Qin Yuwei, who had been fidgeting, finally settled into a chair, her mind calming down considerably.
She was so concerned that she forgot that the first round of the Hundred Flowers Banquet was won by dance skills, which had nothing to do with anything else. No matter how superb her painting skills were, it would be of no use!
Tianyun raised an eyebrow, not mistakenly seeing the instant her eyes lit up upon hearing the name of the phoenix-tail zither: "Cousin Jingyi seems eager to try, why don't you accept Aunt Liu's bet for me? The phoenix-tail zither is priceless, and Aunt Liu is rarely so generous, so you mustn't let her leave disappointed."
Her delicate, slender fingers, white as scallions, were stained with a pale cinnamon-colored floral juice, which made them appear even more exquisite. She held them up to her eyes to examine them, saying with a playful tone, "There's just one thing you need to remember, Sister Tang: you must use waterproof face powder before going on stage, and apply it evenly. Dancing makes you sweat a lot, so you absolutely must not be impolite in front of others like you were the other day."
She emphasized the word "waterproof".
The painful memories were brought up again.
"You!" Shangguan Jingyi held back her tears.
He remained obedient and dared not utter another sound, only timidly glancing at his grandmother, hoping that she would stand up for him.
The old lady, as expected, gave her a cold look and rebuked her, "Speaking so sarcastically in front of guests, you're even more rude than those shrewish women from the streets. Who taught you manners?"
Feeling sorry for Jingyi who was always being bullied by her, the old lady secretly shed tears. She glared at Jingyi with clenched teeth and said, "Jingyi told me everything that happened that day. It's your own fault for neglecting your duties and indulging in those low-class medical practices."
On the contrary, you are completely ignorant of singing, dancing, music, needlework and embroidery, which are skills that a lady of a respectable family should be proficient in!
Why is it that you're different from everyone else, lacking even the fine qualities of a proper young lady?
Lowlife? Then don't even try to associate with them!
Lingqi rolled her eyes and couldn't help but purse her lips: "Our ancestors only look at the surface and not the substance. It's not like Miss Tang has been taking things out of context for just a day or two. If the art of medicine is something low-class, then why did Miss Tang rush to curry favor with our young lady the other day?"
Isn't this exactly the benefit brought by what you call "low-class" things?
Shangguan Jingyi grew anxious. "What do you mean by seeking credit? My sister's maid is being far too harsh! I just wanted to tell Prince Qi the truth to avoid any future problems where my sister would be blamed. Instead, she's getting herself into this mess!"
She wiped away her tears with her sleeve and started crying again.
Aunt Liu stood there completely bewildered. But this was, after all, their family matter, and she couldn't interfere.
Originally, I just wanted to annoy Shangguan Tianyun, but how did the topic end up going off-topic?
Lingqi sneered: "That sounds nice, but it's a completely different story in practice."
"I see that your Lingyan Pavilion is corrupt from top to bottom. The maids are just as unruly as their masters. Who gives you the right to speak when your masters are speaking?" The old lady was still furious and left no room for negotiation: "Throw this girl into the woodshed and make her reflect on her mistakes. Give her only one meal a day and don't let her out without my permission!"
The old lady's sharp gaze was like an icicle, as if she had made up her mind that she would not let the matter rest until she dealt with Lingqi today!
Tianyun straightened up and said calmly, "Let's see who dares."
Others may not be able to see Shangguan Jingyi's true nature, but she sees it all clearly. She wants to climb the social ladder and become a phoenix, yet she is unwilling to give up her pride, which is as low as dust.
Tianyun looked up at Shangguan Jingyi from afar, only to catch a glimpse of the joy on her face that she hadn't yet managed to conceal.
Tianyun frowned suspiciously. Just because Lingqi had said a few words of dissent, the old lady had suddenly become hostile. He felt that there was something fishy going on.
The young lady and the matriarch were on the verge of conflict, a tense atmosphere permeating the air. The servants inside dared not even breathe, wishing they could bury their heads in the ground!
"What? You have failed to manage your subordinates properly, so it is only reasonable for me to punish you. If you have any complaints, go and explain to your father and see if he will side with you and also become disobedient and unfilial!"
Speak of the devil and he appears.
Shangguan Ming walked in with his hands behind his back. He glanced around, and Sister Liu immediately stopped watching the spectacle and chuckled, "Since Siye is back, Yuwei and I will head back first."
This good show is ruined.
"There are some historical materials that need to be consulted. I will go and help you before we disperse." Shangguan Ming nodded and said, "Sister Liu, please take care. I will send a carriage to take you there."
After seeing the person off, he had a splitting headache.
On one side was his beloved daughter, and on the other was his respected elderly mother. The two were like needles clashing the moment they met, and he really didn't want to get involved!
"Why did your mother call her son over so urgently? Is there something urgent?"
"Isn't this all because of the good daughter you raised!"
Shangguan Ming lifted his robe and sat down. The grand chair, carved with lotus leaves supporting the headrest, was covered with a soft, thick goose down cushion. He leaned back and wearily raised his eyes: "Yun'er, you tell me."
Tianyun turned to face Shangguan Ming, her long eyelashes brimming with tears, threatening to fall but plunging her into a pitiful sight. Her voice trembled slightly: "Father, please understand, the other day my cousin asked me to take her out. Knowing she was new to the capital and unfamiliar with the place, I couldn't refuse. But..."
Unexpectedly, at the teahouse, she forcibly pushed her daughter out, exposing her to the public, and forced her daughter to take Prince Qi's pulse.
My daughter is a sheltered young lady; how could she dare to casually touch a man's hand to take his pulse? But my older cousin wouldn't let it go, threatening me in my ear, saying I couldn't refuse no matter what!
Behind the thin veil, her wet eyes looked at her, and saw Shangguan Jingyi staring wide-eyed, looking incredulous.
Tianyun slightly curled her lips and smiled coldly.
What's so hard about pretending to be wronged?
We'll just treat them the same way they treat us.
Shangguan Jingyi felt a chill run down his spine and waved his hands repeatedly: "No! It was clearly my sister who saw the person who fainted... who was Prince Qi, and had other thoughts about him. Because of Prince Qi's feelings, she... that's why she was impolite."
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