Chapter 49 Xue Qingning steals the show

Chapter 49 Xue Qingning steals the show

Why do you look angry?

Upon hearing this, the Chongde Hall fell silent instantly, and all eyes were focused on Xie Yan.

Xue Qingning stood in the center of the hall, intending to receive the emperor's reward, but unexpectedly the emperor inquired about Xie Yan.

After a moment's thought, she realized that only Shen Nanzi could easily anger him.

They really couldn't stand to see her doing well, so they deliberately provoked Xie Yan by playing music during her performance.

Xue Qingning's heart was in turmoil, but her expression remained calm and composed.

The thought that Xie Yan was also annoyed by her presence in the main hall filled her with a sense of joy.

She only needs to wait quietly, and soon she will expose his ugly side.

On the other side, Xie Yan suppressed his emotions, put down the jade cup in his hand, and said in a calm voice, "Your subject is fine, thank you for your concern, Father."

The Emperor sat upright on the high platform, his expression unreadable: "Prince Jing, today is my birthday!"

Upon hearing this, the entire hall fell silent; you could hear a pin drop.

Everyone speculated whether the Emperor was giving Prince Jing a warning or still harbored resentment towards him.

Logically speaking, today is the Emperor's birthday banquet, and even if there were some overstepping actions, the Emperor would not hold it against them, given his temperament today.

Prince Jing merely showed anger, as if the Emperor was deliberately making a scene to show everyone, as if he were holding a grudge against Prince Jing for his mistake.

The conclusion is that the Emperor is dissatisfied with Prince Jing, and not even the slightest expression from him is acceptable!

Xie Yan seemed completely unaware, and stood up respectfully. "Father, I wish you good health, eternal rule over the world, and that your blessings and longevity shine as brightly as the sun and moon, benefiting the mountains and rivers and the nation."

The emperor's expression remained unreadable, his gaze fixed on him, remaining silent for a long time.

This made everyone wonder if the Emperor was using the birthday banquet to convey some kind of message.

The emperor is getting old, yet he has yet to appoint an heir.

The court officials have submitted countless memorials on this matter, but the emperor has yet to issue an imperial edict.

The second prince was originally the crown prince whom the emperor had been grooming for many years. He originally wanted to go to the battlefield to earn some military merits and then rightfully accept the imperial decree to become the crown prince.

Unexpectedly, the second prince did not gain any military merit, but instead lost his life.

With the designated crown prince dead, it was natural to quickly elect another prince.

Among all the princes, Xie Yan was the most outstanding, but he was also the most controversial.

He behaved improperly, frequently frequented brothels, had a strained relationship with Princess Jing, and his relationship with the Second Princess was unclear.

These were all stumbling blocks to his succession, yet he was also the most accomplished prince.

Suppressing rebellions, providing disaster relief and helping the people, expanding territory...

These are genuine achievements that other princes did not possess.

Therefore, opinions within the court were divided. Officials who supported him felt that these were mistakes that men often make, and were not enough to erase his achievements.

Officials who opposed him felt that a crown prince should not have so many stains on his record.

Therefore, the matter of choosing a crown prince has been delayed again and again.

The Emperor's attitude towards Prince Jing has always been unpredictable.

She didn't have the same deep affection for the second prince, but instead let him go unchecked until he came of age.

As he grew into adulthood, Prince Jing accumulated merits one after another, like a wild and untamed child.

Therefore, the Emperor's few words were enough to make the officials ponder for a long time.

The Chongde Hall was deathly silent.

Shen Nanzi looked at Xie Yan, whose expression was respectful, revealing nothing else.

Why did the emperor publicly humiliate him?

She knew that Xie Yan's minor anger shouldn't have been the trigger for this whole thing.

Why did the Emperor deliberately make things difficult for him in public?

Why does Xie Yan silently endure it all so naturally?

Is there some misunderstanding between him and the emperor?

Could it be because of his unruly nature?

Why did they specifically choose to make trouble when Xue Qingning was playing music?

Shen Nanzi approached Shen Minghan, hoping to get some information from her brother.

However, Shen Minghan simply watched all of this silently, without giving her any information.

