The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 139 - A Master

The Emperor's tone was as calm and composed as usual.

Bai Pin's smile became slightly strained upon hearing this. She had put all her effort into the dance—so why did he seem entirely unmoved? Could it be that she was losing her beauty, and his love was fading? That shouldn't be the case.

Casting a glance at the other palace consorts, she saw envy, jealousy, and admiration... all of which proved that her dance today was indeed surprising. So why was the Emperor so indifferent?

Even so, she had to say what was necessary and maintain her composure.

"I thank Your Majesty for the honor," she said, and after finally taking her seat, she dabbed her forehead with a handkerchief, her expression sour. Yi Fei glanced at her and thought her completely useless. Given the Emperor's long period of restraint, how could he not be tempted? Bai Pin had put on such a display, yet he remained unresponsive. What was going on?

Somehow, her eyes drifted to Lin Wanyi. Could it be because of her? But Lin Wanyi's gaze was filled with nothing but admiration for Bai Pin, with no hint of jealousy. Moreover, she had been recovering from illness and hadn't had any opportunities to charm the Emperor, right?

As she was mulling it over, Mu Lanchun's voice rang out.

"Bai Pin's dance was truly beautiful, and the song delightful. With such a magnificent performance, we sisters hardly feel worthy of showing our talents."

Mu Lanchun's praise somewhat eased Bai Pin's displeasure, and she forced a small smile. "Sister, you flatter me."

Since Mu Lanchun had spoken up, she couldn't back down now. Yi Fei glanced at Mu Lanchun with a half-smile and remarked, "Since you've spoken, it seems you're prepared. So, what talent will you display?"

Mu Lanchun, not at all fazed by being put on the spot, rose gracefully, paid her respects, and said calmly, "I can't compare to Bai Pin's skill, but I practiced the qin for a few years at home. If Your Highness permits, I could play a tune and offer a humble performance."

Lin Wanyi raised her eyebrows at this. She hadn't known Mu Lanchun could play the qin; she'd never heard a single note from her when they both lived in Yihua Palace. It seemed that Mu Lanchun was another one who kept her true abilities hidden.

At her grandfather's residence, her grandmother had made her cousin Qiu Yue practice the qin daily. While she couldn't play, she could at least appreciate the music. The attendants removed the crystal table and set a guqin for Mu Lanchun in the main hall.

The poised scene she created contrasted sharply with Bai Pin's earlier display of softness. With focused breath and composed demeanor, Mu Lanchun adjusted the strings briefly. As soon as she plucked a few notes, the musically inclined could tell she was a master.

Sure enough, Mu Lanchun began with the long-lost Guangling Melody. The tune was stirring, and for those who understood it, it evoked excitement, while for those who didn't, it was simply loud and jarring. The Emperor, however, began to smile faintly as he listened.

This scene made the consorts realize Mu Lanchun had hit the mark. As the last notes lingered, the Emperor's expression brightened, and he remarked, "The Music Bureau once played the Guangling Melody, but it lacked depth. You, however, have mastered it well. Where did you get the score?"

"Your Majesty, it was a gift from a wandering master, and I practice it in my leisure. If it pleases Your Majesty, then it is the music's good fortune."

With that, she produced an ancient-looking score from under the qin. Its worn condition suggested age, and some of the characters and notes were barely legible. When Dong Yuzhong presented it to the Emperor, his eyes revealed genuine delight.

"A partial score, yet the melody is robust and powerful, filled with the spirit of battle. Not bad at all. Reward her!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

It was clear to all present that Mu Lanchun's reward far surpassed Bai Pin's. Bai Pin seethed with resentment, yet never thought to question where she had failed. Yi Fei, however, had a sense of understanding.

They had indeed misjudged this time. The Emperor, in his prime, had grown weary of the constant displays of beauty. Instead, the unexpected intensity of martial melodies captured his interest. She cast a glance at Mu Lanchun, unexpectedly impressed by her tenacity, and then fixed her gaze on Ying Fei.

She doubted Mu Lanchun had thought of this piece herself; she must have had Ying Fei's guidance. How else could the daughter of a mere county official gain access to such a rare melody? If it had come from the household of a Ministry of Rites official, that would be more believable.

Ying Fei sipped her tea, unaffected. With her prominent belly, she understood that being overly conspicuous would backfire, and in this regard, she exercised self-control. The palace was full of hidden talents—Yi Fei had the alluring Bai Pin, and Ying Fei, the surprising Mu Lanchun. It remained to be seen what tricks Lin Guifei, currently entangled in challenges, would employ and who she would send.

Following Mu Lanchun's performance, the other presentations were far less remarkable. Du Changzai embroidered a fan, Ye Guiren copied a sutra, and Lady He demonstrated her skill with an abacus—displaying just enough interest to merit a small reward. As Lin Wanyi was still unwell, she had prepared nothing. After a few biting remarks from Bai Pin, she was left alone.

Sitting beside her, Ming Changzai remained as inconspicuous as ever, so much so that Lin Wanyi thought she might be here solely to drink tea and enjoy the banquet. For a moment, she wondered if she had misinterpreted the jealousy she'd seen in Du Changzai's eyes and wrongly suspected Ming Changzai.

But just at the end, Du Changzai made her move.

"Well, we all presented our talents, but Ming Changzai has stayed silent. Is she planning a stunning finale?"

She spoke in a way that drew everyone's attention to Ming Changzai. Yi Fei looked at Du Changzai, thinking her a fool. To embarrass another in front of the Emperor without knowing one's place was foolish indeed. She then spoke in a slightly reproachful tone.

"Du Changzai, today is a joyful occasion, so do not spoil your sisters' enjoyment."

Previously, if Yi Fei had reprimanded her, Du Changzai would have remained silent. But tonight, it was as if she were bewitched, so she met Yi Fei's gaze and pressed on.

"Please, calm your anger, Yi Fei. I only noticed that Ming Changzai has stayed quiet and thought I'd encourage her. I meant no harm. I was merely curious, as I have seen her diligently practicing dance. So, I thought I'd ask."