After Ju Mu'er finished speaking, everyone fell silent. For a moment, no one knew what she meant. It seemed as if she had refuted Ya Lili's statement, or as if she had slapped those arrogant male musicians in the face.
Ambiguous, neither pleased nor annoyed.
Long Er was thinking to himself that he knew his wife would definitely find a chance to embarrass him if the male musician was unhappy about Ju Mu'er being praised. Just like when he had put on a show of power for her and made her lose face, she had found an excuse to spill tea on him.
Now that Ju Mu'er had spoken so skillfully, both Ya Lili and the male musician from their own country had rebuked her, yet no one could say anything against her. This made Long Er very happy, and he grinned from ear to ear.
That feeling was that my wife was very impressive, and I was proud of her.
After a moment of silence, Ya Lili suddenly said, "Back then, when Master Shi was invited by Minister Shi of your country to his residence to study a so-called exquisite qin score, he suddenly asked me if I would be willing to resign from my position as the head of the Qin Wan (a qin music department) and travel with him to find the wonderful sounds of the qin when he returned."
The room remained silent, everyone listening intently.
"Master Shi's first wife died young, and he had told me long ago that he would not remarry. But my heart was set on him, and I never considered marrying anyone else. If he didn't marry, I wouldn't marry either. We could just be confidants. If I were destined to be confidants with the one I love for a lifetime, I would be content. But that day he suddenly said this, and I was overjoyed. Without thinking, I agreed immediately. But he also asked me whether I wanted the wedding to be held according to the customs of Xiao Kingdom or Ximin Kingdom."
Ya Lili paused here, her tone calm, but Ju Mu'er's eyes welled up with tears. She blinked and quietly clenched her fist.
“But Mr. Shi will never return.” Ya Lili continued, “The wedding can’t be held no matter which country’s customs are followed. I will always only be his confidante.”
As Long Er listened, he carefully observed the expressions of the musicians from the Western Min Kingdom present. Their faces showed grief and indignation, clearly indicating they already knew the story. The marriage they had so eagerly anticipated had ended with the groom being beheaded in his hometown. Long Er felt a pang of unease; what exactly were their intentions in coming to the Xiao Kingdom?
"On the day Master Shi was beheaded, I was seriously ill in bed. I thought I would go with him, but unexpectedly, Heaven spared my life. It's just a pity that I couldn't see Master Shi one last time, and couldn't hear him play his last piece. Now I've come to Xiao Kingdom, hoping to see the two young people Master Shi praised so highly, but I never expected that Hua Yibai has also passed away. As for Madam Long, she has married into a wealthy family, so it's not easy to see her now. Madam Long is not on the list of musicians in the palace who exchange qin skills, which is a great pity. Fortunately, I have this opportunity today..." As she said this, she waved to a musician beside her. The musician understood and brought over a qin, placing it in front of Ju Mu'er.
Long Er frowned deeply. This woman had just mocked the women playing the zither, calling them courtesans, and now she'd set up a zither. If this woman dared to make his Mu'er perform in order to humiliate her by comparing her to courtesans, he would definitely make her pay on the spot.
However, Ke Yali said, "It seems impolite to ask Madam to play a piece on the zither. Therefore, I would like to ask Madam to play a duet with me, what do you think?"
An ensemble? What does that mean?
Long Er glanced at Ju Mu'er, and seeing her concentrating on her thoughts, nodded in agreement.
Yali smiled slightly: "In that case, I'll go first. This piece was composed by my teacher."
After saying that, without waiting for Ju Mu'er to get ready, he started playing the zither.
Everyone at the table held their breath, listening intently to the zither. The zither players from Xiao Kingdom were all very curious: what kind of skill must the head of the Zither Hall and chief zither player from Ximin Kingdom possess?
Ju Mu'er was also listening. Although Ya Lili was playing in a ensemble, the piece she was playing was her own composition, which Ju Mu'er had never heard before. So, if she wanted to keep up, she had to understand what Ya Lili was playing.
very
Quickly, Ju Mu'er began to pluck the strings. She didn't show off her skills, but simply played a light and delicate rhythm, matching Ya Lili's melody. As Ya Lili's music changed, hers changed too. It wasn't ornate or complicated, yet it was seamless.
Long Er didn't understand. Was his wife hiding her strength? Well, even if she wasn't hiding it, he wouldn't know anyway. But when he looked around, he saw that the musicians' faces showed a mixture of surprise and doubt.
Long Er frowned in thought, wondering if this meant his Mu'er played well or poorly.
He glanced at Ju Mu'er, then at everyone else. As he looked, he noticed that Ya Lili was playing the zither and tears were streaming down her face. Long Er was startled, then turned to look at Ju Mu'er, who was also in tears.
Ryuji decided he would stop watching; these piano-playing madmen were about to have an attack. He would just eat and drink instead.
The piece was long and drawn out, and it wasn't until Long Er had eaten some food and drunk two cups of wine that he finally finished playing. The two female musicians stood up and bowed to each other after their performance.
