Chapter 91 The Phoenix Seeking the Mandarin Orpheus Melody

y maiden. She was found wandering among commoners. Since then, Western Yan has enjoyed peace." Rong Jing continued.Yun Qianyue looked at the Third Young Master. The historical record of that great uph...Chapter 91: Phoenix Seeking the Mandarin Duck Melody

Yun Qianyue sat back in her seat, Ye Qian and Yun Muhuan also returned to their seats, while Nie Qingran and Rong Feng knelt down to receive their appointments.

The grand hall was quiet for a moment as everyone looked at the old emperor. The final round of the Military Champion Conference had been delayed for several days before finally coming to an end today. Everyone wanted to see how Emperor would assign positions to Nie Qingran and Rong Feng. Regarding Nie Qingran's position, everyone knew that it could not be separated from the military camp; Prince De’s王府 was always relied upon by the emperor, so Nie Qingran's position would only get higher. But what about Rong Feng

Rong Feng belonged to the Wen Bo Marquisate family, although the Wen Bo Marquisate had long since established itself independently, but in terms of bloodline, it could not escape from being a branch of the Honor王府. The emperor had always wanted to eliminate the Honor王府, and now whether to employ Rong Feng or just grant him an ordinary position was difficult to say.

"Nie Qingran, starting today, you are appointed as Captain in Charge before the Emperor! You will oversee the Western Mountain Military Camp and all military command within the imperial city." The old emperor spoke with authority. After finishing his sentence, he threw a token to Nie Qingran: "Receive your appointment!"

When the old emperor finished speaking, there was a collective intake of breath in the grand hall.

Yun Qianyue's eyes narrowed slightly. The Western Mountain Military Camp and all military command within the imperial city meant that the old emperor had handed over all military power in the imperial city and Western Mountain Military Camp to Nie Qingran. This was always under the direct control of the old emperor. Since ancient times, military orders in the imperial city were ruled by the emperor; at least one-third of the military authority should be held by the emperor, but this move unequivocally handed over a third of his army to Nie Qingran.

Nie Qingran was also surprised. He reached out and took the token, looking at the old emperor: "Uncle Emperor..."

"Receive your appointment!" The old emperor spoke in a deep voice.

"Yes! This minister receives his appointment." Nie Qingran tightly pursed his lips, held the token, and respectfully lowered his head.

"Stand up." The old emperor waved his hand, no longer looking at Nie Qingran but instead turning to Rong Feng.

Nie Qingran stood up, holding the token as he walked towards his seat. Everyone's eyes in the grand hall were fixed on him. He did not look at anyone; after sweeping his robes and sitting down, he poured himself a cup of wine for himself alone. He drank it in one gulp. During the brief moment when he raised his gaze, his eyes met Yun Qianyue's, who was looking at him. It seemed as if he smiled, but then again, it might have been an illusion; slowly setting down his wine glass, he carefully tucked the token into his chest.

Yun Qianyue swept her gaze over Ye Tianyi, Ye Tianqing, and Ye Tianyu. Ye Tianyi was expressionless, making it impossible to discern his thoughts; Ye Tianqing's complexion clearly showed something was bothering him, while Ye Tianyu’s face had too many changes for clear observation in a moment. She retracted her sight, thinking that the old emperor's chess game was well-planned indeed. He successfully shifted everyone's attention onto Nie Qingran. There were 100,000 troops stationed within the imperial city and another 300,000 under the Western Mountain Military Camp. All 400,000 soldiers are now under Nie Qingran’s command. If anyone among Ye Tianyi, Ye Tianqing, or Nie Qingran wanted to be emperor, they would first need to win Nie Qingran over. This has essentially built a high bridge between the old emperor and Crown Prince Ye Tianqing, Prince Ye Tianyi, Prince Ye Tianyu, as well as the three royal families and civil and military officials in court. The Prince De’s王府 and Nie Qingran's status instantly rose above all others.

"Starting today, restore the title of Wen Bo Marquisate! Rong Feng is a man of both talent and virtue. Seeing him after ten years since the great calamity that befell the Wen Bo Marquisate brings me much comfort. Appointing Rong Feng as the heir to the Wen Bo Marquisate, inheriting his father’s title, with the position of moving in the Ministry of War." The old emperor looked at Rong Feng and slowly spoke: "I have ordered renovations on the Wen Bo Marquisate; you can move in right away. Receive your appointment!"

