The grand birthday banquet of Princess Anhe, Yue Ning, slowly came to an end.
The night sky above the Yue residence shimmered with countless lanterns. Silk banners swayed gently in the evening breeze while the fragrance of flowers and wine lingered in the air. The laughter and music that had filled the courtyard earlier gradually faded as the noble guests began leaving one by one.
Carriages rolled away from the Yue estate gates, their lanterns glowing like small stars disappearing into the distance.
Inside the main courtyard, servants quietly cleared the banquet tables.
The once lively hall slowly grew peaceful.
Soon, only a small group remained.
The Yue family.
And their honored guests.
At the main seat sat Grandmother Xu, now known to everyone present as the Empress Dowager. Her dignified presence naturally commanded respect, yet her eyes held a gentle warmth tonight.
Beside her stood Xu Chen, the Crown Prince.
Across the hall gathered the entire Yue family.
Old Master Yue and Old Madam Yue sat at the center. Beside them were Yue Ning's parents, their expressions still filled with pride after their daughter's grand birthday celebration.
Standing behind them were her uncles and aunts.
Second Uncle Yue Qiang and his wife
Third Uncle Yu Wen and his wife
Fourth Uncle Yue Feng and his wife
Behind the elders stood the younger generation.
All ten of Yue Ning's older brothers were present, tall and imposing as they stood together like a protective wall behind their little sister.
Yue Ning herself stood quietly beside her mother, her elegant birthday robes still shimmering under the lantern light.
For a moment, no one spoke.
The quiet night breeze rustled the silk curtains.
Then Xu Chen stepped forward.
His usually calm expression carried a rare seriousness tonight.
He first bowed respectfully toward the Yue elders.
"Old Master Yue. Old Madam Yue."
His voice was calm yet respectful.
"I thank the Yue family for allowing me to attend Princess Anhe's birthday banquet tonight."
Old Master Yue waved his hand lightly.
"Your Highness is too polite. Your presence honors our family."
Xu Chen straightened slowly.
But instead of returning to his seat, he remained standing.
Everyone noticed.
Second Uncle Yue Qiang raised an eyebrow slightly.
Third Uncle Yu Wen folded his arms thoughtfully.
Fourth Uncle Yue Feng glanced curiously between Xu Chen and Yue Ning.
Even the ten brothers exchanged curious looks.
Something was clearly about to happen.
Xu Chen then looked toward Yue Ning.
Their eyes met briefly.
Yue Ning blinked in surprise, her heart suddenly beating faster.
Then Xu Chen turned back toward the Yue elders.
His voice became steady and clear.
"There is something important I wish to say tonight."
The hall grew completely silent.
Even the Empress Dowager watched quietly, her gaze calm and knowing.
Xu Chen continued.
"I have known Yue Ning for many years."
His voice softened slightly.
"I have seen her kindness, her courage, and her intelligence."
Behind Yue Ning, several of her brothers exchanged looks again.
The youngest of them even whispered quietly,
"What is the Crown Prince saying…?"
Second Uncle Yue Qiang lightly cleared his throat, silencing them.
Xu Chen took another step forward.
Then he bowed deeply to the Yue elders.
A gesture that shocked almost everyone present.
When he raised his head again, his eyes were firm.
"I therefore wish to formally ask the Yue family for something."
Every member of the Yue family watched him closely.
The lanterns flickered softly in the quiet hall.
Then Xu Chen spoke the words clearly.
"I wish to marry Yue Ning."
The entire hall froze.
Yue Ning's eyes widened in surprise.
Behind her, all ten brothers stiffened instantly.
Fourth Uncle Yue Feng almost choked on his tea.
Third Uncle Yu Wen slowly raised his brows.
Old Madam Yue covered her mouth slightly in shock.
Old Master Yue stared at Xu Chen silently.
And the Empress Dowager only smiled faintly.
Xu Chen stood straight, his expression completely serious.
Looking directly at the Yue family elders, he said clearly—
"I ask the Yue family for permission to take Yue Ning as my wife."
The lantern light flickered across the silent hall.
Every member of the Yue family stared at him.
And Yue Ning herself stood frozen beside her mother.
The night seemed to pause.
Waiting.
For the Yue family's answer.
—End of Chapter—