Yes, I Do(n't)

Chapter 41: The finale [1]

"The banquet is not a banquet without a performance... What if Eldest Miss Shen and Second Miss Xiao will perform for this welcoming banquet?"

Shen Baiyu turns her head to look at the one who uttered such stupidity. It is unheard of for her to make a performance in the past. It is a rarity for her to be out in the public in the past as well. And, there have to one i***t who have to spoil everything. Seems like someone needed to put into his place for good.

Crown Prince Nangong Yingjun seems to be smiling as if he is happy with this sudden development. But, Second Prince Nangong Heshan look at the said person as if he ready to skin him alive. For Crown Prince Beitang Moran, he smiles and looks at Shen Baiyu with a knowing gaze. He knows that she will not just sit still as she knows extremely well that the damnable suggestion meant to embarrass both Second Miss Xiao and herself. When it comes to both the Shen and Xiao families, they are staring towards the unlucky man with contempt in their eyes. By now, the i***t knows well he had offended many and most of them are much higher ranking than he is. Out of nowhere a soft yet melodious voice suddenly can be heard clearly inside the suddenly silent hall.

"Well... Well... Well... If it isn't Official Zhao. Just like your daughter, Zhao Nucai, I am quite impressed with your gift of glib tongue. To think that a mere fifth rank officer dares to offend daughters of the first rank officials is quite amazing really. Maybe the compensation from before is considered somewhat little after all... Isn't that right, Ke Ai."

Xiao Ke Ai looks at Shen Baiyu with a mischievous look in her eyes that is not unnoticed by Second Prince Nangong Heshan. Secretly, he is happy upon seeing that Xiao Ke Ai is no longer a shy and timid person that she used to be in the past. Eldest Miss Shen is definitely a much-needed influence but, what terrifies him is that he can feel that Eldest Miss Shen is a complex character than she appears to be. She seems to be more outspoken, cunning and with a streak of ruthlessness in her. This kind of person can make or break others with just a flick of her fingers. His fiancée ought to remain adorable and pure for eternity.

"But... Seeing that Official Zhao is quite adamant in seeing that both Ke Ai and I to perform, I will oblige this one time. Princess Hong Meigui has to join us for the performance as well. Isn't that right Your Royal Highness?"

Princess Hong Meigui nearly spurted out her drinks upon hearing what has just been said by Shen Baiyu. Though she is smiling, she is cursing inside her heart, "Damn it, Aurelia!"

Underneath her veil, Shen Baiyu is smiling from ear to ear as she thought, "Just a small payback, Dahlia. After all, a friend should help a friend in need. Our years of gruelling training as an expert killer included the art of seduction as well. That intensive training of ancient Chinese instruments can be put out for good use after all."

Princess Hong Meigui stands up and says, "Imperial father-in-law. Imperial mother-in-law. Let the three of us prepare ourselves for an 'amazing' performance for this 'amazing' banquet. I really have to thanks Official Zhao for his rather 'brilliant' suggestion. Eldest Miss Shen and Second Miss Xiao do come with this princess. Imperial sister-in-law, can we use your room?"

Third Prince Nangong Zhixiang watches his wife as she joins Eldest Miss Shen and Second Miss Xiao together with his fifth royal sister to walk out of the hall. His wife is definitely not the same person that he had married. She has definitely changed. When she first healed him, he thought that she expected him to pamper her as his main wife but, instead, she asked for his permission for her to move out from his official manor. So, he let her. He first thought that she just wanted to be sulky for a while and will return after a few days. But then... Days turned to weeks. Weeks turned to months. And, months turned to years. She only returned when his imperial mother visited the official manor and during important occasions that needed her appearance. Other than that, she will live her own separate life and earned her own money from her highly successful medical hall. In her eyes, there is no longer that longing gaze whenever she looks at him. Instead, he found that she looks at him as if he is an interesting person to look at. As if, she is enjoying seeing him acting awkwardly and uncomfortably in her presence. Her aura is oddly similar to that of Eldest Miss Shen, but the latter is giving him chills to his very bones.

