After returning to the capital to farm, the abandoned concubine made a comeback.

The palace was magnificent and resplendent, with carved beams and painted rafters, exuding an aura of grandeur.

Holding the invitation, Lin Qin stepped into this unfamiliar yet luxurious royal banquet venue, her heart pounding like a drum.

The palace maids and eunuchs around her all kept their heads down and looked at her with utmost respect, but they would also steal glances at her from the corner of their eyes from time to time, making her feel a sense of pressure.

Taking a deep breath, Lin Qin tried to calm herself down—since she was already here, could she turn back now?

When the enemy comes, we will fight them; when the water comes, we will block it with earth!

The atmosphere at the palace entrance was somber.

Eunuch Zheng's high-pitched voice rang out: "Princess Lin has arrived!" Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Lin Qin, dressed in a light purple dress, walking gracefully towards them.

She dressed up specially today, choosing not to wear overly ornate clothes, which made her appear even more fresh and refined, forming a striking contrast with the magnificent palace, and giving her a unique charm.

At the banquet, glasses clinked and elegantly dressed people mingled.

The emperor sat high on his throne, his gaze sharp and piercing, while the empress wore a gentle smile, but a subtle scrutiny lurked deep within her eyes.

Following the court etiquette tips provided by the mini-system, Lin Qin carefully handled each step, not daring to make the slightest mistake.

Toasting, bowing, exchanging pleasantries—every action was performed with meticulous care, for fear of making a mistake and becoming the target of criticism.

"Princess Lin, I've long heard of your idyllic life in the countryside. Now it seems you are even more radiant than the rumors suggest." Young Master Sima, fanning himself with a folding fan, walked gracefully up to Lin Qin, his words carrying a hint of ambiguity.

Lin Qin subtly took a step back, maintaining a perfectly appropriate distance, and politely replied, "Young Master Sima is too kind. I am but a country woman, and cannot compare to the elegance and nobility of the noble ladies of the capital."

Young Master Sima wanted to say something more, but was interrupted by a cold gaze.

He turned his head and saw Zhu Ling standing not far away, staring at him with icy eyes.

Young Master Sima gave an awkward smile and tactfully left.

"Your Highness, the Empress requests your presence," a palace maid said respectfully as she approached Lin Qin.

Lin Qin felt a chill run down her spine; the Empress summoning her alone was probably not a good thing.

But she didn't show it on her face, and nodded gracefully: "Thank you for leading the way."

Following the palace maid to the Empress's palace, Lin Qin immediately saw the Empress sitting on the phoenix throne and the painter Fang standing beside her with a paintbrush in hand.

When the Empress saw Lin Qin enter, a kind smile appeared on her face: "Princess Lin, I have heard that you are exceptionally beautiful, and seeing you today, I can confirm that your reputation is well-deserved. I would like to ask the painter Fang to create a portrait of you. What do you think?"

Lin Qin smiled slightly: "It is my honor to be appreciated by Her Majesty the Empress."

The painter unrolled the scroll, preparing to paint.

“Wait a minute,” the Empress suddenly spoke up. “I think that if Princess Lin could perform a dance, it would better showcase your charm and make it easier for the painter Fang to capture your spirit.”

Lin Qin sneered inwardly; the Empress was indeed up to no good.

Make her dance?

She doesn't know how to dance these ancient dances. If she doesn't dance well, wouldn't she be accused of "disrespecting imperial authority"?

Her eyes darted around, and an idea came to her. A sly smile appeared on her lips: "This humble woman is not skilled in ancient dances. How about I perform a dance from my hometown? I would appreciate Your Majesty the Empress and Painter Fang's guidance."

Upon hearing this, the Empress said,

As the music began, Lin Qin slowly raised her arm...

"What kind of dance moves are these?!"

The music suddenly changed; it was no longer the string and wind instruments played by court musicians, but a modern dance piece with a strong rhythm.

Everyone was stunned; this style of music was unheard of!

Lin Qin smiled confidently and began to dance to the music.

Her movements were light and graceful, her steps fluid, sometimes passionate and unrestrained, sometimes elegant and melodious, creating a striking contrast with the antique palace, yet surprisingly harmonious.

This isn't just dance, it's a visual feast!

The noble ladies in the palace were all dumbfounded. The dance moves, the power, the rhythm were simply unheard of and unseen!

"Is this...is this a fairy descending to earth?" a noblewoman murmured to herself, her eyes sparkling with adoration.

Even the emperor watched with great interest and asked curiously, "Princess Lin, your dance is quite unique. What's it called?"

Lin Qin smiled slightly and replied, "Your Majesty, this dance is called 'Compendium of Materia Medica,' and it is said to strengthen the body and prolong life."

"Oh? It has such effects?" The emperor became interested. "After this dance, I feel refreshed and full of energy!"

The Empress, standing to the side, looked rather displeased. This Lin Qin was actually stealing the spotlight!

She originally intended to use the dance to make things difficult for her, but unexpectedly, it made her shine.

Zhu Ling, meanwhile, gazed at Lin Qin with deep affection, his eyes filled with pride and doting.

His queen was indeed the most dazzling presence.

At the end of the song, the audience burst into thunderous applause.

Lin Qin bowed gracefully, a calm smile on her face.

Just then, Eunuch Zheng, who was by the Empress's side, suddenly walked up to Lin Qin and whispered, "Princess Lin, Her Majesty the Empress requests that you move to the side hall to discuss important matters."

Lin Qin felt a chill run down her spine. What was this old hag up to?

She nodded calmly and followed Eunuch Zheng to the side hall.

Zhu Ling watched Lin Qin's departing figure, her brows furrowed slightly.

In the side hall, the Empress sat upright with an enigmatic smile on her face.

