Chapter 28: A Cut Above the Rest

“Do you dare compete with me?” Princess Birou was seething with rage. In all her years, she had never suffered such humiliation.

“Why?” Another maddeningly curt reply.

“If you win, I promise never to trouble you again. If I win, you must agree to let me stay at the Prince Chun’s residence. What do you say—do you dare accept?”

“No.”

“Are you afraid?”

“It’s not fear. It’s simply not worth it. If you win, you move into the Prince Chun’s residence, but if you lose, you lose nothing. Why would I agree?” Zhan Yan arched her brows. “Besides, my husband has already refused you. Why should I invite more trouble upon myself?” As her words fell, a low chuckle drifted through the silent golden hall. Without looking, Zhan Yan knew who it was—if not Zhongli Yu, then who?

“Well said. My lady is wise indeed; a losing bargain is not worth making,” Zhongli Yu remarked approvingly, as though chatting casually at home, paying no mind to the thousand eyes upon them in the grand hall.

“Birou, since Prince Chun already has a wife and is unwilling to take another, let this matter end here,” the Crown Prince of Xiyuan spoke in a low, steady voice.

“But, Crown Prince Brother, I—” Birou protested, dissatisfied.

“Enough. Our princess of Xiyuan is noble, beautiful, learned, and skilled in both the literary and martial arts. What kind of husband could she not find?” Yang Rui spoke again. “King of Dongling, Princess Birou is our realm’s foremost talented woman. Since Prince Chun is unwilling, there is no need to force the matter. I’ve heard Dongling boasts no shortage of gifted women as well—perhaps today you might present one to spar with my younger sister. Let me witness the marvels your land produces.”

“Oh? Then I am quite eager to see,” the King of Dongling replied, clearly pleased with Yang Rui’s tact, a smile spreading across his face.

“Pray tell, which talented ladies does your kingdom possess? Why not call one forth, so we may be enlightened?” Yang Rui said earnestly.

“Lord Lin,” the King of Dongling addressed Marquis Lin Bochong with a casual glance, “I’ve long heard your eldest daughter is the foremost talent of Dongling. Why not have her come out and compete with Xiyuan’s princess?”

“Your Majesty’s will,” replied the Loyal and Brave Marquis, bowing respectfully.

“Lian, His Majesty favors you. Come, and match your skills with the Princess of Xiyuan,” the marquis called toward the assembly of noblewomen, his tone solemn.

“Yes.” Lin Xuelian answered softly, her voice gentle and sweet. A young woman in a pale yellow dress rose from among the ladies and stepped gracefully toward the center of the hall. She was tall, her bearing elegant, a gentle smile curving her lips. When she smiled, a faint dimple appeared, sweet and charming. Indeed, worthy of being called Dongling’s foremost beauty; standing beside the Princess of Xiyuan, she was in no way outshone.

“Lin Xuelian, daughter of this subject, pays respects to Your Majesty. Long live the King!” Lin Xuelian knelt and bowed upon reaching the center.

“You may rise.” The king regarded her with clear satisfaction.

“The famed beauty of Dongling—today I see you, and the reputation is well deserved,” Yang Rui praised with a smile.

“Your Highness flatters me,” Lin Xuelian replied, a blush coloring her cheeks as she lowered her head shyly.

“Miss Lin’s talents must be as remarkable as her appearance. Third sister, it seems you have met your match,” Yang Rui said, glancing at Princess Birou.

“Miss Lin, what is your greatest strength among the arts—music, chess, calligraphy, or painting? You may choose,” Birou said confidently, smiling.

“Princess Birou is our guest; please, you should go first,” Lin Xuelian responded modestly.

“Very well, then I shall paint a picture. Of the four arts, painting is my weakest,” Princess Birou replied with a smile.

“Bring brushes and ink,” ordered the King of Dongling. The eunuchs immediately set everything in place.

Princess Birou set to work at once, and within a quarter of an hour, a magnificent landscape came alive on the paper. Her speed and skill were truly impressive.

“A humble effort,” Birou said with a smile, clearly satisfied with her work.

Beneath her sleeve, Lin Xuelian’s hand clenched tightly, betraying her unease. She hadn’t expected the princess’s weakest art to be so accomplished, and for a moment, her confidence faltered.

Lin Xuelian picked up the brush and began to paint with great care. Her work was also excellent, but she took twice as long as Princess Birou to finish. The difference was clear.

“Your Majesty, please judge—which is superior, my painting or Miss Lin’s?” Birou asked, though she already knew the answer.

“Both are excellent, but Princess Birou completed hers more swiftly. She holds the edge,” the King of Dongling pronounced impartially.

“Miss Lin is Dongling’s foremost talent; I’m sure your other accomplishments are equally impressive. Why not choose your best skill and perform for us?” Princess Birou was not yet done basking in the spotlight.

“Then I shall play a piece on the zither for everyone’s enjoyment,” Lin Xuelian replied, unwilling to admit defeat. She sat gracefully at the guqin and played with utmost devotion. The music was exquisite, enchanting all who listened. The audience was entranced, marveling that Dongling’s premier talent could possess such mastery.

When the music ended, the hall lingered in stunned silence, the echoes of her melody still resonating.

“Excellent…excellent…” The King of Dongling led the applause, speaking with delight.

“Miss Lin truly deserves her reputation; I am in awe. In that case, I too shall play a piece for our guests,” Princess Birou declared, her confidence undiminished. She walked to the zither, adjusted the strings unhurriedly, and soon, the hall filled with even more enchanting music—more captivating, lingering, and profound than Lin Xuelian’s. Those versed in music could see that, once again, Princess Birou had won.

Lin Xuelian’s face paled. She had believed her skill with the zither was unmatched in the capital, yet there were always higher mountains and greater talents.

Princess Birou remained serene and self-assured.

The King of Dongling’s expression darkened. His gaze swept the assembly and settled on Zhan Yan, who sat quietly, unruffled. While everyone else was still lost in the echoes of the music, she alone seemed indifferent, as though none of this concerned her.

“Wonderful… indeed, both are women of rare talent. Since two have performed, let the other ladies also entertain us, to enliven the gathering,” the king said shrewdly, declining to judge a winner. Instead, he cleverly transformed the contest into a series of performances. After all, to be outshone by a foreigner in one’s own court would be a grave humiliation. It appeared that, in cunning, the King of Dongling was still the master.