The atmosphere within the water pavilion remained delicate. Jiang Rou, having made a fool of herself moments before, saw her complexion shift between shades of pale and sallow. She clutched her silk handkerchief, her fingernails leaving deep creases in the fabric as she listened to the lively, cheerful conversation between Jiang Wan and the other noble ladies. Jealousy surged within her chest like a venomous snake. Suddenly, her eyes fell upon the guqin placed in the corner, and a flicker of ruthlessness flashed in her gaze—if she could not win through poetry, she would shift the field to one where she felt certain of her triumph!
"Sister’s poem just now was truly stunning," Jiang Rou said, suddenly rising to her feet. Her voice was deliberately softened, yet it could not hide the calculated intent in her eyes. "However, a poetry gathering is, in the end, somewhat monotonous. Why not add a competition of talents? It just so happens that I recently acquired a Jiaowei Guqin. I venture to propose a contest of musical skill. I wonder what you all think?"
Liu Ruyan immediately grasped her meaning, waving her fan as she giggled, "Second Miss’s suggestion is brilliant! Who doesn't know that Second Miss studies under Yuezheng of the Imperial Court? A performance of 'Phoenix Seeks Its Mate' is enough to make the birds stop in their tracks. We are truly in for a treat today!" She emphasized the words "studies under Yuezheng" heavily, not forgetting to cast a glance toward Jiang Wan. …
Chapter 38