Too many female prisoners, a special forces soldier transmigrates and marries wildly.

The men, dressed in fine clothes and wearing elegant hats, engaged in lively discussions; the women, adorned with jewels and ornaments, smiled charmingly. Music filled the air, wine cups clinked, and the scene was one of wealth and prosperity.

Lin Feng, clad in an imperial robe and jade belt, possessed a cold and stern demeanor. His unique aura, honed by years of battlefield experience, set him apart from the refined or dissolute young men around him, instantly attracting countless gazes. Some were curious, some inquisitive, some envious, some jealous, and many young ladies from secluded chambers sizing him up shyly.

He followed the eunuch to his seat. Looking up, he saw Prime Minister Li smiling and raising his cup at the opposite table, his eyes filled with approval and encouragement. Lin Feng raised his cup in return.

"Congratulations on your promotion, Grand Protector Lin!" A middle-aged man dressed in the color of a marquis's robes greeted him with a smile. He was Marquis Wu'an, known for his smooth and tactful manner.

"You're too kind, Marquis Wu'an," Lin Feng replied calmly.

"I heard that the Grand Protector, outnumbered and outgunned, personally killed the leader of the 'Red Abyss' demons who were pretending to be gods and ghosts at Fulong Ridge? Truly, heroes emerge from among the young, worthy of admiration!" Another official came over to flatter him.

"The rumors are exaggerated. They only destroyed some deceptive artifacts and drove away the bandit leader," Lin Feng said deftly. The imperial court had not made the news of "Earth Fire" and the escape of the Crimson Feather Clan Chief public, and he wouldn't say more.

The banquet proceeded as usual. The Empress Dowager and the Emperor spoke words of encouragement to the monarch and his ministers, and to enjoy the autumn scenery together. Everyone toasted and echoed their sentiments, and the atmosphere seemed lively.

After several rounds of drinks, the banquet moved into the talent show segment. This was a traditional event for the noble ladies of the capital to display their talents and attract attention. Music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and songs—the young ladies from various families took turns showcasing their skills, some elegant, some graceful, and some bold, each vying for attention.

Princess Pingyang also played a tune on the zither. The music was melodious, like flowing water in the mountains, and the artistic conception was lofty, winning applause from the audience.

Lin Feng wasn't an expert in music, but he could still tell good from bad. Princess Pingyang's zither playing was indeed superb, and what was even more remarkable was the breadth of mind and magnanimity it contained, which was unmatched by ordinary young ladies. He nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Upon seeing this, the princess's lips curved slightly, and she lowered her eyes.

Just then, the eunuch announced loudly, "Next act, please invite Miss Qingqiu from the Shen family to paint a picture to match the autumn scenery."

As soon as the words were spoken, a slight commotion arose among the guests. Countless gazes, especially those of the young men, were drawn to a slender figure slowly rising from the women's section.

Lin Feng followed the crowd and looked in that direction.

A young woman, dressed in a moon-white ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) embroidered with silver chrysanthemums, gracefully approached the prepared painting table, supported by a maid. Her figure was slender and upright, like a jade bamboo swaying in the wind; her skirt rippled slightly with her movements, exuding an air of refined elegance befitting a scholarly family. Upon reaching the table, she raised her head, revealing a face that took one's breath away.

Her eyebrows were naturally dark without makeup, her lips naturally red without lipstick, and her skin was as white as snow. Most captivating were her eyes, clear and bright like an autumn pool, yet radiating intelligence and scholarly air, sparkling with light in every glance. She wore only a simple updo, adorned with a single white jade hairpin, yet it outshone all the brocade and jewels in the garden.

Shen Qingqiu, the most beautiful and talented woman in the capital.

Lin Feng had fought for many years and seen many women, but few possessed such extraordinary bearing as Princess Pingyang. The Miss Shen before him, however, possessed a different kind of beauty—aloof and stunning, with exceptional talent, she was the moonlight that countless young men in the capital dared not even dare to trespass upon.

Shen Qingqiu seemed oblivious to the gazes around her, her expression serene. She curtsied towards the throne, then calmly picked up her brush, dipped it in ink, and began to paint on the spread-out Xuan paper. She was extremely focused while painting, her profile beautiful, her long eyelashes casting soft shadows on her fair cheeks.

In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a painting titled "Autumn Scenery" was completed. The painting depicts clear autumn mountains, forests ablaze with color, cascading waterfalls and flowing springs, pavilions appearing and disappearing, and a vast and profound artistic conception.

"Excellent! Miss Shen's painting is superb, with a lofty artistic conception, which will surely enhance this banquet!" Even the Emperor on the throne clapped his hands in praise. The Empress Dowager also smiled and nodded.

Everyone echoed and praised it.

Shen Qingqiu remained calm and composed, unperturbed by praise or criticism. After bowing, he prepared to return to his seat.

However, just as she turned around, her gaze seemed to inadvertently sweep across the men's section and land on Lin Feng.

A faint, elusive ripple seemed to pass through Shen Qingqiu's clear eyes, like a gentle breeze rippling across a calm lake.

Lin Feng was also slightly taken aback. This woman's eyes were too clear and too transparent, as if she could see right into people's hearts. He nodded slightly to her as a courtesy.

Shen Qingqiu's eyelashes trembled slightly. She quickly looked away, her face remaining calm and composed, and slowly returned to her seat.

At this moment, a man stood up from the table. He was about thirty years old, dressed in the robes of a fifth-rank civil official, and was a newly promoted censor of the Censorate. He was the nephew of Zhou Wenyuan, the Vice Minister of Rites who had questioned Lin Feng about "indiscriminate killing" at the imperial banquet earlier. The Zhou family was known for its scholarly tradition and considered themselves upright officials. They had always been critical of military generals like Lin Feng who "suddenly rose to a high position and established their authority through killing."

Imperial Censor Zhou, holding a wine cup, walked to the center of the banquet, bowed to the throne, and said loudly, "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, today the autumn sky is clear and the air is crisp, the chrysanthemums are in full bloom, and talented men and beautiful women have gathered here. However, literature is for conveying the Way, and martial arts are for securing the country. Grand Protector Lin is renowned for his prowess in the northern border and his martial arts are illustrious, worthy of our admiration. But I wonder if the Grand Protector is also versed in literature and refined arts? At this grand gathering, why not invite the Grand Protector to demonstrate his talents and broaden our horizons?"

Upon hearing this, the room fell silent. The words, seemingly a flattering request for advice, were in fact a barb, subtly sharp and witty remark. Everyone knew Lin Feng's military background; to have a military man like him "display his literary talent" in such a gathering of scholars and noble ladies was clearly an attempt to embarrass him, suppress his arrogance, and also cater to the hidden psychology of some of the upright civil officials who favored literature over military prowess.

Many eyes turned to Lin Feng, some gloating, some worried, and some simply watching the spectacle.

Princess Pingyang frowned slightly, her gaze towards Imperial Censor Zhou carrying a hint of coldness. Shen Qingqiu remained seated, her expression serene, her clear eyes fixed on Lin Feng, seemingly wanting to see how he would respond.