Eavesdropping on Fu Bao's inner thoughts, emptying the stored grain and fleeing the famine

As night fell, the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments filled the main hall, with the chimes, pipa, guzheng and other instruments weaving together a magnificent musical movement.

The dancers, dressed in gorgeous costumes, entered the hall with graceful steps to the accompaniment of drums and music.

Their movements were elegant yet powerful, each turn and leap filled with rhythmic beauty.

Inside the main hall, everyone's face was filled with joy and satisfaction.

The entire palace seemed to be immersed in a joyful and peaceful atmosphere.

However, many of those present understood that such tranquility was merely the calm before the storm.

"Boring!" Two-year-old Fu Bao can already speak in simple sentences, but the tone of his voice is exactly the same as his stern father.

Except when talking to people he likes, he is concise and to the point when talking to other people and about other things, never wasting words.

"Mother, Fu Bao wants to go play with Grandfather."

Fu Bao looked up at Lian Rongrong, seeking her opinion. Lian Rongrong affectionately patted Fu Bao's round head and smiled in response:

"Go."

Having received her mother's permission, Xiao Fubao immediately skipped and hopped to the old emperor.

Upon seeing his grandson arrive, the old emperor immediately beamed with joy. He beckoned, and little Fu Bao climbed onto his lap with his bottom sticking out.

The old emperor casually picked up a piece of cake and handed it to Xiao Fubao, who took a bite and then returned the cake.

The old emperor: "It doesn't taste good?"

Fu Bao: "The pastries from my mother's west tower are not as good as the pastries."

The old emperor said, "You little rascal, you're quite picky. Why didn't you think to bring some of those delicious pastries for your grandfather too?"

Fu Bao: "I've brought it, there's a surprise coming up later."

While the grandfather and grandson were talking, two female teachers from Mingyue Hall had already walked to the center of the main hall.

After the two had stopped standing, Lian Rongrong slowly rose and bowed to the three people in the upper seats:

"Father Emperor has been so kind as to invite Mr. Mingyuetang to join us for a celebratory banquet. Mr. Mingyuetang has no way to repay this kindness, so he has prepared a few small performances for everyone to enjoy."

Lian Rongrong's words successfully attracted the attention of everyone present. After all, Mingyue Hall was quite famous in the Holy Capital.

Despite mixed reviews, no one can deny its influence.

Some people who still hold the idea of ​​male superiority and female inferiority naturally dislike Mingyuetang. In their minds, women should be good wives and mothers, and follow their husbands' lead.

In their view, the emergence of Mingyue Hall broke the original rules, so naturally they would not like this place that supported women.

These people were there today with a "let's have a good show" mentality, wanting to see how those women who were usually not presentable would make a fool of themselves.

"It can't just be some ordinary song and dance, can it?" The first to speak was Prince Ling, who was sitting opposite Li Yuanqi.

The Prince and Princess sat side by side. The Princess was middle-aged and, although she had lost the beauty of a young woman, she was still dignified and elegant.

Dressed in a magnificent gown, she looked quite intimidating. If Lian Rongrong hadn't witnessed her fawning behavior in front of the old witch, she might have been genuinely fooled.

"What are you saying, Imperial Uncle? What do you mean by 'also' just ordinary songs and dances?"

Lian Rongrong glanced at the Ling Prince and his wife opposite her, and deliberately emphasized the word "also".

"Does the Imperial Uncle have any objections to today's dance and music? I heard that the Imperial Concubine personally oversaw today's program."

Could it be that the Imperial Uncle's evaluation reflects dissatisfaction with the Imperial Concubine?

Lian Rongrong deftly deflected the attack, sending the ball back to Prince Ling. Princess Ling, who had been sitting regally, finally couldn't hold back any longer.

After all, we can't let Prince Ling, a grown man, argue with his nephew's wife.

"I've always heard that Princess Qi is sharp-tongued, and today I've truly witnessed it firsthand."

The prince merely asked a question, yet Princess Qi reacted so strongly; isn't that somewhat disrespectful to an elder?

"The Imperial Uncle only asked one question, yet he already expressed his dissatisfaction with today's dance and music. The Imperial Uncle is an elder, and so is the Imperial Concubine."

"Aunt, please tell me, what should a niece-in-law be like?"

Consort Yao sat upright in her high seat, never expecting that she would be dragged into this mess by Princess Qi, even though she hadn't done anything wrong.

However, she did personally organize all the programs for tonight's banquet, partly to show off to the Empress Dowager.

Secondly, it was also to make her son look good. Ling Wang's "ordinary singing and dancing" did indeed make her feel somewhat embarrassed.

"In the end, it was still my oversight that made this mistake." As soon as Consort Yao spoke, Princess Ling immediately shut up.

She wanted to say a few more words to Lian Rongrong, but since the Imperial Concubine had already expressed her dissatisfaction with Prince Ling, how could Princess Ling dare to say anything more?

After all, if Li Yuanyi were to ascend the throne in the future, this Imperial Concubine would be the Empress Dowager, a position above all others.

Today, the Ling Prince's Mansion is indeed under the care of the Empress Dowager, but what about after the Empress Dowager passes away?

Princess Ling has clearly made an enemy of Li Yuanqi. If she offends Li Yuanyi as well, the consequences will be unimaginable.

"Your Highness, you misunderstand. My lord is not dissatisfied with today's song and dance. Today's performance was unique and truly wonderful."

The prince simply didn't believe that the rabble of Mingyue Hall could pull off anything.

Princess Ling has completely taken sides. However, this scene was within Lian Rongrong's expectations.

"This Princess Ling has gone too far!" Everyone in Mingyue Hall, sitting at the very back of the hall, couldn't help but show their anger.

Fortunately, Yan Mingyue was there. She had seen far too many such occasions. Not only had she seen them, but she had also been a participant in the open and covert struggles of the past.

"Most royal women are like this, there's no need to take it to heart. Princess Ling's humiliation of us was merely a ploy to attack Rongrong."

Therefore, we need to perform even better so that Rongrong can turn the tables.

"Yes, we must leave them speechless."

While the discussion continued, Lian Rongrong gracefully walked to the center of the hall, curtsied, and said to the old emperor:

“Father, just now Princess Ling said that the Yue Tang is a rabble, and I think she is right.”

Actually, upon closer reflection, isn't my Great Sheng Kingdom supported by what Princess Ling calls a rabble?

The noble have their own dances and music, and so do we, the mob, have our own way of life.

The program presented by Mingyuetang today may not be what you expect, but each one has a deeper meaning.

These two are the female instructors at Mingyue Hall, responsible for teaching culinary arts and pastry. Now, let us, esteemed guests, see how our daily meals are prepared.

"What does this mean? Are they going to perform cooking in the main hall?" As soon as Lian Rongrong finished speaking, people in the hall began to whisper among themselves.

Lian Rongrong heard it, but she didn't care. She clapped her hands twice, and soft music began to play from somewhere in the hall.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound, but they still couldn't see who was playing the music.

But the soaring, ethereal sound, like heavenly music, was a beauty that no one had ever heard before.

Li Yuanqi's face remained cold and composed, but inside he was overjoyed. He was secretly controlling the small box his wife had given him.

I don't know what the principle is, but this thing can play music on its own.

Regardless of the reason, Li Yuanqi felt happy whenever he saw everyone in Yong'an Palace searching around like idiots!