Black Myth: The Legend of Tianpeng Seeking Demons

Zhu Feifei followed a group of young ladies-in-waiting into a magnificent palace. Looking up, she saw gilded beams and intricately carved pillars, and lifelike murals, all exuding imperial grandeur. However, this opulent scene did not bring Zhu Feifei any joy; instead, it filled her with a chilling aura.

"This is the Imperial Music Academy," a young woman beside Zhu Feifei whispered. "I've heard it's not only where we newly arrived palace ladies learn court etiquette, but also the cradle of court music in the entire Tang Dynasty."

Zhu Feifei nodded slightly, but her gaze was involuntarily drawn to the scene inside the hall. She saw that the walls were covered with all kinds of musical instruments, including the pipa, konghou, flute, and some other strange and unusual instruments that she couldn't name.

Although these musical instruments were exquisite, in Zhu Feifei's eyes they were more like silent cages, as if silently telling the story of their owners' imprisoned fate.

Just then, a sharp, angry shout suddenly rang out, interrupting Zhu Feifei's thoughts. "Stand up straight!" Zhu Feifei subconsciously looked in the direction of the voice and saw a short, stern-faced old woman striding towards them.

She gripped a ruler tightly in her hand, her sharp eyes, like knives, scanning the young women before her.

Zhu Feifei's heart tightened. She immediately realized that this must be the legendary Granny Wang—the strict tutor who was famous in the palace.

Wang Mama stood before the young ladies-in-waiting, slightly raising her chin, and said in her high-pitched yet somewhat authoritative voice, "I am Wang Mama, responsible for teaching you court etiquette and musical performance. Here, every word I say is a rule, and you must strictly abide by it without the slightest violation! Otherwise..." As she spoke, she brandished the ruler in her hand, a ruthless glint flashing in her eyes.

Her gaze lingered on each of the young women's faces for a moment, as if trying to etch their images into her mind. When her gaze fell upon Zhu Feifei, Zhu Feifei felt as if she had been seized by a sharp eagle's claw, and couldn't help but shiver.

"I've already explained the rules once. Now begin practicing!" Granny Wang's voice brooked no argument, her tone laced with a hint of harshness. "Anyone who dares to slack off or make a mistake won't be so lenient! Tonight at the banquet, everyone must perform a talent; don't embarrass the music academy!"

Upon hearing this, the young women fell silent, not daring to even breathe. Following Wang Mama's instructions, they began practicing various court etiquettes, such as walking, bowing, speaking, and eating, as well as their respective talent performances.

For Zhu Feifei, this was a nightmare. She had always been lively and active, and hated all these formalities. Now, to be forced to learn from those well-bred young ladies, to walk with small, delicate steps, to be submissive and obsequious, and to constantly watch her words and actions—it was worse than death for her.

"Xiaobai, this is too difficult!" Zhu Feifei lamented inwardly. She felt like a puppet on strings, with no freedom at all! Every movement and every word had to be done according to the rules, and the slightest mistake would result in a scolding from the palace maid beside her. She felt like she was suffocating, as if trapped in an invisible cage.

"Bear with it, you idiot!" Xiao Bai's voice came from the jade pendant, tinged with helplessness. "If you want to complete the mission, you must learn to adapt. Think about your pipa skills; that's your trump card. As long as you can successfully enter the palace, with your musical talent, you'll definitely win the Emperor's favor. Then, we'll find a chance to leave."

Zhu Feifei took a deep breath, gritted her teeth, and continued practicing. Although she was very unwilling, she knew Xiaobai was right. Only through patience and hard work could they achieve their goals. So, she mustered her spirits and diligently studied court etiquette, trying to make herself look more elegant and proper.

However, her clumsy movements and unnatural posture still drew laughter from a fellow candidate beside her. That candidate was very beautiful, dressed in gorgeous clothes, and her eyes revealed a mixture of pride and disdain.

