TL: bluedreamsfairy

PR: Sam Jiejie

Ning Xuemo noticed that the skills of the competitors somewhat lacked control. She turned to look out of one of the many windows on the ship, feeling drowsy while listening to the whistling sound of the night and the oars, as they dipped into the water. Those notes plucked by the musicians faded into the background, like a lullaby.

Ning Xuemo was wavering between slumber and reality, as the lastest competitor finished. She was being softly pushed and heard the gentle words: “Since Lady Xue is an expert from the capital, why don’t you give this humble girl some advice on her skills? Lady Xue? Lady Xue?”

She finally sobered up. Turning her head, she noticed Rong Yan who paused her movements, staring at her.

Her questions were gentle and polite, but a venomous glint of scorn flashed in her eyes.

She very clearly realized that Ning Xuemo was dozing off, so she took advantage of it to embarrass her: “Lady Xue is not falling asleep, right? Could it be that because we are all inferior musicians, the sound does not suit Lady Xue’s taste?” Rong Yan’s voice became softer and sarcastic.

“Rong Yan!” Gu Ziyan showed displeasure.

“Pardon me, Big Brother Ziyan. This little girl really wishes to hear Lady Xue’s judgement. A Great Master from the capital surely must be special. This little girl will benefit from her suggestions” Rong Yan was determined to hamper Ning Xuemo, also thanks to the fact that she was aware that when it was her turn to play the zither, Ning Xuemo was half asleep already.

All the eyes fell on Ning Xuemo, as they waited to see how she would respond.

Ning Xuemo couldn’t help but smile. The White Lotus was actually asking for trouble! She hadn’t wanted to be dragged into unnecessary things and would have preferred to keep a low profile, however her gaze reached Rong Yan’s pretty face. With a smile she replied: “Do you truly want to know what I think?”

Her tone of voice was soft and congenial, however, Rong Yan felt an indescribable shiver in her heart!

Her intuition made her understand she had offended someone she shouldn’t have, however it was too late and so she didn’t have any room left to cower. Instead, she nodded her head, pretending to be aloof: “Please enlighten me with your teachings, Lady Xue.”

“Since you wish to hear my opinion so badly, then it means that Lady Rong sees me as a top-notch Master, equal to those four Great Masters. This being the case, you ought to address me in this way too, so don’t call me Lady Xue anymore, even breaking the rules. You don’t need to consult me on that, am I right? Lady Rong?”

Rong Yan: “…” Her words were so sarcastic that she didn’t know how to rebuke at all.

However, how was she willing to call her Great Master Xue?

Her eyes shifted. And then, she opposed sweetly: “What Lady Xue said was indeed reasonable, but we still haven’t witnessed your genuine abilities and skills yet. Even if I changed your title,I am afraid that those Ladies and Gentlemen present won’t agree to it. Lady Xue should demonstrate your talent and then it should be alright”

“May I know why Lady Rong is insisting on wanting to see my performance, right now?” Ning Xuemo raised her eyebrows, “To the extent of making me play the zither just for you?… I remember my turn was the last. If I had to play now, I would be overstepping the customs of the meeting. Or does Lady Rong believe that she can change the rules as she wishes, only because she feels superior to others and has a childhood sweetheart who is part of the evaluation committee?”

Rong Yan became speechless again. She was about to open her mouth again and continue to retort, when Gu Ziyan intervened readily: “The rules must not be bent!”