Shen Nanzi thought about it again and realized that Xie Yan's discord with the Emperor was actually a good thing for her.

If Xie Yan becomes the crown prince, neither she nor her brother will have a good time.

The atmosphere in the main hall remained frozen, and the otherwise joyous birthday banquet suddenly took on a strange and unsettling feel.

Seeing the tense atmosphere, Consort Wei had no choice but to speak up to ease the tension, "Your Majesty, Prince Jing has always been of a calm nature, and there aren't many colors on his face."

"Don't you know your own children? The Second Princess Consort is still standing here! Speak up quickly, lest the children be confused!"

The Emperor leaned back, looking weary. "It's nothing, just asking."

That's what they said, but everyone knew that the Emperor wouldn't ask such a question so casually.

Seeing that the matter had been resolved, Xue Qingning said, "Father, I would like to offer you another 'Elegant and Graceful Melody' and wish you boundless happiness and longevity."

Looking at the Emperor's expression, Consort Wei asked Xue Qingning, "Is this a new piece of music?"

"Your Highness, this was specially arranged by your son for the Emperor's birthday. I just wanted to show my filial piety and make the Emperor happy."

Seeing that the Emperor's expression softened, Consort Wei said kindly, "What a thoughtful child! Since you've already made it up, then please present it!"

"Yes," Xue Qingning replied, as the maid replaced the pipa in her hand with a jade flute.

The melodious and ethereal sound of a flute filled the hall, instantly transporting everyone into a peaceful forest.

I could almost smell a fresh scent, and my fingers touched the lush greenery.

This time, there was only one dancer performing a solo dance, dressed in a bright green dress.

Xue Qingning's music is like a fairy leading everyone to soar through a dense forest.

Shen Nanzi looked at Xue Qingning. She was truly multi-talented, making Shen Nanzi seem like a useless person, so ordinary that she blended into the crowd.

Looking at Xie Yan again, he still had his head down, his face calm and expressionless. He was truly composed; the scene just now seemed to have had no effect on him whatsoever.

Perhaps it is only in front of her that Xie Yan is truly present!

At least he could control his anger in front of her, regardless of his emotions.

All the joy and happiness were reserved for Xue Qingning.

I'm a little resentful!

Looking at Xue Qingning again, she was dignified and elegant, and the sound of her flute was melodious.

Shen Nanzi thought that if she were a man, she would probably also like a woman like Xue Qingning.

Instead of choosing a vulgar woman like her who only has a pretty face!

Just as she was lost in thought, Xie Yan's gaze fell upon her, staring at her without any emotion, his eyes fixed on her without blinking.

Seeing this, Shen Nanzi had a bad feeling. This person was used to retaliating and would definitely not let her off easily.

When the song ended, everyone was still lost in the music.

Consort Wei clutched her chest, her face full of admiration. "Your Majesty, the Second Imperial Consort's performance was truly excellent! Her reputation for being both talented and accomplished is well-deserved!"

Xue Qingning smiled modestly and gave a slight curtsy, "Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness."

The Emperor's mood seemed to have improved, and a hint of pleasure appeared on his face. "Give me some wine!"

Few people received the wine today, so Xue Qingning quickly curtsied and said, "Thank you for your grace, Father Emperor."

Praises were heard throughout the main hall.

"The Second Princess Consort not only plays the pipa well, but she also plays the flute exceptionally well!"

"The talented woman of that time truly lived up to her reputation."

"Otherwise, how could I have married the Second Prince!"

Xue Qingning listened to the praises, a faint smile always on her face.

She handed the flute to the maid, then sat down, drank the wine bestowed by the Emperor, and smiled at Shen Nanzi, saying:

"I heard that Princess Jing has prepared a surprise for His Majesty. May I ask what it is?"

"Sister, let me make a bold guess: could it be that my younger sister is also going to perform a song?"

Shen Nanzi raised her eyes. This Xue Qingning! ? Why bring up something she shouldn't have said!

Are you deliberately trying to harm her? How could she possibly play an instrument?

Xue Qingning continued to trick her, "Today, thanks to the Emperor's birthday banquet, I am fortunate enough to witness the elegance of Princess Jing."

Shen Nanzi sighed, "I knew it!"

Xie Yanke!