Chapter 53

Isn't it said that Ling Shaoyang is a wicked bully who does all kinds of evil?

Isn't it said that Ling Shaoyang is a wicked bully who does all kinds of evil?

Isn't it said that the only fate for those who offend him is certain death?

Translation: "Isn't it said that offending him leads only to a dead end?" Or "Isn't it said that the consequence of offending him is only a dead end?" We'll produce: "Isn't it said that offending him leads only to a dead end?"

Ye Qingran looks not only unscathed, but it seems Ling Shaoyang is quite angry at Ye Qingran!

Ye Qingran looks like she's not only unscathed, but it seems Ling Shaoyang is the one who's angry at her!

Who can tell them what actually happened?

Translation: "Who can come tell them what actually happened?" We'll output: "Who can tell them what actually happened?"

Ye Huanhuan and several others feel deep resentment.

Ye Huanhuan and a few others feel quite unwilling.

What kind of seductive trick has that damned Ye Qingran used? Even the bully Ling Shaoyang has been bewitched by her?

Translation: "That damned Ye Qingran, what kind of fox charm technique did she use? Even that bully Ling Shaoyang has been bewitched by her!" We'll produce: "That damned Ye Qingran—what fox charm technique did she use? Even that bully Ling Shaoyang has been bewitched by her!"

Ye Li watches Ye Qingran from a short distance, feeling dejected.

Ye Li watches Ye Qingran from a distance, his spirits low.

He increasingly feels that the gap between them is widening.

Translation: "He increasingly feels that they are growing further apart." We'll produce: "He feels more and more that they are drifting apart."

Ye Li's face contorted in pain as he lifted his head and drained the cup, the fiery liquor scorching his throat and turning his face red.

Translation: "Ye Li's face shows pain; he lifts his head and downs the cup in one gulp, the spicy liquor burning his throat and making his face flush and ears red." We'll produce: "Ye Li's face showed pain as he raised his head and downed the cup in one gulp; the fiery liquor burned his throat, flushing his face and reddening his ears."

Gu Dongliu's smile deepened, and a keen interest glimmered more intensely in his eyes.

Translation: "Gu Dongliu's smile deepened at the corners of his mouth, and the interest in his eyes grew stronger." We'll produce: "Gu Dongliu's smile deepened, and the interest in his eyes grew stronger."

The Ye family's eldest daughter truly is fascinating!

Translation: "The Ye family's eldest miss is indeed quite interesting!" We'll produce: "The Ye family's eldest miss is indeed quite interesting!"

Dongfang Qingxuan furrowed his brows slightly, his eyes dark as rolling clouds.

Translation: "Dongfang Qingxuan's brows slightly furrowed, the depths of his eyes dark as rolling clouds." We'll produce: "Dongfang Qingxuan's brows slightly furrowed, the depths of his eyes dark as rolling clouds."

After three rounds of wine, Ye Huanhuan gave Lin Yue a subtle signal.

Translation: "After three rounds of drinks, Ye Huanhuan gave Lin Yue a meaningful glance." We'll produce: "After three rounds of drinks, Ye Huanhuan gave Lin Yue a meaningful glance."

Lin Yue nodded and rose slowly.

Translation: "Lin Yue nodded and slowly rose." We'll produce: "Lin Yue nodded and slowly rose."

"Lin Yue here congratulates the Crown Prince on successfully completing his three years of study at the Xuan Yuan Sword Sect. I also congratulate Huanhuan on successfully becoming a disciple of the Qingyun Sword Immortal Sect, bringing honor to Donglin."

"Lin Yue here congratulates the Crown Prince on successfully completing his three years of study at the Xuan Yuan Sword Sect. I also congratulate Huanhuan on successfully becoming a disciple of the Qingyun Sword Immortal Sect, bringing honor to Donglin."

Lin Yue's voice was laced with mystic energy, and the audience burst into applause.

Translation: "Lin Yue's voice carried Mysterious Force, and upon hearing it, everyone burst into applause." We'll produce: "Lin Yue's voice carried Mysterious Force, and upon hearing it, everyone burst into applause."

People consider joining the Xuan Yuan Sword Sect for cultivation to be the highest honor. At least the neighboring states, including Donglin, share this view.

