battle of wits
Wang Qianqian looked up at the sky with a smile on her face and said, "Sister Concubine, I've heard that although you are born out of wedlock, Master Liu has been very devoted to your upbringing. Today, why don't we let all the sisters admire your beauty?"
Want to admire my charm? Or do you want to see me make a fool of myself?
Jiang Yan smiled slightly and said, "My talent is naturally no match for Madam Wang's. I've heard that Madam Wang is skilled at playing the pipa. Why don't I listen to your playing today and see how good you are, sister? Are you really as the people say, capable of making flowers bloom and blush?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Qianqian stood up in dissatisfaction.
"Sister Wang's pipa is specially played for the Prince. I'm afraid you, Concubine, cannot ask for it, can you?"
Jiang Yan smiled, glanced at her, and then fixed her gaze on Wang Qianqian, saying.
"Madam Wang, as a concubine, am I not qualified to hear you play a piece? Or perhaps Madam Wang wishes for me to obtain the Prince's permission first?"
Shen Qianqian was still indignant on Wang Qianqian's behalf and was about to speak again when she was intimidated by a fierce look from Jiang Yan.
"Madam Wang, just one word: may I play, or may I not?" Jiang Yan smiled, but her tone grew increasingly authoritative with each word, forcing Wang Qianqian to reluctantly reply, "It would be my honor to play a piece for you, sister!"
Jiang Yan felt incredibly pleased when she heard her utter the word "honor" through gritted teeth!
"Very good, very good!" Jiang Yan ate an apple on the table, indicating that she could begin.
Wang Qianqian then forced a smile and had her maid, Liuying, bring out her pipa.
This was the first time Jiang Yan had seen the pipa in real life, so he couldn't help but take a second look. It was indeed beautiful and complex.
She had heard from netizens online that ancient Chinese musical instruments were extremely difficult to learn, and to master them was even more difficult than ascending to heaven. So since Wang Qianqian played the pipa so well, she had to take this opportunity to listen to her properly.
Wang Qianqian is quite pretty if she doesn't make those weird expressions.
With delicate and well-defined features, fair and smooth skin, and a slender and supple figure, holding a pipa and sitting there, she truly embodies the kind of charming and captivating beauty described in ancient books.
No wonder Shangguan Zeyu dotes on her!
But what piece of music is she playing...? Is it "Ambush from Ten Sides"?
That's so harsh and awful, she did it on purpose, didn't she?
Jiang Yan couldn't help but frown. She wanted to cover her ears tightly with her hands, but she was afraid that others would doubt that she could understand the music, so she endured the discomfort and forced herself to listen.
However, it's no wonder she felt that the woman played so badly on purpose, because she had once been obsessed with ancient musical instruments and had listened to many pieces played on them, such as "Ambush from Ten Sides," "Moon Reflected in the Second Spring," and "The Butterfly Lovers."
Therefore, she was 100% certain that Wang Qianqian played the instrument that way on purpose, to disgust her!
Damn it, the devil is always one step ahead of the saint!
Jiang Yan felt extremely frustrated. She secretly glanced at the others and noticed that the three proper ladies were expressionless and looking at Wang Qianqian seriously, while Shen Qianqian and Wu Lanyu were looking at Wang Qianqian with admiration.
Then it's 100% certain that Wang Qianqian did it on purpose! She deliberately disgusted her like this!!
But it doesn't matter, she has plenty of ways to deal with it!
As the song ended, Shen Qianqian and Wu Lanyu applauded and praised Wang Qianqian. At this moment, Jiang Yan went against their wishes and said...
"I, Your Highness, am not skilled at the pipa, but I have heard masters play it. Madam Wang, are you sure that what you just played was your true level?"
Wang Qianqian's expression changed instantly.
Jiang Yan: "Alright, if Your Highness likes Madam Wang's playing style, then Madam Wang may play like this from now on! However, to be frank, Madam Wang's skill is truly beyond words!"
Wang Qianqian's face turned pale instantly.
Shen Qianqian was about to cause trouble again, so Jiang Yan took the opportunity to target her.
"Madam Shen, I've heard that you used to pick mulberry leaves. Could you please explain to the ladies the tricks of planting mulberry trees and picking mulberry leaves?"
Shen Qianqian blushed with shame and became somewhat dazed.
Jiang Yan glanced at her and cursed inwardly, "Serves you right!"
She was originally the daughter of a poor family. Now that she has the opportunity, instead of cultivating her mind and character, she insists on learning this crooked and evil way. Who can she blame?
