Chapter 21: Bright Brilliance, Embroidered Moon, Embracing the Jade, Chaos, and Lonely Clouds Walking on Ice
The residence allocated to Luo Guoyun by the Nanjing government on Yihe Road consisted of three adjacent courtyard villas, each with a lawn in front and back, and a garden in the center. While lacking the grandeur of Shanghai's mansions, it was elegant and tranquil. Nanjing's winters were particularly cold and damp. The mansion's housekeeper had been notified and kept the fireplaces ablaze, using charcoal specially smoked with mugwort.
Dr. Jefferson, a neurosurgeon from Columbia University, was also the expert consultant hired by Sun Mu for the hospital he was planning to build in Shanghai. The two of them hit it off very well. He had been awakened in the middle of the night by an urgent telegram, secretly scorning the Chinese elite for their tendency to abuse their power and make a mountain out of a molehill, even hiring a doctor for an injection. Then, upon learning it was Sun Mu looking for him, he was overjoyed and rushed over, arriving almost simultaneously with the others.
In fact, there was no need for the doctor to make such a special trip just for an injection. Sun Mu was new to Western medicine and only had a superficial understanding. He had some concerns about Yue'er's condition and was eager to discuss it with Dr. Jefferson, so he asked him to come over in the middle of the night.
Luo Guyun carried Xiao Xiangyue directly back to the bedroom and laid her on the large, soft bed. Dr. Jefferson inquired about her condition in detail and performed a series of tests. After a busy period, he took off his stethoscope and shrugged, saying, "A fever is actually a battle between the body's immune system and the virus. I just examined Mr. Xiao carefully, and there are no signs of infection or inflammation in his other organs. It's probably a common cold. I suggest observing him first and not rushing to reduce the fever. If his immune system defeats the virus, it will actually help strengthen his constitution. If the high fever persists, consider injections."
Luo Guyun was worried: "But... Yue'er is not feeling well. If she endures this kind of suffering, wouldn't she be suffering?"
Dr. Jefferson said, "Keep him hydrated, wipe his body with diluted alcohol, and cool him down physically. He should be fine for a few hours."
Sun Mu said, "Just now, I was too worried and anxious. Doctors should never use strong or overly harsh medicine. It may seem that symptoms disappear quickly, but it actually masks the true cause and delays the treatment. The doctor's approach makes sense." He then suggested, "Why don't we invite you to stay at the mansion tonight? We can monitor you if anything happens." Jefferson jokingly said, "Of course! We have many beautiful nurses in our hospital who are fans of Mr. Xiao. I also want to wait until he's in better spirits tomorrow and give me a few autographs. I'm sure they'll be very popular with the girls at the hospital."
Luo Guyun stayed by his bed all night, not daring to close his eyes, constantly wiping his body to dissipate heat and cool him down. Xiao Qin brought some wind-dispelling and cold-relieving herbal medicine, and Xiao Xiangyue fell into a deep sleep after taking it.
Sun Mu and Dr. Jefferson had a long conversation outside, and he hadn't slept all night either. He would occasionally come into the bedroom to check on her pulse. He saw her brow furrowed, her expression anxious. He consoled her, saying, "Don't worry, my dear brother. Yue'er's pulse is stable, her fever has subsided, and she's showing signs of improvement."
Luo Guyun frowned and said, "I'm worried about Yue'er's brain problem... Doctor Sun also said before that once this disease breaks out, there is no medicine to cure it..." Sun Mu said, "The doctor and I were discussing this just now. Mr. Jefferson is the most authoritative expert in neurosurgery today. He has found from past brain dissection cases that there are cases where the brain blood vessels are different from those of ordinary people, but there were no symptoms during life. So he told us not to worry too much. In addition... I think Yue'er is actually stronger than we thought. She was so weak when she was young, but she survived several attacks. Now that she is older, she is much stronger and should be safe. Also, you are his spiritual support. For your brother, he will be fine..."
By dawn, Xiao Xiangyue's fever had indeed subsided, her complexion had improved, and she had even drunk half a bowl of millet porridge. Luo Guyun finally breathed a sigh of relief.
