HomeSheng Shi Di FeiChapter 24: Zither and Dance Battle, Ye Ying's Scheme

Chapter 24: Zither and Dance Battle, Ye Ying’s Scheme

Though Ye Li found it boring, there was something special about the Hundred Flowers Gathering that made it the most important annual event for noble young ladies throughout Da Chu. When the feast was cleared and Princess Imperial Zhaoyang ordered the prizes for the winning ladies to be brought out, seeing the previously composed and elegant young ladies’ expressions turn eager, Ye Li was both surprised and understanding.

Every young lady present came from a noble family and had seen countless treasures since childhood. Anything that could move them so deeply couldn’t be ordinary. More importantly, winning such prizes brought them prestige that would make them stand out among their peers, both in their maiden homes and future married lives. As the prizes appeared beside the Princess Imperial, the hearts of these unmarried young ladies began to beat wildly.

This year’s judges invited by the Princess Imperial were all significant figures. However, among the six men and one woman seated at the tables beside Princess Imperial, Ye Li only recognized Prince Li Mo Jingli, who wore a cold expression. There was also that brocade-clad man with a meaningful smile who inexplicably smiled at her. Though it was just for an instant, Ye Li was certain she hadn’t seen him before, and that man had smiled at her – not just a polite smile either. “Who is that man in red?” Ye Li whispered in Qin Zhong’s ear.

Among the seven people, only one wore red, so Qin Zhong immediately knew who she meant. She covered her mouth and whispered, “That’s the third young master of the Feng family in the capital, Feng Zhiyao. They say he’s naturally romantic and born of a concubine, so he’s not favored by the Feng family head. Two years ago, there were rumors that the Feng family head wanted to expel him. However, his zither skills are indeed unmatched in the capital.”

Seeing them whispering, Murong Ting leaned in and smiled, “The Princess Imperial went all out this year, inviting so many celebrities.”

Hua Tianxiang maintained a proper expression while watching the front, but her mouth wasn’t idle, “This year’s prizes are quite generous too. A Beauty-Preserving Pearl, a Purple Phoenix Hairpin, and the Snow Sound Zither bestowed by the late emperor. If my zither skills weren’t inferior to Ye Ying’s, I’d want to try too.”

Hua Tianxiang regretfully admired the Snow Sound Zither displayed in front. Ranked third among the world’s five remaining famous zithers, it was a treasure every zither enthusiast dreamed of. Ye Li felt even more regretful, “I haven’t touched a zither in several years.”

The four exchanged glances, helplessly shrugged, and turned to admire the prizes and people on stage. Qin Zhong continued introducing the seated figures to Ye Li in a low voice, “Among those on stage, that elderly gentleman is the Imperial Academy’s Director, Elder Su Zhe, who was also the current emperor’s teacher. If not for the Princess Imperial’s influence, he probably wouldn’t have come. The others are the former top graduate now serving as Personnel Ministry Vice Minister, Mo Jian; the Muyang Marquis’s heir, Mu Yang; and the Northern General’s eldest son, Leng Qingyu.”

Ye Li’s gaze swept imperceptibly over each person Qin Zhong mentioned, memorizing them all, “Who is that woman?” Though she had never thought Ye Ying was breathtakingly beautiful, Ye Li acknowledged that Ye Ying was quite beautiful. But today she discovered that Ye Ying’s title as the capital’s premier beauty seemed somewhat precarious. Not to mention Princess Qixia from Nanzhao, Hua Tianxiang’s beauty alone could rival Ye Ying’s. Qin Zhong’s features were lovely, and her scholarly elegance from her literary family background wasn’t something Ye Ying’s delicate charm could match. There were also several other outstanding beauties at the banquet – how could such small differences have let Ye Ying maintain the title of premier beauty for years? Looking at the woman seated on stage, her stunning features carried a hint of allure, and she remained poised and natural even seated between two men. It was a charm entirely different from that of noble young ladies.

Qin Zhong’s expression turned strange, and she hesitated before saying, “That… is Miss Yaoji from Qingcheng House. She’s known for mastering both zither and dance – compared to her, Ye Ying’s dancing is nothing. Moreover… she has quite a close relationship with both the Muyang Marquis’s heir and the third young master Feng.” Qin Zhong spoke awkwardly, but Ye Li understood this woman’s identity. Seeing her seated between the Muyang Marquis’s heir and the third young master Feng, her bright eyes full of charm as she conversed easily, Ye Li thought this lady was quite an extraordinary woman.

As the four chatted, Princess Imperial Zhaoyang announced the official start of the Hundred Flowers Gathering competitions. Ye Li had been curious how so many events – zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, song, and dance – could begin simultaneously. But clearly, everyone knew the competition process. Tables with brushes, ink, and paper were placed at the venue’s edge for ladies interested in calligraphy and poetry. Servants brought various musical instruments and stood at the front sides of the venue, leaving the central space for dance performances. Ye Li couldn’t help but admire the event organizers’ thoughtfulness. There was no rigid requirement for everyone to perform in every category – after all, not everyone excelled in all the arts – which prevented many from potential embarrassment.

