Reborn Young Lady's Peerless Grace

The Queen turned to look at Shen Wanqing and sighed softly, "You are a well-behaved child, but a little too soft." There seemed to be a deep meaning in the Queen's words, hinting at entering the palace. Shen Wanqing was so smart that she understood, but her heart couldn't help but tighten.

The Queen's eyes turned and she asked Shen Wanxiu to step forward again. She showed a kind smile on her face and said, "You two have won the first prize of this Hundred Flowers Banquet, just like sisters. Shen Wanxiu, you are a polite and generous child, quite like me in my youth." When everyone heard this, they were shocked and had vaguely guessed the Queen's intention.

The queen continued, "I see that Fourth Miss Shen is well-behaved and you are generous. If the two of you were together, I'm sure you would get along very harmoniously." Everyone understood what the queen meant and cast envious glances at her.

She was blessed by God to live again, not to step into the fire pit again.

However, Shen Wanqing knew the prince's character, so she felt cold all over and had no intention of responding to other people's flattery.

Just as he was thinking about how to politely refuse, he heard the palace servants shouting, "The Crown Prince has arrived!"

As expected, today's palace banquet was prepared in advance.

Everyone hurriedly stood up and saluted, and only sat down again after the prince took his seat.

The Queen smiled and asked the Prince why he had come. The Prince replied respectfully, "I have come to pay my respects to the Queen Mother."

The Queen nodded slightly and mentioned the winner of the Hundred Flowers Banquet, saying, "This Hundred Flowers Banquet was full of wonderful arts such as music, chess, calligraphy and painting. Have you seen or heard about it?" The Prince smiled slightly and replied, "Your son happened to catch up with the chess competition and also selected the champion of chess." The Queen pointed to the seat of the Shen family. The Prince looked in the direction and his eyes instantly fell on Shen Wanqing. His eyes were full of predatory intent, as if Shen Wanqing was already in his pocket.

"The hairpin on Miss Shen's head is very unique," the prince praised. The queen chuckled and said, "This hairpin is very suitable for Miss Qing's head."

The prince actually walked straight to Shen Wanqing's seat. "Miss Su, I heard you're an exceptional chess player. Would you mind playing a game with me?" Shen Wanqing was flustered and quickly declined, claiming that she had only been trying to curry favor that day and that it wasn't presentable. She subconsciously stepped back, trying to distance herself from the prince.

Every time the prince took a step forward, she would take a step back. The prince thought she was timid and said with a smile, "Don't be afraid, Miss Shen. This prince will not eat you." Shen Wanqing suppressed the fear in her heart and said, "Your Highness is so majestic. I really dare not." Shen Wanqing was secretly glad that there were so many people at the banquet, and the prince had to maintain his composure after all. He only said a few words and did not force her any more.

Afterward, the prince turned and walked to the main room's table. With a gentle smile on his face, he praised Shen Wanxiu, "Second Miss Shen is both talented and beautiful. I'm sure she'll shine at the Hundred Flowers Banquet." Shen Wanxiu bowed and thanked him with dignity. The prince exchanged a few more words with Shen Wanxiu before returning to his seat.

The banquet continued with singing and dancing, but Shen Wanqing felt uneasy. She knew that the prince's attention to her was not a good thing, and she was filled with worry.

Shen Wanru, who was standing by, was jealous when she saw that the prince favored Shen Wanqing, and glared at Shen Wanqing fiercely.

Su observed Shen Wanqing's words and expressions from the sidelines, secretly calculating. She naturally hoped her daughter would catch the prince's eye and bring prosperity to the Marquisate. She gently took Shen Wanqing's hand and whispered, "Qing'er, this is a rare opportunity. You must seize it." Shen Wanqing felt bitter, but she didn't dare disobey her mother and could only nod silently.

After the banquet, Shen Wanqing returned to her house and stayed awake all night. She knew that if she got involved in the palace struggle, her fate would be in jeopardy.

On the other hand, after returning to the palace, the prince could not forget Shen Wanqing and ordered his men to secretly inquire about her preferences.

A few days later, the prince sent someone to Xiangfu again to invite Shen Wanqing to the palace. Shen Wanqing had no choice but to go.

She knew the prince too well, so before entering the palace, she made the worst-case scenario plan. If the prince forced himself on her, she would directly take revenge for her past life.

The prince was very attentive to Shen Wanqing, but Shen Wanqing always kept her distance and did not dare to overstep the line in the slightest.

"Miss Shen, why are you always so cold to me?" The prince frowned at Shen Wanqing's resistance. So many women had thrown themselves at him, yet it was she who was avoiding him.

Shen Wanqing quickly knelt down, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince has misunderstood. I am simply in awe of your majesty."

The prince laughed heartily: "Get up, this prince likes your timid look."

Shen Wanqing stood up, lowered her head and did not dare to look at the prince.

Just then, a concubine passed by and saw the prince and Shen Wanqing together, and a hint of jealousy flashed in her eyes.

"Your Highness, you seem to be in a really good mood," the concubine said sarcastically.

The prince's face darkened: "Don't be rude."

The concubine snorted coldly and turned away. Shen Wanqing felt that the people in the palace were more and more complicated and wanted to leave this troubled place as soon as possible.

The intentions of the Crown Prince and the Queen are already very clear. Now they only need an opportunity to ask the Emperor for permission to grant the marriage.

Shen Wanqing felt a chill in her heart, and after returning to Hou Mansion, she fell ill.

Su was extremely worried and asked a doctor to treat her. The doctor said that she was just worried too much and needed to take good care of herself.

"What should I do? What if the prince finds out and blames me?" Su paced beside the bed.

Shen Wanqing said weakly: "Mother, I really don't want to enter the palace."

"Silly child, this is a blessing that many people would wish for but cannot obtain." Su thought Shen Wanqing was really stupid. Entering the palace was something that many women dreamed of, but she didn't even want it.

Just then, Shen Wanxiu came to visit.

"Fourth sister, you have to get better." Shen Wanxiu sat beside the bed and helped Shen Wanqing smooth the corner of the quilt.

Seeing that Shen Wanxiu's face was not very good, he felt the same way. It seemed that she didn't want to marry into the Eastern Palace either.

She remembered clearly that in her previous life, Shen Wanxiu married the second prince Yuwen Yi, and the couple had a very good relationship.

If she pushed Shen Wanxiu into the fire pit because of her interference in this life, she would never have peace of mind for the rest of her life.

"Second sister, you still understand me."

"Don't worry, there will always be a way."

Shen Wanxiu comforted her, but she was also very distressed.

"Second sister, don't worry too much. There will always be a way out when you reach the mountain. Everything has its destiny."

Seeing that she was in a better mood, Shen Wanqing also relaxed: "You are not feeling well today, so I can't say much. When you recover, we can meet for tea and talk in detail."

Shen Wanqing looked at her for a moment and smiled gently, "Okay."

The two talked for a while, and then Shen Wanxiu went back. Before leaving, she told Shen Wanqing to have a good rest and not to think too much. Taking care of her health was the most important thing, and other problems could be solved.