Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely

Chapter 1421 - 455: Sisters Cai Shiqin and Xia Hong in the Book Collection Tower_3

Ultimately, it was Xia Hong’s casual remark that enlightened her, and thus the composition ”Master’s Grace” came into being.

Looking back now, during the June banquet upon entering the mansion, when she performed her self-composed piano song ”Master’s Grace,” Cai Shiqin must have noticed her. However, due to her long retreat, Cai Shiqin might not have had the opportunity to come looking for her.

But when she proactively stepped out of the secluded courtyard last month, Cai Shiqin received the news and promptly sent her maid to invite her. Only then did the two forge a meaningful connection.

Contrast her half-baked piano skills with Cai Shiqin’s, which stand in stark difference.

It’s said that her name only changed after she was designated as a Commandery Princess, a testament to her deep love for the Piano Dao.

Of course, love is secondary; the main thing is her level of skill.

Landgrave Cai Qiu Cai Qianshan deeply appreciates piano music, so much so that the entire Feudal Town under his command loves to listen to it. Various social occasions hosted by noble families often feature piano performances; noblewomen and famous young ladies openly pursue piano culture; even some ordinary folks listen and learn diligently.

Such widespread popularity led to a high demand for piano music, elevating the status of piano masters in the Feudal Town remarkably.

Of course, high status ultimately resulted in making it difficult to acquire performances!

Inviting a piano master to perform requires a hefty fee.

And Cai Shiqin is currently among the most expensive in the Cai Qiu Musician circle, charging ten thousand silver taels for a single performance.

Of course, the main point isn’t even her pricing, but her position.

Non-nobles don’t even have the qualification to invite her, regardless of how much money they may have.

With such a piano virtuoso right in front of her, Su Xing’er naturally seized the opportunity, hoping to learn from her. And Cai Shiqin immensely appreciated her piano talent, complementing each other perfectly.

The coincidence arose last month when, after formally meeting, they discovered that they were born on the same year, month, and day. With Su Xing’er unaware of her birth hour, they even suspect they might have been born at the same moment.

Already close through their mutual piano artistry, such extraordinary coincidence only accelerated their friendship, especially as Su Xing’er realized over time that, despite Cai Shiqin’s talent and high status, she differs from other noble family’s sons, never using her position oppressively, always warm and harmonizing in her dealings, and radiating sympathy and compassion towards those of lower status.

Most remarkably, she dedicates one day each month to visiting the various slums in Lin Chu County not only to donate silver taels to the downtrodden but also to perform piano music for them at no charge.

Even without such extraordinary coincidences, this action alone greatly endeared Cai Shiqin to Su Xing’er, especially after she personally accompanied Cai Shiqin to the slums last month and realized that it was not mere showmanship but genuine compassion for the underprivileged. She has thus regarded Cai Shiqin as her true sister.

In just over a month’s time, their relationship has grown to the point of sharing meals and living quarters, causing some Cai Family sons in the county mansion, particularly those initially close to Cai Shiqin, to become envious.

”Xing’er, quickly try this bowl of Lushu Noodles. Lushu is one of the finest ingredients from Chen Cang and is rarely sold externally. Our entire Governor Mansion has a quota of fifty thousand pounds annually, with much less after distribution among households. I don’t often get to eat it myself; try and tell me if it’s delicious!”

Though Su Xing’er was momentarily lost in thought, she recalled having tasted these noodles at a banquet four months ago upon seeing Cai Shiqin present her with a bowl of fragrant brown noodles. However, seeing Cai Shiqin’s expectant face, she refrained from pointing this out, instead picking up a bamboo chopstick, taking a bite, savoring it carefully, calming the agitation in her blood, and finally exclaiming in excitement, ”This is so delicious!”

Cai Shiqin smiled joyfully at her response, her eyes curving into crescent shapes, giggling, ”If you find it delicious, go ahead and have more. I enjoy them too; let’s eat together.”

Seeing Cai Shiqin so happy, Su Xing’er couldn’t help but laugh along, yet amidst her laughter, she couldn’t resist a slight sigh inside.

Though residing in the secluded courtyard, she has stayed for four months, gradually sensing the undercurrents of contention within the Governor Mansion.

It’s naturally understandable when you think about it; Lin Chu County’s Prefectural Governor Cai Qiuyang, a renowned Tribulation Body expert nearing two hundred years, has over thirty sons alone, not counting the countless grandchildren, which surely number over a hundred conservatively.

Princely Heir and Commandery Princess titles in Cai Qiu are actual noble titles, not mere honorable designations. As per Cai Qiu Feudal Town regulations, each Governor Mansion can appoint five Princely Heirs and five Commandery Princesses.

With so many descendants living together, contesting for actual benefits and the Governor’s attention is inevitable; contention is integral and unavoidable, especially with ten noble titles at stake. Everyone wants to pull someone down and rise themselves, don’t they?

Cai Shiqin could ascend to the Commandery Princess’s position, owing to her exceptional talent, aptitude, strength, and undoubtedly her shrewdness and mind. However, after lengthy interaction, Su Xing’er can clearly sense that she dislikes such a lifestyle, which explains her frequent visits. It’s likely in front of herself, a friend with no conflicting interests, Cai Shiqin can completely relax and be a truly sixteen-year-old girl.