Chapter 75 Performance

"Sigh, I thought the princess and I were bosom friends, that we were kindred spirits, but I never expected that not only would she not believe me, but she would also test me like this. It's truly heartbreaking..."

Xiao Yuyao was now certain that Qi Wenyue had picked it up, and might even know its purpose...

She looked heartbroken, as if betrayed, which prompted Qi Wenyue to quickly put down her wine glass and explain repeatedly:

“Yuyao, I didn’t distrust you. I was just curious, but I was afraid you wouldn’t want to tell me, so I went around in circles. Don’t be sad. I apologize. I promise I will never test you again.”

She wished she could swear to God that this expression finally won a smile from the girl opposite her.

"Princess, why do you need to explain to me? I am merely an adopted daughter of the Xiao family. If you want to know something, how dare I say no?"

This was truly anger. Qi Wenyue knew she was in trouble and had no choice but to temporarily put aside her doubts and apologize.

"It was my fault. I won't ask anymore. At least you're alright now. There's still a long road ahead, and those treacherous villains will surely show their true colors. Here, I'll toast you with this."

After drinking the fruit wine, Xiao Yuyao felt that something was wrong with Qi Wenyue.

Logically speaking, once they knew that the item was given to them by Xiao Yuxuan, shouldn't they feel a sense of shared hatred and impulsively want to settle scores with her and avenge themselves?

At worst, he could expose her on the spot, letting these noble ladies see Xiao Yuxuan's true colors, and then gently persuade her to stop talking, thus gaining a reputation for kindness and magnanimity.

Since Xiao Yuxuan is not around now, how can she possibly explain away all the rumors with just her words?

But isn't Qi Wenyue a little too calm?

He just said something in a lukewarm way?

Before she could think any further, a clear voice suddenly rang out from the royal seats at the head of the table. It was Princess Min-young.

“Father, these songs and dances are so conventional and rigid, they’re so boring. Your son has a way to make both the emperor and his subjects happy, and also to give your son a feast for the eyes.”

The emperor doted on his youngest daughter, whom he had lost and then found again. After listening to her recount the story in detail, he chuckled and scolded her:

"Unruly! Well, we'll do it your way!"

It turned out that what Qi Minying was referring to was the desire for the peers who came to the banquet to perform their talents, whether it was the Six Arts of a Gentleman, music, chess, calligraphy, painting, or even, for those who were bold enough, singing and dancing.

The Queen put down the ivory and pondered:

"Your idea is good, but you have to ask the girls if they're willing to do it, lest you make things worse."

In previous years, there were precedents of noble ladies performing, but the news was spread well in advance, and the girls practiced diligently at home in order to show their talents at the palace banquet. Naturally, they all applauded and praised each other.

But nowadays, how many people would dare to agree to such an impromptu request, regardless of gender?

The Empress was somewhat annoyed that the Emperor had agreed to such an offensive proposal.

The royal family's reputation is extremely important. If no one agrees, wouldn't the royal family lose face? Even if they are forced to perform, what if the people who are forced to perform don't perform well and become resentful of Min-young?

When the young eunuch stepped forward and announced the rules for the performance, the group of dignitaries sitting below stirred up a commotion.

Zheng Yanling threw away the crumpled paper in her hand, was the first to stand up, and said:

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I am merely offering my humble opinion as the first to do so."

She is going to perform a sword dance.

"Sword dance? Isn't this Miss Zheng the granddaughter of Prime Minister Zheng? She can wield a sword? How can a young lady play with such a dangerous weapon?"

"Exactly, it's one thing for ordinary girls to play games like pitch-pot, but archery is rare. Miss Zheng is really something..."

Several ladies whispered among themselves, clearly looking down on the idea of ​​young ladies from respectable families wielding swords and spears.

Madam Zheng rolled her eyes at him, and when she saw that there was no sound from that side, she rolled her eyes at Zheng Yanling.

This troublesome child, I don't know what she ate to grow up so strong, she's got all that bull-like energy. I tried so hard to pull her back but I couldn't, and she still jumped out and made a fool of herself.

She went to a side hall to change into more comfortable clothes, and a young eunuch handed her an unsharpened longsword.

Zheng Yanling picked up the sword with one hand and skillfully twirled it, leaving the palace maids and eunuchs serving her speechless.

It turns out that Miss Zheng wasn't just throwing out a brick to attract jade; she really does have some skills.

The rumors were true; she really wasn't the type of girl to play by the rules.

Zheng Yanling performed a thrilling sword dance, her moves nimble and crisp, the sound of her sword cutting through the air echoing wherever it went, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Those who had previously questioned whether a young woman could wield a sword so well were now simply clapping their hands.

"I wonder if my swordsmanship is pleasing to the princess?"

Zheng Yanling sheathed her sword and carried it on her back, breathing softly.

After receiving the note that Xiao Yuxuan had secretly slipped to her, she knew that Princess Minying was one of them. Although she couldn't see clearly through the thick beaded curtain, there was a hint of sympathy in her voice.

Qi Minying could see it clearly. Her swordsmanship was superb. Even generals who were used to wielding swords might not be as adept as her. It was clear that she was a natural talent.

However, she didn't forget her original intention in initiating this performance, and said with a smile:

"Miss Zheng's talent is truly extraordinary; I've certainly broadened my horizons!" He then turned to her and said, "Father, Mother, why don't we let Miss Zheng choose the next person to perform? Wouldn't that be more interesting?"

By this time, could the couple, who had been emperor and empress for nearly twenty years, still not see through their youngest daughter's thoughts?

They exchanged a glance and both saw helplessness in each other's eyes.

Well, it's rare to make my youngest daughter happy, so let her be.

With the Emperor and Empress's approval, Zheng Yanling immediately looked at the women's section and revealed a strange yet gentle smile.

The moment Xiao Yuyao met that gaze, a chill ran down her spine.

Could it be?

Thinking about how Zheng Yanling had recklessly pinched her that morning, leaving two bruises on her calves, she felt incredibly resentful. However, she couldn't express her anger openly and couldn't openly retaliate.

Before she could even settle scores with Zheng Yanling, she found out that Zheng Yanling was already provoking her again!

"I have long heard that Miss Xiao is a model of noble ladies in the capital, whose talents far surpass ours. I wonder if I will have the honor of seeing her today?"

Xiao Yuyao smiled and readily stood up, saying softly:

“There are many hidden talents in the capital. Yuyao’s skills are mediocre and she does not deserve the title of a model of a noble lady. Since Miss Zheng is so kind as to show her favor, Yuyao dares not refuse. So she plays a tune on the zither to entertain His Majesty, the Empress, and the Princess.”

The musical instruments had been prepared in advance and were quickly carried up by people.

Xiao Yuyao sat gracefully and delicately in front of the zither, feeling utterly content.

It's just a talent performance. She's proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, so what's there to be afraid of? Does Zheng Yanling really think that this mere impromptu performance can stump her?

Just as she was thinking this, an ominous feeling became more and more pronounced near her tailbone, and her fingers paused.

No, this wasn't her imagination; she seemed to be...