binnovel Chapter 5 Selection Storm
Chapter 5 Selection Storm
As Su Yao stepped into the palace, she was immediately enveloped by an aura of solemnity and grandeur. The palace was decorated in a magnificent and resplendent manner, with various precious antiques and paintings displayed around the perimeter. A row of dignified judges sat directly in front of her, including the Empress, several highly respected concubines, and several ministers from the court. They scrutinized each woman who entered the palace.
Su Yao composed herself and, along with the others, bowed to the judges. After the ceremony, the selection officially began. The first woman stepped forward, showcasing her exquisite calligraphy skills. Her strokes were powerful and vigorous, and the characters were beautiful and flowing, winning rounds of praise from the audience. Su Yao observed carefully, silently assessing her opponents' abilities while also considering how to make her own presentation stand out.
Next, another woman performed a graceful dance. Her movements were light and agile, like a blooming flower dancing in the palace. Su Yao couldn't help but applaud her wonderful performance, but at the same time, she felt increasingly pressured.
Soon, it was Su Yao's turn to step forward and demonstrate. She took a deep breath, first giving everyone an elegant bow, and then calmly said, "Your subject, Su Yao, wishes to present a piece of guzheng music that I composed myself, accompanied by an embroidered scroll that I made myself. Together, the two will tell a complete story."
Everyone looked on with curiosity upon hearing this. Su Yao walked to where the guzheng was placed, slowly sat down, and gently plucked the strings. The melodious music instantly echoed throughout the palace. At the same time, Cui'er held up an exquisite embroidered scroll and slowly unfurled it. The scroll depicted a magnificent spring scene, with blooming flowers and fluttering butterflies, perfectly complementing the music Su Yao played.
As Su Yao played the piano, she narrated the story depicted in the painting in a soft voice: "Spring days are long, and the flowers and trees are lush. The peach blossoms are bright, like the smiles of a beautiful woman; the willows sway gently, like the affection of a gentleman. Butterflies dance and flutter among the flowers, just like men and women in the world, meeting and falling in love..." Her voice was clear and melodious, and the music and narration complemented each other perfectly. Everyone seemed to be drawn into that spring painting, immersed in its beautiful atmosphere.
As the music ended, the palace fell silent, everyone seemingly still immersed in the atmosphere Su Yao had created. A moment later, thunderous applause erupted. The Empress nodded slightly, smiling, and said, "Su Yao, your idea is truly novel. The music and embroidery are both superb, and the story you told was captivating." Several ministers also nodded in approval.
Su Yao breathed a sigh of relief and said gratefully, "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty the Empress and all the officials. I have only done my bit of help."
However, just when Su Yao thought everything was going smoothly, a woman named Lin Wanqing stepped forward. She was the daughter of Lord Lin in the imperial court, and had always been arrogant and dissatisfied with Su Yao's performance.
"Sister Su Yao, your performance was excellent, but I believe that the true test of a talented woman lies in her understanding and recitation of poetry. I would like to challenge you to a contest here, Sister Su Yao. Do you dare to accept the challenge?" Lin Wanqing looked at Su Yao provocatively.
Su Yao's heart tightened. She knew that Lin Wanqing was deliberately making things difficult for her, but if she didn't accept the challenge, she would probably be seen as a coward. So, she smiled and said, "Since Sister Lin has such an elegant interest, I will gladly oblige."
Lin Wanqing sneered and took the lead in reciting an extremely obscure ancient poem, and then elaborated on her understanding and insights into the poem in detail. Her words were quite sharp, as if she wanted to overwhelm Su Yao with her imposing manner.
Su Yao calmed herself and listened attentively. After Lin Wanqing finished speaking, she pondered for a moment, then slowly recited an ancient poem that she knew and loved very much in modern times. This poem had not yet appeared in this era, and Su Yao, with her unique understanding and heartfelt recitation, vividly presented the poem's imagery. Everyone present was captivated by this unfamiliar yet beautiful poem, immersing themselves in its beauty.
After the recitation, the Empress was the first to applaud: "Su Yao, this poem is wonderful. Your understanding of poetry is unique, and your recitation is even more moving." The other judges also echoed her sentiments, praising Su Yao's performance highly.
Lin Wanqing's face turned pale and then red. She hadn't expected Su Yao to produce such an outstanding poem. Although she was unwilling, she could only silently retreat.
Su Yao successfully met this challenge, and her advantage in the selection process became increasingly apparent. However, she knew that the later stages were still full of uncertainties, and she had to remain vigilant at all times in order to stand out in this fierce competition for talent and take another step towards her goal of reversing her fate.