Everyone sucked in another breath.

The founding emperor began dividing four kings, but to avoid these four royal families becoming too powerful, he restricted the titles given to their descendants. Thus, for a long time there had never been any marquises or counties among them. Until twenty years ago, when a prodigious talent emerged from a branch of the Honor王府, and the emperor broke precedent by appointing him as Wen Bo Marquis. This was the first marquis in a hundred years, who would inherit his title for generations to come. However, ten years ago, the Wen Bo Marquis died tragically alongside Prince Honor during an expedition against rebels. Soon after, the entire Wen Bo Marquisate family was wiped out overnight. The Wen Bo Marquisate seemed like a fleeting flower that had been buried in history’s dust. No one would have thought it would be revived today for Rong Feng to inherit his father's marquis title. Moreover, as someone moving within the Ministry of War, although this position wasn't large, but it was significant, overseeing all major military matters directly reported to the emperor.

That is to say, in one night, Rong Feng transformed from a nobody who was just a descendant of the Wen Bo Marquisate and a branch of the Honor王府 into a newly favored nobleman by the emperor.

Yun Qianyue's eyes narrowed again. She had thought that the old emperor would revive the title for Rong Feng, but she hadn't expected him to appoint this position of moving within the Ministry of War as well. What was the old emperor planning

"Here is the token for your position in the Ministry of War; take good care of it!" The old emperor's gaze swept across everyone in the grand hall before throwing a token towards Rong Feng.

"This minister receives his appointment." Rong Feng reached out and received the token, speaking three words evenly.

"You may rise now." The old emperor waved his hand.

Rong Feng stood up and walked toward his seat.

"Now, everyone, let's continue! I am very pleased to have these two talents today. Let’s raise a toast together!" The old emperor raised the cup in front of him and looked at everyone with a smile on his face.

"Congratulations Your Majesty!" Everyone raised their cups simultaneously. Almost everyone was pondering over the emperor's intentions; although Nie Qingran's position was higher than expected, taking control of 400,000 troops in and around the imperial city, it was also within expectations as everyone knew that Prince Xiao’s王府 was loyal to the emperor, so there was nothing unusual about it. But Rong Feng’s connection was much deeper; moving within the Ministry of War was always done by royal family's secret guards, and this time handing it over to him was indeed shocking.

"Empress, you arranged for the ladies from various noble families to prepare their talents, right You can start now!" The old emperor set down his cup and looked at the empress.

"Yes." The empress stood up, bowed to the old emperor with a smile: "All sisters have prepared gifts for Your Majesty. Please look first, then I will ask the ladies from various noble families to start their talents."

"Well!" The old emperor smiled and nodded.

The Empress waved at Aunt Sun, who hurriedly took out a silk cloth not inferior to the geological map that Night Tianyi had. A palace maid unfolded the map, revealing it to be a Hundred Longevity Scroll. Each character on the scroll was embroidered with different threads in unique embroidery styles, each signed off by one of the Empress's concubines, using different threads and techniques.

Looking at the Hundred Longevity Scroll that the Empress had taken out, Yun Qianmo was stunned for a moment. She looked at Qin Yucning; her face had turned ashen. Yun Qianmo found it rather amusing. When Qin Yucning said she would embroider a Hundred Longevity Scroll for the Emperor, everyone in the palace knew about it. But now that the Empress and the concubines presented one, how could Qin Yucning's scroll be shown off She couldn't possibly present her scroll like they did, right Yun Qianmo looked at Dowager Consort Qin; even she had a change of expression. She wondered what kind of gift Qin Yucning would come up with and felt somewhat expectant.

"Sisters have collaborated to embroider the Hundred Longevity Scroll! I wonder if His Majesty likes it" The Empress asked the old emperor.

"Empress, your efforts are appreciated by me. I love it very much!" The old emperor was also stunned for a moment and then burst into laughter.

Yun Qianmo thought that he probably knew about Qin Yucning's gift already. She whispered to Rong Jing in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Do you think this idea came from Aunt or Bright Consort"

"Regardless of who proposed it, there can't be another Hundred Longevity Scroll at the longevity banquet!" Rong Jing smiled faintly.