A few months ago, a foreign company in Shanghai ordered a piano from England. It arrived just before the New Year and was shipped directly to the Nanjing residence. Xiao Xiangyue, having regained some energy, planned to practice a piece for a central government reception tomorrow. Luo Guoyun accompanied her with great interest. Xiao Xiangyue sat upright at the piano stool, looking up at him after each short passage, exchanging a smile before resuming her piano practice. Their conversation was silent, their eyes connecting with each other, a scene of indescribable warmth and sweetness.
Hei Zhu ran to the door, barely catching his breath before he panicked and shouted, "Master, an urgent telegram has arrived from Luling County..." He quickly shut up when he saw Xiao Xiangyue sitting with him at the piano. Luo Guyun straightened up and asked, "Why the rush?" Hei Zhu didn't dare speak. He simply took a few steps forward and handed him the telegram.
He unfolded it and saw that the telegram was sent by Chunmei. It clearly said: Master Li Tiannian died at 6:20 am on the ninth day of the first lunar month.
Xiao Xiangyue also stood up from the piano stool and asked, "Brother Yun, who sent the telegram?" Luo Guyun's mind raced, trying to make up a lie, but he knew he couldn't hide it. He could only stare at him, his palms sweating, and said with difficulty, "Master... is dead..."
Xiao Xiangyue's body swayed, and he fell back onto the piano stool, slamming his elbows hard on the keys with a loud "bang". Luo Guyun was prepared. He rushed forward and supported his shaky body, calling out urgently: "Yue'er!" Xiao Xiangyue looked at him, smiled sadly, and murmured: "Master... is dead..." Tears rolled down her eyes.
Li Tiannian was more than just a mentor to Xiao Xiangyue. For five years, they spent every day together, imparting his life's work bit by bit to him. During Luo Guoyun's absence, he cared for him like a loving father, providing him with infinite love and warmth. Less than a year after their separation, his uncle passed away, unable to even see him one last time. How could he not grieve?
A mourning hall was set up in the mansion. The two dressed in white, burned incense, and offered their respects. Xiao Xiangyue collapsed in Luo Guyun's arms, weeping heartily. After a long moment, she forced herself to suppress her grief. With a solemn expression, she placed the jade pendant, which Master Shang could never send, before the coffin. With her eyes slightly closed, she knelt motionless, as if in a trance.
Luo Guyun was terribly worried, secretly cursing the heavens for being so wicked and blind to Yue'er. Unpleasant things kept happening one after another. Just as he was getting better, the matter of his master's uncle came up, tormenting him to death.
People from the mansion arrived one after another to pay their respects. Sun Mu also came with his newlywed wife to pay his respects. Luo Guoyun knelt by his side, and upon seeing Sun Mu, he was as if he had seen a savior, winking frantically. Sun Mu understood, moved closer, and took his pulse.
Xiao Xiangyue opened her eyes, looked at everyone, and said in a low but clear voice: "Brother Yun, Brother Sun... Don't worry, Yue'er is fine. Just now... I was just talking to Master. Yue'er wanted to ask Master, have you hated me all your life, or loved me all your life... If you were alive, would you be willing to see Master Shang again... Master has lived a life of wandering and loneliness. If you could start over, would you make the same choice..."
Seeing his calm tone and normal expression, Luo Guyun felt a little relieved. He tried to persuade him, "Yue'er has just recovered from her illness, and she can't stand kneeling like this. Even if my uncle is still alive, he can't bear to see you in such grief. Your health is the most important thing. You can come to worship him every day in the future. Now, please go back to your room and rest with your brother, okay?"
Xiao Xiangyue didn't want to worry everyone too much, so he stood up obediently. He had been kneeling for too long and could no longer stand straight. He stumbled, and Luo Guyun picked him up by the waist and carried him back to the bedroom.
