The Crown Princess is busy fishing

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the carved window lattice, dappling the two people sleeping in each other's arms on the bed.

Lin Yuge slowly woke up, and when she opened her eyes, she met Xiao Yunqing's deep and doting gaze.

In an instant, the tender scenes of last night flooded her mind, and her cheeks flushed.

He hurriedly pulled the blanket over his face, muttering in a low voice:

"Don't look at me so early in the morning."

Xiao Yunqing chuckled softly, stretched out his long arm, and pulled her and the blanket into his embrace.

His chin rested lightly on the top of her head, his voice still hoarse from the early morning:

"What's wrong? Now that you're my wife, you're all shy? Where did your boldness go last night?"

Lin Yuge was both embarrassed and annoyed. She lightly punched him a few times under the covers and scolded him playfully:

"You still dare to talk! Don't mention last night."

As the two were arguing, Qianxia's gentle voice came from outside the door:

"Your Highness, Your Highness's Wife, the Princess Consort has sent someone to inquire whether you would like to have breakfast together?"

Lin Yuge quickly sat up, tidied her hair, and replied:

"Understood. Please let us know and we'll be there shortly."

As Qianxia's footsteps faded into the distance, she turned to look at Xiao Yunqing, her face showing nervousness:

"I must not be disrespectful in front of my father and mother. Please remind me of this when the time comes."

Xiao Yunqing pinched the tip of her nose and comforted her:

"Don't worry, I'm here."

He got up and helped her wash and dress. Looking at her radiant reflection in the mirror, he personally placed a warm jade hairpin in her hair and said softly:

"My wife is naturally beautiful; she looks good no matter what."

Lin Yuge blushed and slapped his hand away, but couldn't help smiling.

Upon arriving at the dining room, Xiao Yuan and Hua Ruoyan were already seated and waiting.

The two approached hand in hand.

Hua Ruoyan's eyes were full of smiles: "Did you sleep well last night?"

Lin Yuge curtsied and obediently replied:

"Thank you for your concern, Mother Consort. I slept very well."

After serving tea, Lin Yuge and Xiao Yunqing rushed into the palace to express their gratitude.

For the next two weeks, the couple enjoyed their blissful newlywed life while preparing for their trip.

Before they knew it, it was mid-August, and the palace held a farewell banquet for them.

As dusk settles, the palace is adorned with lanterns and decorations, a dazzling spectacle of gold and jade.

As the main figures about to embark on their mission to the Southeast, Xiao Yunqing and Lin Yuge attracted everyone's attention the moment they stepped into the banquet hall.

Lin Yuge wore an exquisite red brocade dress, the hem of which swayed gently with her steps, like a blooming red lotus.

Xiao Yunqing wore a dark black robe embroidered with gold, his posture was upright and his demeanor was imposing.

The two stood together, looking like a perfect couple, drawing admiring glances from everyone.

Soon, Emperor Qianyuan arrived with his empress and a group of concubines.

With the arrival of Emperor Qianyuan, the banquet officially began.

Everyone bowed and then took their seats again.

The envoy from the temple, whom they had met once before, stepped forward with a smile.

He respectfully bowed to Emperor Qian Yuan and said:

Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your gracious permission for the Prince of Zhenbei and Miss Lin to travel to the temple.

We, the entire kingdom, are deeply grateful for such righteous assistance. Today, our princess has specially prepared a dance to express our respect and gratitude.

After he finished speaking, music began to play softly, and several graceful women from the temple entered the dance floor.

They wore brightly colored dance costumes with unique galan-style patterns, and the light gauze curtains fluttered gently with their movements.

Her waist swayed gently, her eyes were full of affection, and her dance steps were full of vitality.

Every step seemed to carry a passion and exuberance completely different from Qian Yuan's.

The crisp, melodious sound of the bells underfoot intertwined with the music, creating a unique and captivating tune.

The exotic enthusiasm constantly assaulted everyone's senses, infecting the solemn banquet hall with its warmth.

Many people were deeply attracted by the dance, their eyes revealing amazement and fascination.

