Long Er was also startled. He quickly grabbed Ju Mu'er's hand and squeezed it tightly.
Qian Jiangyi continued, "Master Shi's last piece was quite profound, expressing his grievances of being wronged. Over the past two years, I and several other musicians have studied and pondered it, and we have confirmed that this is indeed the meaning behind the piece." Qian Jiangyi analyzed the first half of Master Shi's piece, which was a lament for his injustice, detailing the fragmented and overlapping famous pieces, and the hidden meanings in each passage. He finished speaking in one breath, then looked up and saw the Emperor's expression, and immediately fell silent.
The Emperor's smile vanished, and the entire hall fell silent. Ju Mu'er, unable to hear anything, felt her heart pounding wildly.
After a long silence, the Emperor finally spoke: "Regardless of whether your research is correct or not, even if Master Shi did indeed plead his case through the music, so what? I do cherish talent, and I deeply regretted Master Shi's death back then. Even now, thinking about it still evokes strong emotions. Master Shi's music was the first and last thing I heard on that execution ground. It was also the most beautiful music I had ever heard. But good and evil are rewarded accordingly. No matter how much I cherish talent or admire Master Shi's skills, I must be worthy of the wronged souls who died. In the case of Minister Shi, the witnesses and physical evidence are all clear and without any doubt. Master Shi was arrested on the spot, not afterward, and that is also a fact. Every single case was thoroughly investigated before the conviction was made. Now you say that the music pleaded your case, but I would like to ask, do you have any other evidence?"
Hearing the Emperor's long speech, Qian Jiangyi broke out in a cold sweat, realizing that he had been too impulsive and made a grave mistake. Now that the Emperor was asking him a question, he had no choice but to answer. Qian Jiangyi braced himself and said, "Besides the clue of the zither music, I have no other evidence."
Ju Mu'er's heart raced, and her hands trembled slightly. Long Er gripped her hand tightly, so tightly that it hurt.
"No other evidence?" The Emperor drawled, then said sternly, "You have no proof whatsoever, yet you claim the music was intentional, and in front of all the ministers and foreign envoys, you implied that the Ministry of Justice had made a wrongful judgment back then. What are your intentions!"
"Your Majesty!" Qian Jiangyi kowtowed forcefully: "This humble subject is utterly loyal. Although I have no other evidence, why would Master Shi, who was on his deathbed, go to such lengths to plead his case through music? This matter is suspicious, and we who study music must think it over carefully. I know that the Ministry of Justice investigated the case thoroughly back then, and I dare not make a hasty judgment. However, if there are indeed other twists and turns in this case, I hope that the officials of the Ministry of Justice can investigate it more carefully and not let the real culprit escape, so as to uphold the righteousness of our Great Xiao."
Long Er glanced at Ding Sheng and Yun Qingxian. Ding Sheng's face was grim, Yun Qingxian frowned slightly, and the other officials looked at each other in bewilderment.
At this moment, the Emperor coldly asked, "Minister Ding, what is your opinion on this matter?"
Ding Sheng stood up, took a step forward, and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, the case back then was indeed thoroughly investigated and there were no doubts. If we're talking about pleading for justice before death, which criminal didn't claim to be innocent? But if there is truly evidence that the judgment in this case was inappropriate, my Ministry of Justice will definitely conduct a thorough investigation. If it is a wrongful conviction, the entire Ministry of Justice is willing to accept the punishment."
The Emperor nodded. Ding Sheng took a step closer to Qian Jiangyi and said coldly, "Mr. Qian, do you have any evidence to prove your deduction?"
Sweat beaded on Qian Jiangyi's forehead. He had hoped that the Emperor, who appreciated music and talent and was approachable, would be willing to order officials to reinvestigate the case once he heard even the slightest hint of doubt. He only wanted a reinvestigation, but he hadn't expected to run into such a tough nut to crack.
He had suspicions, but they were all just speculations. For example, since Shi Boyin could already play the piece, there was no need for him to kill someone to steal the score. Another example was that the other musicians, while studying the piece, had all encountered inexplicable misfortunes, as if someone was warning or threatening them to stop investigating. Yet another example was that someone said the score was a martial arts manual; if Shi Boyin didn't know martial arts, what would he need a martial arts manual for? Okay, one could say he didn't know it was a martial arts manual; he just loved the score. But the whole thing still didn't make sense.
He had doubts, but no evidence.
