Long Er kicked off his shoes and plopped onto the bed, biting her lip: "I love seeing you blush."
"Then let's roll around." Ju Mu'er said and started rolling, shouting, "No, no, I won't let it go, I won't let it go..."
Long Er was stunned. It really started rolling?
He watched her roll, but she seemed tired. As she rolled, she cried out, "Second Master, stop me! Tell me to stop making a scene!"
Long Er glared at her; was she really getting carried away with this? He was resentful, but ultimately reached out and hugged her.
Ju Mu'er stopped, panting, "Being a daughter-in-law is so hard."
"Any wife like you would have been divorced long ago."
"Is it because I didn't make a good enough scene?"
As soon as she finished speaking, her cheek was pinched.
Ju Mu'er giggled and reached out to hug Long Er back: "What have you been busy with today, Second Master?"
"I ordered you a new walking stick and also invited a good doctor to come back and take your pulse."
Ju Mu'er nodded: "Thank you, sir. How about you buy me another zither?"
“Wasteful, extravagant.” Long Er pinched her earlobe: “No.”
"A good musician is always missing a good instrument."
“A good musician can play even a piece of rotten wood. I saw with my own eyes that you have a whole room full of zithers. You’re not allowed to buy any more; you’re wasting money.”
"You will never understand the longing a musician has for a good instrument, Second Master."
"You'll never understand the heart of a man who wants to earn money to support his family."
"I understand." She understood that deep, heavy, petty heart, but she just couldn't say it.
Although he didn't say it, the man who was earning money to support his family still gave him a slap on the forehead. Clearly, being too in sync with each other isn't always a good thing.
Ju Mu'er quickly changed the subject: "What else did Second Master do today?"
"I've met with the people from the Ministry of Rites." Long Er told her about his invitation to the Qin envoy from Ximin Kingdom to go on a pleasure trip three days later. Ju Mu'er quickly understood his intention and asked, "Does the pleasure boat just mean drinking and having fun on the lake?"
Long Er hesitated for a moment before replying, "Of course, we'll invite some courtesans to entertain us. But a pleasure boat is different from a brothel; it's a public place, and everyone will behave better. Of course, I'm never influenced by such things; I'm always very proper and keep myself pure." He needed to make things clear first, otherwise, what if she smelled something and started crying in front of him? Of course, his innocence had to be praised; that was an important aspect of a respectable man's image.
Ju Mu'er wasn't impressed with her husband's appearance, but she was quite interested in the flower girl. "What kind of flower girl does my husband hire? One who's beautiful or one who plays the zither well?"
Long Er coughed twice, feeling somewhat embarrassed to discuss such matters as courtesans with his wife. "Since we're hosting a dinner party, beauty and musical talent are both essential. Otherwise, we'll lose face with the Ministry of Rites, and things won't go smoothly."
Ju Mu'er nodded: "Second Master means that if he goes to a brothel, he doesn't care about these things. It's fine if she's ugly and can't play the zither, right?"
"Ju Mu'er!" Long Er was furious and embarrassed. Did you enjoy teasing me?
Ju Mu'er quickly grabbed her husband's arm: "I was just curious and asked casually. I know that you are the most steady and serious person and would never get involved in anything improper outside."
Long Er's expression softened slightly. Although he knew she was just trying to coax him, he still found it agreeable.
Just a moment ago she was calling him "Second Master," but after a few flattery and a bit of coquetry, she suddenly becomes "Husband." Is this woman some kind of wall-mounted creature?
Ju Mu'er couldn't see Long Er's expression, but she could tell his mood from his "humph" tone. So she asked again, "Husband, do you know which courtesans are good at playing the zither? Which girls are you planning to hire?"
"What, trying to mock me for not understanding the zither again?"
"How could that be? I'm just curious. Even if you don't understand, you'll naturally hear what others are saying. You know I used to teach Hua Niang to play the zither, so I want to know which girls are famous for their zither skills, and if any of them were taught by me."