When she saw Zhu Feifei's appearance, she couldn't help but burst out laughing: "Haha, look at her, she's like a complete idiot! She can't even walk properly, yet she wants to enter the palace to serve the Emperor? What a pipe dream!"

Her laughter attracted the attention of the other young women around her, and they all turned their gazes to Zhu Feifei. Some of them wore expressions of schadenfreude, while others cast sympathetic glances.

Zhu Feifei recognized the person who had mocked her—it was Li Ying, with whom she had a grudge from the talent show. Hearing Li Ying's taunts, Zhu Feifei was furious, but she suppressed her anger and ignored her. She knew now was not the time to turn against Li Ying.

"Silly pig, ignore her!" Little White comforted her. "Just focus on being yourself. Remember, you still have the pipa as your special skill."

Zhu Feifei took a deep breath and continued practicing. She kept reminding herself that she was now Zhu Rong, not Zhu Feifei, and that she had to learn to control her emotions and not be as impulsive as before.

Time passed by, and Zhu Feifei's etiquette practice became more and more proficient. She gradually grasped the essence of court etiquette, and her movements became more and more elegant and natural, even carrying a unique touch of agility.

Seeing Zhu Feifei's progress, Granny Wang smiled with satisfaction, a rare sight on her usually cold face. She walked up to Zhu Feifei and said, "Not bad, you've improved quickly. I heard you play the pipa very well; let me hear you play later."

Zhu Feifei quickly bowed and said, "Thank you for the compliment, Aunt. I will continue to work hard." A hint of joy flashed in her eyes, but she quickly hid it, maintaining a respectful expression.

A few days later, a grand banquet was held in the palace, which all the newly entered palace ladies were required to attend. This was their first opportunity to see the emperor.

Zhu Feifei stood before the bronze mirror, carefully examining herself. She wore a light pink palace dress, adorned with exquisite pearl hairpins, and her face was lightly made up. In her hands, she held a beautiful pipa, her most beloved musical instrument.

"Wow, Zhu Rong, you look so beautiful today!" A familiar voice came from behind. Zhu Feifei turned around and saw that it was Han Shiya, her good friend whom she had made in the past few days.

Han Shiya wore a pale yellow dress embroidered with exquisite floral patterns, and a gold belt around her waist, making her look very elegant.

She approached Zhu Feifei, her eyes full of admiration: "I heard you play the pipa very well, you must perform well later!" Zhu Feifei smiled and said, "Thank you. You are very beautiful too. Let's do our best together." Han Shiya nodded and patted Zhu Feifei's shoulder encouragingly. The two smiled at each other, then followed the other young ladies to the banquet hall.

On the way, they shared their feelings and expectations, encouraging each other. Finally, they arrived at the banquet venue. It was lavishly decorated, with dazzling gold and silver ornaments that were a sight to behold.

The banquet was held in the Imperial Garden, where colorful lanterns hung high, illuminating the entire garden. Various exotic flowers and plants vied for attention, their fragrance filling the air, creating a breathtaking scene. Several exquisite guqin and pipa instruments were also displayed in the garden, clearly in preparation for tonight's performance.

Zhu Feifei followed the procession and slowly entered the Imperial Garden. She looked around and saw that many people had already gathered there, including civil and military officials in their official robes, noble ladies in their finest attire, and many guards in armor, all of them imposing and majestic, protecting the safety of the palace.

Zhu Feifei's appearance immediately attracted everyone's attention. Her stunning beauty, elegant demeanor, and the faint fragrance emanating from her body were captivating. Even more striking was the pipa she held in her arms, which aroused curiosity about her talent.

"What a beautiful woman!" "Who is she?" "I've never seen such a beautiful woman before!" "Judging from her holding the pipa, could she be a pipa master?"

There was a lot of discussion in the crowd, with many people asking about Zhu Feifei's identity.

"You silly pig, you're the center of attention right now, stay calm!" Little White reminded him through the jade pendant. "When you perform later, you'd better show your true skills."

