"Next, Princess Chen of Dong Chu will perform on the Moon Lute ’Defeat Army,’" announced Elder Hai loudly.
What kind of instrument was the Moon Lute?
The crowd, including the judges, looked at each other in bewilderment, clearly none had heard of or seen such an instrument before.
After wiping her mouth and hands with the kerchief Mo Mei handed to her, Yang Mengchen smiled at Long Xuanmo, took the instrument wrapped in cloth from Hai Tang, walked to the center of the field, sat on the stool, unfolded the cloth, and tuned the strings for a sound check.
As everyone was curiously observing this novel and unique instrument, a ’zeng’ sound suddenly emanated, carrying a heavy, mournful air with an ancient and solemn vibe that rushed over them.
The music now deep, now soaring, made the listeners feel as though they were in the midst of a bloody battle where life was devastated and rivers ran with blood. They were trapped and struggling in despair, unwillingness, and anger... All these intense emotions flooded them, yet they couldn’t help but yearn for redemption.
A young man dressed in white battle robes, like a god riding a fine horse, appeared as if from nowhere, leading brave warriors into combat against the enemy. The sounds of drums, the clash of swords, the din of battle... were unceasing, so mighty and grand, so fierce and heroic.
The young man and the soldiers fought valiantly, spilling blood as they carved a path through the enemy, eventually breaking free from despair and emerging reborn.
The music abruptly paused, then slowly became more somber, imbued with a mournful and desolate tone. It seemed the listeners could see the young man lying quietly in bed, his body covered with wounds, his white battle robes stained bright red. Everyone felt a heart-wrenching pain and prayed fervently for the young man’s safety.
Then, the music soared again, not only was the young man safe and unharmed, but he also led them to defeat the enemy and usher in a peaceful and prosperous era. The crowds’ hearts leapt with joy and surged with passion.
When the music stopped, Yang Mengchen held the Moon Lute and bowed to the Emperor, the judges, and everyone else before returning to her seat.
With her music, she intended to remind the subjects of Dong Chu that their peaceful and joyous lives were obtained through Long Xuanmo’s bloodshed and battles from years past.
At the same time, she warned those within the country and from the three nations who sought to oppose Dong Chu and Long Xuanmo to weigh carefully if they could bear the consequences.
All were still immersed in the music’s intense solemnity and emotional upheavals; they couldn’t pull themselves away and remembered the war that had raged over a decade ago. If not for Prince Chen’s bravery, Dong Chu would have faced grave danger, and the white battle robes he wore when he went to war seemed to flash before their eyes. freewēbnoveℓ.com
For a moment, the competition hall was enveloped in silence.
It was not until a clap broke the silence that everyone regained their composure, and then the clapping became excited and fervent, as if to reach the heavens.
Prince Duan and Prince Jing felt a tremor of fear, their expressions fluctuating wildly as their fists clenched so tightly that their nails dug into their flesh, yet they felt no pain.
Qi Zonghao’s eyes glinted with a predatory light, full of determination to win. A woman who had never set foot on a battlefield could exude such power—it was truly impressive. Of course, only such a woman was worthy to stand by his side and share the view of the world below them.
Wu Zhenglie and Xiahou Muyang silently celebrated their wisdom in choosing to ally with Prince Chen and Princess Chen instead of opposing them.
The Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Empress were overjoyed within, while maintaining a solemn and dignified exterior.
daughter-in-law Jiujiu truly had astounded them all with her performance!
Those close to her applauded vigorously, and a few children shouted chants of support, resembling the image of Rong Youyan.
And Long Xuanmo gazed deeply at his beloved wife, understanding and proud of her efforts. To have such a wife in his life, what more could he ask for?
The audience was still savoring Yang Mengchen’s performance and had little interest in listening to the remaining two contestants, who quickly played their pieces and returned to their seats.
Without a doubt, Yang Mengchen once again won first place in the instrumental competition, with Hai Ruofeng second, and Princess Yashuang third.
Qi Qiuxin finally secured fourth place, while Su Manru was seventh.
Next came the singing competition, with contestants performing in the same order as before. The songs were either melodious and refined, novel and unique, or bold and unrestrained, delighting everyone’s ears.
"Princess, you’re up next," Hai Tang whispered softly.
Yang Mengchen nodded, glanced over at Long Xuanmo and Chu Dieyi (Chu Dieyi had already come over in accordance with her turn), they both smiled back at her, and at the sound of Old Hai’s voice, all three walked towards the stage together.
With Long Xuanmo’s chilling and refined elegance, Yang Mengchen’s pure and unearthly beauty, and Chu Dieyi’s valiant and charismatic vigor, the three together were a perfect and beautiful match. The spectators opened their eyes wide and couldn’t help but admire.
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