Chapter Nine, in a dilemma

Feng Lin stood up to take the jade ruyi, and with a slight smile said, "That is also good"

Empress Sun's expression turned extremely cold upon seeing the sudden appearance of Du Siyu, her fury barely concealed. "Siyu, are you here to appreciate the talents of the young ladies as well? Please sit beside your master," she said. After a moment of composure, Empress Sun forced a smile, awkwardly providing an excuse for Du Siyu, yet her tone clearly revealed an underlying threat.

With just this one glance, Yuezheng also regretted it and withdrew her gaze heavily. The emotions hidden beneath the thick eyelashes of Fenglin, she absolutely refused to speculate or savor them

Feng Lin sat beneath the Empress, lazily propping her chin on her hand as she leaned against the table, raising an eyebrow to scrutinize each young girl in the hall one by one, seemingly oblivious to the Empress Sun's petty grievances, and instead appearing quite satisfied. ... When he approached, Yue Zheng deliberately lowered her head, did he ... ? ... really like Du Siyu! ? Feng Xun had successfully left a thorn in her heart!

For six years, the Emperor has harbored unspoken resentment towards Feng Lin, unjustly venting his anger on her, with his constant criticism of Feng Xun being a prime example. Although he is well aware that her actions are also aimed at stabilizing the dynasty, he still feels a deep sense of guilt towards Feng Lin and shows her immense tolerance. Even the recent incident involving the famous courtesan was met with his silence. If it were Feng Xun, she would have already been furious. How could she not know the extent of her own son's misdeeds? To casually give Feng Lin six thousand taels without seeking her assistance, does she really need to guess where that money came from?

I am here to run for the position of Liang Wangfei

She actually felt a bit blurry in front of her, she was also aggrieved, and she was also unwilling!

You two should perform a piece titled "The Snow Song" together

The ladies accompanying their daughters into the palace were stopped at the steps of the Jixiu Hall, where they were led inside by eunuchs through a side door. The young maidens participating in the selection were guided in a line by palace maids through the main entrance. Yuezheng glanced around discreetly; there were only about ten individuals who had come in response to the summons today. She did not recognize all of them, only the daughter of the Right Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and another girl from the same Guangling County. Most of them were girls from families of nominal positions with no real power, and even someone like Sun Xuanyuan had been allowed to enter the selection for the crown prince's consort, which indicated the ordinary background of the soon-to-be-selected Princess of Liang. Yuezheng suddenly felt a sense of injustice for Feng Lin! The Empress Sun's heart seemed rather narrow, fearing that Feng Lin might gain even a slight advantage from the court, as evidenced by the selection of consorts. This reflected her usual harshness towards Feng Lin.

Du Siyu appeared here and said such words... Not only has she become a sinner in the eyes of the Empress, but she is also likely to become a sinner for the entire family. The Empress can no longer tolerate the fact that the Crown Princess once actively sought to become the Princess of Liang, a stain that cannot be overlooked, especially as the future mother of the nation; this stain is an everlasting disgrace that cannot be concealed... Du Siyu has given up... almost everything in her life! Given the Empress's character, Du Siyu's defiance of her wishes is tantamount to risking her life!

Empress Sun remained silent, and Emperor Qian broke the extremely tense atmosphere with a light cough, "Since this is the case... why not let Si Yu perform a piece, and let Mr. Cao provide an evaluation."

However, this Empress possesses her own cleverness; among the more than ten young ladies selected as potential princesses, each one is beautiful, and the Emperor would likely find no fault with them. At the very least, the Empress has also taken into account the Emperor's "fondness for beauty".

Feng Lin seemed taken aback that she would suddenly look up at him. After a brief moment of surprise, he actually raised an eyebrow and smiled at her in a flirtatious manner. Yue Zheng knew that the Empress was staring intently at this scene, and she tried her best to suppress her emotions; he could not deceive her. ... As expected ... . ... He was filled with the same resentment as when he left the capital six years ago, only he had learned to conceal it.