Yalili said, "What Mr. Shi said is indeed true."
Ju Mu'er also politely replied, "Your playing the zither is exquisite, sir; I am truly inferior to you."
Seeing this, the Minister of Rites quickly added fuel to the fire, raising his cup in a toast and talking about the friendship between the two countries, and how they could make friends through music. Yalili responded to his words, and the musicians from both countries finally raised their cups and drank together, which was a proper way of showing goodwill to each other.
In the dead of night, the music ended and the party was over. Long Er held Ju Mu'er's hand as they sat in the carriage on their way back.
Ju Mu'er rested her head on his shoulder, yawning sleepily. Long Er couldn't help but pinch her cheek: "All you do is sleep all day, like a little pig."
"Second Master is talking nonsense again. Second Master has never raised pigs, how would he know that all they do is sleep?" He then yawned again.
Long Er really wanted to pinch her again, but seeing how tired she was, he moved his shoulder to make her more comfortable. Ju Mu'er, pleased with his gesture, smiled and said, "If I'm a pig, then Second Master must be too. Otherwise, we'd be husband and wife."
"..." Long Er's face stiffened. This woman, he really couldn't be too good to her. He thought for a while, and then thought again, not knowing what else to scold her for.
After a while, I couldn't help but ask, "Why were you crying when you were playing the piano?"
Ju Mu'er remained silent for a long time, so long that Long Er thought she had fallen asleep. But then he heard her say, "That melody was full of deep emotion and was very moving."
"Only the two of you were moved; I didn't see anyone else's expression. You say other people miss their deceased lovers and cry, that's one thing, but your husband is sitting right next to you, why are you crying like that?"
"That's not entirely it. I just suddenly realized something."
"What is it?"
Ju Mu'er opened her mouth, then closed it again, and then said, "I used to study a piece of music, but I never understood its meaning. Today I suddenly understand it a little. That's why I lost my composure."
"A zither again?" Long Er muttered discontentedly, "What else could you possibly have in your head besides a zither?"
"And what about my husband?"
Ju Mu'er answered quickly, and Long Er choked, swallowing back the words of rebuke she was about to say. After a while, she suddenly said, "Long Ju Shi, you said my husband is a thing?"
"..."
Ju Mu'er closed her eyes, deciding to pretend to be asleep. She was only sincerely trying to flatter him; her husband was really overthinking things.
Men who overthink things are hard to flatter.
66 Playing the piano hides meaning and interest for you.
For the next few days, Ju Mu'er focused on teaching Bao'er to play the zither at home.
The invitation from the Music Bureau has been sent. The music appreciation gathering is scheduled for the first day of the fifth lunar month at the Moon Reflection Terrace in the palace. Although it's called a terrace, it's actually just a moon-viewing garden, named after the small lake in the garden that reflects the moon.
Bao'er is the precious darling of the Long family. Since she's going to the palace for a musical duel, her father, Long San, and her mother, Feng Wu, absolutely must go. To prevent any emergencies during the duel, her master, Ju Mu'er, will also be going. And since Ju Mu'er is going, Long Er naturally has to go too.
Long Qingsheng, the young master of the Long family, doted on his younger sister the most, so he insisted on going too. Since the young master was going, his father, General Long, and his mother, An Ruochen, naturally also wanted to go.
So, when Long Bao'er entered the palace to compete in the zither, it turned into the entire Long family entering the palace to accompany her in the competition.
The invitation from the Music Bureau was sent three times before it was finally accepted.
After some commotion, Bao'er finally realized the gravity of the situation. However, the little girl wasn't too nervous; she just knew that her second aunt wasn't playing with her but seriously teaching her, so she studied diligently as well.
Before the first day of May, Ju Mu'er went out. She took Xiao Zhu to a music shop.
Influenced by Ju Mu'er, Xiao Zhu has also developed an interest in playing the zither these days. After entering the zither shop, she touched and looked at everything with excitement. There was also a veiled woman in the shop choosing a zither. When she saw Ju Mu'er and her servant enter, she remained silent. Only when Ju Mu'er stood alone in front of the zither stand did she quietly approach her.
"Madam Long." The woman called softly. Ju Mu'er recognized Lin Yueyao's voice, nodded, and responded softly.
Lin Yueyao glanced around warily, making sure no one was watching, then took out two musical scores from her sleeve and handed them to Ju Mu'er under the zither stand. Ju Mu'er took them and discreetly slipped them into her own sleeve.
Lin Yueyao said softly, "This is the musical score that Madam gave me that day. What are your plans, young lady?"
Ju Mu'er shook her head: "I haven't decided yet."
Lin Yueyao frowned and said, "Madam, something seems off about me lately. It looks like someone is watching me. It took a lot of effort for me to get here today. I feel very unsafe and I'm afraid I won't be able to come out anytime soon. Please don't look for me anymore. I'll come back to see you after things have calmed down."
