Forgotten Legend of the Bloodied Flower

"I haven't heard many of your performances because I can't attend all of the competition because of my health." Princess Hu's poor health has always been something that everyone knew. They all looked at Princess Hu to wait for her to say what she wanted to say.

At this time, Princess Hu swept her gaze across everyone. "However, I seemed to recall that First Young Miss Nan is not participating in this Empress Selection."

Everyone knew that First Young Miss Nan had fiancé named Long Qian Xing. Since he was a rising commander, it was almost impossible for them not to hear his name. In fact, they recalled that he was also given noble title for the last battle because of his spectacular result in the battle.

Many were a bit jealous that Nan Hua could be engaged to someone like that.

But at the same time, they also knew that Nan Hua was not qualified to participate in this Empress Selection. Those who had fiancé couldn't possibly become the Empress as it would break their engagement.

Nan Hua stood up and curtsied. "Replying to Your Highness, this one didn't come here to participate but to watch because of an invitation from the palace."

Princess Hu's hand was gripping the cup tightly. Hearing Nan Hua's words, Princess Hu was even more enraged and annoyed. What right did Nan Hua have that she was allowed to watch this selection?

However, the one who made decision was one among those three.

What could she possibly say to refute this?

"I see." Princess Hu showed a benevolent smile contrary to what she actually felt within her heart. "I don't think it'll be fair for First Young Miss Nan to only watch all of the other ladies. What do you think of playing a song for us, First Young Miss Nan?"

Nan Hua knew that Princess Hu wanted to make fun of her. She herself knew that her skill was not bad, but it would be impossible for her to show her real skill in front of others. All she could do was to pretend to be ordinary.

"If Your Highness would like to, this one will play a song for you."

"Great." Princess Hu smiled and clapped her hand, asking the servants to prepare a zither for Nan Hua.

Looking at Princess Hu's gaze, Nan Hua knew that Princess Hu was treating her as if she was nothing more than a performer. Those musician and dancers all have low position in the eyes of these nobles. They were not even worthy to be seen directly.

But now, Princess Hu wanted her to be that lowly performer in front of others. If this was not trying to humiliate her, Nan Hua didn't know what else this would be called. Though, Nan Hua was not exactly that worried about it.

It was just playing music.

Soon, the servants prepared the zither for Nan Hua and retreated to the side. Nan Hua stepped forward and tested the sound a bit. Her slender fingers lightly plucked the string before Nan Hua looked at Princess Hu, indicating that she was ready to play.

Princess Hu waved her hand as a smirk formed at the corner of her lips. She wanted to see how Nan Hua would fare in the future with this.

Tring!

The beautiful song from the zither started to play. The sound carried by the wind entered their ears as the young ladies all looked at Nan Hua. They all also played song in front of others just now, so majority of them didn't think too much of this.

Only a few of them understood Princess Hu's real intention.

The song Nan Hua played was neither slow nor fast. It had a rather average pace but it was pleasing to the ear. Nan Hua's playing couldn't be said to be bad, but it couldn't be said to be very good either.

It sounded quite average.

In fact, it was only around the passing line for the competition. Some of the girls who were listening had more or less the same rank as the quality of the performance Nan Hua showed just now.

Xiao Qiang was watching from the back coldly. When the performance was over, Princess Hu and the noble ladies praised Nan Hua. Before Princess Hu could say anything else, there was the sound of glass breaking.

Everyone turned their head.

They noticed Xiao Qiang was giving an apologetic smile to everyone. "My apologies. My hand is a bit slippery, so I accidentally drop my cup. Your Highness, I didn't mean to offend you, it's only an accident."

Princess Hu's lips twitched slightly. Those who listened to Xiao Qiang's words would feel that she was an unreasonable princess who would blame those who made even the slightest mistake. She waved her hand.

"It's nothing much. A dropped cup wouldn't disturb us that much."

"Many thanks for your generosity, Your Highness." Xiao Qiang smiled and curtsied. She was about to continue speaking when a servant came in and curtsied.

"Your Highness, Young Master Long is looking for First Young Miss Nan. He's waiting right outside the gate."

Princess Hu's gaze turned a shade colder. "I see. First Young Miss Nan, you may go."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Nan Hua curtsied and walked to the door. When she passed by Xiao Qiang, she whispered, "Thank you."

Xiao Qiang's eyes flashed but said nothing as she sat down once more. Since Nan Hua would be leaving this infuriating garden, there was no need for her to do anything much. She merely hummed lightly on her seat.

Probably, only those who were smart would know that her movements were deliberate.

If Long Qian Xing hadn't come, it would be the method for Nan Hua to escape from this place in accordance to Xiao Qiang's excuse.

…

<*not long ago*>

At the other side of the palace, Long Qian Xing had noticed that Princess Hu didn't participate along with Prince Yang Lu and Princess Mu Fei Xin. How could he not know that Princess Hu must be with the other noble girls who were coming to the palace?