Feng Xie cast a cold, alluring glance at the woman beside him, finding it impossible not to notice her. She was dressed in simple elegance, a touch of green amidst a sea of vibrant colors.
However, he wondered if she should not have attended such a grand occasion in full regalia. What would others think? His deep, dark pupils seemed to hold a millennium of ice as he moved closer to Liu Liu and spoke in a cold, light tone.
"My Empress, you attend the banquet like this?"
Liu Liu looked completely bewildered, tilting her head slightly back. She raised a faint eyebrow, her eyes shimmering with moonlight, clear and flowing.
The thought of her lips, pink and faintly scented like flower petals, caused Feng Xie's Adam's apple to bob, a warmth stirring within him.
Ever since that last time, this question had been on his mind. He had summoned Jin Jiali to his bed later, and when he touched her lips, he had vomited all night.
He had initially believed he was a germaphobe, unable to accept women's lips. But why could he accept this woman's lips, yet reject all others?
Disbelieving this anomaly, he tried again with Lou Sijing, only to fail once more. Was it possible that he could only kiss this woman? Perhaps he also hated this woman.
The previous time had been an accident; her lips had been so numb that he had lost sensation, hence no vomiting. But he had always wanted to try again.
Liu Liu gazed at Feng Xie's burning eyes. Moments ago, he had been cold and severe, as if wanting to strike her, but now what was this situation? Why was he staring at her face? Did something appear on it? Liu Liu's face flushed, and she quickly lowered her head to wipe it with a tissue.
Feng Xie was startled by her action and quickly turned away, trying to push the thought aside. He hadn't expected himself to be so impatient. Had it been too long since he had been with a woman?
Among the women in the harem, he had only touched Zhang Xiuyi, Jin Jiali, and Lou Sijing. Were there others he could accept? As for the woman beside him, he hadn't figured out what he truly wanted.
As one dance concluded, the dancers retreated. Princess Jie Lan slowly stood up, her clear voice ringing out.
"Jie Lan is a newcomer to Tian Feng, and I am deeply touched by the Emperor of Tian Feng's sincere hospitality. Jie Lan has no way to repay this kindness, and wishes to offer a song to express my heartfelt gratitude."
The civil and military officials, princes, and ministers below immediately burst into applause. Even Emperor Feng Xie became interested, clapping his hands twice and nodding, "Thank you, Princess."
Princess Jie Lan's maid, Xiao Zhao, brought out the princess's Wuxiang Qin. The Wuxiang Qin was made from premium Wuxiang wood, a highly precious material. The wood was incredibly fragrant, and as the music played, the scent wafted out, intoxicating everyone.
Princess Jie Lan’s heart was set on Prince Yan, Feng Lie, and she was determined to capture her beloved's attention, thus willing to offer a song. It was known that a princess offering a song was unusual.
The envoys disagreed with the princess offering a song, but the princess's expression was firm, leaving them with no recourse. They could only quietly scan the surroundings. Seeing that everyone at the banquet looked astonished, they couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.
They believed their princess's zither skills were unparalleled, and it would be difficult to find an equal in Tian Feng.
On the banquet grounds, a zither platform had already been set up. Xiao Zhao placed the Wuxiang Qin in position and then walked down to help the princess onto the stage. Princess Jie Lan stepped lightly, her slender waist appearing delicate and unable to grasp, her fair hands revealed beneath her sleeves, her posture graceful and elegant.
What was more, she was a princess of Yuehua Kingdom, possessing noble status. If she were to marry someone, the Emperor would also bestow a generous dowry. Therefore, the princes and ministers' eyes gleamed with desire, anticipating that Princess Jie Lan might choose them.
Chengming Hall fell into silence, everyone's gaze fixed on Princess Jie Lan's every move. She appeared elegant and dignified, graceful and composed.
She slowly knelt before the zither platform, her fair hands lightly stroking the Wuxiang Qin. She first tested its tone, then with a sudden shift of her wrist, a cascade of clear notes poured forth, as if gentle moonlight enveloped her.
