Chapter 45

"Good, good!" The imperial prince's section erupted in cheers.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin turned her head and saw Quan Quan Aoyu smiling lightly, giving her a thumbs-up. She smiled lightly in return, showing a hint of pride.

However, to Jun Jun Yiyi, these cheers were like thorns in her back, piercing her heart. Every morning, when the first ray of sunlight spilled through the window, she would rise early to practice the zither, her hands blistering with blood, the pain drilling into her bones. She had practiced the zither so bitterly and prepared the piece so carefully, hoping to shine today and win the Crown Prince's favor. Now it seemed, what place did she have left!

Jun Jun Yiyi could not help but feel a surge of resentment toward Noble Consort Gao. If Noble Consort Gao had not suddenly attacked, how could that wretch Jun Jun Zijin have stolen the show?

Jun Jun Yiyi bit her teeth so hard she nearly shattered her silver teeth; her nails dug deep into her palms as she struggled to keep her tears from spilling over.

Only then did the crowd come to their senses, and immediately the Imperial Garden filled with discussion. Someone exclaimed:

"Who said Lady Lady Qingping was a useless person skilled in none of the four arts? Seeing her today proves the rumors are misleading!"

"Minister Minister, Lady Lady Qingping possesses such talent; you are truly fortunate."

Before the words had fully faded, a chorus of agreement rose from around them, and everyone nodded in unison.

Xiang Xiang Junzheng finally felt relieved.

The Emperor Tianqi Emperor smiled and clapped his hands lightly. Immediately, two eunuchs approached, carefully and quietly carrying a box wrapped in magnificent silk. Everyone stretched their necks, eager to see what such a treasure could possibly be.

The eunuchs gently placed the box in the center of the hall and then respectfully withdrew.

The Emperor Tianqi Emperor waved his large hand and spoke with dignity yet warmth:

"Lady Lady Qingping, open it and see."

At that moment, everyone held their breath, their gazes fixed on the box about to be opened. In truth, Jun Jun Zijin was also curious about what object the Emperor had bestowed upon her.

Her gaze swept over the curious faces of the crowd as she slowly opened the box.

Lying inside was a zither, shaped in the Shennong style: the soundboard was thick and slightly semi-oval, with rounded ridges at the neck and waist, and the entire body coated in black lacquer.

Jun Jun Zijin lifted out the zither and gently stroked it:

"Your Majesty, could this be Jue Xiang?" Jun Jun Zijin exclaimed in shock.

"Jue Xiang" was made of paulownia wood, with a slightly raised sound cavity, displaying snake-belly and ox-hair crack patterns; its lacquer color was brilliant and ancient, the cracks rising like coiled dragons, adorned with gold markers and jade tuning pegs, magnificent and grand. Its sound was bright, resonant, and clear, rich with ancient charm; when pressed or plucked, it produced crisp, delightful tones, truly an extraordinary zither.

Jue Xiang was one of the famous ancient zithers. In her past life, Jun Jun Zijin had seen this instrument at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. She never expected to encounter it again in this time and space, and even more, to have it become her possession. This spendthrift Emperor truly had grand ambitions, Jun Jun Zijin muttered inwardly in amazement.

The Emperor Tianqi Emperor laughed heartily and said:

"Lady Lady Qingping is indeed knowledgeable. This zither was specially sought out by me to be presented to the winner of this year's zither competition."

Jue Xiang! The crowd erupted in a murmur. Your Majesty truly has grand ambitions.

Everyone present came from high-ranking families; who among them was not a pretender to elegance? Who did not know this zither was a marvel of zithers, a treasure that made people sigh in awe? It was something countless zither enthusiasts could encounter only by rare fortune!

Upon hearing that this zither was Jue Xiang, Jun Jun Yiyi was stunned. The Emperor had bestowed Jue Xiang upon that wretch Jun Jun Zijin! That was the precious zither for which the First Lady had spent vast sums and sent people to inquire for years without success. She never expected it to fall into the hands of that wretch Jun Jun Zijin today. Jun Jun Yiyi stared fixedly at Jun Jun Zijin, so furious she felt she might vomit blood.

