The noble ladies glanced at each other, sensing this was a great opportunity. Under normal circumstances, if the young ladies of prestigious families were to reveal themselves, it might not be favorable. However, in this case – it was an intimate banquet. There was no need to impress the noble sons and even the princes who were present. If they gained favor here, they could rise higher. Moreover, this was a chance for fame only once in a millennium. If they missed it, there would be no second chances!Only Emma, her smile carrying a hint of malice, looked at Jacky with amusement. The fifth prince's actions were indeed not without reason. He had accurately assessed Felicia's proficiency in art and poetry and believed she would shine brightly. This would allow him to turn the tables on the image of defeat in front of the princess and the others. Jacky, who grew up in the countryside and possessed far less talent than the refined young ladies, couldn't show off casually. Otherwise, he wo
As soon as she finished speaking, the expressions on everyone's faces changed. Although Princess Christina had experienced the pain of losing her husband, her personality had always been composed and gentle, never uttering such harsh words.Christina snorted coldly, "The first daughter of the Seldom family is skilled in playing the instrument. She must have spent quite some time practicing. All her time has been devoted to this, so she had no time to learn the moral principles of society. Unsurprisingly, she would intentionally cause trouble for the country and the people."Everyone fell silent as if struck dumb. Felicia felt like someone had poured cold water over her, her face paling.Seeing the innocent woman being wrongly accused, the fifth prince hurriedly spoke, "Miss Seldom is a young lady of the noble families. Her consideration for the well-being of the common people is indeed rare. His Majesty has already pardoned her, so there's no need to blame her."Princess Christina lau
At this moment, Prince Eighth suddenly stood up, his eyes widened in astonishment, and he exclaimed, "Everyone, look!"Everyone turned their attention, and a black dot suddenly appeared in the middle of the pure white folding screen. Then, it transformed into three flowers. The music became slightly faster, and the subsequent flower grew larger and larger. What surprised everyone the most was that, following the movement of Emma's wrist, the just-drawn flower seemed to awaken from a deep sleep. It slowly bloomed outward, unfolding and expanding until it was fully open... Such a blooming process, under the focused gaze of everyone, was quickly completed.Faintly like dancing clouds in the high sky; Faintly like dewdrops condensing into tears;Faintly like an eagle soaring out of a vast forest, like a small rabbit escaping from a sturdy cage.Emma's dance was gentle, graceful, and flowing. With her dance, small and large flowers intertwined, petals overlapping, some petals shyly closing
Luna Sandra gave a chilly look, her voice low and composed, "Hmph, I don't think so. He's always been adept at hiding his archery skills. I'm afraid he's employing cunning strategies!" Ultimately, she always disliked Third Prince's humble background. No matter what he did, she felt uneasy about it. However, Felicia beside her transformed from a dispirited expression to a radiant one.Emma glanced over, her smile turning cold, and she resumed biting into the apple.At this moment, Alpha Jeffn turned around and chuckled as he addressed Edward, "Seventh younger brother, it's your turn."The apples pierced by the arrows were laid out before him. Edward gazed briefly, then smiled, "Indeed, the Third older brother is truly skilled in archery."Edward took hold of the bow and arrows. Before anyone could react, a hand had already pierced the first apple. Just as everyone tensed up, suddenly, everything halted. Then, a crisp sound echoed as all the apples burst into pieces. Swiftly, the icy ar
Ninth Princess withdrew from her thoughts and said, "I once asked Father for this chessboard, but he didn't grant it. I didn't expect it to be gifted to you, older sister!"Jacky chuckled, "Father treats you exceptionally."Just then, Ninth Princess gestured and said, "Linda, bring me some refreshments."A graceful maidservant, as supple as a willow branch in the breeze, elegantly brought the refreshments over. Jacky was engrossed in the chess game, but his eyes suddenly caught sight of a hand as white as jade slowly placing refreshments on the table. His surprise followed the arm's movement, and he was struck as if by lightning, his body momentarily paralyzed, and his consciousness seemed to soar into the sky.This maidservant was indeed exceptionally beautiful!Seeing Jacky's unblinking gaze, the maidservant responded with a charming smile, her face radiant as a blooming flower, utterly captivating. At this moment, Jacky realized he was entranced, he cleared his throat with an awkwa
After the seventh prince finished speaking, the young girl's smooth skin immediately blushed: "When the seventh prince mentioned it, my father also mentioned it to Her Majesty about it when I was young...""Is it that your father said that the seventh prince was very clever and willful when you were young?" Suddenly, a clear voice sounded in the hall. Edward looked up and saw Emma standing on the steps with a smile.Edward raised an eyebrow, surprised that the maid had come before him. Indeed, it was unexpected.Because attending the party, Emma wore a dress adorned with hundreds of daisies, intentionally choosing simple colors that complemented her healthy and rosy complexion, making her look radiant and captivating. At this moment, her bright eyes were looking at him.Suddenly, Edward saw Emma's beautiful and smiling face, he was mesmerized, and a spark of interest flickered in his eyes.This sudden kindness felt like stealing without any apparent reason, and he didn't believe this
