Chapter 81: The Mockery of a Caged Bird

Jia Taishi’s words left everyone in an awkward predicament. Seeing the Emperor and Empress troubled, Tian Mi took the initiative to step forward. She respectfully bowed and said, “Your Majesty, Your Highness, as a common woman, I lack extraordinary talents. However, the capital is a place where talents abound. After arriving here, I happened to hear a lady sing a song that was exceptionally beautiful. I took the liberty of learning it. If you do not mind, I would like to humbly present it.”

Heh, heh, heh! A group of caged birds mocking an eagle for encountering a storm during flight—what do you know?

The Empress, relieved by Tian Mi’s willingness to break the impasse, nodded in approval.

The crowd scrutinized this legendary woman. She hailed from humble origins, yet she had been conferred the title of junzhu and cultivated crops yielding over 2,000 jin per acre—an achievement beyond imagination. It was said she was skilled in medicine, had saved countless soldiers, and had greatly assisted Prince Ding. Her fortune was unparalleled under the heavens.

Initially, they thought a woman from a farming background must be crude and unrefined. Yet here she stood, radiant and elegant, exuding a fragile beauty. What threat could such a delicate woman possibly pose? New to the capital, unfamiliar with its ways—how pitiable!

Tian Mi stepped onto the performance platform. She didn’t mind performing but felt irritated at being forced into it. If that’s the case, I’ll give you something unforgettable!

Below the stage were Jin Wenwen, the wife of a fourth-rank official, and Jia Yuntang, whose father was a second-rank minister.

Both sneered, waiting for Tian Mi to embarrass herself.

A widowed commoner aiming so high—how ridiculous!

Does she even know her place?

The higher she climbs, the harder she falls!

With a faint smile, Tian Mi began singing:

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*”I am a bird imprisoned by you,
I’ve long forgotten how high the skies can be.
If I left the tiny castle you built for me,
Who else could I possibly rely on?

I am a bird imprisoned by you,
Receiving less and less of your love.
Watching your smile ignite in another’s eyes,
Yet all I beg for is a single embrace.

I am like a shadow you barely notice,
Silently observing your deceitful ways.
This chaotic city
Cannot accommodate my devotion.
What is it about this indulgence of yours
That captivates you so deeply?

I am like a shadow you barely notice,
Trading lonely thoughts for sorrowful secrets.

Helpless in love,
These tasteless days,
Tears are my only luxury.”*

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Tian Mi sang calmly and at ease, occasionally glancing over the gathered officials and their families below the stage with a subtle turn of her head.

If I wanted to find a rich and handsome man, none of those above would do; the ones below might be more suitable. Heh, heh, heh.

As she sang, her gaze swept across the crowd, seemingly casual yet deliberate.

The song struck a chord with everyone present, regardless of gender or age. Who in the room didn’t have a few concubines at home? Apart from the Emperor’s consorts, all the women here were the official wives.

Whose heart isn’t bitter? They had simply endured it in silence.

One by one, they began to tear up, quietly weeping without a sound.

They Couldn’t Utter a Single Sob

Not a sound of weeping could be heard.

Even the Empress struggled to maintain her composure. She had won, securing her position as the foremost woman in the land, steadfast and resilient. But had her victory truly brought her happiness and joy?

When compared to deeper suffering, her burdens might seem lighter, bringing some semblance of solace. But did that mean the pain was gone?

Several young imperial consorts, including the Crown Princess, wept uncontrollably. Wasn’t this exactly what they were enduring at this very moment?

Whether willingly or not, their husbands were obliged to take secondary consorts and concubines.

Their pain was mirrored by their husbands, who also had no choice in the matter.

And what about those men? Did they truly not understand the bitterness in a woman’s heart? Of course not. They simply chose not to think about it.

This performance—this song—gave them a moment to reflect.

Tian Mi’s delicate appearance paired with this song created an unconscious perfection.

The audience below the stage was entirely captivated, engrossed.

The entire hall fell silent.

She alone held everyone’s attention. She alone stirred their thoughts with her singing.

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Realization and Resignation

Bai Mucheng watched this radiant and dazzling woman as her voice resonated deeply in his heart.

In a daze, he finally understood why she had rejected him.

From the beginning, she had been recruiting a husband to join her household. Even the time she had drugged him—it wasn’t to harm him but to make him a live-in consort.

She had never truly intended to marry. Most likely, she refused to become a caged bird.

And so, he could never be her choice.

He raised his wine cup and drank deeply.

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The Aftermath

When Tian Mi finished singing, the hall remained silent. Everyone was immersed in their own thoughts.

After a long pause, it was the Emperor and Empress’s applause that brought them back to reality, followed by a thunderous ovation from the crowd.

Never before had a single person’s song so directly reached their souls, allowing them to shed such heartfelt tears. The catharsis left them feeling lighter, unburdened.

Even the men looked back with newfound introspection.

Madam Jia, who had been hoping to see Tian Mi make a fool of herself, instead witnessed her stealing the spotlight. Even she had been moved to tears during the performance.

“This woman is no simpleton!” Madam Jia muttered to herself.

She cannot be allowed to stay.

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After the Banquet

Tian Mi returned to her residence in a carriage.

Inside, Nanny Xiao had a newfound respect for her mistress. She had thought Tian Mi was just an ordinary woman from the countryside. Who would have imagined her strength and influence? The young master and miss were likely the bloodline of Prince Ding as well.

Having grown up on coarse bran, Tian Mi had heard countless songs like the one she sang tonight. She was elated by the performance’s success. How many young gentlemen had she managed to captivate?

Hehe, step one of fishing: stock the pond. I wonder how many fish are swimming in my waters now? Are they big enough?

Scanning the crowd earlier, she noted the number of eligible bachelors present. The quality wasn’t bad either.

Focus, focus! I can’t let myself get carried away with thoughts of handsome young men!

The Jia family’s dissatisfaction with her wouldn’t end here. They had suffered a blow tonight, and they surely wouldn’t let it slide.

Why are they so hostile over one small remark?

Unlikely. The nobility of the capital were supposed to have broader minds. Could there be something else at play she wasn’t aware of?

Let them try to bully me. Do they think I won’t retaliate? What a joke!

She had her own methods for dealing with scholars. Opening her bookstore quickly was now imperative.

To establish a name for her publications, they needed significant influence and circulation. Copying books by hand would take forever.

Move over, handsome men—building a foundation comes first. Once that’s done, I’ll find some good-looking fellows to help copy books.

She also needed to set up movable-type printing. However, printing must only be done within her own estate.

Her Junzhu residence was too large and had too few guards. The handful of servants she had couldn’t protect the place properly.

It seems I need to cultivate my own forces.

For now, at least she had Yanzu. If anyone broke in, Yanzu would alert her immediately, making things manageable for the time being.

To strike back at the Jia family, she needed to understand them thoroughly—find their weaknesses. Fabricated scandals wouldn’t scare old foxes like them.

Families like theirs were bound to have skeletons in their closets.

The key was figuring out how to uncover them.