Bai Zheng burst into laughter, almost doubling over.
That Song Yiqing! He didn't come here to challenge anyone at all. He clearly came with the intention of causing chaos.
Although Song had never eaten pork, he had seen a pig run. He picked up the sword in his hand and started to perform all kinds of stances that he thought were the most handsome and stylish. He waved the sword around randomly, then made an elegant turn and flitted around the field like a colorful butterfly. Amidst all this, he still remembered to choose the right angle to flash a charming smile at Bai Zheng from time to time. Later, finding the sword inconvenient to use, he simply threw it away gracefully, took out the fan hanging from his waist, and started to perform a fan dance.
Feng Linyuan stood to one side like a statue. Sometimes, he even got glared at by Song Yiqing for blocking the moves that Song was about to show off.
Bai Zheng was laughing so hard that she couldn't lift her head, while Feng Jingye and Feng Jingxuan's faces darkened completely.
Seeing that Song Yiqing started to run out of strength after somersaulting a few times and his movements gradually slowed down, Feng Linyuan flashed forward, raised his sword, and gently swept it at Song Yiqing. Song Yiqing fell to the ground immediately.
"Mr. Song, I'm flattered." Feng Linyuan said this without even breathing heavily, then turned around and returned to his seat.
Song Yiqing got up from the ground with a big smile. He didn't forget to tidy up his hair first before clasping his hands in salute and saying, "The Marquis of Dingyuan is truly extraordinary in martial arts. He managed to defeat me with just half a move. I admit defeat, I admit defeat."
Everyone looked at each other in astonishment. For a moment, the field was so quiet that not a sound could be heard.
"Is the Marquis of Dingyuan making fun of us? Even if Mr. Song is not very good, how could he be knocked down by the Marquis of Dingyuan with just half a move?" In the silence, Feng Jingyang said angrily.
Feng Linyuan calmly refilled his teacup and said casually, "Although Mr. Song has a variety of moves, they are all flashy and useless. They are not as practical as half of my move. What, does His Highness the Fourth Prince think my move is not fancy enough?"
"The Marquis of Dingyuan's move is indeed practical. Mr. Song flitted around the field for a long time, but the Marquis of Dingyuan solved the problem with just a gentle sweep. In comparison, the duels of the previous gentlemen seem like child's play." A sneer flashed across Feng Jingxuan's brow.
"Since the Marquis of Gaochang has clearly stated that there should be no bloodshed, I naturally have to show mercy. Otherwise, this sweep of mine might be too much for an ordinary person to bear." Feng Linyuan replied leisurely.
"You!"
"Is there anyone else who wants to compete?" Seeing Feng Jingxuan's angry face, the Marquis of Gaochang quickly shouted.
Feng Jingxuan glared at Feng Linyuan and swallowed back the words that were about to come out.
"If not, this event will be marked zero. Gentlemen, think carefully." The Marquis of Gaochang said with a smile.
Seeing this situation, everyone had an idea in mind. This competition was about who could use the fewest moves to win. Now that Feng Linyuan had only used half a move, it was impossible to beat him. But if they used the same method...
For a moment, everyone started to exchange glances with each other, but no one responded to the Marquis of Gaochang's words.
Just as the Marquis of Gaochang was about to urge them, a clear and bright female voice suddenly rang out, "Father, these gentlemen have been competing for so long. They must be tired by now. Why don't you let them take a break?"
Hearing this, the Marquis of Gaochang laughed and said, "I'm afraid you're the one who's tired, you lazy girl."
"Father, there are so many people here. Don't talk nonsense!" Zheng Yan pouted and said coquettishly. "I feel sorry for these gentlemen. They've been competing in poetry, painting, and swordsmanship. I'm sure Miss Bai the Third doesn't want to marry a future husband who's already exhausted."
As she said this, Zheng Yan looked at Bai Zheng. Bai Zheng covered her lips with a smile and said, "Miss Zheng is really considerate."
Zheng Yan said this for a reason. Since she had an ulterior motive, Bai Zheng might as well go with the flow and see what she was up to.