Long Er thought for a moment, "The famous ones are nothing more than Lin Yueyao from Xichun Hall, Qin Ying from Yixiang Courtyard, Xinlian from Baihua Pavilion..." Long Er said while watching Ju Mu'er's expression. He could indeed name quite a few courtesans famous for their zither playing. However, he didn't think mentioning these would make Ju Mu'er happy, so he quickly said a few names and stopped, pretending not to think of any more.
Ju Mu'er's expression remained unchanged. After Long Er stopped talking, she said, "Husband, could you take me with you to enjoy the lake tour and listen to the zither?"
"..." Is there a trap here? Long Er looked closely at Ju Mu'er's face but couldn't see anything.
“It’s not that there are too many people on the lake; everyone behaves properly. If that’s the case, it’s certainly fine to have female companions. Besides, Bao’er wants to accept the challenge, but we don’t know what her opponent’s playing style is like. Let me go listen and find out, so I can teach Bao’er how to respond. She’s a beginner, so we can teach her accordingly to ensure she doesn’t make mistakes or embarrass herself and avoid trouble. What do you say, my husband?”
Long Er was stunned. What she said made perfect sense, and he couldn't refute it. If he didn't agree, it would seem like he had something to hide. Besides, the purpose of setting up the lakeside banquet was indeed to solve the problem of Bao'er's ability to accept the challenge. She was right; they did need someone who knew how to play the zither, someone who could understand clearly and come back to properly guide Bao'er.
After all that, Ryuji finally nodded in agreement.
Three days later, Long Er took Ju Mu'er and boarded the most magnificent ship on the shore of Emerald Lake.
Cuihu Lake is the most famous scenic water feature in Beijing. Although it is a lake, it stretches as far as the eye can see; looking from one end of the lake, you cannot see the other side. The lake's water is emerald green and clear, sparkling with light, hence its name, Cuihu (Emerald Lake).
Long Er rented three boats for this banquet to entertain both sides of the musical duel and various officials. The main boat was the largest, with three decks, and was used by officials from the Ministry of Rites and the main musical players from both countries. Other officials and related personnel who came mainly to join in the fun, take advantage of the situation, and enjoy themselves were divided into two slightly smaller boats.
Based on the power dynamics and individual objectives, Long Er arranged and assigned the personnel. Ju Mu'er, attending such a grand banquet for the first time, simply accompanied them quietly, without uttering a word.
After some pleasantries, everyone raised their glasses and chatted amiably. Regardless of their motives for the musical duel, the musicians from Ximin Kingdom, pampered with good food and drink, and accompanied by beautiful women and fine wine, quickly revealed their true, unruly nature. The chief musician, Yali Li, however, appeared quite serious, quietly eating and drinking.
Long Er exchanged a glance with Minister Tian, who quickly dispatched a female official to serve and accompany Ya Lili, ensuring she wouldn't feel neglected in this male-dominated setting.
In such settings, courtesans wouldn't crowd around men to force them to drink; they knew exactly what to do in each situation. So, one after another, they took turns performing, some dancing, some playing instruments. Because they were the top courtesans of their respective brothels, they all gave it their all, afraid of being outshone by the girls from other brothels.
Ju Mu'er listened attentively to the zither music the entire time, swaying her head to the rhythm. Every time a zither player changed, she would ask Long Er who she was. Long Er answered them one by one. When he got to Lin Yueyao from Xichun Hall, Long Er suddenly realized that he had been too expressive. He knew all the flower girls by name. Would his Mu'er be upset with him again?
Fortunately, Ju Mu'er didn't think about this and seemed very happy throughout. Long Er was relieved and, while entertaining the guests, glanced around the room. The men had their own fun. Although they couldn't huddle together with the courtesans and be unrestrained, having one of them following behind them made them feel quite pleased with themselves.
