Compared to Xiao Jinglin’s ear-piercing demonic sounds, Ren Yaoqi’s qin skills were beyond question.
She had received personal instruction from her father since childhood. Third Master Ren was a talented scholar proficient in qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting, so her foundation was better than ordinary people’s. Later, she spent ten years by the side of the brilliant Scholar Pei, constantly receiving guidance, never neglecting these refined arts.
After Ren Yaoqi played a piece, Teacher Zou couldn’t help but praise: “Miss Ren’s qin skills are quite accomplished.”
Although Teacher Zou’s praise of Xiao Jinglin made Ren Yaoqi feel that this teacher’s standards weren’t very high, she still humbly responded with a few modest words.
However, Teacher Zou had devoted most of her life to this skill and did have some real ability. She patiently offered several pointers that benefited Ren Yaoqi greatly.
But Ren Yaoqi knew who today’s protagonist was. After playing one piece, she didn’t play much more, focusing on being a practice partner.
With Ren Yaoqi’s company, Xiao Jinglin found learning the qin not so unbearable after all.
She had always preferred wielding swords and spears, but that day her second brother had told her, “Since you have the heart to befriend Miss Ren, you should cultivate some common interests. Otherwise, when you sit together, won’t you find anything to talk about? Over time, this friendship will have no foundation to continue.”
Xiao Jinglin thought about it and felt Xiao Jingxi’s words made some sense, so she truly resolved to learn one or two things. Not seeking mastery, but at least not being completely clueless when discussing them.
Nanny Xin, Princess Consort Yanbei’s most capable attendant, had once said to the Princess Consort with deep emotion: “Second Young Master is still the most capable. When you asked him to persuade the Princess, who would have thought she would listen?”
Fortunately, Xiao Jinglin hadn’t heard these words.
The two practiced for most of the day. When Princess Consort Yanbei returned and saw Xiao Jinglin’s proper learning attitude, she was very satisfied and was also quite gentle toward Ren Yaoqi.
However, Ren Yaoqi noticed some fatigue on Princess Consort Yanbei’s face—she had just come from the Old Princess Consort’s place. Thinking of the grievances between the Old Princess Consort and this branch of Prince Yanbei’s line, Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but be thoughtful.
Later, someone came seeking audience with Princess Consort Yanbei, so she went to the main hall to receive them, leaving Xiao Jinglin and Ren Yaoqi to continue practicing the qin in the side hall.
“What piece does the Princess want to play at the Thousand Gold Banquet?” Teacher Zou asked.
Xiao Jinglin glanced at Teacher Zou, then looked at Ren Yaoqi: “Yaoqi, what do you think?”
Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment: “Which piece has the Princess practiced most thoroughly?” Though they hadn’t interacted much, Ren Yaoqi understood Xiao Jinglin somewhat.
“I can only play through that one piece from earlier.” Xiao Jinglin blinked and said after a pause.
Then why did you ask me? Ren Yaoqi was speechless.
Teacher Zou said steadily, “The Princess can choose a piece she likes and practice diligently in the coming days.”
Xiao Jinglin frowned, finding it troublesome: “Then let’s stick with ‘Wild Geese Landing on Sand.’ I only learned it because I thought it sounded nice when you played it last time. I’ve been practicing it for quite a while now.”
Teacher Zou glanced at Xiao Jinglin without speaking, but Ren Yaoqi saw some helplessness and difficulty in Teacher Zou’s eyes.
Thinking of Xiao Jinglin’s qin skills… Ren Yaoqi understood that Teacher Zou was tactfully reminding Xiao Jinglin that this piece was too difficult for her and hoping she would choose something simpler.
Once again, Ren Yaoqi felt that Xiao Jinglin’s complaints about Teacher Zou being too rigid and strict were unfair to the woman.
After thinking, Ren Yaoqi raised her hand to pluck the strings. A series of deep, rich qin notes flowed from under her fingers, instantly capturing Xiao Jinglin’s attention. She couldn’t help but listen intently for a while. Only after Ren Yaoqi stopped did she ask curiously: “This sounds very nice. What’s it called?”
“‘Moon Over the Frontier Pass.’ Would the Princess like to learn it?” Ren Yaoqi looked at her with a smiling expression.
Xiao Jinglin looked at Ren Yaoqi’s gentle, serene smile and nodded: “Mm, let’s go with this one.”
Teacher Zou looked at Ren Yaoqi thoughtfully and said after consideration: “This piece would indeed suit the Princess well.”
Ren Yaoqi smiled slightly and continued playing the complete piece.
She had just noticed that Xiao Jinglin’s fingers were quite nimble, just lacking in technique and always rushing the tempo slightly. The piece she chose happened to have a relatively fast tempo but didn’t require too many advanced techniques—perfect for someone with nimble fingers to play.
Teacher Zou then began carefully explaining to Xiao Jinglin how to play this piece, and fortunately, Xiao Jinglin was willing to listen seriously.
