Chapter 214 Green on one side, red on the other (Seeking monthly votes)
Half an hour later.
The melodious sound of a zither filled the Spring Lotus Garden.
Like a school of fish swimming through a stream, like birds flying over a valley, like a horse galloping freely on a boundless grassland.
The melody of "Free and Easy Wandering" is so ethereal and cheerful.
Even though it was Xiao Wan'er's first time playing this piece and her performance was far from perfect, it still caused the flowers, birds, fish, and insects in the Spring Lotus Garden to jump around.
Under the sunlight, one can vaguely see flowers and grass fluttering in the air.
But scenery is scenery.
Compared to Xiao Wan'er, who sat gracefully in the pavilion playing music, they all paled in comparison.
Even phrases like "beauty that could make fish sink and geese fall from the sky" and "a face as beautiful as a flower and the moon" are insufficient to describe her beauty.
Her black hair fluttered in the wind, and her eyebrows were as dark as distant mountains.
Her nose was delicate and her lips were like jade; her cheeks were as white as snow.
The red dress accentuated her slender waist, and her delicate, boneless figure resembled a peony.
Chen Yi stood on one side of the pavilion, watching Xiao Wan'er with a smile on his face, and Li Bai's poem "Qing Ping Diao" couldn't help but come to mind.
The clouds think of clothes and the flowers think of beauty, the spring breeze blows on the threshold and the dew is gorgeous.
If not seen atop Mount Qunyu, then met beneath the moon on the Jade Terrace.
Although there was no spring breeze at this moment, and Xiao Wan'er was not the plump and beautiful Yang Guifei, she was indeed like a fairy who had fallen to earth.
She was elegant and beautiful.
The piece was finished playing shortly afterward.
Xiao Wan'er raised her eyes slightly, about to speak, but met Chen Yi's gaze and subconsciously lowered her head again.
"My brother-in-law's song 'Free and Easy Wandering' has a different melody from those melodious and lyrical pieces. It's more cheerful and has a stronger sense of heroic spirit."
"It's just that I've only just received the score, and my phrasing is not good enough. I'm not proficient enough in the sections, pauses, and breaks, so I can't bring out the essence of this piece."
Seeing her slightly embarrassed expression, Chen Yi chuckled and praised her:
"Eldest sister's musical skills are unparalleled; I can't hear any rustiness in you from not touching the strings for so long."
"There are still some mistakes. For example, at the end of the first section, the melody should be deeper and more profound."
"The middle section of the second verse, 'Birds Flying South,' should be grand and stirring..."
Xiao Wan'er probably genuinely felt that she had made too many mistakes in playing this piece.
She explained in such detail not only to Chen Yi where she went wrong, but also to reinforce the lesson for herself so that she wouldn't make the same mistake again.
Chen Yi didn't think that much about it.
He silently memorized the fingering and points of attention that Xiao Wan'er had just played, trying to identify some of the disjointed passages and find the differences.
Simply put, it's about learning from others.
Whether it's medicine, music, or martial arts, he has to practice them all before he can learn the techniques and skills.
In contrast, the art of playing the zither was more complicated for him.
The difficulty is further compounded by the fact that one must map the sections of the sheet music and the words for entering and exiting the breath onto the strings.
However, after watching Xiao Wan'er play the entire piece, Chen Yi finally had the complete melody of "Free and Easy Wandering" in his mind.
Given some time to try, it shouldn't be difficult for him to grasp the basics of "Free and Easy Wandering".
Just as Chen Yi was about to continue praising him, he suddenly noticed that Xiao Wan'er, Xiao Wuge, Pei Guanli, and the others were all looking at him. He asked in confusion, "What's wrong?"
Pei Guanli chuckled, "Brother-in-law, you're spacing out."
Xiao Wuge then explained, "Brother-in-law, my eldest sister just said you should try it too."
Chen Yi opened his mouth, pointed at himself, and asked, "Me?"
