C27 Chapter 27

"If Miss Bai is really unwilling, then I will not force you." Lau Yunyan pretended to have done something wrong. Those who did not know would think that Bai Jiegeng relied on the King Yi's Mansion behind her to bully her.

"Aunt, there is no need to make things difficult." Jiegeng patted Rani Yi's hand.

"That day at Caiyu Xuan, wasn't it this Liu family girl who made things difficult for you? With your aunt here, let's see who can bully you." Rani Yi's words were firm.

"Isn't it just a dance? What's so difficult about it? Anyway, I am not a talented girl, so why should I hide it?" Jiegeng got up and walked out of the seat.

Jiegeng walked to the center and slowly bowed.

"Since that is the case, let's begin." At least Eldest Imperial Princess had earned face in front of everyone and was in a good mood.

When Lau Yunyan passed by Jiegeng's side, she lowered her voice and provoked. "This time, I want you to lose face!"

Jiegeng glared back at her.

The sound of the guqin slowly rang out and Jiegeng also danced along with the music.

Although Jiegeng was not very proficient, these were still basic skills that were of different sizes. If she could not perform a single dance to shock the four seats, she would not be embarrassed even if it was ordinary.

Who knew that Lau Yunyan's zither path suddenly changed. The originally slow and gentle tune gradually revealed a lofty posture and Jiegeng had no choice but to change her path.

Previously, if one dance and one song could barely achieve a tie, then now, Jiegeng's dancing was completely snatched away by the sound of the song. As Lau Yunyan's rhythm became faster and faster, Jiegeng gradually felt that it was strenuous.

Lau Yunyan quickly changed the strumming technique and a proud smile involuntarily appeared on her face.

Suddenly, a low voice broke Lau Yunyan's rhythm. This low sound gradually occupied the main position in the process of interweaving with the sound of the zither. Lau Yunyan could only echo it even if she used all her strength.

Under the lead of the low sound, Jiegeng's footsteps became more and more steady and her movements also became more and more calm.

After one dance, it could be considered to be safe and sound.

Jiegeng rubbed the beads that were dripping from her forehead and composed herself. Only then did she realize that the one who helped her out of the predicament was actually Hsiang Xuanfei.

"Thank you for your help, Master." Jiegeng bowed towards Hsiang Xuanfei and felt extremely grateful in her heart. If not for him, she would have made a fool of herself in this situation.

"I didn't expect Lord Duan to have such exquisite skills." Eldest Imperial Princess was very satisfied with the Qin Xiao ensemble just now. Usually, when the Qin and Xiao were playing, the Xiao sound was weak and became a foil. But today, not only could this Xiao sound become the main character, it could also break the momentum of the previous music.

"Eldest Imperial Princess will not blame this lowly official for playing together without permission." Hsiang Xuanfei cupped his hands towards Eldest Imperial Princess and returned to his seat.

"This performance is finished. The victor still needs to be decided." Eldest Imperial Princess said faintly.

Anyone with discerning eyes could see that although Hsiang Xuanfei had broken Lau Yunyan's zither path midway, Lau Yunyan's zither music was naturally superior when it came to Lau Yunyan's zither skills and Bai Jiegeng's dancing.

"I think that this match was won by the Liu family's young miss." Eldest Imperial Princess said with a smile. "Imperial Sister-in-law, what do you think?"

At this moment, Rani Yi's expression was dark and ugly and she did not reply.

Eldest Imperial Princess did not get a response, so she turned to Duan Shuang. "Little brother Qu, what do you think?"

Duan Shuang put down the wine cup and looked in the direction of Lau Yunyan and Jiegeng.

Jiegeng looked straight at Duan Shuang with some anticipation in her heart. Although she knew that she would definitely lose this match, Duan Shuang's attitude was the most important to her.

Lau Yunyan's heart also jumped to her throat. She originally wanted Bai Jiegeng, this vixen, to make a fool of herself in front of Zhen'an King, but who knew that the Right Minister would come out and mess things up. Although she was sure that she would win in terms of talent, Zhen'an King's attitude was still too hard to predict.

"Indeed." Duan Shuang retracted his gaze.

Jiegeng was greatly disappointed when she heard these words. It turned out that the person she liked protecting other women in front of her felt uncomfortable. It was sour and astringent.

On the other hand, after Lau Yunyan received Zhen'an King's affirmation, it was as if her heart had flipped over a jar of honey.

Eldest Imperial Princess smiled and continued. "Then, the Liu family's young lady will continue to choose the next performer." This younger brother had never participated in this kind of banquet. Even the banquet specially prepared for him by the Empress was left unsettled at the end. Could it be that he has finally found a family's young mistress?

In the following competition, Lau Yunyan outshone the crowd. All the noble ladies present were defeated by her. Lau Yunyan immediately became the influential figure in this female banquet.

After the talent display, it was time for free talk.

Rani Yi saw Jiegeng's disappointment in her eyes and quickly comforted, "Jiegeng, don't be discouraged. Although you lost this competition, didn't you break the rules to help out? This is a good start." Although this Liu Family girl was too arrogant, she attracted the attention of the Right Prime Minister. Was this a blessing in disguise? Rani Yi was delighted in her heart.

A good start? Jiegeng really could not understand Aunt's meaning, but since Hsiang Xuanfei helped her so much, she should go and thank him properly.

"Right Minister, it was all thanks to you helping Jiegeng just now that Jiegeng also toasted to you. How about it?" Rani Yi brought Jiegeng to Hsiang Xuanfei's seat.

