My lord, hold me tight! (Quick Transmigration)

As they entered, they saw the garden bursting with flowers, and beautiful women, more lovely than the blossoms themselves, sitting or standing.

Their arrival caused everyone to stop their playful banter and focus their attention on them.

"The Prime Minister's wife and the General's wife have arrived!" A woman dressed simply walked over.

"The Vice Minister's wife..."

The two women encountered a lady they usually associated with and started chatting with her, forgetting about Su Yan and the other two, and headed towards the circle of young ladies.

All three were rare beauties, each with their own unique charm, naturally attracting the attention of the young ladies.

A young woman, surrounded by a crowd, walked arrogantly toward them, slightly raising her eyes and glancing sideways, saying, "I suppose this must be the Prime Minister's daughter who was the talk of the town a few days ago, punishing the illegitimate daughter and refusing marriage!"

The girl was dressed in bright colors; her pink dress made her face look rosy and radiant. Her eyes were slightly upturned, revealing an indescribable charm. If one ignored the malicious and arrogant smile on her face, she was a rare beauty.

She immediately attacked Song Xinran, who was the most difficult to mess with, so her status must be quite high and she must have a powerful backer.

Song Xinran ignored her and just gave her a cold look.

When the girl saw that her provocation was not working, a hint of annoyance flashed across her face. She glanced left and right and saw Song Nuan standing with her head down.

"Oh~ How come a lowly concubine's daughter like you is here too!" Her words were full of disgust, her expression was extremely disdainful, and she covered her mouth with her hand as if she had seen something dirty.

Among the young ladies present were many concubine daughters who had come with the mistress due to her kindness. Upon hearing her words, their faces turned pale. They were dissatisfied, but dared not make any rash moves because of her status.

Song Nuan remained silent with her head down, while An Ruoqing took a big step forward, pointed at the girl's nose, and glared at her: "How dare you speak like that? Aren't illegitimate daughters human? Aren't you human?"

"You..." The girl didn't expect anyone to dare to speak to her like that. She was frightened by An Ruoqing's loud voice, and her voice trembled with anger. She raised her hand to slap her.

"The Queen Mother is here!"

"Her Majesty the Empress, Her Highness the Imperial Noble Consort, and Her Highness Consort Li have arrived!" the eunuch's shrill voice rang out.

The crowd realized what was happening and knelt down to greet the newcomer.

"See..."

"Yes, everyone, please rise!" The Empress Dowager, who had walked to the front, sat down in the main seat, exuding nobility and grandeur, and gently waved her hand to signal everyone to rise.

"Yes!"

"Empress Dowager Aunt!" A girl in a pink dress ran to the Empress Dowager's side; she was none other than the girl who had just provoked the three of them.

"Ke'er, don't be rude!" the Empress Dowager said gently. Although it was a reprimand, she still opened her arms to welcome the girl into her embrace.

"How old is she now? Still so reckless. What will she do when she gets married?" He raised his head and gently tapped her nose, teasingly.

Ke'er blushed and said coquettishly, "Empress Dowager Aunt..."

"Look at this child, he's even shy!" the Empress Dowager said to the Empress with a chuckle.

The Empress smiled, her eyes full of amusement as she looked at Wen Ke'er.

Watching the interaction between the three, Song Nuan suddenly remembered that the Wen family was now all-powerful. The late emperor had bestowed official titles and ranks upon them, and now they had developed into a threat to the royal family. Not only had the Wen family produced an empress dowager, but also an empress, who now monopolized the harem.

Wen Ke'er's arrival must be for either the Emperor or the Ninth Prince, Mu Qianyan!

It should be noted that the Ninth Prince was born to the Empress Dowager. If the current emperor were not a young crown prince and the Ninth Prince were still young when he inherited the throne, the throne might have already changed hands!

"Auntie, Miss Song Xinran from the Song family has come today!" Wen Ke'er said with a coquettish smile. "She's the Miss Song who punished the illegitimate daughter a few days ago."

"Oh? Where is the Prime Minister's daughter?" the Empress Dowager asked suspiciously.

"This humble woman pays her respects to the Empress Dowager!" Song Xinran stepped forward and knelt down to greet her.

"Raise your head and let me see you!" the Empress Dowager's solemn voice rang out.

The Empress Dowager observed that her brows were aloof and her eyes were deep, making it impossible to discern her thoughts. Coupled with the recent uproar in the capital about the Prime Minister's daughter refusing to marry, it seemed that this woman had a strong personality, was quite shrewd, and was a cunning person.

Furthermore, the current prime minister is the emperor's man and is always at odds with the Wen family, but because of the emperor, he cannot touch him. Therefore, neither the emperor nor the Ninth Prince would be a good candidate to marry this woman!

"Hmm, the Prime Minister's daughter is indeed a rare beauty, with outstanding temperament and graceful bearing. Reward her!" The Empress Dowager shifted the focus of the matter in a few words.

