by N/A
As Ji Liu Xia asked, everyone all turned their attention to Du Xiao Li. Although they knew she had medical skills, it's not like she could perform treating a patient, right?
Du Xiao Li shrugged and said, "I don't need to perform a talent."
"Why?!" Ji Liu Xia's voice instantly went up several decibels and resentfully glared at Du Xiao Li.
"Because my father told the emperor I don't know anything, so the emperor exempted me from performing." Du Xiao Li explained.
"Prime Minister Du is that good? I also don't know anything, but how come my father throwing me up? This is unfair, wuuwuu...." Ji Liu Xia was about to cry from worrying.
"Sweat, you three all didn't help her think of a good idea?" Du Xiao Li looked to the three sitting there eating grapes and asked.
Han Ming Xiang had the grape skin spit into a little plat to the side and said, "How do we help her? What we can do, she's all unable to do, or perhaps should say, anything an ordinary girl can do, she all don't know how to do."
Being said like this by Han Ming Xiang, Ji Liu Xia also shut up and sat down, "Picking up a brush, or an instrument, I just feel powerless all over. Only when picking up the sword do I feel I'm alive."
Du Xiao Li also found a chair and sat down, "You don't have anything you can do?"
Ji Liu Xia pondered for a moment. Although she very much wanted to think of something she could do, but after trying hard for a long while, she still could only give up and shake her head, "Nothing."
"The three of us have already helped her brainstorm for a long time, but after coming up with that many ideas, not one suited her." Fu Ya Lan said. For their own friend to be like this, they also worried!
"Well, I originally wanted to teach her a dance, but her movements were very stiff, it simply won't do." Meng Jiang Zhuo said.
"But I only know martial arts moves, letting me dance those soft and flexible movements, I really can't do it!" Ji Liu Xia also felt very wronged.
Dance? Du Xiao Li suddenly had a flash of inspiration, asking: "Do you know sword dance?"
"Sword dance? What kind of dance is that?" As soon as Du Xiao Li's words came out, the other four all uniformly looked to her. Even Meng Jiang Zhuo, who was the most adept at and knowledgeable about dance, had never heard of this kind of dance before.
"Sword dance, is it a dance related to swords?" Ji Liu Xia, as expected, was very sensitive towards sword and instantly guessed it.
"Yes." Du Xiao Li nodded, "Since you're uninterested in all other talents, and only know how to play with swords, perhaps this is suitable for you."
"But what kind of dance is sword dance?" Fu Ya Lan asked.
"It's where you have the sword's moves combined with dance. For her, it should be relatively simple." Du Xiao Li explained, and then felt her explanation wasn't very clear, thus asked Ji Liu Xia for a sword.
Ji Liu Xia knew Du Xiao Li wanted to demonstrate for her, thus quickly had a servant girl fetch her sword, and handed it to Du Xiao Li.
Du Xiao Li had the sword's sheath removed and placed onto the tea table. She got up and walked to the center of the room. Her right hand held the sword in reverse, placing it before her left shoulder. The sword laid horizontal across her chest. Left hand pinched into a sword style and placed before the sword, forming a cool pose.
(T/N: Author's chinese was really broken the last two lines so it's not my fault if it sounds confusing.)
Not waiting for the others to admire, she began moving. The sword's style matched with the dance's movements, and amidst the coolness, there didn't lack gentleness, making Ji Liu Xia and them all blanked from watching.
Du Xiao Li only danced for a bit before stopping. She looked to Ji Liu Xia and asked, "This kind of dance, can you dance?"
"Wow, that really was too pretty!" Ji Liu Xia's two eyes glistened as she gazed to Du Xiao Li.
"Whether or not it was pretty is rather secondary. The question is, this kind of dance, are you able to dance?" Towards Ji Liu Xia's ability to catch the important point, Du Xiao Li admitted defeat.
"Can, this kind of dance, I definitely will be able to dance." Ji Liu Xia quickly nodded her head, "As long as it's not those soft and flexible dances, then it's not a problem. Furthermore, I can even hold a sword. When time comes, I'll definitely be very energetic!"
(T/N: Why does she sound like she's cursed and needs to hold the sword for power.)
