In the Side Hall, the table had already been moved to the innermost part, leaving a small open space in the middle with several long benches placed on either side.
Lian Hua sat leaning against the chair inside, next to the table.
On the table were tea, snacks, and a plate of melon seeds; everyone else stood on either side of her, and there were even some standing by the doorway, forming a circle, each person gazing at the center where Pang Ya stood.
Lian Hua found this scene more captivating than any grand play.
She wasn’t one to bully others, cough, she hadn’t loved bullying others since she grew up; when she was little, she bullied almost always for a reason, but every time she did, she felt exceedingly refreshing, especially this time, as her bullying of Consort Zhen was very successful, extremely successful!
It was a pity she couldn’t be there in person this time.
But through the descriptions of Xiao Jizi and Pang Ya, especially Pang Ya’s performance, it was almost as good as being there personally. She found it both amusing and satisfying to see, and she was delighted to see the effectiveness of her own ideas.
Someone had attempted to harm her this time, and although they hadn’t succeeded, don’t think she seemed unaffected; she took it to heart and felt angry inside, especially since Xiao Qing also suffered.
If she had come to harm, those who would be heartbroken included His Majesty, Nanny Qi, and other people who cared for her. This time, she had been lucky to avoid the trap, but what if she hadn’t been?
To turn the other cheek? That just wasn’t in her character. She had never been such a noble person. She had always felt that something was off with Consort Zhen, whether intentional or not. If Consort Zhen wanted to provoke her, she would frighten her in return so that Consort Zhen would think twice before provoking her again.
This time, Xiao Jizi and the others had done very well; the ideas they implemented were quite satisfying.
After everyone was ready, Pang Ya became serious and entered into character. She mimicked Consort Zhen’s appearance when they had left, her plump body acting out weakness and exhaustion, legs soft and collapsing onto Xiao Qing, who thankfully had the strength to support her.
At the same time, her facial expression looked as though she had died and come back to life again.
Then, Da Zhuang and another Young Eunuch recited the heart-wrenching words they had spoken when leaving.
Pang Ya, upon hearing them, looked utterly shocked as if struck by lightning, her body bouncing once and swaying twice, feigning faintness without quite fainting, then struggling desperately a few times as if on the brink of death.
Watching, Lian Hua marveled, praising her repeatedly, "Bravo, Pang Ya, it’s such a pity you don’t perform in major plays; if you set up a stage in a bustling area and performed together with the others, you would have the audience captivated, unable to move on, and the silver would just pour in."
"Indeed, I’d be the first to applaud."
"Aside from being a bit overweight, those moves, that bearing, truly remarkable in every other aspect, tsk tsk tsk."
"Absolutely, it’s too accurate. Pang Ya, if you slimmed down a little, you could pass for a leading female role!"
All present praised in agreement.
Pang Ya smiled proudly, stepping away from Xiao Qing and curtsying in the manner of a lead female role, "Thank you for the compliments, Master Lian, and thank all the honored guests for their praise. I still have much to improve. I will certainly continue to strive and reach new heights."
Everyone burst into laughter.
Lian Hua was delighted and, slapping the table, stood up and raised her arms to declare, "Pang Ya, from today on, I appoint you as Canglan Court’s premier actress, standing alongside the top warrior and the foremost poet."
Pang Ya’s face lit up with joy, and she thanked her on the spot, "Thank you, Master Lian, for your grace. I shall certainly live up to your expectations."
From today on, she no longer had to worry about the title of the strongest belonging to Xiao Qing. She, too, had a talent that was not to be underestimated. Hey!
Xiao Jizi, feeling a surge of excitement, squeezed through the crowd and asked, "What about me, Master? I performed quite well too, didn’t I? Would you consider granting me a title as well?"
Xiao Jizi looked at Lian Hua with hopeful eyes.
Everyone in Canglan Court had a title now, except for him. He used to think it was all child’s play and didn’t compete for a title, but now that everyone had one, he found himself jealous as he watched His Majesty’s admiring gaze fall upon Pang Ya.
Pang Ya thought Xiao Jizi was trying to compete with her and immediately refused, "Hey, I say Feng Ji, can you act out my charm? Why don’t you give it a try?"
Saying this, she planted her hands on her hips, ready to start a fight.
Onlookers from Star Palace were enjoying the spectacle. They had long heard about the titles bestowed upon the residents of Canglan Court, but since they weren’t from Canglan Court, it really wasn’t up to them to ask for one.
Xiao Jizi was caught off guard; given that Consort Zhen was a woman, how could he possibly emulate her.
Besides, he didn’t want to get into a dispute with Pang Ya. Once she got difficult, he couldn’t handle her.
Ignoring Pang Ya, he looked straight at Lian Hua, his voice filled with grievance, "Master, they all have a title from you, but I don’t have one!"
"Hmm... that’s true," Lian Hua weighed the matter as she looked at Xiao Jizi and then at Pang Ya, decisively stating, "But since Pang Ya’s performance is so spot-on, she deserves the title of Canglan Court’s First Thespian; you don’t need to compete."
Pang Ya immediately snorted triumphantly at Xiao Jizi, full of pride.
Xiao Jizi wilted, feeling that his performance at Huaning Palace wasn’t bad at all. It was infuriating that his master hadn’t been present at the time. Oh, how regrettable! Although he didn’t aspire to be the First Thespian, he still wanted some sort of title, didn’t he?
"However..." Lian Hua spoke up again.
Xiao Jizi’s eyes lit up with renewed hope, and he looked up eagerly, full of anticipation.
Lian Hua stroked her chin, scrutinizing him from head to toe, making him all the more nervous.
"Hmm... I’ve been wanting to give you a title," she continued, "but try as I might, I couldn’t think of a good fit for you..."
Hopes dashed again, Xiao Jizi’s shoulders slumped.
Lian Hua found it amusing to see his reaction, her eyes gleaming mischievously as she went on, "But if you really insist, it’s not impossible. I just fear you might not like it..."
Xiao Jizi’s head shot up again, seeing his master tease him .
He hollered, "My good master, please don’t leave me in suspense. Whatever title you bestow, I’ll be happy, I’ll be thrilled."
While such a title might not mean much outside Canglan Court, within it, it mattered a great deal. Ever since Xiao Linzi received the title of First Poet, he had grown much more confident, walking around with his head held high. And after Xiao Qing was dubbed the First Warrior, even Pang Ya showed some respect for him.
He wanted a title too; without it, he felt incomplete.
A sly smile spread across Lian Hua’s face, "You said it yourself, don’t blame me for not giving you a chance."
Xiao Jizi immediately sensed something was amiss and his eyes widened, just as he was about to say something.
But Lian Hua wasn’t about to give him the chance, going straight to the point, "I hereby give you the title of Canglan Court’s First Slippery Fellow! I’ve been wanting to bestow this title on you for a while, and since you want one today, so be it, haha!"
Delighted by her cunning success and the fact Xiao Jizi had actively sought it, Lian Hua burst out laughing.
As soon as she spoke, the room erupted in laughter. Pang Ya laughed the loudest, holding her belly and roaring, "Master Lian is truly ingenious, First Slippery Fellow suits Xiao Jizi perfectly, hahaha..."
Xiao Jizi felt as if struck by lightning; everyone else’s titles sounded so dignified, only his seemed ignoble.
What kind of slippery fellow, he’s honest to a fault, why would he earn such a title!