The Competition
As the night went on, the party became livelier. There were operas, dances, and poetry reading. All the people seemed to enjoy their time very much and Ying Yue could see that this was just a preparatory for the main event.
While the party progressed, Ying Yue also learned certain names that were well-known in the capital through Bai Xingmei, who was worried that she would get bored, so did her best to whisper some gossips to her.
Hence she immersed herself in getting acquainted with those people who she can never see on a regular basis. What caught her attention was the second prince Long Yixun and the heir of the left prime minister's estate, Wei Feng.
They were surrounded by a lot of people as they smile amicably, but one could see that no matter how gentle they looked, there was an insurmountable wall erected around them, giving an illusion that it was a boundary that no one can ever dare to cross.
"The fourth prince and the second prince are said to be very close since they were young and the young master from the Wei family was their bosom friend. No one dares to cross the three of them because it would be simply courting death." Bai Xingmei said while shuddering, probably thinking of an awful memory.
Ying Yue looked at the pair who were smiling brightly, these were simply the kind of people that she never wanted to get acquainted with. They looked unreadable and very sly.
"This empress wishes to start the competition, your majesty." A cold voice drifted off right after the last act of performances were done. The one who spoke was the empress of this nation; Wei Ruoqing.
"Well, it is about time." As the emperor consented, the Eunuchs tidied up the space at the center of the grand hall that was slightly elevated, to act as a stage where all the competitors would perform.
In this competition, the performers could choose which talent to show. And since this was for the maidens, most of them chose either painting, poetry, or Zither.
They have divided the contestants according to the acts that they would perform and had the Poetry started first followed by painting and lastly, zither playing.
This kingdom was truly gifted with knowledge as even Ying Yue was able to appreciate the broad and creative minds of these youths. As the competition continued, she could see various old people whispering every time an act would end.
Bai Xingmei, noticing where she was staring, whispered an explanation to her. "Those are the patriarchs of some noble houses. They are probably here to pick out good candidates for an in-law."
Ying Yue nodded in understanding. She knew how important it was to have a solid foundation as a good backing for your future. Hence this kind of thing was something she more or less guessed already.
As the competition reached its peak, it was already time for the last round of performers to play. This would be Bai Xingmei's moment to showcase her skills.
As they waited with bated breath, the remaining ladies played one after the other. At that moment, a graceful and beautiful girl stood up. The moment she did so, she caught a lot of attention from men to women, young to old. She made her way to the stage slowly and each gliding movements gave her an illusion of floating on the clouds.
As Bai Xiang'er took her spot on the stage, everyone stared not daring to swallow nor breathe. She was truly worthy of being called a number one beauty.
When she closed her eyes to play, her serene appearance looked like it came out of the painting.
A sweet melody flowed inside the hall as she started playing, it was like a wisp of refreshing air with hints of flowery fragrance. Mild but very tantalizing.
Her song was like calling out to the heart of her lover. A caress so tender that you can't help but pamper and love to the high heavens.
Ying Yue had to admit that the skills that Bai Xing'er has were truly top-notch and unparalleled in her generation. Her, as a daughter of fate, would never have a skill only for a bluff.
Although Ying Yue truly commend this young woman for her talent, she could somehow feel a very vague emotion underneath the flowery and sweet melody. It was very negligible that probably none can hear it even if they listened closely, but for Ying Yue, this was just a child's play.
There was a very subtle dissonance but as good as Ying Yue was, she was not omnipotent, she can hear it but not the reason behind it. None the less, this just added up to the pile of things that had made her uneasy.
The last note drifted off but none made a sound. It was like they were enthralled and forgot how to speak. The crown prince was also moved as he watched that graceful lone figure on the stage. He felt parched all of a sudden so he took his cup and drank it in one go.
Bai Xiang'er bowed and went down the stage. By then, the souls of these people went back to their bodies so they started applauding.
Truly deserving of her title.
As the father who doted and took care of this talented daughter, the prime minister felt like he just grew another layer of face and was seriously considering about gloating to the people nearby.
Bai Xingmei, who did not perform yet, clenched her hands. She could feel the pressure and imminent defeat. She was losing courage.
Ying Yue felt her emotions thus patted her back as if trying to make her remember that she was there for her. "Mei'jie, I know you can do this. You are very talented. But even if you lost, so what of it? Use this to gauge your potential. If you fail then keep on… but if you give up even before you tried, wouldn't that make all your sufferings and determination in the past be all worthless?" Ying Yue whispered to Bai Xingmei.
As if just waking up for the first time in 14 years, Bai Xingmei felt her eyes sting and a newly lit determination burnt in her heart.
Yes, so what if she loses or wins. She should never bend her back because she worked hard for everything she has right now. Looking gratefully at the little girl who never failed to keep her feet firmly on the ground, she promised herself that no matter what happens in the future, she will use her strength to protect herself and this little girl. She will work hard and burn her blood for the sake of them both.
With a renewed determination she calmed herself and patiently waited for her turn.
When it was time, she stood up, and bravely walked to the stage. She was not as pretty nor as graceful as Bai Xiang'er but her temperament was very warm and pure which made her unique and eye-catching, second to none.
As she sat down on the stage, she looked at the pillar where her seat was at, gently smiled as if trying to get courage from whoever was there, then she closed her eyes to start playing
That smile captivated a lot of young masters' hearts as they felt certain warmth ran through their souls. If that smile was directed to them, wouldn't it be wonderful?
As the melody sounded off, there was only one thing that they can think of; serenity. The melody was very calm and very pure, it was like a sunny day, where everyone can fool around and frolic under the sky.
But then it was only a calm before a huge storm. As the sound transitioned, they could hear a heart-wrenching ache. Like in the midst of a war, where people were desperate and had lost everything.
It burned their hearts and eyes. Some were even tempted to run on stage and give the woman the warmest hug. This was simply breaking them. As the tempo reached its peak, it felt like countless invisible swords flew towards them, stabbing them and twisting their guts.
Just when they thought they would be lost in this feeling of despair, the young woman suddenly opened her eyes, pain and agony was portrayed in those misty orbs as endless tears fall down on her pretty face.
She looked at the pillar again, then those eyes which were clearly pained a moment ago suddenly lit up and the sounds of her playing consequently changed.
If earlier it was like an ode of pain and death now it was singing happiness, contentment, and redemption. Yes, she was saved. And it was because of this little girl who plucked her out from the very bottom of hell to the vast land where she can now smell the refreshing scent of freedom.
So this song was her gratitude. Gratitude to those small hands that single-handedly saved her.
As the song ended everyone lost their capability to think. They were still imprisoned in that song that even though the skill and technique were not perfect, but the emotion was enough to blow their minds.
Ying Yue at the side who was the recipient of this marvelous song, teared up. She never thought that in this life, she would still be moved this much. In her whole existence, though she received a lot of gratitude, it was never as unrestrained and as pure at this one.
Looking at the lady who was making her way towards her seat, Ying Yue couldn't help but smile tearfully.
"Thank you Mei'jie. For me, you are my savior too." She sincerely stated as Bai Xingmei reached her seat.
On the other side of the hall, a certain prince was staring at the lady who just blew everyone's breath away, his expression unreadable.