No one was interested in Hua Niang's playing; to these musicians, her skills were nothing more than empty gestures, meant for amusement. With everyone engaged in loud conversation and laughter, the music naturally became unpleasant to listen to. Therefore, only Ju Mu'er was listening attentively, while Ya Lili, the chief musician of the Western Min Kingdom, kept glancing at Ju Mu'er. This made Long Er frown.
After Lin Yueyao finished playing the zither, she quietly left the stage. A while later, a girl from Rancui Tower took over. This time, Ju Mu'er didn't ask who it was, but told Long Er that she was a little tired and wanted to go out for some fresh air. Long Er agreed and sent a maid to accompany her.
Ju Mu'er stood at the stern for a while, then suddenly said she felt a bit chilly, so she asked her maid to fetch her a cloak. After the maid left, a familiar voice called out, "Madam Long."
Ju Mu'er nodded: "Miss Yueyao."
Lin Yueyao said, "I didn't expect Madam to come."
Ju Mu'er smiled and said, "My husband brought me here to broaden my horizons. It's such a coincidence that we met you, Miss. This is very convenient, as I was just about to ask you for something."
"What is it?"
"I want to retrieve the sheet music I entrusted to you, young lady. Perhaps I'll have an opportunity to meet the Emperor in a while." She didn't elaborate, but Lin Yueyao was taken aback: "Didn't you say you were unwilling to take risks before? Why do you now wish to meet the Emperor?"
"I just intend to play it by ear. Just give me back the sheet music, and I'll figure something out."
Lin Yueyao remained silent for a moment before replying, "Okay. I'll have someone deliver it to Madam in a couple of days."
Ju Mu'er nodded and thanked her. Lin Yueyao then said, "Does Madam have anything else? If not, I'll head back. Leaving for too long will arouse suspicion. It's best not to let anyone know about our contact."
"It's alright now. Just be careful, young lady."
Lin Yueyao said goodbye and turned to leave, but then suddenly turned back and said, "Please, Madam, investigate Yi Bai's death thoroughly. I thank you on Yi Bai's behalf."
Ju Mu'er nodded, listening to Lin Yueyao's footsteps fade into the distance. She was now alone. She closed her eyes, feeling a gentle breeze on her face. She thought to herself, she did have some clues, but these clues wouldn't convince anyone. She needed to be more careful; she would find a way.
The author has something to say: The story of Mu'er entrusting the zither score to Lin Yueyao was added during the revision of the previous chapters. As for what secrets the score holds and what role it plays, those will be revealed gradually in later chapters.
I originally planned to update every two days, but today's writing session with someone went well, so since I've finished it, I'm posting it here. Have a great holiday everyone!
The profound meaning of the 65th piece of music suddenly became clear.
When Ju Mu'er returned to the cabin, all the flower maids had already left.
At that moment, a musician from the Western Min Kingdom was showing off his skills. Just as Ju Mu'er sat down next to Long Er, he finished playing. Before his music had even faded, another musician immediately began to play, as if to compete with him.
Ju Mu'er recognized the man's zither music immediately; it was Qian Jiangyi.
The more skilled one is in playing the zither, the more unique their technique and style become, like a one-of-a-kind mark imprinted on themselves.
A skilled musician playing the zither is far superior to the flower maid's ingratiating performance, but it lacks a certain charm. Especially compared to Master Long's charm.
Ju Mu'er called softly, "Husband."
"What are you doing?" Ryuji's voice was devoid of emotion.
"Let me keep you company while I drink and talk."
Long Er's heart skipped a beat. The sight of several men playing their instruments was utterly boring to him. He couldn't discern the quality of Hua Niang's playing, but at least he could appreciate her beauty. The men playing were uninteresting to him, and their faces held no appeal either. However, he was seated at the head of the table, and the one who had hosted the banquet to mediate relationships, so he couldn't show any displeasure, nor could he leave. Sitting there idly was indeed incredibly tedious.
His Mu'er truly understood him. This fact made him smile involuntarily.
She not only understands him, but is also very considerate.
He was happy when she made him happy.
Marrying her was definitely the right decision; with her around, he never felt bored.
