Chapter 1809: Chapter 1809: Enjoy Counting Money (4)
Jiang Fangfei was the first to look at Yang Ruxin. Playing the zither wasn’t something difficult for these ladies from prominent families, as they each received training in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting from a young age. Even concubines’ daughters wouldn’t fall behind unless a truly shameless stepmother deliberately tried to keep them down. Thus, when it came to talent, although skill levels might vary, they generally wouldn’t be stage-shy.
What’s more, the girls who came today were all daughters of the main wife in their families, and they were all very much favored, which meant their upbringing was even more refined. One could say they were all truly multi-talented.
Zuo Qingqing suggested playing the zither because Shen Jiayin’s musical skills were renowned throughout the circle of noble girls in Beijing, and she was proficient with almost every kind of instrument. During the New Year’s palace banquet, she played four different instruments, astounding everyone present. Even the Empress Dowager remarked on how impressive it was for one so young.
Although Zuo Qingqing wasn’t quite as skilled as Shen Jiayin, she had also studied the guqin under a famous teacher from a young age, and her level was also top-notch.
Therefore, Jiang Fangfei was a bit worried about Yang Ruxin, as girls from the village seldom had the chance to be exposed to these things.
However, Yang Ruxin remained very calm, sitting in a chair by the window, relaxed and at ease. When she noticed Jiang Fangfei looking at her, she nodded slightly, "As long as everyone is happy." Then her gaze fell upon the opposite bank, as she wondered when Cui Fangfang would arrive.
Seeing this, Jiang Fangfei could only assume Yang Ruxin wasn’t stage-shy and nodded, "Alright."
"And we should paint as well," Peng Jing suggested, "Such a beautiful scene naturally needs to be captured in a painting."
"Shouldn’t we also compose some poems?" Ju Wan laughed, "Poems about the lotus."
"And sing songs about the lotus..." Zuo Qingqing added.
"Anything goes, as long as everyone is having fun. We’ll have everything prepared shortly, and anyone can do whatever they like," Jiang Fangfei said as she instructed the servant to start arranging things.
Soon, several musical instruments were brought out, along with some sets of the Four Treasures of the Study.
"Oh dear, composing poems and playing tunes, isn’t that so boring?" Qi Zizi sighed, "I don’t know what people are thinking; every gathering is like this. Isn’t delicious food the most important thing? In the future, when you’re starving, can playing a tune or writing a poem fill your belly?"
"That’s a very good point," Yang Ruxin gave the young girl a thumbs up.
Zuo Qingqing, on the other hand, rolled her eyes at Yang Ruxin, thinking she was just trying to ingratiate herself.
Meanwhile, Shen Jiayin had already seated herself at the zither table. She plucked a couple of notes to test the sound, feeling quite satisfied. However, instead of playing on the zither, she picked up the pipa beside her and strummed it a couple of times before gently plucking the strings.
Yang Ruxin wasn’t entirely clueless about music, but her skill was indeed not very developed, so she really couldn’t judge the quality. However, to be honest, the tinkling sound she heard was quite pleasant.
The others who understood music weren’t willing to be outdone by Shen Jiayin, so they each found something they liked to do as well.
"Sister Xin, what do you like to do?" Hen Ziyue asked, looking up at Yang Ruxin.
"I like counting money."
Jiang Fangfei, who was nearby, nearly choked on her own saliva: "That’s quite a unique hobby."
Peng Jing, who overheard this from not too far away, pouted, thinking to herself that only a country bumpkin could say something so crude, but smartly chose not to voice it.