After giving birth to twins, the princess became pregnant again, and the royal uncle took care of he

The palace maids carefully brought out the three lucky charms and displayed them to everyone. Each one was a unique work of art, exuding an irresistible charm.

"The winner of the music competition will be awarded a pair of phoenix-shaped jade bracelets."

As soon as the Empress finished speaking, a pair of jade bracelets appeared before everyone's eyes.

Like a pair of bright moons, they lay quietly on the red silk, their warm, lustrous sheen moving all who beheld them.

"The one who wins first place in calligraphy and painting will be rewarded with a phoenix-tail feather brush."

As the empress spoke, a writing brush was displayed.

The phoenix feather pattern on the penholder is lifelike, and the filigree inlay technique makes it look exceptionally gorgeous.

Every stroke reveals the maker's exquisite skills and pursuit of beauty, leaving people in awe.

"The winner of the dance will be awarded a phoenix hairpin."

Finally, a phoenix hairpin was presented to everyone.

The hairpin features smooth curves, and the phoenix's outstretched wings seem ready to take flight at any moment. The exquisite craftsmanship and dynamic design make one feel the phoenix's vitality.

A murmur of discussion rose and fell among the crowd, with everyone praising the beauty and preciousness of these prizes.

"Wow, how beautiful! That phoenix hairpin looks like a phoenix spreading its wings, ready to take flight."

A young woman's eyes gleamed with envy, and her voice was filled with longing for beauty.

"Look! That phoenix-tail feather writing brush, combining the beauty of the phoenix with auspicious symbolism, is truly magnificent!"

A scholar-like man couldn't help but admire it, his gaze fixed on the brush, as if he could feel the smoothness and pleasure of writing.

"I've heard that this phoenix-tail feather brush, when held, feels like being possessed by a phoenix, making writing smooth and each character shine, and is highly valued by calligraphy enthusiasts."

Another man joined the discussion, his voice revealing his love for calligraphy and his longing for the brush.

"I've heard that the Phoenix Jade Bracelet is warm to the touch and has a color as warm and lustrous as moonlight."

A woman whispered, her voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible envy and longing.

"Look at that phoenix hairpin, every feather and every piece of the phoenix is ​​so lifelike, it's really beautiful."

Another woman added that her gaze lingered on the phoenix hairpin, imagining herself wearing it.

Jun Jiuxiao's gaze passed through the bustling crowd and settled on Chu Xingyao, his eyes filled with a mixture of inquiry and concern.

Although Chu Xingyao's gaze was fixed on the three prizes in front of her, her mind had clearly wandered far away, and she was lost in deep thought.

Memories of her past life flooded back like a tide. Chu Xingyao remembered that New Year's Eve banquet. She wasn't good at playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, or dancing, but she participated in the competition because of Chu Xinglan's encouragement.

Chu Xinglan had vowed to give way to her, and even said that only by winning first place could she gain Jun Xuanche's favor.

However, during the music that night, Chu Xingyao's zither string broke, resulting in a room full of laughter and sarcasm.

She remembered Xie Wanning, the granddaughter of the Grand Tutor, who won first place in music with her rendition of "Guangling San".

The melodious sound of the zither, like a clear mountain spring, cleansed everyone's soul, leaving an unforgettable impression.

During the dance competition, Chu Xingyao's "Phoenix Dance in the Nine Heavens" was not perfect. She made several mistakes and even fell on stage. Embarrassment and pain made her cheeks flush.

Chu Xinglan also danced the same dance, "Phoenix Dance in the Nine Heavens," but she danced it beautifully. Every turn and every jump was just right, and she ultimately won first place.

Chu Xingyao was unable to continue participating in the calligraphy and painting competition because she sprained her ankle. In the end, the competition was won by Mu Qinyu, the eldest daughter of the Prime Minister's Mansion, with an exquisite landscape painting.

I've heard that the landscape in those paintings makes you feel as if you can hear the babbling brook and feel the gentle mountain breeze.

