☆、059 Punishing the young lady cruelly, cleverly helping the fourth sister!
Gao Fengfen didn't feel anything was wrong. She was secretly pleased and walked towards the stage.
Stepping onto the stage, Gao Fengfen felt a surge of excitement, but she couldn't quite pinpoint why. It was as if a voice inside her was telling her to be excited, to be excited! Gao Fengfen felt a secret delight at this thought, and in this state of excitement, her dance became even more beautiful!
The music had already begun, and Gao Fengfen immediately tiptoed, then spun in a magnificent arc. She then began to dance the Green Dance, her rhythm so fast that it forced the musicians to quicken their pace. But under this rapid music, her heart pounded even faster! It was as if her mind and body were no longer under her control! She was going mad, exceeding her own imagination, dancing incessantly. Those around her were astonished, watching this madwoman spin endlessly, spinning in place!
What is she doing? Many female and male guests from official families are exchanging pleasantries.
"How come the Green Dance turned out like this?" The Princess frowned slightly. She had never seen this young lady dance like this before. Was she just spinning around?
Ji Wushang watched the green figure spinning around, then turned his face away, covered his lips with his hand, and chuckled softly.
The Crown Prince looked at Gao Fengfen with great surprise. "Sister, what do you think she's trying to do? Isn't she tired after going around in circles like that?"
"I don't know." The princess frowned, took a pastry and ate it. "How would I know what she's up to? Maybe it's a newly choreographed dance. Let's wait and see."
The female guests all covered their mouths and laughed. The young lady of the Left Prime Minister was indeed skilled in dancing. Her superb dancing skills were probably unmatched by anyone else in the world.
But Gao Fengfen was anxious. What was wrong with her? She didn't want to spin around! She wanted to dance and let everyone admire her graceful movements! Heavens, why couldn't she control herself? Gao Fengfen was so anxious that tears were about to fall, but she just couldn't stop. It was as if she was being controlled, and she could only do one movement! This made everyone laugh!
The scions of wealthy families on the side were already laughing heartily.
"I never imagined Miss Gao could actually dance! And I never expected that she could maintain the same pose for so long! She's probably the only one in the world who can do that!"
"Haha, not bad, not bad! This dance is truly the first time I've ever seen one like this! It's a real feast for the eyes!"
Although everyone outwardly praised her, Gao Fengfen knew they were all belittling her! She was anxious, tears welling in her eyes, yet she still felt incredibly excited, as if she would die if she didn't jump! So, she could only keep jumping, keep jumping!
Those playing string and wind instruments were so tired that their fingers went numb and they could no longer move. The player finally stopped, and once the first stopped, a second and a third naturally followed.
Before long, the music had completely stopped, and Gao Fengfen was still dancing the spinning dance by herself!
Everyone around was astonished and didn't know what to say.
Unexpectedly, Gao Fengfen burst into tears, crying, "Save me! Save me! Please, save me!"
Everyone was even more astonished upon hearing this.
"What's going on?" The eldest princess got down from her chair, quickly walked to the stage, and looked up at Gao Fengfen, who was still dancing the spinning dance. "What's going on?"
"I, I... Waaah, I don't know either, I feel so excited, I want to jump down, haha, I want to jump down... I'm so excited, so excited..." Gao Fengfen became even more frantic, her whole body in a state of madness, making the people around her afraid to approach.
The eldest princess took a step back. "Are you really alright?" It would be best if no murder occurred in this garden! Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to bear the blame if the Emperor were to punish her! After all, all the young masters and ladies who came here were either rich or noble.
"Haha, ahaha, I, I'm fine, I, I'm fine, ahaha, haha..." Gao Fengfen never expected to say such things, as if she were going crazy.
Ji Wushang took a grape and put it in her mouth. This medicine was just meant to make her dance for two hours straight, with a little bit of stimulant added to slightly hysterically disrupt her nerves and maintain her excitement so she could dance for two hours! Thinking about it, she probably wouldn't be able to get out of bed for three days! Because her legs, after dancing, would probably be almost useless!
Bei Gongminhao watched, utterly puzzled. What was going on? Clearly… could it be her? He had witnessed her intelligence firsthand… Turning his head, he saw Ji Wushang eating grapes. Bei Gongminhao's doubts deepened. Had he guessed wrong?
Ji Yinxue covered her mouth and chuckled. This deserved punishment; she should be humiliated in front of everyone like this! Who told her to be so arrogant!
Bei Gong Jue Shi, however, turned his attention to Ji Yin Xue. He always felt that she was playful and cute, yet sometimes very quiet and gentle. Seeing her secretly smiling, he couldn't help but take a few more glances.
