Until impatience showed on Wei Yuchen's face, Mu Han reminded her just in time.

Qiu Zhen was immediately brought back to her senses by Mu Han's pull, and then she realized that everyone was staring at her.

But she was Zhenfei after all. She was naturally accustomed to such scenes in the harem. She immediately raised her lips and smiled, and lowered her head slightly towards the people around her.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for so long. I was just thinking about what kind of topic would be suitable for the occasion and would allow Lady Yu to respond brilliantly. So, I will present my ugliness here and paint a picture of 'Lotus' for you."

Lotus?

Using painting to represent the lotus today is straightforward, but it is not so easy to make it vivid, especially when painting on the spot.

When Qiu Zhen was young, she followed Qiu Hongxiu around everywhere. Although she had some knowledge of medicine and later had a five-year study period, she was still far behind these serious ladies from famous families. Especially after she followed Du Yunge, she realized that there are always people better than you.

Du Yunge is worthy of being the apple of the Du family's eye. She has been learning etiquette, music, chess, calligraphy, painting and dance since she was a child. Not only does she have a good temper and is beautiful, but her knowledge is also first-class and can be described as perfect.

It was because Du Yun Ge was too perfect, and because there was such a huge difference between her and Qiu Zhen, that Qiu Zhen's jealousy and hatred towards Du Yun Ge grew even more, and in the end, it turned into an irreparable tragedy.

Ever since she entered the palace and became Wei Yuchen's concubine, Qiu Zhen has never stopped studying for the past twelve years.

Her purpose was to narrow the gap between herself and Du Yunge, but even though she had worked hard for twelve years, she knew clearly that she would never be able to surpass her.

Even though her current talent and knowledge are among the best among all the concubines, the gap is the gap, the distance is the distance, and this cannot be erased even if she wants to deny it.

Du Yunge, the virtuous queen, the woman that Wei Yuchen loved and hated, will remain in his memory forever even after her death.

This was something she could never do in her entire life.

When Concubine Zhen was painting, the surroundings were unusually quiet. This was not only because of her Qiu Zhen's reputation in the harem over the years, but more because of the emperor's side.

The emperor was speechless, and the concubines naturally did not dare to say much.

In this way, a good practice environment was created for Concubine Zhen. Mu Han, who was familiar with her habits, had been with Qiu Zhen all these years, and the same was true when she was learning painting.

Therefore, she was familiar with every step of Zhenfei's work, and knew what kind of paint was needed, and she coordinated everything perfectly. The other concubines watched every detail and were extremely envious.

Why aren't they so lucky to have capable subordinates like Mu Han?

As long as Qiu Zhen raised his hand, the other party would know what his master wanted. Such a shrewd servant had only been seen by Concubine Xi and the other old ladies around the late queen.

Those four girls are so pretty standing in a row. Any one of them can stand on her own. If you can get one of them, you can save yourself a lot of worries.

Unfortunately, except for Ruyan who was by the Queen Mother's side, the other three followed the late Queen.

This Mu Han is one of the best servants that I have ever seen in all these years.

Such an excellent servant is now staying by Qiu Zhen's side. They can't get away with it and can only watch helplessly.

Qiu Zhen's painting skills were not low. At least among the concubines in the harem, her skills in playing the piano, chess, calligraphy, painting and dancing could be considered top-notch.

Look, in just one stick of incense, a painting of "Ink Lotus" was completed.

After putting down her pen, Qiu Zhen, with her graceful figure, slowly turned around and knelt towards Wei Yuchen: "Your Majesty, I have finished it."

Mu Han and a palace maid carefully lifted up the "Ink Lotus" whose ink had not yet dried and presented it to Wei Yuchen for him to appreciate.

But on the rice paper, there was a vivid picture of a lotus with delicate flowers and leaves and overflowing fragrance. As the picture was mostly drawn with ink, mixed with a little dark green and light pink, even though the color was monotonous, it perfectly captured the beauty of this gentleman among flowers, especially the twin lotus flowers, which made Wei Yuchen stunned on the spot.

"Your Majesty, do you know why I gave you this lotus painting?"

Once upon a time, the woman held up a brush, turned around with a beautiful smile and looked at him.

