Su Zhirou was even more heartbroken: "After all, she is Princess Emerald, and her marriage was arranged by the Empress Dowager. Even if the Prince takes care of me, there's nothing he can do."
Qiao Yanru said indignantly, "Don't worry, Sister Rou'er, I'm not afraid of her. We'll settle our old scores and new grudges together."
Su Zhirou nodded. Qiao Yanru was always arrogant and good at playing tricks on people. With her in charge, it would be a good opportunity to test Zhong Muyu's abilities.
Zhong Muyu was wandering aimlessly in the garden when she spotted a very familiar figure under the shade of a tree.
A pang of pain shot through her heart, just as the figure turned around and saw her.
However, after only a quick glance, the person resumed chatting and laughing with those around them.
Shi Heng.
A name flashed through Zhong Muyu's mind.
He is Shi Xi's twin brother. The two look very alike, but their personalities are completely different.
Shi Xi was passionate about refined pursuits such as playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, antiques, and jade, which was why the original owner liked him. Shi Heng, on the other hand, enjoyed wielding swords and spears and was quite skilled in martial arts. Having spent many years training in the military, his skin was a bit darker.
Zhong Muyu suppressed the impulse that wasn't her own and turned to walk away.
Why think so much? The original owner got what she wanted and went to the Yellow Springs with Shi Xi. Now, it is Zhong Muyu who has this body.
Little did she know that after she walked away, Ji Xin'er, who was hiding in the shadows, also quietly withdrew.
Now everyone is scattered in the Hundred Flowers Garden, admiring the flowers in twos and threes. Before long, the maids brought out desserts, and everyone gathered together to eat and chat.
The party was arranged by the Crown Princess, and men and women were seated separately. The most attractive people at the party were undoubtedly the row of princes.
Zhong Muyu really couldn't understand why some of the princes' children were still staring at them so intently when the princes' children were already running around the garden.
If it were someone like the Crown Prince, who is elegant and has the charm of a mature man, that would be fine. But the entire Third Prince's family is so fat that they'd be crushed to death if you married into their family.
Of course, Zhong Muyu also noticed that Ji Xiner was staring at Lu Ziyuan.
Everyone has their own agenda and thoughts; it's just an unspoken understanding among us.
The Crown Princess was a very gentle-looking woman. Right now, she was smiling and saying, "Today is my private gathering, which is to enhance everyone's communication. There is no need to restrain yourself, just enjoy yourself. If you have any talents, you can show them off. There are many talented people here, and you can also give your opinions."
This was like a signal, and soon a young lady came out to play the pipa, winning praise from everyone.
Ji Xin'er said, "The pipa playing skills are truly superb, and it is truly admirable."
At this moment, Qiao Yanru chimed in, "Speaking of divine skill, Princess Yunni's zither playing is also extraordinary. We've heard about it before, but we've never actually heard it before!"
"Hehe! Since that's the case, then I'll make a fool of myself today."
Ji Xin'er covered her mouth and chuckled, seemingly very happy. Her performance was undoubtedly something many people had been looking forward to.
When the song ended, everyone cheered.
Only Lu Ziyuan remained indifferent. He disliked these gatherings because they were too formal, and he really didn't want to come unless absolutely necessary.
Ji Xin'er asked anxiously, "Your Highness, I wonder if my music has pleased your ears?"
"You played well."
He was unfamiliar with music, so naturally he couldn't come up with any fancy or elaborate vocabulary.
Ji Xin'er was clearly not satisfied with this answer, but seeing that Lu Ziyuan did not want to speak again, she could only go down and let someone else come up.
Soon, several more people came up to perform, but without exception, they all chose musical instruments.
The harp, zither, flute, xiao... none of them sounded alike. Zhong Muyu couldn't quite distinguish them, but they all sounded quite nice.
At this moment, Ji Xin'er said, "This banquet was truly worthwhile. It felt like participating in a grand musical event. I wonder if Princess Ling has any plans to perform?"
She knew Ji Xin'er wouldn't let her off easily.
Fortunately, she was prepared this time; she always had to be on guard against Ji Xin'er.
Everyone turned to look at her, and Qiao Yanru added fuel to the fire: "Everyone's talents today are musical instruments, why doesn't the Princess Consort of Ling perform a musical instrument as well? Woodworking and carving are ultimately out of place with this elegant atmosphere among the flowers."
Ji Xin'er said, "Princess Ling is not only skilled in carving, but also in painting. However, Miss Qiao is right, since we are all playing musical instruments today, Princess Ling, why don't you play one?"
These two men decided to take her as their girlfriend with just one sentence each, and neither of them allowed her to refuse!
Now that things had come to this, the Crown Princess spoke up: "Seventh sister-in-law, why don't you play a musical instrument as well? I remember you've been learning the zither. These days it's all the young people's turn to perform. If we were to perform, it would only be to amuse the children."
The Crown Princess spoke lightly, but her performance was really just so-so, which inevitably attracted gossip, especially from Ji Xin'er and Qiao Yanru, who were so good at making sarcastic remarks.
Zhong Muyu raised the corners of her mouth and stood up gracefully: "Since everyone has said so, it would seem petty of me not to show my appreciation. Very well, I will go and get my instrument now. Please wait a moment."
Upon hearing this, Lu Ziyuan and Su Zhirou were both surprised. They had come together, but they hadn't seen Zhong Muyu bring any musical instruments.
This time, Zhong Muyu returned quickly, carrying a special musical instrument in her arms.
The crowd whispered among themselves; none of them had ever seen this instrument before, while those who appreciated music were quite interested in it.
After greeting everyone, Zhong Muyu began to play quietly.
The melodious music, carrying an atmosphere that was no less than that of this era, came over Zhong Muyu. She never expected that her lyre, which had been sitting idle in the warehouse, would make its appearance in this way.
When the music ended, all was silent.
A moment later, some people couldn't help but start discussing it.
"The music is ethereal and unique; I have never heard music like this in my life."
"The listeners were all calmed down, wondering what kind of instrument it was."
"..."
Finally, someone boldly stood up and asked, "Your Highness, what instrument are you playing?"
Lyre.
"Lyra? Never heard of it."
The man sat down, looking bewildered. Qiao Yanru said with dissatisfaction, "What strange things are these? They're probably just using some kind of trick to fool people!"
Zhong Muyu raised an eyebrow: "Fooling people? Miss Qiao, tell me how I would fool people?"
"Your Highness is skilled in woodworking; you might have made this yourself. Anyone could play a beautiful tune on it!"
"Since Miss Qiao doesn't believe it, why don't you try it yourself?"
Seeing her so composed, Qiao Yanru hesitated. She had no talent in music and dared not make a move.
"No need for that, thank you for your kindness, Your Highness."
At this banquet, Lu Ziyuan seized upon another key point: Zhong Muyu was skilled in carpentry.
It's quite surprising that a young lady raised in the palace would know how to do carpentry. Is it now fashionable for young ladies in the capital to learn carpentry?
Before he could figure it out, Ji Xin'er spoke up.
"Your Highness's skill is superb, but I have a question: where did Your Highness obtain this musical instrument?"
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