The Double-Chapter 81 - 73 Loving Beauty

If this performance of "Hu Jia Eighteen Beats" were likened to a play, where the audience felt anger or fear because of the performer, or joy and sorrow from the drama itself, ultimately being led by their emotions, then the sight of someone sober amongst a crowd engrossed in the act was enough to surprise.

Jiang Li stared at those beautiful phoenix eyes and, for a moment, couldn’t fathom the emotions hidden within, only feeling a chill in her heart, as if she were about to be seen through.

That capricious beauty, Duke Su, was sizing her up, perhaps still trying to unearth her secrets.

Jiang Li lowered her gaze, concealing the myriad emotions in her heart and gracefully bowed to the audience below, her performance was over.

The crowd watched her, dumbfounded.

For a moment, all ridicule, sneers, disdain, and even curses came to an abrupt halt. If her achievement at the upper three levels of examination had not been entirely convincing since it wasn’t done before everyone, now there was nothing left for her critics to say.

The one playing the zither on stage was indeed Miss Jiang the Second.

Among the examiners, that joyous old fellow, Mr. Mian Ju was the first to shout out, "Girl, who taught you to play the zither?"

Calling the Chief Minister’s Daughter a "girl" was somewhat abrupt, but since he was Emperor Hongxiao’s favorite court musician, even Jiang Yuanbai had to give him face, and no one would say anything about it.

Mr. Mian Ju’s question snapped everyone back to reality; indeed, they had all seen Jiang Li’s zither skills, which were familiar, not like someone touching the zither for the first time. Judging by her demeanor, she must have learned for many years. But there was no Zither Master in the temple, could she have been taught by some hidden highbrow, reclusive from the world?

As soon as Jiang Li saw the glowing eyes of Mr. Mian Ju, she knew what he was thinking and readily went with the flow, saying, "My mentor has already traveled far..."

Ah, she indeed had guidance from a master!

Mr. Mian Ju could hardly contain himself and was about to rush forward, bombarding her with questions, "What’s your master’s name? Where does he live? Where has he gone? How can he be found?"

Jiang Li looked at him with a hint of difficulty and vaguely said, "I don’t know either..."

Upon hearing this, Mr. Mian Ju was first anxious, then seemed to realize something, and sighed, "Let it be, let it be. These masters never wish to reveal their whereabouts. Leading a life as free as the wind, how can they be burdened by the mundane world?" Then, looking at Jiang Li with some envy, he said, "You’re quite fortunate, young girl, to have the guidance of such a person at a young age. You will benefit from it for a lifetime. Why don’t I have such luck? Ah!"

Jiang Li saw his sighs and regrets and couldn’t help but feel a mix of laughter and tears inside. However, Mr. Mian Ju’s words did clear up everyone else’s confusion.

The people around them began to talk.

"So Miss Jiang the Second had the guidance of a master, no wonder she plays so well. I think it’s even better than Miss Jiang the Third’s earlier performance, isn’t it?"

"Isn’t that so? Mr. Mian Ju said that anyone acknowledged by Mr. Mian Ju as a master must be extraordinary. Miss Jiang the Second being mentored by a master, how can others compare?"

"Miss Jiang the Second is really lucky, who knows if she might become a Zither Master in the future. Look at Mr. Mian Ju, he’s so fond of her talent."

"Pfft, giving up being the Chief Minister’s Daughter to become a Zither Master? Miss Jiang the Second isn’t out of her mind."

Ye Shijie was rather stunned by this swift turn of events and after a moment, couldn’t help but chuckle to himself.

In the beginning, he couldn’t help but worry for Jiang Li, but then he vaguely felt that she might have her own ways. That arrogant, disdainful daughter of a merchant had grown up and transformed into someone completely different from before; the most apparent change was that she had become much smarter than she used to be.

Jiang Yuanbai listened to his colleagues’ praises of Jiang Li and felt complicated emotions. On one hand, no matter what, their praise of his daughter was always a pleasure. On the other, seeing the aggrieved look on Jiang Youyao’s face, he felt somewhat heartbroken.

After all, she was his daughter, who had grown up cherished and protected in his palms; the zither had always been Jiang Youyao’s forte. Now that she had been surpassed by Jiang Li, Jiang Youyao must be feeling upset and disappointed.

In fact, jealousy in Jiang Youyao’s heart overshadowed her sorrow, and hatred outweighed her disappointment. From the moment Jiang Li began to play "Hu Jia Eighteen Beats," Jiang Youyao knew that today’s situation was probably going to be upset by Jiang Li again. She looked at Ji Shuran and, seeing her serious face, felt a sense of unease brewing within.