Translation: "Everyone considers cultivation in the Xuan Yuan Sword Sect the supreme honor. At least the surrounding countries, including Donglin, are like that." We'll produce: "Everyone considers cultivation in the Xuan Yuan Sword Sect the supreme honor. At least the surrounding countries, including Donglin, are like that."

Every three years the Xuan Yuan Sword Sect holds an open recruitment across the Central Realm, and anyone who emerges from it is a true talent.

Translation: "The Xuan Yuan Sword Sect holds a general recruitment every three years across the Central Region, and those who stand out are without exception outstanding talents." We'll produce: "The Xuan Yuan Sword Sect holds a general recruitment every three years across the Central Region, and those who stand out are without exception outstanding talents."

Having become a disciple of the Qingyun Sword Immortal, Huanhuan is now surrounded by a halo and is destined to enjoy supreme glory in the future!

Translation: "Ye Huanhuan, having become a disciple of the Qingyun Sword Immortal Sect, is blessed with a halo; she will surely enjoy supreme glory henceforth!" We'll produce: "Ye Huanhuan, having become a disciple of the Qingyun Sword Immortal Sect, is blessed with a halo; she will surely enjoy supreme glory henceforth!"

"Lin Yue, lacking talent, offers a piece of music."

"Lin Yue, lacking talent, offers a piece of music."

Dongfang Qingxuan smiled and nodded: "Miss Lin Yue, you are thoughtful."

Dongfang Qingxuan smiled and nodded, "Miss Lin Yue, you're being thoughtful."

Blushing shyly, Lin Yue rose from her seat, took a guqin from a maid, walked to the center, nodded, and began her performance.

Translation: "Lin Yue rose shyly from her seat, took a guqin from the maid, walked to the center, nodded as a signal, and began her performance." We'll produce: "Lin Yue rose shyly from her seat, took a guqin from the maid, walked to the center, nodded as a signal, and began her performance."

"It sounds like a donkey braying—absolutely terrible!"

Translation: "\"It sounds like a donkey's bray—so awful! \"" We'll produce: "\"It sounds like a donkey's bray—so awful! \"" (Note: keep quotes.)

During that time, Ye Qingran heard Ling Shaoyang's complaint and thought the metaphor was very vivid.

Translation: "During that, Ye Qingran heard Ling Shaoyang's complaint and thought the metaphor was very vivid." We'll produce: "During that, Ye Qingran heard Ling Shaoyang's complaint and thought the metaphor was very vivid."

Lin Yue played as if without any sincerity.

Lin Yue played half‑heartedly.

Both in technique and artistic conception, it was obvious she was an uncommitted amateur.

Translation: "Whether in skill or artistic conception, it's obvious she's an amateur who didn't put in effort." We'll produce: "Whether in skill or artistic conception, it's obvious she's an amateur who didn't put in effort."

But in such a setting, no one would say anything.

Translation: "However, on such an occasion, no one would say anything." We'll produce: "However, on such an occasion, no one would say anything."

When the piece ended, Lin Yue returned to her seat.

Translation: "After the piece ended, Lin Yue returned to her seat." We'll produce: "After the piece ended, Lin Yue returned to her seat."

With Lin Yue's opening, other noble ladies also took the stage later, gradually raising the atmosphere to a climax.

Translation: "With Lin Yue's opening act, other noble ladies took the stage to showcase their talents, gradually pushing the atmosphere toward a climax." We'll produce: "With Lin Yue's opening act, other noble ladies took the stage to showcase their talents, gradually pushing the atmosphere toward a climax."

At this moment, Ye Huanhuan stood up, dressed in a rose‑colored long gown, looking exquisitely beautiful and dignified.

Translation: "At this moment, Ye Huanhuan rose, wearing a rose-colored long gown, her beauty rivaling that of a nation, graceful and splendid." We'll produce: "At this moment, Ye Huanhuan rose, wearing a rose-colored long gown, her beauty rivaling that of a nation, graceful and splendid."

"Thank you all today for welcoming and cleansing the Crown Prince and me. Huanhuan has nothing to repay you with, so I will offer a piece of music to express my gratitude, hoping you will all give me your guidance."

"Thank you all today for welcoming and cleansing the Crown Prince and me. Huanhuan has nothing to repay you with, so I will offer a piece of music to express my gratitude, hoping you will all give me your guidance."

