Chapter 1239 – Preparations for War, Rest and Recuperation (Eighteen)
Jiang Pengji chuckled, “Today we’ll celebrate with the folks; if the performance doesn’t go well, don’t blame me!”
Everyone: “…”
Did that even need to be said?
Who among them didn’t know their Lord’s flute skills were a bit… questionable?
Jiang Pengji brought the jade flute to her lips, and a lively tune poured out like a waterfall.
While her other skills might be limited, her ability to imitate and her memory were top-notch.
Ever since the war with the Gaoyue Tribe wrapped up, Wei Ci had been secretly teaching her how to play the flute—after all, they couldn’t have her messing it up every time, could they?
Jiang Pengji was as busy as can be and couldn’t spare much time for practice, so she had only learned that one song.
Even if it was just a single piece, it would be enough to get by.
The crowd and the 850,000 viewers in the live stream had already mentally braced themselves for the upcoming cacophony, but to their surprise, the flute music wasn’t terrible at all.
Everyone else wore dumbfounded expressions, while Wei Ci wore a subtle smile.
Although her skills were mediocre, the fact that his Lord could “tame beasts” added a certain flair to the performance.
As the flute sound reverberated, the Iron-Eating Beast that had been snuggling against Wei Ci seemed to respond to some invisible call, its round face showing a hint of confusion.
The crowd watched as it balanced a plate of fruit with its two front paws, standing on its hind legs, wobbling as it circled around Jiang Pengji, tapping its rear legs in rhythm while humming along until the tune finished. Once done, the creature bowed deeply, presenting the fruit plate with a sincere gesture to her.
Jiang Pengji didn’t take the plate, so it gently set it down.
“Off you go.”
The Iron-Eating Beast seemed to understand her words, swaying its way back to Wei Ci, climbing into his lap, curling up comfortably, yawning, and then promptly falling asleep. Jiang Pengji smiled as she put away the jade flute and picked up the fruit plate to return it to Wei Ci’s table.
The crowd was left in a daze, glancing between Jiang Pengji and the adorable, sleeping Iron-Eating Beast.
Had this little creature become sentient?
So human-like?
Jiang Pengji giggled, “It’s merely a little beast-taming trick; good for entertainment and to make you all smile.”
The crowd remained in a stunned silence from the earlier show.
Even if Jiang Pengji’s melody wasn’t extraordinary, the addition of the Iron-Eating Beast’s performance transformed the entire event.
It not only avoided embarrassment but also wrapped it all in a shroud of mystery.
People of this era were quite superstitious; the more extraordinary Jiang Pengji appeared, the more she stood out.
Showing off a smidge, the commoners and military officials who had never seen such things were enchanted, while the viewers in the live stream, accustomed to information overload, were harder to impress. Just as Jiang Pengji’s performance ended, the barrage of comments in the stream erupted like a geyser, all praising her with double 666.
【Gu Mengjiu】: The streamer finally revealed her Mary Sue glow; I hope it blinds them all!
【Xiao Huiyuanguan】: Not only did the streamer dazzle Lady Ci and the others, but even the baby’s eyes are going to get blinded! That little panda is so tiny; it couldn’t have shown such human traits even if it was trained from birth! On top of that, it’s not natural for them to walk on their hind legs; it’s bad for their health. Yet, this little guy did it so smoothly and naturally—it’s definitely a refined panda spirit!
【Rain Falling on Flower Path】: It coordinated excellently with the streamer; it was even humming along just now! What else could that signify other than becoming a spirit?
【Fairy Queen’s Scarlet】: Animals aren’t allowed to evolve into spirits post-establishment of the nation.
【Stowaway Non-Money】: The streamer is under no such “Heavenly Dao constraints,” so it’s possible it really has become a spirit. Didn’t you all realize that this panda has appeared in the live stream long ago? It was tiny back then, but now it’s almost a year later and still looks so small.
It’s well-known that young pandas grow significantly after birth.
This panda on screen clearly looked incredibly young, probably just three to five months old.
Jiang Pengji smiled silently, not divulging any secrets.
This Iron-Eating Beast hadn’t really become a spirit; its actions were merely under Jiang Pengji’s control.