Yun Qianmo thought that the women in the palace were not to be underestimated. Qin Yucning had been embarrassed again. She spent her days with Dowager Consort Qin embroidering the scroll, but she didn't know that Empress and the concubines also made one together. This was interesting.

"If His Majesty is satisfied, then it's all worth it!" The Empress sat back down and handed a document to Man-Lei, instructing him, "Senior Official Man, please follow this list and ask the young ladies from each household to perform according to order."

"Yes, Your Highness Empress!" Man-Lei immediately took over the document and shouted loudly: "Miss Qin of Chancellor's Manor!"

Yun Qianmo looked at Qin Yucning; her face was extremely pale. When she heard Man-Lei calling out her name, her body almost trembled uncontrollably. Yun Qianmo thought that it must have been tough for her these days as she searched relentlessly for the Bamboo Forest Picture Scroll, otherwise, with her shrewdness and intelligence, she wouldn’t make such a mistake.

When Man-Lei finished speaking, everyone's gaze fell on Qin Yucning. She sat motionless in her chair, trembling.

"Miss Qin" Man-Lei called out again.

Qin Yucning turned to look at Chancellor Qin for help. He was rather grim and gave a corner of his mouth a twitch as he muttered something under his breath to Qin Yucning. Her face turned even paler; Yun Qianmo could read lips and recognized the phrase "stupid, figure it out yourself!" She turned to seek help from Night Tianqing.

Night Tianqing glanced at her before pressing his lips together in a grim line. As she was now his intended Empress, he couldn't just leave her hanging, or else he wouldn’t be able to explain himself to Chancellor Qin. He could only speak to the old emperor: "Father, Yucning is not feeling well today..."

"It didn’t seem too serious when she came in earlier! Besides, Dowager Consort Qin also said there’s nothing majorly wrong with her. She's going to be our future Empress and is considered both the most beautiful woman and top talent of Celestial Saint Kingdom. How can we let other households' young ladies proceed if she doesn’t take the first step" Night Tianyu interrupted Night Tianqing, smiling at Qin Yucning: "I heard two days ago that you also made a Hundred Longevity Scroll; is it because you’re too scared to show your own after seeing Mother and Father's concubines present theirs"

Night Tianqing was instantly speechless, shooting an annoyed look at Night Tianyi.

"Oh Is that true" The Empress looked in surprise at Qin Yucning. Seeing her body trembling violently, she smiled warmly and said to her, "So you did embroider one for the Emperor too Don’t worry, it’s fine to show us; this is just a coincidence!"

"The girl actually made another Hundred Longevity Scroll for me" The old emperor gave Night Tianqing and Night Tianyu a glance, then asked in surprise.

Chancellor Qin hurriedly stood up, somewhat panicked: "No way! Yucning knows about the Empress and Your Highnesses' scrolls; how would she dare show her own to them"

"Yes, that's right! Emperor, Empress, Yucning is a well-mannered child who wouldn’t possibly put herself forward with such clumsy work!" Dowager Consort Qin hurriedly interjected. After speaking, she frowned and sternly said to Qin Yucning: "Yucning, what’s going on Didn't you prepare your gift and performance earlier"

Qin Yucning opened her mouth as if wanting to say something but looked somewhat dispirited.

Yun Qianmo sighed in her heart. How pitiable Qin Yucning was! Her father, her great-aunt, and her fiancé – she was like kindling placed on a stove, just waiting for the spark that would set it alight. No one could understand what she felt right now. But Yun Qianmo wasn't going to help her.

At this moment, Qin Yucning stopped trembling and lifted her head up straight at Yun Qianmo. Yun Qianmo was taken aback; hearing the words coming out of Qin Yucning's mouth, she said: "To Emperor and Empress, my gift for longevity isn't a Hundred Longevity Scroll but rather something prepared in collaboration with Sister Moon."

"Oh" The old emperor smiled suddenly. "Qin girl, you made a gift together with Moon Girl"

"Yes!" Qin Yucning nodded.

"I prepared a picture with Moon Eldest Sister collaborating on guqin and xiao," Qin Yucing looked at the old emperor, her pale complexion gone as she spoke in a gentle voice. "I will draw the picture while my sister plays out its meaning."

“Is that so Excellent!” The old emperor suddenly burst into laughter and looked towards Yun Qianmo, saying, “Little Moon, I didn’t know you were also well-versed in guqin and xiao. It seems like this young lady likes to hide things too.”