Xiao Wan'er nodded and said with a smile, "I heard early on that my brother-in-law is proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Why don't you play a tune for me?"
Chen Yi tried to argue, "Sometimes you can't believe rumors. Actually, my piano skills... are nonexistent."
Obviously, some people might have believed him when he first arrived in Shu Prefecture.
Now, not only Xiao Wan'er didn't believe it, but even Shen Huatang, who usually treated him coldly, didn't believe it.
Pei Guanli pushed him to sit at the table without saying a word, and said with a smile, "Brother-in-law, let us hear it."
"It's this song, what's it called 'Xiaoyao'? It's the one that Sister Wan'er just played. You two can have a competition."
Chen Yi looked at the group and saw their encouraging and expectant eyes, so he could only nod resignedly.
There's no other way.
This is what they were eagerly requesting.
Then no wonder he made a fool of himself.
Chen Yi secretly pursed his lips, then took a deep breath, letting his hands hang naturally, his slender fingers resting on the strings.
The next moment—bang.
Xiao Wan'er, who had been smiling, lost some of her smile upon hearing this first sound.
*Smack*
The second sound was a string striking the soundboard, crisp but unpleasant.
Shen Huatang quickly circulated his true energy to slightly seal his ear bones.
Thump.
After the third time, it wasn't just Xiao Wan'er who was puzzled.
Pei Guanli and Xiao Wuge, who had an inexplicable confidence in Chen Yi, both showed a look of astonishment.
The group looked at each other, none of them understanding what was wrong.
In contrast, Chen Yi remained calm, his movements fluid and graceful, clad in fine clothes and jade belt.
Since he had already revealed his true intentions, he simply let loose and fired all his shots.
They didn't care whether the playing was accurate or not, or whether it sounded good or not.
He followed Xiao Wan'er's steps directly from his memory, his ten fingers flying back and forth and left and right.
A series of thumping and clapping sounds came from the piano.
It has nothing to do with melodiousness, boldness, or carefree spirit.
If Xiao Wan'er's previous playing could be described as "pleasant to the ear," then Chen Yi's playing could only be described as "thunderous and ruthless."
Pei Guanli stood there, stunned, her expression blank.
Xiao Wuge covered his ears, staring at Chen Yi's hands, hesitating whether to step forward and hold him down.
Xiao Wan'er gradually revealed a smile, and her eyes seemed to say to Chen Yi—so there are things you don't know.
During this period of time, no matter what questions she had, whether it was about running a pharmacy, the medical academy, poetry, books, chess, or anything else, Chen Yi could always offer some insights.
Moreover, Chen Yi's words are often accurate, and they frequently offer thought-provoking insights.
As a result, Xiao Wan'er unknowingly came to believe that Chen Yi was omnipotent, and she even occasionally felt that she was stupid and ignorant.
However, upon hearing the music played by Chen Yi, she felt inexplicably relieved.
They probably believe that there is no such thing as a "perfect" person in the world.
A quarter of an hour later, the music ended.
Two lines of large golden characters then appeared:
[Successfully completed the "Free and Easy Wandering" musical score; Level: Beginner]
[Guitar Skills: Beginner 0/1 (Points can be added)]
Chen Yi glanced at them, then stood up with a hint of lingering interest. He looked at Xiao Wan'er and the others and nodded with a smile, saying, "I've made a fool of myself."
Shen Huatang was the first to lose her temper, rolled her eyes, turned her head away and muttered something like, "I really made a fool of myself."
Pei Guanli laughed heartily, "Brother-in-law, I didn't expect your piano skills to be so bad, much worse than Sister Wan'er's."
Xiao Wuge didn't laugh, but looked at Chen Yi suspiciously, and asked hesitantly:
"Brother-in-law, people in Jiangnan Prefecture have been saying that you are proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting."
Chen Yi spread his hands and said with a smile, "That's the truth."
"I understand nine out of ten aspects of the art of playing the zither—I understand none of the rest, but you just don't believe me."
