Chapter 312: Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet (6) (1/2)

Chapter 312: Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet (6)

Everyone was tasting the fine wine while enjoying the song and dance. Groups of twos and threes broke out in scattered conversation throughout the hall. Chu Qingge’s loud voice wouldn’t have attracted much notice, but she got everyone’s attention as soon as she said ‘Qin Wangfei.’ There was no helping it. Han Yunxi was a central figure in everything. Moreover, the person by her side had caused such a ruckus at this banquet that it’d be hard-pressed to find anyone not interested in her name. Once again, the lively audience hall fell silent. Emperor Tianhui and the empress dowager looked at Chu Qingge as well. This was exactly what she wanted!

Han Yunxi found herself somewhat at a loss. She knew Chu Qingge would find a chance to get revenge for what had happened at the restaurant, but she never expected the girl to call her out here. She had no idea what she was thinking. This might be the empress dowager’s birthday banquet, but it was really a place for men to talk. Why was she, as a female, making such a fuss?

“What is it?” she asked coldly.

“Qin Wangfei’s talents are the top in Tianning. Even our Princess Duan was defeated at your hands. Nowadays, all of Cloud Realm Continent says that Princess Duan’s talents can’t be compared to Qin Wangfei,” Chu Qingge said with a smile.

By her side, Duanmu Baiye’s face immediately turned dark. What is this woman doing? Why is she bringing up Yao Yao now of all times? Hasn’t Yao Yao lost enough face?

Chu Tianyin furrowed his eyebrows and tugged harshly at Chu Qingge, but she simply ignored him to keep talking. “Such talents include things like poetry, singing, qin playing, calligraphy, and painting. It’s a pity that esteemed wangfei only bested Princess Duan in poetry composition.”

Duanmu Baiye’s expression cleared up at these words, like a moon breaking out from behind the clouds. He suddenly realized that this was a prime opportunity to recover Yao Yao’s face! After all, the ice beauty Chu Qingge typically disdained competing in martial arts skills or going to female get-togethers. But her talents vastly exceeded that of Yao Yao’s. She could be considered the true number one gifted female of Western Zhou. Her words were clearly meant as a challenge for Han Yunxi!

Han Yunxi would definitely lose against her!

Han Yunxi remained looking coldly at Chu Qingge without saying a word in reply. Chu Qingge simply pressed her on with each sentence. “Qingge invites Qin Wangfei to play a piece to showcase Qin Wangfei’s qin skills. It could be considered a gift to amuse Esteemed Empress Dowager on her birthday as well!”

A mocking lilt rose in Han Yunxi’s lips. It was obvious that this girl wanted to compete in the qin with her to seek revenge for Duanmu Yao! Look at her skilled words. In the space of a few sentences, she’s even pulled the empress dowager to her side. Moreover, the empress dowager was currently distressing over the fact that she couldn’t get back at Han Yunxi. Chu Qingge’s suggestion interested her immediately.

Before Han Yunxi could speak up, the empress dowager slapped the table. “Good! A fine idea. I’ve heard of Qin Wangfei’s talented name spreading throughout the world as well. Today, I’ll use this chance to see for myself.”

“Esteemed Empress Dowager, how about the two of us take turns to play accompaniment to this Flourishing Peach Blossom dance?” Chu Qingge quickly suggested.

“Perfect, perfect!” the empress dowager was very happy. If there were two performances, there could be comparisons, and with that, judging. Naturally, she’d give Han Yunxi a poor score. It wasn’t easy to perform together with an ensemble, either. One of the hardest qin skills was to play accompaniment to a live performance. This not only tested the player’s qin skills, but her musicality and artistic style as well. A qin player had to reach a certain high level before they could accomplish the feat. Typical players started studying the instrument while they were still primary-school age. They also needed professional instruction from court musicians, or else they wouldn’t know what to do. Of course the Chu Clan could afford to hire music teachers of their own, but as for Han Yunxi’s family…heheheh. Both Chu Qingge and the empress dowager were certain that Han Yunxi didn’t know how to play a qin!

Truly, Han Yunxi had no idea. Forget about playing accompaniment, she couldn’t even read notation for music from the past.

“Yunxi, come, come. Play a tune to cheer me up,” the empress dowager said, half-joking, half-commanding. She had no way to throw aside her face and ask for presents outright, so she had been helpless against Long Feiye and the other guests who hadn’t given gifts. But no matter how strong the Duke of Qin was, or how rebellious Han Yunxi turned, there was no way either of them could disobey a direct command at her birthday banquet.

Han Yunxi hesitated for a long time before she replied, “Esteemed Empress Dowager, how about Miss Chu goes first!”

Both Chu Qingge and the empress dowager were secretly delighted with her reply. If Han Yunxi was in such sore straits now, there was bound to be a show to see later.

“Esteemed Empress Dowager, Qingge will have to display her poor performance,” Chu Qingge said modestly, though she couldn’t wait to show off her skills. Since Long Feiye was here tonight, she’d seize the chance to attract his attention. She’d been waiting for this opportunity since forever. Today, I’m going to let Long Feiye know that I’m tons better than Han Yunxi!

A precious zither was carried to the audience hall. Once Chu Qingge took her seat, all the other musicians stopped playing. The group of pink-robed dancers surrounded her on all sides. Chu Qingge was dressed in ethereal white robes that gave off a chilly air. The contrast between her clothes and the pink dresses of the dancers were like an illusory dream. She seemed fresh and refined amongst them like a celestial fairy who had descended from the Heavens into a grove of peach blossom trees. Everyone who saw her were intoxicated with the sight. Even Emperor Tianhui found himself interested in the girl. As always, Long Feiye was the sole exception. He poured himself some wine, seemingly lost in his own world as he completely ignored the beautiful scene of the girl and her instrument.

When Chu Qingge saw that Long Feiye wasn’t looking at her, she resentfully started playing. Today, she was definitely going to attract his attention! With a single note, the dancers came to life. Chu Qingge was wholly absorbed in her music. She didn’t have the dancers accompany her melody, but used her music to accompany their movements. It was the same Flourishing Peach Blossom dance as before, but the music was completely different. It took its listeners from a frigid winter with its dreary, desolate air into the joyful warmth of spring and its blossoming flowers. The joyous melody continued until spring came to an end. Flower petals scattered and fell, leaving a sentimental, yet sorrowful tune in the air. Together, the dance and music made a stirring combination, creating something far superior than the original score.

Everyone grew entranced as they watched and listened. After Chu Qingge finished her final note, the dancers stopped. Slowly, the people recovered their senses as well. The empress dowager clapped her hands together and exclaimed, “Good! Most excellent!”

There were sighs of admiration and spoken praises from the crowd. But Chu Qingge only had Long Feiye in her eyes–the same man who hadn’t spared her a glance throughout the entire song. She was extremely disappointed! Standing up, she faced Han Yunxi and said, “Esteemed wangfei, it’s your turn now.”

Maybe Long Feiye will only know how well I played if there’s someone else to compare with.