As the melody concluded, Ye Yun rose from the qin table, greeted by a round of applause.
Mo Hongqi remarked with a smile, “Yun’er has always appeared delicate, yet unexpectedly, this piece carried such unrestrained freedom, leaving the listeners thoroughly exhilarated.”
Su Yuning was equally astonished. She never imagined Ye Yun’s qin skills to be so masterful. Being able to play the qin and playing it well were entirely different realms. Ye Yun must have dedicated considerable effort to her craft, yet why had she never heard of it before? Collecting her thoughts, she chimed in, “His Majesty speaks truly. The untamed spirit in this melody contrasts sharply with the impression Yun’er usually gives. It is truly remarkable.”
“Your Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress flatter me too much. Yun’er merely passes her leisure time with this,” Ye Yun said casually. “However, given my frail health, I’ve always been drawn to such spirited tunes. When I play, I no longer dwell on my own weakness and ailments.”Standing nearby, Liu Li praised, ‘Precisely because of this, the artistic conception in Miss Ye’s performance becomes all the more captivating.'” It transcends mere technique, infusing the music with its own thoughts and soul.”
As the Noble Consort spoke these words, a wave of murmurs instantly swept through the surrounding crowd.
“Earlier, it was said that Noble Consort’s qin skills are unparalleled—she was once the best in the Imperial Capital. For Miss Ye to earn such praise from her, does it mean that Miss Ye’s performance just now surpassed the other?”
Another young lady whispered, “Who would have thought Miss Ye was hiding such talent? The Imperial Capital has long spread rumors that she’s been frail since childhood, coddled with daily medicine. This is truly surprising!”
At this point, Su Yuning turned directly to Liu Li and asked, “Noble Consort, since you’ve said this about the two performances by Yun’er and Ying Er, does that mean you’ve chosen Yun’er?”
Liu Li smiled faintly. “Miss Su’s piece was indeed fine, but in my humble opinion, Miss Ye’s performance was even more exquisite. As His Majesty said, it left the listeners ‘thoroughly exhilarated.’ I recall Prince Chen also has profound insight into music. Perhaps Her Majesty the Empress could seek his opinion.”
Ye Yun immediately looked toward Mo Qingchen, eager to hear what evaluation he would offer.
Mo Qingchen set down his cup, his tone betraying no emotion as he uttered a calm, “Ye Yun.”
Ye Yun watched him, thinking he was far too composed. How dull—couldn’t he say just a bit more?
Su WanYing stood to the side, listening to the hushed discussions and then to the Noble Consort and Prince Chen’s affirmation of Ye Yun. She had lost? When did that sickly Ye Yun learn to play the qin so well? No, she refused to accept defeat.
“That was only one round. Ye Yun, do you dare to compete with me in something else?”
Ye Yun looked at Su WanYing with disdain. “So, among qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting, what else do you wish to challenge? But since you’ve lost at what you excel in most, do you really think there’s any point in continuing?”
Just as Su WanYing was about to retort, Su Yuning, seated authoritatively at the head, declared firmly, “Ying Er, that’s enough.”
Losing once was already humiliating, especially in her strongest area. No one could quite grasp what Ye Yun was capable of now. To lose again would surely mean utter disgrace. “I hosted this Hundred Flowers Banquet in the hope that everyone would learn from one another, much like a garden in full bloom. If you are sincere, since we all reside in the Imperial Capital, there will be plenty of opportunities for future exchanges.”
Su WanYing felt unwilling in her heart, but she currently knew nothing about Ye Yun. Acting rashly was a major taboo. Losing once with restraint could still be attributed to a momentary lapse, leaving room for future opportunities. But if she kept losing repeatedly now, it would be a complete defeat with no way out. Fortunately, her aunt had stopped her.
Ye Yun glanced at Su WanYing. The Empress’s words had clearly been meant to call a halt for Su WanYing. Seeing Su WanYing remain silent, she deliberately teased, “Not continuing? Admitting defeat?”