The leading princess kept glancing at Xiao Yunqing, making no attempt to hide her admiration.

This gave the originally pure dance of gratitude a subtle, different meaning.

The others around them began to whisper among themselves, their eyes shifting between Xiao Yunqing, Lin Yuge, and Princess Garan.

Xiao Yunqing seemed oblivious, merely shifting slightly to get closer to Lin Yuge.

He gently took Lin Yuge's hand and hid it in his sleeve, using this small gesture to give her peace of mind and protection.

Lin Yuge returned his smile with a gentle one, and the tacit understanding and deep affection between the two became even more apparent in this subtle atmosphere.

It was as if it had become a tranquil haven amidst the bustling banquet.

Even after the dance ended, everyone was still immersed in its lingering charm.

The Crown Princess suddenly launched an attack, her lips parting slightly, her voice carrying a barely perceptible sharpness:

"I've heard that the Crown Princess is exceptionally talented. At this grand event, I wonder if she could showcase her talents for us, so that we may broaden our horizons."

After saying that, she looked at Lin Yuge with a provocative gaze and a meaningful smile appeared on her lips.

Lin Yuge was slightly taken aback, and was about to get up to deal with it.

Xiao Yunqing, however, took the initiative. He calmly stepped forward, slightly cupped his hands, and said neither humbly nor arrogantly:

"Your Highness is too kind. My wife has been busy preparing for her mission recently and is feeling a little tired."

Furthermore, this banquet is intended to pray for the friendship between the two countries and for the success of the diplomatic mission; matters of art and literature can be discussed at another day.

The Crown Princess raised an eyebrow, about to retort.

The second prince, however, stood aside and chimed in with a smile:

"Cousin, this is where you went wrong."

The Crown Princess only wanted to add some elegance to the event; if the Crown Prince's wife could demonstrate her skills, it would surely enhance the banquet.

Why are you interfering like this? Do you think the Crown Princess's suggestion is inappropriate?

Or is it that the Crown Princess is all talk and no action, and dares not accept the challenge?

As he spoke, he fiddled with the jade pendant at his waist.

His gaze swept back and forth between Xiao Yunqing and Lin Yuge, with a clear intention to sow discord.

Xiao Yunqing's expression remained unchanged, but her eyes held a hint of coldness.

Just as he was about to respond, Lin Yuge gently tugged at his sleeve.

Then she rose gracefully, curtsied, and said:

"I cannot refuse the Crown Princess and the Second Prince's kind invitation. Although I am not very talented, I am willing to make a fool of myself and give it a try."

I hope you will forgive any inappropriate remarks.

After saying that, she walked gracefully towards the place in the hall where the zither and lute were placed.

Lin Yuge sat down, gently stroked the strings with her jade-like hands, tuned the instrument, and began to play.

At first, the music was like a babbling brook, soothing and tranquil, as if telling a leisurely story of spring.

The crowd couldn't help but look at them sideways, and their initial desire to see them make a fool of themselves diminished somewhat.

As the playing deepened, the music gradually became more passionate, like a rushing river flowing a thousand miles.

It resembled a battlefield with clashing swords and galloping horses, and the magnificent momentum moved everyone present.

When the music ended, the lingering notes faded away, and after a long while, enthusiastic applause finally erupted in the hall.

The envoy from the temple exclaimed first, "The Crown Princess's musical skills are truly exceptional; she is indeed a remarkable woman!"

Everyone also agreed.

The Crown Princess and the Second Prince originally intended to make things difficult for Lin Yuge, but they did not expect her to have such superb musical skills.

He could only sit there awkwardly, his face turning pale and then flushed.

Xiao Yunqing looked at Lin Yuge with eyes full of pride and love.

Walked quickly to her side, took her hand, and whispered:

"My wife is truly a woman of exceptional talent; I admire her even more today."

Back in her seat, Lin Yuge quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

She secretly sighed, thankful that the original owner had some foundation; a couple of days ago, upon hearing about the banquet, she specifically asked her mother for help with a crash course.

Just in case, I didn't expect it would actually come in handy.