HRPM – Chapter 256 The Rival Has Arrived (3)

The music was like a pair of alluring hands, gently plucking at the most fragile emotions of the heart. It guided the audience’s feelings toward a tranquil mountain ravine, making the listeners feel as though the scenery from Wang Wei’s poem had appeared before their eyes:

“As osmanthus blossoms fall, no one is about;
In the stillness of night, the spring mountains lie empty.
The rising moon startles birds among the hills;
From time to time, their cries echo through the spring stream valley.”

When the performance ended, the applause and gifts it received were no less enthusiastic than those bestowed upon Yang Ruoyao, creating yet another climax. Many spectators could not help but marvel at how wonderful it had been.

“Miss, this Yaoji is quite remarkable too. She seems to be your equal,” the maid said cautiously, watching Yang Ruoyao’s darkening expression.

“Hmph. Her guqin skills are indeed rare and impressive, but she is far less clever than I am. If you want greater support, you must choose music that resonates with ordinary people. That is why I chose a folk song. Her piece may be beautiful, but it is too refined and lofty, too detached from reality. Naturally, she cannot compare to me. The outcome is already decided. We can leave without worry now. We won’t return to our own pleasure boat—help me over to the Third Prince’s boat.”

Lifting her chin proudly, Yang Ruoyao departed with the bearing of a victor.

Yaoji calmly returned by skiff to Young Master Bei’s pleasure boat.

Seated at the bow was the handsome green-eyed man, Lan Cangxuan, who was attending the Moonlit Beauty Gathering under the alias “Young Master Bei.”

“Young Master, are you satisfied with Yaoji’s performance?” Yaoji lowered her head respectfully. Her beauty was cold and elegant, yet her manner remained neither servile nor arrogant.

Lan Cangxuan reclined lazily against a large chair covered in sable fur, idly swirling a jade wine cup in his hand.

“Mm, Yaoji, you did very well. All the effort I spent promoting you was worth it. Tonight, you will become famous in a single stroke. After that, establishing yourself in the Chu Yun Kingdom will be much easier. I hope you will serve me faithfully in the future. If you do, I certainly will not treat you unfairly.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

After several more young ladies took the stage to perform, Jin Luoluo judged that the time was about right and rose to make her preparations.

“I’m off.”

“Go ahead. I’ll be here watching you,” Xiao Luo said, gazing at her deeply.

Jin Luoluo smiled brightly.

“You seem to have helped me quite a lot. You even gave me the Bright Moon. In return, I’ll give you a dance that could topple a city. Remember to keep your eyes wide open—and you’d better prepare a handkerchief too.”

“You’re worried I’ll be so moved that I cry?”

“No. I’m worried you’ll get so excited that you’ll have a nosebleed.”

With a graceful smile, Jin Luoluo turned and left.

As Xiao Luo watched her elegant figure recede into the distance, something suddenly struck his heart.