I am Yuan Niaoniao

"Miss, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for a long time." Hong Tao carefully brought the lotus seed soup to Jin Jingni and said softly.

Jin Jingni looked at the exquisite lotus seed soup in front of her but did not take a bite. She had something on her mind, but she had no place to vent her sadness, which made her feel very uncomfortable.

Jin Jingni looked at the maid Hong Tao in front of her, who was only responsible for serving her on weekdays, but she actually felt some different emotions towards her, which she couldn't explain. An unprecedented sense of oppression instantly swept over her heart.

Suddenly, waves of frustration came over her, and Jin Jingni felt an inexplicable irritation in her heart, which seemed to make her feel a little at a loss.

"Miss?" Hong Tao saw Jin Jingni staring at her blankly and couldn't help but call out softly.

Jin Jingni came back to her senses and quickly pulled her thoughts back, secretly telling herself: Don't let your mind wander and don't let this emotion affect you.

"Hongtao, go light up all the lanterns in the mansion." Jin Jingni ordered.

"Yes, miss." Hong Tao responded and left.

Jin Jingni looked at the gradually brightening night outside the window, and her mood seemed to be much better. She suddenly sighed: Why don't I have a choice? Why can't I live the life I want like Hong Tao? A feeling of envy and jealousy quietly rose in her heart.

At the same time, Jin Jingni began to think about how wonderful it would be if she could be with her beloved for the rest of her life. But the reality was cruel. She was the daughter of the prime minister, and her father had only one daughter, so her fate could not be chosen by herself. All this was so far away. Looking out the window, she suddenly thought that New Year's Eve was coming soon, and her mood suddenly became bright: as long as Yuan Niaoniao disappeared completely, her heart would not be so sad.

As the night deepened, the lanterns in the mansion lit up one by one, and Jin Jingni's figure seemed particularly lonely in the night. She knew that this New Year's Eve was a good opportunity. She wanted to use this opportunity to get rid of Yuan Niaoniao completely. Her eyes were shining with determination. How could she not be as good as Yuan Niaoniao? She was proficient in everything from music, chess, calligraphy and painting, and her talent was one of the best in Dadu. How could he not see her!

New Year's Eve is coming soon.

Whether in the capital or in the countryside, colorful lanterns are hung everywhere. People also make huge lantern wheels, lantern trees, lamp posts, etc. The whole city is full of fireworks and is very prosperous and lively. The lantern viewing lasts for five days every year. The styles of lanterns are complicated and varied. Visiting the lantern market is a very pleasing thing. Because the midnight of New Year's Eve means that the new year has begun, it is popular among the people to "stay up all night" while enjoying the lanterns. The imperial palace will have a grand banquet for the ministers: this is one of the most important activities for the New Year celebration. On New Year's Eve, the emperor will hold a grand banquet and invite the ministers and literati to stay up all night together to express his gratitude and blessings to the ministers and the people. This banquet is also called the "stay up all night banquet", which often lasts until the first day of the new year. In short, on New Year's Eve, both inside and outside the palace present a very peaceful and festive state.

Although the Yuan family is in decline, Yuan Niaoniao is engaged, so Yuan Niaoniao has to follow Chen Shaoyi to participate.

Chen Shaoyi's carriage was waiting outside. Yuan Niao Niao, who was dressed up, came out with the help of Dong Xue. Chen Shaoyi looked up and saw the girl walking towards him. She was wrapped in a light pink dress and a white gauze dress, revealing her graceful neck and clear collarbone. The folds of her skirt were like snow and moonlight flowing on the ground. It was more than three feet long, making her gait more graceful and soft. Her three thousand black hair was tied up with a hairband, and a butterfly hairpin was inserted in her hair. A strand of black hair hung in front of her chest. She was lightly powdered, which only added color. The faint red on her cheeks created a pure skin as delicate and lovely as petals. The whole person was like a butterfly flying in the wind, and like clear and transparent ice and snow... This is the appearance of the most beautiful woman in the world.

Seeing that Chen Shaoyi was looking at her intently, Yuan Niaoniao ignored him and turned around to say to Nian Shiyun who was also waiting, "Shiyun, Xixi is left to you." Because Yuan Xixi didn't want to follow her into the palace and take part in this kind of dinner full of intrigue, scheming and pretense, she specially invited Nian Shiyun to take Yuan Xixi out to appreciate the lanterns. Anyway, this year it's just her and her sister to spend the Spring Festival. Although it's a bit lonely, today's patience can be exchanged for a safe and beautiful future!

