Chapter 85 Princess Ye’s Talent Show

Chapter 85: Princess Ye's Talent Performance

Ji Qingqing's eyes dimmed, a flicker of resentment stirring inside her. Emperor Jingyang's words meant he didn't want to meddle in these matters or stand up for her.

After all, this wasn't exactly a proud moment, and Ji Qingqing hated Ji Yuntang even more.

Ji Qingqing was led away by a palace maid. Ji Huaiche, worried about propriety between men and women, didn't follow, just watched her leave.

The banquet continued.

Drums beat along with the music, instantly firing up the atmosphere. Everyone quickly forgot what just happened.

In the third round, the peony landed in front of Luo Qianxue.

She stared at it blankly for two seconds, then broke into a smile.

Perfect! The chance she'd been waiting for was finally here!

"Father, Mother, the act I want to perform can't be done alone. I want someone to accompany me."

Emperor Jingyang raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile, "Oh? Who does Qian Xue want?"

"I want to perform a 'Startled Swan Dance' for everyone, but I need someone to play music. I heard Heir Xie is great at playing the zither. Would he be willing to play for Xue'er?"

Luo Qianxue's beautiful eyes shimmered as she cast a shy, affectionate glance at the white-robed man nearby, her affection practically pouring out.

Xie Liuzheng: "..."

Under Luo Qianxue's stare, he got goosebumps all over.

Play for her? No way. He just looked at Luo Sinian, begging for help.

"Bro, save me. I don't want to play for your weird sister."

Luo Sinian shook his head. "I can't save you either. You're on your own, dude."

It's not that he didn't want to help Xie Liuzheng, but he couldn't play the zither either, so if he could, he would have stepped in himself.

Ji Yuntang caught the reluctance in Xie Liuzheng's eyes. It seemed he really hated Luo Qianxue.

Luo Qianxue was usually stuck-up and looked down on everyone, but now her clingy act was really ugly.

Ji Yuntang was someone who remembered favors. Remembering how Xie Liuzheng had helped her before, she stood up boldly, and smiled at Luo Qianxue, accidentally blocking her view of him.

"Accompaniment? This Princess knows all about that. Why not let me help Tenth Sister out?"

Seeing Ji Yuntang block her view and mess with her plans, Luo Qianxue's face turned red with anger as she snapped, "This Princess wants Heir Xie, not some country bumpkin like you. What do you know about playing the zither? Move it!"

Knowing Ji Yuntang was helping him out, Xie Liuzheng gave her a grateful look before quickly saying, "This Heir recently hurt his arm climbing a tree to steal bird eggs, and it's still too weak to play anything. I'm afraid I can't play for Tenth Princess today. Why not let Princess Ye do it?"

Luo Qianxue: "..."

She felt Xie Liuzheng was lying, but she couldn't prove it.

Many young ladies and gentlemen at the banquet shot mocking looks at Xie Liuzheng.

Xie Liuzheng, the Capital's Top Playboy, still climbing trees to steal bird eggs at his age? Only this flaky heir would do something so ridiculous.

What did Tenth Princess see in him, anyway?

While they looked down on him, they were also jealous. If only Luo Qianxue had her eyes on them instead.

If they were lucky enough to be picked as the consort, their whole family would be set for life.

Ji Yuntang met Luo Qianxue's blazing stare with a smile. "I don't know how to play the zither."

Luo Qianxue grew angrier. "Then why are you up here?"

Ji Yuntang blinked innocently. "I can't play the zither, but I can accompany you. It doesn't have to be the zither to provide accompaniment. No instrument is needed either."

"You see, my accompaniment is unique in the entire capital. I guarantee it will make Tenth Sister shine on stage."

Not only did Luo Qianxue not believe her, but everyone present was skeptical.

Accompaniment without instruments, and still shine on stage?

Had she drunk too much?

Luo Qingge stepped forward and gently tugged at Ji Yuntang's sleeve, whispering nervously, "Third Sister-in-law, you shouldn't brag like that!"

"Better pretend to be drunk. I'll accompany her for you."

Losing face was one thing, but boasting in front of the Emperor and Empress could be a capital offense.

Even if Ji Yuntang wasn't executed, she wouldn't escape physical punishment.

Ji Yuntang patted her hand, signaling Luo Qingge not to worry.

"Qingge, rest assured. I know what I'm doing."

As the two exchanged glances and Ji Yuntang made her bold claim, Consort Li's eyes flickered with a hint of cunning.

Here was a chance to humiliate Ji Yuntang.

Consort Li turned to Luo Qianxue, her lips curving into a gentle smile. "Xue'er, since your Third Sister-in-law is willing, why not let her have her way?"

"I'm sure the Emperor and Empress would also like to see her skills. Don't refuse. Go change and prepare."

She didn't know Ji Yuntang's abilities, but Luo Qianxue's dance skills were taught by her personally—there was no doubt about that.

With Luo Qianxue flawless, the only one who would lose face was Ji Yuntang.

Soon, Luo Qianxue emerged in an orange-and-blue feathered dress, adorned with a pheasant feather and a semi-transparent veil. Her beautiful face was faintly visible beneath the gauze, and she held a red oil-paper umbrella, looking ethereal and breathtaking.

Countless envious gazes fell on Luo Qianxue, earning her another wave of attention. She lifted her chin like a proud peacock.

She looked at Ji Yuntang disdainfully. "Aren't you going to accompany this Princess? Why aren't you preparing?"

Ji Yuntang smiled. "My accompaniment is different from others. I'll use my mouth."

"Your mouth?"

"That's right. I'll sing, and you dance. You'll have to follow my rhythm and improvise. That way, you can showcase your superior dance skills and leave everyone in awe, don't you think?"

Luo Qianxue: “…”

What she said actually made some sense—how come she suddenly feels a bit of anticipation?

“Alright, I’m ready. You can start.”

Ji Yuntang first asked Luo Qingge for a piece of paper and folded it into a cylindrical shape.

Then, she took a miniature microphone from her storage space and placed it inside, ensuring the sound was amplified while keeping it hidden from others.

After that, she walked over unhurriedly, picked up the microphone, and began to sing.

“…By the bridge, at a certain home.”

Her voice was tender yet sweet, and with the reverb effect of the microphone, the moment she opened her mouth, she had everyone’s attention.

What kind of song was this? It sounded so beautiful!

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