Everyone present was eager for drama, never missing a chance to watch the fun.

Bai Ruzhu stood up with a flustered expression and said, “Lady Yue’s skills with the zither are hardly worthy of such an esteemed gathering. I dare not embarrass myself. Please forgive me, everyone.”

The Marchioness of Yu chimed in to smooth things over: “There’s no shortage of talented ladies here. Why force Miss Li?”

“How is this forcing?” Princess Danyang smiled. “This is giving Miss Li a chance to showcase her abilities. After all, when people in the capital mention her, they only know of her beauty. Isn’t it time they saw she’s also a woman of talent?”

The other noble ladies were delighted to watch the spectacle.

After all, watching a stunning beauty make a fool of herself was, in its own way, a kind of visual enjoyment.

“Lord Cheng, what do you think Miss Li will perform?” Zhao Shaoqing asked quietly to the person beside him. “Surely she won’t end up making a laughingstock of herself?”

Cheng Changyan’s lips curved slightly.

A person’s talent wasn’t limited to music, chess, calligraphy, or painting.

She came from a world where women could hold up half the sky.

How could she possibly embarrass herself?

He took a sip of court wine and lifted his gaze.

Li Zhiyue suddenly stood up, gave a respectful bow toward the royals seated at the head, and said, “I truly do not know how to play music, play chess, write calligraphy, or paint, so I won’t make a fool of myself trying. Instead, why don’t I tell everyone a story?”

“What?”

“A story?”

“Who tells stories at a palace banquet? Is she crazy?”

Everyone turned to look at Li Zhiyue with strange expressions, as if she were a fool.

Li Zhiyue calmly walked to the center of the hall.

She cleared her throat and began:
“The story takes place in a fragrant, bird-filled valley. Let’s call it Flower Fruit Mountain. There, a great stone, nurtured by the essence of heaven and earth, absorbed the light of the sun and moon. One day, it suddenly cracked open, and out jumped a monkey…”

She was telling the tale of Journey to the West — a story beloved by all, from toddlers just learning to walk, to cane-carrying elders, to men and women of every age.

But several people in the hall burst out laughing.

“A monkey jumping out of a stone?”

“A noble lady, telling the emperor and empress a story about monkeys?”

“Heavens! Does she even realize where she is? Who these people are? How can she tell such a lowbrow tale here!”

At first, most people listened with the mindset of watching her make a fool of herself.

But as the story went on, the grand banquet hall gradually fell quiet, leaving only Li Zhiyue’s voice.

When the story flowed smoothly, her voice was like a gentle mountain stream.

When it reached a turning point, her voice quickened, becoming intense. Her shifts in tone and pace fully captivated the listeners’ emotions.

Everyone present became utterly engrossed, drawn deeply into the tale.

And just when it reached the most exciting part, she stopped.

“What? That’s it?”

“Miss Li, please continue!”

“What happens next? Who saves him from Five Finger Mountain?”

Even Princess Danyang, who had originally set this up to watch Li Zhiyue fail, forgot her initial intention.

Li Zhiyue smiled and said, “The rest is a long tale. I’ve already taken up too much of everyone’s time. If you’re interested, you can visit the Li family’s Grand Theatre to watch the full play. The performance on stage is far livelier than my dry words. Please forgive my humble offering.”

The emperor laughed heartily and waved his hand. “That was truly an amusing tale! Reward her!”

The chief eunuch approached with a tray, on which sat a rare, exquisite vase.

Li Zhiyue immediately knelt to give thanks and carefully carried the vase back to her seat.

No sooner had she sat down than she felt a strong gaze fixed on her.

She looked up and saw the Fifth Prince, Ning Chi.

Ning Chi laughed aloud. “No wonder the Li family’s theatre is famed throughout the capital. It seems I must find time to visit the theatre myself one day.”

Li Zhiyue offered a polite smile. “Then I shall eagerly await Your Highness’s esteemed visit.”

Ning Chi’s eyes sparkled with mischief.

He’d played with many beauties since returning to the capital, but none stirred his desire quite like Li Zhiyue.

He couldn’t help but turn to the consort sitting beside him, Consort Lin. “Mother, wouldn’t it be wonderful if Miss Li became my imperial consort?”

“Certainly not,” Consort Lin replied coolly. “Your imperial consort must be the legitimate daughter of a first- or second-rank minister. The Li family’s rank is far too low, unworthy of your status.”

Ning Chi smiled slyly. “That’s easily solved — make her a side consort.”

“That’s possible,” Consort Lin frowned, “but wait until His Majesty grants your main marriage. Then we can discuss side consorts. You must be patient.”

Ning Chi was far from patient and muttered softly, “Can’t I just take her now…”

“Miss Li’s beauty is legendary. If people hear she’s become your side consort, which noble family would still be willing to offer their daughter as your main wife?” Consort Lin said seriously. “Your future wife’s family will be your greatest support. Don’t let momentary lust jeopardize the bigger picture.”

The banquet continued.

One by one, the noble young ladies came forward to perform. Even Princess Qingping, the daughter of the Grand Princess(Royal Princess), played a flute solo.

“Qingping’s flute playing has improved greatly,” the empress said warmly. “The Grand Princess has raised her well. Qingping’s bearing rivals even the palace princesses. Your Majesty, why not grant her the title of princess?”

The Grand Princess pressed her lips tightly together.

You killed her eldest legitimate son, caused her consort’s death, and ripped her heart out. Did they think that by granting her daughter a princess title, she would feel no resentment toward the imperial family?

The emperor nodded. “Issue our decree: the Grand Princess’s daughter, Qingping, is graceful, intelligent, and gentle in nature. She shall be henceforth titled Princess Qingping. So decreed!”

Qingping knelt. “Thank you, Your Majesty. Long live the emperor!”

The noble ladies surrounding the Grand Princess all offered congratulations.

But really, no one envied such an honor — it had been bought with the lives of her closest family.

After the banquet, the empress led everyone to admire the flowers in the imperial gardens.

In the plum garden, the winter-blooming plum blossoms were stunningly beautiful.

Bai Ruzhu was drawn aside by the Marchioness of Wing for conversation. Li Zhiyue lingered a few steps behind, sensing a strong gaze on her. Without looking back, she knew it had to be the Fifth Prince.

She swiftly turned and slipped into a group of young noble ladies, then moved a few steps west, fully blocking Ning Chi’s line of sight.

She thought she had escaped him.

But unexpectedly, someone still followed.

Li Zhiyue stopped, took a deep breath, and lifted her head, just about to speak —

Only to meet a pair of dark, intense eyes.

The frustration in her heart instantly vanished, and a smile appeared on her face. “Oh, it’s you.”

Cheng Changyan’s lips curved slightly. “Who did you think it was?”

“No one,” Li Zhiyue said with a smile. “I used to hear people say that Lord Cheng, the Grand Justice of the Court of Judicial Review, never attended banquets or palace feasts. So why is it that no matter what event I go to, I always seem to run into you?”

Cheng Changyan looked a little awkward. “It just so happens that work hasn’t been too busy lately.”