The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort

Chapter 59: A Recurring Mockery

"Why, how could the Second Jiang Miss possibly say so?" Princess Rongya was still smiling wholeheartedly, "Everyone knows that your guqin skills are unmatched. Why don't we have you play a piece for us today? Previously, when Jiang furen had become renowned throughout the capital due to her mastery of the guqin, it was such a pity that we never got the opportunity to see her. With you playing a tune today, wouldn't it be fortuitous for us to be able to see something spectacular?"

At the time, Xia Yan had been the most talented young lady in the capital. Her mastery over the guqin was truly something of perfection. Now, she had handed this guqin of hers over to Jiang Nancy, who was also renowned all over the land for her talent; this was undoubtedly decorating something that was already perfect. It wasn't that Princess Rongya wasn't envious of this. Only, she had always been crafty and shrewd, and therefore, understood that men were not fond of watching over the sinister and envious machinations of women; so if she could, why would she not try to appear more magnanimous in spirit? In addition, Jiang Nancy's talent was truly incomparable to anyone else, and with that, this year's rabbit lantern would steadily and rightfully land in her hands.

The noblewomen around them all echoed her request as some were hoping to see a lively show, some were offering some ingratiating flattery while some were truly hoping to hear her play. Wen Feifei frowned, "Indeed, she truly can play the guqin. Lisa meimei, have you heard your Second Sister play before?"

"I've not heard her before," Jiang Lisa had a smile on her face as she continued, "however, her playing ought to be heavenly to hear; the sound can't help but make one feel relaxed and refreshed."

Lin Zi Rosé merely cold snorted, "It's nothing much, just an act!"

Dong Yinger could only helplessly smile towards Jiang Lisa but Jiang Lisa did not deign to reply.

What was taking place now should be happening at the Lantern Festival in a few years, where Jiang Nancy's guqin piece had a lofty, artistic mood, which was incomparably exquisite and elegant; that had truly been an extremely eye-catching performance. Moreover, with her own sorrowful figure and manner that served as a foil to Jiang Nancy; between the two daughters of the Jiang family, one was like a pure and maidenly snow fairy, while the other seemed like muddy soil, extremely dirty. With that, such rumours were then quietly spread among all the nobility in the capital.

At this moment, Jiang Nancy was dressed in white clothes and adorned with simple yet elegant accessories- all these served to highlight that neat and elegant little face of hers, making it seem exceptionally dainty. Therefore, among the numerous young ladies present, she seemed unusually virtuous. With a smile bursting forth from her face, she said, "since everyone has agreed, then I will show my poor skills and can only hope that it will not sully everyone's ears."

With her sort of modest attitude, it immediately aroused a stretch of praise from everyone. Subsequently, a maidservant delivered an exquisite and precious guqin to her. Jiang Nancy then sat in front of the zither, closed her eyes and began to play[1].

[1] Kāishǐ fénxiāng ( 开始焚香 ) - In the ancient Chinese era, playing an instrument often meant lighting incense to begin creating a tranquil mind and serene environment. This is derived from the belief that the action of doing this creates a spirit and body that is one with the heavens. Therefore, in the original text, there is a use of beginning to burn an incense here.

On the Qing Song Boat, all eyes had fallen on this remarkably stunning and beautiful woman. Mo Cong lightly nudged Xiao Jungkook, "That would be the di daughter of Jiang Quan's fu. Now in the entire capital, one cannot find anyone that can compare with her either in looks or talent. What do you think?"

Xiao Jungkook indifferently shot a glance towards Ling Long Boat and his expression remained cold and cheerless. Mo Cong was unable to evoke a satisfactory reply and feeling embarrassed, turned his head around to continue looking over Jiang Nancy's performance.