Chapter 12 The Fate of the Qin (Musical Piano) This doesn't seem like he's choosing a concubine for himself.
After listening to Empress Shangguan Yun's words, Jia Fengtian lightly tapped the armrest of the dragon throne with his fingertips. He did not respond directly, but casually flipped through the register on the table, his eyes showing a hint of interest:
"I have heard that Bai Xiang's daughter's smile is enough to captivate Luoyang. I am very interested to see if her talent is worthy of such a great reputation."
His voice was not loud, but it clearly carried to every corner of the hall, and the palace servants standing on both sides held their breath and lowered their heads.
The chief eunuch immediately bowed and accepted the order, announcing loudly, "Summon—Bai Lian, the daughter of the Bai family, to the palace!"
The announcement spread like a stone thrown into water, reaching every corner of the hall. Bai Lian, who was waiting outside, took a deep breath upon hearing it.
She stepped into the hall with a composed and unhurried gait. Sunlight streamed in through the high windows, gilding her with a golden hue.
All eyes in the hall instantly focused on her. She neither bowed her head in embarrassment nor showed any sign of panic. Just as she was about to kneel in accordance with etiquette, she heard the emperor speak:
"There's no need for such formalities today." Jia Fengtian raised his hand in a gesture of respect, his gaze lingering on Bai Lian for only a moment. His tone was amiable, yet carried an undeniable air of authority. "Please take a seat."
Two eunuchs quickly brought over a round stool made of rosewood and placed it in the center of the hall.
Bai Lian slightly curtsied to express her gratitude, then gracefully sat down and gently placed the pipa on her lap.
Her fingertips trembled slightly as she adjusted the tuning pegs, but she quickly regained her composure.
"Let's begin."
Bai Lian tilted her head slightly, revealing her jade-like neck, which further accentuated her elegant and beautiful appearance, making her incomparably stunning.
Her slender fingers gently caressed the strings of the zither. At first, the sound was like pearls falling onto a jade plate, exquisite and clear; then it became as crisp as a spring oriole singing in a valley, and as leisurely as a secluded spring gurgling over rocks.
The melodies lingered, transforming into countless forms under her fingers, like birds spreading their wings and fluttering away.
Just as everyone was immersed in the beautiful music, a wisp of singing rose at just the right moment. It was not high-pitched or imposing, but rather low and melodious, like silk threads.
"The spring breeze caresses the balustrade, the dew is heavy; if not seen atop Mount Qunyu, then met beneath the moon on the Jade Terrace..."
Her voice was clear and ethereal, seemingly carrying boundless emotions. The singing and pipa playing blended perfectly, their melodies lingering and gently touching everyone's hearts.
As the melody reached its climax, her fingering became increasingly varied and unpredictable, employing techniques such as tremolo, vibrato, and strumming, demonstrating a skill far beyond that of a young girl.
Dressed in pure white, she seemed like a celestial maiden descending from the heavens to the music. The red lotus on her skirt seemed to be blooming, the dazzling red and pure white intertwining and dancing. This scene was like a magnificent painting, captivating and mesmerizing.
During the performance, Bai Lian's eyes darted around as she quietly observed the audience.
Emperor Jia Fengtian wore an appreciative expression, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest in time with the rhythm; the Empress remained dignified, but her eyes revealed disdain; most of the princes were quite approving of her performance.
Only the Crown Prince, sitting upright beside the Empress, maintained a detached and indifferent expression, as if lost in thought, showing no interest in her performance.
This didn't seem like he was choosing a concubine for himself, and a vague unease rose in Bai Lian's heart.
As the piece drew to a close, the pipa music gradually slowed and softened, and as her slender fingers lightly pressed the strings, the music abruptly stopped.
The lingering melody had not yet faded when the hall fell silent.
Bai Lian bowed her head and waited silently, as if she could hear her own heart pounding like a drum. Time stretched out, so long...
Finally, Jia Fengtian's laughter broke the silence: "Excellent! Truly excellent!" He clapped his hands in praise, his eyes full of admiration. "The Red Lotus of Luoyang lives up to its name! This music should only exist in heaven; how often can it be heard on earth!"
Bai Lian rose and bowed, her voice steady: "Your Majesty flatters me. I am truly unworthy of the title 'Red Lotus'."
The emperor nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze to the eldest prince, Galo Lin, who was standing to the side: "Lin'er, what do you think?"
Galo Lin rose to his feet and bowed to the emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, I admire Miss Bai's talent. Her pipa playing is superb, and her singing voice is clear and beautiful. What's even more remarkable is that her music is full of emotion and her voice is full of meaning, which is truly rare."
"It's him again," Bai Lian thought. This time, the eldest prince seemed to be praising her in particularly detailed terms.
After saying that, he smiled slightly at Bai Lian, a smile as warm as the morning sun.
Truly impeccable. Bai Lian had to admit that the eldest prince was indeed very elegant, a stark contrast to the aloof crown prince.
Upon hearing this, a thoughtful look flashed in the Emperor's eyes. He slowly surveyed the people in the hall, pondered for a moment, and said, "Now that the Crown Princess has been chosen, I am very pleased. However, Miss Bai is both beautiful and talented, and I do not wish to wrong her. Since today is an auspicious day, I wish to create another beautiful story and betroth Bai Lian to Lin'er as her consort! Lin'er, what do you think?"
Before Bai Lian could recover from her astonishment, she saw Jia Luolin enter the hall and kneel respectfully: "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your grace!"
His voice remained steady, without the slightest emotional fluctuation.
Bai Lian quickly knelt down as well, saying, "This humble woman thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness."
The emperor laughed heartily: "Very well! In that case, let's choose a date for the wedding!"
Bai Lian slightly raised her eyes and looked at Jia Luolin beside her.
He happened to be looking at her too, a gentle smile on his lips, but his eyes were deep and unfathomable, making it impossible to discern his true thoughts.
In this magnificent palace, Bai Lian felt a chill for no apparent reason. She seemed to see herself walking step by step into a meticulously arranged chess game, and she was nothing more than a pawn.
She pursed her red lips slightly and secretly clenched her hands in her sleeve.
No matter what lies ahead, now that she has embarked on this path, she can only move forward, not backward.
A note from the author:
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