Sun Mu brought a plaster to invigorate blood circulation and reduce swelling. Luo Guyun gently rubbed his slightly swollen knee, feeling truly sorry for him. He idly muttered, "Master-uncle has no other relatives in this world. I've asked my second brother to inform Senior Brother in Shanghai and Master-uncle Shang in Suzhou of Master-uncle's death." Xiao Xiangyue whispered, "It's only natural. Yue'er is just sad, but Brother Yun is more thoughtful." Luo Guyun added, "Auntie Chun will take care of Master-uncle's funeral, so Yue'er doesn't have to worry. As for the tombstone, it should be erected by you and me... I want to write it myself and have Heizhu and Afeng send it back to Lizhuang. I'll write: Disciple Xiao Xiangyue, Son-in-law Luo Guyun. What do you think, Yue'er?" Xiao Xiangyue whispered, "Just do as Brother Yun says...Master-uncle loves to drink Biluochun. I bought quite a bit of it in Suzhou the other day. They're all top-quality. I'll have them take it back and offer a cup of new tea to Master-uncle's grave on Yue'er's behalf..."
Yi Han came to the door of the room on crutches. Luo Guyun quickly stood up and greeted: "Why did you come here in person, second brother? If you have anything to say, just ask the servants to pass on the message. Come in and sit down..." Yi Han sat down on the soft couch in the bedroom, wanting to say something but stopping himself. Xiao Xiangyue sat up from the bed and said: "Second brother, if you have anything to say, just say it." Yi Han sighed: "From Suzhou Yongnian Society, the apprentice of Boss Shang called. He said that when the master heard the news of Uncle Li's death, he became crazy and broke the pipa that he had used for decades into three pieces. He also smashed all the musical instruments in Yongnian Society to pieces, shouting: What Yongnian... or Linian... or Linian! He died of coughing up blood. Before his death, he asked Yue'er to return the jade pendant to him, and he would take it to the underworld to find his brother..."
Xiao Xiangyue was stunned. Luo Guyun held his forehead... This was simply a case of "when it rains it pours!" Yue'er had suffered such a series of blows, and she wondered if she could withstand it... Worried, she simply held his hand in her palm, rubbing it repeatedly, as if this could give him some comfort and ease her own anxiety.
Yi Han added, "I don't have much to do in Nanjing. I want to open a few branches in Suzhou after the New Year, so I have to go there. How about Yue'er hand over the jade pendant to my second brother, and I'll leave tomorrow. I can also go to pay my respects on behalf of my third brother and Yue'er."
Xiao Xiangyue's eyes were slightly red, and her face was pale, but she didn't cry. She gripped Luo Guyun tightly with her backhand, her knuckles turning pale from the force she applied. She pursed her lips and said softly, "Thank you for all the hard work, Second Brother. I had something else to say to Master Shang the next time we met, but now there's no chance. I'll write a letter, please take it with you and burn it during the memorial service."
Luo Guyun felt the hand he held tremble slightly, and knew that he was forcing himself to remain calm. He said distressedly: "Yue'er is not in good spirits, so you don't have to go to the cocktail party tomorrow. Brother will accompany you to rest at home. Or we can find a place with beautiful scenery and take Yue'er to relax..." Xiao Xiangyue said: "You came all the way to Nanjing, how can I not go? Brother Yun, don't delay your business for Yue'er." Luo Guyun muttered softly: "Attending a cocktail party is not a serious matter..." Seeing that he was still in good spirits and could still put on a stern face and teach people seriously, he was happy and no longer insisted.
The New Year's reception was held in the banquet hall of the Central Government Administration Building.
Almost every important figure from the military and political circles was present. The spacious hall was ablaze with light, awash in dazzling brilliance. Groups of familiar faces gathered to socialize, glasses of wine in hand, and engaged in lively conversation. The ladies, adorned in their finery, competed for beauty. The scene was filled with officials, beautiful women in elegant attire, a scene of opulence and prosperity, a scene reminiscent of a prosperous and peaceful era.
There is a small podium in the front of the hall, and a shiny black grand piano is quietly placed in the center.
Luo Guoyun was accompanied by Xiao Xiangyue, Yishui, Sun Mu and his wife, several adjutants, and important military officers. Due to the recent death of their master's uncle, both men were dressed in pure white, their suits immaculately tailored, and their presence immediately attracted numerous glances.
Warm applause erupted as the Chairman and his wife emerged arm in arm. A hush fell over the noisy hall. The Chairman steadily walked to the microphone at the podium and delivered his New Year's address. His address focused on the nation's current internal and external challenges, calling on everyone to support the central government and unite to overcome these challenges.
Luo Guyun, wine glass in hand, listened attentively while whispering something to Yi Shui. Xiao Xiangyue looked thinner, her obsidian eyes fixed on the podium, her gaze deep and lost in thought.