Xiao Wan'er's bright eyes reflected his image, and she said, suppressing a smile, "It's not that we don't trust you, brother-in-law."
"It's because few can match your calligraphy and chess skills that I subconsciously believed the rumors to be true."
Chen Yi smiled and shook his head, saying, "The rumors are indeed somewhat inaccurate."
"Just like the rumors that the lady was eight feet tall and had a waist of eight feet in Jiangnan Prefecture, it was all just hearsay."
"What is it?"
"Is it true that Sister Jinghong is eight feet tall and has a waistline of eight feet?"
Pei Guanli said indignantly, "The people from Jiangnan Prefecture are full of lies."
Chen Yi pretended not to hear.
Now that he is the son-in-law of the Marquis of Dingyuan, he can follow his wife wherever she goes and thus call himself a native of Shuzhou.
As noon approached, everyone began preparing lunch at Chunhe Garden.
Mooncakes, preserved duck, roast chicken, and all sorts of delicacies from land and sea are available.
Xiao Wan'er's mood naturally improved a lot, and she no longer worried about the Medical Academy because of the Emperor's decree punishing the old master.
Xiao Wuge was still young. Although he knew that something had happened in the manor, he simply thought that it was enough that his family members were still alive.
Shen Huatang, along with Xiaodie and the others, set up a small table and ate lunch under a tree on the other side.
Pei Guanli, ever carefree, didn't forget to inquire about the poetry gathering that evening while eating and drinking.
"Brother-in-law, when are we leaving for the academy?"
After finishing a piece of duck leg, Chen Yi wiped his mouth and replied, "Let's see what the manor's arrangements are for this evening."
Xiao Wan'er was slightly taken aback and looked at him, saying, "Isn't this a bit too late?"
"It's alright."
"There are many rules at the poetry gathering. You have to worship the moon, appreciate the moon, listen to music, and compose poems. If you arrive early, you can only be a spectator."
Chen Yi wasn't in a hurry at all.
With so many teachers and students at the academy, one more or one less makes no difference.
Even with a large number of guests, the prestige of Mr. Yue Ming and others was enough to keep the scene in check.
Xiao Wan'er hesitated and said, "Let's go sooner rather than later."
"Because of the imperial edict, my grandfather and the others probably won't be in the mood to enjoy the dinner today."
Before she came to Chunhe Garden, the old master had asked her to invite the accountants from the mansion and the pharmacy over.
They said they needed to carefully calculate how long the summer grain harvest in the three towns could last, as well as the specific costs required to purchase grain and fodder.
Therefore, Xiao Shen and others from the third branch of the Xiao family have gathered at the Qingjing Residence.
Chen Yi thought for a moment and then stopped refusing. "In that case, it would be good to go to the academy as soon as possible."
Xiao Wan'er hummed in agreement and smiled, saying, "If it's too early, let's stroll around the Quchi Pond."
Pei Guanli raised both hands in agreement: "Okay, let's go over there to admire the lanterns and solve the riddles."
“When I was in my clan, I always heard my older brothers and sisters say that the Mid-Autumn Festival in the city was very lively.”
Chen Yi glanced at her and couldn't help but tease, "Can you do it?"
"Why not?"
"Then let me test you—one side is green and the other is red, one side is afraid of water and the other is afraid of insects, guess a word."
Pei Guanli's smile faltered. After a moment of thought, she stared at him blankly: "Brother-in-law, is there really such a character?"
Xiao Wan'er covered her mouth and laughed, "It's the 'autumn' in 'autumn'."
“Green refers to rice seedlings, red refers to fire, fire is afraid of water, rice is afraid of insects, and together they form the character ‘秋’ (autumn).
"Huh? That doesn't count, it doesn't count."
Seeing that Hu Yatou was unconvinced, Chen Yi continued with another question:
"It has a head but no tail, horns but no mouth, shakes its horns and head, and is entirely water. Guess what it is."
