Consort Zhuang doesn't want palace intrigue; she just wants to raise her child and live a caref

Chapter 389 Talent Showdown (1)

"Your humble servant greets Her Highness the Noble Consort Zhuang!" With this voice, the group of ladies who had been engaged in lively conversation suddenly fell silent, turning to look at the entrance. There stood Su Nuannuan, dressed in a magnificent palace gown, gracefully entering. Upon seeing her, everyone quickly stopped talking, curtsied in unison, and said in unison.

Su Nuannuan smiled and walked to the main seat, slowly sitting down. Then, she gently raised her hand and said softly, "Everyone, please rise!"

"Your Highness, Consort Xie Zhuang!" the crowd responded in unison, then slowly rose to their feet.

Su Nuannuan looked around at the smiles on everyone's faces and said happily, "Please sit down, everyone! I've been quite bored in the palace, so I thought I'd hold a talent competition to liven things up and also take the opportunity to see the noble ladies of our capital. I'm so happy that everyone could come today, and I thank you all for your support."

As soon as Su Nuannuan finished speaking, a lady sitting in the front row said with a smile, "Your Highness, what are you saying? It is our honor to be able to participate in such a talent competition!"

Upon hearing this, Su Nuannuan smiled and looked at the lady. She was dressed in a light purple dress, with an elegant demeanor and dignified bearing. At this moment, Jinse, who was standing next to Su Nuannuan, softly reminded her, "This is the wife of Minister Qian, the Minister of Rites."

Su Nuannuan nodded and said with a smile, "So you are Mrs. Qian, it's an honor to meet you!"

"You flatter me, Your Highness!" Madam Qian quickly stood up and bowed respectfully.

“Yes! Yes!” the others echoed, agreeing with Madam Qian’s words.

However, everyone present knew perfectly well that this so-called talent competition was actually set up to select a consort for Prince Yong, only under a different name.

Therefore, everyone was full of enthusiasm and eager to try, looking forward to showing their talents and shining brightly in the talent competition.

Some families went to great lengths, bringing not only their legitimate daughters but also their beloved concubine daughters, all for that slim chance.

Just then, four adorable little kids came running up from behind, their faces full of curiosity, and asked, "Grandma, has it started yet?"

Upon hearing this question, the ladies-in-waiting who had just taken their seats had no choice but to quickly rise again and bow to the four little rascals.

"Your subject (woman) greets His Highness the Crown Prince and all the princes."

Crown Prince Canglan Yunsheng stood with his hands behind his back and said with a serious expression, "Get up, everyone!" His mature demeanor was so endearing that it was hard not to laugh.

"Your Highness, we thank you." After everyone expressed their gratitude, they sat down again.

However, once everyone was seated, several ladies' gazes fell unanimously on the Crown Prince, the two young princes, and the little princess.

These ladies secretly wondered if any of their grandchildren of the same age were suitable matches for them.

Without a doubt, among these children, the one who receives the most attention is Crown Prince Canglan Yunsheng.

Su Nuannuan took in everyone's gazes and schemes, a faint smile appearing on her lips. She said softly to the four children, "It hasn't started yet. You should all go back to your seats and don't run around."

"Yes, Grandmother." The Crown Prince was the first to stand up straight, and led the other three children to bow respectfully to Su Nuannuan before turning around and returning to their respective seats.

Those present were secretly surprised upon seeing this. They all knew that the Crown Prince and others had always held Consort Zhuang in high esteem, but they had never expected that this respect would be so profound that the Crown Prince would so obediently follow Su Nuannuan's orders.

"Your Majesty, may we begin?" Upon seeing this, Li Desheng quickly stepped forward, lowered his voice, and asked softly.

Su Nuannuan nodded slightly and replied softly, "That's fine."

After receiving Su Nuannuan's approval, Li Desheng stepped forward, straightened his posture, raised his voice, and shouted loudly, "The talent competition is about to begin!"

His voice echoed clearly and loudly in the empty square. After shouting, Li Desheng paused slightly, cleared his throat, and then shouted again, "No matter what talent you are good at, you can come out and show off your skills so that everyone can enjoy them."

After saying that, Li Desheng pointed his finger in another direction and said loudly, "That is the talent competition area. If you are proficient in chess, whether it is Chinese chess or Go, you can go to the chess area, where there will be an opponent to play against you."

If you are confident in your calligraphy and painting skills, then the calligraphy and painting section is definitely the best choice for you. Here, brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones are all readily available, and various pigments are also prepared, just waiting for you to show off your skills. Moreover, if you have any additional needs during the creative process, you can always call upon the attendants in the calligraphy and painting section, who will be happy to serve you.

However, it's important to note that any unreasonable requests are absolutely unacceptable. If someone makes such a request, unfortunately, they will have to withdraw from the talent competition.

For those confident in their embroidery and tailoring skills, the tailoring area is the stage to showcase their talents. Needles, thread, fabric, and other tools are all ready, and you can summon a tailor's attendant for assistance whenever needed. Of course, this is provided your requests are reasonable.

Ladies who enjoy singing, dancing, and instrumental performances, your stage is in the area to your right. The musicians are ready and waiting, and all the instruments are neatly arranged and have undergone rigorous inspection to ensure there are absolutely no problems. Please use them with complete peace of mind. Furthermore, you are free to choose partners to play instruments together and create beautiful music.

Ladies with culinary skills need not worry, as the backyard has prepared a stove and a variety of ingredients for you to showcase your culinary skills and cook up delicious dishes.

If you have other talents, but we don't have the necessary props or space here, don't worry. Feel free to let us know, and we'll arrange everything as soon as possible to ensure everyone can fully showcase their abilities.

That concludes the talent competition for now. Now, ladies, please choose your talents and stand behind the maids holding up signs with the names of your talents. They will then lead you into the talent competition area.

Finally, a word of advice to all the ladies: anyone who causes trouble or causes destruction will be expelled.