The next day, in Yijing Garden, the sun shone on the lake from the right, causing the water to sparkle and ripple.
The pomegranate flowers on the shore are in full bloom, with green leaves and red flowers, which are dazzling and gorgeous.
In the long pavilion, the concubines who arrived early were chatting in groups of three or four, and there were exquisite snacks on the long table.
The concubines who could play music brought musical instruments with them and would never miss the opportunity to perform in front of Emperor Xuanwu.
Gao Shurong touched Sheng Xiyan's hair and said, "Sister Sheng, your hair is so black and soft, just like clouds."
"Yes, it smells nice and shiny. How do you maintain it?" Lin Xiuyi asked.
Sheng Xiyan waved her round fan gently and said with a smile, "Come to my place to play on the swing someday. I'll give you a recipe for black hair. Apply it internally and externally, and you'll see the effect in a few months."
"Really? That's great. I have thin hair and many hairstyles don't look good on me."
Concubine Min came over, holding the pipa, and said, "Greetings to the three sisters."
She had her hair in a bun today, which made her petite figure look taller. The four of them started chatting and laughing together.
The one playing the guqin opposite is Concubine Xue.
Lin Xiuyi whispered, "Xue Jieyu's guqin was already famous in the capital before she entered the palace. She's probably the winner today."
Concubine Min was wiping the strings of the zither gently with a silk handkerchief.
Concubine Xue tuned the strings and said modestly, "Sister Min's pipa was even praised by the Emperor. This pipa is truly exquisite. May I admire it?"
Because of her high position and gentle attitude, Concubine Min came over with her pipa to practice with her.
Xue Jieyu picked up the pipa and said with a smile, "When I see the strings, my hands itch and I want to pluck them a few times."
Sheng Xiyan had not had much contact with Concubine Xue, but when she recalled the day when she was with Shen Wanrong in the Imperial Garden, the tone of her voice was completely different from her humble tone today, and she couldn't help but feel that she was a little abnormal today.
Empress Duan was still in confinement after giving birth, and the four virtuous concubines arrived late.
Concubine Jia is wearing an exquisite and gorgeous dance dress. Is she going to dance? Of course she is.
Concubine Liang said with a smile, "Last time at the Lotus Appreciation Banquet, my sister came up empty-handed. Today, I will definitely take first place and make the Emperor fall in love with her at first sight."
Concubine Jia glanced at Sheng Xiyan with disdain, "That's right, I will not let that bitch steal the limelight today."
Sheng Xiyan pretended not to hear and drank the fruit tea.
Dun Guiyuan arrived late today and sat next to Xue Jieyu opposite. She looked at Sheng Xiyan meaningfully, her eyes provocative and arrogant.
Sheng Xiyan could tell from Dun Guiyuan's expression that the fish had taken the bait.
Gao Shurong said with a smile, "Sister Sheng, you may not know this since you entered the palace late. Our emperor is very kind. Whenever there is a banquet, the winner will receive a reward, or he will grant the winner a wish."
Sheng Xiyan nodded, Xuan Ling was indeed an emperor with high taste.
Just as I took a nibble at a piece of milk cake, I heard my father-in-law shout, "The Emperor has arrived!"
Emperor Xuanwu's tall and graceful figure is one of the best in the capital.
He was seven feet eight inches tall, with broad shoulders and narrow hips.
Today she wore a blue dragon cherry pearl crown, a slim-fitting dark blue ancient satin with a golden dragon pattern over a beige gauze robe, and a large white marble belt around her waist that outlined her slender waist.
His eyes were cold and sharp, his eyebrows were slightly raised, his lips were slightly pursed, his handsome profile was angular, and his whole body exuded the aura of a king who was feared by the world.
"May the emperor be blessed with good health." The concubines bowed respectfully and greeted him.
Xuan Ling took his seat and said solemnly, "Everyone, please sit down."
His dark eyes then swept over the woman on his left who was wearing a honey-colored hibiscus flower dress.
The hair is standing tall and the spring peach blossoms are brushing against the face.
It looks like a cool lotus flower, and also like a rich peony flower.
Xuan Ling lowered the corner of her mouth. She didn't even look at him. She was waving her round fan, and no one knew what she was thinking.
After greeting, Eunuch Fu said with a smile, "Today, the Emperor will mainly be discussing music with the other ladies. The prize for the winner is a top-notch piece crafted by a famous artist in the capital—a golden step-shaking ornament with red jade beads and kingfisher feathers."
The eunuch in front of the emperor brought a sandalwood brocade box. When it was opened, what caught the eyes of the concubines was the exquisitely carved and dazzling golden hairpin.
"Oh my god, this is so beautiful."
"The beads on the step-shaking ornaments are crystal clear and round oriental pearls. They will be so sparkling and beautiful when worn."
Xuan Ling glanced at Sheng Xiyan. She looked like a precious, quiet, and arrogant little kitten, eating snacks elegantly, as if she was isolated from the world.
He raised his thin lips slightly and said, "Girl, you are still pretending, but your mind must be in a mess."
Her lipstick today seemed to be coral with a hint of orange? It formed a sharp contrast with the peach-colored lotus pastry she was eating.
Xuan Ling couldn't help but stare at her for a while longer.
Concubine Jia stepped forward to block the view and said delicately, "Your Majesty, today I performed a dance instead of an instrument. I will still be rewarded, right?"
Xuan Ling nodded slightly, and Concubine Jia excitedly walked forward and wanted to throw herself into his arms.
Xuan Ling held up a glass of wine to block her.
"My dear, go to the open space and wait for the music to start so you can dance."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Concubine Jia is already a flamboyant and gorgeous girl, and today she is the most outstanding one in the whole audience. Her layered dance skirt looks like a large lotus flower.
Xuan Ling took the black xiao with dragon pattern from the brocade box. His fingers were slender and powerful, with joints distinct like pearls, exuding a deep restraint and noble aura.
Several concubines who brought musical instruments immediately put their hands on the strings.
The solemn and profound sound of the xiao sounded first, followed by the melodious guqin, and then the lively pipa...
Concubine Jia danced gracefully, her figure soft and graceful.
The entire Yijing Garden was filled with beautiful and ethereal music.
In less than a moment, with a "snap" sound, a string of Min Guiren's pipa broke, and she had to give up in frustration.
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