Chapter 0024: Spring River and Flower Moon Night

Chapter 0024: Spring River and Flower Moon Night

At least, it was better than the Empress's painting.

But the Empress didn't mind; as the central consort, she didn’t need to rely on such talents to secure her favor.

Next, Ye Xiuyi performed a spirited drum dance, displaying remarkable skill and vigor.

Wu Xiurong played the zither, which was, frankly, mediocre.

Song Jieyu presented a rare manuscript.

When it was Lady Li's turn, she changed into a bright red dance outfit, with a dot of cinnabar on her forehead, accompanied by Yuefu musician Pei Yue.

Her movements were flexible, evidently trained in dance from a young age.

Her performance, "Surprise in Plum Blossoms," was truly enchanting, like a fairy among red plum blossoms.

He Jinli seemed quite pleased with the performance.

Li Xiaoyi played a piece on the pipa, which was outstanding, but since she was usually not favored, the audience merely responded politely.

Next, the performances by the newcomers were the focus of everyone's attention.

"I've been looking forward to today, especially the performances by our younger sisters. Huabao Lin, what have you prepared?" Empress Jinde asked with a smile.

Huabao Lin knew she couldn't escape, having prepared calligraphy as she too was skilled in writing.

But glancing to the side, she stood up and said, "I don’t have any significant talent, and alone, I fear I can’t present something that would satisfy His Majesty. Therefore, I would like to invite Sister Qi to join me."

Yun Li looked shocked: "Me?"

"Yes, how about you join me in a duet for His Majesty's birthday? Perhaps you could choose an instrument, and we can play 'Autumn Night Melody' together?"

Yun Li thought the elder sister might have misunderstood.

She stood up, "Sister Huabao, I'm afraid that won't work, as I'm not proficient in any instruments. How about this: you play the zither, and I will sing?"

Turning towards the Emperor, she bowed: "With my limited talents, I am willing to join my sister in celebrating His Majesty’s birthday."

Emperor He Jinli showed interest: "Good, let’s have the two consorts perform. I’m all ears."

The two moved into position, with Huabao Lin sitting at the zither, lightly plucking the strings.

'Autumn Night Melody' was not complicated.

Yun Li chose this piece mainly because it was long enough and suited the lyrics she intended to sing.

As the zither music began, Yun Li started singing in rhythm.

"The spring river tide merges with the sea level, and the moon on the sea rises with the tide..."

Huabao Lin’s zither skills were not exceptional, but she could play such a moderately complex piece very well.

Yunli's voice was clear and sweet, perfectly complementing the lyrics and melody of her song.

As she sang, she was completely at ease, smiling, with her enchanting eyes fixed intently on He Jinli seated at the highest place.

Occasionally, she would flash a smile at him.

Her large sleeves moved gracefully; she tilted her head, singing while conveying affectionate glances towards He Jinli.

Her collaboration with Hua Baolin grew increasingly harmonious, with Hua Baolin's zither playing becoming more melodious, complementing Yunli's increasingly sweet singing.

This transformed "Spring River Flower Moon Night," originally a song with a touch of melancholy, into a rendition filled with tender affection.

Especially when singing the line, "Who does the moonlit river await?"

"Yun Li even playfully pouted at the Emperor as if asking him a question."

"As the qin music slowly faded, Yun Li’s singing also neared its end."

"'The slanted moon sinks deep into the sea fog, the endless path of Jieshi and Xiaoxiang, unknown are those who return by moonlight, fallen flowers stir emotions on trees along the river.'"

"The singing ceased, as did the qin."

"A moment of silence filled the hall."

"He Jinli began to smile, 'Excellent, truly excellent. Both the qin and the song were superb. I have never heard such before, my consort indeed sings wonderfully.'"

"'It's good indeed, but why is the tune called 'Autumn Night', while Qi Bao Lin's song is all about spring?' Consort Lan asked."

"'The song is titled 'Spring River Flower Moon Night'. Though it's summer now, I thought it apt for His Majesty’s birthday, a most auspicious day, making the lyrics quite suitable.'"

"'Sister Huabao Lin chose 'Autumn Night', and I chose 'Spring River Flower Moon Night'. It seems like fate. It’s perfect for celebrating His Majesty’s birthday, wishing him everlasting life and our Great Jin eternal prosperity and strength.'"

"'Hahaha, wonderful, my consort speaks wonderfully. Come, I toast to both of you,' He Jinli raised his cup."

"Both hurriedly thanked him and drank together."

"With their performance, it was difficult for anyone to follow and match their excellence."

"Zhang Bao Lin's flute was commendable, but the Empress commented that, although good, it sounded somewhat melancholic."

"Zhang Bao Lin could only respond with a forced smile of agreement."

"Finally, when the banquet ended, the royal relatives left first, followed by the consorts who also had to take their leave."

"After the Emperor and Empress had left, everyone else dispersed."

"Today being His Majesty's birthday, he was certainly expected to visit the Empress's quarters."

"Once outside Cian Palace, finally able to speak, Huabao Lin smiled, 'Sister, your poetry is splendid. I have read extensively, yet I've never encountered such verses.'"

"'Sister misunderstands. Even if I were exceptionally talented, I couldn’t have written such words. I merely chanced upon this poem in an ancient book. Its era and author are unknown,' Yun Li responded with a smile."

"'Is that so? Then sister, you have an eye for gems,' Huabao Lin said with a smile."

"That's not an issue. But now, sister, since I've shielded you this time, you should remember my kindness," Yun Li said with a smile.

Hua Bao Lin laughed, "I've underestimated you in the past. I won’t forget the support you've given me."

"That's good to hear. Let’s return and rest, we have to pay our respects early tomorrow," Yun Li curtsied.

Hua Bao Lin also curtsied back, and then they went their separate ways.

"Hua Bao Lin... she overshadowed you, yet why does she speak like this?" Miao Yu was puzzled.

"Because, standing out right now isn't good for me. I had planned to write, but who's to say I wouldn’t have encountered problems? In any case, making a mistake in such a situation, even if His Majesty intends to protect me, would still lead to trouble," Hua Bao Lin explained.

"Since Hua Bao Lin took the lead, everyone's attention will be on her, and I can have some peace. What's wrong with that?"

Miao Yu sighed, "It's not easy for you. It would be better if you could be promoted in the future, and even better if you bear a prince."

Hua Bao Lin remained silent, wishing for the same, but knowing how difficult it was.

That night, no one could rest well.

Yun Li felt she had just fallen asleep when she was abruptly awakened.

"What happened?"

"Bao Lin, I'm sorry for waking you, but there's trouble. There's an uproar in Zhao Hua Palace. Several imperial physicians have been summoned, and it's still unclear what the issue is. It must be either Consort Jin De's pregnancy or the crown prince," Zhu Yu reported.

"Tsk... get me some hot water," Yun Li frowned.

Zhi Fu brought the hot water and helped her drink it.

"Bao Lin, are you getting up?"

"Let's wait. There's no need to rush if we're not called. Let someone keep an eye on it. If more people go, then we will too."

"Yes, Zhu Que is already watching," Zhu Yu replied.

"Trouble today, tsk. Who would be so bold? Whether it's Consort Jin De's pregnancy or the crown prince, isn't each a serious matter?" Yun Li shook her head.

"About a quarter of an hour later, Zhu Que hurried back."

"'Bao Lin, many have already left, and several Bao Lins are also on their way.'"

"Yun Li sighed, 'Then we should leave as well.'"

"'Bao Lin, aren't you going to dress up?' Zhu Yu asked anxiously."