Chapter 207: You’re Making Things Difficult for Her
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“Hahaha!”
Chu Mingyuan humorously remarked, eliciting laughter from everyone.
Su Yingxue chuckled as well. She thought, “Emperor, you are indeed quite amusing.”
She wondered, would they dare to bring a patient forward for her to treat if she dared to perform in public?
However, when Chu Mingyuan called her name, she had no choice but to step forward and bow, saying, “Reporting to the emperor, I lack any particular talent, so I shall refrain from embarrassing myself at Your Majesty’s birthday banquet.”
“Su Yingxue, your sister just mentioned that your father is stricter with you. How can you claim to lack any talent? Even the emperor praised the Marquis of Martial South for his daughter’s excellent upbringing. Aren’t you undermining the emperor’s and your father’s reputation by saying this?” The empress sneered, her gaze laden with pressure.
“Your Majesty, the emperor was merely jesting moments ago. I can treat someone. Although it may not be suitable for entertaining guests, my talents have saved many lives. My skills should not pale in comparison to the talents displayed by the noble ladies,” Su Yingxue stated confidently, raising her head and chest proudly.
As the empress had surmised, Su Yingxue had never been exposed to music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, or songs since childhood. Her knowledge in these areas was nonexistent.
However, her ability to heal was unmatched among the noble ladies of the Great Cheng Dynasty.
“You’re right! Father, Empress, Miss Su possesses the remarkable gift of bringing the dead back to life. While it may not be considered a conventional talent, it far surpasses the typical talents in fields like music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, which cannot perform such miracles!” Chu Jinling exclaimed after finishing his notes. He was the first to stand up in support of Su Yingxue.
Su Hao also rose and paid his respects, saying, “Emperor, Empress, although my younger sister was never pressured to study and practice calligraphy from a young age, she possesses a unique skill. I believe that the ability to heal and save lives through medicine is an invaluable talent.”
“General Su is right,” Chu Mingyuan concurred, stroking his beard. He was aware of Su Yingxue’s abilities, and the request for her to perform today had indeed put her in a difficult position.
Furthermore, not all his children excelled in both academics and martial arts. For instance, Chu Jinling, who had spoken up for Su Yingxue, was merely a child who enjoyed playing.
Chu Mingyuan affectionately gazed at Chu Jinling and said, “Since Ling’er is acquainted with Su Yingxue, return to your seats together.”
“Yes, Father!” Chu Jinling happily moved to Su Yingxue’s side and playfully teased, “Let’s go, Auntie!”
Su Yingxue playfully bared her teeth at him. “Try calling me Auntie’ again.”
“Auntie Su! Ninth Aunt! Hehehe!” Chu Jinling chuckled mischievously, like a clever child.
“Wait!” The empress halted them with a stern expression. “Su Yingxue, are you truly unwilling to perform for me today?”
Sensing the empress’s unfriendly gaze, Su Yingxue replied in a hushed tone, “Empress, it’s not that I am unwilling but rather unprepared. Rushing into a performance might disrupt Your Majesty’s birthday banquet and cause unnecessary trouble.”
“If you refuse to perform for me, it’s as if you’re belittling me!” The empress slammed the table emphatically. “I invited everyone here today, and they’ve all come to celebrate my birthday. Young ladies from various families have showcased their talents, yet you decline. Moreover, your sister mentioned that you were prepared. Now, you refuse to perform. Are you implying that you don’t hold me in high regard?”
Su Yingxue smiled. Was the empress deliberately provoking her?
Why?
If she didn’t watch her performance, would her birthday banquet be ruined?
Would she become a year younger, or perhaps avoid a few crow’s feet?
“So what if she doesn’t hold you in high regard?” Chu Yihan’s voice, dripping with murderous intent, sent shivers through everyone present. The once spacious atmosphere suddenly felt stifling due to his words..