Qin Ge sat across from him, puzzled by his solitary arrival, "Mu Yan, where are the Princess and Li’s secondary consort?"

On such an important occasion, everyone else aside, why was there not even a single attendant by his side?

Neither the wife of the Scarlet Flame King nor the consorts from the mansion were by his side, leaving him appearing like a lone widower!

Qin Muyan poured himself a drink first, his tone flat, "The Princess is unwell and will not be attending. Li’s secondary consort... seems to have prepared a performance to celebrate the Imperial Brother’s birthday."

He answered calmly, as if indifferent to the matter, seemingly oblivious to the fact that all the courtiers attending the grand birthday banquet today, including his usual circle of friends, were accompanied by their stunning wives.

Xie Qingyou, who is unwed, thus naturally came alone too. He stealthily approached Qin Muyan and whispered, "Is your sister-in-law really not coming today? This seems somewhat embarrassing for you! Who in Mandu City doesn’t know that your sister-in-law has been ’sick’ for two months now? Seems a bit excessive."

What illness requires such a long convalescence?

This was deliberately causing Qin Muyan to lose face, a deliberate attempt to embarrass him!

Qin Muyan lowered his head and gave him a cold glance, "How come you’re so well-informed about the affairs of Your Highness’s mansion?"

"Who in Mandu City doesn’t know! Brother Mu Yan, the walls of your house are all full of holes; you should really repair them!" Xie Qingyou didn’t linger, offering a reminder before slipping back to his seat.

Qin Muyan lowered his head to ponder. Rong Yun had a peaceful and non-contentious nature; she would not have spread the mansion’s affairs for no reason. Moreover, talking about her own issues would bring her nothing but disadvantages!

Could it be Li Yunshu?

"The birthday banquet—begins now!"

Before he could think further, a eunuch loudly announced.

Qin Rulie signaled the start of the birthday banquet.

In the center of Moon Splendor Hall, a stage about the height of a person was erected. Dancers filed in one by one, each light and graceful, as beautiful as celestial beings, momentarily distracting participants from their thoughts.

Qin Muyan did not forget to offer a toast to congratulate Qin Rulie on his birthday. Qin Rulie also repeatedly clinked cups with him. Amidst the brotherly affection and respectful courtesy, Moon Splendor Hall was enveloped in a peaceful and joyful atmosphere.

Midway through the music and dance, when everyone was feeling somewhat weary, a woman in red came onto the stage with a sword and performed a sword dance for everyone. The clear and melodious music accompanied by the woman’s neat and effective sword dance was eye-opening, instantly refreshing and awakening the audience!

Some with sharp eyes recognized her, "Isn’t that the secondary consort of the Scarlet Flame King!"

"Indeed! The secondary consort’s martial prowess is admirable!"

"Brilliant! With fierce sword moves, the secondary consort’s martial arts skills would stand out even in a military camp!"

The applause started, and praises for Li Yunshu were heard all around. Even Qin Rulie enjoyed the performance, clapping his hands in approval, "Excellent! This sword dance pleases us greatly! The secondary consort is indeed the legitimate daughter of a duke’s mansion; the magnificent spirit of your dance reflects the valiant elegance of the women of Great Wei!"

After completing her dance, Li Yunshu sheathed the sword behind her back and kneeled gracefully, "This humble one boldly offers this humble performance with a sword dance, wishing the emperor longevity and Great Wei’s realm eternal prosperity!"

"Good! Bring the reward!"

Qin Rulie, with a generous gesture, rewarded Li Yunshu with a precious sword. Li Yunshu accepted the reward, garnering immense applause, feeling very proud.

With this sword dance, she not only added luster to Qin Muyan but also brought honor to the duke’s mansion. She let the court officials, noble families, and distinguished clans see the radiance of Li Yunshu!

She was in no way inferior to the princesses.

Only she was worthy of standing beside Qin Muyan!

However, Qin Muyan’s response was merely superficial pleasure.

As Li Yunshu descended from the stage, Qin Rulie chuckled and stroked his beard, "Mu Yan, seeing your secondary consort exerting herself to such an extent, won’t you stand up and give her a hand?"

Reminded by Qin Rulie, Qin Muyan stood up and stepped forward to support Li Yunshu, "You’ve worked hard."

Li Yunshu immediately took hold of his hand, her eyes brimming with tears, "Your Highness, I’m not tired, I just don’t know... Did Your Highness enjoy my rendition of the ’Ballad of Liangzhou’?"

Li Yunshu, while performing her sword dance, looked valiant and spirited, her courageous aura deeply impressive, like witnessing a female general of heroic bearing, which indeed moved Qin Muyan at the time.

However, Qin Muyan subconsciously felt that her display, intended to please him, seemed a bit too deliberate.

Thus, he simply nodded, "Not bad."

Li Yunshu, filled with joy, had thought Qin Muyan would really like her sword dance and lavish her with praise!

But why did he only utter a "not bad"?

Li Yunshu suddenly felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured on her, but she couldn’t let this dishearten her. As Qin Muyan assisted her to the seat beside him, she deliberately twisted her foot and fell into Qin Muyan’s arms, squeezing out some tears, "Your Highness, my foot hurts a little."

Qin Muyan frowned slightly, "Did you accidentally injure yourself just now?"

Her sword dance performance was, after all, somewhat challenging.

Li Yunshu’s body slowly sank, intending to take the seat of the Princess, "I would like to rest for a moment."

Qin Muyan’s gaze was deep, his lips pressed tightly, he remained silent.

Across from them, Qin Ge came over and looked concerned for Li Yunshu, "Yunshu must have twisted her ankle by accident, let her sit here to rest."

"Mother, this is the seat of the Princess," Qin Muyan reminded in a stern voice.

Qin Rulie exchanged a look with the empress, both also feeling that it was inappropriate. Although Rong Yun did not attend, there is a clear distinction in rank that must be respected.

The Princess and the secondary consort, after all, must not confuse their statuses.

Vexed by Rong Yun for a long time, Qin Ge, recalling how Qin Muyan had hurt himself over Rong Yun, wanted to lend Li Yunshu a hand and help her win Qin Muyan’s heart.

She spoke out, "At such a grand occasion, what kind of illness does the Princess have that she couldn’t attend? If she isn’t here, what’s the point of keeping this seat for her?"

"Mother, Rong Yun she..."

Qin Muyan wanted to argue further, when Li Bo hurriedly came over to Li Yunshu’s side, scolding her coldly, "Audacious! Is the seat of the Princess something you can take? Get up immediately and move to the back!"

He emphasized the word ’back’, and admonished Li Yunshu, "One must recognize one’s social standing; as a mere secondary consort you cannot usurp the Princess. This is disrespect toward the Princess; upon returning to the prince’s mansion, you should rightfully go and ask the Princess for punishment!"

"Father..." Li Yunshu, sitting on the chair, refused to get up, biting her lip and feeling extremely wronged!

If Rong Yun isn’t even present, why can’t she take her seat?

Clearly, she’s the one most suited to stand by Qin Muyan’s side!

Compared to Rong Yun, that invalid who can just lie in bed, hasn’t she done enough for Qin Muyan?

Rong Yun hasn’t done anything for him!

In the end, it was Qin Muyan who sighed, "Enough, let her sit."

Since Rong Yun isn’t here, and won’t be coming, what’s so special about having this Princess’ seat beside him, anyway?