Only then did everyone snap out of their fascination with the calligraphy and paintings on the walls. They hurriedly turned around and saw a graceful figure seated at the head of the room. Her features were obscured by layer upon layer of curtains, but her alluring figure alone made it clear that she was an unparalleled beauty.
"Greetings, Princess!" The crowd hurried over to curry favor with her.
The Princess spoke slowly. "You have all come from afar, and I am deeply honored by your sincerity. Our country has not received you as well as it should have, and I hope you will forgive us. I have prepared one piece of calligraphy or painting from my usual collection for each of you, as a modest token of appreciation. They are all genuine works by renowned masters; please accept them. When you depart, simply take one from the walls."
"The Princess has such a lovely voice. I'm dying, I'm dying," someone whispered below. Many of them had not held much hope when they entered, but now that they had seen how graceful and captivating the Princess's figure was and heard how sweet her voice sounded, half their bones seemed to melt away. No matter how slim their chances were, each of them had to give it his all. What if he really could win the beauty's hand? Wouldn't that be blissful beyond measure?
The Princess repeated her earlier question. "May I ask which one of you is Young Master Jia of Great Song?"
"I am." Only after Xue Baochai gave him a shove did Song Qingshu step forward, instantly becoming the target of everyone's attention.
No matter how much the others looked down on him, they had to admit that he had a rather handsome face. Coupled with the unique air