The book has no strength, the female supporting role just wants to survive

After everyone was seated, the banquet officially began.

After some simple performances, it was time for Jiang Tunan's "We the Gadda People".

Why is the Ministry of Rites the Ministry of Rites? A piece of Chinese country music immediately becomes grand and elegant, and at first listen, there is really nothing wrong with it.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Xiao."

It was really troublesome, as it only took one or two days to prepare. Baili Quan actually felt sorry for Xiao Huaimin. He even thought about it these days: on one side was his cousin, and on the other side was his important minister. If these two quarreled, who should he help?

"This is my duty."

Xiao Huaimin stood up to answer, Baili Quan waved his hand.

"This is not the imperial court. There is no need for these false formalities. Just listen carefully when I praise you."

"The minister obeys the order."

Jiang Tunan sat next to Luo Yunqing, observing the emperor's appearance from time to time. She didn't dare to look at him openly and could only take a sneak peek.

"I didn't know there was such a wonderful piece of music in Nan Guang. Sir Xiao is really lucky. I don't know where he got the music from."

Princess Guangping's voice did not fluctuate much. When everyone in the Xiao family thought that Princess Guangping was going to hold on to this song, unexpectedly, Princess Guangping suddenly asked,

"I heard that a cousin has come to the Xiao residence? Is she here today?"

Everyone was stunned. The Xiao family members were all wondering how Princess Guangping noticed Jiang Tunan, while other people who didn't know the truth were wondering who this cousin of the Xiao family was and how could the princess notice her on the first day she came to Kyoto.

Only Jiang Tunan was eating wholeheartedly.

Xiao Huaimin's palms were sweating from nervousness, but he hurried to the center of the hall.

"Replying to Princess, Nan Nan is indeed here today."

Xiao Huaimin waved to the female guests.

"Nannan, come here, uncle...uncle, come here."

Jiang Tunan was almost lifted up by Luo Yun. After he wiped his mouth roughly, he stood out.

Jiang Tunan: Huh?

"Nannan salutes!"

Xiao Huaimin whispered to him,

Jiang Tunan: Damn! Public execution!

Seeing that everyone was looking at him, Jiang Tunan could only bite the bullet and perform a weird palace ritual.

There were faint suppressed laughter all around, but Jiang Tunan was not embarrassed at all. His main feature was that he was thick-skinned.

"Ying'er, what is your intention in calling this girl out?"

The Queen Mother was a little confused. This girl looked ordinary, but she didn't know why she had attracted He Ying's attention.

"Aunt, this child saved Guan Ming yesterday."

"Oh? Is this true? Guan Ming didn't come today, is it because he was injured yesterday?"

The Queen Mother was a little worried. He Ying was already deeply heartbroken due to the passing of Princess Tu Shuang. If something happened to Guan Ming again, she was afraid that she would not be able to bear the blow.

Princess Guangping did not pay attention to the Queen Mother's thoughts, but answered truthfully.

"Don't worry, auntie. Guan Ming just has some discomfort with the local climate. He will be fine after a few days of rest."

The Queen Mother was relieved now and turned to observe Jiang Tunan.

"Lift your head and let me have a good look."

Jiang Tunan had no choice but to do as she was told. When she raised her head, the people in the upper seats had different looks. The Queen Mother glanced at the Emperor meaningfully, the Empress frowned coldly, and the Emperor Baili Quan seemed stunned for a moment and spoke softly,

"What's your name?"

Jiang Tunan said respectfully,

"My daughter Jiang Tunan."

Ye Ruxuan whispered "so unfashionable" during the dinner, and Leng Qingyan looked a little unfriendly. She didn't expect that this country girl would show off in front of her today.

Baili Quan's eyes were filled with smiles, as if he was reminiscing.

"You have beautiful eyes."

When Concubine Li heard this, she became defensive. This little girl actually had eyes so similar to the late queen's. Could the emperor have some ulterior motive?

The queen just smiled contemptuously, but quickly returned to normal.

Jiang Tunan could clearly sense that something was not right in the atmosphere, but he had no choice but to reply.

"Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty."

"Well, you have done a great job in saving the prince, and you will be rewarded later. You can leave now."

The Queen Mother didn't want to ask any more questions, she just wanted Jiang Tunan to leave quickly. Princess Guangping originally planned to give some rewards to repay Qi Guanming's favor, but since the Queen Mother had already spoken, she didn't say much.

Jiang Tunan was a little stunned. Persimmon? What persimmon? When did she save the persimmon?

Seeing that Jiang Tunan did not move, Xiao Huaimin reminded him, so Jiang Tunan went back in a daze.

"Yueying, many girls of marriageable age have come to the banquet today. I think Guanming is also old enough to get engaged. It's a pity that Guanming didn't come today. As his mother, you should look for him first."

The Queen Mother gave a wink to the nanny beside her, who understood and brought a box of South Sea pearls. Seeing that the Queen Mother had made arrangements, Princess Guangping agreed to it.

"It has been a long time since there has been such a lively banquet in this palace. Today, I will use this box of South China Sea pearls as a prize to see how capable the young ladies of each family are."

As soon as these words came out, some people at the table were eager to try, and some were upset that they had not prepared any talents. Almost all the most distinguished people in Daxing Dynasty were here. If they could show their faces in front of the emperor and the empress dowager and leave an impression, they would not have to worry about not finding a good family.

What's more, the three princes of the current dynasty are all here. If a prince takes a fancy to her, she will become the prince's consort. Even if she is just a concubine, it will be glorious.

"I think this prize will go to either Leng Qingyan or Ji Lingyue."

"We have never been able to beat them. It's boring."

"..."

Jiang Tunan listened to the gossip attentively. Soon, the first person volunteered to show his talent, followed by the second, the third...

Leng Qingyan sat among the other young ladies, looking calm and unperturbed. Ye Ruxuan beside her asked in a low voice,

"Sister Qingyan, can't you come up now?"

Leng Qingyan calmly straightened her dress and replied,

"No hurry, Ji Lingyue hasn't come up yet, I want to be behind her."

Ye Ruxuan didn't dare to say anything anymore. She was able to come to this banquet today only because Leng Qingyan brought her in. Otherwise, she would not be able to come based on her father's rank, not to mention that she was a concubine's daughter.

Then a woman in a water blue rippled skirt walked forward, bowed to the person at the top, and began to paint with concentration.

The woman's paint flowed like flowing water, and the brush seemed to come alive in her hands. She looked focused and serious, and she completed the painting in less than a quarter of an hour.

"Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, Empress, Imperial Concubine, Princess, the ancients said that it is better to eat without meat than to live without bamboo. The world always praises noble people with the elegant name of bamboo. Princess is such a noble person in my heart, so I specially present this ink bamboo painting to you."

Jiang Tunan couldn't see the woman's painting from his position, but judging from the reactions of the emperor and others, it should be good. And from what people around him said, this person was Ji Lingyue, a talented woman who was known as the "Two Beauties of Kyoto" together with Leng Qingyan.

Speaking of which, this man's father is Madam Xiao's biological brother, the current Minister of Justice. She is the legitimate cousin of the Xiao family.

"Okay, okay! I've long heard of Miss Ji's talent and learning, and today I see that she is indeed worthy of her reputation."

The Queen Mother nodded repeatedly.

"Ms. Ji, can you reach the age of marriage this year?"

"It's only a month until I reach the age of 15."

Princess Guangping was satisfied when she saw Ji Lingyue's pretty appearance.

At this moment, someone spoke.

"Your servant Leng Qingyan presents the song "Riding the Wind" to the princess."