Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 669 - 505: The Potential of a Scumbag

Perhaps Yao Mengdie and the others had planned this a long time ago, knowing they would come to the Princess’s Mansion today and purposely ruin her zither. She had originally arranged with her second sister to borrow her zither, and the second sister had agreed.

Who would have thought the second sister would refuse, claiming the zither was broken. When they were in the carriage, the second sister didn’t mention the zither being broken, and even after they got off, remained silent. She didn’t believe it was truly broken.

She hadn’t planned on participating in the game, but got involved on a whim. Since she was participating and had received the flower, she couldn’t refuse now.

This was not the time to dwell on these matters. After considering, Yao Mengxian turned to the Eldest Princess and performed a respectful bow.

"Your Highness, I have an impertinent request to borrow a zither from you."

The noble ladies present had spent years in the inner court, and they naturally saw through such clumsy tricks. But since it was a matter of the household, these ladies decided to watch the scene unfold.

Mrs. Ke glanced at Yao Mengxian; she had never truly cared for this stepdaughter.

But externally, she couldn’t appear indifferent. So she said sternly, "Girl, why didn’t you bring a zither with you when you went out? I remember reminding you to bring it."

Yao Mengxian could tell at a glance that her stepmother was trying to distance herself from this. She said aggrievedly, "Mother, have you forgotten? The other day my zither string broke. Didn’t you say you’d take it to be restrung? The zither is still with you!"

Mrs. Ke was rendered speechless. She finally remembered something like that had happened, but she wasn’t invested in her stepdaughter’s affairs. That girl had previously caused her some hidden losses, increasing her dislike for her.

The Eldest Princess looked at Yao Mengxian with some sympathy. This child had long lost her mother; how good could her current stepmother be to her?

Upon seeing this, one could tell that there was often negligence in her care. It’s possible they might even have intentions to make life difficult for the stepdaughter.

Seeing the change in expressions among the crowd, Mrs. Ke hurriedly added, "You should have reminded me earlier. It’s my fault for being busy and not attending to this."

The Eldest Princess frowned, impatient to hear more of their family drama.

"My mansion does have zithers; just take one to use."

Princess Rong Jia pursed her lips, thinking Yao Mengxian’s life at the mansion was quite difficult. For the legitimate daughter of a Duke’s princely heir to live like this, it was really difficult.

"Quickly thank Her Highness. Girl, you must not be this careless, and thank Her Highness for her generous help today."

Having nearly lost her composure in front of everyone, Mrs. Ke was quick to recover.

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Yao Mengxian didn’t want to clash further with Mrs. Ke outside, as it would only become fodder for gossip.

"Miss Yao, there’s no need for such formality. I’ve heard that Miss Yao’s zither skills are quite exceptional. It’s a chance for everyone to see."

The Eldest Princess spoke warmly to Yao Mengxian; she liked girls who knew their place. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Everyone knew what Mrs. Ke’s treatment of Yao Mengxian was like. It was evident.

This girl handled the situation well, refraining from arguing with her stepmother and mansion sisters in public, showing maturity.

Gu Chengyu heard about Yao Mengxian’s predicament, but seeing she had borrowed a zither, he refrained from stepping in.

Even though he had some connection with Yao Mengxian, he’d rather avoid suspicion unless absolutely necessary.

"Jinyu, is this Miss Yao your teacher’s granddaughter?" Zhu Pang was also listening intently behind the curtain. On hearing about Miss Yao, he remembered who it was.

Gu Chengyu nodded, then watched as Qin Min departed towards the courtyard.

"Have you seen that Miss Yao? How does she look? I’ve heard the girls from Duke Zhen Mansion are quite pretty."

Zhu Pang suddenly winked at Gu Chengyu, gossiping.

Gu Chengyu cleared his throat, "Is it gentlemanly to discuss the appearance of young ladies behind their backs? Idle gossip is unbecoming, like that of a frivolous man."

Zhu Pang already had a fiancée yet was thinking about another family’s women. Gu Chengyu disapproved of this behavior, finding it despicable.

Apparently, Zhu Pang has the makings of a scoundrel!

Zhu Pang chuckled, "So, is it true?"

He teased Gu Chengyu, knowing there was no denial.

Gu Chengyu rolled his eyes, "I’ve never met the girls from Duke Zhen Mansion, so how would I know if it’s true?"

Mentioning that, Gu Chengyu briefly recalled Yao Mengxian’s appearance.

The young girl did look lovely. Though only thirteen and not fully grown, her appearance was indeed that of a beauty in the making.

Yao Mengxian’s eyebrows and eyes looked very gentle, with slightly upturned almond eyes adding a touch of allure.

A high-bridged nose and a heart-shaped mouth were all the features of a beauty.

Her features were individually attractive and even more so together, making her face charming. Gu Chengyu admitted that even in a past life filled with beauties, Yao Mengxian’s plain face stood out as a proper beauty.

However, he wouldn’t say that to Zhu Pang, who wasn’t reliable.

Zhu Pang noted Gu Chengyu’s momentary distraction and smiled suggestively.

"Are you thinking of the young miss too?"

Gu Chengyu suddenly heard the sound of the zither, knowing Yao Mengxian had started playing.

So he ignored Zhu Pang; the best way to deal with him was to not engage, as responding would only encourage him.

After a few notes, Gu Chengyu was puzzled. Wasn’t this "Ancient Lament"?

This piece did not exist in this dynasty; he found it from a book in a past life.

A couple of years ago, when Gu Chengyu visited his teacher’s home, he played this piece.

Could it be that Yao Mengxian heard it and remembered the piece?

Yao Mengxian originally intended to play the "Guangling San," but when she placed her hands on the strings, she couldn’t help but recall the melody and started playing involuntarily.

She had heard Gu Chengyu play it twice while in Jingyuan Prefecture, sparking her interest to practice it herself.

But since returning to the capital, she hadn’t played it; after all, she hadn’t heard this piece elsewhere and suspected it could be an original composition by Mr. Gu. If the mansion sisters heard it, it might cause trouble.

To this day, she didn’t know the piece’s name. Even without practicing it for a long time, she played it flawlessly now.

"Second Sister! Isn’t this piece Third Sister is playing unfamiliar to you? It sounds so refined and pleasant."

Yao Mengdie was puzzled. The Duke Mansion naturally had music lessons, but she hadn’t heard Third Sister play before. Unexpectedly, Third Sister kept it hidden.

Yao Menglian glanced deeply at Yao Mengxian, who was playing the zither, "I’ve never heard it either. Could it be an original by Third Sister?"

Qin Liangyuan, the fourth girl of the second branch of the Duke of Qin Mansion, tugged on Yao Menglian, who was close, "Miss Yao, what is this piece? It’s truly unheard of."

Yao Menglian shook her head in bewilderment, "I don’t know either. Third Sister has never played this piece at home."