"Don't worry, Niaoniao. I will take good care of Xixi." The determined look on Nian Shiyun's face made people feel at ease.

"I believe you!" Yuan Niao Niao nodded to him, and then took the hand that Chen Shaoyi extended to her and got on the carriage. If she was any later, she would become the focus again, so it was better to get in and sit down early.

By the time they arrived at the banquet hall, many people were already there, and naturally everyone looked at this talented couple.

Normally, Han Junyi would not have even glanced at them and would have just focused on drinking. But today, he couldn't help but look at Yuan Niao Niao a few more times. The girl's every frown and smile attracted his attention.

Han Haotian was also staring at Yuan Niaoniao, but he was only briefly amazed. After all, he was not interested in that. When he reached that position, it would not be easy to capture Wu Jingxin or Yuan Niaoniao. In addition to staring at Chen Shaoyi fiercely, his eyes would occasionally wander over Yuan Niaoniao. This girl was well-groomed.

Wu Jingxin and Jin Jingni stared at Yuan Niao Niao almost at the same time, but Han Junwu warned them overtly and covertly about the last Jinsitan incident, so they restrained themselves. After all, when you are under someone's roof, you have to bow your head.

Jin Jingni's eyes almost never left Chen Shaoyi. She was always so far away from him and yet so close. This subtle movement was caught by Han Haotian. Following Jin Jingni's line of sight, Han Haotian seemed to have discovered something incredible. Looking at Han Junyi who didn't notice anything, he couldn't help but want to laugh, "How interesting!"

"What's interesting?" Wu Jingxin turned around and asked when she heard Han Haotian's words.

Thinking that Wu Jingxin was also interested in Chen Shaoyi, he didn't tell her: "I said singing and dancing are interesting." He lowered his head and continued to drink. It was really interesting. Everyone liked him? What was so good about him? It was as if someone had suddenly taken away his glory. In the past, everyone liked him. No matter when and where, he was the most noticeable. "Damn it!" He couldn't help but curse.

"What's wrong? Really!" Frightened by Han Haotian's sudden behavior, Wu Jingxin glared at him and stroked her chest with her hand.

This kind of banquet almost always starts with singing and dancing, and then gifts are given: the emperor also gives gifts to his ministers, relatives and palace maids to express his blessings and gratitude. The ministers also send back various rare treasures to congratulate. Then there is a talent competition among the talented men and women who want to show their talents. It is very boring. Yuan Niaoniao silently complains about these boring procedures in her heart.

"I heard that our Princess Jingxin has prepared a sword dance to perform to congratulate the emperor?" Queen Zhen Luoyi said to Wu Jingxin.

When Wu Jingxin heard this, a sly look flashed in her eyes, and she stood up and replied: "Your Majesty, yes, Jingxin is willing to present this dance for the Emperor, but Jingxin also wants to invite Miss Yuan to dance with her, because Jingxin has heard that Miss Yuan is also a person of outstanding talent."

"Oh? That's great. I also want to see the talents of you two young people." Queen Zhen Luoyi said with a smile. Since she could drag Yuan Niaoniao into this embarrassing situation, of course she had to fulfill Wu Jingxin's little wish.

Wu Jingxin turned to look at Yuan Niaoniao who was sitting beside her, "I wonder if Miss Yuan is willing?"

You've said that, how can I refuse in front of everyone? Yuan Niaoniao cursed in her heart, but she stood up, smiled slightly, and nodded. "I am willing to dance with Princess Jingxin."

"Well, then, this princess invites Miss Yuan to dance with swords with her." Wu Jingxin said, took the sword from the maid, threw it to Yuan Niaoniao, then walked to the center and started dancing.

Her swordplay was light and powerful, like a nimble swallow flying in the air. Yuan Niao Niao beside her also followed her rhythm, slowly stood up, and began to dance with the sword in her hand.

The two danced gracefully in the moonlight, their swords flashing like two meteors streaking across the sky. The only sounds in the palace were the sound of swords and the two men's breathing.

Suddenly, Wu Jingxin turned around, with the tip of her sword pointing directly at Yuan Niaoniao, but Yuan Niaoniao was not at all flustered, and blocked with her backhand. The two swords collided in the air, making a crisp sound. Wu Jingxin's eyes were fierce, and she said, "You're lucky. I wanted to take this opportunity to scratch her face, but she blocked it. I don't believe you can dodge it every time." She swung her sword at Yuan Niaoniao more violently. Yuan Niaoniao still blocked every one of her swords calmly. Of course, she knew what Wu Jingxin was doing, but it was not easy for her to settle accounts with her at the moment. This account had been recorded, and there was also the account of burning down Yuan Mansion, which would be settled with her one by one.