"This kind of dance, I've never seen before. Never thought that there was actually such a pretty dance!" Meng Jiang Zhuo had both hands crossed before her chest, appearing very excited.
"Indeed very pretty. To think Xiao Li knew this kind of dance, really makes one exclaim in admiration!" Fu Ya Lan said.
(T/N: Best kinds of friends to make when you transmigrate is ones that don't ask too many questions.)
"Right, Xiao Li's dancing really was great, making my heart itch from watching and want to go dance too!" Han Ming Xiang also nodded with a praise.
"I also want to too, but I'm simply not suited for this kind of dance. Even if I know the moves, I still can't display that kind of strength coupled with gentleness feeling." Meng Jiang Zhuo somewhat regrettably said.
"Actually, if you all have to perform, then you can assemble into one performance." Du Xiao Li looked to them and said.
T/N: When I'm translating the passages always feel so long, but then when I reread through feel so short. I wanna clone myself so I can translate more aijfoasidjfi ;;;;v;;;;)
Ch. 069.4 – Mid Autumn Talent Performance (4)
Mid Autumn Talent Performance (4)
"Assemble into one performance?"
"That's right!" Du Xiao Li returned to her seat and had the sword put back in its sheath. "We can arrange a performance and have all your talents put together. This way, you can both display your uniqueness, and also be able to set off each other."
"This is a good idea!" Ji Liu Xia exclaimed, "We'll just join together, how about it?"
"We can try." Han Ming Xiang nodded. Hearing Du Xiao Li's suggestion, she also was somewhat excited.
Before when everyone performed, everyone just performed their respective act. No one has ever thought of wanting to have several performances put together. If they were to do this, they'll definitely acquire a different effect.
"Xiao Li, you don't need to prepare a performance anyways, and this suggestion was also made by you, so why don't you be in charge of our arrangements?" Han Ming Xiang said.
(T/N: MC is good at getting people to work for her---MC next step in her OPness is idol group manager??)
Hearing this, everyone else also agreed. They all felt if Du Xiao Li were to do the arrangements for them, they'll definitely have an earth-shattering performance.
"Eh, alright. However, we only have these few days, so time-wise, it's rather tight. In this time, let's all find a place to practice together, how about it?" Du Xiao Li said.
"Alright."
"How about just going to your wolf park? That place is wide and spacious, yet won't leak our matter." Fu Ya Lan suggested.
Du Xiao Li pondered for a moment and shook her head denying.
"You think it won't do?" Meng Jiang Zhuo asked.
"The wolf park is too close to the Prime Minister Du's manor. If you all were to practice music there, the sound will be heard. Furthermore, that place had just been built. As soon as the sun comes out, it'll be very hot." Du Xiao Li explained why it wouldn't work.
"Ah? Then where will we go?" Ji Liu Xia asked.
"I know a place." Du Xiao Li said. "However, it's outside the city, and going back and forth every day is very troublesome. If you all can persuade your families to allow you to live outside for a few days, then that'll be more convenient."
"Have to live outside?" Fu Ya Lan was somewhat troubled, not knowing whether or not her family will agree.
"Ya Lan is worried that Elder Fu won't agree?" Han Ming Xiang asked.
Fu Ya Lan nodded. Because they were the family of a cabinet minister, so towards hou
se rules and whatnot, she treated particularly seriously. Not returning home for a few days like this, don't know if it'll be doable.
"How about this, I'll just send an invitation, saying I'm going to the estate outside the city to practice and want to invite you to accompany me. This way, Elder Fu won't object right?" Han Ming Xiang thought of an idea.
"Hahaha, good, this is a good idea! With princess coming forward, we can go as long as we want!" Ji Liu Xia was also worried just now. But now with Han Ming Xiang's words, she instantly felt everyone was all great! And with Xiao Li helping her too, this time, she definitely won't lose face again!
"Then it's settled! Tomorrow at mao-hour(5-7am), we'll gather at the city gates." Du Xiao Li decided with a clap of her hands.
"Why tomorrow? Can't we start today?" Ji Liu Xia asked. She wanted to learn that sword dance right away.
