CHAPTER 139: CHAPTER 139: MASTER AMONG THEM

The Emperor’s tone of speech was still as usual.

Lady Bai’s smile grew slightly stiff upon hearing these words.

Clearly, she had exerted all her skill, why did the Emperor appear utterly unmoved?

Could it be that her beauty had faded and his affections waned?

No, it shouldn’t be.

She glanced towards the other concubines.

Envy, jealousy, admiration...

These expressions were enough to prove that her dance today was truly unexpected.

Yet, why was the Emperor’s attitude like this!

One must say what needs to be said, and maintain the appearance that needs maintaining.

"I thank Your Majesty for your kindness."

After she barely managed to sit down, she wiped the sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief, looking displeased.

Princess Consort Yi glanced at her, internally feeling her efforts were utterly futile.

In theory, the Emperor had been so reserved for so long, it was odd for him not to be tempted.

Lady Bai had already displayed such a demeanor, yet the Emperor was still indifferent, what was the matter?

For some reason, her first glance was directed at Lin Wanyi.

Could it be because of her?

But Lin Wanyi at this moment was filled with admiration for Lady Bai, with not a hint of resentment.

Moreover, she had been recovering from illness and had no opportunity to attract the Emperor, right?

As the thought persisted, she soon heard Mu Lanchun’s voice.

"Lady Bai danced beautifully and sang enchantingly, but with such talent before us, we sisters dare not display our own skills."

Mu Lanchun’s praise slightly alleviated Lady Bai’s displeasure.

She forced a smile and replied.

"Sister, you flatter me."

Since she had started it, naturally, the momentum couldn’t drop.

Princess Consort Yi looked at Mu Lanchun and said with a hint of a smile.

"Since Mu Daying has spoken, it seems you came prepared, what is your talent then?"

Suddenly addressed, Mu Lanchun did not show fear.

After standing up respectfully and bowing, she calmly said.

"My talent is nothing compared to Lady Bai’s prowess, I have merely practiced the zither for a few years at home. If Lady Bai doesn’t mind, I can play a piece and display my humble skills."

Lin Wanyi heard this, her eyebrows slightly raised.

She was unaware that Mu Daying could play the zither.

When they lived together in Yihua Palace, she never heard a zither sound.

Seems she is indeed a person who harbors hidden talents.

In her grandfather’s house, her grandmother would make her cousin Qiuyue practice the zither diligently.

Though she wasn’t good at playing, she had no problem listening.

Palace Attendants took away the Bai Jing, then placed Mu Lanchun’s ancient zither in the great hall.

Her serene demeanor contrasted sharply with her earlier tender performance.

She held her breath and composed herself, slightly tuning the zither.

Just as a few notes of "Ding, Ding, Ding" were played out, those who understood music realized Mu Lanchun was indeed an expert.

As expected, Mu Lanchun began with the long-lost piece "Guangling San."

This "Guangling San" is inherently powerful; those who understand are stirred, while those who don’t find it deafening.

Yet, the Emperor listened and a smile crept upon his lips.

This scene made the concubines present realize Mu Lanchun had struck the right chord.

Upon the song’s completion, Mu Lanchun’s melody still lingered.

And the Emperor, now in high spirits, said.

"The Music Bureau had once performed ’Guangling San’ but it was lackluster, devoid of foundation. However, your rendition is excellent, from where did you get the score?"

"Replying to the Emperor, it was gifted by a wandering sage, and I play it leisurely. If it pleases the Emperor, it is the piece’s fortune."

After speaking, she retrieved an ancient-looking zither score from under the zither.

It appeared quite old, with words and notes partially visible.

When Dong Yuzhong presented it to the Emperor, a look of surprise appeared in his eyes.

"Though the score is incomplete, the music was rich and potent, not lacking in the might of warfare, very good, very good, reward her!"

"Thank you, Emperor!"

Insightful people could see that Mu Lanchun’s reward was far better than Lady Bai’s.

Lady Bai gritted her teeth in hatred, yet never pondered where she might have lost.

Princess Consort Yi, on the other hand, understood somewhat.

They had indeed miscalculated this time.

Now the Emperor is in his prime, seeing such moments of constant affection naturally becomes tiresome.

On the contrary, the unexpected presence of martial vigor pleases him more.

She glanced at Mu Lanchun, realizing she was indeed ambitious.

And then deeply looked at Noble Princess Consort Ying.

She did not believe this piece was Mu Lanchun’s idea, it must have been taught by Noble Princess Consort Ying.

Otherwise, how could a mere daughter of a Huaiyang County Magistrate receive such wise guidance?

If it were a collection from the Assistant Minister of Rites’ residence, that would not be surprising.

Noble Princess Consort Ying appeared disassociated.

Sipping tea from her cup.

Her belly was now quite noticeable, more would be excessive.

In this regard, she was clearer and more restrained than anyone.

In the palace, where talents and dangers lie, Princess Consort Yi sent forth a naturally enchanting Lady Bai, and Noble Princess Consort Ying dispatched an unexpected Mu Daying.

Now, it’s uncertain what method Lin Guifei, still trapped in the predicament, would employ or whom she might send.

After Mu Lanchun finished, there were some ordinary displays.

Du Changzai showcased embroidered fans, Consort Ye copied Buddhist Scriptures.

And Lady He demonstrated swift arithmetic with an abacus, which was somewhat notable.

All received rewards unsurprisingly.

Since Lin Wanyi was still ill, she had not prepared anything.

After hearing a couple of sour remarks from Lady Bai, she just skipped over it.

Sitting beside her was Ming Changzai, still as invisible as ever.

There was a moment when Lin Wanyi thought Ming Changzai might truly be here just to sip tea and dine.

She wondered whether she had misunderstood Du Changzai’s look of jealousy.

Misjudged Ming Changzai.

Little did she know, in the last moment, it was Du Changzai who became the one to bring attention.

"Oh, we’ve all showcased our talents, yet Ming Changzai hasn’t spoken, perhaps planning to astonish us all."

While speaking, she drew everyone’s attention.

Princess Consort Yi glanced at Du Changzai, deeply feeling this person was a fool.

To mock someone before the Emperor, without considering her own standing.

Thus she spoke with a hint of rebuke.

"Du Changzai, today is a festive occasion, do not dampen the spirits of our sisters."

Previously, Princess Consort Yi’s words would have silenced Du Changzai.

Yet, upon entering, it was as if she was bewitched.

Facing Princess Consort Yi’s reprimand, she approached defiantly.

"Calm your anger, Princess Consort Yi, I merely noticed Ming Changzai hasn’t spoken, so I commented slightly."

"But, I meant no offense, just once saw Ming Changzai practice dance arduously, yet silent today, prompted my inquiry."