freenovelworld Chapter 39 Digging a Trap to Harm Song Siyao
Chapter 39 Digging a Trap to Harm Song Siyao
"As the Empress Dowager's son, it is my duty to be filial to her. I only pray that she is in good health and enjoys happiness."
Shen Heng was a renowned filial son, dignified and steady in his conduct, kind and benevolent, and deeply loved by Emperor Changlong.
Upon hearing this, the Empress's smile deepened; she was very satisfied with Shen Heng.
If nothing unexpected happens, Shen Heng will be Emperor Changlong's successor, and she will forever be the most honored woman in the Great Zhou Dynasty.
However, life is full of unexpected events.
After Shen Heng finished presenting his gift, the other princes followed suit.
When it was Shen Pei's turn, Wei Xin pushed him up, and he was holding a scroll in his arms.
"Your subject has found a painting to wish Your Majesty a joyous birthday."
Shen Pei spoke in a calm tone. As soon as he finished speaking, Wei Xin took the scroll from his hand and presented it to the Empress.
The Empress unfolded it and smiled slightly. "Prince Ling is very thoughtful."
Her gaze fell on Shen Pei's legs. "How's your leg injury lately?"
"Thank you for your concern, Mother. I'm still the same as always," Shen Pei said dejectedly.
The Empress said with heartache, "You've worked hard. Now that your burden is lighter, take good care of yourself. I hope that one day we can find a good doctor so that you can stand up again."
"Thank you, Mother Empress." Shen Pei said without any emotion.
The Empress sincerely inquired about the well-being of every prince who presented her with a gift, making her a very dutiful stepmother.
After the princes presented their gifts, it was the guests' turn.
Su Qingshuang was the first to present a gift; she gave a screen, and the painting on the screen was painted by herself.
Her paintings are among the best in the capital, even surpassing those of Song Yu'er.
Taking advantage of the gift-giving opportunity, Su Qingshuang once again showed off her painting skills in front of everyone, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Soon it was Song Yu'er's turn. She stepped forward with dignified manners and bowed to the Empress. "Your Majesty, I, Song Yu'er, wish Your Majesty a happy birthday. Your Majesty, I have prepared a piece of music for you. Please enjoy it."
"Someone, prepare a zither for Miss Song San," the Empress ordered.
The palace maids set up the zither, and Song Yu'er sat in front of it. Her slender hands gently plucked the strings, and melodious music flowed from her fingertips, captivating the heart.
In the capital, Song Yu'er's zither playing is second to none.
When Meng Zhanting first met her, she was playing the piano. Meng Zhanting was attracted by the music and fell in love with her at first sight.
At this moment, Meng Zhanting gazed at Song Yu'er with deep affection, and even a hint of pride.
He believed that Song Yu'er would surely amaze the world with her performance and receive praise from everyone.
As Song Yu'er's fiancé, everyone looks at him differently; they're bound to envy him.
The ladies and young women of those noble families admire Song Yu'er's talent and will take the initiative to befriend her. As they get to know each other better, with Song Yu'er acting as a bridge, he will also be able to befriend the heads of the families behind these ladies and young women.
Meng Zhanting increasingly felt that choosing Song Yu'er was the wisest decision he had ever made.
He loved Song Yu'er, and Song Yu'er was of great help to his career.
Unlike that Song Siyao, who has nothing to offer except for her good looks.
See? He wants everyone to know that his decision, Meng Zhanting, was right, and that the woman he chose again is better than Song Siyao.
Song Yu'er's piano skills were impeccable; when she finished playing, the entire audience applauded.
"Miss Song's zither skills have improved again. Listening to your music brings me great joy," the Empress said with a smile.
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty."
Upon hearing this, Song Yu'er beamed with joy. The Empress's praise was more effective than any reward.
Moreover, with the Queen's praise, she would regain the face and reputation she had previously lost.
