The princess regretted it.

Jin An's face was now devoid of the previous anger, as if what had just happened had never happened. Jin An nodded in agreement, "Very good! I'll follow Mother Zhang's instructions. However, since Mother has already offered a prize, I'll also add one to liven things up!" With that, she removed a gilded cloud-patterned jade bracelet from her wrist and handed it to Lan Zhu, who placed it on the prize tray.

The young ladies looked at each other, eager to try, yet a little nervous. After a moment, Pang Sisi, the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Personnel, Pang Zhong, stepped forward. She bowed slightly and said softly, "Hello, Your Highness, Your Highness! I would like to play a piece for you and your Highness." Concubine Zhang nodded her approval.

Pang Sisi sauntered over to the guqin, which had been prepared for her, and sat down gracefully. She lowered her head slightly, her gaze fixed on the ancient instrument, a gentle and focused expression in her eyes. She gently adjusted her posture, making herself more comfortable facing the instrument.

She stretched out her slender jade fingers and gently placed them on the strings. Her fingers were like white petals, delicate and soft. She closed her eyes slightly and took a deep breath, as if feeling the soul of the zither.

A moment later, her fingers gently moved, and the first note flowed out like clear spring water. The note, crisp and melodious, instantly shattered the silence in the hall. Her fingers danced across the strings like nimble butterflies. Under her touch, the strings emanated a melodious sound, a plaintive cry.

Her playing is sometimes gentle, like a gentle breeze, bringing a sense of incomparable comfort and tranquility; sometimes passionate, like surging waves, stirring the heart. Every note is filled with emotion and power, enchanting the senses. Pang Sisi herself seems completely immersed in the world of music, becoming one with the instrument.

As the piano music progressed, the atmosphere in the hall grew more subtle. Everyone was captivated by Pang Sisi's piano, immersed in the beautiful music. They seemed to see a beautiful story unfold before their eyes, and felt the endless charm of music.

As the last note ended, Pang Sisi's fingers gently pressed, and the sound of the piano gradually ceased. Silence fell in the hall, and after a moment, everyone came back to their senses. Everyone was impressed by Pang Sisi's wonderful performance. Jin An had to admit that Pang Sisi's piano skills were indeed good. It seemed that Concubine Zhang had put a lot of effort into it. The guests she invited were no ordinary people.

Concubine Zhang nodded slightly, with admiration in her eyes, and said with her red lips: "The music played by Miss Pang is truly beautiful, flowing into people's hearts like the gurgling of water. Her fingering is skillful, the rhythm is controlled just right, and the music progresses layer by layer, which is really rare. I have been in this palace for a long time, and seldom hear such moving music. It is really great." She thought to herself: It seems that everything is okay, but her father's position is a bit low. If she could be my son's concubine, it would be okay.

Pang Sisi was thrilled and quickly stood up, bowing and thanking him. When she returned to her seat, her eyes still brimming with smugness. A low chuckle rang out from the side: "Tsk! It's clear they see Zhao Wan'er's downfall and think they have a chance!" Pang Sisi turned around and saw that it was Lin Qian, the daughter of the Minister of Revenue. She was furious, but because of her father's position as Minister, she could only grit her teeth, turn away angrily, and ignore him.

At this time, Lin Qian stood up from her seat, bowed slightly towards the main seat, and said with a faint smile: "Your Highness, I am willing to perform a dance for you."

Concubine Zhang looked at Lin Qian, her graceful demeanor and beautiful appearance, and a hint of anticipation flashed in her eyes. She raised her hand slightly, signaling Lin Qian to begin. But she pondered secretly in her heart. Look at this Lin Qian, her temperament is quite good, and her appearance is also a beauty. Her father is the Minister of Revenue, so she has good conditions.

Lin Qian had already turned lightly and walked to the center of the venue with light lotus steps. Her posture was upright and elegant, like a graceful lotus.

As the music slowly began, she tilted her head back slightly, her eyes moving, and her body began to sway gently, like a willow branch in the breeze, soft and graceful. Her arms stretched out flexibly, like dancing ribbons, light and agile.

Lin Qian's footsteps glided lightly across the ground, each step perfectly timed to the beat of the music. She twirled, her skirt unfurling like a blooming flower, a dazzling display of color; she leaped, her figure as lithe as a swallow, seemingly soaring through the air. Her dance was imbued with a sense of rhythm and rhythm that captivated the viewer. The expression on her face shifted with the rhythm. Sometimes her eyes were shy, a faint smile on her face, as charming and tender as a spring forsythia; sometimes she was melancholic, as poignant and beautiful as falling autumn leaves; sometimes she was passionate, as ardent as a summer storm. Through her body language, she vividly expressed the emotions woven into the rhythm.

Each of her movements is full of power and beauty, like a carefully crafted work of art. Her rotations, leaps, and swings are as natural and smooth as flowing water, making people feel relaxed and happy.

Princess Jin'an watched Lin Yue's dance quietly, her eyes gradually brightening and focused from their initial calm. She glanced at Concubine Zhang, who was watching the dance intently, and raised her eyebrows slightly, a hint of a unique smile appearing at the corner of her mouth. It seemed that Concubine Zhang was very satisfied! Hehehe...

As the music reached its climax, Lin Qian's dance became more intense. Her body burned with passion, like a flame, and her eyes revealed a fearless courage. Her dance seemed to tell a story of bravely pursuing dreams, moving viewers to its core.

Finally, the music faded, and Lin Qian's dance ended. She panted slightly, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes revealed a hint of joy and satisfaction. She had practiced this dance for a long time and was still very confident.

Jin An led the applause and praised: "Miss Lin's dance is truly magnificent. It is in no way inferior to the dance performed by Concubine Zhang back then. Don't you agree, Concubine Zhang?"

Jin'an's sincere expression left Concubine Zhang feeling a lump in her throat, and she felt furious. She sensed a hidden meaning in Jin'an's words. Back then, her dance had wowed everyone, and now Jin'an was comparing Miss Lin's dance to it. Didn't this imply that time had passed, new talents were emerging, and she was getting old?

Concubine Zhang narrowed her eyes slightly, a subtle flicker of displeasure in them. She felt something was different about Jin'an today. But she couldn't pinpoint what was wrong. Now, being held up in front of so many people, she couldn't lose her composure. Furthermore, Jin'an's sincerity seemed genuine, as if it were truly unintentional. If she showed her displeasure, she would appear petty and narrow-minded.

Concubine Zhang tried hard to suppress the waves in her heart, forced a faint smile on the corner of her mouth, and said in a calm tone: "Jin'an is naughty again. I am old. It was just a coincidence back then. How can it be compared with Miss Lin's dance." But her slightly clenched fingers revealed her inner unrest.

Jin An smiled faintly, seemingly unaware of Concubine Zhang's annoyance, and continued, "Mother Zhang, I'm being too modest. I know your dance from back then is still so vivid in my father's memory. But Miss Lin's dance today was truly stunning, each in its own way." Concubine Zhang felt increasingly unhappy, but she could only force a smile. In her heart, she felt a certain displeasure towards Lin Qian.