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

At the palace gate, a graceful figure, surrounded by a group of dancers, slowly walked into the center of the hall.

She wore a light blue, fitted dance dress, and her face was covered with a layer of light gauze of the same color, revealing only a pair of eyes as clear as autumn water.

As the music began, she lightly touched the ground with her toes, her flowing sleeves fluttering as her figure swayed gracefully like a willow in the breeze, or moved with agility and grace like a startled swan.

The dance dress perfectly showcased her figure, highlighting her full breasts, slender waist, pert hips, and long, shapely legs.

Everyone, including the emperor and empress on the throne, couldn't help but turn their gaze to her.

Shen Wangxi didn't recognize her immediately, but felt that the woman had a graceful figure and was somewhat familiar. The allure she exuded made him unable to look away.

As the dance ended, Shen Qingruo slowly raised her head. Then, under the gaze of countless eyes, she reached out and removed the veil from her face, revealing a delicate face with naturally dark eyebrows, naturally red lips, and skin as white as snow.

It was Shen Qingruo!

After a brief silence, there was an uncontrollable murmur of commotion.

"It's her?!"

"Princess Qingruo?"

"Her color is... that? And her figure..."

The discussion grew louder, filled with amazement and disbelief, before turning into disdain and curiosity.

The story of a former princess with an awkward identity who willingly works as a dancer is quite intriguing.

Shen Qingruo seemed oblivious to the surrounding chatter. She adjusted her breathing, bowed deeply towards the throne, and said:

"Qingruo respectfully wishes Her Majesty the Empress good health and longevity, and that Her Majesty may have many more such days as today."

Shen Wangxi's gaze was fixed on the kneeling figure of His Highness.

In the past, he viewed her through a biased lens, seeing her as timid, quiet, and in need of protection.

But now, without that filter, all he saw was a woman, a young and charming woman with captivating dance moves.

Before she removed her veil, he could even feel the urge in his body.

This feeling alarmed him and made him even more unhappy.

How could he harbor such despicable thoughts towards her?

"Get up." Wu Lanyun's voice rang out, but her smile was somewhat forced. She never expected that Shen Qingruo, whom she had casually arranged to perform the dance, would dance so well.

"Qingruo put her heart into it; she danced very well."

Wu Lanyun paused, looking at Shen Qingruo's excessively beautiful face, a hint of resentment, even jealousy, creeping into her eyes. She couldn't help but ask, "But why dance while wearing a veil?"

Shen Qingruo slowly stood up, her eyes lowered, her voice so gentle it could melt water: "Your Majesty, my status is humble, and I fear that my appearance would attract controversy and disturb Your Majesty and His Majesty's enjoyment. Therefore, I am wearing a veil, hoping to focus on my dance to celebrate Your Majesty's birthday and give Your Majesty and His Majesty a surprise."

Shen Wangxi listened to her voice and drank a glass of wine.

Surprise? More than surprise, he was even a little frightened.

If I had known it would be this awkward, I shouldn't have allowed her to learn to dance in the first place.

Shen Jingyan couldn't help but sneer, "A surprise? It really is a surprise!"

"My sister is truly a hidden talent. She seems frail and delicate on ordinary days, but when she dances, she becomes incredibly alluring."

Wu Lanyun gave her daughter a warning glance, suppressed her displeasure, and said to Shen Qingruo indifferently, "You've been kind enough. Get up, here's a reward."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Shen Qingruo bowed again, her posture gentle and obedient.

Shen Wangxi remained silent throughout.

Seeing that he seemed unhappy, Wulan Yun couldn't help but gently touch his arm and softly call out, "Your Majesty?"

Shen Wangxi snapped out of his reverie and met Wulan Yun's questioning gaze. He composed himself and said calmly, "The dance was excellent. Since the Empress has bestowed a reward upon you, go and receive it."

Shen Qingruo obediently replied, "Yes."

She kept her head down, but the corners of her lips curved slightly the instant his gaze shifted away.