Chapter 59: The Pipa Calamity 2

Chapter 59: The Pipa Calamity 2

Just at that moment, someone from the musical instrument workshop hurried in.

A palace servant came in holding a pearwood tray covered with a dark blue velvet cloth.

After presenting it to Emperor Xiao Jingheng, the velvet cloth was lifted,

"Your Majesty, the Phoenix-Head Pipa has been brought."

The eyes of all the women in the hall were almost instantly drawn to the pipa.

It was a santalwood Phoenix-Head Pipa shimmering with a radiant glow,

Its soundbox made of Lanli bamboo, and the head carved from pure white ivory,

The strings were black and red, made of resilient Chen Hongmu silk, each inch worth its weight in gold.

The extravagance of this pipa left even Chen Consort, accustomed to luxury, speechless.

She whispered to the Empress, "His Majesty really holds her in high regard. The Phoenix-Head Pipa, once a gift from the late Emperor to the Empress Dowager, has been brought out for her?"

The Empress replied with a serene smile, "As long as it pleases His Majesty, what can't be done?"

Song Zhao, unaware of the pipa's history, could tell from its appearance and craftsmanship that it was no ordinary instrument, "Your Majesty, this is..."

Emperor Xiao Jingheng explained, "This is the Phoenix-Head Pipa bestowed by the late Emperor to the Empress Dowager, the finest pipa in the world. I thought it would add splendor to your performance today."

He watched Song Zhao's reaction as he spoke, noticing her disappointment and quickly changed the subject,

"No matter, you can play it for me once your injury heals."

With a wave of his hand, he signaled the servants to take the pipa away.

At that moment, Xiao Changzai, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up,

"Your Majesty... Actually, the performance I prepared today also involves playing the pipa..."

As soon as she finished speaking, Chen Consort immediately ridiculed her,

"Who's speaking with such a husky voice? I thought it was one of the princes. Oh, it's Xiao Changzai?"

She sneered and glanced at Xiao Changzai,

"What, I thought your specialty was singing Kunqu opera? You play the pipa as well?"

Having experienced Chen Consort's sharpness before, Xiao Changzai dared not meet her gaze but was eager for this opportunity, so she could only nod silently, head bowed.

Chen Consort scoffed, "Hmph~ Xiao Changzai is truly a jack of all trades."

Seeing Chen Consort's jealousy about to overflow and Xiao Changzai stiff with awkwardness, the Empress intervened:

"Since Xiao Changzai has prepared a pipa piece, why not let her perform it to entertain His Majesty?"

Chen Consort retorted, "I must respectfully disagree with Her Majesty the Empress. The Phoenix-Head Pipa is a relic of the Empress Dowager. It's not something that just anyone can use. His Majesty originally intended it for Song Changzai's use. Since she is injured and cannot play, the pipa should rightfully be returned."

The Empress ignored her and turned to Emperor Xiao Jingheng, asking, "What does Your Majesty think?"

Song Zhao watched the Empress and Chen Consort's exchange, where it seemed Chen Consort had the upper hand. Little did she know that the Empress's subtle approach was far more skillful.

Letting Chen Consort choke and gloat,

The Empress simply left the decision to Emperor Xiao Jingheng.

With three princes present today, Chen Consort advocated against Xiao Changzai playing, while the Empress suggested everyone should enjoy themselves,

Emperor Xiao Jingheng, in such a setting, would naturally consider the Empress's face.

So, as expected, he said, "Since Xiao Changzai can play, and the pipa is already here, let her play."

Upon hearing this, Chen Consort's face darkened immediately, while the Empress's smile seemed to brighten,

"Xiao Changzai, what are you waiting for? Get ready."

Xiao Changzai quickly expressed her gratitude and began to prepare with the pipa.

Xiao Changzai was also quite astute,

Previously, with her voice affected, she thought of performing something different at Emperor Xiao Jingheng's birthday banquet to catch his attention.

But there are only so many instruments suitable for women to play, and almost all had been chosen by other consorts,

Performing something already showcased by others was tricky – excel and risk offending them, fail and become a laughingstock.

Later, when she learned that Song Zhao was going to perform on the pipa and was a novice,

She realized this was her 'opportunity' once again.

Having some proficiency in playing the pipa, and being a 'Changzai' like Song Zhao, she wasn’t afraid of offending her,

By performing together, she could outshine Song Zhao and not worry about upsetting other consorts. Why not seize the chance?

Once the preparations were made, a chair was placed slightly to the right of the center stage,

Xiao Changzai, poised and sitting straight on the chair, cradled the pipa and rolled up her sleeves, revealing her fair wrists. With a shy and bashful tone, she said:

"Earlier this year, our victory over the Western Rong owed entirely to His Majesty's wisdom and strategies. Today, I present the piece 'Ambush from Ten Sides' to celebrate our triumphant return."

With that, she began to play with a gentle and slow motion.

Xiao Changzai's skill was adept, her music flowing like pearls rolling on a plate, smooth yet with clear variations in tempo.

She started with alternate plucking techniques like 'stroke, pluck, twang, pluck', mimicking the sound of galloping troops and clashing weapons,

Then, using techniques like double-string pressing and sliding, she gradually escalated the piece to a climax.

At the most intense part, her fingers moved so swiftly on the strings that they almost created afterimages, making the performance not only pleasing to the ear but also to the eye.

Initially, Emperor Xiao Jingheng was just casually listening, not expecting much from Xiao Changzai.

But as the piece reached successive climaxes, he began to show increased appreciation for her.

Among the consorts, Chen Consort was known for her mastery of various instruments, particularly the pipa and guqin.

The Empress, glancing at her frowning and impatiently turning away as if she wished to block her ears, said with a smile:

"Xiao Changzai’s pipa skills are comparable to yours. It seems in the future, His Majesty doesn't have to visit only your palace to hear the pipa."

Narrowing her eyes, Chen Consort scrutinized the Empress and replied coldly:

"Indeed, His Majesty might think of me when he wants to hear the pipa, but if he seeks nourishment, he would naturally think of Her Majesty. After all, apart from her Phoenix and Luan Palace, nowhere else in the harem constantly exudes the scent of medicinal herbs."

The piece was played to perfection, as if it were the background music to the verbal sparring between the Empress and Chen Consort.

The Empress was about to retort to Chen Consort, but suddenly, a harsh, grating sound came from the pipa below,

Followed by Xiao Changzai's cry of alarm as she dropped the pipa to the ground.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound, seeing Xiao Changzai covering her cheek with her left hand,

Crimson blood oozing between her fingers.

On the ground, the pipa lay with two of its strings snapped,

The broken strings had struck Xiao Changzai's left cheek,

Leaving a long, deep gash on her smooth, delicate skin,

The sight was shockingly gruesome, sending chills down the spine...