Chan Zhen smiled gently at her, “Alright, I don’t mind even if you’re so upset.” 

To be honest, their actions were to her advantage. She didn’t enjoy performing in public and wasn’t ready yet. Besides, she had heard that His Majesty was unpredictable and capricious, and she was afraid she might falter during her performance and displease him.

Now, she hoped the day would be delayed as long as possible. Even the governor was intimidating, so how terrifying must the most powerful man in the world, His Majesty, be? 

“Miss!” Autumn Moon was still dissatisfied. 

Chan Zhen took her hand and acted coy, “Autumn Moon, you know I’m the most timid. I’m really scared of meeting His Majesty. Please let me prepare a little more?” 

She skillfully used her beauty to her advantage, her brow slightly furrowed, her expression pleading. Gazing into those eyes like autumn water, Autumn Moon unconsciously took a step back, a blush rising on her face. Finally, she looked away and conceded to Chan Zhen. 

… 

In the front courtyard, Ye Wenyuan had arranged music and dance for the banquet. 

More than ten Jiangnan beauties, dressed in light gauze, presented a well-rehearsed dance. Jiangnan women were generally delicate and graceful, and those on stage were carefully selected elites. Even Ye Wenyuan himself found them captivating. If it weren’t for serving His Majesty, he would have kept them all for himself. 

Seeing the women in their light gauze, Chen Dingyao’s face turned cold. Had Chan Zhen also been dressed like this in the past life when she performed? Damn it, his Chan Zhen… he had never seen her dance in light gauze. He suppressed his anger, but he still wanted to go back to the past life and gouge out the eyes of everyone who had seen Chan Zhen dance. 

Fortunately, upon closer inspection, he noticed Chan Zhen was not among them, finally calming his anger. 

Seeing His Majesty glance at the beauties, Ye Wenyuan couldn’t tell which one he favored, so he tentatively asked, “Your humble servant took the liberty of arranging these beauties to dance for Your Majesty. What does Your Majesty think? Should we begin now?” 

Failing to see his beloved, and with a cup of wine stirring up memories of the past, Chen Dingyao felt restless. He slammed his wine cup on the table, impatiently saying, “No need. A bunch of common women.” 

Ye Wenyuan hadn’t expected that his thoughtful arrangement of beauties would displease His Majesty. His expression froze, unsure how to respond. After a moment of awkward silence, he could only apologize, “It is my humble servant’s fault. Please forgive me, Your Majesty.” 

Chen Dingyao was slightly drunk, his hand supporting himself on the table, his brow showing weariness. Since his rebirth, he had almost nightly dreamt of his past life, dreaming of Chan Zhen either looking at him sadly with tears in her eyes or giving him a cold, hateful look, causing him both heartache and anxiety, preventing him from sleeping soundly. 

He rubbed his temples, suddenly remembering Chan Zhen’s skill in playing the pipa in his past life, and asked, “Is there anyone in the mansion who plays the pipa? Call her to perform for me.” 

Ye Wenyuan immediately thought of Miss Song, the peerlessly beautiful woman. Since His Majesty didn’t favor the other women, having Miss Song appear would be a good idea. As long as Miss Song pleased His Majesty, he wouldn’t mind the earlier incident. 

He replied, “There is a Miss Song in the mansion who is very skilled at the pipa. I will immediately arrange for her to serve Your Majesty.” 

Chen Dingyao opened his eyes. His Chan Zhen was finally coming. 

However, he didn’t want his Chan Zhen to be seen by so many people in public. 

“Later. After the banquet, send her directly to my chambers.” 

“Miss Song, good news!” 

Chan Zhen was having dinner when she heard the steward shouting in the courtyard. Confused, she put down her chopsticks and exchanged glances with Autumn Moon, both going out to see what was happening. 

“Huff huff!” The steward was covered in sweat, still catching his breath, as if he had run all the way. He stopped before Chan Zhen, bowed, and said with a beaming smile, “Miss Song, congratulations!” 

After catching his breath, he continued, “Please get ready. His Majesty just requested your service at the banquet!” 

“What?” Autumn Moon, forgetting her previous frustration, turned to Chan Zhen in surprise, “This is wonderful news! I knew you were blessed!” 

Unlike their joy, Chan Zhen froze, her mind blank. Wasn’t she supposed to be excused tonight? Why did His Majesty suddenly request her? She had just been secretly pleased that she could delay it for a few more days, but the change came so quickly, and her heart was in turmoil. 

She stood there tensely, pale, looking at the steward like a startled rabbit, asking in a small voice: 

“Didn’t the governor say I didn’t need to serve tonight?” 

The steward mistook her reaction for delight, smiling and saying, “That was the plan, but His Majesty was dissatisfied with the other women and mentioned wanting to hear pipa music. The governor knows you’re the most skilled at it, so he naturally recommended you.” 

I wish I hadn’t learned the pipa, Chan Zhen muttered to herself. 

The steward continued, “Furthermore, His Majesty specifically requested that after the banquet, you serve him alone in his chambers. No other woman has this opportunity. You must seize it.” 

“Just me?” Chan Zhen raised her head in surprise, her almond-shaped eyes wide. 

“Yes, the banquet is almost over. You should hurry and freshen up.” 

Hearing the urgency in his voice, Chan Zhen frowned. This was worse than before. Facing His Majesty alone, if she accidentally angered him, she would be helpless. And since His Majesty hadn’t chosen any of the other beauties at the banquet, his standards must be very high. Would he even like her? 

Autumn Moon, however, was very happy and replied, “I’ll help Miss get ready. Please wait a moment.” 

“Alright, I’ll wait outside.”