Before Pei Guanli could answer, Xiao Wuge's eyes lit up, "I know, I know this."
"Brother-in-law, it's a 'fish,' right?"
Chen Yi smiled and nodded, "That's right."
Pei Guanli was naturally unwilling to give up, and she didn't even care about eating. She pouted and tugged at his sleeve, begging him to give her another question.
"Then let's have one more."
"It's not sweet, it's not salty, it's everywhere in winter..."
While Chen Yi, Pei Guanli, and Xiao Wuge were bickering, Xiao Wan'er remained silent.
She just sat quietly to the side, watching and listening, occasionally taking a small bite of mooncake, her mind filled with memories of the past.
Although Xiao Wan'er had been in poor health since birth, she was still quite happy living in the mansion.
At that time, her father, Xiao Fengchun, returned from Jinling and succeeded to the position of Marquis of Dingyuan.
For a long time, Xiao Fengchun was mostly traveling, much like Xiao Jinghong is now.
Xiao Fengchun would only return to his residence during festivals and holidays, when the whole family would gather together.
I remember the Mid-Autumn Festival ten years ago, also in this Spring Lotus Garden.
When Xiao Fengchun returned, he brought gifts for her and her second sister—two ivory swords that he had seized from the barbarians.
Even though it was just a decoration, Xiao Wan'er was still very happy.
That was the first time she had received a gift that looked like a weapon.
She still remembers her father's words of comfort: "It doesn't matter if you can't practice martial arts, it's enough to have this intention."
Xiao Wan'er didn't understand at the time, but now she can understand a little bit—her father wanted her to be stronger.
Remain calm and composed in the face of adversity; be upright and incorruptible.
In this respect, she admitted that she did not do as well as her second sister.
After all, Xiao Jinghong left Shuzhou with her master when she was very young to practice martial arts and travel the world.
However, Xiao Wan'er had no idea where she went or what she did.
All she knew was that her second sister had a high talent for martial arts and a high level of cultivation.
Thinking about this...
Xiao Wan'er couldn't help but look somewhat wistful.
Now her parents died on the battlefield, and her second sister was forced to join the army, constantly traveling around, unable to return home even for the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Chen Yi glanced at Xiao Wan'er out of the corner of his eye, noticing her unusual expression. He guessed it was related to "family," so he simply smiled and greeted her:
"Big sister, let's guess one too."
Xiao Wan'er snapped out of her daze, met Chen Yi's gaze, and finally managed a smile on her face.
"good."
"When you're little, you have four legs; when you grow up, you have two legs; when you're old..."
As Xiao Wan'er listened to the question, she silently thought to herself:
"I have no other wish than that my second sister will be safe and sound."
...
Southwest of Shu Prefecture lies the Wumeng Mountains.
The mountain people living here, though also subjects of the Great Wei, have very different Mid-Autumn Festival customs compared to those of other states in the Central Plains.
Besides moon worship and ancestor worship, the Mid-Autumn Festival is also the best time for mountain men and women to get engaged.
As soon as the bonfire was lit, the dance began.
Singing and dancing together might lead to a man and woman becoming a family.
Early in the morning, men and women were scattered throughout the mountain village, making their own preparations.
You should wear gorgeous clothes.
The gift should be original and unique.
Folk songs and love songs also need to be practiced.
So, every now and then, a song or two would echo through the mountains, attracting a few jokes from acquaintances.
“Brother Dadi, your words don’t suit your taste. Sister Qing won’t like them.”
"Get lost, your singing is awful..."
The mountain girls were all getting dressed up.
They wore most of the jewelry, gold and silver jewels, or valuable gemstones that were kept at the bottom of their family chests.
The scattered details, combined with their beautiful faces, create a unique kind of beauty.
When Xiao Jinghong arrived, it was just after lunch, and the commotion in the village had subsided considerably.
Of course, she wouldn't mind any noise.
