The so-called distinction between men and women applies even to the Empress Dowager’s thousand-year Imperial Banquet, thus dividing the banquet into two sides proceeding simultaneously, with officials on one side and their wives on the other, though it merely splits the vast hall with a screen.

The sound of strings and bamboo flutes intertwines with the exchange of cups; dancers glide in the hall with graceful and spirited steps, spinning rapidly, their movements appearing even more enchanting under the shadows of the lamps.

Wufu sat at a small table, picking up a delicate morsel with a small silver fork and placing it into her mouth. In this palace, to make it convenient for noblewomen to eat without ruining their makeup, the dishes are all made bite-sized, as small as a fingernail.

Such morsels, according to Wufu’s usual appetite, would require about five plates, but here in the palace, she could only feign restraint like the others, for eating freely would be considered impolite.

"Where is County Magistrate Ruifu?"

Wufu did not immediately respond, it was someone beside her who reminded her, prompting her to look up in confusion.

Seeing this, some people looked on with disdain.

"The Empress Dowager summons County Magistrate Ruifu to step forward."

Wufu stood up and, under everyone’s gaze, walked forward, offering a graceful curtsy, saying a few words of birthday greetings to the Empress Dowager.

"Come closer, let me have a good look," the Empress Dowager of Nanyue’s voice carried authority.

Wufu had no choice but to step forward, slightly raising her head—look as much as you please.

"The Empress Dowager has always been curious about what sort of person could make Prince Jin of Beiyan propose marriage. Yet, she is neither remarkable nor lacking," said Empress Fan, sitting by the Empress Dowager of Nanyue, as she covered her mouth with a handkerchief and laughed softly.

"They are all like flowers," the Empress Dowager of Nanyue, already very old, squinted at Wufu and offered a couple of compliments.

"Empress Dowager may not know, but it seems Prince Jin does not value beauty alone but also County Magistrate’s talents. Isn’t it said that County Magistrate Ruifu is Old Mr. Meng’s Close Door Disciple? Without some talent, how could she have become his disciple? Not long ago, I even vaguely heard that the County Magistrate composed a poem that was widely praised, though unfortunately, it was only one poem." Princess Consort Wei stood up, smiling, "How about this, since it is the Empress Dowager’s great birthday, let the County Magistrate compose a birthday poem on the spot for us to see?"

Wufu looked over and said calmly, "Princess Consort Wei flatters me. The only reason I could become my master’s disciple is because of my jade carving skills, which caught his eye. Master’s previous longevity jade sculpture also greatly delighted the Empress Dowager."

"Oh? Carving? I have heard before that the ancestors of the Wu Family were craftsmen, so their bloodline heritage truly is undeniable," Princess Consort Wei smiled brightly.

At the end, Madam Wang could hardly maintain her smile upon hearing this. Princess Consort Wei’s words seemed to belittle Wufu but also reminded everyone that the Wu Family’s ancestors began as mere craftsmen, quite far beneath the many truly noble families present.

Princess Consort Wei noted the Empress Dowager’s look of confusion, exclaiming, "Your Majesty may not know, but this County Magistrate is the daughter of Minister of Rites Wu Lihong, though she is estranged from Lord Wu, alas."

"Her Royal Highness the Princess Consort," Wufu gazed at her, "your topic certainly extends far—from having me perform a skill to discussing familial relations. And if this continues, you might dig up my ancestors from eighteen generations ago. Should we do that, it might take until tomorrow morning. Are you certain, Your Highness?"

Princess Consort Wei’s smile stiffened, her lips twitching slightly.

Wufu’s lips curled coldly, wasn’t it just an attempt to speak about my background? Let me show you the upbringing of someone from humble origins—straightforward and direct.