It was Wen Zishan’s turn to perform. She played the guqin, and the sound was like tinkling springs. She happened to be sitting in a ray of sunlight, tilting her head slightly as she played, with a graceful and elegant deanor, poised and composed.
This is what they call classical beauty that makes fish sink and birds fall.
The classical beauties of later generations couldn’t compare to what was seen before them, truly captivating.
Even though Song Ci wasn’t trained in music, she found the lody incredibly pleasing, imrsing her in its depths.
It was said that Wen Zishan was a talented lady with exceptional skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and she also managed household affairs expertly, proving that the rumors were true.
Indeed, being praised by the Empress herself, it certainly wasn’t exaggerated; her talents were unmistakable.
Could her talents be the reason she had cultivated that cold and aloof deanor?
Song Ci glanced at her eldest daughter-in-law and saw a satisfied smile on her face, confirming her approval of the young lady.
Wen Zishan was indeed flawless, with her family background, talents, appearance, and abilities, she was a true noble lady and the ideal choice for an eldest daughter-in-law, which is why the discerning Madam favored her.
As the piece ended, the lody lingered, and the applause was endless.
Madam Wen looked on with pride, her eyes filled with admiration for her daughter.
Madam Song remarked, "Miss Wen played the guqin so well, she’s ready to graduate. I wonder who she learned from?"
"I don’t deserve such praise, she was just lucky to catch the eye of Ming Qin, and got the chance to learn from her for two years," Madam Wen replied humbly.
Madam Qian added, "Ming Qin? I’ve heard she is exceptional in both music and painting, and quite solitary, rarely taking students. For Miss Wen to receive her guidance, it’s more than just luck."
Despite her pride, Madam Wen remained modest.
Having witnessed the performances, it was clear who would stand out — Wen Zishan was universally acclaid, followed by Madam Qian’s second daughter, Qian Qian, who composed a poem describing the banquet scene and calligraphed it beautifully, worthy of praise.
Guan Shuyan ca in third, but she didn’t mind the rankings, as it was all in good fun.
When it ca to selecting prizes, Wen Zishan boldly chose Princess Anping’s hairpin. Qian Qian chose Madam Song’s jade hairpin, and when it was Guan Shuyan’s turn, she allowed the others to pick first, claiming that all the items seed appealing to her and she couldn’t decide, so she’d take whatever remained, believing it to be fated.
"You’re quite playful," Song Ci chuckled softly.
Guan Shuyan shyly hid behind her mother.
Madam Guan shook her head at her daughter and said to Song Ci, "This child has been spoiled by and the Lord Duke, please forgive her antics."
"Not at all, she has such a lively personality, which we elder folks find charming and delightful," Song Ci replied. "She seems like such a joy to have around."
Princess Anping chid in with a laugh, "The Madam is quite lively herself, so naturally she appreciates young people with similar traits. Just like your own Shou Ning, whom you have praised repeatedly."
Song Ci nodded in agreent, smiling.
Since Guan Shuyan willingly adopted Kong Rong’s philosophy of sharing, the other ladies didn’t hesitate to choose their desired items, all subtly avoiding Song Ci’s tourmaline necklace, which eventually ended up with Guan Shuyan.
"That’s indeed fate," said Princess Anping, smiling at Song Ci.
Song Ci sighed, realizing these young ladies were all quite astute. Perhaps they thought she favored Guan Shuyan, thus avoiding the tourmaline necklace. Otherwise, how could the tourmaline be less desirable than a butterfly hairpin?
User Comments
0 comments from readers