Tan Fuya refused: "You have a lot of things to do at home. If you live at home, your mother-in-law will have to do all the housework by herself, which is quite tiring. Why don't you go back and share the burden with your mother-in-law?"
The Tang family also lived in a Western-style house, not far away. Their third daughter often came over. However, the Tang family had kept a low profile since the liberation and did not show their faces. Because they supported the revolution, they were not criticized or struggled against. Since their third son-in-law was an only son, there was no dispute over the family property, and he took over the management of the factory.
Because it was a new society, fearing that others would have a handle against them, they dismissed all the servants, leaving only one trusted confidante. All the housework was done by the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law plus the servant. Like the Fu family, the Tang family sealed off some of the extra rooms, leaving only the rooms they used regularly, which were not difficult to clean.
Fu Xian knew this too, but her mother must be in a bad mood, so she wanted to stay and talk to her.
Tan Fuya refused. The Tang family and the Fu family had a close relationship and no estrangement. Her in-laws were also pampered. Before liberation, even a cup of water was brought to their mouths by servants. She couldn't let her in-laws run around all by themselves. In the end, Fu Xian left.
After Fu Xian left, Liu Yumin smiled and said, "You said none of your daughters are considerate, but Fu Xian is just right."
Tan Fuya sighed, "That's because the Fu family and the Tang family are on the same side, so naturally their relationship is closer. If there were a conflict of interest, do you think she would still put her parents first?"
Liu Yumin felt that Tan Fuya was too pessimistic: "Sister-in-law, this is a new society now. Everyone is equal, and the law protects kind and honest people. It's not like the old society where people would fight each other for a little bit of profit. What kind of conflict of interest could there be between you? The factories are not even the same type."
Tan Fuya also felt embarrassed. Society is too good now, which makes her feel unreal. She is afraid that when she wakes up, she will be back to that kind of anxious life. It is an instinct to think about the worst outcome in everything.
Liu Yumin also felt that Tan Fuya's problem was psychological, and asked, "Sister-in-law, I heard from Sister Xu that you basically don't go out. What are your hobbies?"
Tan Fuya became happy when this was mentioned: "Before I got married, I was the youngest child in my family, and everyone doted on me. But my mother was very strict when she taught me. She hired teachers for music, chess, calligraphy and painting. My best skill is the zither. I often play it by myself at home. When I have nothing to do, I'll play a piece for you."
Liu Yumin thought it was a good idea. Although she came from a family of imperial physicians, she also knew many things that girls should learn.
Sister Xu brought the zither over, and Liu Yumin couldn't help but exclaim in amazement after taking a look. The zither was translucent and had a spiritual quality; it was a rare and fine instrument. Judging from its condition, the owner cherished it very much.
Tan Fuya didn't do a sound check and started playing immediately. Liu Yumin became more and more engrossed as she listened. The sound of the zither was like a spring breeze greening the fields, like raindrops falling on bamboo forests; like the croaking of frogs, like the sound of waves crashing on the shore; it was as if she were in nature, making her feel refreshed and happy.
Even Zhu Fanfan, who isn't particularly musically inclined, was captivated by the music. Although she couldn't understand it, she seemed to see the lush greenery of the countryside, with small animals exercising comfortably in the fields—a vibrant and thriving scene. Her mood suddenly improved, and she wanted to listen to it again.
Liu Yumin said with some regret, "I came in a hurry and didn't bring my flute, otherwise I would have played a duet with you."
Tan Fuya's eyes lit up: "The Fu family has them in their warehouse. Wait here, I'll go find them."
At home, she usually plays for herself. Although Sister Xu keeps her company, she doesn't understand music at all and only praises it. Over time, Sister Xu has become perfunctory. She can sense this. Although Lao Fu was initially attracted by her music when they met, he is now busy and doesn't have much time to listen to her play.
Having finally found a kindred spirit, she naturally had to be extremely attentive.
Grandma left in a hurry, and all that could be heard was Grandma sighing, "The sound of the zither is like the person; your grandma was truly innocent and pure."
People may be able to fake it, but the sound of the zither cannot. Fu Ya's zither music is all pure and innocent, without a trace of impure thoughts. One can't help but marvel at how rare it is to maintain a childlike heart even after being born in a chaotic world.
Tan Fuya returned quickly, happily holding a flute and asking, "Will this work?"
Liu Yumin's eyes lit up when she saw it. It wasn't just a matter of whether it was good or not; it was simply a masterpiece. She had never seen such a beautiful xiao before.
Tan Fuya asked, "Which piece would you like to play?"
Liu Yumin thought for a moment and said, "Let's play the song 'Don't Urge Me to Drink'."
This is a very obscure piece of music. It is said that in ancient times there was a chivalrous and righteous man who was generous and had an amazing capacity for alcohol. Anyone who could outdrink him was recognized by him and became his friend. However, alcohol was both his strength and his weakness. Once, after drinking, he was tricked and almost lost his life. So he vowed never to drink again and that he would cut off all friendship with anyone who tried to persuade him to drink. He really did manage to abstain from alcohol. His friends admired him and specially composed the song "Don't Persuade Me to Drink".
Tan Fuya thought for a moment and said, "Okay."
The two began to play. Zhu Fanfan, the only audience member, felt that she had been deceived. The qin and xiao duet was comparable to a symphony orchestra. Whether it was the light and carefree melody or the somber and heart-wrenching sense of helplessness, Zhu Fanfan could feel it all. She seemed to see a carefree hero easily traveling to various places, feeling the oppression and urgency when encountering danger, the sense of crisis when life hangs by a thread, and the relief of surviving a disaster. She could feel it all. This was true music.
This is true auditory enjoyment. Even Zhu Fanfan couldn't help but chime in. He really wanted to write out the theme of "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" and have the two master musicians play it.
As the song ended, Tan Fuya was overjoyed to have met a kindred spirit: "Sister-in-law, from now on you are my own sister. I never thought I would find such a kindred spirit in my lifetime."
Liu Yumin also had many feelings: "Sister Fuya, I always thought you were too gentle and lacked your own opinions. After listening to your piano playing, I realized how narrow-minded I was. I sincerely apologize to you."
Tan Fuya said embarrassedly, "There are many things I don't understand, so I can't make decisions. I leave everything to Lao Fu, and I've gradually gotten used to relying on him. It's not wrong to say that I have no opinions of my own."
Old Fu had arranged everything, so she only needed to live happily every day. She could tell that Old Fu wasn't forcing her and handled everything with ease, so she, as the mistress of the house, didn't have to do anything and seemed quite indecisive.
Liu Yumin disagreed: "Sister Fuya, don't underestimate yourself. You are very good. You are not without your own opinions. You are broad-minded, you don't fuss over trivial matters, and you don't get upset over people who are not worth it. You are magnanimous."
Tan Fuya also spoke frankly: "Actually, I was also wrong. When I first met you, I thought you were very strict and I didn't dare to talk to you, so I sometimes neglected you. After listening to your flute playing, I felt that you are a strong, optimistic and broad-minded person. I was one-sided and I should apologize to you."
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