Jun Jun Zijin wanted to complain; she had no special love for music, and the Emperor giving her such an object felt somewhat wasteful.

Jun Jun Zijin glanced at all the male and female guests present. Everyone's eyes were red, looking at her with envy and jealousy. She must show extreme appreciation for this zither, or else the people present would likely tear her apart.

Jun Jun Zijin bowed her head to the ground and said obediently, "Your servant thanks Your Majesty for the gift."

Just then, the previously silent crowd suddenly stirred, and a person pushed through the throng. It was none other than Minister Minister Xiang Xiang Junzheng.

Since the Emperor had bestowed such a rare treasure upon his daughter, he, as her father and being present, naturally ought to come forward to express gratitude together. So he hurriedly knelt on the ground and bowed heavily, saying, "Your servant thanks Your Majesty on behalf of my daughter for this gifted treasure zither."

Quan Quan Wuji was in excellent spirits and did not tease Xiang Xiang Junzheng today. He waved his hand:

"Rise."

Just as Xiang Xiang Junzheng stood up, Noble Consort Gao, who had been silently standing aside, slowly spoke:

"With Lady Lady Qingping's such talent, this palace is curious: how did such false rumors spread before?" These seemingly gentle words actually hid hidden meanings.

Jun Jun Zijin remained calm, a hint of cunning flashing in her eyes:

"Replying to Noble Consort, in truth, my daughter has been devoted to zither art since childhood. Perhaps she is not good at socializing, but I dare not forget the teachings of my late mother."

Who among those present was not a shrewd person? Lady Lady Qingping's words carried hidden meanings. She had loved zither art since childhood, and the first wife of the Jun household had carefully taught this second young lady before passing away. Why, as soon as the Wu woman took her place, was this second young lady spoken of so disgracefully?

"A stepmother is always a stepmother. Poor Lady Lady Qingping lost her mother at six, young and without support."

"Who would say otherwise? But a father is always a father, isn't he? How could he allow his own daughter to be treated so cruelly?"

"I think a father who lets a concubine rise to power and mistreat the legitimate daughter of the first wife is better off not existing at all!"

"A concubine is always a concubine; even if elevated to the main position, she can never truly ascend to elegance!"

Every Lady present at this court banquet was the legitimate wife of her household. They all came from noble families, with exalted status. As fellow legitimate wives, they shared many commonalities and similar experiences. Naturally, they stood united in their indignation.

The Ladies and Young Ladies present whispered among themselves, some puzzled, some sympathetic, and their words criticizing Xiang Xiang Junzheng reached his ears. Xiang Xiang Junzheng's face turned red with shame, and he quietly retreated to the side, daring not to make a sound.

At this moment, Jun Jun Yiyi was so furious her eyes seemed to spit fire, her face distorted. She bit her teeth, forcing down the anger in her heart, and had no choice but to lower her head again.

Noble Consort Gao, whose face had also darkened, was equally furious, nearly toppling backward. Unable to vent her anger here, she took a deep breath and forced a smile:

"Today was meant to be a joyful occasion for listening to music; let us not discuss anything that spoils the mood."

Only then did everyone snap out of their daze. Noble Consort Gao was also the Emperor's concubine; no matter how exalted, a concubine is still a concubine. Everyone's hearts sank suddenly with a dull "thud," their eyes revealing shock and fear, and they all instinctively closed their mouths tightly.

At this moment, Consort Xin, seated below Noble Consort Gao, spoke:

"Such a precious zither, not even found within the palace itself, yet Your Majesty bestowed it upon Lady Lady Qingping. It is truly enviable."

Consort Xin had always followed Noble Consort Gao's lead. From the moment Jun Jun Zijin produced that zither, Consort Xin had noticed the greed in Noble Consort Gao's expression, though well concealed, and it certainly did not escape Jun Jun Zijin's eyes either.

Jun Jun Zijin was already worried that such a fine zither would be wasted in her hands, as this object was far less practical than silver. She might as well do a favor by the flow of water; after all, keeping it served little purpose for her.

