Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1421 - 455: Sisters Cai Shiqin and Xia Hong in the Book Collection Tower_3

It was ultimately Xia Hong’s passing remark that illuminated her path, leading to the creation of the musical piece ‘Master’s Grace.’

Reflecting now, during the June banquet marking her arrival at the mansion, when she performed her self-composed piano piece ‘Master’s Grace,’ it’s highly probable Cai Shiqin took notice. However, due to her extended period of seclusion, Cai Shiqin may not have had the chance to seek her out.

But the moment she deliberately emerged from her secluded courtyard last month, Cai Shiqin received word and promptly dispatched her maid to extend an invitation. It was only then that a significant connection was forged between the two.

Her own rudimentary piano abilities stand in sharp contrast to Cai Shiqin’s mastery.

It is said that her very name was altered only after she was bestowed the title of Commandery Princess, a clear indicator of her profound dedication to the Piano Dao.

Naturally, while affection for the art is important, her skill level is paramount.

Landgrave Cai Qiu, Cai Qianshan, holds a deep reverence for piano music, to the extent that the entire Feudal Town under his jurisdiction delights in its melodies. Piano recitals are a common feature at various social gatherings hosted by affluent families; noblewomen and renowned young ladies openly embrace piano culture; even common folk diligently listen and emulate.

Such widespread appreciation fueled a substantial demand for piano music, remarkably elevating the standing of piano virtuosos within the Feudal Town.

Of course, this elevated status ultimately made securing their performances exceedingly difficult!

Summoning a piano master to perform necessitates a considerable sum.

Currently, Cai Shiqin ranks among the most sought-after in the Cai Qiu Musician circle, commanding a fee of ten thousand silver taels for a single engagement.

However, the crux of the matter isn't solely her pricing, but her exclusive position.

Individuals not belonging to the nobility are entirely disqualified from inviting her, irrespective of their available wealth.

With such a preeminent piano prodigy nearby, Su Xing’er naturally seized the chance, aspiring to learn from her expertise. Cai Shiqin, in turn, held Su Xing’er’s piano talent in high regard, creating a perfect synergy.

A remarkable coincidence surfaced last month: after their formal introduction, they discovered they shared the same birth year, month, and day. As Su Xing’er was unaware of her birth hour, they even entertained the possibility of having been born in the very same moment.

Already bonded by their shared passion for piano artistry, such an extraordinary coincidence only served to accelerate their burgeoning friendship. Moreover, as Su Xing’er observed over time, despite Cai Shiqin’s prodigious talent and elevated status, she differed significantly from the scions of other noble households. She never wielded her position oppressively, always maintaining a warm and amicable demeanor in her interactions, and consistently radiating empathy and compassion towards those of lesser standing.

Most notably, she allocates one day each month to visit impoverished communities throughout Lin Chu County. During these visits, she not only disburses silver taels to the less fortunate but also performs piano music for them without charge.

Even in the absence of such extraordinary coincidences, this singular act would have profoundly endeared Cai Shiqin to Su Xing’er. This sentiment was further solidified after Su Xing’er personally accompanied Cai Shiqin to the slums last month, witnessing firsthand that her actions stemmed not from ostentation, but from genuine benevolence towards the underprivileged. Consequently, Su Xing’er now regards Cai Shiqin as her true sister.

In a span of just over a month, their bond has deepened to the extent that they now share meals and living quarters, a development that has stirred envy among certain Cai family members within the county mansion, particularly those who were initially close to Cai Shiqin.

“Xing’er, do hurry and sample this bowl of Lushu Noodles. Lushu is one of the most exquisite ingredients sourced from Chen Cang and is rarely available in the open market. Our entire Governor Mansion receives an annual allocation of fifty thousand pounds, but the amount remaining after distribution among the households is considerably less. I myself rarely get to partake; please taste it and tell me if it is delicious!”

Though Su Xing’er was momentarily lost in her thoughts, she recalled savoring these very noodles at a banquet held four months prior, noticing Cai Shiqin presenting her with a bowl of fragrant brown noodles at the time. However, seeing Cai Shiqin’s eager expression, she chose to withhold this recollection. Instead, picking up a bamboo chopstick, she took a bite, savoring the flavor with deliberate care, allowing the slight unease within her to settle, and finally exclaimed with delight, “This is absolutely divine!”

Cai Shiqin’s face lit up with joy at her affirmation, her eyes forming delicate crescents as she giggled, “If you find it to your liking, please, have more. I am rather fond of them myself; let us dine together.”

Witnessing Cai Shiqin’s evident happiness, Su Xing’er couldn’t help but join in her laughter. Yet, amidst her mirth, a subtle sigh escaped her inner thoughts.

Despite residing within her secluded courtyard, she had been present for four months, gradually becoming aware of the simmering tensions and rivalries within the Governor Mansion.

It's completely understandable when you consider it; Lin Chu County's Prefectural Governor Cai Qiuyang, a celebrated Tribulation Body expert who is nearly two hundred years old, boasts over thirty sons, not to mention his numerous grandchildren, which conservatively must exceed a hundred.

The titles of Princely Heir and Commandery Princess within Cai Qiu are genuine noble ranks, not simply honorary positions. According to the regulations of Cai Qiu Feudal Town, each Governor's Mansion is permitted to designate five Princely Heirs and five Commandery Princesses.

With such a vast number of descendants residing together, vying for tangible benefits and the Governor's favor is a constant reality; competition is inherent and unavoidable, particularly when ten noble titles hang in the balance. Everyone naturally desires to elevate themselves by diminishing others, don't they?

Cai Shiqin's attainment of the Commandery Princess title was a result of her outstanding talent, innate aptitude, formidable strength, and undeniably her sharp intellect and cunning. However, through their prolonged interactions, Su Xing'er can distinctly perceive Cai Shiqin's aversion to such an existence, which likely explains her frequent visits. It is probable that in Su Xing'er's presence, a friend without any competing interests, Cai Shiqin feels completely at ease, able to be her true self as a sixteen-year-old girl.