Xiao Jinglin took the initiative to approach the Princess Consort and said she would perform, which surprised the Princess Consort, who knew her daughter's temperament well. However, she was quite pleased with this outcome. As long as Xiao Jinglin was willing to take the stage, the scene wouldn’t be too embarrassing.
Ren Yaoqi smiled and said, "I only found out after accidentally seeing the Commandery Princess dance once before."
Xiao Jinglin said expressionlessly, "Let’s get started quickly." Xiao Jinglin didn’t feel nervous; she just felt a bit awkward. After years of martial arts training, she had never imagined she could use it to entertain her elders.
The Princess Consort looked at Xiao Jinglin and then at Ren Yaoqi, asking with concern, "Do you need to prepare anything else?"
Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment and asked, "Is there a qin in the villa? I didn’t bring mine."
The Princess Consort smiled and said, "That’s a small matter."
With that, she turned and instructed Nanny Xin, "Go and fetch my qin." Nanny Xin immediately obeyed and left.
Ren Yaoqi hurriedly expressed her thanks.
The Princess Consort asked them a few more detailed questions until Qiluo came over and said that the Old Princess Consort and the others had changed clothes and returned, and it was almost time. Only then did the Princess Consort pat their hands and turn to take her seat.
Nanny Xin brought two maidservants to place a qin on the qin table in the center of the venue. Many of the young ladies present were well-informed, and someone immediately recognized it as an ancient qin.
"Oh? It’s the 'Taigu Yiyin,'" Qiu Hong remarked.
When Ren Yaoqi walked over and saw the qin Nanny Xin had brought, she was also surprised. She remembered borrowing Xiao Jingxi’s "Dasheng Yiyin" when she was at the Yanbei Prince's Mansion, but the one before her was the "Taigu Yiyin," which was equally renowned as the "Dasheng Yiyin."
Nanny Xin smiled and said, "This was found by the Second Young Master for the Princess Consort. She treasures it dearly and usually keeps it well stored."
Ren Yaoqi quickly said, "Thank you, Princess Consort."
Nanny Xin smiled and left with the maidservants.
Ren Yaoqi ignored the many curious and probing gazes fixed on her. She lowered her head to adjust the strings, then turned to glance at Xiao Jinglin, who nodded at her.
Ren Yaoqi turned back and slowly lowered her eyes. In the blink of an eye, her demeanor changed. This aura was not sharp or aggressive; it even gave people a feeling of being bathed in a gentle breeze. Yet, it involuntarily drew everyone’s attention, and even their breathing softened, as if afraid of disturbing something.
Ren Yaoqi seemed completely unaware of the changes around her. She plucked the strings, and the sound of the qin flowed from her fingertips, sometimes low and serene, sometimes clear and distant, captivating all who listened.
The surroundings fell into silence. Gradually, it seemed as if the sound of wind could be heard in the ears, drawing nearer and nearer, like a mournful whisper.
Suddenly, the sorrowful cry of a wild goose pierced the emptiness, echoing for a long time. As far as the eye could see, the scene was desolate.
Wild grass swayed in the mournful wind, amidst broken walls and ruins.
The qin music suddenly lowered, becoming urgent and resounding. The neighing of horses and the shouts of men could faintly be heard, along with the solemn sounds of weapons and armor.
At that moment, a corner of an extremely bright and beautiful skirt fluttered in the wind. The girl’s stunning face was faintly visible amidst the swirling sand, like an evening glory flower blooming to its fullest and most beautiful. With her graceful figure and light steps, she walked over a path of piled bones and flowing rivers of blood, treading through flashes of blades and shadows of swords.The sound of the zither gradually softened, like clouds rising and snow flying, pearls falling onto a jade plate. The snow-white short sword in the girl's hand resembled a precious ribbon, impossibly light and gentle, devoid of any killing intent, evoking only elegance and even a solemn, sacrificial dignity.
Everyone's gaze was drawn to the agile figure dancing in the center, as if she were the only one left between heaven and earth.
But just then, the zither's melody shifted abruptly—like a silver screen suddenly shattering, the sound tearing through silk, its sharp and fierce aura tightening the hearts of all present.
The swordplay of the dancing girl also transformed with the music, swift as Yi shooting down nine suns, graceful as a group of immortals riding dragons. It came like thunder gathering its fury, and ceased like a river and sea condensing into clear light.
A series of sharp, piercing notes from the zither cut through the air, followed by a flash of snowy sword light.
At that moment, the zither's melody came to an abrupt halt, and the dancing girl also stopped her movements.
The hall fell into silence. Everyone stared at Xiao Jinglin, who had sheathed her sword, and Ren Yaoqi, who was rising from behind the zither table, unable to snap out of their daze. They were all still immersed in the atmosphere of the performance.
Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin, however, exchanged a smile. This was their first collaboration, without even time to practice, yet the result was unexpectedly perfect.
Although Xiao Jinglin did not fully understand the zither, she could interpret every note and every subtle expression from Ren Yaoqi, moving her sword in perfect harmony with the music. Their coordination was seamless.
Was this what they called a kindred spirit's mutual understanding? At that moment, both of them thought the same thing.
It was the Princess Consort who regained her composure first, exclaiming in surprise, "Is this the long-lost 'Song of Sorrowful Wind'?"
Legend had it that "Song of Sorrowful Wind" was composed by an anonymous figure centuries ago. The piece depicted a beautiful maiden dancing gracefully on a battlefield as enemy troops approached the city walls.
