“Ten years…” Yunyi slowly repeated this, then said, “I heard that Talented Lady Yin is not from a wealthy family and that her parents died early. I wonder where Talented Lady Yin learned the flute and practiced it for ten whole years?”

Lady Yin’s complexion changed slightly, and she said with some wariness, “Why is Imperial Consort Yang asking this out of nowhere?”

“I was just momentarily curious. If Your Ladyship finds it inconvenient, then…” Before Yunyi could finish, Lin Shi had already taken over, “It’s not some secret matter. What could be inconvenient about it? Isn’t that right, Talented Lady Yin?”

“Yes.” Lady Yin reluctantly agreed. Just as she was thinking about how to answer, Lady Zhang had already smiled and said, “I’ve heard Sister Yin mention before that she…”

Lin Shi’s eyes darkened, and she coldly interrupted, “Did I ask you?”

Rebuked like this, Lady Zhang awkwardly stopped speaking, secretly glancing at Lady Yin with unconcealed worry in her eyes.

After waiting a while without Lady Yin answering, Lin Shi said coldly, “What’s the matter? Is this question very difficult for Talented Lady Yin to answer?”

Lady Yin forced a smile, “Of course not. It’s just that remembering those past days makes me somewhat emotional.” After a pause, she said, “Though my mother came from a common family, she was extremely fond of music, especially the sound of the bamboo flute. Unfortunately, our family had no money to hire a flute teacher, so she could only rely on a tattered old flute manual she found to fumble through on her own. Occasionally when she met someone who could play the flute, she would find ways to ask for guidance. My mother was naturally intelligent, and after several years, she truly learned something—one could say she was self-taught. After I was born, my mother taught me to play the flute. Under my mother’s influence, I also came to love the bamboo flute greatly. I began studying diligently from age six, and even after my parents passed away, I never neglected it.”

Yunyi showed sudden understanding and said admiringly, “Talented Lady Yin’s natural talent in flute playing truly makes me envious. To reach such a proficient level with just some basic foundation—I had thought Talented Lady Yin must have received guidance from a master.”

Lady Yin said softly, “When I was ten years old, I was fortunate to gain the favor of a flute master who taught me without charge for three months. It was during those three months that my flute skills improved greatly, so Imperial Consort Yang did not guess wrong.”

“I see.” Yunyi nodded and said, “Forgive me for asking one more question—where is Talented Lady Yin’s hometown?”

“In Fufeng Commandery.” As soon as Lady Yin finished speaking, Lin Shi said, “I heard that Lady Zhang and Talented Lady Yin were rescued together by the Crown Prince. Is she also from Fufeng Commandery?”

Seeing the topic turn to herself, Lady Zhang quickly said, “Yes, I and Talented Lady Yin are both from Fufeng Commandery and lived in the same village, so we’ve known each other since childhood.”

“No wonder Lady Zhang is also versed in music.” Saying this, Lin Shi seemed to casually remark, “Fufeng Commandery is quite far from Chang’an—on foot it takes at least a month. Why did you travel so far to come here?”

Lady Yin sighed, “To be honest with Your Ladyship, my family had few members. After my parents passed away, I was truly without relatives, fortunately the Zhang family looked after me. Who knew that not long after, the Zhang family parents also fell ill and died one after another. Sister Zhang had an uncle making a living in Chang’an city. After we discussed it, we sold all our valuable possessions and came to Chang’an to seek his help. Just as Your Ladyship said, we walked for over a month. When we finally reached Chang’an with great difficulty, unexpectedly Sister Zhang’s uncle had already moved from his original place. Despite extensive inquiries, we couldn’t find where his new residence was. Our travel funds had long been exhausted, and we were about to end up on the streets. Fortunately, His Highness the Crown Prince showed mercy and sheltered us both, so we didn’t starve to death.” Speaking of the sad parts, Lady Yin raised her sleeve to wipe tears from the corners of her eyes, while Lady Zhang beside her also had reddened eyes.

“I only knew you had served in the Eastern Palace but didn’t know you had such tragic pasts. How pitiful. But fortunately you’ve now emerged from suffering to sweetness. Serve His Majesty well in the future, and your future blessings will be boundless.”

While Lady Zhang expressed gratitude, she also flattered, “Speaking of future blessings, who could compare to Your Ladyship? You not only hold the First Grade rank and enjoy His Majesty’s complete favor, but your princess is so intelligent and lovely. It truly makes us envious.”

Lin Shi smiled, “You two are both in the bloom of youth. Sooner or later you’ll conceive dragon heirs and bear children for His Majesty. Why need you envy me?” After saying this, she smoothed her sleeves and said, “By the way, you mentioned earlier that you’re from the same village. Which village is it?”

Lady Zhang answered accordingly, “Replying to Your Ladyship, it’s Zhangjia Village under Huayin County in Fufeng Commandery.”

Hearing this, Lin Shi’s brows furrowed slightly. She turned to look at Lady Yin, who understood her meaning and bowed, “My family moved there from elsewhere, so we don’t bear the surname Zhang. As for where our original home was, my parents never explained in detail, so I’m also unclear.”

“I see.” Saying this, Lin Shi raised her hand to gently rub her temples, showing signs of fatigue. Seeing this, Liuxia asked with concern, “Is Your Ladyship tired?”

Lin Shi nodded, “I don’t know if it’s because I didn’t sleep well last night, but after sitting for just this short while, I feel physically and mentally exhausted.”

Hearing this, the two ladies stood up, “Since Your Ladyship is tired, we won’t disturb you further. We’ll come to pay our respects to Your Ladyship again tomorrow.”

After Lin Shi nodded in agreement, the two curtseyed and took their leave. When passing by Yunyi, Lady Yin paused and said warmly, “Would Imperial Consort Yang like to come sit at my place?”

Yunyi pointed to the staghorn begonia beside her, “I should not refuse such a gracious invitation from the Talented Lady, but I still need to deliver this pot of flowers to Consort Xian, so…” She lowered her eyes, “Please forgive me, Talented Lady.”

Lady Yin smiled, “If that’s the case, then next time. But then Imperial Consort Yang must not refuse again.”

“Certainly.” After seeing them off, Yunyi’s expression became serious as she said to Lin Shi, “What does Your Ladyship think?”

Lin Shi spread her wide sleeves like butterfly wings and said coolly, “Need you ask? What self-taught nonsense, what chance encounter with a flute master—clearly all lies. Moreover, even if she could explain away this matter, what about poetry and literature, qin playing and chess skills? Are they all self-taught too? That would be absolutely ridiculous.”

Liuxia chimed in, “Exactly! If it were truly as she said, why did she hesitate so long before answering? She was clearly making up stories to respond.” After a pause, she said, “Talented Lady Yin just said they lived in Zhangjia Village in Huayin County, Fufeng Commandery. Your Ladyship, should this servant send someone to investigate?”

Lin Shi didn’t answer immediately but looked at Yunyi, “What do you think?”

After thinking for a moment, Yunyi said something that surprised Liuxia and Ji Chun, “There’s no need to go.”

Liuxia asked in confusion, “Since we know Talented Lady Yin’s words were false, why not investigate?”

“Talented Lady Yin did lie, but only about the flute matter. When mentioning her background, her speech was obviously much faster and quite smooth, with almost no hesitation or pauses, so… except for the timing of their arrival in the capital, everything else should be true. Even if we investigate, we won’t find anything. Your Ladyship should have noticed this too.”