Though Ye Li found it rather dull, the Hundred Flowers Festival was the most prestigious annual event for noble young ladies across the Great Chu, and naturally, it had its unique highlights. When the banquet was cleared away and Princess Zhaoyang had the prizes for the festival's winners brought out, Ye Li was somewhat surprised—and then understanding—to see the previously composed and elegant young ladies reveal eager expressions. Every girl present came from a noble family and had seen countless treasures since childhood. For them to be moved, the prizes had to be extraordinary. More importantly, winning such prizes would bring them immense prestige, elevating them above their peers both in their maiden homes and future marital households. The appearance of several individuals beside the princess only made the hearts of these unmarried young ladies flutter even more.
This year, the judges Princess Zhaoyang had invited were clearly figures of great influence. Among the six men and one woman seated at the tables beside her, the only one Ye Li recognized was the cold-faced Prince Li, Mo Jingli. Then there was that flamboyantly smiling man in brocade robes who inexplicably grinned at her. Though it lasted only a moment, Ye Li was certain she hadn’t imagined it—that man had indeed smiled at her, and it wasn’t just a polite greeting. Who was that man in red? She leaned over and whispered to Qin Zheng.
Since only one of the seven was dressed in red, Qin Zheng immediately knew whom she meant. Covering her lips, she replied softly, "That’s Feng Zhiyao, the third son of the Feng family in the capital. They say he’s a libertine and was born to a concubine, so the Feng family head dislikes him. There were rumors a few years ago that the family head wanted to cast him out. But his zither skills are truly unmatched in the capital."
Noticing their hushed conversation, Murong Ting also leaned in with a smile. "Princess Zhaoyang has really gone all out this year, inviting so many famous figures."
Hua Tianxiang maintained a dignified gaze forward but chimed in, "This year’s prizes are quite lavish too—the Beauty-Preserving Pearl, the Purple Phoenix Hairpin, and the late emperor’s Snow Sound Zither. If my zither skills weren’t slightly inferior to Ye Ying’s, I’d be tempted to compete." She sighed wistfully as she admired the Snow Sound Zither displayed at the front—the third-ranked of the five most renowned zithers in existence, a treasure coveted by every zither enthusiast.
Ye Li sighed even more regretfully. "I haven’t touched a zither in years."
The four exchanged glances and shrugged helplessly before turning their attention back to the prizes and the people on the stage. Qin Zheng continued quietly introducing the distinguished guests to Ye Li. "Among those seated up there, the elderly gentleman is the Imperial Academy’s Chancellor, Lord Su Zhe—also the current emperor’s teacher. If not for Princess Zhaoyang’s influence, he likely wouldn’t have attended. The others include Mo Jian, the top scholar of the previous imperial examination and now the Vice Minister of Personnel; Mu Yang, heir to the Marquis of Muyang; and Leng Qingyu, the eldest son of the Northern Garrison General’s household."Ye Li's gaze subtly swept over the people Qin Zheng had mentioned, committing each to memory. Who was that woman? While she'd never considered Ye Ying's beauty particularly breathtaking, Ye Li had always acknowledged her sister was quite beautiful. Yet today's outing revealed that Ye Ying's title as the capital's top beauty seemed rather precarious. Not to mention Qixia Princess from Nanzhao, even Hua Tianxiang's looks could rival Ye Ying's. Qin Zheng possessed delicate features complemented by the refined elegance of her scholarly background—a charm Ye Ying's delicate beauty couldn't match. Several other women at the banquet were equally outstanding. How had Ye Ying maintained her top beauty title all these years with such narrow margins?
Her attention turned to the woman on the platform—stunningly beautiful with an alluring charm, sitting composedly between two men, exuding a charisma completely unlike conventional noble ladies.
Qin Zheng wore an odd expression before hesitantly explaining, "That... is Yao Ji from Alluring City Quarter. Renowned for both qin and dance—compared to her, Ye Ying's dancing isn't worth watching. Moreover..." She spoke awkwardly, "She's quite acquainted with both Marquis Muyang's heir and Third Master Feng." Understanding dawned on Ye Li about the woman's identity. Observing Yao Ji sitting between the two men, chatting and laughing with sparkling eyes and effortless grace, Ye Li couldn't help but admire her as a remarkable woman.
As the four conversed, Princess Zhaoyang announced the official start of the Hundred Flowers Festival competition. Ye Li had wondered how so many events—qin, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, song, and dance—could proceed simultaneously. Yet everyone seemed familiar with the process. Tables with writing materials were arranged at the venue's periphery for ladies participating in calligraphy, painting, or poetry. Maids brought forth various musical instruments, positioning themselves at the front sides while leaving the central space open for dance performances. Ye Li silently praised the event organizers' thoughtful arrangements—no forced participation in every category spared those less skilled from embarrassment.
