A while later.

Everyone finally realized what was happening.

"How beautiful! I never imagined that this piece, 'High Mountains and Flowing Water,' would evoke such a profound feeling when played by the Crown Prince's concubine. It truly gives one the sensation of being high in the mountains. Wonderful, absolutely wonderful!"

"Yes, yes, I felt like I was right there in the middle of it just now."

"Yes! Me too! This Crown Prince's concubine truly lives up to her reputation as the most talented woman in the capital! Her musical talent is probably breathtaking!"

"That's right, it seems Princess Han is going to lose."

"Is there even a question? It's a done deal."

"That's right, I think Princess Han should stop competing and avoid humiliating herself."

"Yes! That's true."

After everyone came to their senses, they showered Ye Qingyao with praise while simultaneously belittling Ye Qingcheng.

This way.

Hearing the praise from everyone, Ye Qingyao's lips curled into a smug smile as she looked at Ye Qingcheng.

You wretch, did you see that? You're a good-for-nothing who's never known anything since you were little. Who gave you the courage to accept my challenge? You're asking for death.

Today, I, the Imperial Concubine, will make you lose face in front of all the noble ladies in the capital. Let's see how you'll ever be so arrogant in front of me again.

Meanwhile, on this side...

The Empress, the Eldest Princess, and all the other ladies-in-waiting praised Ye Qingyao's performance of the song.

After a while.

Ye Qingyao stood up.

"Your Majesty, Princess, and all Your Highnesses, I have made a fool of myself."

"Your Highness, you are too modest. The music you just played made me feel as if I were surrounded by mountains and flowing water!" the Princess praised with great satisfaction.

The Empress nodded with a satisfied smile: "That's right, Yao'er, you truly deserve to be called the most talented woman in the capital."

"Yes! Yes! The Crown Prince's concubine is truly beautiful and talented!"

"That's right."

After the Empress and the Eldest Princess finished praising him, the other concubines also echoed their praise.

Upon hearing this, Ye Qingyao felt as if she were floating in a sea of ​​clouds.

"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty, Princess, and all the ladies. I am only able to have this skill because I have been playing the zither since I was a child and have a fondness for music."

"Hmm! Not bad, not arrogant or impatient."

The eldest princess praised her again, then her gaze shifted to Ye Qingcheng.

"Princess Han, you have seen the skills of the Crown Prince's concubine. Although you know a little about them, you probably cannot play with such a profound meaning."

"How about we stop competing? For Han'er's sake, I'll stand up for you. If you admit defeat, you just need to kneel at the Duke's mansion for an hour. No need to say anything else. What do you say?"

“That’s right, Princess Consort Han. You are a princess consort and my royal daughter-in-law. If you lose, it will be a disgrace to the royal family. I don’t want to see that. I think you don’t need to compete anymore.”

"kindness!"

The concubines and noble ladies all nodded in agreement.

Even Princess Wenning looked at Ye Qingcheng and shook her head slightly, signaling her to stop competing.

Madam Jiang also looked at Ye Qingcheng with expectant eyes, hoping that she would give up.

When Ye Qingyao saw the Empress and the Eldest Princess, she persuaded Ye Qingcheng and smiled smugly.

"Yes! Little sister, I don't mean to compete with you. After all, you've never understood anything since you were little, you're such a good-for-nothing."

My sister proposed the competition mainly to see what you've learned and how much progress you've made since your mental illness was cured.

It's alright if you don't want to compete; your sister won't really make you call yourself a worthless person in front of everyone in the capital.

"Ah! This Crown Prince's concubine is truly worthy of being the eldest sister."

"Yes! If you ask me, Princess Consort Han, let's just let it go."

“That’s right. Even the Crown Prince’s concubine said so, so Princess Han should just agree to it, lest she lose and become the laughingstock of the entire capital.”

"That's right. If she really kneels outside the Duke's mansion for a whole day, it will really disgrace the royal family. At that time, she might not even be able to keep her status as the Princess Consort of Han."

"Yes! That's right."

After Ye Qingyao finished speaking, the noble ladies began to discuss again.

When Ye Qingyao heard the women's chatter again, her lips curled up so much they seemed to touch her nose.

Princess Wenning listened to the women's discussions again and said, "Qingcheng, let's stop competing."

After hearing this, Ye Qingcheng smiled and shook her head: "Since the words have been spoken, there is no reason not to compare."

"Thank you, Mother and Imperial Aunt. However, I would also like to take this opportunity to have everyone give their feedback and see how well I have learned the zither over the past few years."

Upon hearing this, the Empress showed a hint of disdain on her face.

"Princess Han, have you thought this through? If this competition continues, the bet you made with the Crown Prince's concubine will be null and void."

“That’s right, Princess Consort Han. If you have no ability, then just leave it at that. Don’t embarrass Han’er.”

After hearing this, Ye Qingcheng smiled coldly: "Don't worry! My niece-in-law is always very confident in what she does."

The eldest princess remained silent after hearing this.

The Empress snorted coldly: "Hmph, very well, if that's the case, then begin!"

"yes."

After Ye Qingcheng finished speaking, she walked towards the zither platform.

this…

When everyone saw that she actually wanted to compete, they all shook their heads and sighed.

And a few steps later.

Ye Qingcheng then walked to the Qin Terrace.

"Ye Qingcheng, I'll give you one more chance. Think it through. If you continue this competition and lose, don't blame me for not showing you any mercy."

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