Chapter 11 (1/2)
Chapter 11: Prince Chen
Even the coolly collected examiner was a bit surprised. “Will this gentleman be so kind as to elaborate on your answer?”
Jun Huang’s lips curled upwards as she slowly enunciated her response. “To use house rules to govern a home and a nation’s laws to govern a country. What is appropriate for the home is not for the land, and what is suitable for managing the entire world does not fit a kingdom.”
“Marvelous, how marvelous! The previous answer was as if a grain of rice vying with the moon for splendor!”
“I’d thought he was an arrogant c.o.c.k, but he actually possesses brilliance!”
The audience instantly became lively after Jun Huang delivered her answer. Many applauded her loudly and showered her with compliments. She took in the crowd’s reaction and looked sidelong at the examiner with a faint smile. “May I inquire if this lowly commoner’s response is satisfactory?”
“Well…” The examiner paused as he stroke his beard, not having reached a decision yet. Just then, a pageboy suddenly ran out from the Prince Chen Manor and bowed towards Jun Huang. “His Highness invites this gentleman inside.”
“He pa.s.sed, he pa.s.sed! He actually pa.s.sed!”
“The prince is personally receiving him, he’s going to soar into brilliance from now on!”
“Do any of you know who he is?”
The audience beneath the stage instantly ignited into an uproar, looking at Jun Huang with expressions of respect and admiration.
Jun Huang followed the pageboy into the manor, stopping in front of a pavilion after taking few turns. “Sir, the prince is inside.” The boy bowed and spoke respectfully.
“Thank you.” Jun Huang nodded and set out for the pavilion after the pageboy had left. The pavilion was situated in a pond, and the lotus flowers around it were in full bloom. Jun Huang was crossing the wooden bridge to reach the pavilion when the sounds of a zither abruptly rang out. The music hung in the air long after they had been played, resonating in her ears. Her steps slowed as she listened to the notes.
There was a zither with edges made of burned Chinese parasol wood 1 placed in the middle of the pavilion. A lit brazier was simmering beside it, and a man in luxurious clothing strumming away at the strings. He had black hair and was dressed in white clothes, with handsome features and a striking air about his face. He exuded a natural sense of n.o.bility, and the gentle melody pouring out from his fingertips added a trace of serenity and distance to him.
Jun Huang stood silently to the side, only making her greeting after Qi Chen had finished. “Your Highness is an open and forthright person. Although your music evokes a distant mindset, it is quite grand. Your Highness must be an amiable and easygoing person.”
“Oh? Does the gentlemen possess some knowledge of music?” Prince Chen gently arched an eyebrow but with a calm tone.
If it was said that the three questions Prince Chen had set before was the first test, then this performance was the second test. Jun Huang was well aware of this, but responded humbly, “My knowledge scratches but the surface.”
Prince Chen’s eyes creased in a smile, but he was inwardly shaking his head. He’d thought that this person would possess some wisdom, but who knew that he would be no different from the ones who’d come before?
Jun Huang’s lips curved into a smile as she slowly walked into the pavilion, leisurely building her explanation. “Your Highness’ song is one of peace and detachment, and it seems to speak of an otherworldliness that pertains to nature, but there is a towering and lofty vibrancy within it as well. It can be seen from this that although Your Highness appears to yearn for the countryside, in reality…” She suddenly paused here and stared directly at Qi Chen. “…your heart is in the imperial court.”
Qi Chen’s gaze sharpened as his expression changed slightly. “What is your name?”
“In response to Your Highness, this commoner is Feng Baiyu.” Jun Huang responded smoothly and performed a bow.