The swords of the two kept colliding in the air, making crisp sounds. In the end, Wu Jingxin was unable to break through Yuan Niaoniao's defense and finally gave up. She put away her sword with a beautiful spin. She bowed and saluted. "Jingxin would like to use this dance to wish the Emperor and the Empress a happy and healthy new year, as well as blessings as the East Sea, and prosperity for Dadu."

Yuan Niaoniao also put away her sword, bowed and saluted, congratulating him perfunctorily.

"Good!" The people around cheered in unison and applauded loudly.

Wu Jingxin turned to look at Queen Zhen Luoyi: "I am sorry for my poor performance, please don't laugh at me, Queen and all the sisters."

Empress Zhen Luoyi smiled and nodded: "You two are really excellent. I like you very much. I believe the emperor agrees with me as well."

Everyone started to make a fuss and asked the emperor to reward the two for their sword dance. Han Junwu was very pleased and immediately rewarded the two with a lot of things.

The two of them returned to their seats.

After this dance, everyone's opinion of Yuan Niaoniao deepened a little. Being able to be a doctor and a dancer, how excellent must she be? She is not much worse than Jin Jingni, the most talented woman in Dadu. It is not an exaggeration to say that she is the best.

Chen Shaoyi waited for Yuan Niaoniao to sit down, and immediately took out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from her forehead, but Yuan Niaoniao held his hand and said, "It's just a little bit of sweat, stop it, or I'll beat you up!" This is too exaggerated, there's not much sweat, "There are so many people watching here!"

"Just watch. This prince just feels sorry for his princess." Chen Shaoyi looked at the fair little hand pressing on his wrist, and the corners of his mouth rose unconsciously.

This scene fell into the eyes of Wu Jingxin and Jin Jingni, and they were jealous again. Jin Jingni could see that Wu Jingxin had targeted her just now, so this was just right, she could use her to get rid of Yuan Niaoniao. A plan emerged in her mind. While Wu Jingxin went downstairs to change her clothes, she quietly got up and whispered in the ear of a palace maid when they passed by. Then she returned to her seat as if nothing had happened.

"Ah, I deserve to die, I deserve to die, please forgive me, Miss Yuan." The palace maid who accidentally poured the wine on Yuan Niaoniao immediately knelt down and begged for mercy.

Yuan Niaoniao didn't care: "It's okay, you go down first." If the clothes are dirty, just change them. "Dongxue, come with me to change clothes."

"Yes, young lady." Dongxue frowned and glanced at the palace maid. Without thinking much, she helped Yuan Nianiao and followed the palace maid who led the way to change clothes.

"Thank you, Miss Yuan. I will take my leave first." The palace maid then left the hall.

This little episode did not attract much attention. After all, Yuan Niaoniao did not blame the palace maid. People who witnessed the incident nearby could not help but sigh at Miss Yuan's kindness and magnanimity.

When Yuan Niaoniao changed her clothes and came out, Wu Jingxin also pushed the door open and walked out. When enemies meet, they are particularly jealous. Yuan Niaoniao didn't want to cause trouble, so she bowed and saluted and walked forward.

Of course, Wu Jingxin would not easily let go of any opportunity to discipline Yuan Niaoniao. Without saying a word, she stepped forward and pushed Yuan Niaoniao.

Yuan Niaoniao staggered and barely stood firm. Before she could ask, Wu Jingxin raised her hand and stepped forward to hit Yuan Niaoniao: "Who do you think you are? How dare you say that this princess is not as good as you?" Just now when she was changing her clothes, she clearly heard someone talking outside the door: "Miss Yuan said that Princess Jingxin is not as good as her, and she dared to invite her to dance. She is asking for trouble." "I think so too. Miss Yuan's dance just now was indeed more outstanding." "That's right, Miss Yuan said that if it weren't for her status as a princess, she would not have bothered to dance with her. I think Miss Yuan does have the ability to do so."

When Wu Jingxin opened the door angrily, she found no one outside, but happened to see Yuan Niaoniao pushing the door open. She was immediately furious and walked forward and pushed Yuan Niaoniao hard.

