"Meimei said bad things may happen if we drag things out. Since Yalan got such a good result in the musical instrument competition, there will definitely be many people going to her door to propose a marriage." Du Xiuheng repeated Du Xiaoli's words, but he swallowed the last part of the sentence, ‘so we have to make the first move.’

"Well, that’s also a possibility," Du Yunhan said with a nod. He felt his daughter really was more thorough in thinking things through. "In that case, I'll talk to Lord Fu tonight and go to his place tomorrow to propose your marriage."

"Thank you, Father," Du Xiuheng said. "Then I'll go back to prepare for the palace feast first."

"Go on, go on," Du Yunhan said, waving his hand. When he saw Du Xiuheng leave, he couldn't help but admonish his son, "Regardless of whether you get married, you must not delay your studies because of your romantic relationship. Since you have the intention to get a career through the imperial examination, you should study hard and try to pass the autumn examination on the first try next year."

"Yes, I understand. At a very young age, I already said that I would do well in the exam for Meimei's sake. Even if I let myself down, I will not let her down."

After talking, Du Xiuheng opened the door and headed out. However, right before he left, he looked at the family portrait on the wall again, as well as Du Yunhan who was buried in his work again. The corners of Du Xiuheng’s mouth rose slightly.

Fu Yalan and Du Xiaoli were nestled in bed chatting, waiting for the servant girl to go back and bring over her clothes. Then they changed into the clothes they had to wear to enter the palace and continued chatting while waiting to be brought into the palace.

Just before dinnertime, some eunuchs came to the palace and led people of several different countries into the palace. The people from the other three countries, as well as all the participants from Feng Ming, all went to attend the banquet.

As everyone had already enjoyed a show of talents during the competition, a relatively simple program was prepared for the banquet this time—just some group dances. Moreover, because these students were the only ones attending the banquet, there weren’t many requirements for seating and so forth. Those who were close with each other sat together.

Han Mingze and the Empress attended the banquet today, and they awarded the top three of each event, regardless of which country the students were from.

Du Xiaoli had never felt much for the banquet. She and Fu Yalan were together discussing the food in front of them and were indifferent to those who came to toast each other with compliments.

In order to let everyone relax, Han Mingze and the Empress left halfway through the banquet. The cabinet ministers left with them, leaving only Han Mingze and Han Mingxiang as the representatives of the royal family to entertain the students of the other countries.

As soon as Han Mingze and others left, the group of youths began to wander around the venue. Some of them didn't know each other, but those who could attend the academy were all famous ladies of the capital, so many of them soon became engaged in conversation.

Du Xiaoli and Fu Yalan were the first in the categories of dance and musical instrument respectively, so there was no shortage of people around them. Although she was a little tired, Du Xiaoli still did her best to deal with these people.

"Miss Du." Beiling Yu came to Du Xiaoli's side with a glass of wine and looked at her with a smile.

Du Xiaoli turned to see her peer who was entirely covered in a pure and untainted aura. She greeted the latter with a smile: "Princess Yu."

"Miss Du, your dancing was so beautiful. I really want to ask you for a proper lesson, but unfortunately, we’re going back tomorrow. If you go to Northern Qi in the future, be sure to come find me! My residence—the Princess’ Manor—is easy to find," Beiling Yu said.

"If I go there, I will definitely visit you, Princess."

"Then we have a deal! Let's drink to that!" Beiling Yu clinked her cup against Du Xiaoli's and smiled happily.

After talking to them for a while, Beiling Yu was called away again. Fu Yalan watched Beiling Yu leave and sighed, "What a pure and innocent girl!"

"Indeed! It’s kind of a wonder that she managed to grow up in the royal family and still be this untainted and pure!" Du Xiaoli agreed while shaking the wine in her glass.

At this time, Lu Junqi walked over and came to Du Xiaoli's side: "Miss Du."

"Third Princess." Du Xiaoli didn't know why Lu Junqi came to find her, but seeing how Lu Junqi was still being fairly polite, Du Xiaoli responded to her nonchalantly.

"Miss Du, can we go for a walk together?" Lu Junqi suddenly issued an invitation.

MoonWhisperer, skyrise's Thoughts

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