After looking it over.
As usual, Xiao Jinghong arrived at the old-looking bamboo house in the center of the village, bowed, and clasped his hands in greeting:
"This junior, Jinghong, requests an audience with Granny Shan."
She didn't use her official status, but instead identified herself as a junior in the martial arts world, which was a sign of respect for Granny Shan's martial arts cultivation.
Just then, a hoarse, aged voice came from inside the bamboo building: "Jinghong has arrived? Come in."
The door opened with a click.
Xiao Jinghong said yes, and as he stood up, he caught a glimpse of a man dressed in a blue short-sleeved shirt who had rushed over after hearing the news. He nodded, greeted him, and went into the bamboo house.
The door then closed.
The man outside the door looked at the disappearing figure and sighed sadly.
“The sons of the Wei family are ultimately different from my mountain tribe.”
"never mind……"
He left quietly.
The sound of footsteps faded into the distance.
Xiao Jinghong heard all of this, but he remained calm and sat down opposite Granny Shan.
She removed the half-mask and placed it aside, revealing her unadorned, stunning beauty. Looking at Granny Shan, she said:
"I came in a hurry and did not bring any gifts. I hope you will forgive me, Mother-in-law."
Granny Shan was thin and sat at the table, a head shorter than Xiao Jinghong, who sat upright.
She wore a black linen dress, with a necklace woven from tortoise shells and wolf teeth hanging from her chest, and a gentle smile on her wrinkled face.
“Jinghong, you have done a great service to my mountain tribe, there is no need to be so polite.”
"Besides, you are busy with military affairs and also have to take care of the Wushan trade market. I am already very happy that you can take the time to come and see me."
Although she spoke slowly, her voice was still quite strong.
Unlike an ordinary elderly person.
Of course, Xiao Jinghong didn't treat her as an ordinary old lady.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, she asked, knowing the answer already, "Has Sister Guanli already left the Mountain Clan?"
Grandma Shan nodded with a smile: "That girl can't stay still. After staying for a few days, she started clamoring to go to the city."
"But at least she has a conscience; she still knows to bring some things back."
Seeing that she looked normal, Xiao Jinghong pondered and said, "Mother-in-law must have already heard about what happened a few days ago, so I won't hide it from you."
"I wonder if Grandma has heard Guanli mention that letter?"
Grandma Shan seemed to have expected this, and replied, "I heard some of it."
"That girl can't hide her feelings. She always looks uneasy after she comes back. I guess she's worried about being scolded by you."
Xiao Jinghong shook his head slightly, "This junior only wants to know the truth about that matter and will not make things difficult for her."
Granny Shan believed her and said with a smile, "I don't know much about the specifics either."
"But I know that Guanli has grown a lot since she came down the mountain this time. She is not as naughty as before."
"She must have met someone outside who she trusts."
convince?
The image of a frail scholar subconsciously surfaced in Xiao Jinghong's mind.
Husband?
Before she could think it through, Granny Shan continued, "But that girl probably doesn't know much about that letter either."
"'Knife Madman' Liu Lang found her, not in your name."
Xiao Jinghong's eyes flickered slightly. "Then how did he get to know Sister Guanli?"
Grandma Shan smiled, her wrinkles forming deep furrows, and then took a letter from her sleeve and placed it on the table.
"Liu Lang rose to prominence in the harsh, cold northern desert and had contact with my rascal son."
"This time, he not only had Guanli deliver a letter to you, but also brought me news about them."
Xiao Jinghong knew that she was referring to Pei Guanli's father, so she took the letter, glanced at it, and her expression changed slightly.
[The Five Poisons Sect has resurfaced, and it is said that some members have already gone to Shu Prefecture. Mother, please be careful.]
[The departure of Bai Daxian, who had not been seen for thirty years, from Fengyu Tower has stirred up many senior figures in the martial arts world.]
[Furthermore, I am currently on the grasslands, entrusted by Master Kang to investigate the movements of the various tribes there. Once things are settled here, I will soon set off south.]
