Yi Luo didn't notice the change in Yu Ling's expression. She comforted Yu Ling with a few kind words and, seeing that Yu Ling was no longer as upset as before, she ate her meal. She also temporarily put aside her worries and told her that if she needed anything in the future, she could come to her.

The two men ate their meal with different thoughts in mind, then went to the second-floor screen directly opposite the stage where the girls usually sang. After a while, they greeted the musicians, and that was how they officially settled down here.

Unbeknownst to the system, this act of playing the zither for money was not a last resort. Yu Ling's long life had taught her many useless human pastimes, and she was proficient in all the arts, especially the zither, which was considered exceptional.

Yiluo gestured for Yuling to step forward and greet him. Yuling nodded in agreement, narrowing her slender eyes, which were clear and bright, yet with a hint of flirtatiousness at the corners. Her lips were slightly pursed, a half-smile playing on her lips. Her figure was strikingly handsome, her charm extraordinary. She spoke softly,

"My name is Yuling. I am honored to be invited by Sister Yiluo to serve as a musician at Yicui Tower. I hope you gentlemen will take good care of me in the future."

"Since you have come at our summons, why not play a piece for us? This will convince us of your worth. If you have real talent, we will do our best to support you."

Those few were intimidated by Yu Ling's demeanor and felt an inexplicable pressure, so they tentatively spoke up.

“What’s so difficult about that? Of course I’ll ask you all for your guidance,” Yu Ling said.

Recalling her past struggles to integrate into the human world and seek knowledge everywhere, Yu Ling, with a touch of nostalgia, gently stroked the zither, walked to the side, sat cross-legged on the ground, laid the zither flat, took a deep breath, and began to pluck the strings with her fingers, her movements flowing smoothly and gracefully.

With a gentle touch of her jade-like hands, a string of beautiful and melodious notes flowed from her fingertips, sometimes like the roar of the wind in the pines, sometimes like the light drizzle, and sometimes like the tinkling of a spring. The music was like a story, lingering and undulating, truly exquisite.

All was silent for a long time. Then the music ended, the flowers faded, and the lingering sound echoed in the air...

The crowd grew larger and larger. Gazing at the elegant musician, so engrossed in his music amidst the throng, and his handsome and refined profile, many girls raised their handkerchiefs to cover their flushed cheeks.

"Forgive my ignorance, but I have never heard this piece before. Did you compose it yourself?"

The surprised expressions of the musicians pleased Yi Luo. Ironically, she always felt a strange sense of confidence and affection for this sickly "girl" she had picked up, though she didn't know where it came from.

"No, this piece was composed by a childhood friend of mine. It's very melodious, and after listening to it so many times, I can't help but play it a couple of times. Please excuse my poor playing." Yu Ling replied.

This is natural. This tune was a little demon that the lark, who was often around Yu Ling when she was still a great demon, often hummed. It is said that this song praising freedom is the most popular song in their tribe. Although the lark knows more than one song, Yu Ling only learned this one.

There was no other way; he had too much to learn, and only the best could be truly remembered. Those stringed instruments that required spiritual power to play beautifully were unplayable. Here… he could only recall the pieces from the original owner's memories and learn them on the spot. Or he could improvise and play them freely.

After Yu Ling revealed her skills, she finally convinced the musicians who had been quite critical of Yu Ling's arrival, who were previously intimidated by Yi Luo's authority. From then on, Yu Ling officially became a member of Yi Cui Lou.

Yu Ling's arrival did not cause any ripples. Yi Cui Lou continued its daily work as usual, and Yu Ling finally got her first chance to catch her breath since her transmigration, and relaxed her tense nerves.

—Time has passed, things have changed, and people are no longer the same—

More than a month has passed since Yu Ling left the dungeon. The entire palace has tacitly accepted the news of the Regent's death. The court officials have all kept silent about the news of the Regent's death. At this time, the imperial examination system proposed by Gu Wen is also proceeding in an orderly manner. The traces of An Jingqiu seem to have been erased by an invisible hand.

Meanwhile, Yu Ling had been playing the zither at Yi Cui Lou for some time, enjoying a leisurely life. After all, Gu Cheng never imagined that his most revered prince would be hiding in a brothel, and he was sending people to search for him in the vicinity of the capital.

Fortunately, Gu Wen did not receive news of the prince's escape; otherwise, she would not have focused on the imperial examinations but would have resorted to any means to get rid of Yu Ling as soon as possible.

"The wind howls, the night is long. Many old friends are in the western camp, three or five springs have passed since we parted..."

On stage, the sisters sang softly and sweetly, while Yu Ling played the zither with her delicate hands, responding with music. Dressed in an indigo gown, she sat upright with her head bowed and eyebrows lowered, yet she exuded a carefree air. Although she was playing for the guests, her composed demeanor revealed a noble and elegant air that distinguished her from that of a street performer.

"If Sister Ruoyu hadn't been burdened by family affairs, she would probably have become a prominent figure as well."

Yi Luo watched the blurry figure on the second floor from a distance. As a woman who had long been immersed in the music of silk and bamboo instruments, she was the most qualified to speak on the quality of the music. If one had not worked hard to study the art of playing the zither, one could never play such a soulful tone.

Yi Luo turned and went back to her room, gazing at the well-maintained but unplayed zither. She silently let the mournful music linger and echo, her eyes filled with bewilderment and desolation.

Miss Yu plays the zither so well; if my sister were still alive, she would surely be grateful to have met such a kindred spirit.

Unfortunately, beautiful women have always had tragic fates. My sister was proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, and came from a prestigious family. However, a corrupt official made a mistake and exiled her entire family. After such a dramatic rise and fall, this wonderful girl was left with a frail and sickly body.

...There is no cure.

“Sister Yu, I will never let you disappear from my side again.”

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