Floating life reflects two lotuses

The banquet officially began. The emperor slowly rose, his majestic gaze sweeping over the assembled civil and military officials. His tone was steady and powerful: "Today is the birthday of my beloved daughter, and also the day for my Great Chu to display its national power! Great Chu has weathered a century of storms, its land stable and secure, but the four directions are not at peace, and powerful nations covet its territory. However, I firmly believe that Great Chu's civil and military achievements will endure forever, firmly holding the pinnacle of the world!"

His voice gradually rose, revealing a formidable aura: "Those who are loyal to the country will be rewarded by me; those who harbor disloyal intentions will not be pardoned! I hope that you will all work together to protect the Great Chu!"

As soon as the words were spoken, everyone in the hall knelt down in unison, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" The scene was grand and solemn. Chu Wanlian sat upright at the table, bowed her head and drank a cup of wine, a calm smile on her face, but her heart was in turmoil: "This birthday banquet is not for me, but a stage for my father to display his imperial power. Who truly cares about me?"

She discreetly scanned the crowd, her gaze landing on Li Heng not far away. Li Heng was looking at her, his gaze gentle yet firm. Chu Wanlian nodded slightly, a smile playing on her lips; though her heart was filled with bitterness, she felt a sense of comfort.

At this moment, Consort Yan stood up with a light laugh and said in a gentle tone, "Your Majesty, I have heard that the Princess has been practicing dance for several months for today's banquet. Why don't we ask the Princess to perform a dance for everyone, so that all the guests can witness the Princess's talent?"

As soon as she finished speaking, the room fell silent, and everyone turned their gaze to Chu Wanlian. Consort Yan's smile was gentle and refined, yet it stirred a sense of unease in Chu Wanlian: "So she really is here to cause trouble. Consort Yan, do you think I can't see through your intentions?"

Chu Wanlian stood up, gave a graceful bow, and said in a gentle tone, "Thank you for your praise, Consort Yan. Since Father and all my beloved ministers have such high expectations, Wanlian will certainly live up to them." She raised her hand and gently touched her wrist; the lotus pendant bracelet given to her by Consort Yan swayed slightly under the light, emitting a cool luster.

Chu Wanlian shifted her gaze slightly, glancing at Consort Yan, a faint, cold smile playing on her lips: "By the way, Father, Wanlian is very fond of the bracelet Consort Yan gave me. Such a precious gift will surely be remembered by Wanlian."

Consort Yan's gaze faltered for a moment, then she nodded with a smile: "If the princess likes it, then I have done my best."

Chu Wanlian turned and walked towards the stage, her skirt swaying gently, her steps composed and elegant. She sneered inwardly, "Since you're going to scheme against me, don't blame me for giving you a good show."

Music filled the hall, and Chu Wanlian, dressed in a white gown, stood gracefully in the center of the stage. Every movement she made was as fluid as flowing water; her skirt billowed like clouds, and her lotus-like steps were as light as a crane in flight, instantly attracting everyone's attention.

Consort Yan narrowed her eyes, a cold glint flashing within them. She turned her head and whispered, and the maid beside her quietly withdrew, disappearing into the crowd.

On stage, Chu Wanlian remained oblivious to the approaching danger, her dance continuing with composure and elegance. Every step she took displayed the poise befitting a princess. The civil and military officials below the stage all wore expressions of admiration, and even the emperor nodded slightly.

However, just as everyone was holding their breath, an unusual aura quietly spread out.

A dancer inadvertently approached Chu Wanlian, her steps seemingly flustered, but at the crucial moment, she deliberately stuck out her foot, tripping another dancer. The tripped dancer lost her balance, cried out in surprise, and instinctively reached out to grab Chu Wanlian to steady herself.

However, the grab was too forceful, shoving Chu Wanlian backward. At the same time, the silk scarves in the hands of the other dancers were suddenly pulled apart, instantly tangling into a chaotic mess. Gasps of surprise rose and fell throughout the arena.

"Ah!" Chu Wanlian was caught off guard, lost her balance, staggered backward a few steps, and finally fell straight off the stage.

"Splash!" The sound of the lake water being torn apart echoed in the night sky, and the surface of the lake instantly splashed high into the air, creating ripples under the lights. An uproar broke out in the arena, and everyone panicked and rushed to the lakeside.

"Princess—!" The guards and maids rushed to the lake shore. The music stopped abruptly, and the entire hall was shrouded in terror.

The emperor abruptly stood up, his face ashen, his voice deep and authoritative: "Quickly! Save the princess! Bring her back safely at all times!"

Consort Yan stood up, holding her wine cup, her tone urgent and concerned: "Heavens! How could the princess... Quickly, save her!" Her brows furrowed slightly, her expression perfectly conveying panic and worry.

The guards swiftly leaped into the lake, causing ripples that shimmered with the light reflected on its surface, yet could not conceal the lurking danger. A cold glint flashed in Consort Yan's eyes, but she quickly masked it, as if all of this had nothing to do with her.

The lake gradually calmed down, and Chu Wanlian's figure disappeared into the water, leaving only a trail of ripples. The joy of the banquet had long since vanished, replaced by chaos and fear.

No one realized whether this "accident" was truly just an accident, or a conspiracy orchestrated behind the scenes.

The guards searched with all their might, but was the princess in the water safe and sound? The answer seemed to be hidden at the bottom of the unfathomable lake, while Consort Yan stood quietly on the shore, a smile on her lips that was hard to decipher.