Suppressing the displeasure in her heart, Su WanYing said, “Miss Ye’s act of hiding her abilities is quite impressive. I admit defeat. But as the Empress Aunt said, we both reside in the Imperial Capital. There will be plenty of opportunities for exchange and learning in the future. Today, all the noble ladies of the Imperial Capital are present—we shouldn’t focus solely on the two of us.”
Ye Yun sneered coldly. How good she was at spouting high-sounding words. She directly ignored Su WanYing and turned to the others nearby. “I said I’m very interested in Her Majesty the Empress’s Snow Spirit Grass. If I can’t take the top spot, it seems I won’t be able to take that item away.”
Originally, everyone had thought this would all belong to Su WanYing, but no one expected Ye Yun to have hidden her skills so well. With the outcome already decided, who would dare compete with Ye Yun now? That would only be asking for humiliation.
Liu Li, sitting there, let out a gentle laugh and said, “Miss Ye truly remains silent until she astonishes all with a single brilliant feat. Your Majesty, don’t you agree?”
Mo Hongqi finished the wine in his cup. “The Noble Consort is quite right. Yun’er is a girl I’ve watched grow up, ah…” He sighed abruptly.
Liu Li understood well the reason for the Emperor’s sudden sigh. She knew, and of course Su Yuning knew too. Glancing at Su Yuning over there, her expression was truly unpleasant. Marrying into the Protectorate Duke’s Residence had been such a good move, yet it had been utterly wasted. Of course, as far as she was concerned, she couldn’t be happier about it.
Seeing this, Su Yuning immediately signaled the palace maid beside her to bring out the Snow Spirit Grass she had prepared. “Since that’s the case, Yun’er, this Snow Spirit Grass belongs to you now.”
Ye Yun looked at the item held in the palace maid’s hands. After being picked, the Snow Spirit Grass must be stored in a container made of Frost Jade; otherwise, the snow spirit would dissipate, and its medicinal properties would vanish completely. She opened the Frost Jade box—sure enough, it was the Snow Spirit Grass, entirely snow-white, enveloped in a cold glow, emitting a frosty chill when approached.
“This Snow Spirit Grass has the effect of preserving youth, making women radiant. Some even say that if one can refine this herb, it can maintain eternal youth. Of course, that’s just a legend. Moreover, this herb is extremely cold and should not be in contact for too long. Previously, I invited many Elixirists to examine it. This item is precious, and refining its medicinal properties is not easy—it requires fate as well. No one dares to attempt refining it lightly. Yun’er, you have a weak constitution, so you must be especially careful.”
“Thank you for the reminder, Your Majesty. Yun’er understands.” Ye Yun certainly knew that those Elixirists simply lacked sufficient skill. Once she found the Fire Lotus, refining this Snow Spirit Grass would be effortless. She signaled for Lingzhi to take it carefully.
Lingzhi held it with great care. She had been astonished by everything that happened today. But she had always known that her young lady was the best.
At the same time, Mo Qingchen stood up and bowed to the person seated in the highest position. “Elder Brother, I have matters to attend to back at my residence and must take my leave now.”
Mo Hongqi certainly knew that his younger brother disliked these occasions the most. He simply said, “Very well, you may go.”
Ye Yun saw that Mo Qingchen was about to leave and, after a moment’s thought, found an excuse. “Your Majesty, Yun’er has been out for a long time and must return to the mansion to take my medicine on time. Yun’er…”
“This must not be delayed. Yun’er, hurry back.” Mo Hongqi glanced at Mo Qingchen. “A’Chen, since you are also leaving the palace to return to your mansion, escort Yun’er back on your way.”
Mo Qingchen did not refuse. Ye Yun curtsied in farewell, then turned and followed Mo Qingchen as they left the Flower Banquet.
After they had walked some distance, Mo Qingchen lowered his gaze to the young girl beside him. “Today, you truly stood out.”
Ye Yun quickened her pace to walk in front of him, a faint smile gracing her face as she asked, “Then, did I catch Wang Ye’s attention?”