Guide to Failing as a Full-Level Green Tea-Chapter 6 - The Silent Tug of War

As the sunset glow faded, the central dance of the banquet began.

In the Zhou Dynasty, the atmosphere was open and lively. Before the main guests arrived, people often discussed various interests and stories at such banquets.

Shen Roujia sat at a table next to the Crown Prince’s, feeling uneasy even though they hadn’t arrived yet.

At that moment, she felt a gaze from across the room fixed on her.

Frowning, Shen Roujia looked up to find who was staring so blatantly.

She met a pair of eyes filled with a hint of pity.

A flood of unfamiliar memories surged into Shen Roujia’s mind, bringing a sharp pain. When she refocused, the person had already looked away.

It was her brother.

Shen Roujia sneered inwardly, finding the previous look somewhat mocking. They had destroyed their sister’s happiness, yet now they felt guilty?

Shen Hexuan was dignified and imposing, a young prime minister known for his ruthless and decisive methods.

The three Shen siblings were truly different from each other. Shen Hexuan had his talents.

Compared to the free-spirited Shen Siqi, who was popular among the noble circles in the capital, Shen Roujia, the pitiable girl who never left her home, could only be described as a vase.

Shen Roujia tossed a sour fruit into her mouth and quietly looked away.

Suddenly, the noisy environment fell silent, and everyone’s attention was drawn to the commotion at the door.

“Lord Xiao has arrived!”

A sharp voice broke the silence, and Shen Roujia saw many flushed women, making her chuckle.

It was like a celebrity’s entrance. After all, which girl in the capital didn’t dream of a hero?

Lost in thought, Shen Roujia was suddenly shocked and stiffened. Why did her heart ache upon hearing his arrival?

She hadn’t expected this body to still harbor the original owner’s feelings. Did the Crown Princess really have something to do with Lord Xiao?

Her gaze followed the commotion. The first thing she saw was a pair of golden boots. Looking up, she saw a pair of sharp phoenix eyes indicating his arrogance, and his tall, muscular build gave off an invisible pressure.

He scanned the room briefly, his gaze seemingly falling on Shen Roujia for a moment before he began talking to those around him.

As more people arrived, the surrounding laughter and conversations drowned out Shen Roujia’s emotions.

With several princes present, the whispers among the girls grew louder. Since it was a palace banquet, many noble girls from the capital were present. It was unclear if the female lead was among them.

The girls’ targets weren’t just the princes but also many young talents of high rank.

It wasn’t until the dance floor quieted that Shen Roujia felt a bit nervous.

This Emperor didn’t appear as imposing as Shen Roujia had imagined. Instead, he seemed gentle and kind, somewhat resembling his son.

Xu Zening sat in a wheelchair, pushed by someone behind the Emperor. When Shen Roujia saw the wheelchair, she paused, remembering that the Crown Prince’s controversial status was also due to his health.

When he looked at Shen Roujia, his expression froze slightly but showed no emotion.

As Xu Zening sat beside Shen Roujia with a gentle smile, he remained composed.

Shen Roujia stared at him. Was being a Crown Prince now a professional skill? How could he act so respectfully with someone he barely knew?

Feeling dizzy, Shen Roujia accepted the tea Xu Zening offered, “Thank you...”

Xu Zening casually picked up a fruit, handed it to Shen Roujia, and whispered, “If you keep staring at me like that, I might misunderstand.”

Startled, Shen Roujia took the fruit, accidentally touching his warm fingertips.

She quickly ate the sour fruit, her cheeks puffing up.

She hadn’t expected such skill from him, playing the role of a loving couple convincingly.

Feigning dejection, Shen Roujia lowered her head and twisted her hands together, murmuring, “Your Highness, weren’t you angry with me? Why are you acting like this now?”

Since it was a game between them, Shen Roujia wasn’t one to lose.

Hearing her pitiful excuse, Xu Zening looked at her with some suspicion, “Who said I was angry?”

Shen Roujia looked puzzled at Xu Zening, “Chief Advisor Rong. Your Highness, you must have forgotten. It’s alright, no problem.”

Shen Roujia shook her head lightly, her lingering smile confusing Xu Zening.

The dazzling dance resumed.

At that moment, Xu Zening pushed the fruit platter toward Shen Roujia, softly saying, “I tried it. This plate is sweeter; you might like it.”

Shen Roujia looked up into his clear eyes, feeling as if her soft spot had been touched.

In her twenty-five years, plus the three months here, Shen Roujia had always been cautious, rarely showing her preferences.

Except for her weakness for sweets.

Was this a coincidence? It must be a coincidence.

Frowning slightly, Shen Roujia hid her unease with a smile and thanked him, slowly tasting a piece.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t as sweet as expected.

Shen Roujia relaxed visibly, letting her guard down.

Xu Zening glanced at the stares from across the room, sipped his tea, and smiled at Shen Roujia again.

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The meal left Shen Roujia feeling conflicted. She didn’t dare look up, wondering when she had become so timid.

Even worse, it was with someone younger than her.

Growing angrier, Shen Roujia noticed the Emperor suddenly mention her. She looked up in a daze, seeing many eyes on her.

She hadn’t heard the Emperor’s earlier words, only catching, “As long as the Crown Prince and Crown Princess are happy, I’m pleased.”

Shen Roujia, frowning, looked at Xu Zening in confusion, who raised his cup and said, “Thank you, Prime Minister Shen, for allowing me to marry your sister.”

Shen Hexuan’s expression was hard to describe. He raised his cup, “My sister has been spoiled since childhood. I hope Your Highness can be patient with her.”

It was a strange tug of war, with Shen Roujia at the center.

Feeling like she was sitting on pins and needles, Shen Roujia avoided one gaze after another, her smile stiffening. Was it really so hard to be a quiet, minor character?