TL: bluedreamsfairy

PR: Sam Jiejie

Yan Ziyuan proudly exclaimed: “Rules are rules! I don’t even have the right to modify them! Much less other people!”

While talking, she looked at Gu Ziyan inadvertently. Unexpectedly, his eyes were also on her. His eyes seemed to hold complex feelings.

Two sets of eyes locked on each other. The expressionless Gu Ziyan was the first to look away, whereas Yan Ziyuan lowered her face.

‘He probably hates me now, since I didn’t give him any face’, thought Yan Ziyan

However, she couldn’t tolerate them bullying her friend!

Meanwhile, Rong Yan’s expression fell. Even Gu Ziyan wouldn’t stand up for her, so she was forced to reformulate her plan. She smiled faintly: “The regulations indeed cannot be altered. This humble girl didn’t mean it in that way. Can you please point out the errors that the previous performers have made then? I am also quite sure they would be glad to receive feedback as well.”, her gaze shifted on those people in question, who naturally nodded their heads.

Ning Xuemo grinned and leisurely demanded: “Are you not aware that my comments are worth thousands of gold? Of course, it is certainly possible to hear my opinions, but show me your sincerity first!”

Rong Yan was startled. Disdain surfaced on her face: “Lady Xue, zithers are highly regarded instruments! Asking for compensation is downgrading! I am afraid that it will make people laugh!” The spectators all agreed.

How could an expert request money? This woman was too presumptuous!

Ning Xuemo smirked: “Then, I would like to ask Lady Rong, isn’t painting also a refined interest?”

“Yes, of course!” Rong Yan answered without the slightest hesitation. The Four Arts (Zither, Chess, Calligraphy and Painting) were all top-class skills of a well-educated person.

“Therefore, the painting of the Sage Han Shangyue should be adequate enough to be considered extraordinary and refined, right? Even trying to buy his paintings, offering millions in gold, is difficult! Did you ever see him present the drawings as gifts?!”

“This…” Rong Yan stuttered.

“If this was a drawing competition, and you had invited the Great Master Han, would you also ask him to give a free evaluation of each competitor?”

Rong Yan almost choked.

Everyone else glanced at each other in dismay.

One of the spectators wasn’t convinced, thus he snorted: “Everyone is conscious that Great Master Han is extremely talented. How can you compare yourself with him?”

Ning Xuemo’s face sank, and coldly reproved: “You still haven’t seen me perform! How can you determine I am not talented too?”

The spectator was left tongue-tied, and didn’t continue to question her.

Du, a previous competitor from a thriving family got up and stated he was willing to put forth one thousand pieces of gold for her to judge him.

Ning Xuemo smiled: “Alright. Honestly, it is not easy to hear my opinion for a mere one thousand pieces of gold , but since you are offering them to me and are all Daliang citizens, I must leave Ziyan some face. I will evaluate one person only!”

Noble Du was also a straightforward person immediately took out the money.

Noble Du intended to perform again and thereafter let her comment, but Ning Xuemo waved her hand and promptly began to voice her opinion about his merits as well as his weak points.

She didn’t say much, but she was both clear and accurate.

Everyone present was familiar with the zither. They were dismissive at first, believing she had prepared a speech beforehand and was purposefully trying to cause problems. But after listening to a few sentences, their attitudes became more serious.

What a perfect analysis! Furthermore, she didn’t only list out Noble Gu’s minor mistakes in plucking the strings, but also explained how to correct them!