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墨書 Inktalez
Everyone chimed in, even the usually sharp-tongued Liu Yingying nodded in approval. Qian Wan'er was so excited that she grabbed Nangong Shuang's hand, repeatedly expressing her gratitude.
Only the Dowager of the Duke of State remained silently in tears, her eyes filled with complex emotions.
At that moment, the Minister of Revenue's daughter, Li Yingxue, suddenly sneered, "She's just a lowly maid who learned a few skills on the guqin and dares to show off here!"
The hall erupted in an uproar, and everyone turned to look at her. Madam Guo's expression darkened. "Miss Li, your words are misguided. Nangong Shuang's guqin skills are evident to all; how can you say she is 'showing off'?"
Li Yingxue refused to back down. "She is merely a servant girl performing before a Noble Lady, which shows her lack of propriety. Moreover, this piece is of unknown origin; there may be something suspicious about it."
Nangong Shuang's expression remained unchanged, but a glint of coldness flashed in her eyes. She slowly rose and smiled gently. "Miss Li, your words are mistaken. The guqin is an instrument for calming the heart; artistry is a path for self-cultivation. Regardless of status, anyone who puts their heart into it can achieve mastery. Though I am but a maid, I do not forget to refine my guqin skills in pursuit of inner peace. Today, thanks to Madam Guo's kindness, I have the honor to perform; how could I possibly have any intention of 'showing off'?"
Her words were sincere and powerful, each one resonating with reason and devoid of any malice, leaving Li Yingxue speechless.
Li Dajia clapped his hands and laughed heartily. "What a wonderful saying: 'Regardless of status, anyone who puts their heart into it can achieve mastery!' Not only does this young lady possess exceptional guqin skills, but her eloquence is also remarkable—truly rare!"
Madam Guo nodded repeatedly. "Nangong Shuang speaks rightly. The way of music lies in genuine emotion and sincerity, not in one's social standing."
Seeing that everyone was siding with Nangong Shuang, Li Yingxue's face turned sour as she coldly huffed, "Hmph! Just a mere physician's daughter daring to compare herself with us refined young ladies is truly laughable! Just wait until tomorrow at my house's Yao Yan; let's see how you continue to show off!"
Nangong Shuang's heart tightened at the mention of Li Yingxue's Yao Yan; she had not received any invitation and it was clear that Li Yingxue intended to make things difficult for her.
At that moment, an elderly yet authoritative voice rang out: "This young lady's guqin skills have not been heard by me for quite some time. Such talent is indeed rare."
Everyone turned toward the source of the voice and saw the Dowager of the Duke of State slowly standing up, leaning on her cane as she walked toward Nangong Shuang.
"Old Lady!" Madam Guo hurried forward to assist her. "Please sit down; there’s no need for you to move around."
The Dowager waved her hand and fixed her piercing gaze on Nangong Shuang. "Young lady, what is your name?"
Nangong Shuang respectfully bowed. "I am Nangong Shuang, currently serving as a maid in Qian Mansion."
"Nangong Shuang?" The Old Lady paused slightly before smiling warmly. "What a lovely name—pure and elegant, just like your guqin performance." After a moment's pause, she continued, "I feel like I've heard your piece before but cannot recall it clearly."
Nangong Shuang's heart raced; could it be that the Old Lady recognized a piece from the Nangong Family?
The Old Lady continued, "Your features also resemble someone from my memories..." She reached out her slightly trembling hand to gently touch Nangong Shuang's face, her eyes filled with nostalgia.
Nangong Shuang dared not move; she felt the Old Lady’s hand was warm as spring, bringing an inexplicable sense of comfort.
"Does the Old Lady know Nangong Shuang?" Madam Guo asked curiously.
The Old Lady withdrew her hand and shook her head. "No, it's just that she resembles a dear friend from my youth—especially those eyes..." She cast a meaningful glance at Nangong Shuang before suddenly smiling again. "Miss Li mentioned Yao Yan earlier; I am quite interested in attending as well. Would it be possible to invite this young lady Nangong Shuang along?"
Li Yingxue's expression changed drastically, but in front of the Dowager of the Duke of State, she did not dare to refuse and could only nod reluctantly. "Of course, it's just... she is, after all, a maid..."
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