Sure enough, Zheng Yan nudged Bai Di beside her and said, "I've heard His Highness the Fourth Prince praise Miss Bai the Second's piano skills before. It's a pity that I've never had the chance to hear her play in person. Since everyone is here today, could you please do us the honor and play a piece for us?"
Bai Zheng lowered her eyes, picked up the teacup to cover the smile on her lips, and took a sip.
Bai Di seemed shy as she gently patted Zheng Yan and said, "Miss Zheng, you're just joking. Today is for choosing a husband for my third sister, not for me. Why should I steal the limelight?"
Zheng Yan turned her head and glanced at Bai Zheng, who was sipping her tea. "Miss Bai, what you said. Do you mean to let Miss Bai the Third play the piano?"
Bai Yinan knew his daughters' abilities best. Hearing this, he quickly said, "Although today is for choosing a husband for Zheng'er, Di'er is Zheng'er's older sister, and her piano skills are unparalleled. It's okay for the gentlemen to enjoy her performance."
Feng Jingyang laughed and said, "Since Minister Bai has said so, Di'er, please play a piece for us. Look at those gentlemen down there. They're all craning their necks waiting."
"Cousin!" Bai Di said angrily. Then she pretended to be extremely reluctant and walked up to Bai Zheng in a coy manner. She took Bai Zheng's hands and said, "Zheng'er, you won't blame me for ruining your matchmaking banquet today, will you?"
Bai Zheng laughed and said, "You have such wonderful hands, Second Sister. I've been wanting to hear you play. How could this be ruining anything?"
She had been sitting there bored for so long. Since someone was willing to play for free, she would be a fool not to listen.
Bai Di seemed to let out a sigh of relief. Then she gracefully walked to the center, where a beautiful guqin had been placed by the maids.
Bai Di slowly sat down. Her slender and graceful fingers gently caressed the strings, producing rippling musical notes. The sound of the guqin was sometimes ethereal and unrestrained, like the gentle breeze floating by in spring; sometimes melodious and clear, like the brook playing in the mountain stream in summer; sometimes soft and beautiful, like the falling leaves in autumn; and sometimes cold and noble, like a red plum blossom in the snow in winter.
Everyone felt as if the sound of the guqin was floating down from the sky. The whole garden seemed to be vibrating slightly, making people feel dreamy.
Feng Jingxuan's eyes sparkled, and he couldn't help but praise, "Miss Bai the Second's piano skills are truly rare. The music is so clear, ethereal, and unique in the world. The night by the green lotus pond and the sound of the clear spring on the snow-capped mountain are all under Miss Bai's delicate fingers!"
The more everyone listened, the more intoxicated they became. Their emotions became more intense. Some people closed their eyes, their heads swaying involuntarily, and their fingers gently tapping the rhythm on the table silently.
Bai Zheng picked up the tea in front of her and took a sip with a smile.
The beautiful woman and the beautiful music were indeed very stunning.
When the piece ended, everyone was still half-closed their eyes in a daze, as if the beautiful sound of the guqin was still echoing in their ears.
Bai Di lowered her head and smiled slightly. Then she slowly stood up and bowed to everyone, saying, "I've made a fool of myself."
Hearing Bai Di's voice, everyone finally came back to their senses. Immediately, they started to praise her and cast admiring and envious glances at her.
Feng Jingxuan looked at Bai Zheng, still with an appreciative look on his face. "Miss Bai the Second's piano skills are truly rare in the world."
Bai Di blushed and said shyly, "Your Highness is making fun of me."
"Miss Bai the Second, don't be modest. Such music should only be heard in heaven. It's rare to hear it on earth. We've really broadened our horizons today."
"Yes, yes. This is just an ordinary guqin, but Miss Bai the Second has made it sound so beautiful. It's simply heavenly music!"
Everyone vied with each other to praise her. They seemed to have forgotten who they were here to propose marriage to. The eager looks that were originally on Bai Zheng's body had all shifted to Bai Di.
Bai Di smiled and looked at Bai Zheng, her eyes full of pride.
Feng Jingye narrowed his eyes and looked at Feng Linyuan, who had been sipping his tea all along, not saying a word, and with no change in his expression. He asked,
"What does the Marquis of Dingyuan think?"