The reception was hosted by the Executive Yuan. Under the chairmanship of President Kong, people from all parties gave speeches one by one. Luo Guoyun also came on stage to give a brief New Year's speech.
The dignified and graceful wife of the chairman, dressed in an exquisite and elegant cheongsam, took the podium and delivered a passionate speech, which won rounds of applause. Finally, she stood at the microphone and announced that this year's reception would feature a special piano solo performance by the renowned musician Mr. Xiao Xiangyue.
Luo Guyun was worried about Yue'er's health and didn't want him to go on stage. Yi Shui said that his wife attached great importance to this performance and specially invited some international friends and ambassadors to China to attend the reception to appreciate the performance of Western musical instruments by musicians trained by our country. If the performance cannot be held, it will be a disgrace to the country. Moreover, with Xiao Xiangyue's serious nature, since she had agreed, there was absolutely no reason for her to break her promise. Luo Guyun changed his mind and thought that Yue'er had been depressed for the past two days because of the death of his two uncles. If music could distract him from thinking about these sad things all day, it would be good. So he reluctantly agreed.
The two exchanged a glance, Xiao Xiangyue's eyes were deep, telling Luo Guyun with her eyes to rest assured. Amidst the warm applause of the crowd, he walked onto the stage calmly. The bright lights cast a shadow on his handsome face, revealing his skin as delicate as fine porcelain, like pearls and jade, and his whole body exuded a noble and extraordinary temperament. He stood still on the stage, bowed deeply, and waited for the applause in the hall to subside. He sat elegantly on the piano stool, slightly concentrating, his eyelashes trembling, his slender fingers raised high, pausing for two or three seconds, and then heavily dropped on the keys, his ten fingers flying rapidly on the black and white keyboard.
Before anyone could react, a surging, turbulent sound of music poured into their eardrums like a tidal wave, like a force twelve gale, washing over their souls. There was a whisper in the hall at first, but within seconds, everyone practically held their breath, as if the overwhelming power of the music had instantly taken their souls away.
Xiao Xiangyue's piece for today's performance was Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, "Fate." He had originally wanted to play a piece he had written himself, but only decided to play it last night.
Ike was a good teacher. When teaching Xiao Xiangyue piano, he not only taught her technique but also explained the musical history of various countries. Among the vast sea of ​​musicians and works, Xiao Xiangyue particularly loved Tchaikovsky and Beethoven. He particularly loved Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, having devoted countless hours to practicing it. Ike commented that Xiao Xiangyue's technique was flawless, his playing smooth, and flawless. What he lacked was verve. Beethoven composed this classic piece amidst the multiple setbacks of deafness and the loss of his beloved. Although Xiao Xiangyue was exceptionally gifted, she was still only seventeen years old. Having been pampered since childhood and protected by Luo Guyun, she had never experienced the hardships of life and, naturally, was unable to express the profound meaning of this piece.
Xiao Xiangyue possessed a delicate and refined heart, rich and delicate emotions, and a keener understanding of all kinds of emotions than most. The series of misfortunes that had struck him in just a few days had profoundly impacted his heart. With his eyes slightly closed, his fingers flew, almost blindly playing the instrument. His expression was serene, yet his heart was turbulent. His mind flashed back to his parents' desolate graves in the mountains... At dusk, his uncle sat in the courtyard, his solitary figure humming along as he played the Pingtan... In the snow, his uncle Shang, trembling with loneliness, fished out his jade pendant... On the platform, a humble man desperately ran after the train... On the train, a child's heartbreaking cries... As if glimpsing the cruel truth of fate, Xiao Xiangyue unleashed all his strength, his pent-up emotions seemingly finding an outlet. He vividly conveyed the music's despair, sorrow, and sigh of helplessness. The thrilling melody carries the player's profound understanding of the ill-fated fate and strikes directly into the listener's soul.
Ike was right. Fate seemed to have favored him, leaving him untouched by the filth, hardships, and sufferings of the world. These days, he'd suddenly realized that he wasn't born to be fate's favorite. Luo Guyun was like a barrier, meticulously protecting him and shielding him from all pain and misfortune. Without Brother Yun, Xiao Xiangyue would be nothing more than a wandering soul. Luo Guyun always hated to see him suffer even the slightest harm, unaware that the warmth and love he'd given him was powerful enough to empower him to overcome all hardship.