Yun Qianmo looked at Qin Yucing; after finishing her sentence she still stared straight at Yun Qianmo. Those beautiful eyes appeared extremely elegant and flawless, but Yun Qianmo could clearly see the hatred deep in her eyes. She suddenly smiled and said to the old emperor, "Uncle Emperor, I know many things! If it wasn’t for your birthday banquet today, I would’ve kept hiding them my whole life!"

“Oh So you think this is a great honor” The old emperor laughed as he looked at Yun Qianmo; his old eyes could see nothing.

"Of course!” Yun Qianmo slowly picked up the cup of wine in front of her and took a sip. Then she lazily put it down, saying, "I’m afraid I’d steal Miss Qin’s limelight! If I know everything, wouldn’t that make me the most beautiful woman and talented lady in the country"

"Little girl, you have quite an attitude!" The old emperor mockingly said. “Then show it to us!” he added.

“Sure！” Yun Qianmo smiled as she nodded her head and lazily tilted towards Qin Yucing with a question. "Miss Qin, what kind of painting do you want"

"I remember that the day my sister said I could paint any type of picture, you would write music for it. Today is the emperor’s birthday banquet; Empress and the concubines have already prepared a hundred longevity paintings. We don’t need to add more flowers to the brocade. Therefore, I’ll draw a painting of the江山圖and my sister will compose a tune. Let’s both wish for the country's prosperity," Qin Yucing said with a smile.

“Sure！” Yun Qianmo readily agreed.

"Mm! That sounds good! I’m actually looking forward to it!" The old emperor nodded his head and smiled as he ordered Wen Lai, “Get the brushes and ink ready!”

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Wen Lai immediately led people over carrying jade tables and brush pens.

“Little Moon, did you bring your guqin and xiao” The old emperor looked at Yun Qianmo with a bewildered smile. “There’s already a guqin and xiao here. I’m curious how you’ll play them solo.”

"Who said it was me alone" Yun Qianmo rolled her eyes as she told the old emperor, "Plus Rong Jing!"

The old emperor froze for a moment, then asked, “Young Prince Jing and you playing guqin and xiao together”

“Yes!” Yun Qianmo nodded with a smile. She turned her head to ask Rong Jing, "Right"

"Correct!" Rong Jing smiled as he nodded.

The old emperor’s eyes lit up and he grinned, “Although Young Prince Jing is exceptionally talented in both military and literary affairs, I’ve never heard of him playing the guqin or xiao. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to hear his music today.” After saying that, he looked at Yun Qianmo with a smile and said, "Little Moon, don’t slack off just because Prince Jing is helping you!"

“Of course not!” Yun Qianmo smiled brightly. She saw Qin Yucing biting her lip softly out of the corner of her eye, which made her smile even wider.

Qin Yucing didn’t say anything more and got up to walk towards the jade table in the hall. Her steps were somewhat weak but very steady.

“Whose guqin and xiao will you use” Yun Qianmo tilted her head as she asked Rong Jing.

"Mine!" Rong Jing smiled and called out softly, "String Song, bring the guqin and xiao here!”

“Yes, Young Prince!” String Song answered outside the hall and immediately went to retrieve them.

Yun Qianmo no longer paid attention to the gazes on her and Rong Jing’s direction in the grand hall. She pointed at an empty cup of wine for Rong Jing; he took over the nine-turn mandarin duck gourd flask, refilled it for her. With one hand she held up a cup to her lips; with the other, she lightly wrote some words on Rong Jing's palm. After finishing writing, she downed the entire cup of wine and tilted her head towards him, smiling sweetly and asked in a voice only they could hear, "How is it"

“Excellent!” Rong Jing smiled slightly; his poetic face was gentle like water.

Qin Yucing reached the jade table at the front of the hall. She raised her eyes and looked in their direction just as Yun Qianmo and Rong Jing were staring affectionately at each other with smiles on their faces, and her heart suddenly trembled. Unable to help herself, she closed her eyes and opened them again; a fierce resolve was evident in her eyes. Suddenly, she said, "I heard that the Seventh Prince also enjoys xiao music. Every day he blows his flute by the western wall of Cloud Manor. I assume your sister has listened to him most."

Everyone’s gaze turned towards Ye Tianyi upon hearing this.

Night Tianqiong remained expressionless, as if he hadn't heard Qin Yuning's words.

