The Yue Residence glowed like a palace of light.
Hundreds of silk lanterns hung along the corridors and garden trees, casting warm golden colors across the night. The fragrance of plum blossoms drifted through the courtyard, mixing with the aroma of fine dishes and sweet wine.
Tonight was Princess Anhe Yue Ning's fourteenth birthday banquet, and the celebration had become even more extraordinary after the unexpected revelation that the gentle old woman staying with the Yue family was actually the Empress Dowager.
Yet the Empress Dowager herself insisted the celebration continue normally.
And so the musicians began playing again.
Soft melodies from the guqin and bamboo flute floated across the courtyard, creating a peaceful and elegant atmosphere.
The younger generation of noble families had gathered near the center stage prepared in the garden.
According to tradition, young nobles often showcased their talents during important banquets.
Poetry, music, dance, calligraphy, or martial skill.
It was both entertainment and a way to display refinement.
Grandfather Yue Shun smiled gently.
"Since the Empress Dowager herself wishes the celebration to continue, let the younger generation present their talents."
Many guests nodded happily.
The Empress Dowager leaned back comfortably beside Yue Ning.
"Yes, yes. Let these young ones perform. This old woman wishes to see some lively energy."
Xu Chen stood nearby, watching everything quietly.
Though he remained calm, his eyes occasionally drifted toward Yue Ning.
The lantern light reflected softly on her face, making her look almost like a painting.
The first to step forward was Zhao Rong.
The young scholar bowed respectfully toward the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince.
"I humbly offer a poem to celebrate Princess Anhe's birthday."
He unfolded a scroll and began reciting.
"Lantern light shines upon jade halls bright,
Spring breeze carries fragrance through the night.
A princess blooms like the purest flower,
Grace shining softly with heavenly power."
The crowd applauded politely.
The Empress Dowager nodded approvingly.
"A good poem."
Zhao Rong blushed slightly and stepped back.
Next came Fang Mei.
She carried a pipa in her hands.
With a graceful bow, she sat on the stage and began to play.
The lively notes danced through the garden, sometimes quick and playful, sometimes gentle and flowing.
Several guests tapped their fingers along with the rhythm.
Even the Empress Dowager smiled.
"That girl plays quite well."
Nearby, Yue Ning's brothers Yue Han and Yue Bo whispered excitedly.
"Little Sister's friends are really talented."
"Of course they are," Yue Han replied proudly.
Then it was Fang Jian's turn.
Unlike the others, he carried a sword.
Several guests immediately showed interest.
A martial performance at a birthday banquet was always exciting.
Fang Jian bowed toward the elders.
"Please forgive this humble display."
The moment he stepped onto the open courtyard stage, his expression changed.
His sword flashed through the lantern light.
Swift movements cut through the air with sharp precision.
His technique was clean and disciplined, clearly the result of years of training.
Many officials nodded in approval.
Even Xu Chen watched with mild interest.
When the performance ended, the audience clapped warmly.
"Very good."
The Empress Dowager laughed.
"These young people have spirit."
Then suddenly, someone called out playfully.
"Why don't we ask Third Young Master Yue Heng to demonstrate his martial skill?"
Several people laughed.
Yue Heng, the Vanguard Battalion Commander, was already known for his military abilities.
Yue Heng sighed with mock reluctance.
"You are all trying to embarrass me."
But he stepped forward anyway.
Picking up a spear from the weapon rack prepared for performances, he spun it once.
The long spear cut through the air with a powerful whistle.
Unlike Fang Jian's elegant swordplay, Yue Heng's movements carried the strength of a battlefield warrior.
His spear thrust forward like lightning.
Each step was firm and steady.
The guests watched in amazement.
Even Xu Chen's eyes brightened slightly.
When Yue Heng finished, applause filled the courtyard.
"Excellent!"
The Empress Dowager clapped happily.
"That one truly looks like a soldier."
Yue Heng bowed respectfully and returned to his seat.
The atmosphere had become lively and cheerful.
Laughter spread through the garden.
Finally, someone said softly.
"Why don't we ask the birthday princess to perform something?"
All eyes turned toward Yue Ning.
She blinked slightly in surprise.
Lian Hua grinned mischievously.
"Yes! Ning'er should show her talent."
Even the Empress Dowager looked interested.
"Ning'er, will you perform for this old woman?"
Yue Ning hesitated for a moment.
Then she smiled gently.
"Very well."
She walked toward the stage calmly.
A servant quickly brought a guqin.
The garden fell quiet.
Even Xu Chen straightened slightly.
Yue Ning sat gracefully before the instrument.
Her fingers lightly touched the strings.
The first note rang out softly.
The melody was gentle like flowing water.
Yet within the quiet notes was a deep emotion that seemed to fill the entire courtyard.
The lanterns swayed gently in the night breeze.
The moonlight above reflected on the pond nearby.
For a moment, the entire garden felt peaceful and dreamlike.
Many guests listened with closed eyes.
Even the Empress Dowager looked slightly surprised.
"This girl…"
Xu Chen watched Yue Ning silently.
The soft music seemed to carry something deeper.
Something only he could sense.
The melody ended slowly.
For several seconds, no one spoke.
Then applause erupted across the courtyard.
"Beautiful!"
"Incredible!"
The Empress Dowager laughed warmly.
"My Ning'er truly has many talents."
Yue Ning stood and bowed politely.
When she returned to her seat, Xu Chen spoke quietly beside her.
"I did not know you could play so well."
She smiled faintly.
"There are many things Your Highness does not know yet."
Their eyes met briefly.
Lantern light reflected between them.
Around them, the celebration continued with laughter and music.
But for Xu Chen and Yue Ning—
This peaceful birthday night had become one of the most beautiful memories of their youth.