After trying a small section, Xiao Jinglin nodded: “Mm, this is simpler than the previous piece.” Her eyes also showed some interest in playing.
When Xiao Jinglin began rubbing her fingers and massaging her wrists, Teacher Zou very considerately said: “Let’s stop here for today. The Princess has made rapid progress—we’ll continue practicing tomorrow.”
Xiao Jinglin nodded and naturally agreed.
After seeing Teacher Zou off, Xiao Jinglin invited Ren Yaoqi to walk around outside: “This is your first time here. I’ll show you around so you won’t get lost when you come to find me in the future.”
Ren Yaoqi followed Xiao Jinglin out of the side hall. When passing the main hall, she casually glanced in that direction and couldn’t help but pause when she saw two women waiting in the corridor for Princess Consort Yanbei’s audience.
Seeing Ren Yaoqi stop, Xiao Jinglin wondered: “What’s wrong?”
Ren Yaoqi smiled and shook her head: “Nothing, just saw an acquaintance.”
Xiao Jinglin also glanced toward the main hall, then looked at her maid, Hongying.
Hongying said quietly, “Probably some official’s female relatives. Recently, many officials’ female relatives have come to pay respects to the Princess Consort. Those waiting outside must be from families of lower rank. Eh? They’re going in?”
Nanny Xin from the Princess Consort’s side came out and led the two women waiting at the door into the main hall.
Many female relatives came daily to pay respects to the Princess Consort, but she didn’t receive everyone. Generally, she would summon one or two, while the others who weren’t granted audience would wait outside for a word or two from the Princess Consort.
What Ren Yaoqi had just seen was Concubine Fang’s sister-in-law, the wife of Fang Yacun, Madam Liu.
This Madam Liu truly had some ability—she had found connections to reach Prince Yanbei’s Manor and successfully met Princess Consort Yanbei.
Concubine Fang’s greatest backing came from the Fang family and Fang Yacun. From Ren Yaoqi’s standpoint, Fang Yacun’s prosperous official career wasn’t good news for her.
Thinking about Madam Liu’s situation, Ren Yaoqi was somewhat distracted while following Xiao Jinglin around, but she did manage to get a general sense of Prince Yanbei’s Manor.
When they returned to Jiuyang Hall, Ren Yaoqi sat with Xiao Jinglin for a while longer, discussing qin music. One spoke while the other listened attentively—quite harmonious. Xiao Jinglin couldn’t help but feel her second brother’s words were correct. Now she felt she and Ren Yaoqi indeed had one more common topic. She said “one more” because Xiao Jinglin felt they already had one common interest: eating.
The Princess felt that everyone had to eat, and she loved food, so since Ren Yaoqi also had to eat, this common topic was guaranteed. This was why she repeatedly invited Ren Yaoqi to meals.
When Ren Yaoqi felt it was about time, she suggested returning home. Remembering the Qin Xiao Jingxi had lent her: “Please thank Second Young Master for me. Could you have someone return the qin for me?”
“Aren’t you coming tomorrow to accompany me in practice? Just leave it here for now—it won’t get lost anyway. I’ll mention it to Second Brother when I see him.” Xiao Jinglin said casually.
At this moment, the Princess Consort returned and didn’t forget to ask how Xiao Jinglin’s qin practice went, also inquiring after Ren Yaoqi.
Now Ren Yaoqi couldn’t immediately take her leave.
“Mother, there seem to be many more ladies and wives coming to the manor recently?” Xiao Jinglin asked.
The Princess Consort smiled and said gently, “Aren’t you the one who finds these matters most annoying? Why are you asking about this today?” After thinking, she continued, “Some of them come from other prefectures, and some from Jiangnan. They might stay in Yanbei in the future.”
Xiao Jinglin turned to ask Ren Yaoqi: “Does your family also have relatives in Jiangnan and other prefectures? Did you recognize that lady from earlier?”
Princess Consort Yanbei raised an eyebrow and looked toward Ren Yaoqi.
Ren Yaoqi smiled: “From a distance, the lady waiting outside seemed to be a relative from my grandmother’s natal family. My grandmother’s sister married into Jiangnan.”
Princess Consort Yanbei thought for a moment: “Madam Zhou or Madam Fang?”
“Madam Fang.” Ren Yaoqi replied.
Princess Consort Yanbei glanced at Ren Yaoqi and smiled: “Madam Fang is quite talkative.” The Princess Consort mentioned this casually, not wanting to discuss it further.
But Ren Yaoqi continued casually: “Yes, Madam Fang’s maiden name is Liu. I heard from my grandmother that Madam Fang’s natal family produced many talented women. One of them is quite famous in the capital, called something like ‘Hairpin Flower Lady’?”
The speaker was casual, but the listener was interested. The Princess Consort became intrigued: “Oh? Could that be the lady whose single piece of calligraphy sold for a hundred taels of gold?”