"You finally returned, my dear girl! I thought I would die missing you!"
Tightly holding Nian Sulan's small hand, the Empress Dowager smiled warmly.
Hearing this, Nian Sulan beamed like a blooming flower and replied, "Aunt, I missed you too!"
"Missed me? Then why didn't you come back to see me even once in the past five years, you little rascal?"
"Aunt, it's not that I didn't want to return. You know how much I love dancing. If I had come back while still learning at Jinghong Courtyard, wouldn't that just give you something to laugh about?"
"You little girl..."
"Aunt, please don't be angry. From now on, I swear I'll stay by your side."
"Hehe..."
As the Empress Dowager and Nian Sulan joyfully reunited and chatted, Leng Zihao couldn't help but laugh heartily.
"It's been five years, and cousin Lan has grown even more beautiful. Such a graceful lady! That stunning dance just now must have captured the hearts of countless young gentlemen."
"Cousin, please don't tease me!"
Upon hearing this, Nian Sulan blushed shyly, her cheeks turning rosy, making her even more radiant and enchanting.
With Nian Sulan's arrival, both the Emperor and the Empress Dowager happily engaged in conversation with her, and soon the atmosphere was filled with music and dance once again.
However, at this moment, everyone's attention had shifted away from the performance below and was now focused on the stunning woman beside the Empress Dowager.
Especially the men, as a graceful lady is always a gentleman's desire.
Moreover, this woman possessed an exquisite beauty, with skin as smooth as ice and a figure that was both delicate and alluring. What captivated everyone the most were her enchanting eyes, which sparkled with life and stirred the hearts of those who gazed upon her.
While men sought virtuous wives, it was undeniable that a beautiful woman could awaken their primal instincts even more!
As Le Yao Yao watched the Red-Dressed Woman chatting animatedly with the Empress Dowager and listened to the discussions around her, she gradually learned about this woman's identity.
It turned out that this charming and enchanting Red-Dressed Woman was the orphaned niece of the Empress Dowager's late brother. Both the Empress Dowager's brother and sister-in-law had passed away many years ago, leaving behind only one daughter. Out of compassion, the Empress Dowager took Nian Sulan under her wing and raised her for twelve years. Later, it was said that Nian Sulan had a great passion for dance, so she bid farewell to the Empress Dowager and went to Jinghong Courtyard to study dance.
Speaking of Jinghong Courtyard, it was rumored to be a place teeming with talent. The instructors there were well-rounded individuals, and those trained by them emerged as exceptional talents in their own right.
In court, everyone aspired for their children to become dragons or phoenixes; they were willing to pay exorbitant fees just to have their sons or daughters accepted into Jinghong Courtyard for training, hoping that they would emerge as outstanding individuals.
Unfortunately, despite Jinghong Courtyard's fame and its abundance of talent, entry was not granted simply based on wealth.
Those seeking admission to Jinghong Courtyard had to undergo a rigorous selection process. They would perform their specialties in front of the instructors, and only if they caught the instructors' attention would they be accepted as students and receive proper training.
Upon hearing Nian Sulan's words earlier, everyone was left in shock.
After all, she had been admitted to Jinghong Courtyard five years ago; no wonder her dance had been so breathtaking!
Listening to the gossip around her, Le Yao Yao's gaze once again fell on the Red-Dressed Woman who was conversing with the Empress Dowager.
The Red-Dressed Woman stood beside the Empress Dowager, yet her gaze frequently drifted toward the Living Yama before her. It seemed that Nian Sulan truly had an interest in the Living Yama…
The Empress Dowager's birthday banquet continued into the evening, only concluding after everyone had finished their dinner.
In the days leading up to the Empress Dowager's birthday, everyone had been extremely busy, especially Le Yao Yao.
After standing all day, Le Yao Yao now felt sore and exhausted, her steps somewhat exaggerated as she walked.
At this moment, they followed the crowd as they left the Dragon Hall one by one.
The carriage was already waiting outside the palace gates.
The night was deep, and everyone was utterly fatigued, longing to return and rest well.
Tonight, the moonlight was exceptionally beautiful.
The bright moon hung high in the sky, resembling a glowing disc, radiating brilliance that captivated all who beheld it.
The milky-white moonlight softly enveloped the entire land, adding an indescribable charm to the scenery.
A gentle Evening Breeze blew, bringing a refreshing sensation.
Though the Dragon Hall was magnificent and extravagant, its opulence felt overwhelming and unreal; it paled in comparison to the beauty of the moonlight!
Taking a deep breath of fresh air, Le Yao Yao realized that she was hungry again.
There was no way around it. Following behind the living Yama, she watched as they strode ahead with purpose, while she could only pat her flat stomach and chase after them.
Although she had just eaten, it was a hasty meal. Now, her stomach was growling once more.
The strange gurgling sounds echoed from within Le Yao Yao's belly. Gradually, she felt her steps growing weaker.
She was really tired and hungry.