When Li Zhuang fell critically ill, he realized that Luo Guyun was his spiritual strength, filling his heart with abundance, courage, and strength. Despite the hardships of fate and the suffering of all, love always illuminates the soul... He met Brother Yun at ten, fell in love at fourteen, and married at sixteen. There were no misunderstandings, no missed opportunities, not a single regret... How fortunate he was! Perhaps most people in this world carry pain. But he carried a love as vast and heavy as the ocean... His mother, who tragically died to save him; his aunt, who burned herself to death to save him; his grandfather, who dedicated himself to his care and continued to remember him until his death; his father and uncle, who dedicated their life's work to teaching him... The memories flashed through his mind like a movie scene... Xiao Xiangyue played with all her might, practically risking her life... Through this piece of music, he spoke to all those who loved him. In the second half of the music, the sonorous and powerful melody sweeps away the humility and cowardice, and smoothes out what needs to be smoothed out... What we should care about is still the eternal love and freedom, joy and peace, light and ideals of the human spirit.
The music has stopped and the hall is silent. Everyone seems to be under a spell, their souls have been strongly washed and baptized, and they are still immersed in the strong shock brought by the music.
Luo Guyun was utterly shocked. His Yue'er was beautiful, no matter how he looked at her. But now, for the first time, he sensed the beauty of strength in her... He felt as if something was different about Yue'er, a transformation like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Just now, he almost glimpsed the tough heart and powerful soul beneath his calm exterior.
After a long time, the hall erupted in thunderous applause that lasted for a long time.
The chairman marveled, saying that if he hadn't heard it himself, he'd have found it hard to believe such a moving piece of music existed. His wife, having lived in the West for many years, had heard this piece performed live several times and lamented that none could surpass today's performance. The crowd in the hall was abuzz with discussion, stunned and amazed.
Xiao Xiangyue had just immersed herself in a performance that had exhausted her mind and body, and she felt a little exhausted. The hall was filled with applause, and she could only bow repeatedly to the audience in gratitude. Luo Guoyun, seeing this, felt distressed and said to his wife, "Xiangyue seems a little unwell. Can you find a quiet place for him to rest for a while?" His wife was very happy today. She thought the piano performance arrangement was a stroke of genius, which had amazed her Western friends and was truly honored. Her admiration for Xiao Xiangyue grew even stronger. She immediately summoned the Executive Yuan secretary and took him to the second-floor lounge to rest.
Luo Guyun, supporting Xiao Xiangyue, had just stepped onto the spiral staircase when Commander-in-Chief Bai from Guangxi grabbed him and laughed heartily, "Brother, I finally caught you. Come with me... We haven't seen each other for a long time. We've been waiting for you for ages..." Sun Mu, who was standing nearby chatting with several adjutants, hurried over and said, "Don't worry, brother. I'll take care of Yue'er." He was of course relieved to have Sun Mu take care of Xiao Xiangyue. However, he didn't want to save face and followed Commander-in-Chief Bai to join the group of people drinking and socializing.
The secretary who took Xiao Xiangyue to the lounge was He Qisheng. He was a top graduate of the Finance Department at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Chief Secretary to Executive Yuan President Kong, in charge of economics. He was highly capable and held in high esteem by President Kong. He Qisheng was about the same age as Sun Mu, around 27 or 28 years old, with fairly handsome features, though there was a hint of melancholy between his brows.
Xiao Xiangyue was reclining on the sofa. Sun Mu noticed his tired expression and placed his hand on his pulse, which was unstable and somewhat exhausted. In the car were Guyuan Anshen Pills, a prescription Sun Mu had recently prepared, so he thought of getting some for him. Just as he was hesitating, He Qisheng, who was very good at reading people's expressions, said quickly, "Adjutant Sun, go ahead and do whatever you need. Don't worry, I'll be watching over Young Master Xiao here. He'll be fine." Thinking that the car was parked at the entrance of the banquet hall and he would be back in a few minutes, Sun Mu went downstairs.