"The Seventh Prince's flute playing is indeed excellent!" Yun Qianmo smiled noncommittally.

Qin Yuning continued, "I thought Sister Moon would seek the help of the Seventh Prince! After all, you are most familiar with his flute music. I have never heard of Young Lord Jing playing a duet with you before, and I'm afraid that your collaboration might not be in harmony."

"I don't think Miss Qin needs to worry about this. You just focus on painting! As long as our flute sounds do not affect your painting." Yun Qianmo smiled faintly as her gaze shifted slightly towards Night Tianqiong, saying: "Would you like Prince Taitong's help The Crown Prince is also a refined person. I'll be with Rong Jing, and Miss Qin will collaborate with the Crown Prince, which would perfectly complement each other."

Upon mentioning Night Tianqiong, the flush on Qin Yuning’s face faded again as she glanced at him; he was looking at her too. She immediately recalled the incident at Drunken Fragrance Tower. Hearing Yun Qianmo emphasize 'perfectly complementary' with a slight heaviness in tone, she hurriedly shook her head: "No… It's not necessary! I can manage on my own!"

"Miss Qin is being shy!" Yun Qianmo smiled.

"Tianqiong, go and see if you can help Miss Qin," the old emperor said to Night Tianqiong as though he had forgotten about his earlier anger at Night Tianqiong for requesting that the Crown Prince be demoted. He smiled: "Sister Moon is very scheming; we mustn't let her take advantage of Miss Qin."

"Yes," Night Tianqiong stood up, bowed respectfully and walked over to Qin Yuning.

At this moment, Xuan Ge brought the zither and flute. Yun Qianmo beckoned to her: "Bring them here! We don't need to go down."

Xuan Ge immediately placed the zither and flute on a table next to Rong Jing and Yun Qianmo.

Yun Qianmo took the zither and held it in her arms, then smiled at Rong Jing: "I don't like playing the flute; you use it!"

"Alright," Rong Jing nodded with a faint smile as he reached out to take the flute.

Everyone's gazes shifted towards the zither and flute in their hands. It was clear that this set of instruments was a pair, crafted by one person.

Yun Qianmo adjusted the strings of the zither slightly with her fingers before saying to Qin Yuning: "Miss Qin, we're starting!"

"Alright," the ink in front of Qin Yuning had already been ground by a palace maid. She picked up the brush.

As she grasped the brush, Yun Qianmo touched her fingers to the strings and began playing the melodious "Phoenix Seeking the Phoenix."

The audience was momentarily stunned.

Ignoring everyone else, Yun Qianmo's gaze turned towards Rong Jing. Her eyebrows curved slightly as her clear eyes gazed tenderly at him, like spring rain gently caressing his heart. As if enchanted by the music, her fingers lingered over the strings, creating a melodious and smooth melody that flowed like pearls. Soon after, her lips slowly opened, singing softly.

There is one beauty so fair,

I cannot forget her for days.

The phoenix flies aloft in glory,

Pursuing his love with ardor and might.

But alas, the beloved girl's not by the wall,

No chance to greet or talk at all.

I'll use this zither as my voice,

To pour out all my heart’s desire.

When will we meet and be united

To ease the restlessness inside.

If you'll deign to be my wife,

We'll walk together hand in hand, side by side.

But if I can't fly with you high,

I'll sink into despair and sigh.

Yun Qianyue's voice was extremely beautiful and pure, with an ethereal quality. Her voice rose and fell along with the melody of her zither playing, as if her fingertips were connected to her tongue, like a green lake where water met land, clear and transparent yet creating ripples due to droplets falling.

No one in the grand hall had ever heard this piece of music before. They were unconsciously drawn into the enchanting scene created by her fingers and voice. In that moment, they forgot about all the rumors circulating about Yun Qianyue from the Yun Prince's Manor—rumors that she was illiterate and unruly. Everyone found her voice beautiful, as well as herself; it seemed a circle of light surrounded her, attracting everyone’s gaze.

Ye Tianyi subconsciously crushed the quilt in his hand but didn't make any sound. He thought "Spring River Moonlit Night" was the most beautiful melody, yet he never expected that she could play such an enchanting tune today.

