coobybook Chapter 2: First Glimpse of Talent
Chapter 2: First Glimpse of Talent
After the Prime Minister's wife's birthday banquet, Su Yao's status in the Prime Minister's residence underwent a subtle change. The servants' gazes towards her were no longer merely contempt and indifference, but also contained a hint of awe. Su Yao knew that this was only a small victory, and she had to press her advantage to further consolidate her position and plan for the future.
That day, Su Yao was studying poetry and books in her room when Cui'er rushed in to report that her master wanted to see her in the study. Su Yao's heart skipped a beat. She straightened her clothes and followed Cui'er to the study. Along the way, she pondered the Prime Minister's purpose in summoning her. Perhaps it was related to family affairs, or perhaps he wanted to further assess her.
Upon arriving at the study, Su Yao bowed respectfully, "Daughter greets Father. May I ask why Father has summoned me here?" The Prime Minister sat behind his desk, scrutinizing her for a long while before speaking, "Yao'er, I have noticed your recent changes. Do you know that the court is currently in turmoil, and our Prime Minister's residence is inevitably affected? I have heard that the palace is about to hold a selection of talented women, and all eligible women from various households must participate. The winner will have the opportunity to become a palace lady-in-waiting, assisting the Empress in handling palace affairs. I wish to have you represent the Prime Minister's residence in this selection."
Su Yao was startled. She knew this was an opportunity, but also a huge challenge. In the original story, the original owner of this body did not participate in this selection, and if she did, it would surely attract much attention and jealousy. But after a moment's thought, she firmly replied, "Father, I am willing to go. I will do my utmost to bring glory to the Prime Minister's Mansion."
The Prime Minister nodded slightly, seemingly unsurprised by her answer: "Yao'er, it's good that you have such determination. But you must understand that the competition for this selection is fierce, and you must not be careless. From today onwards, I will arrange for a tutor to give you special instruction, and you must study hard."
Su Yao agreed and then left, knowing her time was limited. Back in her room, she began to formulate a study plan. Besides learning etiquette, classics, and historical texts from her tutor, she also needed to continue practicing her talents, especially the guzheng (a traditional Chinese zither) and handicrafts, which had been highly praised at the banquet—perhaps these skills would come in handy during the selection process.
In the days that followed, Su Yao immersed herself in her studies. Every morning, she practiced etiquette and manners in the courtyard, strictly adhering to her teacher's instructions to achieve elegance and poise. In the mornings and afternoons, she recited poetry and studied governance with her teacher, integrating modern concepts with contemporary knowledge, often offering unique insights that impressed even her teacher. In the evenings, she practiced the guzheng in her room, her fingers developing calluses on the strings, all so she could play an even more moving piece during the selection process.
However, Su Yao's efforts did not escape the notice of some people. Su Wan, upon learning that Su Yao was going to participate in the talent competition, was filled with jealousy. She secretly bribed one of Su Yao's maids to keep a close watch on Su Yao's every move. She decided to find an opportunity to embarrass Su Yao before the competition, ruining her reputation so that she would be unable to participate.
That day, Su Yao was practicing her guzheng in a secluded corner of the garden as usual. She was playing with complete concentration when she suddenly heard a commotion. Su Wan rushed over with several maids, a smug smile on her face.
"Second Sister, you're here! Your playing is truly awful; don't pollute everyone's ears here," Su Wan said loudly.
Su Yao stopped what she was doing, looked up at Su Wan, and knew in her heart that Su Wan had come to cause trouble on purpose. She stood up calmly and said, "Sister, I know that my piano skills are not good, but I am working hard to practice. If you think it sounds bad, you can simply not listen. Why do you have to speak ill of me like this?"
Su Wan snorted coldly: "Hmph, you dare to talk back. Do you think you're so great just because you can participate in the talent competition? You're just lucky."
Su Yao smiled slightly: "Sister, whether someone has real talent or not will be revealed on the day of the selection. I believe that justice will prevail."
Seeing that Su Yao showed no fear, Su Wan became even more furious. With a wave of her hand, the maid behind her rushed forward and knocked Su Yao's zither to the ground, breaking the strings and making a piercing sound.
Su Yao looked at the guzheng on the ground, a surge of anger rising within her. She knew that this guzheng was her key to the selection process, and its destruction by Su Wan would undoubtedly affect her preparations. But she quickly calmed down; she couldn't fall into Su Wan's trap.
"Sister, what do you mean by this? You destroyed my guzheng for no reason. Aren't you afraid of Father's wrath?" Su Yao said coldly.
Su Wan was startled; she had indeed acted impulsively. But she still forced herself to remain calm: "Hmph, who saw me destroy your guzheng? You probably broke it by accident and are trying to frame me."
Su Yao sneered inwardly, knowing that Su Wan would try to renege on her promise. But she remained calm and turned to Cui'er, saying, "Cui'er, go and tell Father about this, and let him judge the matter."
Cui'er responded and hurriedly ran to the study. Su Wan was a little scared when she saw Cui'er go to call the Prime Minister. She knew that she had gone too far this time, and if the Prime Minister blamed her, she would not have a good outcome.
The Prime Minister arrived shortly after. Seeing the damaged zither on the ground, he frowned and asked, "What happened?"
Su Yao stepped forward and recounted the entire incident. Upon hearing it, the Prime Minister looked at Su Wan with a grim expression: "Wan'er, why did you act this way?"
Su Wan hurriedly knelt down, crying, "Father, I'm innocent! I was just passing by when I saw my second sister throwing a tantrum and destroying the guzheng. I tried to stop her, but she framed me instead."
The Prime Minister looked at Su Wan and knew she was lying. He said, "Wan'er, don't try to deny it. Don't I know your nature? Today you destroyed Yao'er's guzheng for no reason. I punish you by confining you for a month and making you copy the 'Rules for Women' a hundred times."
Su Wan was unwilling, but she dared not disobey the Prime Minister's order. She glared fiercely at Su Yao, then followed the maid and left the garden.
Watching Su Wan's departing figure, Su Yao breathed a sigh of relief. She knew she had successfully averted another crisis. Although the guzheng was destroyed, she still had time to prepare other talents. She believed that as long as she worked hard, she would definitely stand out in the talent competition and continue on the path to turning the tide.