The banquet had progressed into its most lively phase.
Music flowed gently through the Grand Harmony Hall, and the nobles had begun conversing more freely.
But beneath the surface…
Tension quietly spread.
Many eyes were still fixed on Yue Ning.
Some were curious.
Some were doubtful.
And some were waiting for a chance.
---
Lin Qingya Steps Forward
From her seat, Lin Qingya slowly rose.
Her red dress shimmered under the lantern light as she walked gracefully toward the center of the hall.
A faint smile rested on her lips.
"Your Majesty," she said respectfully, bowing to the Emperor and Empress.
"Since today is His Highness's birthday, perhaps we could add some elegance to the celebration."
The Emperor raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Oh?"
Lin Qingya continued smoothly,
"I have heard that Lady Yue is both talented and intelligent."
She turned slightly, her gaze landing on Yue Ning.
"Why don't we invite her to share her talent with everyone?"
The hall fell silent.
Everyone understood immediately.
This was not a simple suggestion.
It was a challenge.
The Empress frowned slightly, clearly displeased.
But before she could speak, the Emperor said calmly,
"What do you propose?"
Lin Qingya smiled.
"A small test."
"Poetry, strategy… or anything Lady Yue prefers."
Her voice sounded polite.
But her intention was clear—
She wanted to put Yue Ning on the spot in front of the entire court.
---
The Silent Pressure
All eyes turned toward Yue Ning.
Some nobles whispered quietly.
"Lady Yue grew up outside the capital…"
"Does she even know court etiquette well?"
"Lin Qingya is famous for her talent…"
Even the younger noble ladies looked expectantly.
They all wanted to see—
Would Yue Ning embarrass herself?
Or prove her worth?
---
Yue Ning's Calm Response
Yue Ning stood up slowly.
Her expression remained calm, her movements graceful.
She looked at Lin Qingya without the slightest trace of anger.
Then she spoke softly,
"Since Lady Lin has suggested it… I will not refuse."
The hall grew quieter.
Lin Qingya's smile deepened slightly.
"Then what shall we test?"
Yue Ning thought for a moment.
Then she said,
"Let's make it simple."
"A question of understanding… rather than memorization."
Some officials looked surprised.
This was not what they expected.
Lin Qingya narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Very well."
---
The Challenge
Yue Ning stepped forward into the center of the hall.
Her voice was calm but clear.
"If a nation is peaceful but its officials are corrupt, and another nation is chaotic but its people are loyal…"
"Which nation will stand longer?"
The question stunned the hall.
This was not a simple poetry contest.
This was a question of governance.
Even the Emperor's eyes sharpened slightly.
Lin Qingya hesitated for a brief moment.
Then she answered confidently,
"A peaceful nation will always last longer."
"Stability is the foundation of strength."
Several officials nodded.
It sounded reasonable.
Lin Qingya looked at Yue Ning, her expression slightly proud.
---
Yue Ning's Answer
Yue Ning smiled faintly.
Then she spoke calmly,
"A peaceful nation with corrupt officials is already rotting from within."
"Order without integrity is only an illusion."
She paused briefly.
"A chaotic nation with loyal people… still has hope."
"Because loyalty can rebuild order."
The hall fell completely silent.
Her words were simple.
But deeply logical.
Even the older ministers looked thoughtful.
The Emperor leaned slightly forward, clearly interested.
---
Turning the Situation
Yue Ning then added gently,
"Peace is not just about silence."
"It is about justice."
"And loyalty is not just obedience."
"It is the foundation of true strength."
Her gaze moved across the hall.
"Without integrity, peace will collapse."
"But with loyalty, even chaos can be rebuilt."
---
The Shock
No one spoke.
Because her answer was not only correct—
It was insightful.
It showed a level of understanding far beyond what they expected from a young noble lady.
The Emperor suddenly laughed.
"Excellent!"
"This answer… is better than many court officials could give."
Several ministers lowered their heads slightly, embarrassed.
The Empress smiled proudly.
"I told you," she said softly, "she is exceptional."
---
Lin Qingya's Defeat
Lin Qingya stood frozen.
Her expression stiffened slightly.
She had expected Yue Ning to struggle.
But instead…
Yue Ning had turned the situation into something completely different.
Not only had she answered perfectly—
She had impressed the Emperor himself.
Lin Qingya forced a small smile.
"Lady Yue is indeed… talented."
But her voice lacked its earlier confidence.
---
Xu Chen's Reaction
From his seat, Xu Chen watched everything calmly.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
He had never doubted Yue Ning.
But seeing her stand confidently before the entire court…
Still made him feel proud.
---
A New Recognition
The atmosphere in the hall changed.
The whispers from earlier disappeared.
Instead, many nobles now looked at Yue Ning with respect.
Not just because she was the Crown Prince's fiancée.
But because she had proven her intelligence and composure.
Yue Ning returned to her seat quietly.
As if nothing special had happened.
But everyone in the hall knew—
From this moment on…
No one would dare underestimate her again.