The bright moon hangs high, beckoning him down from his pedestal.

A few days later, the Western Hill Palace, nestled against the mountains and beside the water, was surrounded by lush trees and was much cooler than the Imperial Palace.

The royal procession arrived in less than half a day's journey.

After settling in briefly, a small family banquet was held that evening in the pavilion of the imperial palace.

Shen Wangxi sat in the main seat, with Empress Wulanyun to her left. She was calm and did not say much.

On the right is Shen Qingruo, wearing a light green gauze dress that looks even more ethereal and graceful in the night breeze.

Shen Yinian and Shen Jingyan sat at the lower end of the table.

Halfway through the banquet, Shen Yinian stood up and respectfully said to Shen Wangxi, "Father, I have heard that there is a musician in Jiangnan whose skills are superb and whose music is gentle and melodious. I have specially invited him to entertain Father and Mother."

Shen Wangxi nodded.

Soon, a woman carrying a guqin (a traditional Chinese stringed instrument) gracefully entered the waterside pavilion.

She wore an elegant dress, her figure was slender, and although her face was not as exquisite as Shen Qingruo's, it was still pretty and charming, especially her eyes, which carried a tender feeling that seemed to want to speak but couldn't.

She bowed gracefully, her voice soft and sweet: "This commoner, Liu Rusi, greets Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, Your Highness the Imperial Concubine, and Your Highnesses."

Shen Wangxi was taken aback when he heard her name.

Shen Yinian secretly observed.

This Liu Rusi was someone he had painstakingly found. Not only was she highly skilled at playing the zither, but more importantly, she possessed a gentle and graceful air that was nurtured by the water towns of Jiangnan, similar to Shen Qingruo but slightly different.

He thought to himself that his father had been favoring Shen Qingruo for several months, and even the most delicious food should be changed. Although Liu Rusi was slightly inferior, she had her own unique flavor.

Liu Rusi sat down, her slender fingers plucking the strings of the zither, and a tender melody flowed out, as if weeping and lamenting, truly beautiful to hear.

She occasionally raised her eyes, her gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the emperor on the throne, filled with admiration and shyness.

Shen Qingruo looked at the beautiful woman playing the zither in the arena, then glanced at Shen Wangxi, whose face remained calm, and snorted coldly in her heart.

Shen Yinian had a good plan.

Ulan Yunduan held a wine glass, observing coldly from the sidelines.

Shen Jingyan lowered her head, stirring the soup in her bowl. She felt uneasy. Even her elder brother, who didn't like to wield power, had started to play mind games and offer beauties to their father.

The song ended, its lingering notes still echoing.

Liu Rusi rose and bowed again, her posture gentle and compliant.

Shen Yinian spoke up at the opportune moment: "What does Father Emperor think of this girl's musical skills?"

Shen Wangxi's gaze lingered on Liu Rusi, and the woman immediately lowered her head shyly.

He said calmly, "The music is acceptable."

These four words alone reveal no emotion.

Shen Qingruo suddenly put down her chopsticks: "Your Majesty, I am a little tired and would like to go back to rest first."

Shen Wangxi turned to look at her and saw that she did look tired on her face, so she nodded: "Okay, go ahead. Be careful on the way."

Shen Qingruo stood up, slightly curtsied to Shen Wangxi as a gesture of respect, and without even glancing at Liu Rusi, turned and left the waterside pavilion with her palace servants.

Shen Wangxi watched her walk away before turning his gaze back to the arena and saying to Liu Rusi, "Reward her."

Liu Rusi was overjoyed and quickly expressed her gratitude.

Seeing his father's reaction, Shen Yinian felt somewhat reassured.

As long as the Emperor doesn't directly refuse, it's a good start.

He refused to believe that, over time, this gentle embrace wouldn't diminish Shen Qingruo's exclusive favor.

After the banquet, Shen Wangxi unexpectedly suggested that Liu Rusi stay in the palace and temporarily reside in a side hall.

Then he got into the sedan chair and headed towards the courtyard where Shen Qingruo lived.

The night breeze was slightly cool.

Shen Wangxi instructed Wu Tian, ​​who was standing beside the sedan chair, "There's no need to investigate the matter of the Liu family descendants being taken away first, which I asked you to investigate before."

Wu Tian bowed his head and replied, "This servant understands."

He knew in his heart that this was too much of a coincidence.

The last bloodline of the Liu family that they were looking for was found by the Carefree Prince first, and now he has even put on this show of offering himself up, which is really embarrassing for His Majesty.