The Reborn Princess Has Turned Evil

Chapter 206 Gathering of Talents (1)

What is my cousin thinking about?

After leaving Sui'anju, Qin Zhihua seemed a little lost in thought. Jing Anle noticed this and asked in a low voice.

Qin Zhihua didn't hide anything and asked directly, "I wonder what Grandmother will talk to the First Prince about?"

She said this with a slightly furrowed brow, looking worried.

It's not hard to guess what a young woman is thinking. Jing Anle held Qin Zhihua's hand and said, "Cousin, don't worry. Whatever it is, it's naturally for your and the Emperor's good."

Looking into Jing Anle's eyes, Qin Zhihua nodded.

As they spoke, the two arrived at Fanghuating.

This place is not far from Madam Qin's residence, but it is naturally some distance from the outer hall, which must have been a deliberate arrangement by Madam Qin.

"Princess Anle has arrived!" Afang, who was very perceptive, announced in a loud voice.

Suddenly, the voices inside stopped abruptly, and everyone turned to look at the door.

Everyone was there to attend the Qin family's birthday banquet, so they naturally recognized Qin Zhihua. Standing next to her was Jing Anle. Some of the noble ladies had seen her at the Princess's Mansion before, while others had only heard of her but had never seen her in person.

"Greetings, Princess Anle!" The noble ladies dared not look at her and all bowed.

Jing Anle looked around and saw a dozen noble ladies standing together, surrounded by flowers and fragrant aromas. These must be the aristocratic women to be chosen for Qin Xiuyuan.

"Everyone, get up."

Only after Jing Anle spoke did everyone dare to stand up.

Afang escorted Jing Anle up to the high platform. Jing Anle waved her sleeve domineeringly, turned around and sat on the couch. Her red dress accentuated her noble and aloof beauty. She glanced indifferently at the crowd below, mostly unfamiliar faces. Suddenly, she seemed to notice something, and her eyes paused for a moment.

Why is she here too?

Qin Zhihua noticed Jing Anle's gaze and followed it to see Murong Ruoyan. She assumed Jing Anle was simply attracted to Murong Ruoyan; indeed, which of the women attending the banquet today wasn't shrewd and calculating?

Murong Ruoyan? Jing Anle's previously calm heart was instantly stirred again.

In her past life, Murong Ruoyan relied on her infatuation with Murong Peifeng to swindle and deceive others using her name. She even helped Murong Peifeng deceive her and profited from her. How dare such a person dream of becoming the daughter-in-law of the General's Mansion? Does she even deserve it?

Murong Ruoyan, sitting in the audience, was unaware of all this. Having witnessed the wealth of the royal family and the handsome appearance of Jing Fengyao, she was determined to perform well and please Princess Anle.

Jing Anle withdrew her gaze and smiled, "Everyone, please don't be so formal. I heard there's an elegant gathering today. I love to join in the fun, so please don't think I'm bothering you."

Naturally, no one dared to say anything. Besides, Jing Anle was a relative of the General's family, so it was only right for him to inquire.

"It is an honor to have the princess here," the noble ladies said in unison.

Jing Anle nodded. "Then let's begin."

The gathering of scholars is actually a test of talent. While character cannot be assessed on the spot, the skills of playing musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, and painting cannot be faked. Almost all those who can come here are well-matched in terms of social standing.

Qin Zhihua clapped her hands, and a nanny and several maids came out. They carried out a guqin, a pipa, and a yueqin respectively, and placed them in the middle of the hall. After they were placed, Qin Zhihua stood up and said, "For the first round, please choose any instrument and play a piece."

The group exchanged glances, none of them wanting to be the first to go on stage. If they performed well, that would be fine, but if they didn't, they would easily be outshone by the people behind them.

Just then, a woman dressed in scarlet stood up and respectfully said to Jing Anle, "This humble woman, Zhao Yayi, has met Your Highness the Princess. Since all the sisters are so modest, then this humble woman will make a fool of herself."

Zhao Yayi not only has a unique name, but her style of dress is also quite distinctive.

The guests at the banquet were dressed either in bright colors or in elegant and refined attire, but she wore only dark-colored clothes and a few simple hairpins in her hair. Yet, despite her plain and simple appearance, she had a stubborn face. Her face was neither glamorous nor gentle, but it was beautiful, uniquely beautiful.

Jing Anle found it interesting and waved his hand in acknowledgment.

Zhao Yayi didn't hesitate and stood up, walking directly towards the pipa.