Ji Meiyuan watched, her hands sweating. She hadn't expected Gao Fengfen to have a sudden illness! Luckily, she hadn't gotten too close! Otherwise, she would have embarrassed herself! Seeing the people around her pointing and whispering, Ji Meiyuan became even more convinced that Gao Fengfen was ill to do such a strange thing.
The eldest princess looked at Gao Fengfen, who was still spinning around, with a bit of astonishment. Just now she was saying that she wanted to save her, but now she said that she wanted to keep jumping down, and she was very excited... What's going on here?
"Please come down quickly! I don't know if she's having some kind of illness flare-up!" A woman dressed in slightly red said softly to the woman in blue next to her.
"Exactly. Being this excited, he must be sick!"
"Miss Gao, is there something wrong here...?" the man said, pointing to his head.
"That's right, I think that's most likely it. Sigh, it looked fine just now, but I didn't expect... tsk tsk tsk..."
The eldest princess couldn't bear to watch any longer. Gao Fengfen was still insane; how long was she going to go on? Was she going to keep everyone waiting forever? How could anyone live like that?
"Guards, please escort Miss Gao down so the imperial physicians can examine her." The Princess waved her hand, and several skilled guards immediately came up to escort Gao Fengfen down. However, Gao Fengfen continued dancing, gesturing wildly, making it impossible for the guards to hold her arms! This caused everyone to burst into laughter. The Princess turned and walked towards her main seat. "Please summon any imperial physicians who are not on leave to take a look!"
Gao Fengfen was lifted up, but her feet and hands were still moving!
Finally, things calmed down, and everyone laughed for a while. The princess coughed a few times to quiet everyone down.
"Alright, then let's invite the next young lady to perform. Miss Ji, please!" The eldest princess beckoned to Ji Meiyuan, who stood up, her face flushed with shyness. "Yes." With that, she bowed to the crown prince and the eldest princess.
Then he went up onto the stage.
Ji Wushang watched her walk past him, his brows furrowing slightly. As long as she didn't go too far today, he wouldn't do anything to her. After all, in such a public setting, he still had to consider the reputation of General Ji's mansion.
In reality, Ji Meiyuan was incredibly arrogant! Even more so than Gao Fengfen. Her provocative gaze seemed directed solely at her! Ji Wushang turned her face away, refusing to look at her. Ji Meiyuan, however, was even more convinced that Ji Wushang wouldn't dare to challenge her! What nonsense about being a legitimate daughter! Once Concubine Bai became the madam, she would be the legitimate daughter! At that time, Ji Wushang would be nothing! Wasn't Madam Bei ill right now? The perfect opportunity!
A wicked heart was slowly plotting something. In the blink of an eye, Ji Meiyuan's face was one of obedience and tranquility as she glanced sideways at Nan Jinxue sitting to the side.
Nan Jinxue's face remained cold and stern, oblivious to the woman. Ji Meiyuan followed his slightly dazed gaze and saw Ji Wushang. The nameless fire in her heart burned even more fiercely!
Ji Yinxue tugged at Ji Wushang's sleeve, "Big sister, why is the Second Young Master Nan on the other side always looking at you?" She had seen the Second Young Master Nan in the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion before, but she hadn't spoken a word to him, though she recognized him.
Ji Wushang said indifferently, "He's just bored, that's why he's looking at me. Look, he's looking at Second Sister!" As he spoke, he shifted Ji Yinxue's gaze to Ji Meiyuan.
Ji Meiyuan's graceful figure was already standing on the stage. She had just said that she would be playing the pipa.
The crowd cheered and applauded. Ji Meiyuan then put away the pipa that a maid had handed her, sat down on the stage, and gently plucked the pipa.
The melodious sound immediately spread, drawing praise from everyone.
The large strings clang like a sudden downpour, the small strings whisper like private words. The clanging and whispering blend together, like pearls of all sizes falling onto a jade plate.
Ji Wushang smiled slightly. The sisters in the manor were all proficient in these string and bamboo musical instruments, but it was a bit difficult for them to make a breakthrough.
Ji Meiyuan played a pipa piece, captivating everyone present. Upon finishing, she received numerous compliments.
For a moment, many young men were discussing whose daughter this was. When they heard that she was the second young lady of General Ji's mansion, they all nodded in agreement.
I've heard that the second young lady has been studying these things since she was a child, so it goes without saying that she's quite proficient. But the eldest young lady, well, she's always the one people talk about for her entanglement with Nan Jinxue. Whether it's true or not, it's always something to laugh about over tea.
