Xiang Yun was invited to sit down by Cai Wei and joined them for the al.
Since she had always lived a secluded life inside the ho, she was unaware of what was happening outside, and only knew of the Plum Banquet as simply a feast admiring plum blossoms, not realizing it also involved selecting a bride for the Prince of Qing Luo Kingdom.
Thus, she saw Queen Na Muhan’s cordiality rely as politeness towards a friend of the Empress Dowager.
Before coming, she was a bit nervous, fearing Cai Wei would bla her for not attending the banquet, but seeing Cai Wei’s cheerful deanor and finding no sign of bla, she felt relieved and her mood greatly improved.
During the al, Queen Na Muhan warmly chatted with her, inquiring about her age, who else was in her family, her hobbies, what she liked to eat and play. Xiang Yun found Queen Na Muhan amiable and approachable, without the airs of an empress, and liked her very much so she candidly shared details about herself.
Xiang Yun was straightforward and honest, not at all like other aristocratic young ladies who might be pretentious and affected; Queen Na Muhan took a great liking to her. The two chatted happily throughout the al, mostly dominated by their conversation while Cai Wei and Wanyan Jingchen listened on the side.
By the end of the al, Queen Na Muhan was completely sure she wanted her as her future daughter-in-law.
Shortly after the al, while a few people were chatting, Xiao Zhi ca to report, "Your Majesty, the young masters and misses outside have also finished eating, Princess Zhao Gui wishes to ask for your blessing to start the ice skating performance."
Ice skating, a long-standing sport in the Great Jin Nation, described as "gliding abruptly stopping, controlling oneself to move freely," allowed one to enjoy the thrill of speed, the ease of fun, the elegance of movent, and even the illusion of flying after mastering balance and center of gravity, thus it was deeply loved by the aristocrats.
Cai Wei said, "Let’s head over now and have them prepare!" Saying that, she laughed and said to Queen Na Muhan, "I don’t know if Qing Luo Kingdom has ice skating, but here in Great Jin, everyone loves to play it when the waters freeze during winter!"
Queen Na Muhan said, "I have only heard of it but never seen it. Xiang Yun, can you do it?"
Xiang Yun shook her head regretfully, "No, I wanted to learn when I was young, but my nanny always feared I would fall, and worried the ice might crack, so she didn’t allow to learn. Now that I’ve grown up, my mother also forbids it."
Having been relatively quiet, Wanyan Jingchen suddenly interjected, "If you want to learn, I can teach you tomorrow!"
Hearing this, Xiang Yun was frightened and hurriedly waved her hands, eagerly refusing, "No, no, let’s not, they are already gossiping, and if you..." Before she could finish, she suddenly realized her words were sowhat improper, quickly closed her mouth blushing, extrely annoyed, and internally regretting her rash words.
Seeing this, Cai Wei and Na Muhan exchanged a smile but did not say much, and led them to the lakeside.
The simultaneous appearance of Xiang Yun with both the empresses stunned all the noble ladies present, especially seeing Queen Na Muhan holding Xiang Yun’s hand and not letting go, her affection evident beyond words – it shattered the hearts of many young ladies and those who were perceptive cast gloating looks at Zhao Gui.
Princess Zhao Gui, however, remained composed, diligently inviting Empress Mu and Queen Na Muhan to the main table. Seeing Queen Na Muhan’s affectionate treatnt of Xiang Yun, Zhao Gui arranged for Xiang Yun’s seat next to hers. After ensuring everyone was seated properly, Zhao Gui bowed to Cai Wei and Queen Na Muhan, saying, "Zhao Gui, with humble skills, wishes to perform a dance on ice to amuse the two esteed ladies, please grant your approval!"
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