The atmosphere in the Grand Harmony Hall had subtly changed.
What began as a grand birthday celebration had now turned into something deeper.
After Yue Ning's answer, the earlier whispers had disappeared. In their place was a quiet, thoughtful silence.
Many officials lowered their gazes, reflecting on her words.
Others looked at her with newfound respect.
But not everyone was pleased.
---
The Undercurrent
Seated among the high-ranking officials, General Lin Zhiyuan clenched his cup slightly.
His expression remained controlled, but his eyes were dark.
Beside him, Lin Qingya had already returned to her seat.
Though she maintained a composed appearance, the embarrassment of being overshadowed still lingered.
Lin Zhiyuan leaned slightly toward her and spoke in a low voice,
"You acted too hastily."
Lin Qingya replied quietly,
"I only wanted to test her."
Lin Zhiyuan's gaze hardened.
"And now you've given her a chance to shine."
He turned his attention back toward Yue Ning.
This girl…
She is more dangerous than expected.
---
Another Voice Rises
Just as the music resumed and the tension seemed to ease, another official stood up.
It was Minister Zhao, a senior court official known for his strict views on tradition.
He bowed toward the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, forgive this old minister for speaking out."
The Emperor looked at him calmly.
"Speak."
Minister Zhao turned slightly toward Yue Ning.
"Lady Yue is indeed intelligent."
His tone was respectful, but something in it felt sharp.
"However… intelligence alone does not determine suitability for the position of Crown Princess."
The hall grew quiet again.
The Empress frowned slightly.
Minister Zhao continued,
"The Crown Princess represents the dignity of the empire."
"She must be flawless in etiquette, virtue, and tradition."
His gaze sharpened.
"But Lady Yue… has already broken one of the most important traditions."
Everyone understood immediately.
He was referring to the imperial edict—
The decree allowing Yue Ning not to kneel.
---
Questioning the Edict
Minister Zhao spoke slowly,
"From ancient times, all subjects bow before the Emperor."
"It is a symbol of respect and order."
"But Lady Yue stands without kneeling."
He paused.
"Will this not set a dangerous precedent?"
Several officials nodded subtly.
Even those who admired Yue Ning felt uneasy.
Because this was no longer a personal challenge.
It was a challenge to imperial authority itself.
---
Pressure Builds
The hall became tense once again.
All eyes turned toward the Emperor.
But before he could speak—
Another official stood.
Then another.
One by one, a few ministers began voicing similar concerns.
"The rules of the court must be preserved."
"The Crown Princess should set an example."
"Special treatment may cause imbalance…"
Their words were cautious.
But the meaning was clear.
They were opposing Yue Ning.
Or rather—
They were opposing her position.
---
Yue Ning Remains Silent
Through all of this, Yue Ning remained calm.
She did not interrupt.
She did not defend herself.
She simply listened.
Her expression showed neither anger nor fear.
But those who observed closely could see—
She was thinking.
---
The Empress Speaks
The Empress finally spoke, her voice firm.
"This edict was given by His Majesty himself."
"Are you questioning the Emperor's decision?"
The hall immediately quieted.
The ministers lowered their heads.
"Your Majesty, we would not dare…"
Minister Zhao said respectfully.
"We are only concerned for the stability of the court."
The Empress's expression remained cold.
But before she could continue—
A calm voice interrupted.
---
Xu Chen Stands
"Enough."
The single word echoed clearly through the hall.
Everyone froze.
Because the one who spoke was—
Crown Prince Xu Chen.
He slowly rose from his seat.
His expression was calm, but his eyes were cold.
The entire hall fell silent.
Even the Emperor watched him with interest.
---
The Crown Prince Speaks
Xu Chen stepped forward.
His voice was steady and clear.
"You speak of tradition."
His gaze swept across the ministers.
"You speak of rules."
Then his tone sharpened slightly.
"But you forget something important."
He paused.
"The authority to define those rules… belongs to the Emperor."
The ministers lowered their heads further.
No one dared to respond.
---
Protecting Yue Ning
Xu Chen continued,
"The edict allowing Yue Ning not to kneel was given by His Majesty."
"It is not a privilege she demanded."
"It is a grace the Emperor chose to bestow."
His voice grew colder.
"So tell me…"
"Are you questioning her?"
Or—
"Are you questioning the Emperor?"
The hall turned deathly silent.
Minister Zhao's face paled slightly.
"We would never—"
"Then stop," Xu Chen interrupted.
---
A Clear Declaration
Xu Chen turned slightly, his gaze briefly meeting Yue Ning's.
Then he faced the court again.
"There is something all of you should understand clearly."
His voice carried authority now.
"Yue Ning is not just any noble lady."
"She is my chosen partner."
"And she will be the future Crown Princess."
He paused.
"And I will not allow anyone to humiliate her under the guise of tradition."
---
The Weight of His Words
The impact of his words was immediate.
No one spoke.
No one moved.
Because this was no longer just a defense.
It was a public declaration.
The Crown Prince was openly standing beside Yue Ning—
In front of the entire imperial court.
---
The Emperor's Reaction
The Emperor suddenly laughed.
"Good!"
His voice broke the heavy silence.
"This is how a Crown Prince should speak."
He looked at the ministers with a sharp gaze.
"My decision is final."
"Yue Ning will not kneel."
"And anyone who questions this again…"
He did not finish the sentence.
He didn't need to.
---
Silence and Submission
The ministers immediately bowed deeply.
"We understand, Your Majesty."
No one dared to speak further.
Even Minister Zhao remained silent.
Because the matter was now completely settled.
---
Yue Ning's Reaction
Yue Ning looked at Xu Chen quietly.
For a brief moment, her calm expression softened.
Not because she needed protection—
But because he chose to stand beside her so openly.
---
The Banquet Resumes
The tension slowly faded.
Music resumed.
Servants continued serving food.
But the atmosphere was no longer the same.
The court had witnessed something important tonight.
Not just Yue Ning's intelligence.
But also—
The Crown Prince's unwavering support for her.
---
A Shift in Power
From this moment on, everyone understood one thing clearly:
Yue Ning was not someone they could challenge easily.
Because behind her stood not only the Yue family—
But also the unwavering will of the Crown Prince himself.
And perhaps even more importantly…
The approval of the Emperor.