Chapter 9 Verse 18

  The sound of the qin is smooth and natural, like a clear spring flowing gently, nourishing all things without a sound. As long as you listen with an open heart, you will be enchanted by it and unable to pull yourself away.

  The sound of the guqin was intermittent, and the middle-aged man's fingers plucked a short note, which suddenly sounded out. The two maids standing beside him were both startled, feeling as if their hearts had been heavily struck, and they couldn't breathe for a moment.

  Before they could come to their senses, the sound of the zither had changed, and a series of sonorous notes followed in quick succession. This sudden change was like a gentle stream flowing into a mighty river, instantly becoming turbulent and majestic, vast and boundless.

  The sound of the qin grew more urgent, with a hint of the sound of golden armor, and the middle-aged man's face had lost its carefree and easygoing expression, replaced by a solemn and stern look with a hint of ferocity, his bright eyes also showed a few hints of madness, and there were even sweat marks on his forehead, as if he was exerting himself.

  Suddenly, a loud explosion sounded, the piano sound screeched to a halt, the strings were broken, and the broken strings drew a fine line on the middle-aged man's face. The two maids both cried out in surprise, one of them immediately pulled out a snow-white handkerchief from her bosom to wipe the middle-aged man's face.

  But the middle-aged man grunted, pushed him away with one hand, and stood up straight. It was only then that he saw that this person was extremely tall, with long limbs, and could be described as robust and majestic.

  The middle-aged man walked a few steps in silence, but the two maids also knew that this person was temperamental and didn't think it was strange.

  The middle-aged man let out a long sigh, and the maid who had taken out her handkerchief stepped forward, tiptoed, and gently wiped away the bloodstains while softly saying: "Sir, every time you play the piano, it's always so exhausting for you. How can this do? You should take care of your body."

  The middle-aged man smiled wryly, his worried expression deepening, "How could I not know? But the zither is the voice of one's heart... The voice of one's heart... Alas..."

  He let out a long sigh, and his expression changed slightly as he regained his usual calm demeanor. Although the two maids had been with him for a long time, he did not want to share his concerns with anyone, and having said so much today, he felt somewhat out of place, so he stopped talking immediately.

  The two maids, however, also knew that although their master was not particular about trivial matters, he had a lot of worries in his heart. They were lowly servants and knew that someone as talented and extraordinary as him would have a proud and aloof personality, standing out from the crowd. His worries were definitely not something that two maids from a noble house like theirs could comfort or alleviate.

  The maid who had been silent all along was clever and immediately changed the subject, saying: "Sir, your piano skills are divine, already famous in the capital, why must you be so hard on yourself? Yesterday, Hui'er from the Xiyu Fang came over to chat with someone, asking for a song from you. Why don't you go to Xiyu Fang one day and sit down? Hui'er is a talented and beautiful person, and it seems that someone like you would be a perfect match for her. Wouldn't that be a good way to dispel your boredom? Staying cooped up in this garden all day, who knows when you'll get sick from boredom?"

  Next to her, a slightly warmer and giggling voice chimed in: "Xiang'er sister is probably thinking of going out for a stroll herself? However, Xiang'er sister isn't wrong either. The gentleman's song has gone viral in the capital, and when Huier girl sings 'Curly Jiangxian', who knows how many talented scholars' admiration it has sparked, not to mention how many young girls' hearts have been stirred...". As she spoke, she casually sang: "Dreams of high towers locked away, wine-soaked curtains hanging low. Last year's spring longing returns with the season. Fallen flowers, a lone figure stands, light rain*. I recall when I first saw Xiaoping, wearing a double-hearted brocade dress. The pipa strings speak of longing. At that time, the bright moon was shining, reflecting colorful clouds returning. At that time, the bright moon was shining, reflecting colorful clouds returning...". After finishing the song, two carefree young maidservants couldn't help but look somewhat melancholic.

  "The lyrics and melody composed by the master are really good, it's just a bit too sad. If any young lady listens to this and doesn't feel moved, then her heart must be made of stone."

  A middle-aged man smiled wryly and shook his head. In his youth, he was exceptionally intelligent and talented, with a wide range of knowledge. At that time, with an air of superiority, he thought that music and poetry were trivial pursuits, and his ambition was so high that he felt like the only person in the world who truly mattered. Now, struggling in the capital, he had to rely on his musical compositions to make a name for himself. What else could he say but smile wryly?

  "This poem wasn't written by me, it's a great verse from Yan Jidao of Southern Tang. I just set it to music. ... ... ..." As he said this, his expression became somewhat desolate and he lost interest in conversation. He waved his hand, "I want to be alone for a while, you all go down first."

  At this moment, "Mr. Nan was in high spirits, Mei Xiang played the guqin, and beautiful women accompanied him on both sides, it was indeed elegant."

  "What's the Premier saying? The Premier is busy with state affairs, thinking about major national issues, every move is closely watched by the court and the people. As a humble commoner, I have nothing to do and naturally have plenty of leisure time." The middle-aged man had sharp ears and eyes, and had already heard the sound of footsteps approaching quietly, and could speak in such a manner without making a sound, so it was clear that apart from the master of the Prime Minister's residence, there was no one else. He replied calmly.

  The newcomer was none other than Yang Gan, the current chief assistant of Xi Qin. His head of white hair was neatly combed and pinned to the top of his head, with a clear and slender face, thick eyebrows, a straight nose bridge, and deep facial lines that seemed to have been carved by a knife. It could be seen that he must have been a handsome and elegant young man in his youth. His stature was not particularly tall or large, and he was not wearing official robes, looking more like an old scholar than the chief assistant of the imperial court, who was under one person but above all others.

  Yang Gan walked closer, smiling before speaking, his smile warm and gentle, his voice deep and rich, making one feel like a spring breeze. "Just now I had the good fortune to hear Mr. Nan's qin music, at first it was like a gentle wind and fine rain, with Zen-like intentions implicit in the sound of the qin, it can be seen that Mr. Nan's cultivation of his vital energy has already entered the realm of Zen, whereas when I was 40 years old, compared to Mr. Nan, I was far inferior, still infatuated with fame and fortune, worldly affairs entwining my body, our states of mind cannot be mentioned on the same day, haha."

  However... Later on, Mr. Qin's tone was sharp as a golden spear, with a hint of anger and resentment. "Could it be that someone has offended Mr. Qin?" As he spoke, his eyes swept across the two maidservants, whose faces immediately turned pale, and they both lowered their heads in unison.

  Mr. Nan smiled slightly, bowed his head and made a gesture to let the guest go first, saying lightly: "It's none of your business, I just remembered some things from the past." He was tall and big, at least a head taller than Yang Gan. As the prime minister of the country, Yang Gan held high power and status, but this man was so carefree that he seemed to be completely ignoring Yang Gan's identity. With just a slight bow, he walked ahead, as if he were the master of the house. His figure even blocked out Yang Gan entirely, which was extremely rude.

  But Yang Gan didn't mind at all, only smiled slightly and followed behind him, strolling along.