Qin Yuceng's pen trembled when Yun Qianyue started playing her zither, but she couldn't put it down. She gritted her teeth, picked up the brush and tried to paint a scene she had already envisioned in her heart; however, she still could not control herself from being distracted by the music. The ink on her brush left marks on paper as her hands shook, following Yun Qianyue's zither melody unconsciously.

Ye Tianqing stood beside Qin Yuceng and couldn’t help but focus his gaze on her face when Yun Qianyue’s zither playing started.

The others present—Ye Tianyu, Ye Qingran, Nan Lingrui, Rong Feng, Ye Qian, Yun Muhuan, the Southern Liang nation's Imperial Tutor, the old emperor, empress dowager, and Lady Ming—all had their minds captivated by Yun Qianyue’s zither playing.

Fengxi! Fengxi! Return to your homeland, roam the four seas in search of that phoenix!

When we first met, I did not know where to go; how could this be happening now as I ascend to this hall

The fair and elegant lady is secluded deep within her chamber. Near yet far, she causes me great anguish.

How can we become a pair of mandarin ducks How can we soar together side by side like two birds

Fengxi! Fengxi! Come to my abode and be my mate forever!

The bond between us is deep, our hearts are in harmony. Who knows who will visit me at midnight

With both wings spread wide, we soar high into the sky; no one can understand my longing and sorrow.

After Yun Qianyue finished her piece with a clear voice and zither melody, everyone was still in a daze. She asked Rong Jing quietly, “Did you hear it clearly”

Rong Jing smiled faintly, nodding his head, his voice incredibly gentle, "Yes!"

"Great! Let's play together this time!” Yun Qianyue began softly again, the melody like flowing water, coming from her fingertips in a continuous and soothing manner. Her voice remained ethereal and beautiful.

The moment Yun Qianyue started playing, the sound of the flute suddenly joined in; soon they were harmonizing perfectly despite never having played together before. The graceful zither melody complemented the clear flute notes, while the flute’s clarity matched the delicate zither tune as if painting a picture between one zither and one flute that no one could break into, a truly beautiful scene.

Qin Yuceng suddenly woke up when Yun Qianyue paused in her playing. She bit her lip as she looked at the ink-stained painting on paper; for a moment, she gathered all of her strength, held her breath and focused her mind. Using inner strength, she created an invisible barrier around herself to block out the zither and flute sounds. But after being tormented by Ye Tianqing so much, she could barely use any of her strength. Even more, the scene of Rong Jing sitting beside Yun Qianyue with their eyes filled with affection couldn't be erased from her mind. She felt a salty taste in her throat that she tried to suppress forcefully.

When the music ended, everyone present was spellbound.

The slender fingers of Yun Qianyue left the strings, and Rong Jing put down his flute as he smiled softly at Yun Qianyue.

Suddenly, Qin Yuceng couldn’t support herself any longer and collapsed to the ground. The sound she made startled everyone; they looked over in shock.

The Chancellor of Qin was alarmed and rushed over immediately, "Yuceng!"

Ye Tianqing also woke up with a start, looking down at her as well—Qin Yuceng lay on the ground unconscious, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. The ink had stained her face black, making her look pale and ghostly in contrast to where it hadn't reached. He hesitated to reach out his hand.

"What happened to Miss Qin" the old emperor asked with concern.

The Chancellor quickly scooped up Qin Yuceng; Empress Dowager Nan shouted, "Quick, summon a physician!

"Yes, quickly summon the imperial physicians!" The old emperor also hurriedly gave instructions.

A few imperial physicians from the Imperial Academy of Medicine rushed to their feet and headed towards Qin Yucning urgently. One of the most senior imperial physicians at the academy quickly took her pulse for her. Everyone’s gaze was fixed on Qin Yucning, filled with bewilderment.

"How is it" Night Tianqiong was also alarmed at this moment. Seeing that physician remained silent for a long while, he hurriedly asked.

The physician took Qin Yucning’s pulse for quite some time before putting down his hand and respectfully addressing the old emperor, "Your Majesty, Miss Qin is simply too exhausted and her constitution is far too weak. She has fainted due to anxiety and stress."

"How could Little Qin be so frail" The old emperor frowned.

Prime Minister Qin naturally understood this; he glanced at Night Tianqiong but remained silent.

Many people also understood. News about the Drunken Spring Tower was now spreading throughout the capital’s streets and alleys. Before Prince Regent and Miss Qin of Prime Minister’s Manor had yet to be married, they were already intimate as husband and wife; this resulted in her being too exhausted naturally.

