The banquet continued.
Music returned, dancers stepped gracefully across the polished floor, and servants moved silently between the tables, refilling wine and presenting delicacies.
On the surface, everything had returned to normal.
But beneath the elegance of the Grand Harmony Hall…
Something had changed.
---
A Different Kind of Silence
The nobles who had once whispered now spoke in quieter, more careful tones.
Their gazes toward Yue Ning were no longer filled with curiosity or doubt—
But with calculation.
Respect.
And, for some…
Wariness.
"Her mind is not simple," one minister murmured under his breath.
"To think five steps ahead…" another replied softly, "even court strategists cannot do that easily."
"She is dangerous," a third added quietly.
But not all voices carried concern.
Some held admiration.
"The Crown Prince has chosen well."
---
Yue Family's Pride
At the Yue family's table, the brothers were unusually quiet.
Then suddenly—
Yue Rui leaned forward, unable to hold back.
"Sister… you didn't even look nervous."
Yue An laughed softly.
"She wasn't nervous. She was bored."
Yue Tao shook his head with a smile.
"Lin Qingya thought she was setting a trap… but she walked into one instead."
Yue Jun added thoughtfully,
"That wasn't just a game. That was strategy."
Yue Heng, who rarely praised anyone, spoke calmly,
"She would make a better general than most generals."
Yue Ning glanced at them, slightly amused.
"You're exaggerating."
Yue Ming smiled.
"No."
"We're being honest."
---
Lin Family's Tension
On the other side of the hall, the atmosphere around the Lin family was completely different.
Lin Qingya sat silently, her fingers lightly gripping her sleeve.
Her calm mask had returned—
But her pride had taken a heavy blow.
Beside her, General Lin Zhiyuan remained still, his expression dark.
After a long silence, he finally spoke in a low voice,
"You underestimated her."
Lin Qingya replied quietly,
"…Yes."
Lin Zhiyuan's eyes narrowed slightly.
"This girl is not just intelligent."
"She is calculating."
He paused.
"And people like that…"
His voice grew colder.
"Are the most difficult to deal with."
---
The Empress's Approval
At the high seat, the Empress watched Yue Ning with clear satisfaction.
She turned slightly toward the Emperor.
"What do you think now?"
The Emperor chuckled softly.
"I was already satisfied."
"But now…"
He glanced toward Yue Ning again.
"I am impressed."
The Empress smiled.
"She has both intelligence and composure."
"More importantly… she knows when to speak and when to remain silent."
The Emperor nodded.
"That is rare."
---
A Quiet Exchange
As the performances continued, Xu Chen finally turned slightly toward Yue Ning.
"You enjoyed that?"
His voice was low enough that only she could hear.
Yue Ning picked up her cup calmly.
"It was necessary."
Xu Chen's lips curved slightly.
"You didn't have to accept."
"I could have refused for you."
Yue Ning shook her head gently.
"If I refuse once, they will test me again."
"If I refuse twice, they will doubt me."
She met his gaze briefly.
"So it's better to end it clearly."
Xu Chen watched her for a moment.
Then nodded.
"You're right."
---
An Unexpected Proposal
Just as the atmosphere settled, the Emperor suddenly raised his hand.
The hall fell silent once more.
"There has been enough watching for tonight."
His voice carried authority.
"But such talent should not go unrecognized."
Everyone immediately paid attention.
The Emperor looked toward Yue Ning.
"Lady Yue."
Yue Ning stood respectfully.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The Emperor smiled slightly.
"You have shown intelligence, composure, and understanding beyond your years."
He paused briefly.
"Tell me…"
"If you were to face a crisis within the court…"
"What would you do first?"
The question surprised everyone.
Because this was no longer a game.
This was a real test of governance.
---
Yue Ning's Answer
Yue Ning did not hesitate.
"I would first determine the root of the problem."
Her voice was calm.
"Not the surface conflict… but the cause beneath it."
The Emperor nodded slightly.
"Then?"
"I would observe," she continued.
"Because acting without understanding can make things worse."
She paused briefly.
"And only after that… I would act."
The Emperor leaned forward.
"How?"
Yue Ning's eyes were steady.
"That depends on the situation."
"But one thing remains constant."
She spoke clearly.
"Remove the cause… not just the symptoms."
---
The Court's Reaction
The hall fell silent again.
Because her answer was simple—
But precise.
Many ministers exchanged glances.
Even the most experienced officials could not find fault in her reasoning.
The Emperor smiled.
"Good."
"Very good."
---
A New Position
Then, unexpectedly, he said,
"From today onward…"
"Yue Ning may attend certain court discussions alongside the Crown Prince."
The hall erupted in shock.
"Your Majesty?!"
Some ministers looked stunned.
Even the Empress was slightly surprised.
Allowing a future Crown Princess to attend court discussions—
Was not a common decision.
---
Rising Opposition
Minister Zhao immediately stepped forward again.
"Your Majesty, this—"
But before he could finish—
A voice interrupted.
---
Xu Chen Steps Forward
"Father."
The hall fell silent.
Xu Chen stood up once more.
His expression was calm—
But his presence carried undeniable authority.
He stepped forward and spoke clearly,
"I support this decision."
All eyes turned toward him.
---
Open Protection
Xu Chen continued,
"If the court values talent…"
"Then it should not matter whether that talent comes from a man or a woman."
His gaze swept across the ministers.
"You have all witnessed her ability tonight."
He paused.
"Or do you still doubt her?"
No one answered.
Because no one could.
---
A Firm Declaration
Xu Chen's voice grew slightly colder.
"Yue Ning is not standing here because of me."
"She is standing here because she is capable."
He turned slightly toward the Emperor.
"And if she is to stand beside me in the future…"
"Then she must also stand within the court."
---
The Final Silence
The hall became completely still.
No one dared to oppose further.
Because this time—
The Crown Prince was not just defending Yue Ning.
He was declaring her place beside him.
Openly.
Without hesitation.
---
The Emperor Decides
The Emperor smiled faintly.
"Well said."
He looked at the ministers.
"Does anyone still object?"
No one spoke.
"Then it is settled."
---
The End of the Night
The banquet resumed once more.
But nothing was the same anymore.
Because tonight, the court had witnessed two things:
Yue Ning's brilliance.
And the Crown Prince's unwavering support.
And from this moment on…
Everyone understood clearly—
The future Crown Princess was not someone they could challenge lightly.
And the Crown Prince…
Would not allow anyone to try.