"Don't you like listening to the piano?"
"My husband is more important."
Listen to that, such flattery, it really makes one feel good.
"Talking to you every day gets boring." Even if I'm happy inside, I can't let her know, lest she get smug.
"It's something new and exciting."
"Really? Tell me one."
The two of them were talking to themselves, while the musicians playing the zither had changed four or five times.
Suddenly, the music stopped. Ju Mu'er was taken aback, tilting her head slightly in confusion. Long Er looked up and saw that it was Ya Lili who had raised her hand to signal for it to stop. The musician playing the zither was from their Western Min Kingdom, so naturally, he obeyed her and stopped.
Ya Lili's eyes were fixed on Ju Mu'er, which made Long Er quite unhappy. Before he could speak, Ya Lili spoke up.
"At the wine shop in the south of the city, there is a young woman named Mu'er, whose skillful hands play the zither, producing heavenly music. I have long heard of the renowned Lady Long's fame." Ya Lili's words drew everyone's attention to Ju Mu'er.
Ju Mu'er smiled faintly and bowed slightly: "Thank you for the compliment. I dare not accept such a great reputation. I just received a lot of encouragement when I was young."
Yalili continued, "Madam cannot see, so please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Yalili, and I am the Director of the Qinwan Department of the Western Min Kingdom. Your country's Qin Master, Master Boyin, is a close friend of mine."
The word "confidant" was emphasized, and the tone made it clear to everyone that it was probably more than just a "confidant".
Ya Lili completely ignored everyone and continued, "Master Shi often travels around studying the zither. He has met many zither players in your country, but he has only praised two people in front of me. One is Hua Yibai, who is full of talent, as unrestrained as a dragon and as elegant as an immortal. The other is you, Madam Long Er, whom he praised as having amazing talent and being as agile as a god."
Ju Mu'er was stunned. Apart from that time at the execution ground, she had never seen Shi Boyin before, and she never expected to receive such high praise from him. Receiving affirmation from the god-like figure in her heart, Ju Mu'er clenched her fists with excitement.
A musician nearby was somewhat unconvinced. Praising Hua Yibai was one thing, everyone accepted it. But praising Ju Mu'er like this, many male musicians were skeptical. The unconvinced musician asked, "When did you first meet Madam Long, Master Shi?"
Ya Lili glared coldly at the musician, and Long Er's gaze also swept over the man.
Ya Lili said, “Master Shi has an eccentric personality and doesn’t like to socialize, but he likes to observe musicians and listen to their music from the shadows. Hua Yibai and Madam Long Er didn’t know him, but they took the opportunity to listen to his music because they had heard of him. Instead of questioning what I’m saying, this gentleman should think about why he doesn’t receive praise from Master Shi. If you were also somewhat famous, Master Shi would surely have heard you play the zither.”
The man was so embarrassed by the rebuke that he wanted to argue a bit more, but seeing the expressions of those around him and considering the occasion and the people present, he realized that this was not a good time to be competitive. So he gritted his teeth, shut his mouth, and said no more.
Yalili glanced around at everyone present and continued, “In our country, both men and women can play the zither, and those with the best skills are promoted. I have been with Master Shi for many years and have received his guidance, which is why my zither skills are outstanding, and I have been appointed as the head of the Zither Court. Among the zither envoys visiting our country, there are also three female zither players. But here in your country, looking around, all the zither players are male. Those girls who play the zither are just street performers…” She laughed as she said this.
When she smiled, the musicians of Ximin Kingdom laughed along with her. Minister Tian and the officials of the Music Bureau immediately turned pale, and the male musicians were all seething with resentment.
This is clearly an insult to the State of Xiao.
At this moment, Ju Mu'er said, "There are indeed differences between the two countries. In our country, there are too many people who play the qin. Men and women, young and old, officials, merchants, farmers and workers all enjoy playing the qin. Everyone knows how to play the qin, not to seek an official position, but to enjoy themselves and have fun. Everyone plays the same qin, and no one has an extra string."