Rebirth of a Lost Nation: Princess, Please Respect Yourself

Jiang Lige blinked, as if he didn't understand the sarcasm in Qiu Yuyan's words.

"I heard that Miss Qiu has been practicing the zither since she was young, and her zither skills are considered to be the best in the capital."

Qiu Yuyan was stunned by the inexplicable praise at first, and then she raised her chin even higher.

"That's right. I've been learning the piano since I was five years old. I'm not like those people who dare to show off after just a few days of learning."

"Miss Qiu has practiced hard for so many years, but has never demonstrated her skills on a major occasion. No wonder she's so resentful."

Jiang Lige nodded in sudden realization after hearing this, and then tilted his head to ask kindly.

"How about I give this opportunity to show my face to Miss Qiu?"

When Qiu Yuyan heard this, her face turned green. Wasn't Jiang Lige indirectly saying that he was jealous?

Jiang Chuchu was afraid that Qiu Yuyan would agree to Jiang Lige on impulse, so she tried to persuade her gently.

"Yuyan, today is the Queen Mother's birthday banquet, so don't be angry. Besides, my sister didn't mean that."

Jiang Lige replied calmly, "That's what I meant."

Jiang Chuchu/Qiu Yuyan: "..."

"Look, the two girls from the Xiao family are on stage."

Zheng Baoyao let out a soft cry, breaking the awkward atmosphere.

Jiang Chuchu and Qiu Yuyan went down the stairs and watched the performance of the two beauties from the Xiao family.

The Xiao sisters were dancing to "Song of Two Swallows". They had enchanting figures and graceful dance moves, which were gentle and charming. They showed the shyness of the younger daughter to the fullest extent, and I don't know how many men present were captivated by them.

It’s a pity that Jiang Lige was asked to go to the back to change into her performance clothes when the two beauties of the Xiao family came on stage. Otherwise, she might have been able to exchange experiences with the lecherous men present.

After the dance, there was thunderous applause.

"As expected of the young ladies of Marquis Xiao's mansion, each one of them is outstanding. I'm so envious of them!"

"Isn't that the truth? There's probably no other such an outstanding lady in the whole capital."

The continuous praise made Empress Xiao smile from ear to ear, but a hint of anger flashed in the eyes of Emperor Shengwu next to her.

Today is Empress Dowager Jiang’s birthday banquet, it is definitely not the Xiao family’s turn to be in the spotlight!

As the queen of a country, Empress Xiao always wanted to compete with the Funing Palace in everything. Her mind was really too shallow!

Empress Xiao was so focused on being happy that she didn't notice Emperor Shengwu's displeasure. However, Xiao Siyou, the elder sister of the two beauties in the Xiao family, noticed this and hurriedly dragged her sister to pay her respects.

"I'm not worthy of your praise, but the two of us are dancing to celebrate the Empress Dowager's birthday. May you live as long as the Southern Mountains and be blessed as vast as the Eastern Sea."

Xiao Silian was not as thoughtful as her sister, so she finished her congratulations and said with a smile:

"The Empress Dowager is blessed with great fortune. I believe that Princess Zhaohua, who was raised by her, must also be talented. Compared to her, what are we sisters?"

On the surface, Xiao Silian's words were praising Empress Dowager Jiang, but in reality, he was putting everyone in Funing Palace on the spot.

The higher she praises Jiang Lige now, the more embarrassed it will be for the people in Funing Palace if they fail in the performance later!

Empress Dowager Jiang had been in the harem for many years, so she naturally understood this little trick and smiled faintly.

"Zhao Hua did put a lot of thought into my birthday banquet, but you guys are also very thoughtful. I will reward you all."

Madam Kong gave the gift knowingly, and after a moment, she listened to the ceremonial officer announce the items:

"Princess Zhaohua of Southern Chu presents the song 'Three Variations on Plum Blossoms'."

As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Lige, wearing a moon-white gauze dress, came out of the hall.

The red plum blossoms embroidered on the hem of the skirt are so vivid that you can almost smell the fragrance of plum blossoms as you walk.

Jiang Lige walked into the hall, bowed and sat down, and then the curtains fell on all sides. The sound of the piano was like the sound of nature, and it sounded like a dreamlike and ethereal feeling when it came through the plain curtains embroidered with red plums.

Jiang Lige performed the piece "Three Variations on Plum Blossoms" with elegance, composure, clarity and depth, making the tenacious posture of the plum blossoms swaying in the cold more vividly before one's eyes.

Not to mention that the technique of "San Nong" was mastered to perfection, the unyielding character embodied in this song was the first of all the programs at the birthday banquet.

When the song ended, the guests took a long time to come back to their senses. Sparse applause broke out, and then merged into thunder.

"Zhaohua is showing off."

The curtain slowly rose, and Jiang Lige stood up and saluted with a proper manner.

"May the Empress Dowager live forever and prosper."

Empress Dowager Jiang was happy, but she was more moved.

"Our Zhaohua has really grown up."

Emperor Shengwu also laughed when he heard this, "Princess Zhaohua's performance of 'Three Variations on Plum Blossoms' today was truly heavenly music. It really opened my eyes."

Empress Xiao could only smile and agree, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Princess Zhaohua's song shocked the world. It's all thanks to your mother's good upbringing."

"That's right. Princess Zhaohua's excellent piano playing wouldn't be possible without more than ten years of practice."

"Talent is innate, but this kind of perseverance is what my subjects should learn."

Seeing the emperor and empress's reaction, everyone naturally followed suit and praised Jiang Lige, but Jiang Lige just lowered his head slightly.

Yes, her piano-playing skills had indeed been practiced for many years, but they were not the result of hard work in this life.

In the previous life, Ning Luyang loved music very much. In order to win his favor, Jiang Lige became the disciple of Yu Niangzi, who was known as the best zither player in Jiangnan. It took her three years of hard practice to master the zither skills to such a high level.

Jiang Lige is a good pianist and has earned a lot of good reputation for Prince Xu's Mansion.

But Ning Luyang flew into a rage when he learned that her master was Lady Yu, and later sent someone to assassinate Lady Yu, just because...

Lady Yu once worked in a brothel to make a living, which was considered an insult by Prince Xu's Mansion.

After Lady Yu died, Jiang Lige broke his guqin and never played it again. If he hadn't been forced to do it now, Jiang Lige probably still wouldn't have played it, but...

Thinking of this, Jiang Lige raised his eyes slightly and looked at Ning Luyang not far away.

Coincidentally, Ning Luyang was also looking at her, with deep admiration in his eyes.

Seeing Jiang Lige looking at her, Ning Luyang gently raised his wine glass, as if to congratulate her.

Jiang Lige also responded with a gentle smile. Just wait, Ning Luyang. She will repay all the hatred from the previous life bit by bit.

Jiang Lige saved the reputation of Funing Palace, and Emperor Shengwu was also very happy. He raised his glass and drank with all the officials. After singing and dancing, it was time to celebrate the birthday.

There is an order of seniority and distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children. Emperor Shengwu had no children, so according to the rules, the previous emperor's several princes and their families should present gifts one by one.

The first few houses were in good order, but problems arose once we arrived at Prince Zhao's mansion.

"Prince Zhao, why didn't you come?"

Empress Xiao asked in surprise, and everyone then realized that they had indeed not seen Ning Yunxiao today.

Ning Yunxiao is the grandson of Empress Dowager Jiang, and his absence from his grandmother's birthday party is unacceptable no matter how you look at it.

If you are accused of being unfilial, you will be condemned by the civil officials and cursed by the people...

None of this is a joke.