The queen's hand unexpectedly produced a light crackling sound from her knuckles, and years of planning crumbled in an instant. She was so enraged that she couldn't even utter a perfunctory remark. No matter how much she had calculated, she never anticipated that Du Siyu could go mad like this! The emperor asking Cao Chun to make a judgment was simply a covert way of favoring Du Siyu!

Cao Chunchui lowered his head to avoid Empress Sun's gaze, his brows deeply furrowed, as if sitting on pins and needles

Yuezheng remained silent and did not speak

She suddenly lost the courage to look up at Feng Lin, even though he was less than a few steps away from her. Between Feng Lin and Du Siyu, she appeared so timid and weak, strangely unfamiliar even to herself. Perhaps Feng Lin liked Du Siyu more than he liked Yuan Yuanzheng. This had always been a secret she clearly knew but absolutely refused to acknowledge

Du Siyu may have lost her composure for the first time in her life, stumbling backward and knocking over the piano bench.

A profound silence enveloped the hall, as everyone stared blankly at Du Siyu at the entrance. Even her earth-shattering confession did not provoke any whispers.

No! Du Siyu immediately retorted, without a moment's hesitation

As it was a private selection for the inner court, the number of projects was limited, and the atmosphere was rather informal. The emperor and empress casually conversed and joked with the officials around them, while the young ladies seemed to be performing for entertainment before a banquet. Yuezheng effortlessly excelled in both calligraphy and painting, and although she was not particularly skilled in poetry, she had quietly memorized many of her master's works. At this moment, she casually took out a poem to copy, and with her elegant phrases paired with her well-practiced handwriting, even Cao Zhexian was greatly impressed, holding it in his hands and examining it repeatedly.

She never imagined that after her wish was fulfilled, she would feel this way

After much ado, it was finally time for lunch. The Empress seemed extremely pleased with this internal selection, and with a beaming face, she instructed to prepare a banquet to entertain the young candidates and their mothers. During the banquet, only Yuezheng was instructed to perform music to liven the atmosphere, and the decision of the Emperor and Empress was self-evident. After taking her seat, Yuezheng lightly plucked the strings to test the sound, feeling much more fatigued than on the day she presented her painting, and she no longer felt the sentiment of having worked hard for six years for just one moment. The blow from Fengxun was more severe than she had anticipated, directly deflating her morale. After taking her seat, Yuezheng lightly plucked the strings to test the sound, feeling much more fatigued than on the day she presented her painting, and she no longer felt the sentiment of having worked hard for six years for just one moment. The blow from Fengxun was more severe than she had anticipated, directly deflating her morale.

After the piece concluded, there was a prolonged silence, and the entire hall seemed to still resonate with the mournful and sorrowful strains of the music

Compared to others who held their breath in concentration, the original lady appeared calm and composed, even gently waving her fan. For Zheng'er, winning could not be considered fortunate, nor could losing be deemed tragic. The original lady sighed softly, suggesting that one should leave it to fate.

After a moment, Emperor Shun Qian finally expressed his approval with a long sigh, saying, "This is what is known as heavenly music." He curiously looked at the entranced Cao Chun and asked, "What does Lord Cao think? Which is superior, the silk rain or the moon zither?"

Yue Zheng made a concerted effort to calm her emotions; she refrained from looking at Feng Lin and Du Si Yu, focusing entirely on playing the piece "Snow Sigh" beautifully. Cao Chun was indeed an expert; when the two played a piece together, any skilled musician could immediately discern their levels of proficiency. The piece he chose was also quite fitting, resonating well with the current sentiments of both her and Du Si Yu.

A chilling glint flashed in the queen's eyes, and she forced a smile, speaking to ease the tension: "It seems that Mr. Cao finds it difficult to make a judgment, so..." She picked up the jade ruyi from the table and slowly raised it towards Prince Liang, "Let it be decided by Prince Liang himself." Striving to conceal the murderous intent surging within her, Empress Sun fixed her gaze on Prince Liang. She was eager to see whether this Prince Liang was truly foolish or merely pretending to be so in the face of such a favorable opportunity.