Qian Jiangyi was speechless and knelt on the ground, bowing his head.
No one supported him, no one spoke up for him. Those musicians who had studied music scores with him were now all mute. The musician envoy from Ximin Kingdom, Mingming, also had a close relationship with Shi Boyin, and his visit was certainly not just a simple exchange of musical skills, but he remained silent as well.
Qian Jiangyi was filled with extreme regret; everything was not as he had anticipated. He thought this was a rare and golden opportunity, that he would steal the limelight, reveal the secrets, gain the support of the masses, and win the emperor's favor.
But he got nothing. He just knelt there, listening to the Minister of Justice, Ding Sheng, refute his speculations point by point, and to the Emperor coldly announcing the end of the banquet.
Qian Jiangyi knew that his future was over.
Ju Mu'er silently followed Long Er into the carriage to return to the manor. Her hand was squeezed so hard by Long Er that it hurt, but she didn't cry out at all. Long Er held her in his arms, considerately refraining from saying anything like "See, I told you this would happen" at this moment.
He simply held her quietly. He knew his Mu'er was intelligent; she understood everything without him having to say a word.
68 clues reveal unspoken thoughts
That night, everyone had different reactions upon returning home.
Ding Sheng flew into a rage and overturned the table in the mansion. Madam Ding and the servants were terrified and dared not ask any questions or utter a sound.
Yun Qingxian was taciturn, which worried Ding Yanxiang greatly: "Is there something that's bothering you again, Father?" Yun Qingxian shook his head, comforted her for a few words, and told her to go to bed early.
Ding Yanshan, who was staying at the Yun residence for a short while, was eavesdropping outside the door with a bowl of white fungus soup, which she had been using as an excuse. Not hearing anything, she knocked on the door. Yun Qingxian didn't eat, so the two sisters ate the soup in the side hall. Ding Yanshan quietly inquired, and Ding Yanxiang hesitated, seemingly concerned with Ding Sheng, but in the end, Ding Yanxiang said nothing.
Qian Jiangyi returned home, opened two jars of wine, and drank them wildly. He was flustered and disoriented, at a loss for what to do. His impulsive actions led to disaster, and it was too late for regrets.
Yali returned to her room at the inn and played the zither under the moon, remaining awake all night.
Ju Mu'er didn't sleep well that night either. She nestled in Long Er's arms, half-asleep, clinging tightly to his arm all night. She finally drifted off to sleep just before dawn.
Long Er was worried, so he went to the neighboring town early the next day to pick up the walking stick he had ordered for Ju Mu'er. He also canceled his lunch appointment to go home and have lunch with her. But when he got home, he found Ju Mu'er playing "blind man's bluff" with her maid and Bao'er.
Ju Mu'er is blind and can't see without a cloth, so naturally she'll be the "blind one," and Bao'er and the maids will be the "fish." They'll mark out a space and run around trying to avoid being caught by Ju Mu'er.
Bao'er had the most fun, screaming and laughing all the way, which made Ju Mu'er manage to catch her every time.
Just as Long Er entered the courtyard, Ju Mu'er caught Bao'er. "Wow, it's a big fish!" She hugged Bao'er, feigning surprise and excitement.
Bao'er giggled and struggled, then called out loudly to Long Er, "Second Uncle!" Long Er smiled, caught Bao'er as she ran towards him, and lifted her up, saying, "Wow, it really is a big fish, so heavy! Tell the kitchen to steam it!"
Bao'er cried out and tried to get down, but the maids laughed and, with great tact, came over and led Bao'er away, leaving Long Er and his wife alone.
"Feeling better now?" Long Er pulled Ju Mu'er back into the house.
Ju Mu'er, playing the role of a dutiful wife, poured tea for her husband. "With my husband, everything is good."
"She's all about sweet talk and flattering me."
"Is it sweet?" Ju Mu'er suddenly pouted and leaned closer, her pink lips making Long Er's heart skip a beat.
Long Er coughed a few times. To maintain his manly image, he couldn't take her move. If anyone was going to make a move, it had to be him first. He'd just leave her hanging!
Long Er struggled to maintain his composure and finally managed not to go forward. Ju Mu'er smiled, neither impatient nor annoyed, and found a chair to sit down nearby. Her nonchalant departure displeased Long Er again.
If the master ignores her, she should coax and pester him until he pays attention to her. There's no reason for her to leave so soon.