He Qisheng leaned against the door, his eyes fixed on the person lying on the sofa. Suddenly, he said, "Young Master Xiao is an exceptional qin player and extremely talented in music, a quality he seems to have inherited from his parents." Upon hearing this, Xiao Xiangyue opened her eyes and sat up, startled, "Sir... do you know my parents?" He Qisheng added, "Young Master Xiao's facial features seem to resemble his mother more." Xiao Xiangyue stood up from the sofa and trembled, "You... have you seen my mother?" He Qisheng sneered sinisterly, "Of course I have. Not only that... I have many photos of your mother hidden in my old house in Yangzhou." Xiao Xiangyue asked in surprise, "You... who are you?" He Qisheng said, "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself... My father, He Futang, was killed by your father, Xiao Pingzhou."
In the hall, elegant and soothing music filled the air, and men and women in their finest attire danced gracefully on the dance floor. Luo Guoyun, handsome and elegant, with a distinguished demeanor, had always been considered the ideal bachelor by the ladies. Unfortunately, his austere demeanor, never flirting with women, meant that the socialites who sought to connect with him had no chance. Naturally, he wouldn't miss an occasion like today. Miss Kong, known for her open-mindedness, took the initiative and invited him to dance. Miss Kong was the apple of Dean Kong's eye, and Luo Guoyun couldn't afford to disrespect her, so he left the dance floor with her.
Yi Shui had just left for something, and now he reappeared in the hall, filled with elegantly dressed people. He looked anxiously for Luo Guyun, and after asking several acquaintances, he realized he was dancing. Without thinking twice, he ran straight to the center of the dance floor and whispered something in his ear. Luo Guyun's expression changed drastically, and he quickly apologized to Miss Kong and hurried away.
Luo Guyun was so anxious that he took two steps at a time and climbed the stairs. He saw Xiao Xiangyue's face full of shock, almost unable to stand. He rushed over, supported the staggering person, and shouted sharply: "He Qisheng, what do you want to do?"
Last time in Jincheng, Luo Guyun heard Lu Hankun mention the governor Xiao Pingzhou had offended, whose surname was He. He became concerned. After arriving in Shanghai, he had asked Yi Shui to inquire about the matter. The governor had been dead for many years, and it seemed he had a grandson who had been sent abroad to study. Just now at a cocktail party, Yi Shui had overheard that the Executive Yuan had a capable secretary named He who had returned from studying abroad. He became more suspicious and went to the archives to check. It turned out to be the governor's grandson. He quickly reported it to Luo Guyun. But he was still a step too late.
When Sun Mu returned from fetching the medicine, he saw Xiao Xiangyue looking distraught and Luo Guyun with a dark face. Unaware of what had happened during their brief absence, he asked in surprise, "Yue'er, what's wrong?" Xiao Xiangyue's lips trembled, "He...he said Daddy killed his father."
Xiao Xiangyue was only ten when Xiao Pingzhou died. He knew only that his parents had offended a powerful figure and fled to the mountains. No one had ever mentioned his father to him since then, leaving him completely unaware of the past grudges. He Qisheng's words were like thunderclaps, shocking him. Seeing the expressions of Luo Guyun and Sun Mu, he understood a good part of it and trembled, "Is this... true?" Sun Mu hurriedly helped him to the sofa, "Yue'er, sit down and talk... Don't worry, take your medicine."
He Qisheng looked at Xiao Xiangyue with almost crazy eyes: "Within three days, Mr. Xiao, come to my old house in Yangzhou, and I will return your mother's photo to you. Otherwise, I will burn it, and you will never see it again in this life."
Luo Guyun's face was filled with anger, and he said coldly: "Mr. He, are you tired of living?"
He Qisheng laughed heartily, his attitude wildly: "General Luo, I know! You can kill me as easily as stepping on an ant. I may not be able to leave this door today... Or, you can send troops to raze my old house in Yangzhou to the ground... But..." He Qisheng pointed at Xiao Xiangyue and laughed so hard that he fell backwards: "His father killed my father back then, and now he wants to kill me. If this gets out, it will be really a strange thing, very funny!"
Seeing Yue'er sitting on the sofa with a pale face, Luo Guyun was worried and said in a deep voice, "Kick this lunatic out."
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