Nan Jinxue drank a glass of wine in frustration, then handed Ma Rui another glass. "Cheers!" Ma Rui said, slightly drunk.
Nan Jinxue snatched his wine glass, drank it all, and then put it back in Ma Rui's hand. "You're drunk, go to sleep!" she said, pressing her hand against his head. Ma Rui really did fall asleep on the table.
Nan Jinxue glanced at it and then paid no more attention.
Ji Meiyuan bowed gracefully to the audience, saying, "Thank you!" Then she walked down the stage with elegant poise. The princess's gift of a pile of glass beads made Ji Meiyuan even happier, while many of the female guests around her wore expressions of envy and jealousy.
Ji Wushang looked on without saying a word, while Ji Yinxue's face showed a slight worry, "Big sister."
“Show us what you’re good at. Have you forgotten that painting you did in the Prince of Zhenbei’s mansion? The Ink Chrysanthemum and Fisherman of Nanshan Mountain, how elegant it is.” Ji Wushang couldn’t help but sigh.
Hearing this from the side, Bei Gong Jue Shi instantly recalled the painting she had seen that day. She was surprised to find that it was actually her work, and couldn't help but feel even more admiration for her.
"Mm." Ji Yinxue nodded.
Some of the female guests from official families went up to perform on the stage, winning the hearts of everyone. Some young gentlemen also went up to perform sword dances, storytelling, and so on, making everyone laugh.
When it was Ma Rui's turn, everyone saw that Second Master Ma was already fast asleep, and they laughed even more. The Crown Prince then said to let the next Nan Jinxue perform.
Nan Jinxue was a little conflicted, unsure of what to perform. These kinds of performances were traditionally for women, not a man. This wasn't a civil or military examination… but she couldn't refuse now, so she stood up. However, she inadvertently noticed the jade flute on Ma Rui's person beside her and sighed. A martial artist carrying a jade flute—if he could play it, that would be understandable, a true blend of literary and martial arts. But to carry it around without knowing how to play it was bound to be a laughingstock.
Nan Jinxue drew out her jade flute and, having made up her mind, played a tune called "Phoenix Seeking Its Mate".
The flute music seemed to possess a magical power; his eyes were filled with such sorrow, as if telling a story of how he hadn't known how to cherish what he had, and how he had ultimately lost it. Now, as he played this mournful tune, he prayed that the girl he loved would return...
Everyone who heard it felt heartbroken. The low notes of the jade flute were like a dagger cutting into their hearts, while the high notes seemed to conjure up images of someone returning home in glory after passing the imperial examination.
His eyes were darting around, just like his heart, unsure whether to look at her or not. He hesitated, but he couldn't help but look towards Ji Wushang.
Ji Wushang resisted the urge to leave. She didn't want to get involved with him. She would never forget what he had done to her! Whether in this life or the past! She would never forgive this man in the slightest! On the contrary, she would only cause him a lifetime of suffering!
Seeing that the beauty was indifferent, Nan Jinxue felt even more disappointed, and the tune he played made everyone feel even sadder.
Finally, the piece ended, and Nan Jinxue put away the jade flute, quickly reverting to her original aloof and ethereal demeanor. "Thank you all, I have made a fool of myself!"
"The Second Young Master Nan's flute playing seems to be trying to shatter the hearts of us mere mortals!" The Crown Prince laughed loudly upon hearing this.
The crowd, awakened from the sound of the flute, began to converse.
The flute music is so mournful; it's probably a reflection of his inner world.
After a moment of sighing, some young men went up to perform, and some female guests even boldly danced with some of them, causing many people to cheer.
Ji Wushang had no interest in any of this; he just wanted to get back as soon as possible. These people seemed more interested in watching a performance than admiring the chrysanthemums. And the performance, for the time being, didn't hold any appeal for him.
Soon, only four people remained to go up: Ji Yinxue, Ji Wushang, Beigong Minhao, and Beigong Jueshi. Ji Yinxue felt a little nervous being watched, while Ji Wushang glanced at the sky. It looked like it was going to rain, and it would be best if it rained before his performance! He hadn't thought about what he was going to perform, but his grandfather's words about not showing off kept echoing in his mind—this was a royal game.
Ji Wushang was a little depressed. The sky was indeed quite dark and gloomy, as if it were about to rain. The surrounding trees were motionless, and there wasn't a breath of wind. "Oh, how wonderful it would be if it rained!" Ji Wushang thought to himself, but not a single drop of rain fell, leaving him slightly disappointed.