Long Er pulled Ju Mu'er over and let her sit on his lap. He didn't hug her or say anything, only coughed lightly twice. Ju Mu'er, being quite sensible, wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in to kiss the corner of his mouth. Long Er wasn't sure if she wanted to kiss his lips but missed because she couldn't see, but her initiative pleased him, so he "kindly" kissed her back, making sure she kissed the right spot.
The two cuddled for a while, and Ju Mu'er, blushing, rested her head on the crook of his neck.
Long Er paused, then asked in a hoarse voice, "Are you hungry?"
Ju Mu'er was stunned for a moment, not understanding the meaning of the question.
Ryuji stroked her face: "It's time for lunch."
So what? Ju Mu'er thought for a moment and finally understood. Her face flushed, she hugged Long Er's neck and whispered, "I'm not hungry."
Long Er was overjoyed and picked her up, carrying her to the inner room. "Then we'll have dinner later."
The bed curtains were drawn, and her silk robes were loosened. They rubbed and turned, their bodies pressed together, their souls merging.
Xiao Zhu came over to call the master and mistress to have their meal. Just as she was about to knock on the door, she heard Ju Mu'er's moans through the door. Xiao Zhu's face immediately turned red, and she turned and ran away in fright, afraid that Long Er would hear someone at the door and punish her.
The last meal was served late, and all the maids and servants in the courtyard waited carefully. They didn't dare to put out the fire in the kitchen. Ju Mu'er heard this later, and her face immediately turned bright red with embarrassment.
Long Er wasn't ashamed at all; he was quite satisfied and happy. Ju Mu'er wasn't dwelling on that injustice, which put his mind at ease. After finishing his meal, he took out his cane and gave it to Ju Mu'er. He then showed her how to use it, finally gently poking her forehead and warning, "This cane is only for your self-defense, just in case. It's not for you to be a chivalrous heroine, understand?"
"Understood." Ju Mu'er nodded obediently.
"If anything seems wrong or you sense danger, run if you can. Don't think you can fight, understand?"
"clear."
"Even with a cane, you still need to be accompanied by maids and guards wherever you go. You are not allowed to act alone, understand?"
"clear."
Long Er stroked his chin. Was she really that obedient? "What else do you understand?"
"I understand how good my husband is to me." Ju Mu'er rushed over and hugged Long Er.
Long Er coughed lightly: "I have to go out."
"Please take care, my lord." She held on tightly.
Long Er's lips curled into a smile, a smug look on his face. "Don't delay me from doing my business," he said seriously.
"My husband should come back soon."
Listen to that, this wife's words are truly delightful. Long Er walked away smugly.
When he returned to the manor in the evening, he sent a maid to ask what the lady had done. The maid replied that the lady had played the zither and had been touching her new walking stick. This made Long Er even happier.
In such a good mood, when Ju Mu'er suggested that he see Ya Lili again that evening, Long Er agreed without hesitation.
The Ximin Kingdom's Qin delegation will be leaving Xiao Kingdom in two days, and this is their second to last night in the capital.
Ya Lili was surprised by the arrival of Long Er and his wife, but still politely invited them in. Ju Mu'er said that she would never forget the scene of playing the zither together that day, and thought that there would be no chance in the future, so she took the liberty of coming to talk about music.
Yali Li, upon hearing this, naturally returned the courtesy.
Everyone sat down and drank a few cups of tea. Ju Mu'er said, "I benefited greatly from the love song that Lord Ya Li played that day. Today, I would like to return the favor by playing a song for you."
Yali agreed and had someone bring over a piano.
Ju Mu'er nodded her thanks, then flicked her fingers across the zither, and the music flowed out like a gentle stream.
Long Er still couldn't understand it, but since it was his Mu'er playing, he thought it was really beautiful. Not only was the music beautiful, but her posture was also very graceful. She was already elegant and charming, but when she played the zither, she seemed like a fairy, graceful and dazzling.
Long Er didn't think it was a matter of favoritism or bias on his part. In any case, his Mu'er was just more and more pleasing to the eye the more he looked at her, and no one could make him as happy as her.
Ju Mu'er played the piano intently, seemingly oblivious to Long Er beside her. Long Er, taking a moment from his busy schedule, glanced at Ya Lili, only to see her expression shift from initial composure to surprise and emotion. As she listened, she even straightened up, staring intently at Ju Mu'er.