Jiang Yan then set his sights on Wu Lanyu.
"Madam Wu, you must be more talented than Madam Wang and Madam Shen, right? Your father is an official in the court, and he must have put more effort into your upbringing than any of you here. Why don't you, Madam Wang, also demonstrate your talents for everyone?"
Wu Lanyu was extremely arrogant. She glanced at Jiang Yan and sneered, "That's right. My father is the Vice Minister of Revenue. I am my father's most beloved youngest daughter. Naturally, my father put a lot of effort into cultivating me!"
Jiang Yan smiled slightly, glanced at the gradually darkening sky, and said.
"Madam Wu, why don't you compose a poem for the ladies? Look how beautiful the evening scene is—flowers, lamps, chirping insects, and several beautiful women. With a poem from Madam Wu, the Prince can appreciate it when he returns, don't you think?"
Unexpectedly, Wu Lanyu, who had been so smug just moments before, fell silent.
Jiang Yan: "Madam Wu, why are you unwilling? All the sisters are waiting."
"...I...I injured my tongue yesterday, so it's inconvenient for me!!"
"Inconvenient?" Jiang Yan feigned confusion. "But I saw you speaking very fluently just now, without the slightest discomfort. Besides, poems don't require many words, so it won't waste your breath... If Madam Wu is truly unwell, then why not write it down? I've heard that you have beautiful handwriting, so let the other sisters take this opportunity to admire it, shall we?"
To everyone's surprise, Wu Lanyu stood up excitedly upon hearing this, but only after realizing she had lost her composure did she slowly and gracefully sit down again.
"It's getting late, and composing poetry would seem too pretentious."
Jiang Yan: "Is that so? Then, Madam Wu, what talent do you plan to perform for all of you ladies? You're all waiting."
Wu Lanyu glanced at Wang Qianqian.
Wang Qianqian seemed to be thinking about her own things and did not make eye contact with her, so she said.
“There was supposed to be a moon tonight, but it seems it won’t be coming out. To be honest, Your Highness, I have a hidden ailment that I can’t stand the night wind. So, it’s time to go back.” After saying this, Wu Lanyu stood up, and her maid quickly ran over to help her leave.
At this moment, Wang Qianqian, who had been silent until now, said, "Since Madam Wu has left, let's disperse as well."
Shen Qianqian remained silent, stood up, and followed Wang Qianqian.
Jiang Yan couldn't help but smile, and looked at the three ladies who had also stood up, saying, "No need for formalities, you can all go and rest."
The three ladies were taken aback for a moment, but they all bowed to her before leaving.
Once they had walked quite a distance, Huang Ying laughed and said, "Master, you're amazing! Look at those ladies, they were completely stunned by what you said."
Jiang Yan laughed and said, "It's not that I'm amazing, it's that my title of 'concubine' is amazing! But, Huang Ying, don't you feel that something's not right?"
"Something's not right?"
Jiang Yan stood up, but did not move immediately. Instead, he remained quietly in his place for a long while before speaking.
"I think the rumors about them are overblown!"
"Why do you think that way, Master?"
"Let's not talk about how well Wang Qianqian plays the pipa, but this Wu Lanyu is definitely not well-educated."
"What have you noticed, Master?"
Jiang Yan gestured to Huang Ying to walk and talk.
"Wu Lanyu was so proud when I mentioned her father, but when I asked her to compose a poem, she made excuses. Logically speaking, if she were truly as talented as the rumors suggested, she would have already shown off her talent. Why would she refuse?"
"Does Master mean that Madam Wu cannot compose poetry?"
Jiang Yan laughed and said, "Perhaps they look down on me and don't want to compose poetry in front of me, just like Madam Wang didn't want to play the pipa in front of me... Anyway, it doesn't matter, there will be plenty of opportunities to find out later."
"Yes, whatever you say, Master."
Jiang Yan couldn't help but laugh again, "That won't do. I still prefer the old you. You were thoughtful and could give me ideas."
"How could this servant possibly offer advice to you, my lord? I was just making things up," Huang Ying said somewhat embarrassedly.
Jiang Yan said, "Don't underestimate yourself like that. You are very thoughtful. In the future, say whatever comes to mind. Don't keep quiet, otherwise I won't know if there are any flaws in my ideas."
"My lady, I will do my best to help if I can."
"Okay, I'm glad to hear that."
Jiang Yan and Huang Ying chatted idly as they returned to Pear Blossom Residence.
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