She dismissed the palace maids and eunuchs, leaving only Eunuch Zheng standing by her side.

“Princess Lin,” the Empress said slowly, her tone tinged with coldness, “your dance has certainly broadened my horizons.”

Lin Qin smiled slightly and replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Your Majesty flatters me."

"However," the Empress changed the subject, "I feel that this dance seems somewhat inappropriate for court etiquette..."

Lin Qin was about to retort when she saw the Empress suddenly stand up, walk up to her, and whisper, "Some things are better left unsaid..."

The threat in her tone was undisguised.

Lin Qin smiled slightly, showing no fear of the Empress's threat: "This humble woman is foolish and does not know what Your Majesty is referring to." The Empress snorted coldly.

Lin Qin maintained her elegant smile: "This humble woman will remember Your Majesty the Empress's teachings." After saying this, she gave a slight curtsy and turned to leave the side hall.

Back in the banquet hall, Lin Qin noticed that the atmosphere was somewhat awkward.

The way everyone looked at her was filled with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

Lin Qin sneered inwardly; the harem was indeed a place of trouble and intrigue.

At this moment, the painter Fang walked over with a malicious smile on his face: "Princess Lin, Her Majesty the Empress has decreed that you paint a picture for the banquet to enhance the enjoyment."

Lin Qin felt a chill run down her spine; the Empress was indeed up to no good.

She nodded calmly: "Your subject obeys."

The painter unfurled the scroll and handed Lin Qin a brush: "Princess Lin, please."

Lin Qin took the brush, but her mind was quickly searching for a solution.

She doesn't know how to paint in ancient times. If she doesn't paint well, wouldn't the Empress have something to use against her?

She rolled her eyes and figured it out.

She took a deep breath and began to paint boldly and daringly on the scroll, creating a unique composition that was completely different from the ancient painting style.

Everyone was stunned by what they saw. What... what kind of art style is this?

The painter was dumbfounded; Lin Qin was incredibly bold!

After finishing the last stroke, Lin Qin put down the brush with a confident smile on her face: "I've made a fool of myself."

People gathered around to admire Lin Qin's work.

"This...this painting, how can it be so peculiar?"

"This composition, these colors, I've never seen anything like it!"

"This Princess Lin is truly an extraordinary woman!"

The emperor also came over, looking at Lin Qin's painting with admiration in his eyes: "Princess Lin, your painting is quite unique!"

Lin Qin smiled slightly and explained, "Your Majesty, this painting is titled 'Impression of the Imperial Garden,' and it is a completely new painting style."

"Impression of the Imperial Garden?" The emperor savored the name, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes. "A fine name! A fine painting!"

The painter Fang stood to the side, his face ashen.

He originally intended to use this opportunity to make things difficult for Lin Qin, but unexpectedly, it allowed her to shine.

Lin Qin glanced at the painter Fang's unpleasant expression and chuckled inwardly. "Trying to mess with me? You're still too green!"

Just then, Young Master Sima walked over, fanning himself with a folding fan, and said to Lin Qin with an elegant air, "Princess Lin, I greatly admire your paintings. Would you be so kind as to offer some guidance?"

Before Lin Qin could speak, Zhu Ling suddenly walked over, put his arm around Lin Qin's waist, and looked at Young Master Sima with icy eyes: "Young Master Sima, this is my queen consort."

Sima Gongzi's expression changed, and he gave an awkward smile: "Your Highness is joking. I was merely admiring Princess Lin's talent."

Zhu Ling snorted coldly: "I dare not accept Young Master Sima's appreciation."

After saying that, he turned and left with Lin Qin in his arms, leaving Young Master Sima standing there alone with a gloomy face.

In a corner of the banquet, Eunuch Zheng watched this scene with a sinister smile on his lips.

"The real show is just beginning..." he muttered to himself.

Seeing this, Young Master Sima quickly adjusted his mindset and walked up to Lin Qin again, his eyes burning with passion: "Princess Lin, I am truly captivated by you after meeting you today. I am willing to do anything for you, only asking to spend this night with you." His tone carried a clear implication, causing those around him to exchange glances and whisper among themselves.

Lin Qin sneered inwardly, but a perfectly timed smile played on her lips: "Young Master Sima, you flatter me. My heart already belongs to another. I beg you not to bring this up again." Her voice was gentle, but her firm tone left no room for argument.

Sima Gongzi's expression changed. He suppressed his anger and forced a smile: "Princess Lin is indeed very intelligent. However, some things cannot be solved by just talking."

Zhu Ling frowned, the anger flashing in his eyes almost burning Sima Gongzi.

He stared at Young Master Sima without any attempt to conceal his intentions, his icy tone carrying a threat: "Young Master Sima, do you mean something I don't understand?" After saying that, he tightly embraced Lin Qin's waist, as if asserting his dominance.

Sima Gongzi realized that he had crossed Zhu Ling's bottom line, so he could only take a step back awkwardly, his tone tinged with resentment: "Your Highness is overthinking it. I only admire Princess Lin's talent."

Lin Qin felt a surge of warmth in her heart as she sensed Zhu Ling's protectiveness. She gently patted his hand, signaling him not to get too excited.

Seeing this, the people around them whispered even more, and the atmosphere at the banquet became subtle and tense.

Just then, Eunuch Zheng stood in a corner of the banquet, watching all of this, a sinister smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

He whispered a few words to his attendant beside him, then nodded in acknowledgment.

The attendant understood and quickly left the banquet, disappearing into the crowd.

"The real show is just beginning..." Eunuch Zheng muttered to himself.

Lin Qin was completely absorbed in the lively atmosphere of the banquet and had no idea that her business was about to be hit by a storm.