An invisible tension filled the hall, as though one could hear the quickening drumbeats in everyone’s hearts.
The first to perform was the daughter of the Minister of Rites.
She played the qin.
The melody was gentle and flowing—at times like murmuring water, at times like wind through mountain pines—rising and falling, pausing and continuing, as if transporting listeners to a serene, secluded realm.
When the piece ended, applause rippled through the hall.
Afterward, the young ladies of various noble households stepped forward one by one, showcasing their talents in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
“Su Fu, are you going to compete?” He Minzhu asked from beside her. “Whoever wins first place will receive a phoenix hairpin and bracelet personally awarded by the Empress and Her Highness the Yongping Grand Princess!”
“I’m not interested. You go.”
He Minzhu sighed. “I’d like to, but I’m hopeless at the four arts. I’ve never had the slightest interest in them.”
“What do you like, then?”
“I like martial arts! And I’ve always been stronger than most girls. My mother used to say I wasn’t like a proper young lady at all.” She pouted slightly.
“Practicing martial arts is wonderful. You can protect yourself and keep fit.”
He Minzhu’s eyes brightened. “Really? You’re the first person who’s ever told me it’s good for girls to practice martial arts.”
Su Fu glanced toward the seat of the Yongping Grand Princess and spoke with admiration. “I’ve heard that Her Highness also trained in martial arts from childhood. In her youth, she even accompanied the Great General to the battlefield and fought enemies herself.”
“She fought on the battlefield?” He Minzhu’s eyes filled with awe. “What a heroine among women! She’ll be my role model from now on!”
Soon, it was Su Qing’s turn.
She presented a dance.
Confidence and brilliance shone in her eyes. She had prepared this dance meticulously for a long time and was certain she would stand out among the ladies today.
She stepped gracefully into the center of the hall. As the music began, colorful silk ribbons flew from her sleeves. With agile movements, she guided them through the air.
Her dance was soft and fluid like a flowing spring. Her wide skirt flared with each spin. Every gesture and glance radiated charm and allure, drawing gasps of admiration from the audience.
Even the Crown Prince’s gaze was captured by her performance.
He Minzhu nudged Su Fu. “Your sister dances quite well!”
“She does,” Su Fu replied calmly.
When Su Qing finished, the Empress praised her first. “Second Miss Su truly lives up to her reputation as a talented young lady of the capital. This dance has opened my eyes.”
Though inwardly elated, Su Qing lowered her head modestly. “Your Majesty flatters me. I am undeserving.”
Su Zhe was also extremely satisfied, especially after noticing that the Crown Prince had been watching Su Qing in a trance.
Just as Su Zhe was basking in his colleagues’ compliments, Su Qing’s gentle voice rang out again.
“Your Majesty, in truth, my dancing cannot compare to that of my elder sister.”
Su Fu’s eyes darkened.
Su Qing was stirring trouble again. So much for keeping a low profile today.
The Empress raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Has your elder sister come today?”
Eager to see Su Fu embarrassed, Su Qing pointed. “My elder sister is over there.”
He Minzhu looked at Su Fu anxiously. Su Fu blinked reassuringly at her.
Then she rose and walked calmly to the center of the hall, composed and dignified.
“Your servant Su Fu greets Your Majesty.”
The Empress studied her carefully. She was slender, poised, and steady. There was not the slightest sign of fluster or panic one might expect from someone facing the Empress for the first time.
“You are the eldest daughter of the Su family?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Your sister claims your dancing surpasses hers. Would you allow us to see it today?”
In truth, Su Fu did not know how to dance. But if she admitted it, the Empress might assume she was refusing and take offense.
Su Qing had indeed left her a fine predicament.
Su Zhe’s heart was lodged in his throat. If the Empress were displeased, the entire Su household could suffer.
Even Xiao Junhe felt anxious. If necessary, he was prepared to step forward and rescue her from embarrassment.
Just as he was thinking of how to intervene, Su Fu’s composed voice sounded again.
“Your Majesty, today’s banquet is to celebrate the Great General and the army’s return to the capital. If I may be so bold, instead of dancing, I would like to offer a painting in their honor.”
The Empress frowned slightly.
The Yongping Grand Princess, who had been sitting quietly, spoke up with interest. “Imperial Sister-in-law, I think her proposal is quite good. Since Second Miss Su’s dance has already impressed us, why not let us now see the painting skills of the Su family’s eldest daughter?”
Since the Grand Princess had spoken, the Empress could not object.
“Very well. Then let us admire your painting.”
Brush, ink, paper, and inkstone were brought forth.
Su Fu pondered briefly before swiftly setting brush to paper.
After about half an hour, she gently put down the brush.
Two palace maids lifted and unfurled the painting for all to see.
It depicted soldiers on the battlefield, charging and fighting amid blood and smoke. Their figures appeared and disappeared within the chaos.
Above the city walls, the flag of Nansang fluttered fiercely in the wind, as if declaring to the enemy that they would defend the city to the death.
Below, countless soldiers brandished swords and spears, fighting fearlessly, soaked in blood.
In the lower right corner stood a particularly striking figure—a general on horseback clad in armor. His face was covered in blood; his once neatly bound hair now hung in disarray, strands brushing across his resolute features in the wind.
Though gravely wounded, he still summoned the last of his strength to drive his sword through the enemy commander’s chest.
The entire hall fell silent.
It was as if everyone had been transported onto the battlefield itself. Faces were solemn; no one dared break the stillness.
Many of the officers present were visibly moved. Hardened warriors who had faced countless battles found their eyes reddening.
Even Emperor Jingwen was stirred. He declared loudly, “I believe this painting deserves first place today!”
The Yongping Grand Princess nodded. “I agree.”
The Empress smiled. “Eldest Miss Su has truly broadened our horizons today. Vice Minister Su has indeed raised two fine daughters.”
Su Zhe’s emotions had been like riding a roller coaster. Moments ago, his heart had nearly stopped.
Hearing the Empress mention him, he quickly stood and bowed. “Your Majesty flatters us. My daughter merely dabbles in letters and brushwork. It is her fortune to offer something today. I only hope it has not dampened the festivities.”
Su Fu received the phoenix hairpin and bracelet from the Empress and the Grand Princess. After expressing her gratitude, she returned quietly to her seat.