With every gesture, she deliberately mimicked the current Empress, exuding a motherly aura that commanded the world.

Translation: "Her every gesture deliberately imitated the current empress, giving her an aura of maternal grace over the world." We'll produce: "Her every gesture deliberately imitated the current empress, giving her an aura of maternal grace over the world."

As soon as the crowd heard it, the welcome banquet's atmosphere instantly ignited!

Translation: "Upon hearing this, the atmosphere of the welcome banquet exploded instantly!" We'll produce: "Upon hearing this, the atmosphere of the welcome banquet exploded instantly!"

Everyone knows that besides the three notorious eccentrics in Xiliang City, there are also three talented women.

Translation: "Everyone knows that besides its three oddities, Xiliang City also has three talented ladies." We'll produce: "Everyone knows that besides its three oddities, Xiliang City also has three talented ladies."

They are the genius alchemist and top beauty Lin Xueyan, the talented Grand Tutor's daughter Gu Wan'er who claims mastery of qin, chess, calligraphy and painting, and the exceptionally gifted Ye Huanhuan of the Ye family.

Translation: "They are the genius alchemist and top beauty Lin Xueyan, the talented lady Gu Wan'er, daughter of the Grand Tutor, who is said to be versed in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, and the Ye family's Ye Huanhuan, whose cultivation talent is unmatched." We'll produce: "They are the genius alchemist and top beauty Lin Xueyan, the talented lady Gu Wan'er, daughter of the Grand Tutor, who is said to be versed in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, and the Ye family's Ye Huanhuan, whose cultivation talent is unmatched."

In fact, besides her cultivation talent, Huanhuan's guqin skill is superb and renowned; even the current emperor praises her endlessly, saying her music lingers for three days, never fading.

Translation: "In fact, besides her cultivation talent, Ye Huanhuan's guqin skill is also superb, her fame spreading far and wide; even the current His Majesty praises her incessantly, saying her music can linger for three days and its echo never fades." We'll produce: "In fact, besides her cultivation talent, Ye Huanhuan's guqin skill is also superb, her fame spreading far and wide; even the current His Majesty praises her incessantly, saying her music can linger for three days and its echo never fades."

As the prime minister's daughter and a bearer of the Sacred Spirit Root, Huanhuan holds a noble status; under normal circumstances, there is hardly any chance to hear her play.

Translation: "Ye Huanhuan, as the daughter of the current Prime Minister and a possessor of a Holy Spiritual Root, is of noble stature—when would she ordinarily have a chance to play the guqin?" We'll produce: "Ye Huanhuan, as the daughter of the current Prime Minister and a possessor of a Holy Spiritual Root, is of noble stature—when would she ordinarily have a chance to play the guqin?"

Today, at the Crown Prince's welcome banquet, Huanhuan humbled herself to present a piece of music, thereby sharing the Crown Prince's favor.

Translation: "Today, at the Crown Prince's welcome banquet, Ye Huanhuan lowered her noble status to offer a piece of music; thus they have basked in the Crown Prince's blessing." We'll produce: "Today, at the Crown Prince's welcome banquet, Ye Huanhuan lowered her noble status to offer a piece of music; thus they have basked in the Crown Prince's blessing."

Huanhuan's slender frame, like a delicate willow swaying in the wind, cradling a guqin with a graceful posture, attracted the longing of many men.

Translation: "Ye Huanhuan's slender figure sways like a willow in the breeze; holding her guqin, her graceful posture attracts many admirers." We'll produce: "Ye Huanhuan's slender figure sways like a willow in the breeze; holding her guqin, her graceful posture attracts many admirers."

Dongfang Qingxuan also wore a look of satisfaction.

Translation: "Dongfang Qingxuan also showed a satisfied expression." We'll produce: "Dongfang Qingxuan also showed a satisfied expression."

Indeed, Huanhuan is the woman he favors—her cultivation talent, beauty, and talent are all remarkable.

Translation: "Ye Huanhuan is indeed the woman he has taken a liking to—not only is her cultivation talent outstanding, but her appearance and talent are also exceptional." We'll produce: "Ye Huanhuan is indeed the woman he has taken a liking to—not only is her cultivation talent outstanding, but her appearance and talent are also exceptional."