Night Tianqiong stood with pursed lips for a moment before he reached into Prime Minister Qin’s arms to take Qin Yucning. He requested the old emperor, "Father, I will now escort Yuqing back home!"

"Hn! Go then! These two imperial physicians can follow you and prescribe her medicine." The old emperor seemed unirritated; he waved his hand at Night Tianqiong, “You don’t need to come. Take good care of her!”

"Yes!" Night Tianqiong received the decree and immediately took Qin Yucning out of the hall.

Prime Minister Qin glanced at that painting that was ruined by ink and paper, which looked completely unsightly, feeling furious with Qin Yucning in his heart. He quickly asked for forgiveness from the old emperor, "Your Majesty, please forgive me! Yuqing…"

"That’s not her fault! One can only blame this Little Moon for being too cunning; she actually played a tune with Jing Shizhen to disrupt Little Qin’s mind." The old emperor chuckled and waved his hand at Prime Minister Qin. He looked at Yun Qianmo, his eyes deepening considerably, "Little Moon, what is that song you two just played It sounded like lyrics of a lascivious melody that lures one’s heart."

Phew! This was the first time she heard Fèng Qíu Hóuang being described as an erotic tune. Yun Qianmo rolled her eyes inwardly and smiled at the old emperor, "Uncle Emperor, this is Fèng Qíu Hóuang. Feng refers to phoenix’s ‘feng’, and huang refers to its ‘huang’. Can these two symbolic names be those of lascivious tunes"

"Oh This melody is called Fèng Qíu Hóuang then" The old emperor nodded, seemingly savoring it.

“Yes!” Yun Qianmo thought that since Qin Yucning was not resigned to her fate, she would let her be completely resigned. She would torment her mentally until the end. Making her remember only that whenever she thinks of Rong Jing, she will recall the intimate moments between Night Tianqiong and herself in the Fragrant Wine Tower and their rendition of Fèng Qíu Hóuang today. To obtain him, she is destined to be hopeless for life.

"Yun Qianmo, how dare you! You actually used this flirtatious tune to slander the phoenix, and our imperial family!" The old emperor fell silent for a moment before suddenly slamming his hand on the table, "Servants! Arrest Yun Qianmo…"

"Your Majesty!" The empress’s face changed as she also stood up sharply, interrupting the old emperor.

“Empress, what do you have to say” The old emperor was visibly furious.

Yun Qianmo’s mind froze; she knew that today’s birthday banquet would not go smoothly even though she had broken all those poison needles and hidden weapons set up by the old emperor earlier. He would still find an excuse to punish her with death. She couldn’t imagine how this world-famous piece of music could be considered a lascivious tune slandering their imperial family She felt like sneering inwardly.

"Your Majesty, how could Yuemo have slandered the imperial family" The empress suppressed her shock and tried to keep her voice calm.

“What kind of slander is it Let all the envoys and officials here listen! What kind of melody was this It’s a romantic tune that describes amorous affairs between maidens, making even Little Qin lose her mind while bewitching everyone in the hall including me. If I don’t punish her today…” The old emperor appeared extremely enraged.

"Uncle Emperor, when Miss Qin said she was going to paint, I just played a tune according to what she did. This isn’t my fault; if you wish to blame someone, it should be that person who was carried out earlier." Qin Yucning put down the zither and smiled at the old emperor without any fear, "Furthermore, there has always been love between humans since Pangu separated heaven from earth. Miss Qin stands with Prince Regent while I sit beside Rong Jing; as long as one’s heart is filled with love, they will play such melodies. I believe that people who see love as sacred are those who have love in their hearts, and only those without love or vulgar thoughts would view it as lasciviousness. Uncle Emperor, you are wise and sagacious; please don’t let your niece think that you have such low tastes and interpret a beautiful song like this one as a lascivious tune. Otherwise, I doubt many people will truly admire an emperor who is old and incompetent."

Yuemo played Fèng Qíu Hóuang for Rong Jing; ladies, did you all hear it o(n_n)o~

I’m going to sweetly deal with the old emperor! o(n_n)o~

Thank you guys for your votes for me; I love you! you’ll end up crushed. After all, the glory of your status and the responsibilities you bear are proportional to the darkness behind that glory. But whether you soar upwards or get crushed, without a...