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

Inside Qingyi Palace, Shen Qingruo finished her dance practice, her body drenched in sweat, a few strands of black hair clinging to her cheeks, adding to her languid charm.

Granny Yan stood aside, nodding inwardly.

"Your Highness must be tired today." Granny Yan stepped forward, her tone respectful. "Shall this old servant attend to Your Highness's bath to help you relax?"

Shen Qingruo raised her eyes and glanced at Granny Yan. She did not refuse, but simply replied softly, "Thank you for your trouble, Granny."

She could tell that Granny Yan wanted to examine her further. Dance could reveal one's figure and demeanor, but what lay beneath the clothes was her true asset.

Warm water had already been prepared in the bathtub. Shen Qingruo took off her dance costume, revealing a plain white undergarment underneath.

Granny Yan stepped forward and helped her untie the ties of her undergarment. When the garment completely slipped off, even Granny Yan, who had been in the palace for over forty years and had seen all kinds of beauties, couldn't help but hold her breath.

She had rounded shoulders, delicate collarbones, a perfect chest, and a captivating beauty. Her abdomen was flat, and her legs were straight and graceful.

Granny Yan sighed inwardly, thinking that this body of hers was simply a gift from heaven.

Her figure was perfectly proportioned, with a well-balanced physique and a smooth, snow-white skin so flawless that it was hard to find even a small mole. To the touch, it would be incredibly smooth.

As Shen Qingruo stepped into the bathtub, Granny Yan picked up a cloth and began wiping the princess's delicate back.

Her biggest concern was that this princess had been a concubine of the Emperor of Liang and was not a virgin.

If His Majesty were to actually visit her in the future and then consider this matter, would he harbor any resentment?

This poses a significant hidden danger for long-term development.

However, upon closer inspection, Granny Yan, with her years of experience and sharp eyes, felt that the woman's demeanor, especially the awkwardness of her legs, did not resemble that of a woman who had been through sexual intercourse, but rather that of a virgin waiting to bloom.

This thought made Granny Yan's heart pound. If that were true, then the stakes would be incredibly high.

She suppressed her excitement and continued what she was doing, praising in a low voice, "Your Highness's jade-like bones and ice-like skin are truly the most beautiful sight I have ever seen in my life. Not to mention men, even I feel my heart flutter and find it hard to control myself."

Shen Qingruo was soaking in the water with her eyes closed. When she heard Granny Yan's words, the corners of her lips curved slightly, and her voice became even softer: "Granny, you flatter me."

Hearing her increasingly soft and gentle voice these days, the last bit of doubt in Granny Yan's heart vanished.

With this body, this appearance, this temperament, and the possibility of her being a virgin, Granny Yan could almost foresee that if that day ever came, even the high and mighty Emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty would be captivated and unable to extricate himself from his infatuation.

She served Shen Qingruo with even greater devotion, and in her heart she regarded Shen Qingruo as a master whom she had to support with all her might.

-

The next day, in the evening.

The Empress's birthday banquet was held in the outer hall of the most magnificent Taiji Hall in the palace.

The palace was resplendent with gold and jade, and officials, accompanied by their wives, sat in order of rank, their jade pendants jingling, creating a magnificent and prosperous atmosphere.

The melodious sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air, and the dancers' flowing sleeves swayed gracefully, their figures exquisite.

"His Majesty has arrived! Her Majesty the Empress has arrived!"

The eunuchs' loud announcements rang out, and everyone rose to their feet, knelt on the ground, and shouted "Long live the Emperor!"

Shen Wangxi, accompanied by Wulan Yun, slowly walked in from outside the palace.

He was not wearing a dragon robe today; his black hair was tied up with a jade hairpin, and his face was still stunning, with dignified features that made people dare not look directly at him.

Wulan Yun followed closely beside him, dressed in a bright red palace gown and wearing a phoenix crown; her face was beautiful.

The Emperor and Empress walked hand in hand up the steps and took their seats in the main seats.

"All of you, rise." Shen Wangxi's voice was not loud, but it clearly echoed throughout the hall.

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Empress!"

Everyone rose and returned to their seats, their gazes involuntarily focusing on the emperor and empress who stood high above them.

The ladies exchanged envious glances and whispered among themselves.

"His Majesty and His Majesty are truly a loving couple, the envy of all."

"Yes, in the entire harem, there is only the Empress. His Majesty can't see anyone else."

"Her Majesty not only enjoys continued imperial favor, but also has such outstanding children as the Princess Protector of the Nation and the Prince of Leisure. She is truly blessed..."

"Indeed, even that Princess Qingruo from before has now been confirmed to be not of royal blood. She's just an orphan who gained the title through merit, and she's no longer an obstacle to Your Majesty's eyes. Is there anyone more perfect than Your Majesty, inside or outside the palace?"

These whispers drifted over, and Wulan Yun felt a sense of comfort, her smile deepening.

She turned her head and gently served Shen Wangxi the dishes: "Your Majesty, these are your favorite dishes. Please try them."

Shen Wangxi nodded slightly and ate it, giving Wulan Yun ample face.

Next, the honored ministers and high-ranking officials stepped forward one by one to present gifts and offer their birthday wishes.

Rare treasures, antiques, and calligraphy and paintings arrived in an endless stream, piling up on one side of the imperial steps.

Shen Jingyan presented a blood-red coral that was half a person tall. Its vibrant color and unique shape drew gasps of amazement.

She tilted her head back, her tone arrogant and smug: "Mother, I have searched for this coral for a long time. I wish Mother good health and eternal youth!"

Wu Lanyun smiled indulgently: "Ayan, you're so thoughtful. Get up now."

Shen Yinian presented a painting titled "Magu Presenting Longevity" by a famous artist from a previous dynasty, with exquisite brushstrokes and auspicious meaning.

He smiled gently: "Your Majesty, I wish you a long and happy life, and may you always be smiling."

"The Empress Dowager is very pleased with Yi Nian's gift." Wu Lanyun nodded with a smile.

Shen Wangxi looked at her two children, her cold gaze softening slightly, and said to Wulan Yun, "The children are both filial."

Ulan Yun nestled against him and softly replied, "It is thanks to Your Majesty's excellent teaching."

One round of singing and dancing followed another, with toasts being exchanged and laughter filling the air, gradually pushing the banquet atmosphere to its climax.

The banquet was halfway through, and the wonderful performances came to a temporary end.

A eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial bowed and asked, "Your Majesty, next up is the newly choreographed 'Dance of the Startled Swan' by the Imperial Music Bureau. What do you think...?"

Ulan Yun was amused by Shen Jingyan, and upon hearing this, she casually waved her hand and laughed, "Approved. Everyone says that the Dance of the Startled Swan is difficult to perform. I want to see if this dancer can capture the essence of this dance today."

She paused for a moment, as if suddenly remembering something, and turned to Shen Wangxi softly, saying, "Your Majesty, speaking of which, Qingruo has been practicing a dance for a month to celebrate my birthday. I wonder when she will perform."

Shen Wangxi raised her eyes and looked at the empty space in the center of the hall, her delicate little face in her mind.

With such a delicate body, can she really perform a complete dance?