Yufei quietly slipped into her seat, positioning herself in the middle row on the far left, as close to the wall as possible. She kept her gaze down, her hands folded neatly in her lap. She wasn't trying to hide entirely but wanted to remain as invisible as possible. Blending into the background... had always been her strength, a survival tactic she'd perfected over the years.

The room was spacious, with thirty identical seats arranged in precise rows. Each seat was decorated with soft cushions embroidered with flowers. At the front of the room stood a single, imposing desk, crafted from dark sandalwood and polished to perfection.

Behind the desk hung an intricately woven curtain, its deep crimson fabric embroidered with golden flowers. The curtain concealed a raised platform where, presumably, the Crown Prince and the Imperial Preceptor would observe the class once it began. The very thought of being scrutinized by such powerful figures made Yufei's stomach churn.

Around her, the other young ladies were murmuring softly amongst themselves. Some cast curious glances toward the curtained area, while others adjusted their postures, hoping to appear graceful and composed. Qin Yufei kept her eyes fixed on the desk, refusing to indulge in speculation. She had no interest in impressing anyone, least of all the Crown Prince. Her only goal was to remain unnoticed and exit this competition as quickly and quietly as possible.

However, the faint rustle of fabric drew her attention momentarily. Qin Yuli had taken a seat in the front row, her posture straight and her head held high. She radiated confidence, her every movement a calculated display of her elegance. Yufei could already feel the weight of her sister's expectations pressing down on her, even from several rows away. She took a steadying breath and reminded herself to stay calm.

The atmosphere in the room shifted as a servant entered, carrying a tray of tea. She set it down on the teacher's desk and then bowed deeply toward the curtained area before retreating without a word. The soft murmur of voices quieted, and a palpable tension settled over the room. The class was about to begin, and all eyes turned toward the front, waiting to see if someone would emerge from behind the curtain.

There was a faint stir behind the crimson curtain, as if someone had shifted positions, but no one emerged. The room, filled with young ladies poised in their finest, remained utterly silent, their gazes fixed on the desk with barely contained anticipation.

Then, breaking the tension, the door to the room opened with a creak. A man in his fifties entered, dressed in plain white robes that contrasted sharply with the ornate surroundings. His presence was simple yet authoritative. He carried a stack of scrolls in one hand and a finely crafted brush in the other. His expression was stern but not unkind.

The maidens immediately straightened in their seats as he approached the desk. Placing the scrolls down, he looked over the room before speaking in a calm, steady voice.

"I am Tan Cheng," he began, his tone measured and deliberate. "I have served as a teacher in the palace for over two decades, instructing nobles and scholars alike. Today, I have been tasked with evaluating your knowledge and skills."

His gaze swept over the room, pausing briefly on some of the young ladies who fidgeted nervously under his scrutiny. Yufei kept her eyes down, her hands tightly clasped in her lap. She hoped he wouldn't pay her any attention.

Tan Cheng continued, "Our first evaluation will test either your calligraphy, painting, or musical abilities. These are essential skills for anyone who wishes to serve the royal family, for they reflect not only your talents but also your discipline and refinement. Only those who meet the standards will proceed to the next stage of the selection process."

A faint murmur rippled through the room as the weight of his words settled over the maidens. Some exchanged uneasy glances, while others wore expressions of confidence, clearly well-prepared for such tests.

Tan Cheng gestured toward a servant who entered quietly, carrying trays laden with brushes, inkstones, silk canvases, and zithers.

"Each of you will demonstrate your skills in the order I call your names. Afterward, those who are selected will begin their training in palace etiquette tomorrow with the head court lady."

At the mention of the head court lady, several maidens shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Yufei had heard whispers of her sternness and perfectionism, a woman feared even among the most composed ladies of the palace.

Tan Cheng unfurled a scroll and began reading names aloud, starting with the first maiden in the front row. As each name was called, the selected maiden stepped forward to the desk to present her calligraphy or painting or to play an instrument. The air grew tense with every passing moment, the weight of judgment pressing down on the room like a heavy cloak.

