Zhang Shixun walked back along the way he had come, looking up at the full moon. Thinking of his parents and relatives in another time and space, a wave of longing arose spontaneously, "Dad, Mom, how are you? Your son misses you."
Although my parents are still alive, they can never see each other again because of the separation of time and space.
According to Wang Dong, from the moment he traveled to the Song Dynasty, the river of time had already taken another fork in the road, that is to say, he and his parents lived in different parallel spaces.
It is so mysterious that it is difficult to understand.
When I was almost home, I saw two sedan chairs stopped at the door. A servant stepped up the steps and knocked on the door.
Zhang Shixun took a few quick steps and said, "I'm here."
"Mr. Zhang!"
"Master Zhang!"
The people in the two sedans shouted at the same time. The voices were very familiar. They were Ding Dusai and Li Shishi.
"Is the performance in the palace over?" Zhang Shixun asked with a smile.
"Yes, as soon as the performance ended, Sister Li and I didn't go back home, but came here directly." Ding Dusai spoke quickly and answered.
"You don't have to guess, this performance will definitely be exciting."
Li Shishi said from the sedan chair, "Of course. The music you taught me, coupled with your careful guidance, how could it not be wonderful?"
"Sir, let me tell you, we sang the song "Spring River Moon Night" twice in a row." Ding Dusai said excitedly.
"Play it twice?" Zhang Shixun didn't understand and asked hurriedly, "Why play it twice? Did you mess it up the first time?"
"No," Li Shishi explained with a smile, "because the performance was so good, the ministers were not satisfied and asked for an encore."
"So that's how it is. Congratulations on your great success." Zhang Shixun was also happy for them.
"Mr. Zhang, where are you coming from?" asked Li Shishi.
"I was bored at home alone, so I went out for a walk."
"Mr. Zhang, since you have nothing to do, why not go to my sister's place and drink and watch the moon together?" Ding Dusai invited.
"Now?" Zhang Shixun looked up at the moon, which was already at its zenith.
"What's going on now? Every household is admiring the moon. Look, the moon is round. It's the best time to enjoy it."
Li Shishi also said: "Yes, Master Zhang is alone, why don't you join us to enjoy the moon, drink and play the zither together, wouldn't that be a great pleasure!"
"Okay!" Zhang Shixun agreed happily. He was just feeling lonely, and now two beautiful women invited him so warmly, how could he refuse?
"Madam Li, this is not good." The servant suddenly interrupted.
Zhang Shixun looked at the servant in surprise, feeling a little puzzled. How could a servant interrupt the master when he was speaking?
"Zhao Zhong, you talk too much." Li Shishi said in a cold tone.
"Yes!" The servant bowed and dared not say anything more.
Li Shishi ignored him and said to Zhang Shixun, "Master Zhang, let's go."
As the two sedan chairs arrived at Li Shishi's house, Zhang Shixun turned to Hei Wuchang and said, "You don't need to go in. Wait at the gate."
When I walked into the yard, I saw a table set up in the courtyard at the gate. The table was filled with various seasonal fruits and snacks, as well as a pot of wine.
A woman in her fifties came up to Li Shishi and said, "Sister, you're back so soon!"
"Mother, he is the Master Zhang I told you about. The piece of music he played in the palace this time was the one he taught his daughter." Li Shishi introduced Zhang Shixun, "This is Mother Li."
Mother Li smiled broadly and said exaggeratedly, "Oh my! So you are Master Zhang! My daughter has told me about you many times, but I never got to meet you. Now that I see you, wow! You are truly a handsome man, full of heroic spirit."
Zhang Shixun thought to himself that this Madam Li was probably Li Shishi's adoptive mother. Out of courtesy, he quickly bowed and said, "Greetings, Madam Li."
"Come and sit down! My master told me to prepare some food before she left home so she could enjoy the moon when she returned. I didn't expect Master Zhang to come. It's such a joyous occasion!"
You treat me as a lucky doll, Zhang Shixun smiled.
"Mom, you've been busy all day, go and have a rest." Li Shishi said with a smile.
"Oh! I really feel a little tired... Mr. Zhang, the good night is short, you should spend more time with Shishi. And Saisai, you look more and more like your grandfather. Alas! When I think of your grandfather, my heart..." As he said this, he took out a handkerchief and wiped the corners of his eyes.
"Mother Li, I feel sad when you say that," said Ding Dusai.
"Okay! I won't say any more. I'm going to rest in the back... I'm old, and my arms and legs can't stand the work anymore." Mother Li kept nagging as she walked towards the backyard.
Looking at Mama Li's back, Li Shishi said, "My parents died when I was young. If Mama Li hadn't adopted me and carefully found someone to teach me, I wouldn't be where I am today. I will never forget your kindness in raising me."
Ding Dusai nodded frequently: "Yes, Mother Li was kind-hearted and beautiful when she was young. I remember when my grandfather saw her..." Having said that, she stuck out her tongue and stopped talking.
Zhang Shixun was curious and thought that when Ding Dusai's grandfather was alive, he must have had a story with this Mother Li, so he would have to ask her about it later.
"Oh! You were so engrossed in small talk that you forgot about the real business." Li Shishi smiled and invited Zhang Shixun to join her. "Please take a seat, sir. It's the fifteenth day of the eighth month, when the flowers are in full bloom and the moon is full. It's the perfect time to enjoy the moon."
The three of them sat down, and the maid filled their glasses with wine. Li Shishi raised her cup and said, "Master Zhang, thank you for your guidance."
"Ms. Li is too polite."
"From childhood to adulthood, I have had countless teachers and spent countless money and energy on learning the qin, but none of what I have learned is as much as what you have taught me these days. Master, thank you sincerely. Cheers!"
"Yes, I thank Mr. Zhang too." Ding Dusai picked up the cup for Zhang Shixun and held it in both hands before presenting it to Zhang Shixun.
"Madam Li, Madam Ding, you're so polite." Zhang Shixun hurriedly took the cup. "Don't mention the word 'teaching' anymore. We're all just sharing experiences. Your success is the result of your hard work. I'm simply opening a window for you, broadening your horizons... Come! Congratulations, both of you! Cheers!"
"Cheers!" The three of them clinked their glasses and drank the wine at the same time.
"Open a window! That's a very good point." Ding Dusai looked at Zhang Shixun with admiration. "From the first time I met you, I felt that your words and actions were very unique. You are different from other men in the Song Dynasty."
"Well! Young Master Zhang is a unique and extraordinary man." Li Shishi nodded in agreement.
"I'm flattered by what you two said. You may have this feeling because I have stayed in a foreign country for too long." Zhang Shixun found a far-fetched reason to cover up for himself.
"No matter what, Saisai and I are happy to have a friend like you." Li Shishi raised her glass again and said, "Come on! Let's have another drink."
"Cheers!" The three of them drank it all in one gulp.
After three rounds of drinks, Zhang Shixun, unable to contain his curiosity, asked them, "Tell me, why is the music played twice in the palace?"
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