Legend of the Female General

Chapter 133: Musical Skill

Yan Min’er and Lady Yan’s conversation was overheard by a young woman in green standing nearby. This woman was slightly younger than Yan Min’er, more delicate and graceful in appearance. She asked, “I’ve heard that Young Master Qiao’s wife is a renowned talented lady from Huzhou. I wonder if she is beautiful?”

Yan Min’er smiled ambiguously. “Even if she is a famous talented lady, she cannot compare to our own Axiu from Jiyang.”

Ling Xiu was the beloved daughter of Ling Dianyi from the Prince’s Mansion’s Records Office. She could compose poetry at the age of five and was already famous throughout Jiyang by seven. Proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, she was also delicate and beautiful—a rare gem in Jiyang, where women were often known for their striking beauty and bold personalities. Upon hearing that another talented lady had arrived from Huzhou, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of rivalry.

Another young girl nearby covered her mouth and chuckled. “Axiu, why compare yourself to a merchant’s wife? It only lowers your status. Who knows if her reputation as a talented lady is even genuine? Perhaps she’s just gilding herself.”

Ling Xiu also smiled. “If Young Master Qiao truly settles in Jiyang, he won’t remain a merchant in the future.”

“A merchant is a merchant. The stench of money is ingrained in their bones—it can’t be covered up by changing clothes,” Yan Min’er said disdainfully. “In the end, they can never truly belong in refined circles.”

The young women burst into laughter. Just then, someone exclaimed, “Cui Zhongqi has arrived!”

Everyone looked up and saw a middle-aged man walking from the far end of the lakeside pavilion. He was round and stout, with a broad build and a somewhat honest appearance. His smile was as amiable as that of Maitreya Buddha. Dressed in a black martial arts robe, he appeared spirited and energetic. As he reached the entrance of the pavilion, he handed his long spear to an attendant and said with a smile, “Everyone is here.”

The crowd quickly rose to return Cui Yuezhi’s greeting.

In Jiyang, Cui Yuezhi held a position second only to the Prince, and thus, both inside and outside the Prince’s Mansion, everyone had to show him respect. Cui Yuezhi turned to Zhong Fu and asked, “Has Huanqing arrived yet?”

“We’ve already sent someone to invite them,” Zhong Fu replied with a smile. “They should be here soon.”

The day before, Cui Yuezhi had been discussing matters with the Princess in the Prince’s Mansion and accidentally drank a few too many cups, so he stayed overnight. Early this morning, he resumed arguing with those stubborn old officials and hadn’t yet seen his nephew. Stroking his chin, he mused, “I wonder what my nephew looks like? Does he resemble my elder brother? And how much does he resemble me?”

Zhong Fu hesitated to speak. To be honest, aside from his gender, that Young Master Qiao bore no resemblance whatsoever to the Cui family.

“I heard the child was raised in a merchant family,” Cui Yuezhi added with some concern. “Although I don’t mind such things, the nobles in the city place great importance on status. I just hope they won’t look down on themselves.”

Before Zhong Fu could respond, a servant from the Cui family approached from the far end of the pavilion and announced, “Young Master Qiao and Lady Qiao have arrived—”

Everyone instinctively looked up.

At the far end of the pavilion, by the lakeside, two figures walked side by side. A man and a woman, both very young. The man was tall and stood as straight as jade, dressed in a dark blue brocade robe embroidered with black and gold serpents, exuding elegance. His black hair was tied up with a green jade hairpin, and his features were exquisite and bright, with a radiant and handsome appearance, though he seemed somewhat aloof. Standing beside him, the woman was smiling brightly, lively and lovely. Her dress was made of an unknown fabric—at first glance, it appeared plain white, but as she moved, it shimmered with shades of blue, purple, gold, and pink, dreamlike and utterly captivating.The two of them possessed exceptionally outstanding appearances and demeanor, yet they were also remarkably harmonious together. Standing side by side, they simply looked indescribably well-matched. For a moment, everyone in the pavilion was stunned into silence.

Was this the son of a merchant, reeking of the smell of money?

Could a merchant possess such extraordinary grace?

Cui Yuezhi was also stunned. Was this his elder brother's son?

His elder brother's appearance bore a seventy percent resemblance to his own. Forget handsome—even the word "slender" was a stretch. This... was simply too good-looking.

Yan Min'er froze, and suddenly her expression turned extremely ugly. She recognized these two. This woman was the one who had humiliated and made her suffer at the embroidery workshop that day, and this man... was the one who had mocked her for having too dark a complexion. After returning home, she had never been able to swallow this grievance. She never expected that these two were the nephew and niece-in-law that Cui Yuezhi had brought back.

