By the time the two of them reached the restaurant, many people had already taken their seats.
Their arrival caused quite a stir.
"Why are there women here?"
"This young master is really something. He actually brought his own woman here to pursue another one. He's quite the character."
"This woman is bold too. She actually came along. If my wives were as sensible as her, I'd be content."
Amidst the whispering, Su Mingyu didn't pay much attention. Just as she was about to find a seat, a flirtatious voice rang out behind her: "I didn't expect Miss Su to be interested in such things too?"
Su Mingyu turned around and saw the King of Yu.
"If the King of Yu can come, why can't I? Sister, do you know that the King of Yu has come to the princess's husband - selection banquet?" Su Mingyu looked at the King of Yu with a half - smile, but there was no real amusement in her eyes.
The King of Yu just raised his eyebrows: "What this king wants to do, Yue'er will surely support."
Su Mingyu let out a non - committal "oh" and then said, "Then I wish the King of Yu an immediate victory."
After saying that, Su Mingyu led Tang Ziyan to a seat in the middle, crossed her legs, and started watching the show.
Normally, a major event like the princess's marriage alliance would be directly arranged by the emperor. However, since the two countries were on good terms, the emperor had, for the first time, allowed Wu Yurou to choose her husband from among the court officials and their families in the capital.
So this husband - selection banquet had the emperor's support.
When most people had taken their seats, the King of Yu leisurely came and sat beside Su Mingyu: "What? Is the princess here to find a concubine for the King of Ruixian?"
Su Mingyu didn't mince words. She grinned at the King of Yu, her tone full of displeasure: "The King of Yu hasn't even put out the fire in his own backyard, yet he's starting to meddle in others' affairs?"
No one knew better than Su Mingyu what kind of person Su Yueyue was.
She was vengeful and extremely petty. If the King of Yu really married this princess, the Royal Mansion of Yu would surely be in an uproar.
Although Su Mingyu didn't say it explicitly, everyone knew what she meant. So the King of Yu just smiled and changed the subject: "How could Gu Ruobai be so confident to let such a handsome young man follow you?"
Su Mingyu rolled her eyes: "Not all men are as fickle as the King of Yu."
After saying that, Su Mingyu ignored him and turned to look at the stage again.
Looking at Su Mingyu's slightly angry cheeks, the King of Yu squinted his eyes. A faint, almost imperceptible emotion flashed in his dark eyes.
As the music started, some women in sheer veils slowly took the stage.
Su Mingyu frowned as she watched them. She couldn't help but curl her lips slightly. Wu Yurou really knew how to make an impression. She was using a dance to create her first impression.
As the music grew louder, the dancers' movements became more and more enchanting. Amidst a series of dance moves, a different figure suddenly appeared among the dancers.
When everyone took a closer look, they saw that the person had a slender and graceful figure, with light steps. Her clothes and ornaments jingled. She was wearing a white low - cut long dress inside and a white silk gauze outside, tied with a white belt. Her black hair was pulled up in a flowing cloud bun, and she was so beautiful that it was hard to look away.
Su Mingyu didn't expect that the usually unassuming Wu Yurou could be so beautiful.
She pursed her lips and looked around. She found that most of the men's eyes were full of infatuation, while only a few had a shrewd glint in their eyes.
The King of Yu and Tang Ziyan beside her were among them.
Tang Ziyan was from Nanyuan and was very good - looking himself. He had seen all kinds of beautiful women, so it was understandable that he wasn't amazed by Wu Yurou's current attire.
But why was the King of Yu so calm? Did he have full confidence in this husband - selection of Wu Yurou?
When the dance ended, everyone had already remembered Wu Yurou's graceful figure.
Su Mingyu watched as Wu Yurou walked gracefully to the edge of the stage. She squinted her eyes but didn't say much, just watching.
"Thank you all for coming to my banquet. I think you all know the reason for this banquet, which is to select a husband."
As Wu Yurou finished speaking, everyone present clapped their hands.
Wu Yurou acted as if she didn't see Su Mingyu, as if she had really just invited Su Mingyu to be an observer.
Su Mingyu just sat on the stool, enjoying her leisure. It would be even better if no one bothered her.
Wu Yurou said on the stage: "I believe that since you are all here, you must know my identity."
Then she asked someone to bring out a banner with a single character on it: "Spring". She pointed at the character and said softly, "The first topic we're going to compete on is spring."
As soon as her voice fell, someone stood up: "When it comes to poetry, although I'm not very talented, I just happen to have two lines about spring in mind. Please allow the princess to appreciate them."
Wu Yurou nodded: "Please, young master."
The man coughed softly: "Last night, the spring breeze blew through the pear orchard. This morning, the courtyard is full of fallen flowers. The cries of the partridges rise, sad and mournful."
Su Mingyu immediately rolled her eyes. What was this? How could he even show this?
Wu Yurou's expression wasn't very good either, but she still politely smiled at the man: "It's not easy for the young master to compose poetry on the spot. Is there any other young master who wants to take on the challenge?"
Composing poetry on the spot was a great test of one's knowledge, so everyone looked at each other and no one spoke.
At this moment, the King of Yu coughed lightly and said, "This king also happens to have something to say about spring."
Saying that, the King of Yu straightened his clothes, stood up, and looked down upon everyone present with a haughty air.
Wu Yurou nodded: "Your Highness, the King of Yu, please speak."
The King of Yu cleared his throat and said in a deep voice, "In leisure, cassia blossoms fall; In silent night, spring hills are void. The moonrise startles mountain birds; Now and then they chirp in the spring stream."
As soon as his poem came out, everyone present couldn't help but show admiration. Even Su Mingyu raised her eyebrows. As expected of the King of Yu. One could tell his talent as soon as he made a move.
Hearing the praise from the people below, Su Mingyu squinted her eyes and then raised her eyebrows at Tang Ziyan: "Young Master Tang, is it true that you want to be the emperor's son - in - law?"
Tang Ziyan looked at Su Mingyu, seemingly not understanding the meaning of her question.
Su Mingyu signaled to the King of Yu with her eyes, then curled her lips: "Coincidentally, I also have some thoughts about spring."