Chapter 1754: Chapter 1751: Failure

The larger wood carvings are relatively easier to make; the smaller the material, the more difficult the carving becomes.

A wood carving the length of half an arm isn’t the smallest, but it’s quite impressive, especially since it was personally carved by Ye Muyu.

Ye Muyu answered all the Dowager Empress’s questions methodically, without any mistakes.

At the Dowager Empress’s age and status, she has seen all kinds of gifts, but such a thoughtful gift is irresistible.

In the end, Ye Muyu made her so happy that she rewarded him with a hairpin on the spot.

Ye Muyu accepted it, drawing jealousy from many of the ladies.

If Minister Qi didn’t understand the situation by now, he’d be a fool; he had always thought the Gao Family ruined the wood carving the first time, and the second time was a deliberate setup by Chu Heng.

Who would have thought even the first incident was fake, how cunning!

Minister Qi became increasingly wary of Chu Heng, even recalling recent events at his residence to ensure he wasn’t being plotted against by Chu Heng. Such disturbing experiences unsettled him.

The next gifts presented weren’t outstanding; these third-grade officials don’t have much wealth, and giving expensive gifts would be inappropriate, so they were mostly mediocre.

Ye Muyu returned to his seat, and it was time for the young misses of noble families to perform.

Having witnessed the previous gift-giving scene, more people turned their attention to her now.

Ye Muyu could only remain composed, leisurely and naturally watching the performances, just as Chu Heng beside her was doing.

As expected, Chu Ziluo performed painting, just like she said she would.

Many young misses of noble families prepared paintings, and even a girl from the Chen family painted such a picture that attracted butterflies, drawing everyone’s attention.

Chu Ziluo’s painting skills, though lively and outstanding, seemed rather mediocre after Miss Chen’s performance.

Such remarkable acts were quite simple for Ye Muyu; as Chu Ziluo returned, she reached out with a handkerchief, “Are you tired?”

“Mother, I’m fine, as long as I didn’t embarrass you and Father.” Chu Ziluo felt somewhat warm, her face tinged with pink, as she accepted the handkerchief to wipe her sweat, sincerely praising, “Miss Chen is truly impressive.”

“I’ve heard she’s the first talented young lady of the capital,” Ye Muyu poured her a cup of tea.

Hearing her mother’s unusual concern, Chu Ziluo first obediently took a sip from the teacup before shyly smiling, “You’re right, Mother, so it’s no surprise to lose to Miss Chen.”

“Not upset?” Ye Muyu asked with some concern.

Chu Ziluo gently shook her head, “Truly not upset.”

Fearing her mother would worry or misunderstand, she looked Ye Muyu in the eye with sincere clarity, “Mother, do I look upset to you?”

“Indeed you don’t.” Ye Muyu pinched her chin, examining her from four angles, looking for quite a while.

Chu Ziluo couldn’t help but laugh, but she had to admit, after this act from her mother, her initial nerves calmed down. Indeed, she didn’t care about the competition at all, as long as she didn’t embarrass her parents.

Seeing her mother’s satisfied expression, she felt she had done well enough.

Chu Ziluo couldn’t help but smile, lowered her head, and took a few sips from her teacup. She didn’t notice that someone near Emperor Xuanming’s seat, not far away, had been watching her all along.

Seeing her smile, the hand holding the wine cup slowly relaxed, and the whole person relaxed as well.

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