Reborn Young Lady's Peerless Grace

Shen Wanqing sat in front of the bronze mirror, carefully putting on her makeup. Her eyebrows were as dark as distant ink, her eyes were full of autumnal waves, her lips were like cherries, and her black hair was combed into an exquisite bun. The simple yet elegant hair accessories made her look even more beautiful and refined.

Su and Shen Wanru were also getting ready in their respective rooms. After a while, the three of them met at the gate of the mansion.

As soon as Shen Wanru saw Shen Wanqing, she couldn't help but laugh: "Oh, sister, are you going to the palace to express your gratitude? Why are you dressed so simply? Are you afraid of stealing my limelight?"

Shen Wanqing smiled slightly, "Sister, you're joking. I know you're naturally beautiful, and no one can match your outfit. But the three-leaf hairpin on your head is really beautiful, it makes you look even more radiant and charming."

Shen Wanru felt relieved after hearing this, and a smug smile appeared on her face. She didn't notice the strange look that flashed across Su's face.

A magnificent carriage stopped in front of the palace gate, and the three of them boarded it one by one. The carriage sped along the streets of the capital and soon arrived at the gate of the palace.

The carriage slowly stopped and was inspected by the guards. After the inspection, everyone got off the carriage. At this moment, the cavalry battalion was changing guard. Du Zhijie rode a tall horse and patrolled with heroic spirit.

As soon as Shen Wanqing got off the carriage, her eyes followed Du Zhijie involuntarily. Du Zhijie keenly noticed this fiery gaze and turned back, his eyes as cold as ice. However, when he saw that it was Shen Wanqing, the coldness instantly turned into a gentle smile.

When Shen Wanqing saw Du Zhijie smiling at her, her heart began to pound, and a blush spread across her cheeks. She hurriedly looked away, trying to calm herself down.

At this moment, a young eunuch hurriedly came forward, bowed and said, "Madam Shen, Miss Shen, the Empress has specially arranged a sedan chair, which is over here. Please follow us."

Everyone followed the eunuch to the sedan chairs, where they saw four parked. The eunuch said, "The Empress has arranged two for the Shen family, and the other two are for Madam Zhang and Miss Shen Er."

"Then let's wait for our third sister to come together." Shen Wanqing suggested when she saw that Shen Wanxiu had not arrived yet.

Su nodded in agreement.

Shen Wanru was only thinking about getting into the sedan chair as soon as possible to show her nobility, so she couldn't wait to walk towards a sedan chair.

"Hey, Miss, you can't do that." The young eunuch quickly stopped her.

Shen Wanru frowned and scolded: "How dare you, you servant, to stop me!"

The young eunuch said calmly, "The Empress has only arranged sedan chairs for Madam Shen and Fourth Miss Shen. Miss, please don't embarrass us."

Shen Wanru was angry and anxious, and tried to explain: "I am the eldest daughter of the Hou Mansion, why can't I ride in this sedan chair?"

The young eunuch remained unmoved and said, "This is the Empress's order. We are only following orders. If you continue to pester me, it would be disrespectful to the Empress."

Shen Wanru was so humiliated by these words that her face turned red, but she could do nothing about it.

Su Shi saw this clearly from the side and knew that the Queen disliked Shen Wanru. Knowing she couldn't offend the Queen, she said, "Forget it. Find a palace maid to lead the way, and let the young lady walk to the Central Palace."

Shen Wanru was filled with resentment, but she had no choice but to obey the arrangements.

The road to the palace was long and winding. Shen Wanru, wearing gorgeous but uncomfortable shoes, walked with difficulty step by step. Not long after walking, she felt a pain in her feet as if they were pricked by needles, as if blisters were about to form on the soles of her feet.

As the sun rose higher and higher, the temperature also rose. Shen Wanru was breathless and sweating profusely. The rouge she had carefully applied was also smudged by the sweat, and her originally delicate makeup became a mess.

Shen Wanqing and Su sat in the sedan chair, moving towards the central palace in a relaxed and comfortable manner.

Finally, after many hardships, Shen Wanru arrived at the gate of the Central Palace. At this time, her clothes were disheveled, her hair was messy, and her makeup was smudged, forming a sharp contrast with the neat and tidy Shen Wanqing.

Seeing Shen Wanqing's contented look, Shen Wanru felt even more resentful.

Su and Shen Wanqing waited at the gate of the central palace for a while, and only breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Shen Wanru arriving.

Seeing Shen Wanqing still as neat and tidy as when she left the house, Shen Wanru was furious: "Fourth sister, you are so relaxed?"

"With the Queen's grace, it's naturally lighter. Big sister, stop talking and wipe your sweat first, otherwise your makeup will be ruined."

Shen Wanqing considerately handed over a handkerchief.

"No need, I have my own." Shen Wanru gritted her teeth, took out her handkerchief and wiped her face carefully. She thought that her carefully applied makeup must have been ruined, and her mood did not get any better when she thought about it.

At this moment, Shen Wanru really didn't look beautiful at all.

A moment later, Zhang and Shen Wanxiu also came. After exchanging a few words, they went in together.

"Miss, this doesn't look good. You'd better go wash your face first. It would be disrespectful to meet the Empress like this." Although Zhang was not on good terms with Su and her impression of Shen Wanru was not much better, she still kindly reminded her.

Before she even met the Empress, Zhang had already caught Su with something she could use against her. Su immediately felt uncomfortable and regretted bringing her eldest daughter along.

But it’s too late to think about these things now. Since I’m already here, it doesn’t make sense to go back now.

Su called a palace maid and asked her to take Shen Wanru to wash and dress up before going to see the Queen.

Therefore, some time was wasted, and then I saw several ladies who went to the Hundred Flowers Banquet that day came with their daughters and greeted each other.

Seeing so many girls coming, Shen Wanqing felt much more at ease.

After entering the central palace, Shen Wanqing and Su respectfully saluted the queen.

The Queen sat upright on the Phoenix Chair, her eyes swept over everyone, finally stopping at Shen Wanqing. She nodded slightly and said, "Get up."

Shen Wanqing and Su thanked the Queen and stood aside.

The Queen looked at Shen Wanqing and said, "Fourth Miss Shen, I heard that you were very talented at the Hundred Flowers Banquet. Seeing you today, I can see that you are indeed extraordinary."

Shen Wanqing bowed again and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, thank you for your praise. I only have a few talents, and I don't deserve such praise from you."

The Queen smiled and said, "Don't be so modest. Please play a piece for me and let me hear whether your zither skills are as exquisite as the rumors say."

Shen Wanqing responded, "Yes, Madam."

The palace maids quickly brought a guqin. Shen Wanqing walked to the guqin, sat down, adjusted her breathing, and gently placed her hands on the strings.

She played a piece of music called "Qing Ping Le". The sound of the piano was melodious, like running water in the mountains, or gentle breeze on the face, which made everyone present intoxicated.

When the song ended, the Queen nodded with satisfaction and said, "Not bad, not bad. This piano playing is indeed superb."

Shen Wanqing bowed her head and said, "Thank you, Her Majesty, for the compliment."

The Queen looked at Su again and said, "You have taught my daughter well. I will reward you handsomely."

Su quickly knelt down to express her gratitude: "Thank you, Queen, for your grace."