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As the music came to an end, everyone present was immersed in the beautiful melody, unable to pull themselves away.
"Well done, Yurou. I shall reward you with this Jade Ruyi!"
Next, the girls took turns to perform, showcasing dances, songs, and calligraphy.
The lively atmosphere lifted Dugu Han's spirits, making him feel more energetic than usual.
The Imperial Countenance was pleased; the ladies who performed received valuable rewards. The value was not the main point; what mattered was the honor that came with imperial gifts.
On one side of the hall, a woman dressed in a light yellow Long Skirt, with striking makeup, looked around eagerly while sneering at others: "It's nothing special. I will definitely perform better than them."
It was hard to tell whether to admire her confidence or criticize her arrogance. Suddenly, her gaze landed on a spot across from her, and her previously excited heart stopped beating; her breath froze in that moment.
Then, her mood shifted to ecstasy. After searching for so long, she had unexpectedly encountered him at the palace banquet. Was this what they called fate?
Usually indifferent to social conventions, the girl known for her boldness suddenly displayed a feminine demeanor. Her cheeks flushed pink as she tightly gripped her hands under the table to hide her inner tension and unease, occasionally stealing glances.
Since their chance meeting at the Silver Shop, she had been deeply captivated by the young man's handsome face. Compared to him, all previous so-called handsome men were nothing but trash.
This girl was Liang Shuer, daughter of Liang Yujing. Relying on her father's second-rank official status, she often acted recklessly and had made quite a name for herself by forcefully pursuing handsome men.
In the capital, she was notorious; now at eighteen years old, not even commoners wanted to marry her.
She could be considered a famous leftover woman in the capital, causing great distress for Liang Yujing.
This time, with Queen Wang stepping in to arrange a marriage for her daughter and having the Left Chancellor as support, Liang Yujing felt elated.
During the banquet, she frequently turned around to secretly observe Yang Yichen.
The father and daughter truly shared a tacit understanding, as they both set their sights on Yang Yichen.
At that moment, Yang Yichen felt a scorching gaze lingering on him. He suddenly looked up and caught a glimpse of the girl's expression, which she had not managed to retract in time.
He cast a cold glance at her, sneering at the woman. In his eyes, apart from Liu Qingxi, all other women looked the same.
Time flowed quietly, and the postures of the women dazzled the young men at the table, each with someone in mind, waiting to report back to their elders and propose marriage.
After one girl performed an enchanting dance, Liang Shuer stood up from her seat. "Your Majesty, Empress, this humble daughter wishes to present a dance."
Liang Shuer was dressed in a yellow gown embroidered with phoenixes, with a flowing pink gauze skirt trailing behind her. She held soft silk in her hands and wore her hair in a misty bun adorned with a peony flower, exuding an air of elegance: her dark brows arched beautifully against the distant peaks, and her lush green hair seemed to carry the fragrance of spring.
Her demeanor was strikingly different from her usual arrogant personality; she truly displayed some talent.
She bent her slender waist with delicate steps, her eyes sparkling like clear spring water. As she twirled, her gaze followed Yang Yichen, each smile captivating hearts.
The audience watched entranced, unable to hold back their admiration. "I didn't expect Sister Liang to have such skills," someone exclaimed.
"Indeed surprising! If it weren't for her reputation, marrying her wouldn't be a bad idea," another young man said with a mischievous grin while stroking his chin.
His friend shivered at the thought. "Oh dear, you really have peculiar tastes. Can you handle someone like that? You might not even know how you end up dead."
Everyone knew that Liang Shuer was reckless and shameless, bringing disgrace to women everywhere and earning disdain from men.
Yet she remained oblivious, continuing to act as she pleased. Her performance today was truly unexpected.
The emperor seated at the head of the table brightened up and turned to ask, "Queen, whose daughter is this?"
"Your Majesty, this is the daughter of Lord Liang from the Ministry of Works. This is what I should do, Your Majesty," Queen Wang whispered into Dugu Han's ear.
Dugu Han suddenly realized that the Queen had indeed mentioned this a few times; it seemed she was still unmarried.
"Has the marriage been arranged?"
"Not yet, Your Majesty. Just the other day, Lady Liang asked Madam Wang to plead on her behalf, saying that Sister Liang is of such an age and still hasn't been betrothed. She hopes that Your Majesty..."
Queen Wang paused for a moment and then said, "Sister Liang's age is indeed a concern. I think the newly appointed Yang Yichen, Lord Yang, would be a good match. He is talented and comes from a humble background, making him suitable for Sister Liang."
Dugu Han lowered his head in thought. Based on Liang Shuer's performance earlier, she was indeed a remarkable young woman, talented in many areas. Moreover, Yang Yichen was alone, which made them a good pair.
A hint of approval flashed across his aged face as he thought more about their compatibility.
He had unknowingly developed an interest in matchmaking for the younger generation.
Liang Shuer had shone brightly at the banquet, leaving a good impression on Dugu Han.
Additionally, with Queen Wang's discreet arrangements, Liang Shuer was the last to perform, and her dance as the finale was well-deserved, giving Dugu Han some time to reflect.
"Not bad, not bad! Lord Liang has raised a good daughter!" Dugu Han nodded in rare approval.
The officials present felt a lump in their throats: "Uh!" Liang Shuer was indeed a good daughter.
If this was considered a good girl, then what about those sisters who were proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting but never stepped out of their homes?
However, in front of the emperor's presence, no one dared to voice their thoughts and could only silently complain in their hearts.
"Why do I hear that Sister Liang is still not betrothed?"
Everyone's heart skipped a beat. Could it be that the Emperor was going to arrange a marriage?
Was it really necessary to be this terrifying? Liang Shuer was a calamity they all wanted to avoid.
Several elderly officials who were closer to Dugu Han shrank their necks, lowering their heads to the ground, trying to minimize their presence, fearing that Dugu Han might suddenly take an interest and send this calamity to their households.
As for the young men, they wished they could disappear entirely. They felt that a woman like Liang Shuer, who would openly snatch handsome men in public, was something they could neither enjoy nor afford.
If they were to marry such a wife, it would be more straightforward to just kill them.
Everyone's hearts raced, terrified that they might be the next one called upon.
Liang Shuer raised her chin slightly, proudly standing in the center of the stage like a flower peacock.
She knelt and bowed, saying, "This humble daughter thanks Your Majesty for the praise!"
Her every word and action today, every aspect of her etiquette, was flawless—completely different from her usual ignorant and frivolous demeanor.
It was enough to astonish everyone present.
Thus, Dugu Han had no idea what Liang Shuer had been like before; instead, he held great admiration for this younger generation.
An awkward atmosphere pervaded the banquet. After the singing and dancing had subsided, the only sound was Dugu Han's laughter, which felt strangely out of place.
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