latelenovela Chapter 311: Reward for Sun Changzai
Chapter 311: Reward for Sun Changzai
Concubine Han bit her lip, a hint of unwillingness flashing in her eyes.
Now, all the concubines in the palace like to go to Taiji Hall to show their courtesy, but she is the only one who comes to Zhongcui Palace. Concubine Rou is so cold that she doesn't even invite her in to talk...
However, Han Guiren only dared to think about this in her heart, not to speak it out loud, and bowed her head and said, "Yes. I will take my leave."
After she left, Madam Xiao shook her head and said, "My lady, that noble lady Han is obviously a restless person."
Shen Zhinian said nonchalantly: "He's just a clown, don't take it to heart."
Sun Changzai saw what happened at the door and came over with a smile.
She knew that no one could replace her position beside Sister Roupin!
It would be in vain for Concubine Han, who was a shrewd scholar, to want to follow her original path!
"Sister Roupin."
Sun Changzai held the pipa and asked with a smile: "I have just composed a new song, would you like to listen to it?"
These days, with the company of Sun Changzai, who would play beautiful music for her from time to time, Shen Zhinian's pregnancy life was not so boring.
Hearing this, she smiled and said, "Okay."
Sun Changzai hurriedly followed.
After entering the inner room, she found a place to sit down skillfully, holding the pipa and playing and singing. Her soft Wu dialect was so touching that it made one's bones soften.
Shen Zhinian felt that the reason why Chang Sun was favored was not only because of his recommendation, but more importantly because she had her own strength.
After all, even a woman like Shen Zhinian enjoys listening to such tunes, let alone a man?
After the song was over, Sun Changzai asked with a smile, "Sister Roupin, how is it? Is there anything else that needs to be revised?"
Although Shen Zhinian can't play any musical instrument, she has a strong appreciation for music: "I think the last note of the second sentence can be higher."
Sun Chang modified it on the spot and played it again: "How about this?"
Shen Zhinian nodded: "Well, not bad. Your Majesty will definitely like this song after listening to it."
Sun Changzai felt a little uncomfortable.
If it wasn't for a better life in the harem, who would be willing to compete with so many women for His Majesty? But now, Sister Roupin can give her everything she wants, so why should she bother with His Majesty?
She specially composed this piece of music to entertain her sister, Concubine Rou. Playing it for His Majesty was just a matter of convenience.
But this was disrespectful after all, so Sun Changzai didn't dare to say it openly, and could only say, "As long as Sister Roupin likes it."
At this time, Xiao Zhouzi hurriedly ran in from outside: "Your Majesty, His Majesty is here!"
Ever since she almost got exposed in front of Nangong Xuanyu last time, Shen Zhinian has been very careful about this, to prevent him from suddenly visiting her one day on a whim.
Just as Xiao Zhouzi finished speaking, Nangong Xuanyu strode in from outside.
Shen Zhinian and Sun Changzai quickly stood up and saluted: "Your Majesty, long live His Majesty!"
Nangong Xuanyu waved his hand: "No need to be polite."
"I seemed to hear you guys talking about music just now?"
Shen Zhinian smiled and said, "Yes. Sister Sun has composed a new song. Would Your Majesty like to listen to it?"
"It is because of her company these days that my concubine and the child are not so lonely when Your Majesty is away."
Nangong Xuanyu looked at Sun Changzai with a much gentler look in his eyes: "You are a thoughtful person. Then I will listen to it too."
In front of His Majesty, Sun Changzai still pretended to be shy and happy: "Yes."
As her slender fingers slowly plucked the strings, the melodious music sounded like flowing water. With the soft and sticky tone, she was indeed a beautiful and charming girl.
Shen Zhinian has always been generous to her own people, and she wants to promote Sun Changzai. If she asks, Nangong Xuanyu should give her face and promote Sun Changzai's position.
However, there has always been a rule in the harem that no one can be promoted without reason. If the emperor promoted Sun Changzai's position for no reason, the censors of the previous dynasty would definitely attack her just like they attacked Jiang Wange.
Once she is branded as a seducer, it will be detrimental to Concubine Sun's future.
Therefore, Shen Zhinian planned to propose to the emperor after giving birth. Thanks to Sun Changzai's company and entertainment during her pregnancy, her child was able to grow up so healthily.
By then, Sun Changzai would have made great contributions, and her promotion would be justified. No one in the former dynasty or the harem could say that Sun Changzai was unruly.
But now, it is still possible to ask for some benefits for Sun Changzai.
After the song was over, Shen Zhinian smiled and said, "Sister Sun's skills have become more and more exquisite. The music is really lingering in my ears!"
"Your Majesty, Sister Sun has worked so hard, shouldn't you give her a little reward?"
The emperor rarely saw Concubine Rou asking for rewards for other women, which shows that Concubine Sun had a good relationship with her.
He looked at Li Changde and ordered, "Go and fetch the mother-of-pearl sandalwood five-string pipa from my private storehouse, along with the music score."
"Slave, you obey!"
Li Changde did it immediately.
Sun Changzai was stunned, somewhat unable to believe it!
There is no one who is good at playing the pipa who has not heard of the name of the mother-of-pearl sandalwood five-string pipa. It is an absolute masterpiece!
Because most pipa have four strings, the one in the emperor’s private treasury is the only five-string pipa in the world!
To be precise, the mother-of-pearl red sandalwood five-string pipa and the ordinary four-string pipa are not the same instrument. The four-string pipa has a "curved neck", while its pegs, harp and soundboard are on the same plate, which is a "straight neck".
The music score of the five-stringed pipa was only kept in the emperor's private library, and had long been lost to the outside world. So until now, no one in the outside world can play the five-stringed pipa.
His Majesty gave her the pipa and the music score. After learning it, she became the only person in the Great Zhou Dynasty who could play the five-string pipa!!!
For a music fanatic, this reward is more precious than any amount of gold, silver or treasures!!!
Sun Chang showed a bright smile that she had never seen before, and knelt down to thank him: "Thank you very much, Your Majesty! I will study hard and live up to the reputation of the mother-of-pearl red sandalwood five-string pipa!"
Li Changde worked very quickly and soon brought the things over to Sun Changzai.
Although Shen Zhinian was not good at playing musical instruments, he was curious about treasures and also looked over.
This mother-of-pearl sandalwood five-string pipa is extremely gorgeous. It is made entirely of sandalwood and the craftsmanship is very fine!
The head of the instrument is mainly decorated with cloud patterns, while the forehead and the handles are decorated with diamond-shaped patterns. The body of the instrument is inlaid with exquisite mother-of-pearl, tortoise shell and amber.
The tortoise-shell plectrum in the lower middle part of the panel is inlaid with a pattern of a Hu man playing the pipa on a camel, exuding a strong Western style.
The figure is also inlaid with mother-of-pearl craftsmanship, inlaid into the shape of a blooming tree, with five auspicious birds flying around the tree, which looks gorgeous!
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Note: 1 The introduction to the [Mother-of-pearl Sandalwood Five-String Pipa] is quoted from the cultural relic of the same name from the Tang Dynasty, which is now collected in the Shosoin Repository in Japan.