The noble ladies below were extremely jealous when they saw this. Sure enough, it was easier to have a cool breeze with her back against the mountain. This Bai Jiegeng was neither the most beautiful nor the best talent but she was able to easily connect with the right Minister and even get the right Minister to help.

Seeing that it was Rani Yi, Hsiang Xuanfei immediately stood up and saluted first.

Jiegeng held the wine cup to the side and said, "Lord Cang, thank you for your righteous action just now."

Hsiang Xuanfei saw Jiegeng pretending to be mature and could not help but smile. "Miss Bai is polite."

Rani Yi saw that the momentum was not bad and immediately retreated. "You young people should have a good chat."

"Eh, Aunt?" Jiegeng felt that Rani Yi was very strange today.

"Lord Duan, you are really a good person. You don't have the airs of an official at all." Jiegeng turned around and started to praise Hsiang Xuanfei.

"What? All the officials you have seen are very arrogant?" Hsiang Xuanfei was used to hearing those high-sounding compliments. Such simple words made him feel very good.

"No, I have not seen many officials either. But Zhen'an King's temper is too big." Jiegeng pouted and complained.

After saying that, Jiegeng immediately realized that Duan Shuang was drinking in front of her and immediately booed him. "Don't tell him, or else he might punish me."

"Okay. I won't say." Hsiang Xuanfei's smile became even wider. "I think Miss Bai is very interesting. I wonder if Miss can make friends with me?"

Jiegeng immediately nodded her head. "Even a Prime Minister like you does not dislike a commoner like me. How can I dare to say that I am unwilling?"

"So you are saying that you are willing to befriend me because I am a Prime Minister?" Hsiang Xuanfei retorted.

"Of course not!" Jiegeng immediately denied it. "Because you are a good person. Humbly Gentleman, who would refuse?" Jiegeng smiled.

Jiegeng and Hsiang Xuanfei were chatting happily while Duan Shuang was drinking with all his might.

"Can I call you Mr Hsiang in the future?" Jiegeng asked sweetly.

Mr Hsiang? Hsiang Xuanfei's heart suddenly throbbed.

"Of course."

"Then Mr Hsiang can just call me Jiegeng!"

"Okay."

Although Hsiang Xuanfei did not speak much, Jiegeng felt that he gave off a very comfortable and reliable feeling.

"Your Royal Highness, Yun Yan came to apologize for his rash actions last time." Lau Yunyan's confidence had increased greatly because of Zhen'an King's affirmation of her earlier.

Duan Shuang looked up and did not have much of a reaction. He continued to drink.

Lau Yunyan immediately stood there awkwardly, not knowing what to say.

Eldest Imperial Princess saw this and tried to add fuel to the fire. "Little brother, look, in today's banquet, this Liu family girl's talent is exceptional, right?"

Duan Shuang thought for a moment and nodded.

Eldest Imperial Princess immediately became even more certain that the person Duan Shuang was looking for was this Liu girl. This Liu family girl trespassed into the military camp and was not punished by Duan Shuang with military regulations. It was only a symbolic punishment. Furthermore, he had just acknowledged the Liu family girl's talent. In the past, he wouldn't have the leisure to watch a performance.

If he could set them up, he would have made a great contribution to the Emperor. Furthermore, Lau Yunyan's elder sister was the most favoured concubine in the harem. Through Lau Yunyan's relationship with the harem, it would only be beneficial and harmless to her.

Eldest Imperial Princess immediately gave Lau Yunyan a look, indicating for her to pour wine for Duan Shuang.

Lau Yunyan immediately understood. She walked to Duan Shuang's side and raised the wine pot to pour wine for him.

Duan Shuang looked at Lau Yunyan with a playful look, causing Lau Yunyan's heart to beat wildly.

"My saliva is about to flow out. I can't take my eyes off a beauty?" Jiegeng, who was watching from the side, could not help but complain.

"Whose saliva is it?" Hsiang Xuanfei asked.

"Ah? Nothing, I'm just spouting nonsense!" In order to hide the panic and atmosphere in her heart, Jiegeng pulled out a smile and faced Hsiang Xuanfei.

Duan Shuang did not drink the wine that Lau Yunyan poured, but he also did not openly refuse like in the past.

"Little brother, in this royal family, there is only you who did not have a family. You are able to stay at my banquet for so long today. I do not think that you are giving me face. Could it be that there's someone who likes it?" Eldest Imperial Princess could not continue with the tug-of-war with him. If she missed today... I don't know whose credit this credit belongs to.

Duan Shuang frowned.

Jiegeng's heart tightened when she heard this. What kind of girl did he like? It can't really be like Lau Yunyan, right?

He carefully sized up Lau Yunyan and then looked at himself. Immediately, he felt that he had already lost in terms of appearance.

"That's right." Duan Shuang only responded after a long time.

Eldest Imperial Princess suddenly felt that she had made the right choice. Although he looked a little annoyed just now, compared to the result, it was still worth it.

"Which family's young lady is that? It can't be Lau Yunyan who showed off today, right?" Eldest Imperial Princess half sneered.

Lau Yunyan immediately became extremely nervous. At the same time, she did not forget to look at Jiegeng and provoke her to show off.

"She?" Duan Shuang sneered. "Her zither skills are indeed better than the Qin Ji in the palace." After saying that, he drank another glass of wine.

Lau Yunyan stared fixedly at Duan Shuang, hoping to hear the words she was looking forward to from his mouth.