"Thank you for the reward, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager!"

Seeing that the Empress Dowager not only did not give her a hard time but also rewarded her, Wen Ke'er gritted her teeth and stomped her foot, ready to step forward and add fuel to the fire. However, she was stopped by the Empress, whose eyes were full of disapproval, so she had no choice but to give up.

The crowd, who had been laughing and joking freely, became somewhat reserved because of the arrival of the empress from the palace.

Time flies, and soon the sky gradually darkened, signaling the approach of the palace banquet.

Song Nuan and Song Xinran followed the Prime Minister and his wife to sit in the front row of the officials' seats. An Ruoqing also sat down not far away with the General and his wife. Next to her sat a man who looked like he had been training in the military camp for a long time. His resolute and angular face showed a unique charm. He must be General An's son!

The man seemed to notice Song Nuan's gaze and looked over, but he was instead drawn to Song Xinran, who was standing beside Song Nuan with her eyes fixed straight ahead.

The man was momentarily stunned, making no attempt to hide the passion in his eyes. However, when the aloof beauty noticed his gaze and looked over, he was taken aback, hurriedly turning his head away, not daring to look at her again. His exposed, bright red ears betrayed the turmoil in his heart.

Song Xinran looked at the man who was embarrassed after being caught spying on her, and a rare hint of amusement flashed in her eyes. She never expected that such a dignified and tough man could have such a side!

"The Emperor has arrived! The Empress Dowager has arrived!" The announcements echoed throughout the hall.

All the officials and their families knelt down in unison: "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress Dowager!"

"Rise!" The Emperor nodded as he sat on the high seat and said loudly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Song Nuan then looked up and secretly glanced at the emperor. He was barely in his thirties, yet he possessed an imposing presence and natural majesty. He sat upright on his high throne, exuding an awe-inspiring aura.

"The Ninth Prince has arrived!" the announcement rang out again.

Mu Qianyan, dressed in a dark blue robe, slowly strolled into the banquet hall, his smile as gentle as a spring breeze never fading.

"Greetings, Your Majesty! Greetings, Empress Dowager!" Mu Qianyan stood still and bowed.

"Ninth Brother, I never imagined that you would become even more elegant and refined in just a few days!" the Emperor laughed heartily.

"Your Majesty flatters me!" Mu Qianyan cupped his hands, his voice clear and gentle.

"Alright! Please take your seats!"

"Yes!"

"Let the palace banquet begin!" the Emperor said in a deep voice, waving his hand.

The musicians were ready backstage, and the dancers gracefully took to the stage, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere with singing and dancing!

Song Nuan looked at An Ruoqing, whose eyes hadn't left Mu Qianyan since he appeared, and was speechless. Girl, could you please wipe the drool from the corner of your mouth first?

Song Nuan thought that Mu Qianyan was good-looking and did fit her aesthetic, but it was too much to make someone so infatuated. She couldn't help but glance at him, and he caught her in that one glance.

Song Nuan's eyes darted around in confusion for a moment. She reflexively lowered her head and buried it tightly, not daring to look up again, still feeling lingering fear.

Mu Qianyan was taken aback, his smile froze. Was he really that scary? He turned his gaze and saw An Ruoqing staring at him intently. His smile deepened, and he raised his cup and drank it all in one gulp. His movements were fluid and unrestrained, and he looked at the infatuated look in the woman's eyes with satisfaction before looking away.

Song Nuan didn't know if she had inherited the original owner's timid and shy personality or what, but when she met Mu Qianyan's gaze, she lowered her head in fear, and now she had lost face terribly!

The singing and dancing continued, but the long performance had dampened everyone's enthusiasm, and some started drinking or chatting.

The Empress suddenly suggested to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, I think the officials are getting a little tired of watching the song and dance performances. Why don't we try something else?"

"Oh? What?" the Emperor asked softly.

The Empress gave Wen Ke'er a look.

"Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, Ke'er has something to say!" Wen Ke'er walked gracefully out from the banquet, attracting the attention of many young men from noble families.

"What are you planning to do now, you silly girl?" the Empress Dowager asked with a smile.

"Your Majesty, the game that Ke'er often plays with some of the daughters of officials is called 'Passing the Flower While Drumming.' Everyone keeps passing the flower around, and when the drum stops, whichever young lady has the flower must recite a poem or demonstrate another talent," Wen Ke'er said slowly.

"Your Majesty, I think this idea is feasible. Why don't we let the young ladies of the capital show off their skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, which they have practiced diligently every day?" the Empress Dowager exclaimed.

"Since the Empress Dowager has said so, I'd like to see it too. Why don't we let the concubines participate as well! Bring the drums!" the Emperor said.

The eunuchs quickly set up the drum and left one person to play it.

"Dong! Dong! Dong!" As the drumbeats began, Wen Ke'er was the first to pass the red silk flower in her hand downwards.

