Chapter 108 Birthday Banquet (4)
Although Zhao Ziheng's words were polite, Dongfang Xiyuan's gaze at him was a little strange, which made Zhou Yan, who was sitting next to him, curl up his lips into an unknown smile.
"It's rare to find someone who can perform these three talents at the same time, but if they are separated, there are still many people."
Someone among the guests suddenly said this, which immediately caused everyone to look at each other and at the person who said these words. This person was dressed in luxurious clothes and sat opposite Zhou Yan.
"I wonder what the Crown Prince of Xia meant?"
Out of courtesy, Zhao Ziheng faced Xia Wenyu, the Crown Prince of Xia. It was not surprising that the younger brother of the deceased Queen Xia Ningshuang of Zhou, the Crown Prince of Xia, appeared in such an occasion. As the crown prince of a powerful country, his participation was also a focus of attention.
"It is well known that in the five arts of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and dance, each art has a representative figure of the contemporary era, and they are called the Five Princesses. These five people are not only of noble birth, but also of stunning beauty. I think they should be no worse than Princess Xiyuan, right?"
This statement successfully aroused discussion among the crowd. Dongfang Yan's face darkened slightly, but everyone could hear that there was something else behind his words.
"The Five Concubines of the World are well-known to everyone in the world. They have all reached the pinnacle of their respective talents and are unrivaled. The world has given them corresponding titles. Xiyuan has never dreamed of competing with them. Today's behavior is purely for birthday celebrations. I wonder if Prince Xia is dissatisfied with Xiyuan's performance, or not?"
Dongfang Xiyuan's unexpected words made everyone present exclaim in amazement. First, she was eloquent, and second, they admired her for being able to keep her composure in such an occasion. Of course, this was more or less due to her status as a princess. Although she didn't say anything, her tone revealed a bit of unwillingness to admit defeat.
"No, no, no, please don't be offended, Princess. I was just saying it casually. Your dancing, poetry, and landscape painting are all first-rate. Just as King Zhao said, I'm afraid no one in the world can perform all three talents at the same time. However, I was fortunate enough to have witnessed the outstanding strength of the Five Concubines, so I unconsciously compared them. I hope Princess won't be offended."
"Oh? That must mean Xiyuan can't compare to them."
Being compared to others again and again, everyone would have a mentality of not admitting defeat. Despite this, due to the occasion, Dongfang Xiyuan only showed courtesy. Fortunately, Xia Wenyu did not embarrass her too much. When she thought so, Xia Wenyu's voice sounded again...
"That's because the princess focuses on many aspects rather than specializing in one. Think of the calligraphy of Zhao State, whose words are all pearls; the paintings of Han State's painters are all lifelike and vivid; the music of Han State's zither girls is like the sound of nature, and the sound of Chu State's chess girls is unmatched in the game of chess, and they can be called female chess strategists; as for Zhou State's dancers... their graceful dance moves are so beautiful that people will never forget them after just one look. Therefore, the princess certainly has no chance of winning in the five arts. I dare not comment on the princess's poetry and landscape paintings, but as for her dancing skills, although they are quite unique, they are lacking because she is not focused."
When Xia Wenyu's evaluation came out, the whole venue fell silent, and everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. Regardless of whether Xia Wenyu meant it or not, his words made Dongfang Xiyuan feel a little embarrassed. Dongfang Yan's face was gloomy because his daughter was being commented on unscrupulously, but he couldn't say a word. No one dared to say anything, but Zhou Yan became suspicious of Xia Wenyu's words. He noticed the pause in Xia Wenyu's words and his expression when he talked about Yin Yin. How could he, who was so perceptive, not know what that expression meant?
The atmosphere in the palace suddenly became awkward, and the troublemaker who caused the awkward atmosphere was drinking as if it had nothing to do with him, and he didn't take Dongfang Xiyuan, who was in an awkward position, and Dongfang Yan, who had a gloomy face, seriously. At this time, Zhao Ziheng's deep voice sounded: "Prince Xia is right, but I think that being able to perform three talents at the same time proves that the princess's talent is unparalleled. Specialization is not just one thing. Isn't Princess Xiyuan also a talent?"
Zhao Ziheng gave a subjective evaluation. It is normal for a person to specialize in one thing, but it is rare to show three talents at the same time. In other words, Dongfang Xiyuan's performance was unprecedented and should have attracted everyone's attention, but it seemed mediocre because of the sudden evaluation of her appearance. Fortunately, Zhao Ziheng's subjective comments smoothed over the awkward atmosphere in time, giving Dongfang Xiyuan a way out and giving Xia Wenyu enough face, and then everyone calmed down and understood. However, the performance that wanted to become famous by taking this opportunity was probably greatly discounted. Not to mention Dongfang Xiyuan, it was not difficult to see from Dongfang Yan's expression. As for Xia Wenyu, he seemed like nothing had happened. Not only did he not pay attention to the eyes of others, but he also didn't notice the hostile look from Zhou Yan.
Soon, the birthday banquet continued, and Dongfang Xiyuan's experience seemed to be gradually forgotten. Soon, the empress dowager left after saying goodbye because she felt tired, and Zhao Ziheng followed her out without a trace, not appearing unnatural at all. As a result, the reception fell entirely on the ministers of the court. In fact, this banquet seemed lively, but in the eyes of some people it seemed particularly bland.
