With a turn of his gaze and a faint smile, he unknowingly caused many noble ladies who noticed to blush and lower their heads, only to look up again shyly, unable to resist.
It was the age when young girls first experience romance and those truly able to prioritize family interests over appearances were still a small minority.
Jiang Si coldly observed all this, feeling a subtle mix of pride and displeasure, then deeply despised herself: pride was understandable, as her man was indeed outstanding and worth being proud of, but why the displeasure? She wasn’t one to get jealous easily.
It must be Yu Qi’s influence, that jealous pot.
Thinking of this, Jiang Si pursed her lips in a slight smile.
Yu Jin was equally in good spirits.
Finally, he could openly associate with A Si as a prince.
After today, she would be his lady.
Prince Shu felt as if his younger brother had stolen the spotlight, but he didn’t mind much.
For a man, especially one born into the royal family, looks were the least important thing. To fuss over it would be beneath him.
Consort Xian said with a smile, “Please be seated, Your Highnesses. It’s a perfect opportunity to appreciate the grace of our capital’s noble ladies.”
Yu Jin and Prince Shu sat down.
With two young and handsome princes present, the ladies suddenly became energized. Even while trying to maintain a dignified posture, their excitement was evident in every gesture.
Even if they wouldn’t be chosen, even if the princes before them weren’t of royal status but merely ordinary young nobles, who wouldn’t want to show their best side out of a girl’s instinct?
Soon, everyone present was treated to a feast for the ears and eyes.
Some played the qin, those played the xiao, those played the se, and especially Miss Kou Lingbo, the third daughter of the Marquis of Shouchun, who performed an exceptionally brilliant whirling dance that left everyone spellbound.
After Kou Lingbo’s dance ended, the entire venue fell silent for a moment, with no noble lady stepping forward.
No one wanted to appear as a plain flower vase in comparison to Kou Lingbo, paving the way for others.
Jiang Si had just finished applauding along with everyone else when she sensed a gaze falling upon her.
Full of ill intent.
“Your Highnesses, Miss Jiang from the Dong Ping Earl’s manor says she wants to perform,” Chen Huifu called out with a grin.
Chen Huifu was only fourteen or fifteen years old, and when she smiled, her almond-shaped eyes seemed innocent. No one could have imagined she was blatantly lying.
Two meaningful gazes swept towards Jiang Si, one from Consort Xian and one from Consort Zhuang.
Consort Xian thought to herself: I just saw this girl sitting in a corner, thinking she was sensible and knew her place, but now she wants to show off. How absurd!
Consort Zhuang silently shook her head, lowering her opinion of Jiang Si even further.
Leaving aside the fact that Miss Jiang’s chances were slim no matter how outstanding her performance, to choose this moment to take the stage, when people were still savoring the applause-worthy whirling dance, was unwise.
If she truly had talent, choosing this moment to perform seemed too competitive.
If she had nothing impressive to show, it would be embarrassing.
Naturally, the two consorts couldn’t imagine that Chen Huifu, a seemingly innocent young girl, would tell such a blatant lie. And the noble ladies near Chen Huifu, who were aware of her little tricks, wouldn’t speak up for Jiang Si either.
Chen Huifu was confident of this, which was why she acted fearlessly.
She didn’t believe Jiang Si would dare expose her.
In this setting, regardless of who was right or wrong, if an argument broke out, no one would come out looking good.
Chen Huifu’s reasoning wasn’t wrong.
Jiang Si was caught off guard and pushed into the spotlight, naturally couldn’t retreat like a coward.
Her only choice was to step forward.
Yu Jin gripped his teacup, his gaze deep.
Right in front of him, this woman was scheming against A Si.
It wouldn’t do to flip the table right now, after all, his wife-to-be wasn’t officially decided yet.
Yu Jin held back repeatedly, his gaze towards Jiang Si carrying a hint of worry.
Although he had thought of A Si for many years, they had been in contact for less than a year. What was A Si skilled at again?
Recalling in his mind, a few words flashed by: killing, arson, chopping men’s bottoms with knives…
Yu Jin dared not think further.
Ahem, in this kind of setting, A Si should probably keep a low profile.
Jiang Si quietly raised the corner of her lips.
She didn’t care about the others, but what was that look in Yu Qi’s eyes?
Did he think she had nothing presentable? Well, her best skills might not be in the four arts, but she could certainly handle this situation.
Jiang Si rose gracefully, curtsied towards Consort Xian and Consort Zhuang, and said with a faint smile, “This humble servant dare not embarrass herself, but Miss Chen just said that if I were to perform, she would go next. I couldn’t bear to deprive Miss Chen of the opportunity to showcase herself, so I boldly offer my humble performance.”
Chen Huifu suddenly bit her lip, her mouth twitching a few times before she swallowed her words, her gaze towards Jiang Si filled with murderous intent.
This cunning little wretch!
Chen Huifu’s dislike for the Dong Ping Earl’s manor stemmed not only from her brother but also from her close friend Cui Mingyue.
Mingyue had been harmed by the Zhu family and the Dong Ping Earl’s manor, otherwise, why would she be hiding at home unable to attend such an occasion, while this unworthy person inexplicably appeared at the bridal selection banquet?
Thinking of this, Chen Huifu felt indignant, but just as she had schemed against Jiang Si, Jiang Si had retaliated in kind, and she similarly couldn’t deny it.
This meant that after Jiang Si’s performance, it would be her turn to take the stage.
Chen Huifu felt a bit panicked.
Of course, she had dabbled in the four arts, but she lacked the confidence to showcase them in this setting.
Several of the noble ladies who had performed earlier were much better than her, and if she were to go on stage now, it wouldn’t look good.
Seeing the troubled expression flash across Chen Huifu’s face, Jiang Si gently curled her lips.
Foolish child, you’ll soon learn what it truly means to look bad.
Jiang Si was indeed annoyed.
Private squabbles and disputes she could dismiss as a young girl’s ignorance, not worth bothering about, but what kind of occasion was this?
With two consorts present and a prince in attendance, if she were an ordinary girl, being pressured to go on stage and embarrass herself would probably crush her spirit forever.
To be willing to ruin someone’s future, and between two people with no direct grudge, this wasn’t just ignorance, it was malice.
In Jiang Si’s view, malice knew no age.
Since she was asking for trouble, Jiang Si naturally wouldn’t go easy on her when teaching her a lesson.
There would be no mercy or leniency – there never was in this life, after all, she wasn’t a man.
Jiang Si had already walked to the center of the venue under countless gazes.
Yu Jin tightly pursed his thin lips, suppressing his worry, while Prince Shu showed a focused expression for the first time.
“I wonder what talent Miss Jiang will showcase?” Consort Xian asked indifferently.
Jiang Si smiled calmly, “Having just appreciated the talents of the other young ladies, whose skills far surpass mine, this humble servant dares not make a fool of herself. I plan to perform a magic trick, hoping to amuse everyone.”
A magic trick?
Consort Xian frowned instinctively.
The ladies exchanged curious glances, hiding mockery in their eyes.
Performing a magic trick in this setting? How inappropriate.
“Please help me fetch two budding plum blossoms and two glass vases half-filled with clear water,” Jiang Si requested.