Just as Le Yao Yao was lost in thought, Dongfang Bai, who was walking in front, suddenly stopped. Perhaps sensing something was off with Le Yao Yao, he turned around with concern.
"Yao Brother, what's wrong?!"
Dongfang Bai's voice was elegant, like a fine vintage wine uncorked on this enchanting night; it was intoxicating to listen to.
Le Yao Yao never hid anything from Dongfang Bai. So, she patted her flat belly and shyly smiled at him.
"Hehe, Brother Bai, I'm hungry."
As she spoke, her large round eyes fixed on Dongfang Bai with an earnest look.
Her expression was somewhat pitiful, resembling a starving little puppy looking up at its owner for food—adorable yet heart-wrenching.
Seeing this, Dongfang Bai couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"Even so, how about we go to Ruyi Inn for a late-night snack? Coincidentally, I'm a bit hungry too."
"Hehe, Brother Bai is so nice!"
Upon hearing this, Le Yao Yao immediately smiled brightly.
Her beautiful eyes were fixed intently on Dongfang Bai.
Unexpectedly, Nangong Junxi, who was nearby, couldn't help but exclaim upon hearing their conversation.
"What!? You're hungry again? Are you a pig? You really eat a lot!"
"Uh..."
Hearing Nangong Junxi's blunt remark, calling her a pig, Le Yao Yao's eyes widened in anger.
"I'm not a pig! It's just that I've been growing recently, so naturally I eat more! Besides, if I were a pig, has the Seventh Prince ever seen such a cute pig like me!?"
"Pfft, cute!?"
Upon hearing Le Yao Yao's confident words, Nangong Junxi couldn't help but snort dismissively.
"Stop being so narcissistic!"
"Well, I do have the right to be narcissistic!"
With a fierce glare directed at Nangong Junxi, Le Yao Yao's expression shifted instantly. The anger that had filled her Little Face transformed into a radiant smile, as she turned to Dongfang Bai and said cheerfully, "Brother Bai, am I cute?!"
"Haha, Yao Brother is naturally adorable!"
Seeing Le Yao Yao's beaming Little Face, along with her unusually large and beautiful eyes that sparkled with a hint of mischief, Dongfang Bai exclaimed joyfully.
"Hehe..." Le Yao Yao chuckled in response.
"Brother Bai always speaks the truth, which is why I like you so much!"
Originally, Le Yao Yao had intended to keep her thoughts to herself, but the words slipped out before she could stop them.
However, as soon as she finished speaking, she felt a sharp gaze suddenly land on her, causing her heart to skip a beat.
Following that piercing look, she turned to see the silent figure of the living hell itself. Confused, Le Yao Yao wondered what was wrong with him.
What had she done to provoke him? Why had he been giving her the cold shoulder all night?
What a perplexing fellow!
Le Yao Yao pondered in confusion, unaware that the reason for the living hell's anger stemmed from her earlier remark.
"He said he likes Dongfang Bai!?"
Heavens!
He knew it!
Could it be that he is just not as good as Dongfang Bai!?
Wasn't he good enough for him!?
But what he was thinking about was leaving the Wang residence, and now he says he likes Dongfang Bai!?
Damn it!
The more he thought about it, the angrier Leng Junyu became. The hands hidden in his sleeves slowly tightened, his nails digging into his palms, and he didn't even notice the pain...
The sudden chill radiating from the living Yama was felt not only by Le Yao Yao but also by Dongfang Bai and Nangong Junxi standing nearby.
"Yu, what's wrong?"
"Yeah, Senior Brother, are you okay!?"
Dongfang Bai and Nangong Junxi, having known Leng Junyu for many years, immediately sensed the change in him and quickly expressed their concern.
In response to Dongfang Bai and Nangong Junxi's words, Leng Junyu merely clenched his jaw tightly before coldly replying.
"Nothing's wrong."
"Then, Senior Brother, let's go to Ruyi Inn!"
Although he sensed that Leng Junyu seemed a bit off, he didn't say anything, and the others had no idea what was bothering him. Therefore, Nangong Junxi didn't press further. He thought that since this Little Servant was hungry and couldn't sleep, he might as well join him at Ruyi Inn for a while.
However, just as Nangong Junxi finished speaking and before Leng Junyu could respond, a clear and melodious voice rang out from behind them.
"Cousin Yu, wait!"
The sweet voice carried a hint of excitement and surprise, making it clear to anyone who heard it that the speaker was in high spirits.
As the cheerful voice reached them, Le Yao Yao and the others were momentarily stunned before turning to look in the direction of the sound.
Under the bright moonlight and the glow of lanterns, a graceful figure approached them quickly, resembling a beautiful butterfly.
The girl appeared to be around seventeen years old, with stunning features and fair skin. Her flowing red dress made her look like a red rose blooming enchantingly in the night—so breathtakingly beautiful!
And this person was none other than Nian Sulan, who had hurriedly followed Leng Junyu!
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