Beside Princess Zhaoyang, both Qixia Princess and Ronghua Junzhu rose simultaneously. The latter headed toward the writing tables while Qixia Princess moved to the central stage—clearly intending to dance. Meanwhile, Ye Ying positioned herself by a qin, her slender fingers plucking enchanting melodies.
"Qixia Princess seems determined to challenge Ye Ying," Murong Ting remarked with amusement. "Everyone knows dance is Ye Ying's forte—this is clearly the princess making a statement."
Hua Tianxiang admired Qixia Princess's graceful movements, praising, "Nanzhao people excel in song and dance, especially their top beauty. Today might see Qixia Princess outshining all." The princess's dance blended passionate exotic flair with Chu nobility's dignified elegance, making Ye Ying—who hadn't yet performed—appear inferior in attire alone. Murong Ting agreed, nodding, "In dance, only Yao Ji could surpass Qixia Princess. This round, Ye Ying will surely lose."Ye Ying was no ordinary person either. Despite Qixia Princess's formidable skills, she remained remarkably composed. Qin Zheng reminded them.
Hua Tianxiang chuckled, "If she didn't have this much ability, Ye Ying wouldn’t dare show her face. Since the dance was destined to be lost, she naturally had to stabilize her zither performance at all costs."
Ye Li frowned, "I fear Qixia Princess came prepared." Though she was no longer a sniper in this life, her sharp eyesight remained unaffected. Ye Li didn’t miss the fleeting cold smirk Qixia Princess cast toward Ye Ying.
Murong Ting gasped, "Don’t tell me Qixia Princess’s zither skills surpass Ye Ying’s as well."
Hua Tianxiang shook her head, "If that were the case, Qixia Princess would have competed in zither first before dancing. Dancing is extremely taxing—playing the zither afterward would easily affect her performance. Listen to Ye Ying’s melody."
The originally melodious and graceful zither music suddenly surged upward, the tempo turning rapid and fervent. Qixia Princess’s elegant figure moved even faster, her sleeves fluttering like a storm scattering blossoms across the field.
Clearly, Ye Ying had likely noticed this too—or perhaps she sensed the threat posed by Qixia Princess’s skill.
The audience on the viewing platform also detected the shift below. Princess Zhaoyang frowned slightly, her gaze toward Ye Ying turning cold. Yao Ji, who had been gracefully reclining while admiring Qixia Princess’s dance, suddenly let out a soft laugh. She turned her head toward the stern-faced Mo Jingli and said with a smile, "Li Wang Dianxia, your future Princess Li is truly extraordinary. Yao Ji admires her." Mo Jingli remained expressionless, not even sparing her a glance, though his brow furrowed slightly. In his eyes, Yao Ji, born from a pleasure house, was unworthy of addressing him—let alone deserving a response. Unbothered by his disregard, Yao Ji’s eyes sparkled as she continued sweetly, "The capital’s top beauty indeed lives up to her reputation, though she seems to lack a bit of hospitality."
Yao Ji’s voice wasn’t loud, but Ye Ying’s seat happened to be closest to the viewing platform. Her words reached Ye Ying’s ears with deliberate clarity. Even Su Zhe, the Grand Academician who had remained silent until now, let out a faint scoff. If Ye Ying could ignore Yao Ji’s remarks, Su Zhe’s reaction sent a tremor through her heart. Her once-fluid fingering faltered momentarily, though she quickly recovered. Seated beside Yao Ji, Feng Zhiyao gradually frowned and remarked lightly, "I had thought that after a year, Princess Li’s zither skills would have improved. Who would have guessed…"
Those in front naturally couldn’t hear the conversation, and though Ye Li was skilled in lip-reading, she had no intention of sharing it with others. Thus, what Qin Zheng and the others witnessed was Ye Ying finishing her piece with a complexion even paler than Qixia Princess’s after being outmaneuvered in the dance. Qixia Princess, ending her performance with flawless poise, shot Ye Ying a fierce glare before returning to Princess Zhaoyang’s side. The faint sheen of sweat at her temples betrayed that she hadn’t been as composed as she appeared. After all, the abrupt shift in Ye Ying’s melody—both before and after—had been too sudden. That she hadn’t embarrassed herself on the spot was solely due to her exceptional dance skills and adaptability. To dare scheme against her—she would make her pay!
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