The man had sharp, spirited features, slightly graying hair, and wore a golden court robe adorned with treasures. In his hand, he clutched a string of deep green prayer beads. Though he appeared to be in his forties, his expression was that of an enamored youth.

Instinct told Mingyi that this might be the person Ji Bozhai wanted her to meet.

Da Si’s younger brother, Prince Qi Bai.

This man rarely appeared at banquets—only the annual imperial family gathering could draw him out. What did Ji Bozhai want her to do?

Before she could think further, Qi Bai’s hand lightly brushed against her skirt. "Many can imitate Mulan Qing, but ever since the Imperial Workshop replaced all its artisans, few have been able to recreate such an authentic shade."

He looked up at Mingyi’s face, his expression slightly dazed. "What is your name?"

Was this reaction a sign he wanted to take her in?

Mingyi stiffened and quickly knelt, speaking deferentially, "This humble one is called Zhang Tai. I am still recovering from a chill and cannot serve wine. I beg Your Highness’s forgiveness."

Dancing girls at banquets were generally not allowed to refuse, especially not a prince. But Mingyi couldn’t afford to care—refusing might not cost her life, but if her true identity were discovered, Ji Bozhai would surely silence her for good.

Unexpectedly, Qi Bai didn’t seem angered. He merely patted the cushion beside him. "You may sit here. No need to drink."

Mingyi blinked, hesitating before kneeling beside him.

The banquet began. Today’s dancing girls were a riot of colors, and no one paid attention to who went where. Thus, Qi Bai’s near-indecent staring at her went unnoticed.

But Mingyi quickly realized something.

Qi Bai hadn’t been drawn to her appearance first—it was the dress. And this dress just happened to be the one Ji Bozhai had specially prepared for her.

This color had been popular three years ago among the Six Cities. Back then, during the Six Cities Tournament, Empress Meng Shi of Star Yearn City had worn a Mulan Qing gown, ethereal and elegant, sparking a wave of imitations. But after Meng Shi’s downfall, Mulan Qing gradually fell out of favor among the nobility.

How did Ji Bozhai know Qi Bai still favored this color?

"Your Highness, it is time for your medicine," a eunuch behind them suddenly reminded.

Qi Bai snapped out of his reverie, glanced at the taster beside him, and, seeing no abnormalities, took the medicine bowl and drained it in one go.

The medicinal scent wafted over, and Mingyi inexplicably felt dizzy.

She glanced down at her dress and suddenly seemed to understand something. Her eyes flickered, and she swiftly pulled out a handkerchief, pretending to cough as she covered her mouth and nose.

"Your Highness, this humble one truly feels unwell," she said weakly. "And you are still taking medicine. I fear… Please allow me to withdraw early."

Qi Bai frowned slightly, set down the medicine bowl, and stroked her skirt again with a sigh. "You are kind-hearted, just like her."

For some reason, Mingyi seemed to understand who "her" referred to.

She smiled sweetly without a trace of unease, then stood and allowed the nearby eunuch to search her before retreating back into the ranks of the dancing girls.

"So it’s you," Rong Xin, the dancing girl beside her, suddenly spoke. "I thought Zhang Tai had somehow managed to charm the prince. Turns out it was you. What, did Lord Ji kick you out already?"

Her words drew the attention of the surrounding dancing girls.

Rong Xin had always been jealous and loved stirring trouble. Mingyi had no intention of engaging and simply smiled in response.However, Rongxin seemed particularly provoked today and, once she started talking, had no intention of stopping: "I thought you'd climbed some high branch, making such a stir in the city. Turns out you still have to come back and serve wine like the rest of us."

"What did you just say to the prince? Why not share it with everyone?"

"Cat got your tongue? Only know how to simper at men?"

She muttered under her breath while shoving Mingyi, and not content with just pushing, she dug her long, sharp nails into her arm.

Caught off guard by these young girls, Mingyi cried out in pain. Looking down, she saw a clear red mark on her wrist.

Suddenly, anger flared within her: "What are you doing?"

Rongxin was startled by her reaction but quickly raised her voice even louder: "Who are you trying to intimidate here? If you’re so bold, go shout in the main hall!"

"If you’re so bold, go pinch someone in the main hall too," Mingyi said coldly. "If you didn’t dare make a scene there, why take it out on me now? What kind of virtue is that?"

"You—!" Rongxin’s face darkened.

She had often bullied Mingyi and Zhangtai before—even throwing their quilts into the well in early spring. Mingyi had never fought back, clearly a timid pushover.

But now, just because she’d caught the eye of some noble, she dared talk back. That smug look of a petty upstart was infuriating to anyone who saw it.

"Do you really think those nobles in the hall will back you up?" Rongxin snapped. "I bet the prince was only staring at your skirt. Give it to me, and I could sit in the main hall too!"

The words seemed to remind her—Mingyi’s advantage wasn’t her face. Everyone here was pretty. She’d just gotten lucky with the dress.

Seizing the moment, Rongxin turned and signaled the Dancing Girls who always followed her lead.

Mingyi sensed trouble: "What are you planning?"

"As the lead dancer for today’s banquet, I should wear the finest colors. You’re a poor dancer and stand at the edge—such attire doesn’t suit you." Rongxin smiled. "Let’s swap."

Mingyi frowned and stepped back. "The rule today is for everyone to wear their own dresses."

Rongxin couldn’t be bothered to argue. They were in the small garden outside the side door of the main hall, waiting for Da Si’s arrival before re-entering to dance. No one would come this way, and no one would know what they were doing.

"Strip her dress off!"

They were well-practiced in bullying. A few blocked the periphery while others reached for Mingyi’s sash.

Mingyi almost laughed. With a flick of her slender hand, she said, "I’ll do it myself. This fabric is expensive—if it’s torn, no one gets to wear it."

The Dancing Girls hesitated, glancing at Rongxin, who sneered, "Don’t try anything funny."

What could she possibly try? If someone was this eager to court disaster, who was she to stop them?

Mingyi swiftly removed her outer skirt and tossed it to Rongxin, adding, "This dress isn’t as easy to wear as you think."

Rongxin took it as a taunt about her never having worn fine clothing. She tore off her own outer skirt and flung it at Mingyi’s face. "If you can wear it, why can’t I?"

Once the exchange was done, Mingyi said nothing more. She simply blended into the Dancing Girls’ formation as usual, danced half-heartedly in the hall, and then retreated with the others.

On the way out, Rongxin "accidentally" stumbled right in front of Qi Bai’s seat, letting out an exaggerated cry.Qi Bai, perhaps due to the effects of alcohol, was holding his forehead in discomfort when he suddenly saw a figure in Mulan Qing stumble and fall before him. Startled, he quickly ordered the eunuchs to help the person sit beside him.

Rongxin was overjoyed and shot Mingyi a triumphant glare.

See? Wearing this dress, she too could sit beside the prince.

Mingyi paid no attention. She merely glanced at Qi Bai's slightly pale lips before hastily lowering her head and following the others out.