The young lady is delicate and soft, yet she criticizes the powerful minister for bowing and scrapin

After the birthday banquet began, singing and dancing filled the air, and toasts were exchanged in a lavish and lively atmosphere.

The guests sat on both sides, while the dancers in the middle danced to the music, and Qi Yunli played the zither in the very center.

She was pale and nervous, having never played in front of so many people before.

Besides, she knew even more clearly that Wei Jun wanted her to be seen as no different from other dancers in the eyes of others after today, so as to give up any idea of ​​her finding someone else to marry.

But Qi Yunli refused to believe it; she was sure she had other choices besides Wei Jun.

Their gazes fell on her, a jumble of thoughts—curiosity, mockery, contempt—whispers drifting into her ears, but Qi Yunli pretended not to hear them.

She had to get through this ordeal. Faced with the ridicule and mockery of others, she, a powerless and helpless person, had no choice but to endure and face it.

Qi Yunli was not sad. She believed that if someone truly liked her, they wouldn't care whether her playing was for entertainment or not, but rather whether she played well or not.

As the music began, the dancers moved in perfect rhythm, and Qi Yunli's fingertips brushed across the strings, producing beautiful melodies.

The dancers' movements became the background to her music, and everyone's attention was focused on Qi Yunli.

When Qi Yunli was completely absorbed in her playing, she could hear nothing at all. She was oblivious to the gazes around her, focusing solely on the strings at her fingertips. She played extremely fast and steadily, producing a clear yet warm, gentle yet strong sound.

When the song ended, the crowd erupted in applause.

Qi Yunli stood up gracefully. "Today is the Crown Prince's birthday. I play this piece with gratitude in my heart, wishing the Crown Prince a happy birthday and many years of peace. I also wish the Crown Prince and Miss Qin a harmonious and joyful future!"

The guests became lively, and the old lady at the head of the table praised repeatedly, "Ah Li, you're so thoughtful. I didn't even know you had prepared a piece of music."

Qi Yunli lowered her head and slowly retreated with the dancer's steps.

How could the old lady not know? She was just pretending not to know.

Ru Feng Mingming had to consult the old lady before coming to her side. The original musician had already arrived at the mansion. The old lady knew about all of this when the third madam arranged the banquet.

But Wei Jun ultimately had the final say in the Marquis's mansion, and the old lady had no way to stop him from interfering.

Throughout the banquet, Wei Jun's gaze remained fixed on the interaction between Qi Yunli and Shen Junshan.

As the music began, Shen Junshan kept his eyes fixed on her.

Wei Jun didn't believe there wasn't something fishy going on between them.

The atmosphere around him grew increasingly tense. He turned to Ru Feng and asked, "Are you sure they didn't have any other contact at the Compassion Temple?"

Ru Feng stammered, opening his mouth as if to speak but then stopping himself.

Wei Jun: "When did you become Qi Yunli's person?!"

If it weren't for the fact that they were at a banquet and all the guests were watching, Ru Feng would have really wanted to kneel down and beg his master for forgiveness.

"That day, I did see Miss and Young Master Shen talking in the bamboo grove. However, they stood facing each other at a considerable distance, and there was no inappropriate behavior. Other things happened that day, so I don't want to bring it up again and disturb you, Young Master."

"You made a mistake. I need to know everything Ah Li does. Shen Junshan has evil intentions towards Ah Li. Today, I have no choice but to make Ah Li play in public." Wei Jun sneered.

After leaving the stage, Qi Yunli's face flushed; her performance had been flawless. She was capable of performing exceptionally well even under the pressure of a crowd.

After eating a couple of snacks in a guest room where the opera troupe had been invited from outside, she wanted to go to the main hall. It was the first time Shen Junshan had heard her play a piece, and she couldn't help but be curious about how he would praise her music, since he liked her so much.

Qi Yunli was halfway down the road when Ru Feng stopped her.

"Please come with me, Miss."

Qi Yunli was feeling depressed and still had to deal with Wei Jun.

Ru Feng led her into a courtyard in the back garden. In the courtyard, Wei Jun stood with his back to the gate, leaving behind a deep and upright silhouette.

"Miss Biao has arrived." Ru Feng withdrew.

Wei Jun turned around, his eyes full of tenderness, and gestured for Qi Yunli to come over.

Qi Yunli didn't understand his intention. During the birthday banquet, instead of busying himself with greeting guests in the front hall, he wanted to be intimate with her in the back garden.

Wei Jun stepped forward, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her towards the west wall of the courtyard.

Just as Qi Yunli was about to ask him a question, Wei Jun extended his index finger and placed it to her lips.

A man's and a woman's voices came from outside the courtyard wall.

"I couldn't find Ah Li. She said she wanted to see you again after that day," Wei Ruowei said anxiously.

Shen Junshan said calmly, "It's alright. I've only met Miss Qi two or three times, and we don't have any other deep interactions."

Wei Ruowei: "I see. Then let's go back to the front hall so my mother won't find out I sneaked out and get scolded for nothing."

Seeing that no one was around, Shen Junshan hurriedly called out to her, "Miss Wei, are you married?"

"Not yet. My older brother just got engaged, so I guess it'll be my turn next," Wei Ruowei sighed.

Shen Junshan paused, his voice slightly nervous, but he still spoke:

"What does Miss Wei think of me?"

Wei Ruowei exclaimed in surprise, "Ah!" and then said, "You're just a lowly ninth-rank official, while my elder brother is already the Vice Minister of Revenue. The difference between you two is too great."

It means he is not good enough for her.

But Shen Junshan didn't give up, saying, "I'm still young, and I have time to rise through the ranks in officialdom. Besides, the Crown Prince is quite satisfied with me..."

"Pfft!" Wei Ruowei laughed out loud: "Then wait until you get promoted before asking me again. Besides, if you want to marry me, you need the consent of my grandmother and mother. It's useless to waste your breath on me here."

"But Miss Wei is waiting for me here, the two of us alone, a man and a woman, with no one else around. Isn't that a sign of our mutual affection?"

"If you hadn't saved Ah Li, I would have wanted to take you to find her. I thought you had feelings for Ah Li, which is why I wanted to bring you two together. It seems I wasted my time."

"If she plays the piano in front of everyone, who would dare to marry her? They'd be a laughingstock."

Wei Ruowei retorted without hesitation: "I think you're the biggest joke in the world! Playing the piano can insult your manly spirit? What nonsense, what pretentious nonsense."

At this moment, a servant came looking for them. Wei Ruowei gave an order to take Young Master Shen back to the front hall, and then she left.

Inside the courtyard walls, Wei Jun had his arm around Qi Yunli's waist, his lips close to her ear:

"Ah Li, did you see that? Third Sister is mistaken. She thinks he's your perfect match. In reality, only I can protect you."

Qi Yunli pushed Wei Jun away: "Cousin, do you think I can't live without you? That's why you arranged this whole thing for me. Shen Junshan and I are completely innocent. You tried to set him up, and he fell for it, but that has nothing to do with me. But don't say anything more to insult me."

"Are you angry because of him?"

"I'm angry because of my cousin!" Qi Yunli finally snapped. Even a rabbit will bite when cornered. She roared in the courtyard, "You slandered me and Young Master Shen! You're suspicious and make wild guesses!"