976 Cold Moon (3)
The attention was suddenly diverted to Shen Miao.
“I’ve only heard that you’re very good at archery, but I’ve never heard of anything else. Since it’s Prince Rui’s birthday today, why don’t you perform something to liven things up? I’ve admired you for a long time,” she said humbly. Anyone who saw it would think that Ye Mei admired Shen Miao sincerely and wanted to see it with her own eyes.
However, Shen Miao was the daughter of a general. It was no surprise for her to be good at archery, but no one had ever seen her dance. If she danced, she might make a fool of herself. If she did not, it would be no different from admitting that she was not as talented as Ye Mei.
Everyone looked at Shen Miao.
Shen Miao smiled. “I’m the princess consort. How can I play and sing like a dancer?”
In an instant, the hall fell silent. Ye Mei’s face turned red.
Originally, singing and dancing in front of the officials was already an unbecoming thing. However, because Ye Mei was the daughter of the Ye family and was beautiful and talented, everyone ignored this. However, they all realized this when Shen Miao mentioned it.
Madam Ye and Ye Maocai’s expressions were ugly.
Madam Lu and Lu Wan’er were gloating. They were the most happy to see Shen Miao and Ye Mei fighting.
Xie Jingxing watched everything with a smile, as if he did not think there was anything wrong with what Shen Miao said. He did not intend to stop the fight.
Luo Tan felt that Shen Miao seemed to be targeting Ye Mei, but she also felt strangely satisfied. It was Xie Jingxing’s birthday. Why was Ye Mei dancing here to steal the limelight? Moreover, she took the initiative to ask Shen Miao to sing and dance. Who was she to ask the princess consort to do this?
Madam Ji looked at Shen Miao and was anxious. Xie Jingxing’s birthday was filled with court officials. If Shen Miao made the atmosphere so tense, others would only blame Prince Rui for not disciplining his wife and say that Shen Miao was a jealous woman.
Ye Mei stood rooted to the ground. She looked pitiful, making people feel sorry for her. The men in the hall felt indignant and wanted to stand up for her.
Shen Miao glanced at everyone in the hall and saw their expressions. Ye Mei was capable. Whatever she wanted, she never needed to do it herself to get it. She only needed to play the victim to get the people around her to fight for her. If Shen Miao went against Ye Mei today, everyone in Long Ye would probably stand on her side the next day.
How could Shen Miao let Ye Mei have her way?
She stood up and smiled under everyone’s surprised gazes. “Miss Ye, I found it difficult to decline your suggestion, so I’ll accept it with reluctance. Coincidentally, I learned a song a few days ago. I played it for you.”
“Why are you playing it for Miss Ye?” Madam Lu smiled and said, “Shouldn’t you be playing it for His Highness on his birthday?”
“This song is very sad.” Shen Miao said indifferently, “It doesn’t sound like a festive tune, nor is it suitable for a birthday. I heard it a few days ago and liked it very much, so I learned it. Since Miss Ye admires me, I naturally won’t disappoint you.” She smiled at Ye Mei.
Ye Mei also smiled gently. “Of course.”
Shen Miao held her dress and walked to the middle. Ye Mei stepped to the side. Jingzhe quickly found a chair for Shen Miao. Shen Miao looked up and said, “Bring the Guqin over.”