At this moment, her eyes lit up and a wicked plan came to mind. She said, "Your Majesty, my second sister has also prepared a piece of music for you. She has been practicing it at home for a long time and said she would like to play it for you."
"Oh, really?" the Empress asked with interest.
"Yes, Your Majesty, please give my second sister a chance." Song Yu'er knelt down and pleaded, her face full of sincerity, displaying the demeanor of a younger sister protecting her older sister, which was very heartwarming.
She had already spoken her mind, so even if Song Siyao said that it wasn't true, she wasn't afraid.
Who in the manor would testify for Song Siyao?
If Song Siyao doesn't deny it, then she'll have no choice but to bite the bullet and go on stage.
Song Siyao is a country bumpkin, how could she possibly play the piano? She would only embarrass herself and be despised by the world.
A woman who can't even play the piano is vulgar and uncouth. Marrying her would be beneath anyone. Even if she had that imperial decree, what good would it do? No one would want her anyway!
"Very well, Miss Song's protectiveness towards her sister is truly touching. I am deeply moved."
The Empress looked at Song Siyao and asked, "Second Miss Song, what piece of music do you intend to play for me?"
Song Siyao slowly rose to her feet. "Your Majesty, I am about to play the Heavenly Melody."
"Heavenly Music?" The Empress was somewhat surprised. She did not want her birthday banquet to become a laughing stock, after all, there were very few people in the Great Zhou who could play Heavenly Music.
Even a genius like Song Yu'er, who plays the Heavenly Melody, can only play it so-so.
She simply couldn't reach the high notes.
The best player of the "Heavenly Melody" is undoubtedly Master Yan, but few people in the world have heard it. However, some have heard his disciples play it, and it is said that this music should only exist in heaven, and can only be heard a few times in the human world.
"Miss Song, are you sure it's Tianyin?" the Empress confirmed.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Song Siyao affirmed.
"Someone, prepare the zither."
The Empress gave the order, and Song Siyao moved to the zither. Immediately, a murmur of discussion arose.
"Miss Song is really bold; she dares to say anything."
"She used to be blind, how could she play the piano?"
“Playing the piano is not the same as reading. Anyone who has read a little bit of books could say what she just said. But playing the piano requires years of practice. How can you say you can play the piano without years of experience?”
"I suppose this is what they mean by ignorance is bliss."
……
All voices overwhelmingly condemn Song Siyao.
Su Qingshuang smiled disdainfully, "Tch, people these days are getting more and more shameless. Anyone can claim to be able to play the piano."
Jiang Hexia immediately retorted, "Whether it will play or not, we'll only know after it's played. Miss Su, isn't it too early to say such things now?"
“Miss Jiang, she’s the fool Song Siyao, not the brilliant Song Siyan of yesteryear. Just wait and see how she fares!” Su Qingshuang said with disdain.
"Madam Song, is Song Siyao usually this arrogant in the mansion?" a woman sitting next to Madam Song asked.
The woman was a notorious gossip in the capital.
Whatever she knows, it's as if everyone in the capital knows it.
Madam Song smiled awkwardly, "Children, they've lost their parents, so it's understandable that they're willful."
"She's still being willful even without her parents? Old Madam Song, you're the only one with a kind heart. If you ask me, someone like her should be fed three meals a day and then starved for three days and three nights. Let's see if she still dares to be willful then!" The woman's face was fierce.
"Oh dear, Madam Yu, you can't say that, you can't say that! She's the one who calls the shots in our household now, not to mention me, even her grandmother..."
Old Madam Song hesitated, then quickly waved her hand. She knew that the little lie she had casually made up was enough; Old Madam Yu would imagine it herself and spread the most vicious words to slander Song Siyao.
Madam Yu, with an expression of righteous indignation, said, "Hmph, such a woman is a disgrace to the Marquis of Zhenbei and his wife."
She already had a clear idea of what kind of person Song Siyao was.
While the two women were gossiping and slandering Song Siyao, Song Siyao's fingertips had already produced a beautiful melody on the zither.