"Today won't do. Tonight, I still have something to do. Moreover, that sword dance of yours needs special props. Today, I have to go draw up the design and go find a blacksmith to make it for you. And don't even know if it can be made; if it can't, we'll just have to make do with ordinary swords." Du Xiao Li said.
"There's also props?" Ji Liu Xia said in surprise.
"Of course there's props! Using props to dance, the effects will be even better." Du Xiao Li said.
"Then just draw the designs up here." Ji Liu Xia thought about how Du Xiao Li rarely ever comes to the General's Manor and wanted to leave her to play.
"En, sure, just need brush, ink, and paper." Du Xiao Li said, "After I finish drawing, everyone can also find time to discuss how roles are going to be divided."
"Divide roles?"
"Like see what you all are good at, and what you want to perform." Du Xiao Li said. "Afterwards, also see how to combine together so that it won't feel jarring."
"Is that so! But won't you take a long time to draw?"
"No need, it'll be done very soon. Drawing this kind of blueprint is very simple, just worried that the blacksmith won't be able to forge it. I'll draw it out first, then see." Du Xiao Li said.
Ji Liu Xia lead everyone to her own study. Although it's said to be her study, the times she's gone in can be counted on one hand. If not for people cleaning every day, this place certainly would've long piled with dust.
Du Xiao Li very quickly had the designs drawn out, but didn't have someone go find a blacksmith to forge it, instead started discussing roles with everyone. This design appeared simple, but needed to be explained clearly to the blacksmith, else there'll be problems with the final product.
"I know fifth brother has a blacksmith that is very skilled. How about we go find him later?" Han Ming Xiang said.
"Okay, right now, let's confirm the acts you all want to perform." Du Xiao Li said with a nod.
After discussing, they finally confirmed the acts everyone wanted to perform.
Ji Liu Xia will only perform the sword dance; this didn't need to be debated. Meng Jiang Zhuo was also the most skilled at dance, but in a style that was completely different from sword dance. Han Ming Xiang was most skilled at playing the xiao flute, thus she will be in charge of playing the xiao. And Fu Ya Lan, who was rather skilled in many things, in the end, settled on pipa and zither.
(T/N: For some reason the last part I thought she was going to play them at the same time. My ancient history professor once called the pipa, ancient china's guitar.)
While discussing, everyone were all rather excited, and very much looked forward to the performance this time. Especially since Du Xiao Li said, needed to dance out a story, thus everyone all were itching inside, wanting to imperial go try.
After having these roles allocated, everyone left the General's Manor together. Because Ji Lun and Ji Liu Feng had both gone to the barracks, they didn't get to see them.
Meng Jiang Zhuo and Fu Ya Lan both returned home, returning to prepare their own things, and afterwards just needed to wait for Han Ming Xiang's invitation card. Du Xiao Li thus went with Han Ming Xiang to go find that blacksmith she mentioned.
The horse carriage traveled through the city for a while, and then arrived at a somewhat desolate street. Han Ming Xiang pointed to the innermost of the alley and said, "It's that blacksmith shop."
Du Xiao Li glanced over. This alleyway, the horse carriage completely couldn't enter. That blacksmith shop also wasn't very conspicuous, only having a simple banner hung at the entrance with the word 'iron' written on there.
"I only know about this place because fifth brother brought me here once last time. Heard the things forged here are particularly good. Let's go in." Han Ming Xiang finished saying and walked on ahead.
Du Xiao Li followed Han Ming Xiang to the front of the shop, and upon seeing the person currently in the blacksmith shop forging, she cried out in surprise. "It's you!"
"You are?" The person lifted his head and skeptically looked to Du Xiao Li.
Ch. 069.5 – Mid Autumn Talent Performance (5)
Mid Autumn Talent Performance (5)
T/N: Chapter sponsored by Mochakat9! Thank you for sponsoring!
"You don't recognize me anymore? I'm that little girl from Zhou County. That year I had you forge a set of silver needles and a dagger for me, and afterwards, also ordered two pots." Du Xiao Li never thought the blacksmith Han Ming Xiang mentioned would actually be an old acquaintance.
