Chapter 236 The Princess of the Subjugated Country 5
Chapter 236 The Princess of the Subjugated Country 5
Since returning from the palace banquet, Shao Mingyu has seemed quite lost and disoriented. Whether reading or doing needlework, she would often stare blankly out the window.
He Jiajia couldn't bear to see this person so dejected. The main reason was that all the young men in the capital liked Shao Mingyu. No matter what kind of banquet it was, as long as the latter appeared, they would flock to it.
She was determined to climb the social ladder, and these opportunities would be perfect for her to meet those wealthy young men. How could Shao Mingyu not socialize? She had to!
After several rounds of coaxing, Shao Mingyu was finally dragged out by He Jiajia to attend the banquet held by the prince's consort.
As soon as Shao Mingyu stepped into the banquet hall, she felt a burning gaze fixed on her.
She looked up and saw a man standing in the corner, looking at her with a complicated expression.
Shao Mingyu's heart skipped a beat, and she felt a little flustered for some reason.
She didn't dare to look up at anyone. She wanted to hold He Jiajia's hand, but He Jiajia was busy dealing with the young men and didn't notice Shao Mingyu's strange behavior. She greeted them and then left Shao Mingyu standing there.
As the most beautiful woman, Shao Mingyu attracts attention no matter what she does, and this moment is no exception. Even though she is just standing there, some young men come up to talk to her.
Having already seen the unexpected person, Shao Mingyu couldn't calm down and gave perfunctory answers to everyone.
Finally, she couldn't take it anymore and made up an excuse, but her feet unconsciously walked towards that person, as if the laughter and chatter of the people around her were gradually fading away.
"What are you doing here?" Shao Mingyu asked softly, her eyes darkening slightly.
The man was extremely handsome, but he appeared somewhat gloomy. He gave a bitter smile and said, "I knew you would come, so I came."
A ripple of emotion stirred within Shao Mingyu; she found herself unable to remain calm when facing this man.
Even if they no longer have any relationship.
After a long silence, Shao Mingyu sighed, "Qin Su, you are an illegitimate son in your family. You should marry a woman of good status as soon as possible so that she can help you."
"I know..." Qin Su's eyes were full of bitterness. She wanted to say something, but the princess consort at the head of the table saw Shao Mingyu and came over to greet her warmly.
Qin Su could only step aside.
The Crown Princess is the principal wife of Prince Qingchen, who is His Majesty's most favored heir. Just from his name, it is clear that he is very likely to be the next emperor.
Therefore, the status of the prince's consort is self-evident.
Shao Mingyu is the most beautiful woman. The former princess consort used to regard her as a rival in love. Now that she has found a good match, she still feels some hostility towards Shao Mingyu.
After all, who doesn't love a beautiful woman?
The princess glanced at Qin Su, seemingly casually, and then smiled as she recalled the previous rumors. "Mingyu, I thought you would definitely end up with him... It's a pity for you two, but it's all in the past now, and you should move on."
He was referring to "Qin Su". Qin Su and Shao Mingyu were once known as the city's golden couple, a perfect match. However, due to the decline of the Qin family, this title was lost.
The Crown Princess only invited Qin Su here today because of her past good reputation.
Shao Mingyu hadn't expected the princess to bring up this matter so directly. Even though her mind was racing, she could only suppress her thoughts for the time being and respond with a forced smile, "Your Highness is too kind. That's all in the past. I heard that quite a few young ladies came today..."
She changed the subject and brought up other things, and the princess consort didn't press her, continuing the conversation along the lines.
The two chatted happily, but Shao Mingyu kept glancing at Qin Su out of the corner of her eye. Seeing that the latter was silently watching her, as if she was the only one in his eyes, she felt a little uncomfortable.
Just then, a maidservant whispered something to the princess, whose eyes lit up and her smile widened.
Meeting Shao Mingyu's questioning gaze, the princess smiled and explained, "Princess Qingyu is coming. This person is not easy to invite."
Shao Mingyu was startled and felt inexplicably embarrassed. A slight smile appeared on her lips, and she was about to say something when she saw the Crown Princess heading towards a certain direction—
The woman, wearing a veil, walked slowly towards them. Her figure was graceful, and although her face could not be seen, her temperament was elegant. Not to mention her pair of captivating eyes, which could bewitch everyone with just one glance.
Everyone was amazed and bowed, but Qingyu slightly raised her hand to indicate that they should not stand on ceremony.
She hadn't planned to come today, but the system said there was something going on with Shao Mingyu and suggested she come and find out...
The system rarely intervenes in her affairs, but once it does, it means that she may have attended this banquet in her previous life.
Thinking this, Qingyu's gaze seemed to sweep over the area where Shao Mingyu and Qin Su were, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
These two people...
Based on the results of her investigation over the past two days, it seems to be her ex-boyfriend?
That's interesting. It's the first time I've seen an ancient female protagonist with an ex-boyfriend.
Qingyu's gaze swept over the group, and Shao Mingyu felt a chill in her heart, a sense of foreboding. She felt that the arrival of Princess Qingyu would disrupt some kind of balance.
Qingyu walked straight towards the princess consort, whose eyes flickered, and she smiled and said, "You stay in the palace every day, today I'll show you some fun."
She wasn't familiar with Qingyu, but Qingchen had always told her that Qingyu was the emperor's most beloved princess, and that being on good terms with her would only bring them benefits.
Qingyu gave a perfunctory smile, and after the two whispered a few more words, Qingyu suddenly looked at Shao Mingyu, her voice as cold as a spring: "I've heard that Miss Shao is both talented and beautiful. I didn't have the chance to get to know her at the banquet last time, but I, this princess, will have to see for myself today."
The abrupt words startled everyone. Some of the more perceptive people had already guessed whether Qingyu was targeting Shao Mingyu.
Suddenly, all sorts of gazes fell upon Shao Mingyu.
Shao Mingyu pursed her lips, feeling extremely nervous and helpless, but she could only curtsy in response, "Your Highness is too kind. I am naturally no match for Your Highness."
Qingyu's smile widened as she gracefully walked over, her clothes swaying with each step, creating a beautiful scene.
She circled around Shao Mingyu, seemingly sizing her up but actually exuding a sense of scrutiny and pressure.
Then she gave a soft hum and turned to the princess, saying, "She is indeed beautiful, but she's all show and no substance."
Shao Mingyu inhaled the unique fragrance, her blush deepening. She bit her lower lip, suppressing her discomfort. Hearing these words, she felt strangely not humiliated; instead, her mind was filled with Qingyu's beautiful voice...
She's really out of her mind, completely infatuated!
Seeing this, Qin Su frowned and stepped forward, saying, "Your Highness is mistaken. Miss Shao is not only beautiful, but also intelligent and kind-hearted."
The words elicited a small gasp of surprise.
"Has Qin Su gone mad?"
"He's probably not crazy, but rather bewitched by a beautiful woman."
"Who doesn't know Princess Qingyu's status? How dare you contradict me..."
……
The faint murmurs of discussion didn't reach the ears of most people, but Qin Su still subconsciously straightened her back to make herself look less disheveled.
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