Yufei tried to remain calm, her heartbeat quickening despite her efforts. Her skills were average at best; she had no illusions about impressing Tan Cheng. She only needed to avoid embarrassment and hope her sister wouldn't single her out later for whatever shortcomings she displayed.

From behind the curtain, the faint sound of movement continued. It was subtle but persistent. Though Tan Cheng carried on with his evaluations, Yufei couldn't help but feel the unseen eyes observing them, weighing every movement and word.

When her name was called, Qin Yufei felt her heart lurch. Her palms were clammy, and she wiped them subtly against her dress before standing up. Her legs felt unsteady as she walked toward the zither placed at the front of the room. All eyes were on her, though she dared not meet anyone's gaze. Instead, she focused on the instrument, the polished wood reflecting the light faintly.

Behind the curtain, one shifted his stance. Arms crossed, he had been standing there idly, only half-listening to the proceedings. This mundane display of talent had done little to capture his interest... until now. The moment the maiden's name was called, a faint ripple of nervous energy seemed to fill the air, drawing his attention. He stepped closer to the curtain, just enough to get a better view without being seen.

At the zither, Yufei lowered herself gracefully onto the cushion and took a moment to compose herself. Her hands hovered above the strings as she inhaled deeply. She had practiced enough to know she could manage a decent performance. What mattered most was staying calm and steady.

The room was quiet, save for the faint rustling of robes as the other maidens shifted in their seats. Tan Cheng sat at his desk, his expression unreadable, his brush poised over a piece of paper as if ready to critique every note.

Yufei plucked the first string, and the soft, melodious sound filled the room. Her fingers moved tentatively at first, the notes flowing like a gentle stream. Behind the curtain, the man leaned closer again, his eyes watching her every movement. He could see the tension in her shoulders, the slight tremble in her fingers, but what intrigued him was the determination in her gaze. She was nervous, that much was clear, but she did not falter.

As the melody grew more intricate, Yufei began to lose herself in the music. Her fingers danced over the strings with increasing confidence, and the sound swelled, carrying a wistful, almost melancholic tone. It wasn't perfect—there were moments when her nerves betrayed her—but there was a sincerity in her playing that caught him off guard.

Interesting, he thought. Most of the maidens performed with calculated precision, their every move rehearsed to perfection. But this one... her playing wasn't about perfection. It was raw, unpolished, and strangely captivating. Just what he liked.

His boredom evaporated, replaced by curiosity. Who was this maiden who played as though her heart was laid bare for all to see, yet whose trembling hands betrayed her vulnerability?

As the final notes lingered in the air, Yufei let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She looked up briefly, her eyes meeting Tan Cheng's stern gaze. He gave no indication of his thoughts, simply nodding for her to return to her seat.

Behind the curtain, the man's eyes remained fixed on her. Even as she walked back to her place and sat down. For the first time since the selection process had begun, he felt a flicker of genuine interest.

Perhaps this one wouldn't be so dull after all.

✤

Qin Yufei sat in her room, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow on the walls, but it did little to calm her nerves. She shifted uncomfortably, glancing at the door every few seconds. Xiao Tong was supposed to fetch her soon so they could go to hear Tan Cheng's verdict.

Her thoughts were a whirlwind of possibilities, none of them particularly pleasant. What if she passed the test? How would Qin Yuli react? Her sister's fury was predictable, and Yufei shuddered at the thought of facing it. There was no way she could match her sister's ambition or stand in her way—nor did she want to.

The door creaked open, and Xiao Tong stepped in, her usual cheerful demeanor subdued. "My Lady, it's time," she said gently.

Yufei nodded and stood, smoothing the folds of her pale blue dress. Together, they made their way through the winding stone paths of the garden. The scent of blooming jasmine filled the air, but Yufei barely noticed. Her steps were hesitant, her thoughts consumed by the looming announcement.

