The guests were astonished by my performance. I smirked a little. Some of them were stunned and I started to hear people mumbling from both sides. They were talking about my talents. Maybe they did not believe an ugly lady like me can perform this piece at a high level.
'Well, not everyone can achieve this, so open your eyes widely,' I took a peek at my sister. Her face was sour. I showed her a wide smile to mock her, it was satisfying and worth my time to pay her back.
"Thank you for giving me a chance to perform, Your Majesty." I bowed politely.
"Haha, who knows our country had such talent. Thousands Wind Steps is not an easy piece but you pull it perfectly." His Majesty said with a thin smile shape on his lips.
'Perfectly? What an exaggeration. In this world, no one is perfect.'
My eyes looked at His Majesty deeply. I wanted to find out what his motive was.
'Earlier, he looked at me with hidden attention, he seems excited but treat me poor, as he was waiting for my performance he speak out for me, but now, his praise just put a heavy burden on me and make the atmosphere heavy…Is it intentional…? I'm not sure anymore. Perhaps he just being nice.
"It's true. You're really good, lady Mu Xinyi." The empress gave a big smile. Her beautiful and youthful face shine for the first time today.
'Ha…I don't care anymore, why do all these people like to talk? I'm tired, let's just end this here.'
"Thank you, Your Majesty, " I replied shortly. I stood up and once again bow to the both highest rulers of the land – I want to quickly return to my sit. Thinking about what was on their mind, just made me tired.
However, my intention was unfulfilled because of Her Majesty. I stand still at the exact spot after not even successful twist half of my body toward my sit.
"Wait, lady Mu Xinyi. This is the reward for you." The empress held a piece of white jaded.
"Oh, yes, I agree." His Majesty nodded while his eyes looked at the reward.
'The reward? It means...I am the winner? What did they want with me?'
As the empress want to reward me, I hesitated and felt conflicted.
'The reward was not just something priceless but it was also her treasure. Besides, in the middle of my performance, I intentionally miss a beat,' I glanced, and both showed pleased faces.
'His Majesty, who likes to listen to music…tsk! Why he didn't notice it? If I know, I would mess up the last part even the result will end up Mu Ra Huo laughing at me!'
The situation is not in my favour. The guest looked at me and whisper. But, I actually least care about them. It just…this situation means there were too many eyes on me. It was not my intention to gain attention and make everyone aware of me.
'Did I make a wrong move?'
I took a light breath. "Your Majesty the Empress, subject feel very honour to receive such a great treasure from Your Majesty."
I glanced at His Majesty, he listened to me well too same as Her Majesty. I gulped. I dared myself to voice my opinion, "however, subject thinks the reward should be given to another performer, Your Majesty."
"What do you mean, lady Mu Xinyi?" The Empress' voice hardened.
I bowed my head, "Pardon my rudeness, Your Majesty. This subject is actually not good at playing instruments. The performance I've performed earlier was the performance that I practice hard and countless times before."
I lifted my head a bit and looked into the empress's eyes. "But, if I was performing another piece earlier, perhaps Your Majesty will change your mind."
There was no response, thus I added, "I was truly grateful because Your Majesty had acknowledged my talent but knowing myself made me feel as if I betray myself if I accept the reward. And embarrassingly, I had to admit that I made a mistake while performing the piece before." I put on a tangible trouble face with a knitted brow.
"Is it true, Your Majesty?" The empress asked His Majesty.
"Hmm…I'm not sure, maybe?'
'Ah! Lucky!'
Her Majesty sighed, "Fine, then whom do you think should get this?" Her question was direct and clear. All eyes and ears focus on me.
'Looked like she was a bit mad. Fortunately, her tone is softer.'
"Thank you for accepting this subject request, Your Majesty. Honestly, I think all of us do good performances." I stopped and took a glance at the other three participants—the second prince Mang Na Hao, my sister, and lady Weng Xi while touching my chin as if I was solving a hard problem.
The second prince smiled at me, lady Weng Xi gave a straight look while my sister looked at me furiously. I smiled a little and put down my hand.
"Your Majesty, I think the reward should be given to lady Weng Xi. Subject think that Lady Weng Xi's performance was truly astounding with her graceful and accurate moves. This subject thinks the lady successfully lift up the mood in tonight's banquet the most. The banquet feels liveliest when the lady performs.
"As for His Highness the second prince, Prince Mang Na Hao, honestly, this subject is like the poem. It was beautifully delivered and brilliant. As for my sister, lady Mu Ra Huo's performance, it was good to hear and the performance was great. All performances were great. However, the performance I adore the most is performed by lady Weng Xi. Subject think lady Weng Xi's dance was really attractive."
I hurriedly continued before Her Majesty speak, "Your Majesty, this is only my humble opinion. Please forgive me for being too direct."
I, who was tired of bowing repeatedly just stood straight with earnest eyes while my hand still tightly pleading, waiting for her to speak.
Though, I caught a glimpse of his majesty smirk once again – It was just for a blink moment.
'His eyes…clearly on me. So, he did smirk at me before.'
I blinked and direct my attention toward the empress again.