Beside Princess Imperial Zhaoyang, Princess Qixia, and Princess Ronghua both stood up, but Princess Ronghua walked toward the area with writing materials while Princess Qixia headed to the center of the venue. She planned to dance. Meanwhile, Ye Ying went to where the zithers were placed, her jade fingers lightly plucking the strings, producing melodious music.

“It seems Princess Qixia is challenging Ye Ying,” Murong Ting smiled. Everyone in the capital knew Ye Ying’s dancing was her specialty, and Princess Qixia choosing to dance right away was meant to intimidate Ye Ying.

Hua Tianxiang admired Princess Qixia’s graceful dancing and praised, “The people of Nanzhao are skilled in song and dance, especially Princess Qixia, known as their premier beauty. Perhaps today Princess Qixia will outshine everyone.” Princess Qixia’s dance was passionate yet elegant, lacking neither the uninhibited enthusiasm of foreign tribes nor the dignified grace of Da Chu. In comparison, Ye Ying, who hadn’t danced yet, already seemed inferior just in appearance. Murong Ting agreed, nodding and smiling, “I think in terms of dance alone, only Yaoji could surpass Princess Qixia. In dance, Ye Ying will likely lose this year.”

“Ye Ying isn’t ordinary either. See how calm she remains despite Princess Qixia’s impressive showing,” Qin Zhong reminded them.

Hua Tianxiang smiled, “Without at least this much ability, Ye Ying wouldn’t dare show her face. Though she’s destined to lose in dance, she must at least maintain her zither skills.”

Ye Li frowned, “I’m afraid Princess Qixia came prepared.” Though she was no longer a sniper in this life, it didn’t affect her keen eye. Ye Li hadn’t missed the cold smile that flashed across Princess Qixia’s face when she glanced at Ye Ying.

Murong Ting clicked her tongue, “Don’t tell me this Princess Qixia’s zither skills are also superior to Ye Ying’s.”

Hua Tianxiang shook her head, “If that were true, Princess Qixia should have competed in zither first, then danced. Dancing is extremely exhausting – performing zither afterward would affect one’s playing. Listen to Ye Ying’s zither.”

The originally gentle and melodious zither suddenly turned rapid and intense, the melody becoming urgent and passionate. Princess Qixia’s graceful figure also moved faster, her flowing sleeves whirling like a fierce wind scattering hundreds of flowers in the center of the venue.

Ye Ying had likely also discovered this, or perhaps sensing Princess Qixia’s skill made her feel threatened.

The audience on stage had noticed the change below. Princess Imperial Zhaoyang frowned slightly, her gaze on Ye Ying turning cool. Yaoji, who had been elegantly reclining while admiring Princess Qixia’s dance, suddenly giggled and turned to the stern-faced Mo Jingli, smiling, “Your Highness Prince Li, your future Princess is indeed remarkable. Yaoji admires her.” Mo Jingli maintained his cold expression, not even sparing Yaoji a glance, merely frowning slightly. In his eyes, Yaoji, who came from an entertainment house, wasn’t worthy of speaking to him. Naturally, he didn’t need to acknowledge her words. Yaoji wasn’t bothered by his dismissal, her beautiful eyes sparkling as she smiled charmingly, “The capital’s premier beauty truly lives up to her name, though she seems to lack some hospitality.”

Though Yaoji’s voice wasn’t loud, Ye Ying’s seat was closest to the stage. Yaoji’s words carried perfectly to Ye Ying’s ears, and the previously silent Imperial Academy Director Su Zhe also let out a light snort. While Yaoji’s words might not have required Ye Ying’s attention, Su Zhe’s attitude made her tremble inside. Her previously flowing fingering faltered for a moment, and though she quickly recovered, Feng Zhiyao sitting beside Yaoji gradually frowned and said mildly, “I thought after a year, the future Princess Li’s zither skills would have improved. Unexpectedly…”

The people in front were speaking too quietly for Ye Li’s group to hear, and although Ye Li could read lips, she had no intention of sharing what she saw. Thus, what Qin Zhong and the others saw was Ye Ying finishing her piece with an expression even worse than Princess Qixia’s after being outmaneuvered in dance. Princess Qixia ended with a perfect pose, shot Ye Ying a fierce glare, and then turned to return to Princess Imperial Zhaoyang’s side. The slight perspiration at her temples showed she hadn’t been as composed as she appeared. After all, the dramatic change in tempo in Ye Ying’s zither piece had been too sudden – that she hadn’t made a fool of herself was due to her superior dance skills and adaptability. How dare Ye Ying scheme against her like this – she would make her pay!

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