Her stunning appearance and elegant movements mesmerized the enemy army. In the end, the enemy general, enchanted by her dance, was unexpectedly assassinated by the maiden. Though she herself perished under a hail of enemy arrows, the besieged soldiers within the city awaited reinforcements.
The origin of this story was unverifiable—perhaps it was a fabrication—but the "Song of Sorrowful Wind" was widely renowned. Unfortunately, the piece demanded exceptionally high skill from the performer, making it nearly impossible for ordinary musicians to master. Even if one could barely play through the melody, capturing its essence remained elusive.
Eventually, the piece was even lost to time.
At the Princess Consort's exclamation, the hall buzzed with excitement as the young ladies whispered among themselves.
"Wasn't 'Song of Sorrowful Wind' lost? How could she play it?"
"I felt as if I were standing on a battlefield just now—it startled me..."
"I never knew Commandery Princess's sword dance was so exquisite. I wonder who taught her?"
...
Lady Xu rose joyfully and approached Ren Yaoqi, asking, "I recall the 'Song of Sorrowful Wind' in the zither score I gave you was incomplete, only a fragment. Did you compose the latter part yourself?"
Ren Yaoqi smiled modestly. "My additions are clumsy; I hope you won't laugh." The piece she played today was indeed from the score Lady Xu had given her earlier. Since it was an incomplete version, she had composed the latter half herself.Lady Xu smiled and sighed, "I knew I hadn't given my book to the wrong person. No, you've restored it wonderfully, truly wonderfully. Could you copy the musical score you wrote for me? Several ladies and I are compiling some ancient incomplete scores, and we plan to include well-restored qin compositions by later generations."
Ren Yaoqi nodded, "I'll write it for you in a moment."
Lady Xu then turned to Xiao Jinglin and teased with a smile, "Seeing the Commandery Princess's sword dance, I almost thought I was witnessing the heroic woman from 'Song of Sorrowful Wind' whose dance could topple cities. I imagine after today, there will be many more young ladies in Yunyang City wanting to learn sword dancing."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinglin showed no trace of embarrassment, merely smiling in response.
The Princess Consort laughed, "I was wondering how they could perform the lost 'Song of Sorrowful Wind'—so it turns out you gave Yaoqi the score, Teacher."
A lady sitting with Lady Xu chuckled, "Lady Xu, when did you take on another disciple? I recall the Princess Consort studied under you when she was still in her maiden days, and although the Commandery Princess never formally became your student, she still addresses you as Teacher. The most talented and elegant young ladies of Yanbei have all become your students."
The other ladies present also joined in with amused agreement.
Everyone assumed that Lady Xu had given her collected qin scores to Ren Yaoqi precisely because Ren Yaoqi had become her disciple.
The Princess Consort knew some of the truth behind this, but she did not reveal it.
Lady Xu did not deny it either, instead smiling and saying, "Today, you've all seen for yourselves—how could the talented young ladies of Yanbei be limited to just one or two? It's rather unreasonable for you all to envy me."
The gazes of the young ladies present toward Ren Yaoqi grew complex.
Some held admiration, some envy, some jealousy, and naturally, some disdain.
Meanwhile, Wu Yiyu, who had been watching from above as Xiao Jinglin stole the spotlight, was so furious her face turned pale, her eyes glaring at Xiao Jinglin and Ren Yaoqi as if they could drip blood.
Xiao Wei signaled toward the Old Princess Consort with a glance, and the Old Princess Consort spoke up, "It's getting late, let's finish the competition soon. Which young lady is next?"
The Princess Consort and the other ladies then ceased their conversation.
Ren Yaoqi curtsied and withdrew.
Xiao Jinglin smiled and winked at her before returning to her own seat.
When Ren Yaoqi rejoined the Ren sisters, she was met with a variety of expressions.
Xiangqin was the first to approach, eagerly pushing Pingguo aside to support Ren Yaoqi's arm, helping her to her seat and fawningly asking, "Fifth Miss, are you thirsty? Would you like some water? Are you hungry? Would you like some snacks?"
Ren Yaohua shot Xiangqin a glare, causing her to retreat.
Ren Yaoyin smiled and nodded at Ren Yaoqi, "You played beautifully. Fifth Sister's qin skills have improved again."
Ren Yaoyu curled her lip, "I've never even heard of this 'Song of Sorrowful Wind' before—I suppose it's opened my eyes."
Ren Yaoying's face was so pale it seemed almost translucent, making her dark eyes appear even blacker. She looked at Ren Yaohua, forcing a weak smile as she said, "When did Fifth Sister gain such a renowned teacher? I hadn't heard anything about it."
She paused briefly before continuing with a smile, "Though it's not surprising we didn't know. Third Sister must have been aware, right? Taking a teacher is a significant matter, and Third Sister has always been so caring toward her younger sisters—I'm sure Fifth Sister wouldn't have kept it from Third Sister."Upon hearing these words, Ren Yaoqi immediately knew that Ren Yaoying was harboring resentment over Ren Yaohua’s earlier intervention to stand up for her, which had resulted in the dismissal of her maid. Ren Yaoying was clearly trying to sow discord between her and Ren Yaohua.
Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but glance at Ren Yaohua, about to say something, but Ren Yaohua sneered coldly first: “What business is it of yours whether I know or not? The moment you have a chance to rest, you’re already scheming to stir up trouble. No wonder you fall short in every skill and can only rely on underhanded tricks to claw your way up—and even then, you have no luck. If I were you, I’d have long hidden at home, too ashamed to show my face. What a disgrace!”
This chapter took me all night to write…
Sorry to keep you all waiting…
T_T.
OpenNovel