At this moment, Elly was unaware that she was being observed by someone else. She carefully won Edward's favor, saying, "Seventh Prince, I am proficient in Sourire. I can translate for you."Edward raised an eyebrow and glanced at Elly; her bright and charming smile appeared innocent, not giving any clues. However, he knew that Emma wouldn't casually bring up these matters; she wasn't someone who idled away her time without reason."Oh? Translate for me? You're quite attentive," Edward's cheerful tone had a touch of coldness.Elly sensed the change in his tone. Her eyes teared up, her gaze misty, revealing an enchanting and alluring beauty that could make anyone's heart race. "Seventh Prince, has your servant done something wrong?"Edward touched the rosary and spoke slowly, "It's a family heirloom. Why offer it to me?"Elly, tremblingly, explained, "Our ancestors were traditionalists. They didn't even consider passing on this formation, even in times of poverty. But I'm just a lowly
On Edward's side, his angular face seemed chiseled, his words carrying a hint of amusement, "Actually, I'm quite curious to know how you learned all of this and why you chose to help me."Emma couldn't reveal the situation or deceive him, so she remained silent."Emma," Edward understood her thoughts, realizing she didn't want to speak, so he didn't press further. His lips carried a smile as he changed the topic, "You often laugh like this with others daily?""Huh?" Emma was caught off guard, sensing the mockery in his words, her expression turning cold. "Your Highness, don't misunderstand my good intentions."She wasn't an ignorant girl; don't assume a few words could coax the answers.Edward chuckled, "Fortunately, I encountered you today; otherwise, something would truly have happened." He turned and suddenly changed the subject, "Since arriving here, does it look familiar to you?"Emma found it strange, looking at him without saying anything."Life in the hometown might be tough,
The second stepmother’s eyes swelled like peaches. If anyone who looked at her would think she was so compassionate.Only she knew how much effort it took to put on this facade, even using the best perfumes layered six or seven times just to make her complexion appear slightly paler.When she saw Felicia dressed in vibrant red, she was initially surprised, but then a bitter smile appeared in her eyes, and she determined not to give her time to change clothes.She grabbed her hand and said, “Quickly come in, senior lady is waiting for you!”Felicia misunderstood the meaning behind these words, becoming even more convinced that her maternal grandmother had passed away.Overwhelmed with joy, she tried to restrain her expression of happiness, intending to brush off the woman’s hand.However, unable to avoid the onlookers, she was forcefully dragged into the main hall by the woman. As soon as she stepped inside, she heard the second stepmother exclaim, “Senior lady, Felicia has returned!”
Emma estimated it to be three months, but in reality, Luna Sandra passed away just a short month after the mourning was announced at Alpha Goode Manor.On that day, before dawn had even broken, representatives from the Goreng family were already knocking on the grand doors of the Seldom family mansion.Carol received the news first and hurriedly came to report, “Luna Sandra has passed away!”Although prepared for it beforehand, upon hearing those words ringing in her ears, she still felt surprised.“Why so soon?” Luther beside her couldn’t help but remark.Carol’s face carried a hint of sarcasm as she replied, “After the Goreng family brought her back, just as the young lady said, they invited the Imperial Physician from the palace to examine her, but the lady’s condition had already deteriorated critically. She refused to take her medicine. The Goreng family tried everything, even inviting a renowned healer from the south, but before that person could arrive in the Capital, Luna Sand
Luna Sandra despised this second maid, her eyes darting around, wide open with surprise. It turned out that every flower, every blade of grass, every door and window, every piece of furniture, and even the mountainside, the dining hall, everything was plastered with yellow talismans.This bizarre scene left Luna Sandra dumbfounded.Miona exclaimed, “This is—”She turned back to look at Luna Sandra, her eyes questioning, but Luna Sandra seemed bewildered, unable to say anything. Nanny Marry breathed a sigh of relief; currently, Luna Sandra was confined to her room, though she ate and took her medicine three times a day as usual. However, the third young lady had quietly instructed that no one be allowed to talk to her. Over time, Luna Sandra seemed to forget how to communicate, spending her days in a daze, her nerves gradually deteriorating. Now she even refused to take her medication, constantly claiming to see spirits and sometimes even rolling off the bed. At this moment, her breath