"My Lady," Xiao Tong said softly as they walked, "Please do not worry about the results."

Yufei gave her maid a weak smile, but her heart remained heavy. If she had failed, she'd bring shame to the Qin family name—a failure her sister would undoubtedly use to humiliate her further. And if she succeeded... well, she couldn't see that ending any better.

They arrived at the side hall, where the other maidens were already gathering. The atmosphere was full with anticipation, the air buzzing with whispers and nervous glances. Each maiden seemed lost in her own thoughts, waiting for Tan Cheng to arrive.

Yufei and Xiao Tong stood near the edge of the room, away from the clusters of more confident girls who chatted quietly among themselves. Yufei's gaze fell to the ground as she clutched the hem of her sleeve, twisting it nervously.

"Don't worry too much," Xiao Tong whispered.

Yufei nodded faintly, but her mind was already racing. If she passed this test, she'd have to find a way to mess up the next one. There was no point in even trying to compete with Qin Yuli. Her sister was determined to become crown princess, and Yufei wanted no part of the throne nor the burden it brought.

The sound of approaching footsteps silenced the room. All heads turned as Tan Cheng entered. The teacher's expression was as stern as ever, giving nothing away.

When Tan Cheng called the sixth name, Qin Yufei's lips pressed into a thin line. Her name... How was she even selected? Her zither piece wasn't that remarkable, and she was certain that Qin Yuli's painting was far superior compared to what she did. A sinking feeling began to settle in her chest—Qin Yuli would surely punish her for passing the test again.

The hall grew quieter as the remaining maidens, those whose names had been called, exchanged quick glances of relief or excitement. The others were swiftly dismissed, escorted back to their families, as the palace would soon be enforcing curfew.

Yufei followed the others out of the hall, her steps heavy as if she were walking toward an inevitable storm. Every glance over her shoulder made her heart race faster. Would her sister confront her in the garden? Or in the room?

Returning to her room, she felt a crushing sense of dread as Xiao Tong helped her remove her outer robe.

"My Lady, are you all right?" Xiao Tong asked, noticing her mistress's tense demeanor.

Yufei nodded faintly. "I'm fine. You should rest."

Xiao Tong hesitated but eventually left the room, leaving Yufei to sit by her window. She couldn't relax, her gaze flickering toward the door every few moments. She was certain that any second, Qin Yuli would barge in, eyes blazing with fury and hands ready to punish.

But as the hours ticked by, the house remained quiet. Too quiet. Yufei sat by the dim light of her lamp, her legs curled beneath her, her fingers gripping the edge of her sleeve. She waited and waited, but no one came.

Could it be... she wasn't angry?

Yufei shook her head quickly, dismissing the thought. No, there was no way Qin Yuli would let this pass. The silence had to be a trick, a calm before the storm. Her sister was surely planning something far worse... right?

By the time the first light of dawn crept into the sky, Yufei had spent a sleepless night, her nerves on edge. Her body ached from the tension, and her mind was clouded with exhaustion and unease.

She finally stood and began dressing herself in preparation for the next day. The palace etiquette lessons would begin soon, and she couldn't afford to be late. Xiao Tong entered the room just as Yufei was tying her sash.

"My Lady, you didn't sleep, did you? You should have waited for me to help you get dressed." Xiao Tong said worriedly.

"I'm fine," Yufei said softly. "Let's go. We mustn't be late."

Xiao Tong frowned but said nothing more, quietly following Yufei as they stepped out into the courtyard. The fresh morning air did little to calm Yufei's nerves. She kept glancing over her shoulder, half-expecting her sister to appear out of nowhere.

As they neared the main hall, Qin Yufei tightened her grip on the hem of her sleeve. The lessons would require her full focus, but how could she concentrate when the threat of her sister's wrath loomed over her like a shadow?

__________

Tán Chēng, 檀称