A faint, elusive fragrance wafted through the air, so pleasant. Many closed their eyes, quietly savoring the beautiful melody.
Liu Liu couldn't help but nod. Jie Lan's zither skills were indeed remarkable; even she might not be able to surpass her. The melody had transported everyone to a real realm, like the flowing water of high mountains merging into one's heart, or the fragrance of grasslands on a plateau, leaving people lingering and reluctant to leave.
As the song ended, everyone forgot to applaud. Liu Liu looked up and saw Princess Jie Lan gazing fixedly at Prince Yan, Feng Lie, her eyes sparkling with a hint of expectation.
Liu Liu immediately understood. So Princess Jie Lan's zither performance was for Feng Lie. Feng Lie had always loved listening to the zither, and although she knew this, she had never played for him.
Seeing his stunned reaction at this moment was telling. Liu Liu, noticing the lack of reaction from everyone else, took the lead in applauding. Jie Lan looked up towards the high seat and nodded slightly.
The Empress's eyes were so clear, yet held a hint of admiration. It seemed she was someone who understood music, unlike most people at the banquet who were merely trying to flatter her.
Amidst the applause, Feng Lie's clear voice sounded, "Princess Jie Lan's zither skills are indeed remarkable. After listening to the princess's music, I finally understand what heavenly music is."
After speaking, Feng Lie thought of Dai Mei from Yan Hong Tower. Dai Mei's zither music was probably comparable to this. Apart from her, he doubted anyone else could match the princess's music.
Jie Lan's lips curved into a smile upon hearing Prince Yan's praise, her heart filled with sweetness. She bowed gracefully and walked down from the high platform.
Her maid, Xiao Zhao, immediately carried the Wuxiang Qin away. The civil and military officials couldn't help but sigh with admiration and praise. The envoys from Yuehua Kingdom were already somewhat proud.
Upon hearing the flattery from everyone, their faces flushed with even greater pride. They raised their wine cups, stood up, and toasted Feng Xie on the high seat.
"Emperor of the Upper Kingdom, our princess's zither music is unparalleled. Even your Upper Kingdom may not find one such as her. Therefore, we hope you will not mistreat our princess."
As soon as the envoy finished speaking, Feng Xie's expression instantly turned cold. His eyes flickered with icy intensity, and his hand clenched, veins bulging. He swept his gaze across everyone in Chengming Hall.
Unfortunately, the ladies present lowered their heads. Although the ladies present could play simple tunes, they were not suitable for grand occasions. How could they compare to the princess? Would it not be embarrassing?
Feng Xie's expression grew increasingly grim. Those sitting beside him could feel the hidden anger emanating from him. In Chengming Hall, only those few envoys showed smug expressions; others dared not even breathe.
Princess Jie Lan was somewhat annoyed by her ministers' meddling. She quickly and sternly ordered the minister to sit down, then stood up to apologize to Feng Xie. Feng Xie suppressed his anger, smiled, and gestured for the princess to sit down, stating that it was merely a friendly exchange of musical skills and there was no fault. He asked the princess not to take it to heart.
As soon as Feng Xie finished speaking, he turned and glanced at Consort De, who was seated below. Lou Sijing was a renowned talent in the capital, and her zither skills were naturally high. Last time, she had only displayed her painting skills; he was yet to know her music.
Lou Sijing saw the Emperor looking at her, and her heart sank. To be honest, as a renowned talent in the capital, her zither skills were indeed high. However, after listening to Princess Jie Lan's music, she knew she was no match for her.
There were those with innate talent, and there were those who relied on hard work. Jie Lan was the kind who possessed both talent and diligence, making her music difficult for anyone to surpass. Lou Sijing, however, had achieved her skills through arduous effort.
If it weren't for Jie Lan, her zither music would also be beautiful. But now, she understood how pale her own music sounded. Yet, the Emperor was looking at her, and a deep doubt flashed in his cold eyes. Lou Sijing could only slowly stand up.
"Your Majesty, since Princess Jie Lan has performed a song for our Tian Feng, it is only fitting that Tian Feng also offer a piece. Allow this humble concubine to perform."