Zhu Feifei took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. She knew that tonight's banquet was very important to her, and she had to seize the opportunity to gain a foothold in the harem.

At that moment, a commotion arose, and the crowd automatically parted to make way. Zhu Feifei looked in the direction of the sound and saw a middle-aged man dressed in a dragon robe and wearing a crown slowly walking towards them, followed by a woman of unparalleled beauty. Zhu Feifei immediately realized that it was the current emperor, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, and Yang Guifei.

Accompanied by Gao Lishi, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang slowly walked into the Imperial Garden. He looked around, his gaze falling on Zhu Feifei, and his eyes lit up immediately.

"And who is this?" Emperor Xuanzong asked, pointing at Zhu Feifei. His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an invisible authority that made everyone present hold their breath.

Gao Lishi quickly bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, this is Zhu Rong, a newly entered concubine. I've heard she plays the pipa exceptionally well."

"Zhu Rong..." Emperor Xuanzong savored the name. "A fine name. She truly lives up to her name; she is indeed a beauty capable of captivating a nation. Since she plays the pipa so well, let me hear her play."

Zhu Feifei was both nervous and excited to be called upon by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang. She took a deep breath, stepped forward, and bowed deeply to the emperor: "This humble woman, Zhu Rong, greets Your Majesty. By Your Majesty's favor, I humbly offer you a song."

"Very well, then let's play the 'Rainbow Feather Garment Dance'," Emperor Xuanzong said, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes.

Zhu Feifei was startled. She knew that "The Song of Rainbow Feathers" was a piece of music personally composed by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, and it was extremely difficult. However, she remained calm, because this was the very piece she had carefully prepared.

Zhu Feifei gently stroked the pipa, her ten fingers flying across the strings, and a melodious pipa sound immediately rang out. Her fingering technique was exquisite, and her tone was mellow, making the performance of "The Song of Rainbow Feathers" as poetic and picturesque as if a fairy in the sky was dancing gracefully.

What's even more amazing is that Zhu Feifei also softly sang while playing the instrument:

"Clouds remind me of her garments, flowers of her face; spring breezes caress the balustrade, heavy with dew. If not seen atop Jade Mountain, she will surely be met beneath the moon on the Jade Terrace."

This poem is the first of Li Bai's "Three Poems of Qingping Tune," praising Yang Guifei's beauty while also alluding to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty, perfectly complementing Zhu Feifei's own temperament.

The sound of the pipa and the singing blended perfectly, like heavenly music, captivating everyone present. Emperor Xuanzong was completely mesmerized, and even Yang Guifei was captivated.

After the music ended, Zhu Feifei gently put down her pipa and bowed deeply to Emperor Xuanzong of Tang once again.

Emperor Xuanzong of Tang stood up excitedly, repeatedly praising, "Excellent! Excellent! Truly a woman of both beauty and talent! I have never heard such beautiful pipa music, nor have I ever seen such an outstanding woman!"

Yang Guifei smiled and said, "Sister Zhu Rong's musical skills are superb, and her singing is captivating. She is truly a rare talent."

Zhu Feifei's performance was like a thunderclap, causing a huge stir at the banquet. Everyone was captivated by her talent and showered her with praise.

Standing in the crowd, Li Ying saw how much Emperor Xuanzong admired Zhu Feifei, and a burning flame of jealousy raged in her heart. She had thought that with her beauty and family background, she could easily win the emperor's favor, but she never expected that Zhu Rong would suddenly appear and steal the limelight.

"Hmph, she's just got a bit of looks and can play the pipa, what's so great about her!" Li Ying muttered to herself, her tone full of sourness. Her gaze swept coldly over Zhu Feifei, and she was already plotting how to deal with this formidable opponent who had suddenly appeared.

The other young ladies-in-waiting were also filled with envy and jealousy towards Zhu Feifei. They had originally thought that they could gain a foothold in the harem by virtue of their family background or beauty, but they never expected that Zhu Rong's appearance would shatter their illusions.