"Today Huanhuan will present everyone with the piece 'Rainbow Skirt Feather Robe Song,' though I may be clumsy."

"Today Huanhuan will bring everyone a piece 'Rainbow Skirt Feather Robe Song,' presenting it despite its clumsiness."

Having said that, she placed her slender jade‑like fingers on the strings, and as they moved, a soaring, resonant melody rose upward.

Translation: "Having said that, her slender jade fingers rested on the strings; as they moved, a soaring guqin note rose high." We'll produce: "Having said that, her slender jade fingers rested on the strings; as they moved, a soaring guqin note rose high."

The beautiful music flowed from her fingertips, intoxicating all who heard.

Translation: "The wonderful guqin notes flowed from her fingertips, enchanting the listeners." We'll produce: "The wonderful guqin notes flowed from her fingertips, enchanting the listeners."

When the piece ended, the audience was still not satisfied.

Translation: "After the piece ended, the audience was still not satisfied." We'll produce: "After the piece ended, the audience was still not satisfied."

It seemed as if they were still immersed in the music, reluctant to leave.

Translation: "It seemed they were still immersed in the recent guqin melody, reluctant to leave." We'll produce: "It seemed they were still immersed in the recent guqin melody, reluctant to leave."

"This piece should only exist in heaven!"

Translation: "\"Such a melody belongs only in heaven! \"" We'll produce: "\"Such a melody belongs only in heaven! \""

"It's truly the most beautiful piece I've ever heard; even the greatest master of Xuan Yuan City couldn't surpass it, could they?"

Translation: "\"This is truly the best guqin piece I've ever heard; even the finest guqin master in Xuan Yuan City couldn't do better, right? \"" We'll produce: "\"This is truly the best guqin piece I've ever heard; even the finest guqin master in Xuan Yuan City couldn't do better, right? \""

"Ye Huanhuan truly can do everything; we are so envious of her."

Translation: "\"Ye Huanhuan really can do everything—it makes us envy her greatly. \"" We'll produce: "\"Ye Huanhuan really can do everything—it makes us envy her greatly. \""

"……"

Translation: "……" (ellipsis). We'll output exactly "……". Keep as is.

The crowd showered praise, and a hint of pride flashed across Huanhuan's eyes.

Translation: "Everyone praised her, and a hint of pride appeared in Ye Huanhuan's brows and eyes." We'll produce: "Everyone praised her, and a hint of pride appeared in Ye Huanhuan's brows and eyes."

At today's welcome banquet, she intentionally showcased herself, letting everyone see how outstanding the future Mother of Donglin she is, worthy of matching the Crown Prince.

Translation: "Today's welcome banquet was indeed her intention to display herself, letting everyone see how excellent this future Donglin consort is, worthy of matching the current Crown Prince!" We'll produce: "Today's welcome banquet was indeed her intention to display herself, letting everyone see how excellent this future Donglin consort is, worthy of matching the current Crown Prince!"

Of course, having another incompetent as a foil would only highlight her unparalleled talent!

Translation: "Of course, with a useless foil, her talent would shine even more brilliantly!" We'll produce: "Of course, with a useless foil, her talent would shine even more brilliantly!"

She cast a glance toward Mu Qingrou.

Translation: "She cast a glance at Mu Qingrou." We'll produce: "She cast a glance at Mu Qingrou."

"Ye Qingran, I hear that over the years your guqin skill has improved; how about offering a piece to the Crown Prince today?"

Translation: "\"Ye Qingran, I've heard your guqin skill has been decent these years; today, would you also offer a piece to the Crown Prince? \"" We'll produce: "\"Ye Qingran, I've heard your guqin skill has been decent these years; today, would you also offer a piece to the Crown Prince? \""

Following the voice, Ye Qingran looked toward Mu Qingrou.

Translation: "Ye Qingran turned toward the voice and saw Mu Qingrou." We'll produce: "Ye Qingran turned toward the voice and saw Mu Qingrou."

Mu Qingrou stared at her with malicious glee, a look of schadenfreude.

Translation: "Mu Qingrou was looking at her with ill intent, a gloating expression." We'll produce: "Mu Qingrou was looking at her with ill intent, a gloating expression."

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Qingxuan's eyebrows lifted with interest: "Ye Qingran, I didn't know you could still play the guqin. I wonder if I have the honor to listen to you perform a piece?"