Yuezheng hazily took the Ruyi that Fenglin handed to her, heavy and icy to the touch... Is this the dream she has been pursuing? Why does it feel so illusory? She gripped the white jade tightly, yet her heart remained empty. The look in Fenglin's eyes left her without even the comfort of self-deception.

Empress Sun gazed deeply at Cao Chun, her eyes almost pleading, as she could only rely on him now. The day before, she had summoned Cao Chun to discuss important matters in person, asking him to recommend Yuan Yuezheng in the internal selection. Cao Chun responded respectfully, showing no trace of the aloofness typical of a scholar, clearly a perceptive individual well-versed in the ways of the world. Therefore, she firmly believed that Cao Chun could lend her a helping hand

Du Siyu did not respond to her master's words, and at this moment, the Yuezheng, which was turned away from her, became exceptionally sensitive to sound, hearing the gentle jingling of hairpins. Du Siyu shook her head.

Feng Lin stood before Yue Zheng, not even glancing at the pale-faced Du Siyu beside her, and said with an effortless smile: "I will naturally choose Yue Zheng."

Now, it seems that Du Siyu's passionate actions have touched the heart of His Majesty. Despite knowing that Feng Lin would face endless troubles after receiving the assistance of the Du family, he still recklessly wishes to fulfill the desires of these young lovers.

Even though the internal selection ceremony was simple and unadorned, the emperor and empress still summoned some internal officials to bolster their presence. Sitting at the emperor's right hand was not Feng Lin, but rather an extraordinary middle-aged man, whom Yuezheng vaguely recognized as the talented Cao Chun. Yuezheng scoffed inwardly, certain that this was yet another display orchestrated by Empress Sun. It is worth mentioning that the Princess of Liang was also favored by the discerning eye of Cao Zhexian.

Wait a moment! At the instant when Yuezheng raised her hands to pluck the strings, Du Siyu's delicate voice called out with a sharp coldness that halted her. Yuezheng froze, not turning to look at the person at the palace gate. For some reason, even without looking, she could vividly imagine the scene of Du Siyu standing there in the hall. Her slender figure appeared even more delicate due to her resolute demeanor, and her pale complexion made her stunning beauty all the more heart-wrenching. Her eyes... ? Yuezheng's heart ached violently. Was there not a flicker of unwavering affection for Feng Lin in Du Siyu's eyes?

Yuezheng felt as if her breath was about to cease

The Empress Dowager feigned a headache and left early, causing everyone at the banquet to eat as if they were chewing wax

Yuezheng's hand slowly rested on the table beside the zither, and due to the pressure, her nails slightly sank into the lacquered wood. ... She knew she should not look at Fenglin's expression, for any emotion he displayed at this moment would become an indelible shadow in her memory, yet ... . ... She still could not help but slowly raise her eyes.

He approached with the same calm and unhurried demeanor, and he could even smile brilliantly.

Cao Chun looked up in confusion at Du Siyu in the hall. She sat upright, maintaining that fearless and stubborn expression. Her eyes had lost their usual gentle sparkle, leaving only a deep, empty darkness.

After the banquet, everyone exited the Jixiu Hall and gathered at the white marble steps outside the hall. Shortly thereafter, an inner court official emerged holding the imperial decree, loudly proclaiming the marriage of the daughter of the Yuan family to the Prince of Liang

"The Snow Siege" is a piece that is both desolate and magnificent. The moon zither has been played countless times, but it was only during this performance alongside Du Siyu that I truly grasped the sorrowful essence of the melody, the tragic determination of the valiant soldier guarding the frontier, never to return. I found myself unable to hear Du Siyu's playing; instead, I felt as if I had become that soldier, despairingly stationed at the snowy border, unable to see my homeland and longing for peace, with a path ahead that is utterly uncertain.

