CFSSIR

‧₊˚ 9 ‧₊˚

The moment she got off the carriage, Shen Qingyao couldn't help feeling a bit nervous as she looked at the imposing palace in front of her. After all, this was the first time in both of her lifetimes that she entered the imperial palace. She quietly bit her lower lip and unconsciously straightened her posture. She can't embarrass the female lead!

Seeing Shen Qingyao like this, Shen Qingli lowered her head and chuckled. After a moment, she walked over, grabbed Shen Qingyao gently, and said softly, "Yaoyao, don't be afraid. Come, I'll take you in."

Shen Qingyao was touched, feeling as if there were ten little people rolling around in her heart1. "Wuwuwu, System, did you see that? My sister is a fairy! She's so gentle, wuwuwu..."

System : [Host, have some dignity...]

Shen Qingyao obediently followed her Elder Sister, observing her surroundings with her eyes darting around. She marveled at the grandeur of the palace while thinking, Dignity? What's the use for me, a background cannon fodder, to have dignity? Of course, it's better to cling to my Elder Sister.

Mother Shen had to enter the palace in advance early in the morning to pay respects to the Empress, especially now that Shen Qingyao had established a marriage contract with Prince Lu Zhao, who is also the Empress's nephew, so Mother Shen was even more cautious, afraid of making any mistakes. However, the two sisters were delayed due to Shen Qingyao's difficulty in getting up, and by the time they arrived at the palace where the feast was held, many people were already inside.

In Liang Empire, the customs were open-minded, and the segregation between men and women was not very strict. Therefore, there was no specific seating arrangement for men and women at the feast; ministers and their families all sat together. However, as it was still early, most men were attending the court with the Emperor, leaving mostly women in the hall.

Shen Qingyao quickly scanned the room, and it was indeed filled with beautiful women.

The Winter Solstice feast had not yet begun. The ladies gathered in groups of three or four, chatting and exchanging pleasantries. However, the moment the two sisters entered, whether it was Shen Qingyao's illusion or not, the conversations of the people subtly paused for a moment and then resumed even louder, as if deliberately covering up.

"..." This is too obvious...

"I bet a piece of osmanthus cake that those people were definitely gossiping about my Elder Sister behind our backs just now!" Shen Qingyao complained to the system.

Her Elder Sister, as the female lead and the capital's top beauty and talented woman, marrying a prince with a notorious reputation, was undoubtedly a topic everyone loved to gossip about in the noble circle.

[Absolutely! I heard it just now! The girl on the left was just saying that the female lead won't survive for more than a month after marrying over. They almost made the male lead as a demon!] The system was also indignant, as these NPCs simply didn't understand the charm of the male and female leads!

Shen Qingyao wholeheartedly agreed! Enjoying the drama now would lead to regret later!

Her gaze shifted subtly towards the person the system mentioned. The girl who was talking earlier was dressed in luxurious clothes, exuded arrogance, and had a high-held head, like a proud little peacock. She was accompanied by three or four young ladies from prestigious families, indicating her high status.

Shen Qingyao, lost in thought, unexpectedly made eye contact with that girl. The girl seemed surprised that Shen Qingyao noticed her, hesitated for a moment, then snorted disdainfully and turned her head away. The gossiping with her companions became even louder, and this time, Shen Qingyao was included in the insults. Shen Qingyao didn't take it seriously, as they were just saying that Shan QIngyao was a sick girl who would not live long. However, this young lady seemed to have no regard for Shen Qingli, the female lead.