The young ladies eagerly passed the flowers down the aisle, afraid that the drumming might suddenly stop.

Just as the red silk flower was about to reach Song Xinran's hands, Wen Ke'er gave her maid a wink. The maid then cried out "Ah!" and bumped into the little eunuch who was beating the drum. The drumming stopped abruptly, and the flower was now in Song Xinran's hands!

A hint of triumph flashed in Wen Ke'er's eyes: "Miss Prime Minister, you must honor your bet and perform a talent for us all! I've heard that Miss Prime Minister's zither playing is exceptional, why not give us a performance!"

"Oh? Is that so? I'd like to see it for myself. Mu Jin, go and fetch my zither!" Everyone knows that the Empress's zither playing is absolutely superb, its lingering sound lasting for days. I hope the Prime Minister's daughter won't be embarrassed.

Anxiety flashed in the Prime Minister's wife's eyes. She knew that her daughter had never practiced the zither because of a finger ailment she had suffered since childhood. Now, Wen Ke'er was clearly targeting her daughter. How could she not be anxious if she angered the Emperor?

After hearing this, Song Xinran glanced at Wen Ke'er indifferently, then got up and walked to the zither table. In her previous life, she had done many foolish things for the Prince of Zhennan, and practicing the zither was one of them. Her fingers were naturally weak, and she had practiced hard for many years in order to play the zither, but what she got in return was his betrayal. Unexpectedly, this has now helped her get through the difficulties!

As the music began, Song Xinran gently plucked the strings with her fingertips. Even before the melody was complete, a sorrowful emotion washed over the listener, causing them to frown involuntarily.

The melodious strains of the zither, clear and resonant, echoed throughout the hall, captivating all who were present...

General An's son, An Zhengyi, looked at the beautiful woman playing the zither. She was either aloof or full of sorrow and grief, and her appearance made his heart ache.

When the music ended, everyone was still immersed in the music, except for Wen Ke'er, who almost ground her teeth to powder and shot her sinister gaze at Song Xinran, who was the center of attention.

"Clap clap clap! Truly superb! Good, very good! A reward is due!" The Emperor exclaimed, praising the work highly.

Everyone then realized what was happening and applauded sincerely.

The drums sounded again, and the flower was passed to Wen Ke'er. She gracefully stepped onto the stage and began to dance to the music of the backstage musicians. Under the lights, her beautiful figure was wrapped in a pink dress, dazzling and mesmerizing. It must be said that her dance was beautiful and skillfully captured everyone's attention!

Just as everyone was still enjoying themselves, the drums sounded again, and the red silk flower was passed around.

"Huh? Me? Me?" An Ruoqing looked panicked. She had no skills in music, chess, calligraphy, or painting; she was just a quiet beauty...

When Wen Ke'er saw that this was the person who had contradicted her earlier that day, she made a few provocative remarks. An Ruoqing was pushed to her limit and recited several wonderful contemporary poems with great emotion, leaving Wen Ke'er speechless.

Several civil officials were immediately astonished, and even An Ruoqing's parents and brother stared at their good daughter in surprise. General An gave Prime Minister Song a smug look, "Old Song, look! My daughter is a great talent!"

Prime Minister Song smiled but remained silent.

The palace banquet had been going on for almost an hour, and everyone was getting tired. The Empress Dowager looked at Mu Qianyan, who was elegantly sipping his drink, and said, "The Ninth Prince is not young anymore, and he doesn't even have a wife or concubine. Most people your age would already have a large family!"

If he doesn't get married soon, rumors about him being homosexual will probably start to circulate!

When everyone saw that the Empress Dowager had changed the subject and finally turned to the highlight of the palace banquet, all the young ladies of the officials straightened their backs, adopted the best sitting posture, and looked at Mu Qianyan with either demureness or boldness.

After all, he was the dream lover of all the young ladies in the capital! Who wouldn't admire a gentle prince who was both handsome and had a royal background?

"Yes, Your Majesty, Mother is right. Look at all the beautiful and elegant ladies of the officials present today. Why don't you tell me who you admire, and I will arrange a marriage for you today!" the Emperor said.

"..." Mu Qianyan never expected that such a thing was waiting for him!

“Yes, look at Wen Jia Ke’er…” The Empress Dowager began to speak again, but was interrupted before she could finish.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I have already chosen someone in my heart," Mu Qianyan said gently.

When Wen Ke'er heard the Empress Dowager mention her name, her eyes lit up and she had already developed a girlish heart. However, she did not expect that the Ninth Prince would suddenly interrupt the Empress Dowager. Who was it?

"Oh? Which young lady has won the favor of the Emperor?" the Emperor asked in surprise.

Mu Qianyan stood up and walked slowly towards the women's seats. The women were thrilled to see the handsome man walking towards them without glancing at them. Their hearts fluttered like deer.

"Her." Mu Qianyan took a woman's soft hand and led her to the center of the hall, his voice gentle yet firm.