"Ah! You're that little girl!" Blacksmith Wang hear Du Xiao Li's words and instantly recalled. Truly because the things Du Xiao Li ordered at that time were all too strange, so he had a rather deep impression of her. "How come you've also come to the capital?"
"I followed my family here." Du Xiao Li said, "Afterwards, I went to go find you, but instead saw the shop's doors closed. I'd wondered where you'd gone, but never thought that you'd come to the capital. This time, with you here, the things I want won't be a problem!"
"What, Xiao Li, you two know each other?" Han Ming Xiang asked, seeing Du Xiao Li and Blacksmith Wang politely greeting each other.
"En, uncle came from the same place as me. In the past, I even looked for him to make some things for me." Du Xiao Li said.
"Hehe, little girl, this time you want to forge something strange again?" Blacksmith Wang asked with a smile.
"Yes." Du Xiao Li had the previously drawn out designs taken out and handed to Blacksmith Wang, letting him have a look.
Blacksmith Wang took the drawing from Du Xiao Li and looked it over, saying with an 'as expected' look, "I just knew the things you want made aren't ordinary. This is?"
"This is a prop." Du Xiao Li said. Afterwards, she had this prop's overall shape described, and then had the design plans explained to him. Blacksmith Wang nodded along as he listened. It was very obvious that he understood Du Xiao Li's meaning.
"En, if it's like that, then it's not a problem." Blacksmith Wang said, "However, I need some time."
"How long?" Du Xiao Li asked. If it can't be completed before mid-autumn, then there wouldn't be any point to it.
Blacksmith Wang looked to the drawings and pondered for a while, "At the earliest, on the ninth, and latest probably around eleventh or twelfth."
(T/N: Mid-autumn is on the fifteenth.)
"Then no problem." Du Xiao Li nodded. As long as it was finished before mid-autumn festival.
After paying the deposit, Du Xiao Li and Han Ming Xiang left. Soon after, she returned to her own courtyard, ate lunch, and stayed upstairs pondering how to coordinate the performance for that day. Since she has agreed to help them, then she'll definitely do her best. Just like this, she contemplated all the way until evening when Xia Yuan came up to remind her that they can start preparing for dinner.
The reason why she didn't have them go to the estate today was because this morning she'd promised to invite a certain old fox over for dinner. Thinking of her old man, Du Xiao Li suddenly had a feeling like she couldn't see through him.
She made a table full of dishes, and then let someone go have Du Xiu Heng invited over too. Although the gir
l's school had stopped class, Du Xiu Heng's side held class per usual. Then, before Du Yun Han arrived, Du Xiao Li had those past events told to Du Xiu Heng.
Du Xiu Heng although didn't say he would forgive Du Yun Han, he didn't reject him like before either. At least, they were able to peacefully and calmly sit together for a meal.
While eating, Du Xiao Li told Du Yun Han about going to live at the estate for a few days. Du Yun Han seemed to have already known that estate was her property, so he easily agreed, but asked Du Xiao Li to remember to have someone send fresh grapes over every day, causing Du Xiao Li to want to directly snatch over his bowl and chopsticks and have him pushed out.
Early next morning, Du Xiao Li waited at the city gates for Han Ming Xiang and them. By mao-hour (5am-7am), everyone all successively turned up.
"Xiao Li, how come you brought along Silver and Gold too?" Ji Liu Xia looked to Silver and Gold, who were in another horse carriage, and curiously asked.
"That place has something they like." Du Xiao Li said, "Alright, let's go."
In order to maintain secrecy, Du Xiao Li this time let everyone all get on her horse carriage and then made their servants all return, not bringing along even the close serving maids.
"The things this time absolutely need to be kept secret. During this period of time, the people at the estate will take care of you all." Du Xiao Li said.
"I never use personal maids. You all should also be fine without them during these days, right?" Ji Liu Xia looked to them and asked.
"Eh, should be fine." Meng Jiang Zhuo said.
Aside from at school, they all have never experienced not having their personal maids take care of them before.
"Sometimes, when you do things yourself, you'll discover a different kind of self. Alright, let's go then." Du Xiao Li said to Xia Yuan outside. Xia Yuan waved the whip, and the horse carriage began moving.