Chapter 38: A Prideful Peony

Before Nan Xun could respond, Qi Chen found his way over here. He frowned at Nan Xun before turning to Jun Huang. “I've been looking for you. Didn’t expect you to be here.”

“I saw Prince Nan and came to greet him,” answered Jun Huang.

Qi Chen nodded, giving Nan Xun a bemused glance. “I didn’t expect you of all people to attend today, Nan Xun. You never have.”

Nan Xun took a sip of his tea. “I have never attended before. It’s said that this year’s banquet is especially impressive, which made me curious. You, on the other hand, seem to come every year.”

Qi Chen pursed his lips and didn’t respond. He didn’t want to continue this conversation, so he went elsewhere with Jun Huang in tow, waiting for the young women from rich families to perform.

The first one on stage was Shangguan Yue, the daughter of the grand chancellor[1]. She had bright eyes as if they were painted by artists. Her slim body was cladded in thin silk. It was difficult to look away from her.

The light-colored silk bellowed in the wind, dancing...