She still felt a little unwilling in her heart, she wanted to prove that she was not so insignificant and did not know virtue and etiquette. Unconsciously, she stood up, ignoring Zhao Jie's surprised obstruction, and slowly stepped onto the stage. Facing the abrupt end of the music and the puzzled eyes of the crowd. She calmly raised her head slightly, saluted the emperor with her utmost elegance, then walked up to Zhao Qiuyue and smiled knowingly.
Qiuyue was startled and subconsciously turned to look at Xiao Lun, but Xiao Lun was staring at Zhao Pei without paying any attention to her. She was slightly annoyed and her face turned red, but she had no choice but to stand up and return the greeting and leave.
Zhao Pei smiled softly, like a silent epiphyllum blooming in the dew, beautiful enough to make many souls lost in the dark night. Her fingertips caressed the music, and Xiao Lun listened carefully with a smile. It was the song "Drunkenness". He was slightly stunned, and didn't know how to play the square, so he could only stand aside and listen silently.
When the music was so sporadic and inaudible, it suddenly rose up with a long accent, like a drunken immortal swaying unsteadily. In the chaos, there was a bit of clarity and transparency, as if there was a heart full of unspeakable pain and unwillingness, bursting out with the rich music.
Xiao Lun listened to her and followed her gaze. The corners of his mouth slowly pulled down, and he turned away with a bitter smile. He wondered why she took the initiative to come on stage to perform so abnormally. It turned out that there was a reason. But...
At the end of the song, Zhao Pei's collar was soaked with sweat. She stared at him without paying attention to other people's gazes, but he avoided her. Feeling disappointed, she heard the emperor lead the applause: "Good song!"
Everyone clapped in response. Zhao Pei smiled and stood up to thank him. The emperor asked with interest, "Which family is this young lady who is so elegant and talented?" As for her outstanding talent, she felt that she was okay, but as for her elegance... it was really a compliment. She smiled and politely replied, "Your Majesty, my name is Xu Zhao Pei."
Xiao Lun continued, "She is General Xu Kun's daughter."
The emperor nodded in understanding: "General Xu's children are truly extraordinary. Come, give them a reward."
Zhao Pei smiled sweetly and glanced at Xiao Tong. His expression was unclear, and it was hard to tell whether he was happy or angry. But the Crown Princess was smiling and nodding with satisfaction. After receiving the reward, she bowed and left. She seemed to ignore those envious, jealous, admiring, and disdainful eyes. She just smiled at Zhao Jie, who had a gloomy face, and sat back in her seat. Qiuyue looked at her unkindly, as if she was quite annoyed by her interrupting, but she still bit her lip to hold back the question that was about to come out.
Xiao Lun saluted and was about to step down, but was stopped by the emperor. "Six True has worked really hard to oversee the renovation of Hanshan Temple. What reward would you like?"
Xiao Lun smiled faintly: "I don't want anything."
The emperor thought for a while and said, "The prince is right. You are not young anymore, it's time to get married and settle down." As soon as he said this, everyone perked up a little, nervous and expectant... Shaoling Prince is deeply favored by the emperor, and it would be a good thing to marry him. The romantic and suave Xiao Lun is not only the sweetheart of many women in the boudoir, but everyone is wondering who will get this honor.
Xiao Lun's eyes fell on Zhao Pei and he smiled ambiguously. Zhao Pei's heart tightened when she saw the emperor also followed his gaze. She subconsciously grabbed Zhao Jie's hand beside her, and the warmth of Zhao Jie's palm made her feel a little relieved.
"In my opinion, Zhao Qiuyue is a good girl. They are a perfect match." The emperor's words caused a sensation. Zhao Qiuyue was surprised and happy. Her face turned red and shy, but she was overwhelmed with joy. Although Zhao Pei was relieved, she looked at Xiao Lun.
He stood there quietly, still smiling faintly but so stiffly. Xiao Lun felt a little annoyed, but had to say: "Father, in fact, your son..." Zhao Pei's heart tightened again, waiting for his words.
"I am not in a hurry to get married." Xiao Lun said so. Upon hearing this, the emperor asked with a little anger: "Then when do you want to get married? You are not a child anymore, you should be more restrained. Are you not satisfied with my arrangement?"
Xiao Lun was speechless for a moment, and could only say: "I don't think it's bad... it's just..."
But he heard a gentle voice: "Father, your sixth brother is embarrassed. You have to give him time to prepare." The Crown Princess smiled gracefully and advised kindly.
Strangely enough, the emperor listened to the Crown Princess and gave up. She smiled and said, "Sixth brother, you won't apologize to your father?" Xiao Lun smiled gratefully at her and apologized quickly. This resolved the trouble.
Zhao Pei looked at Qiuyue's face, which was expectant at first, then disappointed and sad, then secretly sad and suddenly ashamed. She couldn't help but feel a little sympathetic towards her. The girl's dream suddenly woke up, and she fell badly. I don't know how many girls Xiao Lun has hurt. But she was stunned when she thought about it. Xiao Lun's behavior just now was strange. Why did he refuse the marriage? Even if he didn't want to marry Zhao Qiuyue, he could have said what he thought in his heart? Why did he hesitate to speak? Could it be that he didn't want to marry her? He had given up the idea? It was really strange.
She was puzzled and murmured to herself: "Who cares? This is the ending I wanted anyway." She comforted herself like this at the time, but the real ending of the story was not something she could like or dislike. (To be continued)