C17 Show off Your Skills

Yue Jingchen observed Feng Changge closely, noticing the fleeting moment of resentment in her eyes. Though it was brief, his keen sensitivity picked up on it. When the topic of leaving the Duke's residence came up, her longing and bitterness were evident, even if just for an instant.

He found himself intrigued by her.

"Alright, I'm willing to form an alliance with you. After all, it seems there's no harm in it for me," Yue Jingchen agreed readily, which surprised Feng Changge. She had expected to undergo some sort of test to secure an alliance with him, but he bypassed that entirely, showing himself to be a trusting ally.

"Very well, Your Grace, let's return to the banquet."

As they took their seats, the guests had already been through several rounds of drinks. The only ones who noticed Feng Changge and Yue Jingchen returning together were those at the Crown Prince's table, where Yue Jingfeng's gaze lingered on Feng Changge.

Yue Jingyun teased, "So, did our third brother sneak away for a secret rendezvous?"

Yue Jingchen simply smiled and continued sipping his sake. Meanwhile, Yue Jingfeng, sitting nearby, found himself increasingly interested in Feng Changge. He overheard someone mention that Feng Changge's mother was the head of the Murong family, inheriting their unique skill in mechanical arts. This newfound knowledge piqued Yue Jingfeng's interest in the eldest daughter of the Feng family. If he could enlist her help...

Yue Jingfeng believed his plan was flawless, unaware that Feng Changge was already a step ahead.

Feng Changge glanced around; Feng Chang'an was nowhere to be seen.

The dancers who had been performing on stage retreated backstage, and Feng Chang'an took the stage. Her presence was so captivating that all the women present, even those renowned in the city, seemed to fade in comparison.

Her performance was a scene of pure elegance.

Feng Chang'an's skill with the zither was unmatched in the entire city. Yue Jingfeng had spent a fortune searching for a zither worthy of her talent, but Feng Changge remained unimpressed. When it came to music, she believed that genuine emotion was key; technique alone was an empty shell.

As Feng Chang'an finished her performance, applause erupted from the crowd. Feng Changge joined in with a polite clap, acknowledging the skillful playing, though she felt it lacked depth.

"Today marks Grandmother's sixtieth birthday," Chang'an said with a sweet smile. "I wish her happiness as vast as the ocean and a life as enduring as the mountains." She didn't leave the stage but instead turned her gaze to Feng Changge, who was seated farthest from the platform. With a light laugh, she continued, "My sister personally organized this celebration and has prepared a special gift for Grandmother. Sister, it's your turn."

Feng Changge remained calm, holding her teacup. She had anticipated this moment, knowing the tricky situation would eventually land in her lap. Fortunately, she understood Chang'an and Xiao Yan all too well and had prepared her own countermeasures. If they had no ulterior motives, the spotlight would remain on Chang'an. But if they did...

Then Feng Changge wouldn't hesitate to take center stage.

Smiling, she set down her teacup and quietly asked Biying beside her, "Is everything ready?"

"Yes, Miss, everything is prepared," Biying replied.

Feng Changge stood up. She usually avoided conflicts with them, but sometimes the more you avoid a fight, the more restless others become.

Chang'an watched with a cold gaze, eager to see how Feng Changge would turn the tables at this critical moment.

As evening fell, the courtyard was initially lit with lamps, but Feng Changge ordered them to be extinguished one by one, plunging the area into darkness. Everyone waited in silence for the eldest Feng daughter's gift.

Suddenly, a red glow emerged from the back, and a group of dancers in white gauzy dresses took the stage, each holding a branch of peach blossoms. A delicate, sweet fragrance filled the air.

"In the dead of winter, where did these peach blossoms come from?" someone in the audience murmured in surprise.

The music suddenly shifted, and Feng Changge appeared, dressed in a pale pink gown adorned with golden butterflies. She seemed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding blossoms, her graceful figure moving with ethereal beauty. As the tempo quickened, her dance steps grew larger, her gown flowing like water. Her eyes sparkled with emotion.

Suddenly, the music paused, and Feng Changge vanished among the dancers. Just as the audience began to wonder, she leaped back into view, surrounded by fluttering butterflies.

"Look, look! It's alive!"

Holding a peach, Feng Changge gracefully approached Mrs. Jin. As the music stopped, she knelt slightly and greeted, "Changge wishes you well, Grandmother. May you have many more days like this!"

"Wonderful, wonderful!" Mrs. Jin beamed, signaling her nanny to accept the peach from Feng Changge.

Feng Changge smiled brightly, humbly saying, "These little tricks of mine are hardly worthy of your attention, Grandmother."

Such a modest statement, yet even this simple performance captivated Feng Chang'an, who hadn't anticipated Feng Changge's dual preparation. She had hoped for her to falter, but instead, Feng Changge stole the spotlight.

Yue Jingfeng and the prince couldn't take their eyes off Feng Changge either. Her beauty was truly breathtaking, like an uncut gem that had been polished to perfection.