And he, with his chin resting on her shoulder, put his arms around her, and rubbed her cheek affectionately: "I like everything that Ge'er gave me."

"What? You're being so rude again. Do you know what other nicknames the lotus has besides 'lian'?"

Wei Yuchen smiled and glanced sideways: "Ge'er, do you always have so many weird ideas in your mind? Lotus, lotus, besides these two, what else is there?"

Du Yunge's beautiful face showed a smug smile: "You don't know this, right? Lotus has always been a symbol of noble character, purity and beauty, right? Then what about this lotus? There are also twin flowers on one stalk, with two flowers on one stalk. The word 'lotus' and 'pity' sound the same, which symbolizes the harmony between men and women, and the love between husband and wife. In addition, the lotus has many seeds, which can also be entrusted with the wish of having many children and good fortune. Tell me, do you like this lotus?"

"Oh? So there are so many things to say, twin lotuses, loving couples, many children and blessings? Haha, Ge'er, could it be that you want to give me another son?"

Du Yunge's face turned red with shame. She immediately dropped the brush and hit his chest, but he finally held her hand and looked at her lovingly.

"Ge'er, please give me another child. No matter it's a boy or a girl, as long as it's our child, I'll like it..."

The words spoken back then, even though more than ten years have passed, seem as if they were said yesterday: twin lotus flowers, a loving couple, many children and blessings?

Wei Yuchen's heart ached like a needle at this moment. Du Yunge, although you gave birth to a son for me, I ultimately failed you...

When Wei Yuchen was looking at the painting "Ink Lotus", Mu Han had been watching his every move. Even the slightest change on his expression did not escape Mu Han's eyes. Is he regretting it?

Haha, the lady has given so much, but in return she only gets such an indifferent expression?

Wei Yuchen, are you worthy of the lady's efforts over the years?

"Your Majesty? But is the 'Ink Lotus' that I painted inappropriate?"

Qiu Zhen looked at Wei Yuchen's slightly solemn expression, and her heart suddenly lifted.

And because of her words, he came back to his senses. When he began to appreciate the painting again, his heart, which had just been surging, suddenly turned into stagnant water, without any ripples.

"No, it's fine. The lotus flowers are growing in clusters, symbolizing a strong foundation and prosperity. Good, very good."

After Wei Yuchen gave some perfunctory praise, he ordered Mu Han to take the painting around the venue so that everyone could appreciate it.

Qiu Zhen watched from the side, feeling an inexplicable sense of loss in his heart.

The emperor was clearly thinking about something just now, but why did he only say this when he looked up again?

Not surprisingly, Qiu Zhen's paintings received unanimous praise. Listening to everyone's flattering praise, even though Qiu Zhen seemed a little disappointed because of Wei Yuchen's overly casual praise, she couldn't help but temporarily forget that little regret.

He couldn't help but look at Yu Yan, who hadn't spoken a word from beginning to end.

"My beautiful lady, do you like my paintings?"

Qiu Zhen walked humbly in front of Yu Yan and looked at her with a smile.

Although Yu Yan disdained flattery, she had to admit that Qiu Zhen had some real talent and knowledge, and nodded earnestly.

"Your Majesty's painting is simple and elegant. It presents the beautiful scenery of the lotus pond without any fuss. I, your concubine, will learn from you."

Seeing that Yu Yan had no intention of trying to please him and her eyes were sincere, Qiu Zhen decided not to make things difficult for her and went straight to the point.

"In that case, I wonder what Lady Jade is going to perform?"

Yu Yan looked around and found that not only Wei Yuchen, but even the other concubines were looking at her, with a look of anticipation.

If I don't perform well, I will really let them down. Thinking of this, he raised the corners of his lips and bowed slightly to everyone.

"In that case, Yu Yan will sing a song for everyone here!"

song?

Qiu Zhen raised her eyebrows in surprise. Logically speaking, today's theme was neither difficult nor simple. In addition to paintings, there were also dances and poems. These three were the most direct ways of performance that could highlight the theme. However, she never expected that she would choose to express it through music.

So I was quite surprised, but I still remembered to remind her.

"Sister Yu, don't forget today's theme. The painting I just made has already reminded you and restricted your direction!"

To Qiu Zhen's surprise, Yu Yan was not at all flustered and nodded at her calmly.