The infamous Eldest Miss Shen is definitely a person that is not easy to be handled and, if given chance, she seems to be capable of causing destruction. Her bold personality paired with her spiteful words shows her fearlessness which seems to please the neighbouring prince who is always smiling towards her. That man never smiles except when he is killing his enemies. But he smiles at her and, in her presence, to others as well. He wanted to have Shen Baiyu but seeing how she acts made him decide not to continue with his intention. His wife is someone he can never handle or control. Shen Baiyu will definitely retaliate if he wanted her as his concubine. She is not someone that he can easily handle too, ever. His instinct tells him that he will even lose his life if he is adamant to have her as his concubine as well.

Second Princess Beitang Xing looks at her older brother and then at Crown Prince Nangong Yingjun, "I cannot wait to see what kind of performance they will give to us. Imperial brother, is it really necessary for the 20 maidservants to tag along as well?"

"Definitely. Her safety is of utmost importance. They are meant to be by her side most of the times." Crown Prince Beitang Moran said as he continues to sip on his wine.

Shen Lianhua smile at the royal siblings and says, "Your Royal Highnesses, with Moli by their side, there is nothing to worry about. After all, over this past few days, both Xi Ai and my older sister have been diligently practising."

First Princess Nangong Rouran further says, "Both of them are quite good and a fast learner but Baiyu has shown quite an impressive improvement. Even your older brother is somewhat shocked on how fast she is learning each step."

Empress Mu Jianrui look at them and asks, "Really? No wonder... Second Miss Xiao seems to be losing some weight too. No wonder Heshan been looking somewhat down earlier. Noble Consort Baili, there is nothing to be worried about. Second Miss Xiao is only learning martial arts with my niece. This will be quite beneficial for her body in the long term."

Noble Consort Baili Xin Ai smiles and says, "I am just worried that she might be sick... But, seems like it is the opposite. I am more interested that Her Majesty has noticed that my son is sulking upon seeing his fiancé has become slightly thinner."

Concubine Li Xiyin then says, "Second Miss Xiao is quite a charming young lady. Baiyu and Lianhua are having a great time with her staying in our manor. Baiyu is especially close to her because of her adorable personality. All of us are quite smitten by her too."

"Indeed. Our 'dumpling' is indeed adorable."

First Madame Jing Lanhua said as she gently smiles. All four concubines of her husband too displayed such a gentle smile on each of their faces. The same goes for the male family members too.

Mu Heli then adds, "Second Miss Xiao is indeed a charming young lady. The Second Prince is blessed to have her as his future princess consort. With Second Miss Xiao by my cousin sister's side, she becomes much warmer in personality."

Crown Prince Beitang Moran then says, "She is warm yet cold at the same time. But, even as a cold person, she is still quite charming in my eyes. This I have to thanks Magistrates Mu. You are right when you said that she is unlike others. I am attracted to her because of her indifference in life as a whole."

Mu Heli smiles at Crown Prince Beitang Moran and says, "I am glad. I only wanted her to be happy and I know that she will be with His Royal Highness by her side."

"I am right after all... Cousin brother, you are definitely a wily old fox. Your Royal Highness... I demand an explanation from you. Come to the manor tomorrow for afternoon tea. We will be having a long talk with each other."

When everyone turns their head, Eldest Miss Shen no longer wear her veiled hat except for an intricate face mask made from silver and veil that covers the lower part of her face. Everyone can see the smooth and fair skin that was left uncovered. A pair of beautiful yet clear pair of eyes and a perfectly shaped nose can clearly be seen for all the eyes can see.

Empress Mu Jianrui smiles when she sees her niece and says, "You have indeed grown up to more beautiful since the last I've seen you, Baiyu. Shuiling will be so proud of you."

"Thank you, imperial aunt."