The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife-Chapter 24: Knowing One’s Flaws, Yet Still Seeking Attention?

Nanli remained oblivious to Qing Xu’s intentions.

With the Empress’s birthday banquet approaching, Madam Shen planned to bring her into the palace, using the opportunity to let everyone know that she had been found and had spent these days learning proper etiquette.

Nanli was clever and quick to learn, leaving Shen with no worries.

On the day of the banquet, she was awakened early and allowed the maidservants and Yuanbao to dress her up.

Wearing the same embroidered golden silk dress as before, adorned with a delicate golden crown and a pair of exquisite emerald bracelets, Nanli now understood why those noble ladies always needed assistance when entering and leaving places.

Her physique was fine, so the attire didn’t tire her, but she had to be careful with her movements and seating, as any rudeness would be deemed uncivilized.

This made it difficult for her to walk, open her hands, or even stand comfortably.

Chu Hanlin and Madam Shen escorted Nanli into the palace.

The carriage stopped at the side gate of the palace, where they presented their invitation for inspection before being allowed entry.

The palace had always been like a battlefield, with some palace maids dying silently, their souls accumulating countless grievances.

As Nanli walked through, she couldn’t help but feel a chilling sensation.

However, this was the palace, and today she was here to attend the birthday banquet.

It was not her concern.

Having survived in the apocalypse, she had long understood the concept of power.

If she made a mistake in the palace, it would bring trouble to her entire family, so she had to be cautious.

Today’s banquet was held in the Qian Long Hall. Although the banquet was still half an hour away, many people had already arrived in the hall.

Chu Hanlin and his wife greeted everyone with their daughter, receiving both disdainful and sincere congratulations.

Nanli made a mental note of those few who genuinely wished her well, as she could offer them some assistance in the future.

Just before the banquet began, the Emperor and Empress arrived, accompanied by emperor Muwu’s younger sister, Princess Huiping.

Everyone knelt and paid their respects.

The Emperor Muwu, the legitimate eldest son of the late Emperor, was nearing forty years old.

Since the late Emperor’s passing two years ago, he had been tirelessly reviewing memorials and discussing state affairs with his ministers, showing signs of exhaustion. Empress Xie was dressed in her finest attire, bearing some resemblance to the Marquis of Zhenbei.

But when Nanli looked into her eyes, she could tell that the Empress was actually unwell.

She forced herself to attend her own birthday banquet, clearly to reassure the courtiers. Emperor Muwu smiled and asked everyone to rise, allowing them to offer their birthday wishes to Empress Xie before taking their seats.

Just as the banquet was about to begin, a message came from outside, "Prince Yu has arrived!"

It was Prince Yu, Ye Siheng.

Both the Emperor Muwu and Empress Xie’s faces lit up with joy as they instructed the palace attendants to prepare a seat for him.

Since Ye Siheng injured his leg and became unable to walk easily, he rarely attended palace banquets.

His presence today brought an even brighter smile to Empress Xie’s face, radiating with excitement.

Ye Siheng was still being pushed in a wheelchair by Qing Feng as they entered the hall.

He wore a black silk robe with a golden crown and belt.

The robe was adorned with intricate golden borders, meticulously embroidered with lifelike dragon patterns. H

is face was handsome, with impeccable features that immediately caught the attention of many.

Despite his inability to walk, he exuded innate nobility, making people feel that he was untainted and unattainable.

Ye Siheng’s gaze quickly found Nanli’s figure.

With her delicate makeup, she appeared charming and lovely.

It took him a while to withdraw his gaze.

"Greetings, Your Highness." Ye Siheng’s voice was clear and crisp.

"No need for excessive courtesy." Emperor Muwu smiled warmly and instructed Qing Feng to seat Ye Siheng.

He was Muwu’s youngest brother and also his most capable one.

Before Ye Siheng lost the use of his legs, the Northern Border remained impregnable. Half a year ago, when the enemy saw that Ye Siheng couldn’t personally lead the troops due to his leg injury, they gathered their forces and launched an attack, hoping to avenge their previous defeat.

But even without personally joining the battle, Ye Siheng’s military strategies were godlike, leaving the enemy with no chance of survival!

Emperor Muwu was overjoyed because Ye Siheng had already received all the titles and rewards he could possibly receive.

Therefore, he waived the customary kneeling ceremony and bestowed him with a mansion and numerous treasures.

It could be said that Ye Siheng was second to none in the Mu Country, and only he could sit beside the emperor.

Such an honor was beyond the current Crown Prince’s reach.

After three rounds of wine, Empress Xie recalled that Lady of Anyany marquis had brought her daughter into the palace today. Her elder brother had recently visited the palace and praised the young lady for her upright character and talent, as she had saved his nephew.

Thus, Empress Xie desired to meet her in person.

"I heard that your long-lost daughter has finally returned. Congratulations," said Empress Xie with a smile.

Chu Hanlin immediately stood up with his wife and daughter to express their gratitude. "It is thanks to the blessings of the Emperor and Empress that my wife and I can reunite with our daughter."

The others had already seen Nanli before, but now they witnessed her proper manners and graceful gratitude, without any trace of timidity or awkwardness. This impressed them.

However, Princess Huiping said, "Indeed, she is beautiful and resembles Lady Shen to some extent. I wonder if her musical talent is as outstanding as her mother. Why don’t you play a tune to celebrate the Empress’s birthday and show your sincerity?"

Shen felt embarrassed.

Her daughter did not enjoy such things, and she had never intended to force her to learn them. But if she refused, it would be disrespectful to the Empress.

A young lady from the Prime Minister’s family, Lu Yanyan, stood up across from them. She said, "I heard that Sixth Miss grew up in the countryside and has only recently returned. She probably doesn’t know how to play. Princess, why not let me perform and spare her the trouble?"

Many chuckled softly, and their gazes towards Nanli became somewhat disdainful.

Princess Huiping raised an eyebrow and said, "If that’s the case..."

"Knowing your own shortcomings, yet still seeking attention?" Ye Siheng suddenly spoke, his gaze icy.

Lu Yanyan’s face stiffened, and her eyes instantly turned red.

The Prime Minister felt sorry for his daughter and couldn’t help but say, "Why must the Ninth Prince be so aggressive? My daughter was only trying to help Miss Nanli."

"Is it helping or humiliating? I believe everyone present can tell," Ye Siheng replied. ƒreewebɳovel.com

Princess Huiping glanced at him and said, "Ninth Brother, Miss Lu was speaking the truth. Why be so aggressive?"

Lu Yanyan had admired Ye Siheng for a long time, and she didn’t think he was defending Miss Nanli but simply wanted to embarrass Lu Yanyan herself. She stared at Nanli and spoke with a hint of sarcasm, "Sixth Miss, your mother is a master in lyra. You should learn from her."

Nanli thought to herself, being a noble lady is troublesome. She had no desire to conform to the norm, to be a knowledgeable and virtuous woman who cooked for her husband. So today, she might as well establish her own image.

"Empress Chengde is skilled in swordsmanship and once saved Emperor Taizu from danger. It shows that women don’t necessarily have to learn music, chess, calligraphy, and painting," Nanli walked forward slowly.

"I wonder, Young Master Lu, would you be willing to spar with me to celebrate the Empress’s birthday?"

Before Lu Zheng could respond, Lu Yanyan interjected, "With you? You seem delicate and weak. Can you withstand three moves in front of my elder brother?"

Lu Zheng was known for his literary and martial talents in the capital.

He had good character and scolded Lu Yanyan before standing up and saying, "Miss Nanli, our physical strengths differ as men and women. It might not be appropriate."