Since then, the name "good-for-nothing" has followed her like an inescapable shadow.

Chu Xingyao's reputation was greatly affected, and her confidence and dignity suffered an unprecedented blow.

Suddenly, an annoying voice interrupted Chu Xingyao's thoughts.

"Chu Xingyao, why aren't you participating? Don't tell me you can't do any of them?" Ye Qin asked.

Chu Xinglan feigned concern for Chu Xingyao, saying, "My sister will participate; she just hasn't had time to register yet." Chu Xinglan was eager to see Chu Xingyao make a fool of herself.

Chu Xingyao gently put down her teacup and said disdainfully, "Miss Ye, could you please wipe your eye boogers and look clearly before you speak?"

Ye Qin glared at him angrily: "You....."

Chu Xingyao continued:

"Please forgive me, Miss Ye, I have my germaphobia and I really can't look at what you see as foreign objects," Zhou Xiannan said, and then burst out laughing.

Chu Xinglan quickly tried to smooth things over, feigning concern: "Sister, don't be angry. Sister Ye kindly invited you to participate in the talent competition."

Chu Xingyao, holding Chu Xinglan's hand, smiled and said:

"Yes, I know, didn't you say last time that she has body odor and takes a shower three times a day? I'm also a clean freak, so I don't want her to get close to me."

Chu Xinglan looked at Ye Qin with a startled expression: "Sister Ye, Lan'er didn't say anything, Lan'er really didn't say anything."

Chu Xingyao quickly explained to the feigning Ye Qin, "Oh, it wasn't Lan'er who said it. I guessed it was because you have body odor and take a bath three times a day."

Chu Xinglan didn't even dare to look at Ye Qin's face, so Chu Xingyao's explanation was worse than no explanation at all.

Ye Qin roared, "After all that talk, you still don't dare to participate in the talent show. You're just a good-for-nothing."

Chu Xingyao pretended to be scared and said, "Just say what you want to say, Miss Ye, don't threaten me with your loud voice. I'm most afraid of dogs. What breed are you? Why are you so fierce?"

"Ha...ha...ha," Zhou Xiannan couldn't help but laugh, and the others laughed too.

Ye Qin was so angry she wanted to tear this person to pieces to vent her hatred.

At this moment, the Empress Dowager's voice rang out: "I'll add a prize myself. Whoever wins three prizes in a row will be rewarded with a Nine Heavens Jade Pendant Ancient Qin."

As they were speaking, two palace servants carried a guqin (a seven-stringed zither) to show everyone.

The Nine Heavens Jade Pendant Qin is in the Fuxi style, with a paulownia wood top and a cedar wood bottom. It is lacquered in purple throughout, with large pieces of vermilion lacquer used to repair the top and bottom, creating small snake-belly crackle patterns. It is made of pure deer antler ash.

Both the Dragon Pool and Phoenix Marsh are flat and round, with the Na Yin (a system of divination and sound) rising inside. When the pool or marsh is located, it sinks down into a long, round-bottomed groove that runs through the entire Na Yin system.

The mother-of-pearl emblems, rosewood tuning pegs, and white jade feet on the body of the zither are exquisitely carved. The bridge and tuning peg guards are also made of rosewood.

Everyone sighed in admiration: "This zither has a warm, powerful, and resonant sound, pure and perfect. It has been a highly regarded instrument by guqin players since ancient times, and is considered a 'celestial piece'!"

"Whoever obtains this 'Nine Heavens Jade Pendant' guqin, I, Suljia, wish to marry her!"

These words struck like a thunderbolt. And the one who uttered them was none other than the renowned young Marquis Su Erjia, who was famous throughout the capital.

At this moment, he stood on his seat, dressed in white, his posture as upright as a pine tree.

His exceptionally handsome face featured striking eyebrows, bright eyes, a high-bridged nose, and a slightly upturned lower lip, exuding confidence and determination.

A gentle breeze blew by, and his robes fluttered, making him look like an immortal descending to earth.