing scriptures.
She spoke at length, eloquently and without pause.
Although Shen Zhaoli was not an expert in this field, her extensive reading allowed her to converse without difficulty.
Su Qingxi, however, was completely lost, unable to understand a single word. She grew increasingly restless.
Even the pastries beside her lost their appeal.
Watching Shen Zhaoli speak with ease and seeing the admiration in everyone’s eyes, Su Qingxi felt a pang of discomfort.
Why were they deliberately discussing such obscure and difficult topics?
Ever since Su Qingxi appeared on the high platform, Xie Yuheng had been watching closely.
Seeing Shen Zhaoli leave Su Qingxi aside and ignore her, he felt somewhat displeased.
Those who had gone to admire the flowers in various parts of Qionghua Garden gradually returned, and everyone began composing poems or writing inscriptions at their respective seats.
Shen Shuangyu and Shen Zhaoli also stopped discussing the classics, turning their gaze to the crowd below the stage.
“This year at the Spring Radiance Banquet, even General Song Chen from the household of the Guardian General of the Nation has come. I wonder what kind of poem he will compose.”
Upon hearing Shen Shuangyu’s words, Shen Zhaoli showed a hint of surprise on her face.
The household of the Guardian General of the Nation was known for its loyalty and valor, but unfortunately, it had few descendants. In this generation, there was only Song Chen.
He had diligently practiced martial arts since childhood and was sent to the battlefield for training at the age of ten.
It was only three years ago, at the age of eighteen, that Song Chen returned from the border.
Having achieved numerous military merits, he was appointed by the emperor as General Feiyu.
This man was highly skilled in leading troops and warfare, but he was never known for enjoying literary pursuits or appreciating flowers and plants.
It was unexpected that General Song would attend this Spring Radiance Banquet.
“We’ll find out soon enough. I’m also quite looking forward to it.”
Mentioning poetry composition, Su Qingxi raised her head, her delicate face brimming with eagerness.
She had been well-versed in various classics and poetry since childhood and was already capable of composing poems by the age of five.
Her father and Qinggui Brother often praised her poetic talent.
If she could win the top spot at the Spring Radiance Banquet, it would bring some honor to the Prime Minister’s Mansion.
“Princess Changle, may I participate?”
Su Qingxi’s voice carried a hint of timidity, but her expression was resolute.
Shen Zhaoli nodded indifferently. “Of course. Everyone is welcome to compose poems at the Spring Radiance Banquet.”
Shen Shuangyu glanced at Su Qingxi, her tone cool.
“You didn’t go to admire the flowers earlier. Would you like me to have someone escort you for a look?”
Su Qingxi smiled slightly, a confident glow lighting up her delicate face.
“That won’t be necessary. I already have a poem in mind.”