Met with such an indifferent response, Zhuang Yushan had hit a wall. Her face alternated between pale and flushed. Finally, she bit her lip hatefully and forced a smile: “I’m glad Fourth Sister is alright.” She didn’t even bother with the pretense anymore, let alone mention finding a doctor, and quickly returned to Li Jiaqi’s side.
Han Yan coldly observed Li Jiaqi’s triumphant gaze, knowing this had been their planned scheme. That Zhuang Yushan would use Deng Chan to harm her made Han Yan’s heart grow cold.
Even knowing it was a trap if she could do it again, she would still block that cup of tea for Deng Chan, simply because Deng Chan was someone she wanted to cherish. In this life, she only wanted to protect those dear to her, not to die lonely and miserable again. Han Yan even began to feel grateful—fortunately, she had blocked that tea for Deng Chan, otherwise, Deng Chan would be the one in pain now.
Her hand was burning with pain. Deng Chan wanted to call for a doctor, but Han Yan shook her head—such matters were taboo during palace banquets and shouldn’t be made public. Though Deng Chan remained worried, Han Yan managed to reassure her with a few words.
Once Deng Chan had calmed down, Han Yan finally felt relieved. Deng Chan was fiercely protective of her own, and Han Yan had truly feared she might act impulsively. Thankfully, nothing serious had happened. However… Han Yan looked down at her right hand—a large red patch where the delicate skin had been scalded, completely unable to touch anything without sharp pain. Zhuang Yushan had truly shown no mercy, pouring a cup of scalding hot tea. It was fortunate she hadn’t screamed in pain on the spot. Thanks to the hardships of her previous life, which had taught her to swallow her pain silently, she had avoided embarrassment at this royal banquet.
This incident had only been noticed by the ladies at their table. The Emperor, having just enjoyed Princess Yunni’s Victory Dance, was in high spirits and announced: “The daughters of my ministers need not be shy. Please demonstrate any talents you may have. If you show true skill, I shall reward you generously!”
Hearing this, Li Jiaqi sat up straight, holding her head high and taking a delicate sip from her cup. Objectively speaking, she was also a beauty. Sitting quietly like this, those who didn’t know better might truly believe she was some noble lady of exceptional bearing, aloof and proud.
Proud beauty most easily attracts attention, drawing men’s pursuit. In this aspect, Li Jiaqi was a step above Zhuang Yushan, who only knew how to act weak and coquettish.
At this moment, Zhuang Yushan was also looking expectantly at the Emperor. Though all the young ladies were eager to perform, none dared to volunteer. Moreover, actively performing would lower their status, so they all waited to see what would happen.
Suddenly, an unexpected voice rang out: “Your child has heard that Minister Li’s eldest legitimate daughter is a talented lady of the capital, praised by scholars for her quick wit. I wonder if we might have the fortune to witness Miss Li’s talents today?”
Everyone turned to look at the speaker—the Seventh Prince sat among the seats, speaking respectfully and politely, without the typical arrogance of royal family members. This improved the young ladies’ impression of him somewhat. It was true that Li Jiaqi was known as a talented lady of the capital, and the Emperor had heard of this over the years. He glanced at the Seventh Prince and smiled: “In that case, Miss Li, please demonstrate your talents for everyone present.”
Li Jiaqi rose gracefully and walked to the center of the hall. She made an elegant curtsy and spoke in a gentle, enchanting voice: “This humble subject is unworthy of being called talented. However, on this joyous occasion of the palace banquet, to entertain the officials and Your Majesty, I shall humbly offer a performance.”
Her words were modest and proper, truly showing the bearing of a talented lady. Her maid brought forth an elegant black zither. Was Zhuang Yushan planning to play?
Han Yan watched coldly, a mocking smile playing on her lips. Li Jiaqi had truly come fully prepared. Her gaze fell on her reddened hand—this was just to ensure absolute success.
Yet she had never intended to compete—Li Jiaqi’s actions were truly unnecessary.
An elegant ancient wooden zither, a beautiful young lady seated beside it, washing her hands with incense, every movement maintaining the grace and etiquette of a noble lady. Han Yan watched with a smile. Though she didn’t particularly like Li Jiaqi as a person, she did possess the bearing of a noble lady. Minister Li’s strict training of his daughter wasn’t without reason.
Everyone at the banquet held their breath, watching the woman in the center intently. Li Jiaqi’s expression was proud as her delicate fingers lightly plucked the strings, releasing a melodious note.
She played “Lazy Drawing of Eyebrows,” a beautiful piece telling the story of a graceful lady of infinite talent playing the zither under the moon. Now Li Jiaqi’s clothes fluttered, her hands moving elegantly, perfectly embodying the mood of the piece.
Han Yan listened attentively. Li Jiaqi’s reputation as a talented lady was not undeserved—her technique was skilled. The piece itself had many key changes and required several different playing techniques interwoven, but Li Jiaqi showed no awkwardness, flowing smoothly like water. The clear, flowing notes, after Princess Yunni’s passionate and lively dance, were like a pool of clear spring water, quietly flowing into everyone’s hearts. Gradually, the looks directed at Li Jiaqi turned to admiration.
Deng Chan quietly nudged Han Yan’s arm: “I didn’t expect she had such skill, but Han Yan, if you went up there, you wouldn’t necessarily play worse than her.”
Among all the arts—zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting—Han Yan was best at the zither. Her mother had been extremely skilled at it, and when Han Yan was young, she had seen her mother’s playing attract butterflies. That scene was so beautiful that Han Yan became interested in the zither, practicing hard in childhood to be as beautiful as her mother, finally excelling at the instrument.
Deng Chan continued: “But now your hand is scalded, you probably can’t even touch the strings. What a shame. If you could perform tonight, you would surely shine.”
Han Yan shook her head: “My zither skills don’t match hers.” This wasn’t a lie. Although Han Yan’s skills were outstanding, she hadn’t touched a zither in three years since her mother fell ill. After her mother passed away, she burned her beloved burnt-tail zither to avoid the painful memories. Three days without practice make one rusty—after being out of practice for so long if Han Yan were to perform today, she likely wouldn’t match even half of Li Jiaqi’s skill.
Deng Chan pouted: “You’re just being too modest.”
Han Yan smiled without arguing, only watching Zhuang Yushan’s smug expression across from them, understanding completely. Zhuang Yushan must have told Li Jiaqi about her zither skills, leading to the tea-pouring incident. Zhuang Yushan simply didn’t want her to steal the spotlight, but Han Yan had no such intention in the first place, making it all unnecessary in her eyes. As for Li Jiaqi, Han Yan pondered, turning her head—she hadn’t expected the Minister’s daughter to use such underhanded methods. Given Li Jiaqi’s pride, shouldn’t she have openly challenged her to a fair competition? If it was said she feared Han Yan, that was completely unbelievable—as the capital’s premier talented lady, Li Jiaqi must have confidence in herself.
Unless Han Yan’s eyes darkened slightly, she had some other scheme in mind.
Li Jiaqi, unaware of Han Yan’s thoughts, was currently basking in everyone’s admiring gazes, growing increasingly pleased though maintaining her composed expression, wondering in her heart if that person… had witnessed her talent and beauty.