Chapter 101 (1/2)

Chapter 101 Cloud Nine: Embarra.s.sment

“My greetings, Gentleman Yun and Master Zhou.” Feng Luodi smiled as she curtsied in return.

When was I ever so welcomed by the people of Chang'an? It was the complete opposite just one year ago, in the hall of Moonglade! Is it because of my relations.h.i.+p with elder brother?

“Your musical talent has charmed everyone in the music scene; you should believe in your own ability.” Jiang Moyin smiled, noticing the frown upon Feng Luodi's face. “The wine offered during the gathering isn't strong at all; you don't need to worry about that.”

“Hey! Are you making fun of me?” Feng Luodi laughed a little, scanning the crowd that had gathered in the estate. Meanwhile, Gan Qingjia and Qi Jianqiu had quit their staring game and each found themselves a place by Linglong and Crystal respectively.

Jiang Moyin smiled. “Now that they're gone, we can finally have a good chat. Let's just let the two of them stay there, shall we?”

Feng Luodi smiled and nodded in agreement. Those two just can't keep it down every time they meet, huh?

Beside them, Xue Yiqi raised his cup to his lips awkwardly. Did I just get ignored by the two of them? Argh…if Situ was here today, I'd at least have someone to talk to. But then again, I'm only here to see…her. His gaze landed on the girl dressed in red sitting beside Crystal, still engaged in an energetic banter with Gan Qingjia.

Finally, the host of the gathering had arrived. Gentleman Fang was over sixty years old, but his age did not show in his step. His laughter was hearty and good-natured.

“It is my pleasure to invite all of you maestros here today. We might not be familiar with each other yet, but we can take the opportunity to introduce ourselves later. This is how the gathering will go: drums will be played at the side, and a goblet will float along the stream as the beat is being played. The person in front of the goblet when the beat stops will finish the wine in the goblet and play a song for us.” Gentleman Fang bowed, and the guests quickly returned his greeting.

Just as the gathering was to begin, a shout came from outside the estate.

“Let's welcome, the arrival of Princess Shangrong!”

The crowd looked in the direction of the gates and sure enough, Princess Shangrong, the Emperor's favourite daughter, stepped into the estate. The crowd's reactions were mixed. The few admirers of the princess were undoubtedly delighted by her presence, but the maestros at the gathering frowned instead. Princess Shangrong is indeed beautiful, but what does she know of music? It seems…weird that she is here today.

Chu Huaicai and Chu Xiaoxiao followed half-step behind the princess. They were surprised at the reception their arrival had gotten. Why do most of these people look so unwelcoming?

“What is with this reception? Gentleman Fang, do you not welcome my presence?” Princess Shangrong could indeed hold her own at such public events, her words carrying an undeniable authority.

Gentleman Fang was stunned for a second, but he quickly recovered and smiled. “My apologies for not antic.i.p.ating your arrival, your Highness.” The crowd bowed in accordance. “Our greetings, your Highness.”

“Mmmmm.” Liu Shang waved her sleeve in the air and turned to Gentleman Fang. “Where is my seat?”

Gentleman Fang smiled genially. “Where will you like to seat, your Highness?”

Liu Shang scanned the crowd, frowning when she did not see Situ at the gathering. She walked forward aimlessly and her gaze landed on Feng Luodi on the opposite side of the stream. She pointed to Gentleman Cen's seat across from Feng Luodi.

“I want to sit here.”

Gentleman Cen's expression darkened for a split second, but he quickly recovered and got to his feet. “It is my honour, your Highness.”

Chu Huaicai and Chu Xiaoxiao shot a look at Scholar Gao, who quickly stood up as well. “Please have my seat, Commandery Princess and Heir of Huaiyang.”

The three of them took the seat naturally, completely oblivious to the tension in the air.

Gentleman Fang smiled apologetically at the two maestros. “I'll find you a seat immediately.”

“No need for that, Gentleman Fang.” Jiang Moyin called out to them across the stream. “You can join me at my table if you'll like.” He got up from his table and moved to Feng Luodi's side instead, Xue Yiqi quickly following suit.

“Thank you kindly, Grand Tutor Jiang.” The two maestros bowed at Jiang Moyin.

Gentleman Fang smiled and turned to face the guests. “Let the gathering begin!” The drummer in a corner of the estate started a beat against the drum.

Qi Jianqiu grumbled under her breath. “How imprudent! Does she still think that she's in the palace? Gentleman Fang is a respectable scholar, one that even his Majesty respects. His gathering is not a place where someone like her can does as she pleases.”

Crystal smiled as she poured a cup of tea, whispering as she pa.s.sed it to Qi Jianqiu. “Be careful of your words, Miss Qi. Some might make a mountain out of a molehill with them.”

Qi Jianqiu grinned as she sipped the tea. “Don't worry about that. Whoever wants to stir up such rumours can do as they want; I have no time for such people.” Crystal smiled, knowing that her words are the truth. With a Minister as her father and her sister as a favourite of the Emperor, Qi Jianqiu was of a respectable status.