Yuan Niaoniao grabbed Wu Jingxin's hand and glared at her angrily: "Since I have offended you, Princess, why do you embarrass me again and again!"

"Damn it, let me go." I didn't expect Yuan Niaoniao to be so strong that I couldn't break free no matter how hard I tried.

"This is the last time I will be tolerant. If the princess still pesters me, I will accompany her to the end!" Seeing more and more people coming, Yuan Niaoniao shook off Wu Jingxin's hand, turned around and left!

"You!" Wu Jingxin covered her painful wrist, unable to speak angrily, "What are you looking at? Believe it or not, I will beat you to death with a stick!"

All the palace servants who were watching the fun were immediately frightened and lowered their heads and scattered.

Wu Jingxin stared at Yuan Niao's departing back fiercely and was about to return to the main hall when he was suddenly hit on the back with a club. His eyes went dark and he had no idea what was going on.

"The princess is drowning, help! The princess is drowning." A maid screamed. Hearing the noise, many maids rushed over and worked together to rescue the unconscious Wu Jingxin. When Zhen Luoyi, who had heard the news, rushed to Wu Jingxin's bedroom, Wu Jingxin was still in a coma.

"What's going on!" Zhen Luoyi asked fiercely while looking at the palace servants kneeling on the ground.

"The princess had an argument with Miss Yuan. I don't know how Miss Yuan left first and the princess fell into the water and became unconscious." The palace maid who spoke described what happened concisely and accurately.

The other palace maids all echoed and testified against Yuan Niaoniao, because they did see the two of them arguing.

"Come here, Miss Yuan is suspected of murdering Princess Wu. Immediately take Miss Yuan to the Ministry of Punishment for interrogation. Wait until Princess Jingxin wakes up before dealing with her." Oh! What a good opportunity! Zhen Luoyi ordered people to take Yuan Niaoniao away without saying a word. She had long wanted to avenge the day when she refused to marry Yier on behalf of her damned sister!

Yuan Niaoniao was detained on suspicion of murder without knowing why. Chen Shaoyi stood up and said, "Let's see who dares!"

For a moment, the hall was silent, and everyone was watching this scene.

"Your Highness, Prince Chen, I am also following your orders," the chief of the Ministry of Punishment was sweating profusely. He didn't want to do this job at all. If he offended Prince Chen, it would be more painful than death!

"Shao Yi, if this hadn't happened, you wouldn't have to embarrass the chief of the Ministry of Punishment. I believe the Queen will give Miss Yuan a chance to prove her innocence!" Han Junwu said when he saw the atmosphere. "I promise that Miss Yuan will be safe before the princess wakes up. She only needs to go to the Ministry of Punishment to cooperate with the investigation."

This means that Yuan Niaoniao must be detained.

"Yes, if Miss Yuan has never done it, there is nothing to be afraid of. I think Lord Shenxingsi will not make things difficult for Miss Yuan." Everyone echoed.

"Shaoyi, I'm fine, please!" Yuan Niao Niao nodded to Chen Shaoyi, and said calmly and politely. "I believe that the lord and the queen will clear my name."

Chen Shaoyi saw this, clenched his fists tightly, and said nothing, just standing there, releasing enough pressure to make everyone gasp. They didn't let Niao Niao go for just a moment, these people are still too idle!

"Your Highness Prince Chen, Miss." Dong Xue was so anxious that she didn't know what to do, but Yuan Niao Niao nodded at her just now to let her know not to worry.

"Miss Yuan, please." The chief of the Ministry of Punishment finally let go of his worries. If Miss Yuan hadn't spoken up, he would have died here today. Today was New Year's Eve, and something like this would have cost him his life!

"It would be best if you could make sure Miss Yuan comes out intact the same way she went in. If even a hair of hers is hurt, I will not let it go!" Chen Shaoyi suppressed his anger and stared at Han Junwu, saying word by word.

Han Junwu on the stage clearly felt the pressure from Chen Shaoyi. Did this kid detoxify? How come he became so much stronger! Then he put on that kind smile again: "Of course! If not, I would be in a difficult position. I have to give an explanation to the King of Wu!"

"Hmph!" Chen Shaoyi turned and left the hall. He was so rude that Han Junwu didn't dare to say anything, because he clearly felt that Chen Shaoyi's aura was higher than his own, and maybe he had already broken through his realm!

After this incident, Han Junwu ordered everyone to continue singing and dancing. After all, today was the most important day of the year, how could they be disturbed by such a small matter!

A smile flashed across Jin Jingni's eyes............