She was so furious she nearly spat blood.

Beside her, Ling Xiu's gaze fell upon Xiao Jue, staring somewhat dazedly as she murmured, "How can there be such a handsome man in this world..."

Jiyang was different from Shuojing. Here, women were praised for their beauty and fiery temperament, while men were valued for their masculinity and bravery. Perhaps rarity breeds value, just as talented women like Ling Xiu were highly sought after in Jiyang. A man like Xiao Jue, with his handsome features, noble elegance, was truly as rare as a phoenix feather or a qilin horn. Immediately, all the unmarried women present stared at him as if wolves eyeing meat.

He Yan also noticed these predatory gazes and inwardly cursed. Xiao Jue's face really attracted bees and butterflies wherever he went.

Behind the two of them, Lin Shuanghe followed. At first, everyone thought he was Xiao Jue's relative or friend. Later, when they learned he was the steward, they were shocked once more.

They likely never expected that in Huzhou, the requirements for being a steward were so stringent.

Cui Yuezhi arranged for Xiao Jue and He Yan to take their seats, placing them just below and to the right of his own main table.

"Huanqing," Cui Yuezhi looked at him with a beaming smile, "I truly never imagined you could grow up to be so handsome."

It really brought great honor to the Cui family. In all of Jiyang City, no young man could surpass the one before him. In his early years, Cui Yuezhi had been mocked behind his back as a "round ball"—coarse and obese. Before Qiao Huanqing returned, he had heard the gossip in Jiyang City, waiting to see another "little fat ball." Who would have thought... it was truly such a boost to their reputation!

The Cui family had washed away their past shame. Excellent!

Xiao Jue nodded calmly.

Cui Yuezhi's gaze then fell upon He Yan, and he smiled, "My niece-in-law looks quite young. How old are you this year?"

He Yan replied, "Almost seventeen."

"Seventeen is good." Cui Yuezhi grew more and more satisfied the more he looked at He Yan. Beautiful! Both his nephew and niece-in-law were so good-looking. Their future children would surely be even more attractive. The Cui family bloodline would undoubtedly grow stronger with each generation. Thinking of this, he felt deeply moved and gratified, even wanting to go to the ancestral hall to light two sticks of incense for his elder brother. Truly, heaven was watching over them.

"Today's Lake Heart Banquet is specially held to welcome you two and wash away the dust of your journey," Cui Yuezhi said with a smile. "How do you find it?"

Xiao Jue replied, "Very good. Thank you, Uncle."

This address of "Uncle" immediately pleased Cui Yuezhi. His face nearly split from smiling as he addressed the crowd, "Everyone, you see? This is the only son of my deceased elder brother, my nephew!"

The guests immediately raised their cups, offering flattering words like "extraordinary in character and appearance" and "elegant and profound," congratulating Cui Yuezhi on the family reunion, and so on.Cui Yuezhi grew even more delighted, ordering the servants to serve the dishes as the banquet began.

Jiyang had no custom of separating men and women at different tables; the long tables were arranged according to households. Cui Yuezhi inquired in detail about Xiao Jue’s experiences over the years, and as they spoke, the conversation turned to He Yan.

"I heard my nephew and niece-in-law were married not long ago?"

"We were married in Huzhou last October," Xiao Jue replied calmly. "It hasn’t even been half a year."

Cui Yuezhi let out an "oh," sounding somewhat regretful. "What a pity I didn’t witness it myself." He patted Xiao Jue’s shoulder. "If I could have seen you get married with my own eyes, I would have no regrets left."

"What does your family do, niece-in-law?" Cui Yuezhi asked. "Huzhou is too far from Jiyang, so it’s difficult to inquire about many things."

He Yan answered as previously instructed: "Yuyan comes from an ordinary family and is fortunate to have earned the young master’s regard."

"An ordinary family?" The expressions around the table shifted subtly—this meant a commoner’s household. People generally believed that although Qiao Huanqing came from a merchant background, his family was immensely wealthy. With money, one could accomplish anything, and given his exceptional appearance, marrying the daughter of a minor official would have been more than sufficient. Yet he had chosen Wen Yuyan, a girl from an ordinary family with neither wealth nor influence. Why? If it were merely her beauty that attracted him, he could have taken her as a concubine. Why make her his principal wife?

The young women’s gazes toward He Yan immediately carried a mix of envy and jealousy.

Ling Xiu’s eyes drifted slightly, settling on Xiao Jue’s face. The young man was naturally handsome and elegant, and as he sat there lazily, his occasional aloofness only made him more captivating, outshining all the young men of Jiyang.