Everyone's eyes were on Ji Wushang and Ji Yinxue. They had only recently heard that the two sisters had painted and written poems, which had been highly praised by everyone. But they wondered how this time would turn out? Or were they overrated and just being talked about?
Ji Wushang gently patted Ji Yinxue's hand from below, "Fourth Sister, just pretend those people don't exist, and focus on your work." Ji Wushang smiled at her. This fourth sister wasn't shy in front of so many people, but rather shy in front of someone! Unexpectedly, this really is love at first sight. He had seen Bei Gong Jueshi's gaze just now, while Ji Yinxue wore a shy expression.
However, since he is the second son of a prince, his status is much higher than that of a concubine's daughter from a general's family. Even if she marries him, she will only be a concubine. Even if he is made a prince, she will only be a secondary wife. Alas, this is not fair to my fourth sister. She is a member of a general's family and should be the principal wife.
The second son of the Prince of Zhenbei has rather unusual eyes, and I've heard he's a cursed loner. I'm afraid my fourth sister will suffer if she marries him; I wonder what might happen. Only if he treats her well and makes her his principal wife can I feel at ease.
Ji Yinxue nodded, stood up, bowed to the Crown Prince and the Eldest Princess on the red carpet, and then walked lightly towards the stage.
Once on stage, everyone's eyes were on her. Ji Yinxue felt a little nervous looking at the gazes around her, but when she met Beigong Jueshi's eyes, seeing those smiling eyes, Ji Yinxue blushed. She didn't look at him, bowed to everyone, and said, "Today, I will begin my painting. I am not very talented, so please forgive me." As she spoke, with a smile on her face, she asked the servants and maids to help bring up a large painting screen, followed by the brush and ink.
Bei Gong Jue Shi frowned. Could her small hands even hold a wolf-hair brush as big as her wrist? Ji Wu Shang looked on in surprise. Was this her own request, or was the Crown Prince deliberately sending such a large painting and wolf-hair brush?
Ji Yinxue was genuinely surprised when she saw it; she had never painted on a screen before! Besides, this wolf-hair brush… Ji Yinxue looked at her hand, wondering if she could even hold it. She decided to give it a try! Under everyone's watchful eyes, she couldn't say anything.
After the servants and maids had all left, Ji Yinxue glanced up at the surrounding guests. Many were already whispering amongst themselves, seemingly discussing something. Some were watching the spectacle, while others were holding their breath in suspense.
Ji Yinxue walked to the table where the wolf-hair ink was placed, gently rolled up her wide sleeves, and then tried to grab the large wolf-hair brush with one hand, only to find that she really couldn't hold it.
Bei Gong Jue Shi was watching from the side and was about to stand up, but Bei Gong Min Hao immediately pressed her down, "Don't move, the Crown Prince and the Eldest Princess are watching. If you go out like this, it will embarrass her even more!"
"This is clearly bullying her! How could anyone bring out such a large wolf-hair brush for a woman to use! Even we grown men might not be able to lift that brush! And she has to paint on the screen!" Bei Gong Jue Shi said indignantly, his unique dark red eyes staring fiercely at the Crown Prince and the Princess on the stage, as if he wanted to kill them.
“I believe that Fourth Sister will definitely be able to finish that painting.” Ji Wushang glanced disdainfully at the Crown Prince on the main seat. “Please trust Yin Xue.”
Bei Gong Jue Shi was taken aback. He hadn't expected Ji Wu Shang to be so strategic and confident. No, he was wrong. He should have trusted her. She wasn't so weak, nor would she be so easily defeated!
At this moment, Ji Wushang winked at Ji Yinxue, who immediately looked in her direction. Ji Wushang then made a gesture of clenching her fists and grasping firmly, before pointing to a large landscape painting. Ji Yinxue immediately understood and nodded gratefully to Ji Wushang.
Ji Yinxue's lips twitched slightly, then she rolled up her sleeves and gripped the wolf-hair brush tightly with both hands—it was only her small hands that could hold it firmly. Calmly, she stirred the brush in the ink, and once it was covered in ink, Ji Yinxue began to paint on the screen.
The strength, whether deep or shallow, thick or thin, every stroke was astonishing. Just how strong was this young woman to be able to hold this wolf-hair brush, which weighed at least ten pounds, so tightly with both hands, and to control it so nimbly!
After finishing the painting, Ji Yinxue's arm was almost tired. Finally, having completed a single stroke, she contentedly placed the wolf-hair brush back on the table. If Ji Wushang hadn't called on her, she might have given up; she wouldn't have cared about anything else.
This is a landscape painting of autumn chrysanthemums. It contains mountains, water, autumn chrysanthemums, and children, creating a harmonious whole.