Translation: "Upon hearing this, Dongfang Qingxuan raised his eyebrows, intrigued: \"Ye Qingran, I didn't know you could play guqin; I wonder if I have the honor to hear you play a piece? \"" We'll produce: "Upon hearing this, Dongfang Qingxuan raised his eyebrows, intrigued: \"Ye Qingran, I didn't know you could play guqin; I wonder if I have the honor to hear you play a piece? \""

Seeing Ye Qingran remain silent, Lin Yue raised her voice and demanded, "Ye Qingran, you truly have nerve, not even caring about the Crown Prince!"

Translation: "Lin Yue saw Ye Qingran not answering and raised her voice to question: \"Ye Qingran, you really have a lot of nerve, not even putting the Crown Prince in your sight! \"" We'll produce: "Lin Yue saw Ye Qingran not answering and raised her voice to question: \"Ye Qingran, you really have a lot of nerve, not even putting the Crown Prince in your sight! \""

A high hat was placed on Ye Qingran's head!

Ye Qingran, however, was looking at the instigator, Mu Qingrou.

Miss Mu, weren't you just in front of Wuji Hall saying I'm trash? I, a mere good-for-nothing, how could I play the zither, such a refined skill?

As soon as these words were spoken, Mu Qingrou's face sank.

Not only Mu Qingrou, but Dongfang Xuan's expression was also unpleasant.

This Ye Qingran is obviously mocking them on purpose!

Everyone's gazes, each different, shifted back and forth between Mu Qingrou and Dongfang Xuan.

At the Qingyun Grand Gathering, Mu Qingrou and the Seventh Prince declared Ye Qingran to be trash, and Mu Qingrou even used that as an excuse to forbid Ye Qingran from entering Wuji Hall.

But in the subsequent duel, Ye Qingran single-handedly defeated the two, leaving them in utter defeat, and Mu Qingrou's face was even disfigured; to this day, she still has to wear a veil when going out.

After this battle, Mu Qingrou and even the Mu family have lost face spectacularly.

The Seventh Prince, too, has been subjected to endless mockery.

Older sister, that day in front of Wuji Hall, you already proved you weren't trash, right? If so, your disappearance these past few years must have been due to guidance from an expert; otherwise, how could your strength have improved by leaps and bounds? Then, playing a piece, for you, surely isn't difficult, is it?

Ye Huanhuan said softly and gently.

Xiao Feng smiled with ill intent: 'Second Miss Ye, you're not wrong. As the saying goes, 'A belly full of poetry and books naturally exudes elegance'; Eldest Miss Ye, your demeanor is so outstanding, your talent must be likewise, right?'

Another big compliment!

Xiao Feng's words were naturally insincere. He admitted that Ye Qingran's demeanor was indeed not bad, but he did not think Ye Qingran had any talent.

Young Master Xiao, you truly have an eye for talent.

Xiao Feng: ……

He was just speaking casually, yet Ye Qingran actually took it seriously?

Truly shameless!

Mu Qingrou sneered: 'If that's the case, then Ye Qingran, could you offer some guidance on the piece Huanhuan just played?'

Guide Ye Huanhuan?

How strong would one's zither skill have to be to achieve that?

Probably only that master in Xuan Yuan City has the qualifications for that.

Even if Ye Qingran understands the zither, at best she's on par with Ye Huanhuan; expecting her to give guidance is impossible, right?

Everyone secretly thought Ye Qingran couldn't do it.

Although they said to let Ye Qingran give guidance, Mu Qingrou never thought Ye Qingran had such ability.

Ye Huanhuan herself naturally thought the same.

Even if Ye Qingran had luckily received expert guidance these past few years, how could a few short years compare to her over a decade of consistent accumulation?

Ye Huanhuan's talent is unmatched in Xiliang and even the entire Donglin Country! His Majesty even praised her music, saying it lingers for three days and never ceases to be heard.

What right does a mere Ye Qingran have to guide her?

What is she even?

"I'm afraid I can't give guidance." Ye Qingran shook her head helplessly.

Ye Huanhuan sneered in her heart.

She just knew, how could a good-for-nothing possibly guide her?!

However, before Ye Huanhuan could revel in her triumph for long, Ye Qingran's next sentence froze her expression.