Xiao Jinghong read the letter twice, put it down, and frowned slightly, saying:
"How could the Five Poisons Sect, severely injured by the old woman, actually manage to reappear in the martial world?"
Grandma Shan put away the letter and said with a smile:
"Although I killed their leader and several guardian elders, there are still many remnants of the Five Poisons Sect outside of Shu Prefecture."
"I thought I would never hear from them again in my lifetime, but I never thought that I would have to deal with them again in my old age."
"If you don't kill the snake, it will eventually become a menace."
Xiao Jinghong nodded and said, "Jinghong will not let them run rampant in Shuzhou either."
Upon hearing this, Granny Shan said with relief, "I know you are a good child."
“But the Five Poisons Sect is no ordinary evil sect. Their methods are too despicable. If your Xiao family becomes their enemy, I'm afraid you will suffer losses.”
Xiao Jinghong fell silent.
Family members know their own business.
The Xiao family now only retains its reputation; its strength is indeed far less than before.
Apart from her, there are very few martial arts experts in the manor with even a mid-level third-grade cultivation.
It is indeed beyond our power to deal with the Five Poisons Sect, a sect that excels at stealth assassination and poisoning.
Thinking of this, Xiao Jinghong said softly, "If the opportunity is right, Jinghong will make a move."
Grandma Shan understood her difficulties and then said:
"Your ability to protect the Wushan Trade Market is a great help to my mountain tribe."
"Don't worry, Mother-in-law. The trade is equally important to the Xiao family. Jinghong will do her best."
"That's good..."
A moment of silence.
Grandma Mountain looked out the window, a hint of emotion appearing on her aged face, and said:
"The martial arts world is not what it used to be."
"Decades ago, Bai Daxian dominated the world. Your master, the Sword Saint, roamed the world with his sword. Dao Gui, Gun God, and others were also chivalrous people."
"Unlike now, in this vast world, it's hard to find many decent up-and-coming talents."
After a pause, Granny Shan looked at Xiao Jinghong and smiled, "Of course you count as one."
Xiao Jinghong gently shook his head: "This junior is far inferior to my master and the others."
"Furthermore, I am preoccupied with worldly affairs, and I have neither the means nor the possibility to concern myself with matters of the martial world."
Granny Shan sighed: "That may be true, but you are still a disciple of the Sword Saint."
"It was fine that your lineage was not prominent before, as the old grudges and feuds of the older generation in the martial arts world would not be attributed to you."
"But this time, your move has revealed the Sword Saint's ultimate technique, and you may find it difficult to remain unscathed in the future."
Xiao Jinghong was well aware of this, and a smile even appeared on his face:
“My master travels all over the world, and as his disciple, I naturally don’t want anyone to disturb him.”
Grandma Shan smiled when she heard this, "It's good that you have this intention."
"Fortunately, you are strong enough, much stronger than my grandchildren."
"If Ah Da and Guan Li could have even a fraction of your skill, I could die in peace."
Xiao Jinghong smiled but did not reply.
However, at this point in the conversation, her curiosity about Pei Guanli and the letter diminished considerably.
After all, she could distrust Pei Guanli and Liu Lang, but she couldn't distrust Granny Shan, her elder.
Granny Shan even brought out letters from her family in the north; it couldn't have been just to cover for Pei Guanli.
"I wonder what brings Master Bai out of the mountain this time."
"I guess he's been idle for too long, so he's come out of seclusion to tell fortunes."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinghong chuckled.
"This is likely to cause some turmoil in the martial arts world again."
Grandma Shan nodded in agreement, "That old bastard causes trouble wherever he goes."
"As long as he doesn't come to Shu Prefecture, I'll save myself the trouble of scolding him."
Xiao Jinghong was slightly taken aback and asked, "Has Grandma had dealings with Master Bai?"
"That's an old story..."
(End of this chapter)
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