After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

Suddenly, a middle-aged man chuckled loudly from among the seated guests, "Alright!"

Xiao Ran was gently wiping away tears with a handkerchief when she heard this sound and couldn't help but look up.

It was Prince Yan, Nangong Jin. He was wearing a magnificent brocade robe, with auspicious beast patterns embroidered in gold thread that shone brightly in the candlelight. At this moment, there was a faint smile on his lips, while Madam Tong beside him looked all smiles.

Nangong Jin: "I am an old friend of General Xiao. Today is his daughter's coming-of-age ceremony. How can I not give her a gift? Tomorrow, go and give the gift I have prepared to the Xiao family's daughter."

Nangong Ming understood immediately and instructed his servants to carry several boxes upstairs.

Nangong Ming followed, and when he got to Xiao Ran's side, he pretended to be profound and whispered, "Guess what it is?"

Before Xiao Ran could respond, Nangong Ming ordered his servants to open the box.

Suddenly, everyone on the field gasped, especially Chen Ruonan, whose face turned pale.

Those were ten luminous pearls from the Western Sea.

The Western Sea is located in the Chu Kingdom, which borders the Jing Kingdom. The two countries have always been on good terms, but the luminous pearls of the Western Sea are tribute items, and sometimes no more than ten are produced in a year.

The Chen family only received one, which they gave to Chen Ruonan. But Prince Yan gave Xiao Ran ten!

Those in the know understand it's Xiao Ran's coming-of-age ceremony, while those who don't might mistake it for a betrothal gift for their daughter-in-law!

Also stunned was Madam He, whose expression was not good. She looked at Xiao Mu beside her and said, "General, this is not a good thing..."

Xiao Mu's expression was somber, and he seemed to be deep in thought. However, he soon spoke.

“My daughter is neither talented nor virtuous; how could she accept such a precious gift? I think we should ask Prince Yan to take it back—”

Before the words were finished, the Empress, seated above, said, "Who said that? I think the Xiao family's daughter is quite clever and quick-witted. These ten luminous pearls are still too meager; I have plenty of those pearls in my palace..."

"Bring ten more, someone."

The room fell silent as soon as he said that.

Putting aside how precious these ten luminous pearls are, the most important thing is that they were a gift from the Empress! How important is it for a daughter of a noble family to receive a gift from the Empress? Even her future husband's family will have to think twice and be mindful of her attitude!

To receive the approval of the mother of a nation is an immense honor.

He Shi was still frantically trying to signal to Xiao Mu, but what could Xiao Mu do? This was the Empress!

But then, Xiao Ran spoke up.

She bowed first, "This humble woman thanks Prince Yan and the Empress. However—"

"My daughter does not want a luminous pearl."

"Oh?" The empress on her throne raised an eyebrow. "Then what do you want?"

"I think that compared to these illusory things, I would rather have real gold and silver. Only real gold and silver can buy what I truly want."

There was a lot of discussion among the audience. Some people thought Xiao Ran was stupid, since the luminous pearl from the West Sea was worth a thousand taels of silver, and even if he sold it, he could get real money.

Some people think Xiao Ran is foolish. She doesn't care about the luminous pearl. It was a gift from the Empress and Prince Yan. The reputation alone is enough for her to earn!

Suddenly, the Empress and Prince Yan looked at each other for a moment and then laughed.

"Fine, you're the main character today, so let's do as the daughter of the Xiao family says."

……

The banquet was short-lived, as it was a festival of reunion. All the guests, including the Empress, were to reunite with their families.

In the evening, the banquet ended, and Xiao Ran and her father were seeing the guests off at the door.

The Empress lifted the carriage curtain, glanced at her sideways, and asked, "Are you sure you don't want the luminous pearl?"

Xiao Ran said respectfully, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I appreciate it."

The Empress chuckled, then looked away and lowered the carriage curtain.

One more sentence was left:

"What an extraordinary woman."