Converting mental energy into an invisible force allowed her to manipulate the Iron-Eating Beast to perform as she wished—it’s that simple.
Since Jiang Pengji didn’t explain, everyone could only attribute the performance’s effects to the miraculous “beast-taming” or the idea of the panda evolving into a spirit.
It was rare for her to perform, so the officials naturally gave her face and supported her.
The festive atmosphere of the New Year’s banquet returned to normal.
Seeing this, Madam Han wore an expression as stiff as plaster, feeling uneasy inside.
Upon reflection, she suspected her mistake was being too obvious; it gave them something to use against her.
If only she had been a bit more cautious earlier, she wouldn’t have made such a blunder.
Even if Jiang Pengji had kindly saved Han Yu from embarrassment, it really felt like a slap in the face to Madam Han.
It appeared to be a subtle reveal, yet it utterly trampled her dignity underfoot.
She felt as if she couldn’t breathe, and her complexion gradually worsened.
Han Yu said, “Are you satisfied now? This is the New Year’s banquet; tone it down! We wouldn’t want to lose our composure and become a laughing stock.”
Madam Han couldn’t absorb any of his words, but when it came to maintaining composure and face, she truly listened.
No matter how resentful she felt, Madam Han dared not lash out; she could only forcefully swallow her frustration.
While Jiang Pengji smiled and chatted with everyone, she secretly observed the situation between the Han couple.
They didn’t seem to be getting along well?
However—
After all, this was Han Yu’s family matter; as a woman and the Lord, it was inappropriate for her to meddle.
Once everyone was full, Jiang Pengji took them to enjoy a few lively new plays.
Some were heartwarming and joyful, while others were purely comedic in nature, much like humorous dialogues.
As the time drew near, Jiang Pengji instructed them to each return home and spend the New Year’s Eve with their families.
This was the eldest legitimate son of Han Yu celebrating the New Year for the first time; he was still reminiscing about the recent plays and thinking about the peers he had just met.
Madam Han sat silently in the carriage, separated from Han Yu by several fists’ distance.
Han Yu said, “After the New Year, I plan to send the child to the Golden Scales Academy for enlightenment.”
“How can the Golden Scales Academy compare to my family’s ancestral school?” Madam Han frowned, “That kind of place for schooling is a waste of time!”
Han Yu felt a flicker of anger ignite, “How could it mislead students when my mentor also teaches there?”
Madam Han held her tongue, but her eyes and expression showed her disapproval of Han Yu.
What’s so great about the Golden Scales Academy?
Its reputation was inflated; it couldn’t compare to the noble families’ accumulated accomplishments over generations!
Moreover, her husband failed to understand her. The more she thought about it, the more wronged she felt.
In order to be a good noble lady, she promoted the maidservants who had once served Han Yu before their marriage, giving them face and treating their children well.
She toiled and sacrificed for the family, yet received neither understanding nor respect from Han Yu in return.
Madam Han firmly insisted, “If you want to flatter others at the expense of our child’s future, do as you please, but don’t touch my precious root!”
Let the illegitimate children from the back courtyard attend that Golden Scales Academy; they were not worthy of higher status anyway. Studying alongside children of lowly backgrounds also counted as burying them. But she would definitely die if her eldest legitimate son went!
Han Yu’s face darkened with rage.
The illegitimate child, under the oppressive atmosphere, timidly bowed his head, afraid to look at his parents.
“This matter leaves no room for your whims!”
Madam Han sneered, “Are you truly heartless enough to disgrace our legitimate son?”
Han Yu replied, “This isn’t disgrace. I love him deeply; how could I harm him?”
Madam Han, disheartened, in a fit of anger, directly separated from Han Yu’s residence, leaving father and son to celebrate the New Year alone while she turned in early.
Han Yu sighed heavily but felt totally helpless against his wife.
“Once he goes to the Golden Scales Academy, treat his classmates well, never be arrogant—”
As they celebrated the New Year, Han Yu gently reminded his eldest legitimate son.
The boy had a mild temperament and obediently nodded.
“Mm, I understand, Father.”
