Phoenix Rising

021

"If your skills are mediocre then no one can be considered an expert. Don't you agree, Zhenghuan?"

"It is the piece that impressed, more than skill," Du Zhenghuan replied bluntly.

Zi-ning couldn't resist looking up at the man once more, this time out of curiosity. He was a mystery. It was obvious by now that he was a man of few words, yet every time he opened his mouth to speak she was surprised by him. Unlike other men, including the crown prince, who never forgot to be diplomatic with their words especially in the presence of ladies, the Shadow Lord didn't seem to care for that and preferred to speak his mind, even if it might offend. He was openly denouncing her zither skills, yet she wasn't offended in the least. In fact, a slight smile tugged at her lips. It was ironic, she thought, that the only person who was truthful was the one who wore a mask.

Ru-quan cleared his throat, looking a little stumped by Zhenghuan's curt response. Laughing awkwardly, he said, "Well, I think we've overstayed our welcome here. Shall we leave the ladies be and adjourn back to the front hall?"

Even though the host of today's celebration was Minister Ouyang, the man of the house had no say in the presence of the crown prince. Since the prince had given the word, the minister could only nod in agreement and usher the male guests back towards the outer quarters.

When they finally left, Zi-ning descended from the stage and made her way back to her seat, though not before receiving a few more praises from Old Madam Ouyang and some of the other family matriarchs. She could sense the animosity coming from all the younger ladies the moment she sat back down, most of all from Ouyang Sangya, but she ignored them all and calmly sipped on her tea as if nothing had happened.

"Where did you learn to play like that?" Zhenzhu whispered into her ear once the performances had resumed on stage. "That was incredible!"

"I had plenty of time to practise at Taishan," Zi-ning replied, smiling at her friend.

"But wasn't that piece a bit too heavy-going to be playing at a birthday celebration? I was almost worried that the old madam would be offended by it."

"It's the only one I know."

"You're joking!"

Zi-ning shook her head. She had tried parts of other music pieces but she hadn't learnt any one in its entirety. They didn't resonate with her. Someone carrying as much hatred and pain inside as she was could never find joy in playing those generic, beautiful melodies that other young ladies enjoyed.

Although Meiyan hadn't said a word since she returned to the table, Zi-ning could see how her knuckles were showing under her fair skin as her fists clenched themselves on and off. The girl was trying so hard to control her jealousy that it was almost funny. She wondered whether Meiyan would try pushing her into the water again, especially after what had taken place.

When the meal was over, the ladies began standing up and mingling around, some switching tables to catch up with old friends while others linked arms and admired the flowers in the garden.

Zi-ning stayed with Zhenzhu, the two of them walking along the edge of the lake, admiring the lotus flowers that were in full bloom.

"The crown prince seems to have taken an interest in you," Zhenzhu teased.

"Why? Does that make you jealous?"

Her friend looked appalled, immediately shaking her head. "Of course not! Why would I be? I haven't got any interest in marrying a prince," she exclaimed. She hooked her arm around Zi-ning's, studying her reaction carefully. "Seriously though, what do you think of the crown prince? He's very much a gentleman, and he's good looking, and he fancies you. Isn't that what every girl looks for in a man? So many of the other girls would kill to be in your shoes."

Zi-ning laughed, shaking her head. "I guess I'm not like the other girls."

"So you don't like the crown prince?" Zhenzhu frowned. "But why? He'll be the future king!"

The suggestion that she didn't like the crown prince would probably sound ridiculous to anyone, so Zi-ning wasn't surprised by Zhenzhu's reaction. If she had met him first in her previous life then perhaps she might have fallen for the man, just like the other young ladies, but unfortunately that hadn't happened.

Because I no longer have the heart to love anyone.

"I don't have to like him just because he's the crown prince," she replied instead.

"That's true. Don't be like the Ouyang Sangya and your awful sister Meiyan. They're obviously just interested in his position. They'd marry a pig if the pig was the crown prince of the kingdom."

Just when the girls were sharing a laugh about the joke, a snide voice came drifting from behind them. It belonged to Sangya, who was accompanied by Song Lanfang and her cousin Ouyang Liru.

"Some girls nowadays just have no shame, do they? Willing to put themselves out there like some courtesan just to get men's attention."