How can her musical skills be so profound? Isn't it said that she spends all her time at the clinic and can't get away?

Cui Yudie herself was unaware of how frightening her expression was.

The stinging sensation of her fingernails digging into her palm instantly brought her back to her senses.

She composed herself and continued listening.

The music was melodious and gentle, like a breeze or a clear spring flowing over rocks.

The sound of the zither entered my ears, seemingly heavenly music; upon closer listening, it also seemed to be telling a timeless love story.

It touches the heartstrings and resonates with people.

As the music slows down, it's as if there's a painting within the music, a painting full of charm that makes people linger.

The girls present were hearing such a beautiful melody for the first time.

Everyone listened intently, completely immersed in the captivating music.

The young men behind the screen were all taken aback.

A young boy snatched the bamboo flute from Shen Xing's hand and tried to close it.

When I put the flute to my lips, I suddenly realized that if I played it to comfort someone, it would be a cruel disturbance.

His hand fell limply to his side, and his thoughts drifted away with the music.

You Xian'er hadn't participated in the competition; she had been waiting to see what would happen, but she was stunned when she heard such amazing music.

Is there anything this woman can't do?!

Yonghe listened attentively with a smile on his face throughout.

The last note was uttered from the fingertips, and everyone was still immersed in it.

"No, that's all?"

Zhan Shuzhen's eyes never left Jiang Shuyue's fingers.

Seeing Jiang Shuyue withdraw her hand and sit upright in front of the zither, he stared at her and asked.

Jiang Shuyue smiled at her, "The song is over, that's all."

"No, no, I haven't had enough yet. Sister Jiang, could you play it again?"

Before Zhan Shuzhen could finish speaking, a flurry of voices announcing scores came from behind the screen.

"Nine points, ten points, nine and a half, ten points..."

Cui Yudie suppressed her resentment and stood up gracefully to bow to Jiang Shuyue. "Sister Jiang's zither skills are superb and outstanding, which is obvious to all. I, Yudie, am completely outmatched."

Jiang Shuyue returned the greeting, "Miss Cui, please don't be so polite. Winning or losing is not important. Practicing the zither is about cultivating one's character, refining one's temperament, and bringing joy to the soul. If one is too concerned about gains and losses, wouldn't that defeat the purpose of learning the zither?"

"Miss Jiang is right!"

Princess Yonghe led the applause, and immediately, thunderous applause resounded in the hall once again.

"Smack!"

The screen collapsed again, and several handsome young men fell flat on their faces.

Upon looking up and seeing the princess sitting upright in the seat of honor, they hurriedly scrambled to their feet, saying, "Please forgive us, Your Highness, someone pushed us from behind."

When I looked back, there was no one there.

The young men turned around and saw that the others had turned around and were hiding behind another screen, covering their mouths and chuckling.

Only Shen Xing walked out confidently, and he bowed to her from afar.

"Your Highness, the young ladies have all generously donated to Ciyin Hall. As men of Wanling Kingdom, we should share your burdens."

Yonghe looked at him and said, "I would like to hear the details."

Shen Xing took a jade pendant from his waist and handed it to the nearest palace maid.

Then she stepped back, cupped her hands in a respectful bow, and said, "I didn't bring any money with me when I went out. I would be grateful if Your Highness could sell some to help Ciyin Hall by adding a bowl of porridge to our collection."

Upon hearing the young master praise Shen Xing, the other young masters all came out from behind the screen.

"Your Highness is also willing to share your burdens."

Under the watchful eyes of the young ladies, some of the young men took out their only silver ingot, while others placed it along with their purses onto the trays carried by the palace maids.

Several others promised to make up for it when they returned to the city.

Jiang Shuyue glanced back at Qiuju, who quickly took out the gold hairpin she had won from the pitch-pot game and placed it on the tray.

You Xian'er watched helplessly as her beloved hairpin was taken away by the palace maid, and she glared at Jiang Shuyue resentfully.

Jiang Shuyue was talking to Zhan Shuzhen beside her when Qiu Duyutong, who was watching from the side, rolled her eyes and glared back.

Seeing that it was getting late, Princess Yonghe said to everyone, "You may make your own arrangements from now on. The dining hall has prepared food for you, and you may go there for dinner at any time."

Finally, she advised, "It gets cold on the mountain at night. Those who want to admire the plum blossoms can come back tomorrow. Everyone, please go back to your rooms and settle in early."

As Princess Yonghe passed by Jiang Shuyue, she lowered her voice and said, "Sister Jiang, please get settled in as soon as possible."

"Yes, Your Highness, you've worked hard. You should get some rest too."

Princess Yonghe left, and the rest of the people prepared to leave.

Jiang Shuyue said to Du Yutong, "Let's go back to the changing room and sit for a while. It's not too late to leave after everyone has left."

To avoid wasting food, Princess Yonghe instructed the kitchen to prepare only single-serving portions.

Similar to a modern single-person meal, each person would be served a portion by a palace maid, regardless of the time of day, just like a continuous banquet.

Back in the dressing room, Du Yutong collapsed onto the soft couch once again.

"Sister Yue'er, I never expected you to play the zither so well. It's even more charming than the zither players in your restaurant."

Jiang Shuyue poured herself a cup of tea and took a sip. The tea was slightly cooler than before, but still drinkable.

She smiled and said, "I gave Hongfu the sheet music. How could I possibly play worse than her?"

Anyone who understands music knows that everyone's playing technique is pretty much the same.

But to bring out the essence of the music, it depends on each person's understanding of the piece.

Just like painting, you can copy the form of a master's painting, but the spirit is the essence.

"Sister Yue'er, I also want sheet music, the kind that sounds nice."

Du Yutong pouted, looking like a rascal.

"No problem, I'll give you two songs when we get back." Jiang Shuyue reached out and gently poked her waist.

Du Yutong's ticklish spot was pricked, and she clutched her waist, laughing uncontrollably.

Qiuju and Zhuer noticed that another plate of pastries had been added to the coffee table.

Qiuju said to Jiang Shuyue and Du Yutong, "Miss, Miss Du, have some pastries to fill your stomachs. Even if dinner tonight isn't to your liking, you won't go hungry."

Jiang Shuyue placed the plate of pastries in front of Du Yutong, saying, "Qiuju is right, eat a few pieces."

Du Yutong did as she was told, picking up a piece and putting it in her mouth. "Sister Yue'er, you should try some too. The pastries here are really good."

The four of them, master and servants, quickly devoured all the pastries on the table.

...

In the outer hall, everyone left one after another, but You Xian'er and her two servants remained motionless.

Wu Shiyin assumed that she was unhappy because she had lost the jewelry, so she comforted her for a few words and then left with the other women.

"Cousin, I knew you would give your cousin a chance to catch up."

After everyone left, Liu Baokun came out from behind the screen.

"Young Master, please have some self-respect. Miss is going to the palace. If you stay and talk to her, it will cause misunderstandings."

You Xian'er's two maids stood in front of her, preventing Liu Baokun from getting close.

Liu Baokun took a step back, somewhat dejected.

He glanced at the two maids and said, "You two are acting on my aunt's orders, so I don't blame you."

"I haven't seen my cousin in a long time, and I just want to ask her, does she really not care about me anymore?"