Feng Lin did not look at Du Siyu, merely gazing vacantly with an expressionless face, lost in thought about something unknown. The hand holding the wine glass was pale at the knuckles.

When she hid behind the palace gate and heard these words, she was utterly desperate to the point of wanting to scream in embarrassment! Therefore, she was especially furious at Du Siyu for taking such a shocking action today! Is heaven really against her?!

Yuezheng unexpectedly trembled violently at this word "no". Miss Du, who was usually gentle and elegant, was actually able to assertively say "no" to Her Majesty the Empress in such a situation. Yuezheng considered herself bold and reckless, but if the roles were reversed, she might not be able to be so resolute and fearless under the Empress's intimidation.

Cao Chun furrowed his brows and remained silent, treating the Emperor's inquiry with such silence was simply inappropriate. Fortunately, Emperor Shunqian did not show any displeasure, nor did he urge him to speak, but simply waited quietly.

What about Yuan Yuezheng? Hasn't Yuan Yuezheng also given up the promise of "a lifetime of exclusive favor" from the Crown Prince? What she strives for is, after all, her entire life... Yet, her sacrifice seems so insignificant compared to Du Siyu... Feng Lin, can he understand the effort she has put in for this moment? Her feelings for him are certainly not shallower than Du Siyu's... But she has no opportunity... No opportunity to express her feelings as loudly and decisively as Du Siyu! Feng Lin, can he understand the effort she has put in for this moment? Her feelings for him are certainly not shallower than Du Siyu's... But she has no opportunity... No opportunity to express her feelings as loudly and decisively as Du Siyu!

Yue Zheng hollowly raised her eyes to look at him, devoid of any joy or anger, lacking any emotion. She once believed that everything was within her calculations, feeling self-satisfied and confident, how laughable it was, she was merely a pawn in the hands of fate! The moment she collided with his dark gaze, she trembled in shock, as he walked over leisurely, the depths of his dark eyes concealed nothing but resentment and fury!

The hall remained silent, and everyone, no matter how dull, could clearly see that the Empress was extremely furious. What was once a straightforward selection process had become intricate and complicated due to Du Siyu, even giving rise to a sense of murderous intent.

What will happen to Du Siyu in the future

Cao Chun was somewhat restless, anxiously watching his beloved disciple stand up with a pale face. In his tone of reproach, there was unexpectedly a hint of pleading, "Si Yu, stop messing around. Come here."

She, like Du Siyu, has no path to turn back on

The Emperor's easy acquiescence left her in disbelief. Could it be...? Empress Sun could hardly dare to think further. In recent days, she had kept Feng Xun confined within the palace, and Feng Xun was extremely angry, having attempted to storm into Xifeng Palace in a fit of rage. When the Emperor caught her in the act, his expression was one of profound disappointment, and he said with resentment: "Is this all you can do, throwing tantrums and causing a scene here? Are you destined to be tightly held in your mother's palm?"

Can Feng Lin treat herself and Du Siyu fairly

Feng Lin clearly had the opportunity to make Du Siyu his wife, but why ... she could not come up with an answer

When it comes to the art of the guqin, it is indeed Miss Yuan who excels. Si Yu's infatuation has reached such a point that her master, against his better judgment, favors her; if he can ensure her lifelong happiness, he is willing to bear the burden of his conscience. However, the Empress possesses a deep cunning and an extremely narrow-minded temperament. Si Yu's defiance of her wishes is minor, but the support she has given to Prince Liang through the Du family is significant, something the Empress cannot tolerate. I fear...! Si Yu may be in danger of losing her life! Yet, the Empress possesses a deep cunning and an extremely narrow-minded temperament. Si Yu's defiance of her wishes is minor, but the support she has given to Prince Liang through the Du family is significant, something the Empress cannot tolerate. I fear...! Si Yu may be in danger of losing her life!