Jun Jun Zijin frowned slightly, gazing deeply at the zither. After a long while, she slowly withdrew her gaze, sighed lightly, and spoke as if reluctant:

"Your Ladyship speaks truly. Your servant has devoted herself to studying medicine and likely has no time to play the zither. Moreover, my zither skills are shallow; such a fine zither in my hands would indeed be a waste of a precious resource. It would be better to place this zither in the Seven Treasures Pavilion within the palace, where more people who truly understand and appreciate zither music and master the ways of sound can approach and examine it. In this way, the zither can fulfill greater value and purpose, rather than being buried here. As for your servant, though my heart is reluctant, knowing the zither will later meet a true connoisseur brings me peace. I hope Your Majesty will grant my proposal, allowing this treasure zither to shine brilliantly in the Seven Treasures Pavilion."

"Seven Treasures Pavilion" was a special place in the Emperor Tianqi Imperial Palace, named "Seven Treasures Pavilion." It was, in fact, a treasury of culture and art: a place concentrating the display of seven skills and talents—zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, dance and song, horsemanship, and archery. Whether stringed instruments, chess sets and boards, calligraphy scrolls and paintings, riding equipment, or archery gear, every item was a worldly treasure.

Whether true masters within the palace, concubines, or court artists, anyone who truly understood them had the opportunity to use and appreciate them in the Seven Treasures Pavilion. Even ministers and the female members of their households could approach and appreciate them during special occasions like court banquets.

Upon hearing Jun Jun Zijin's words, everyone showed surprise. No one who obtained such a fine thing would have any reason to give it away. Jun Jun Yiyi, however, bit her teeth inwardly, thinking this wretch knew how to play the good person, freely giving away a treasure zither she had just received to curry favor with everyone under heaven.

Noble Consort Gao's face instantly filled with smiles. "Lady Lady Qingping is truly generous. Once this zither enters the Seven Treasures Pavilion, I believe the subjects of our Emperor Tianqi will enjoy it together, and it will surely shine brilliantly." Consort Xin hurriedly followed with flattery.

Neither the Emperor nor the imperial princes had expected Jun Jun Zijin to make such a decision. The Emperor was the first to recover his wits, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes:

"Lady Lady Qingping's gesture is most magnanimous; I grant it."

The First Imperial Prince nodded slightly, the Second Imperial Prince frowned, secretly guessing Seeing Jun Jun Zijin's intent—could it be feigning reluctance to catch the enemy? The Third Imperial Prince, meanwhile, regarded Seeing Jun Jun Zijin with keen interest.

The Fourth Imperial Prince, Quan Quan Tianchen, turned to Quan Quan Aoyu beside him and said:

"Sixth Brother, this woman is extraordinary."

Quan Quan Aoyu curled his lips slightly; this girl always managed to surprise him.

Quan Quan Wuji glanced at Quan Quan Aoyu, then added:

"Lady Lady Qingping understands righteousness deeply; she is a model for the women of Emperor Tianqi, truly filling me with deep gratification and admiration. I hereby bestow upon you a purple-gold jade plaque, so that you may enter the Seven Treasures Studio at any time in the future."

The crowd was startled once more. A purple-gold jade plaque personally bestowed by the Emperor—what an immense honor! This plaque was crafted from purple-gold and the rare treasure red jade, its texture warm and fine, its color magnificent and enchanting. Whoever held this purple-gold jade plaque could move freely and unimpeded throughout the palace, entering and exiting the heavily guarded inner imperial quarters at will, with no one daring to obstruct them. Not to mention the female members of the households of high-ranking and powerful princes, who could in no way compare; even in all of Emperor Tianqi since its founding, there had likely been only one such person.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin originally did not know the purpose of this purple-gold jade plaque. Glancing at the male guests whose jaws had dropped and the female guests with bloodshot eyes, she saw Quan Quan Aoyu nod slightly toward her, and then saw Quan Quan Qingle urgently calling for her to quickly accept the decree. Even if she were dull, she would know this plaque was no ordinary matter. In that instant of her dazed moment, Xiang Xiang Junzheng hurried forward two steps, grabbed Seeing Jun Jun Zijin, and bowed her head to kowtow before the Emperor:

"Your subject (your subject daughter) thanks Your Majesty for his great grace."