Jiang Fangfei was the first to look at Yang Ruxin. Playing the zither wasnât something difficult for these ladies from prominent families, as they each received training in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting from a young age. Even concubinesâ daughters wouldnât fall behind unless a truly shameless stepmother deliberately tried to keep them down. Thus, when it came to talent, although skill levels might vary, they generally wouldnât be stage-shy.
Whatâs more, the girls who came today were all daughters of the main wife in their families, and they were all very much favored, which meant their upbringing was even more refined. One could say they were all truly multi-talented.
Zuo Qingqing suggested playing the zither because Shen Jiayinâs musical skills were renowned throughout the circle of noble girls in Beijing, and she was proficient with almost every kind of instrument. During the New Yearâs palace banquet, she played four different instruments, astounding everyone present. Even the Empress Dowager remarked on how impressive it was for one so young.
Although Zuo Qingqing wasnât quite as skilled as Shen Jiayin, she had also studied the guqin under a famous teacher from a young age, and her level was also top-notch.
Therefore, Jiang Fangfei was a bit worried about Yang Ruxin, as girls from the village seldom had the chance to be exposed to these things.
However, Yang Ruxin remained very calm, sitting in a chair by the window, relaxed and at ease. When she noticed Jiang Fangfei looking at her, she nodded slightly, "As long as everyone is happy." Then her gaze fell upon the opposite bank, as she wondered when Cui Fangfang would arrive.
Seeing this, Jiang Fangfei could only assume Yang Ruxin wasnât stage-shy and nodded, "Alright."
"And we should paint as well," Peng Jing suggested, "Such a beautiful scene naturally needs to be captured in a painting."
"Shouldnât we also compose some poems?" Ju Wan laughed, "Poems about the lotus."
"And sing songs about the lotus..." Zuo Qingqing added.
"Anything goes, as long as everyone is having fun. Weâll have everything prepared shortly, and anyone can do whatever they like," Jiang Fangfei said as she instructed the servant to start arranging things.
Soon, several musical instruments were brought out, along with some sets of the Four Treasures of the Study.
"Oh dear, composing poems and playing tunes, isnât that so boring?" Qi Zizi sighed, "I donât know what people are thinking; every gathering is like this. Isnât delicious food the most important thing? In the future, when youâre starving, can playing a tune or writing a poem fill your belly?"
"Thatâs a very good point," Yang Ruxin gave the young girl a thumbs up.
Zuo Qingqing, on the other hand, rolled her eyes at Yang Ruxin, thinking she was just trying to ingratiate herself.
Meanwhile, Shen Jiayin had already seated herself at the zither table. She plucked a couple of notes to test the sound, feeling quite satisfied. However, instead of playing on the zither, she picked up the pipa beside her and strummed it a couple of times before gently plucking the strings.
Yang Ruxin wasnât entirely clueless about music, but her skill was indeed not very developed, so she really couldnât judge the quality. However, to be honest, the tinkling sound she heard was quite pleasant.
The others who understood music werenât willing to be outdone by Shen Jiayin, so they each found something they liked to do as well.
"Sister Xin, what do you like to do?" Hen Ziyue asked, looking up at Yang Ruxin.
"I like counting money."
Jiang Fangfei, who was nearby, nearly choked on her own saliva: "Thatâs quite a unique hobby."
Peng Jing, who overheard this from not too far away, pouted, thinking to herself that only a country bumpkin could say something so crude, but smartly chose not to voice it.