Ju Mu'er played a very long piece. Halfway through, Ya Lili began to shed tears. By the end, Ya Lili was in tears, sobbing uncontrollably.
Oh no, he's gone mad again.
Long Er felt a little uncomfortable. It was a bit much for a serious man who didn't like the zither to be sitting alone between two crazy women who loved the zither.
As Ju Mu'er finished playing her piece, she heard Ya Lili's sobs and seemed to understand Long Er's thoughts. So she said, "If my husband is feeling bored, why don't we go to the garden for a drink to relieve our fatigue? I'll have another round of sparring with Lady Ya Lili."
Long Er frowned, somewhat displeased. Upon hearing this, Ke Yali immediately ordered food and wine to be served to Long Er, but after thinking for a moment, Long Er went out.
In the end, only Ju Mu'er and Ya Lili remained in the room.
At first, neither of them spoke, and then Ju Mu'er asked, "What does Lord Ya Li think of my piece?"
"The story is intricate and moving, and full of profound meaning."
Ju Mu'er nodded: "Indeed, this is the final words of a master of the zither, extremely mysterious."
Yali asked, "Why would the lady play for me?"
Don't you want to hear it?
"I long for it. I only hope to hear this song in my lifetime. To be separated from you forever, to not be able to see you at the end of my life, is a heart-wrenching pain, unbearable. I don't know where to find your last words, so I traveled thousands of miles to find you."
Ju Mu'er nodded: "Then your trip has not been in vain, sir."
"How did you know, Madam?" Yali was still somewhat wary.
"The gentleman played a love song on the cruise ship, and it was so moving that I could tell that the emotion in it was genuine. But when Mr. Qian said those words, the gentleman remained unmoved, so I guessed that the gentleman must have come prepared."
Ya Lili took a deep breath and exhaled. Her voice was filled with unconcealed sorrow as she spoke: "I have always firmly believed that he was wrongfully killed. He said he would come back and marry me, so how could he kill someone for a musical score? He was eccentric, willful, and domineering, but he would never do such a thing for a musical score. What wonderful musical pieces hasn't he seen? Besides, that Lord Shi was his good friend. He mentioned him to me several times; they discussed music and art together, and they shared the same ideals. How could he possibly be so cruel to his friend?"
Ju Mu'er didn't speak, but listened quietly.
Yali continued, "When I first heard that he had been arrested and sentenced to death, I fell ill. After his death, I was utterly devastated and only wanted to go with him. But I never expected that Heaven would not take me. It took me a year to recover from my illness. After that, I was in a daze, and one day I suddenly woke up. I felt that Heaven was sparing my life so that I could stay in this world and clear Master Shi's name. So I began to inquire everywhere, and even went to great lengths to find a pretext to come to Xiao Kingdom under the guise of this zither player, just to find some clues. But I found nothing useful. I had heard that Master Shi played the zither before his death. I thought that with his personality, how could he be willing to play the zither for someone else if he was wrongly executed? So there must be a deeper meaning in his music. It's just a pity that no one knows it."
"When you showed off your musical skills on the cruise ship, and mentioned Master Shi, you were trying to test the musical players present, weren't you?"
“That’s right, but no one reacted that day.” Ya Lili frowned. “I didn’t expect you Xiao people to be so calm. Qian Jiangyi heard what I said, but didn’t reveal a word, yet he made a scene at the piano duel. At first, when I heard him talk about those things, I thought he was a master strategist, but he’s just a reckless fool who dared to offend the emperor without even understanding the intricacies. You’re right, my calm demeanor was indeed prepared. As long as the green hills remain, there’s always firewood to burn. If I can’t find out in a year, I can investigate for two years. If I can’t find out in two years, I’ll investigate for three years. In short, I absolutely cannot let my beloved die with this infamy.”
As Ya Lili said this, she stared at Ju Mu'er and added, "You're quite the calm one. If I hadn't understood the piece you played, would you have had nothing more to say to me?"
“Yes.” Ju Mu’er readily admitted, “At the piano duel, Mr. Qian mentioned that Mr. Shi had used five pieces to express his grievances. I played them. If you didn’t understand them, there’s no point in me explaining further. Besides, if you had questioned and challenged Mr. Qian on the spot after he said those things, I wouldn’t be here. If you can’t hold your temper, then this grievance is just wishful thinking.”
"Does the lady have evidence to overturn the verdict?"