Ju Mu'er nodded. Lin Yueyao was about to say something when she saw Xiao Zhu approaching, so she shut up and turned to look at other zithers. She heard the mistress and servant whisper a few words, seemingly discussing the zither, before Xiao Zhu took Ju Mu'er's arm and led her outside. As they walked, Xiao Zhu asked, "Madam, are you really not going to buy anything?"
"I wouldn't dare buy it. I'm just here to admire it from afar. Second Master said he'd punish me if I dared to buy another instrument."
Xiao Zhu chuckled, "I think Madam isn't afraid of being punished."
"I'm scared, terrified."
The two, mistress and servant, chatted and laughed as they walked away. Lin Yueyao watched their figures disappear at the end of the street, then turned around and walked towards the other end of the street.
After Ju Mu'er retrieved the sheet music, she locked herself in her room and soon began to play the zither. The music was stirring, and Xiao Zhu heard it through the door. She thought to herself: Although Madam said she dared not buy a zither, she must still have some desire in her heart, which is why she played the zither to vent her anger.
As evening fell, Long Er returned, and the first thing he did, as usual, was to grab Xiao Zhu and tell her what Ju Mu'er had done that day. Xiao Zhu stammered, but in the end, he told her that Ju Mu'er had gone to the music shop but returned empty-handed, and after returning, she locked herself in her room and played the music in great grief and indignation.
"You understand the zither?" Long Er raised an eyebrow in skepticism. "You can even detect grief and indignation in your playing?"
"Well, this servant has never formally studied the zither. Although I receive some guidance from Madam, I haven't mastered much. If I hadn't accompanied Madam to the zither shop, I naturally wouldn't have been able to tell. But I spent the whole day with Madam and saw how much she loved the zither in the shop, even discussing it with others. From this, it's clear that Madam really wanted to buy a zither. But she said that Second Master wouldn't allow it, and she was afraid he would punish her. In that case, after returning home, Madam locked herself in and played the zither intensely. If it wasn't out of grief and indignation, could it be out of joy?"
Xiao Zhu finished speaking in one breath, then secretly glanced at Long Er. She was startled to see him staring at her with narrowed eyes. Xiao Zhu felt a chill run down her spine. What had she said wrong?
Long Er was furious. This girl seemed to have been corrupted by Ju Mu'er. Before, she answered cautiously and properly, answering only what was asked. Now, she rambled on and on, offering explanations and speculations, and even dared to ask questions in return!
Was she asking the old man questions to keep him company and relieve his boredom?
Long Er said in a cold voice, "Why are you spouting this nonsense?"
Xiao Zhu opened her mouth wide and exclaimed, "This servant...this servant misspoke, please punish me, Second Master!" But what had she said wrong?
Long Er had no intention of punishing her. Punishing someone for such a trivial matter, especially a maidservant like Mu'er's, would only upset Mu'er if she found out. Long Er abruptly turned and left.
After dinner and a bath, it was time for Master Long's favorite marital intimacy—no, Master Long's time to discipline his wife.
The first thing to do tonight is to talk about the discipline of the servants.
Long Er recounted his conversation with Xiao Zhu that day, and also expressed his dissatisfaction. Ju Mu'er laughed so hard she fell to the side of the bed. Long Er poked her forehead: "Still laughing? It must be a bad habit you taught her."
Ju Mu'er shook her head: "I didn't teach her."
Long Er frowned: "What didn't you teach me?"
"He didn't teach any bad habits."
"If it wasn't you who taught them, who else could it be? Talkative and nagging, just like you."
"No, concise."
"What?" Long Er continued to frown, what was so concise.
Ju Mu'er shook her head: "I speak concisely."
Long Er realized what was happening and pinched her earlobe: "Are you going to cause trouble for me again?"
"No."
"Speak properly!" Master Long Er began to grit his teeth.
“No, my husband insists that I speak concisely. If something can be said in one word, I will never use two; if something can be said in two words, I will never use three. If I don’t speak properly in daily life, I will definitely develop bad habits. If the maids around me speak too much, they will all not understand the beauty of conciseness. Not only will they not please my husband, but they may even annoy him. What should I do then?”
Listen to this tone, listen to this way of speaking, the long-winded explanations and inferences, ending with a question, and yet she says it wasn't her who taught her to be bad?
Long Er pressed Ju Mu'er down onto the bed and bit her lip, saying, "You can talk like that, but they can't. You should discipline them properly; servants should act like servants."
"What does it look like?"
"If something can be explained in one word, never use two; if it can be explained in two words, never use three."
Ju Mu'er couldn't help but laugh when she heard Long Er mimicking her, but Long Er pressed his lips against hers and continued, "In short, only you and I can talk like that, no one else can."
These words froze Ju Mu'er's smile on her lips. She paused for a moment, then suddenly hugged Long Er's neck tightly and kissed his lips. Long Er readily accepted, opening his mouth to deepen the kiss.
A long, drawn-out kiss, followed by breathlessness.
After their lips parted, Long Er continued his lecture: "If you can't discipline them properly, I will. If I scold your maids until they cry, you're not allowed to throw a tantrum at me."
"Alright, I'll talk to them about it tomorrow."