"Please rest assured, Empress Zhenfei. What I am going to perform next will correspond to your painting. If you like it, please listen to it. If not, I hope you will forgive me."

Having said this, she took a few steps forward and came in front of Wei Yuchen.

"Your Majesty, I am humbled to present myself to you, but before that, I need a guqin."

Guqin? So she's going to sing while playing it?

"This is easy. Someone, bring up the late queen's Nong Yue."

When these words were spoken, everyone in the room was shocked, especially Mu Han who was standing behind Qiu Zhen. An obvious crack appeared on his calm face because of these words.

Even the old palace ladies like Qiu Zhen, Concubine Xi, and Concubine Lan looked at Wei Yuchen with shock. Were they hallucinating?

Nong Yue, what is Nong Yue?

Nong Yue, one of the three most famous musical instruments in the world!

It is said that General Du spent a lot of effort to collect this guqin for his beloved daughter.

It became one of the most precious dowries of the late queen. After the late queen passed away, this guqin was sealed in the Kunning Palace by the emperor.

Although all the people in Kunning Palace were strangled to death that year, this object was well preserved.

I heard that this guqin was moved to the Emperor's Qinzheng Hall not long ago.

Now, he wants to let this beautiful lady use the late queen's most beloved relic?

"Your Majesty, I have a guqin. Although it is not as good as Nong Yue, it is also very rare. I wonder if Sister Yu can use it first?"

"As for sister's Nong Yue, please don't lift it around, to avoid bumping into it. If it gets damaged, sister..."

Qiu Zhen suppressed the intense jealousy in her heart and knelt in front of Wei Yuchen with a little anxiety, begging him to change his mind.

Unfortunately, Qiu Zhen had no idea of ​​Wei Yuchen's intentions.

Therefore, Wei Yuchen thought that her kindness was blocking his way, so he immediately waved her hand.

"Zhen'er, get up. I know you are worried about your sister's relics, but don't worry, they are the relics of the late queen, and no one dares to deliberately damage them."

"I just haven't heard Nong Yue's voice for a long time. Since your sister passed away, it has not made any sound anymore."

"Now that Lady Yu is here, why not ask her to play a tune, in case the quality of the zither changes due to years of disuse."

In this world, any woman who knows how to play the zither knows where Nong Yue is.

At that time, Du Yunge's good name spread throughout the world. The reputation of a wise queen could not be achieved by just playing with the moon.

The reason why Du Yunge is known for her virtue and reputation is not only because of her kind and generous nature and her superb medical skills, but more because of her talent and reputation.

Whether it is piano, chess, calligraphy, painting, dance, music, or medicine, he is proficient in them all, and it is definitely not just a simple dabble in them.

Although she passed away at the age of only 20, the works she left behind in this world have never been surpassed to date.

Don’t be fooled by Wei Yuchen’s high-sounding words here. Yu Yan, who knows the inside story well, has no expression on her face, but she is sneering in her heart. Does he think she is stupid?

Nong Yue? What if it was really ruined by her due to years of neglect and maintenance?

What if he wanted to test her through Nong Yue?

You have to know that every bit of her talent was developed slowly based on Du Yunge's talent back then.

Although she didn't know what the relationship between Wei Yuchen and the late queen was, she knew from this one sentence that his purpose was not simple, and she couldn't help but be careful.

Thinking of this, a hint of panic and uneasiness finally appeared on her beautiful face.

"Your Majesty, I dare not. Since it is the legacy of the late queen, how can I be qualified to touch it?"

"This is not only disrespectful to the late queen, but also a blasphemy to Nong Yue. I beg the emperor to take back his order!"

"The sound of the moon is like the sound of nature. It has been silent for twelve years. I am bringing it out today, not to disrespect the late queen."

"If she knew about this, she would not want Nong Yue to completely disappear from the world because of her death. Do you think so?"

At that time, Wei Yuchen's face was full of melancholy, and his brows revealed his memories of Du Yunge...

At that time, Nong Yue had already been placed up. Surprisingly, it was not covered with dust but was very clean, as clean as if Du Yunge was still alive.

Both the strings and the wood of the guitar are shiny. I guess someone has taken good care of it over the past few days, and that person is probably no other than Wei Yuchen.

