TL: bluedreamsfairy
PR: Sam Jiejie
Ning Xuemo continued: “Didn’t you always want to be an unrestrained and brave girl who travels the world? Fleeing in defeat doesn’t quite suit your character ! It’s very unheroic! Additionally, you don’t owe him anything so why are you scared? If you withdraw from the competition, aren’t you afraid that Rong Yan would get the last laugh?”
The nearby maid was also indignant: “That’s right! Miss, your skill in zither has rapidly improved this year. Perhaps, you might win a good place and surpass Rong Yan! Do you really want to watch that vixen win first prize with her tail raised to the sky?”
At the end of the day, Yan Ziyuan was a hot blooded young lady. Her hands slightly tightened, somewhat moved by their remarks, and she silently lowered her head.
Ning Xuemo fished out a mirror (from who knows where), positioning it before the girl: “Here, take a look at yourself! Be more confident, you lack nothing compared to that Rong Yan! Refusing you will be his greatest loss in his life!”
After hearing those words, Yan Ziyuan chuckled and her eyes brightened!
Yes, she will eventually untie the knot!Blindly escaping was not her style! She must not only participate in the Zither Meeting, but she must also grandly join in the event!
……
Ning Xuemo and Yan Ziyuan once more changed their clothes. After freshening up, a child led them to a ship, where the Zither Meeting was being held but by the time they reached their destination, the sky was completely dark and most of those taking part in the competition, had already arrived.
The inside of the ship had been decorated with antique furniture: there was an incense burner table, an auspicious incense burner (in the shape of a beast head), several ink sceneries of mountains and rivers, and two two words, all without exception — “Literary Pursuits”.
Many people came to take part in the match and all in all, there were 38 participants, mainly teenagers, who were all highly skilled in the field of the zither.
Each one of them was meticulously dressed, the boys in fluttering scholar garments, while the girls were wearing slim gowns. Playing stringed instruments was thought to be a refined activity, therefore all participants were wearing clothes which were deemed to be elegant.
There were no unusual or trending outfits, as the plain look was prioritized, by all. In fact, the use of gold and silver jewelry on the girls’ heads, had been completely abandoned. The majority, instead, adopted the use of White Jade or Light Jade Hairpins.
As most were simply dressed, on entering Yan Ziyuan and Ning Xuemo attacted everyone’s attention due to their crimson clothes.
Normally dressing in the colour crimson was thought to be vulgar, however today, Yan Ziyuan left everyone pleasantly stunned.
With regards to styling others, if Ning Xuemo claimed to be the second, then nobody would dare to be the first. Therefore Yan Ziyuan’s attire had been completely managed by Ning Xuemo.
Yan Ziyuan was wearing a long, red muslin skirt and drape, a dazzling Southern pearl necklace hung on her snow white neck, while her untied black hair hung loose like a waterfall. There was a flower sprig made of pearls on her head.
Furthermore, her groomed eyebrows were soft, the inner corner of her eyes were slightly accentuated, her cheeks were glistening and tender, her mouth was red and full, like an unfolded red ribbon in the snow… if she had smiled, her beauty would have been soul-stirring.
{BDF: omg those two paragraphs full of descriptions were so complicated! I hope I made the text understandable anyway! Sam: Gosh, you did an amazing job, although I had to look up the word canthus, lol. }
In the Hall hung many types of Palace lanterns. The candles gently flickered, further accentuating her amazing and beautiful figure. The crimson dress she wore left one feeling like they were watching a noble blaze, and therefore not indecent at all. On the contrary, it was perfectly elegant and naturally conforming with her identity as the City Lord’s daughter.
Every now and then a sigh could be heard in the Hall. Who knows how many eyes were staring at her body. Some were left amazed, others envious, and of course, a small number disapproving.
Since Yan Ziyuan’s was of a high status, many present knew her. One after another, they went to greet and chat with her.