Luna Sandra’s grandmother observed Emma from afar, clad in simple attire, with a graceful figure and gentle footsteps. Her eyes carried a hint of a smile as she appeared, lacking the ostentatious beauty of a moonflower, yet her gentle smile and serene demeanor, with tranquil eyebrows, exuded a rustic elegance, akin to a proud white orchid.Luna Sandra glanced, immediately recognizing Emma’s subtle strength. Such a girl lacked the captivating beauty of Felicia, but concealed her own power and charm. While she seemed plain at first glance, she stood out among a myriad of blooming flowers, inadvertently dominating the room.Emma acknowledged Luna Sandra’s assessing gaze with a calm smile, sincerely addressing her, “Emma pays respects to the maternal grandmother, the first sister-in-law.”Luna Sandra remained silent, her maid Miona astute, stepping forward to support Emma’s hand, carefully assessing her from head to toe, remarking, “The third cousin is exquisite, pure and gentle, generous
He suddenly remembered something, his face darkening. “Has someone angered you?” The words had barely left his mouth when he immediately felt regret. Tentatively, he reached out, lifting her face, a tear as cold as ice falling onto his hand without warning. Clearly cold as it was, the young man’s heart felt as if it had been scorched in an instant, a pain inexplicable.Emma raised her head, her eyes devoid of tears, as if the tear in his hand was merely an illusion. She smiled gently, whispering to the confused young man, “Younger brother...”Now, the only person she could fully rely on was him.If possible, she hoped, he would not change throughout his life.“I won’t let anyone bully you.” The young man reached out, stroking her soft hair.Emma was stunned, then immediately smiled. At this moment, she thought the young man was joking, but later discovered she had been mistaken.Today, Dan rode a horse straight to the Seldom family’s residence.Dan hurried to Emma’s side, kneeling dow
The king, very suspicious. So everything that happened today was within Emma’s calculations.Emma turned away, and the distant fire cast an uncertain flickering light on her face. Her voice was calm, so ordinary that nobody could sense the unprecedented fatigue beneath it. She said, “I did this for the Seventh Prince’s own good.”Edward looked at her in surprise.Emma continued, “Today’s events, on the surface, Luna Daisy, were reprimanded by King Lycan. However, King Lycan knows he wronged Luna Daisy and even contemplated assassination. King Lycan will conclude that someone overwhelmed with jealousy against his beloved consorts plotted against Luna Daisy, always so gentle. Tell me, who will think King Lycan is a threat and resort to taking action against her?”“You intentionally chose Luna Meria?” Edward looked at her in disbelief.“That’s right, Luna Meria’s second son, who is also my Second Elder Brother, was married into the Alpha Male’s household. He has a legitimate daughter who
King Lycan’s face turned purple with anger, and he ordered an investigation. The result of the investigation found a wooden nameplate hanging from the waist of one of the palace maids, used for distinguishing the maids. This nameplate was traced back to Luna Daisy’s palace.At that moment, the expressions of everyone present changed dramatically.Luna Daisy had always been highly favored by King Lycan and had remained unshaken in her position for many years. But now, King Lycan was furious as he held up the wooden nameplate meant to distinguish the palace maids and threw it strongly in Luna Daisy’s direction, saying, “Luna Daisy, is this the good deed you’ve done?”Luna Daisy’s face suddenly turned pale. She had been in the palace for many years and had seen her fair share of such situations, but she had never witnessed King Lycan this furious. Overwhelmed by the sudden catastrophe, she was so frightened that she almost collapsed on the ground. Her usually sharp mind went blank, and s
Luna Meria, upon hearing these words, displayed anger and bitterness on her face, saying, “Emma, if it weren’t for your desire to compete with Naomi, how could she end up in this state? Everything is because of you...”Monami looked at Luna Meria with sympathy and believed that this had nothing to do with Emma. If it weren’t for Naomi’s haughty attitude, Emma wouldn’t have wanted to compete with her. Furthermore, her injury was an unfortunate accident. Just as Monami was about to speak, Emma gently interrupted, saying, “Miss Monami, I have a few words to speak with my aunt. Could you step out for a moment?”Monami was a wise and tactful young lady who understood human nature. She believed Emma wanted to explain things to Luna Meria, so she smiled and said, “Of course I’ll leave for now. I’ll find you later.” As she observed the behavior of many young noble ladies who were often haughty, Monami, with her martial family background, admired Emma’s straightforward, intelligent, and courag
“Carol, present your treasure to the Seventh Prince,” Emma gestured.Carol approached Emma with a stony face and retrieved a bronze mirror from within her clothes, and Edward quickly understood.“I asked Carol to pay attention to the surroundings. When that person shot the arrow, she signaled me,” Emma explained simply. Many complex details, such as how Carol had detected Samuel, how she had chosen the perfect moment, and how they had communicated, remained unspoken, but Edward still understood.It was all part of a carefully orchestrated plan.Emma invited Naomi to the horse race, but in reality, she had intended for Naomi to die in her place.Edward asked, puzzled, “Why did you choose Naomi? From what I know, you are ruthless and wouldn’t spare the innocent.”Emma chuckled and replied, “Some people have been noticing Luna Meria and Naomi coming to Luna Daisy’s camp the past few days. They wondered why they were so concerned about me. I thought I should repay their kindness in some w