Concubine Xi looked at the zither in front of her, and her eyes turned red.

"The late queen is the woman I admire most in this world. She is dignified and generous, simple and unpretentious, and she is always fair to everyone. Under her management, the harem was peaceful and harmonious."

"Every time I listen to the late queen's music, I always gain something unexpected. Her music is the most moving sound in the world. It can cleanse people's hearts and infect everyone around them..."

Having said this, she suddenly burst into tears, and looked deeply at the piano in front of her. The sound was empty and distant.

"If Nong Yue can be played again, it is not a blasphemy, but a memorial, because no one can play the music that purifies people's hearts like the late queen."

As soon as Concubine Xi finished speaking, Concubine Lan and Concubine Yi looked at Nong Yue with nostalgia.

"I never thought that I would be able to see Nong Yue again in this life. If I could hear its voice, the late queen would definitely be pleased."

"My beautiful lady, the emperor can give you such a gift, which is something that others can never envy."

"Although I don't know how good you are, but if you have this opportunity, as long as you play with a respectful attitude, the spirit of the late queen in heaven will not blame you."

So this is what the emperor meant. After hearing this, Qiu Zhen's cheeks turned red, but when he saw Yu Yan beside him, he suddenly calmed down.

There were so many women among them, why didn't he choose any one but Yu Yan, who looked somewhat like the late queen, to play the piano?

Could it be that the emperor still misses her in his heart?

When he looked at Yu Yan, Qiu Zhen's eyes were filled with unconcealable hatred and unwillingness.

Seeing this, Mu Han hurriedly pulled her sleeve.

"Your Majesty, please do not miss the important matter. Since the Emperor has done this, there must be a reason for it. We should just follow his lead..."

Even if Qiu Zhen was unwilling, what could she do? Now Wei Yuchen only had eyes for that little tramp. She pursed her lips and sat down unwillingly, but her nails in her sleeves were clenched tightly.

Mu Han watched all this coldly. So what even if Yu Yan looked like the master?

It is not her, it is not her after all. Even after years of training, it is just a replica. There is a huge difference between her and the real her. How can their master be caught up by mortals?

absurd!

Seeing everyone's insistence, Yu Yan understood that she had no reason to refuse. She could only carefully salute everyone and sit down in front of Nong Yue.

Looking at this rare and wonderful piano in front of me, it would be a lie to say I'm not excited.

Especially the heart that had been calm from the beginning to the end, now it was surging and excited as if it had been injected with chicken blood.

But she couldn't show it, so she could only bite her lower lip and endure it.

After adjusting a few syllables, Yu Yan's pupils suddenly dilated, and then she let out an emotional sigh.

"As expected of Nong Yue, every syllable is so beautiful. Since the emperor has given Yu Yan this opportunity, Yu Yan will definitely live up to expectations and live up to Nong Yue's reputation!"

After she finished speaking, she nodded slightly to everyone, took a deep breath, and her slender jade fingers like green onions began to dance on Nong Yue's shiny and translucent strings.

Instantly, a beautiful voice sounded movingly. It was just a prelude, but it made everyone's eyes widen in an instant.

This song, isn’t this the song that made Du Yunge famous back then?

Wei Yuchen was originally sitting there lazily, but when he heard this prelude, the jade ring he was playing with suddenly rolled onto the table, and then he stood up suddenly.

Liu Shi quickly took the jade ring bestowed by the late emperor and breathed a sigh of relief. When he came to his senses, he was also frightened by the familiar melody.

At that time, whether it was Wei Yuchen, Liu Shi, or Concubine Zhen, Concubine Xi, Concubine Lan, and Concubine Yi, they could all be described as being dumbfounded.

Is this... "Lotus"?

That’s right, it’s “Lotus”, which was Du Yunge’s famous song back then.

"Lotus", even though the late queen has passed away for many years, even though this song and this tune has been passed down to this day, no one has been able to perfectly interpret it.

But, but this woman, it was just a prelude, just a prelude, and it made all of their hearts wrench. If she opens her mouth..., what will happen?

Yu Yan did not notice the strange looks of the crowd, because at this moment, she had focused all her attention on the strings and the lyrics that she had memorized by heart.