She then looked at He Yan—merely a girl from an ordinary family. In terms of appearance or status, how could she compare to herself? A flicker of resentment rose in her heart. Wen Yuyan simply wasn’t worthy of Qiao Huanqing. Only she, Ling Xiu, should stand by his side.

She stood up and spoke softly, "Today, Lord Cui has reunited with his family—a joyous occasion worth celebrating. Though lacking in talent, Axiu would like to offer a song for Lord Cui as a gesture of congratulations." As she finished speaking, her gaze swept over Xiao Jue, and she offered a shy smile.

The young men at the banquet were overjoyed upon hearing this, their eyes fixed eagerly on Ling Xiu.

The young women of Jiyang were known for their boldness, confidence, and straightforwardness. Displaying outstanding talents in front of others was not considered shameful. However, Ling Xiu was different from the rest—she never liked to showcase herself actively. Even at banquets, she would hesitate and make excuses, only agreeing as a last resort.

This was the first time she had taken the initiative like this, and with her most skilled art—the qin—it made everyone anticipate her performance all the more.

Cui Yuezhi was also delighted and waved his hand grandly. "Excellent! Today, Axiu will let us witness her talents. If you play beautifully, Uncle will reward you generously!"

Lord Ling and Lady Ling smiled calmly. Such displays of brilliance were nothing new to them, for all of Jiyang knew that Ling Xiu was unparalleled in both talent and beauty.

A servant quickly brought a qin.

The qin was emerald green, like spring foliage—lush and vibrant. Dressed in a light green gauze gown, she resembled a springtime spirit. Her slender fingers, having been cleansed and perfumed, gently plucked the strings.

She played "Late Spring."

Spring winds and spirited steeds of noble youth,

Warm sun over West Lake in March’s bloom,

Strings and flutes ripple through markets of orioles and flowers,

Those who know not the music come not here,

Fit for song, for wine, for poetry.

Mountains pass like faintly furrowed brows,

Willows trail mist, draping like strands of hair…The sound of the zither was pleasing to the ear, brushing past people's ears and intoxicating their hearts. He Yan was no exception, thinking only how skillful this young lady was. Comparing it to her own clumsy plucking, which could easily snap the strings, let alone play a complete tune—it was truly remarkable.

She was utterly captivated, but when she glanced over, she saw Xiao Jue remained unmoved, merely sipping his tea. She nudged him and whispered, "Why aren’t you listening?"

Xiao Jue replied, "I am."

"Then why don’t you look like you’re enjoying it?"

"What does 'enjoying it' look like?"

He Yan gestured with her chin toward the others. "Like them."

The young men present, and even some of the older gentlemen, were staring at Ling Xiu as if entranced, nearly drowning in the melody, their eyes filled with admiration. Xiao Jue withdrew his gaze and said coolly, "Boring."

"You’re so hard to please," He Yan muttered under her breath. "I think it sounds lovely, and she’s beautiful too. If I could befriend such a girl, I’d be overjoyed."

"Overjoyed?" Xiao Jue suddenly smiled, looking at her with amusement. "I hope you’ll feel the same way later."

He Yan didn’t understand his meaning and simply said, "Of course I’ll be happy later."

While they were talking, Ling Xiu finished her piece and glanced toward Xiao Jue, only to see him leaning toward He Yan, his lips curved as if teasing. Seeing this, Ling Xiu’s heart sank, and her resentment grew.

She stood up, and those around her offered praise. Cui Yuezhi also laughed and said, "Ah Xiu, your zither playing lingers in the air for three—no, nine days!"

No one would deny the beauty of her music. Ling Xiu looked at Xiao Jue again, but the young man was still sipping his tea, not even glancing her way. Instead, the "Wen Yuyan" beside him was smiling at her, as if mocking her.

Ling Xiu’s smile stiffened slightly, but in an instant, she humbly replied, "How dare I show off in front of experts? I’ve heard that Lady Qiao, who hails from Huzhou, is a renowned talent in her region, with zither skills that are nothing short of divine. Since fate has brought us together today, could I have the honor of witnessing your performance?" She then fixed her hopeful gaze on He Yan. "Let everyone see how exquisite your zither skills are."

He Yan had been enjoying the spectacle, but upon hearing this, she froze. Why was she suddenly being dragged into this? Wen Yuyan’s zither skills were divine? Really? How come she didn’t know that?

He Yan looked pleadingly at Lin Shuanghe, her supposed teacher. Lin Shuanghe, however, nonchalantly turned away, pretending to chat with someone nearby, showing no intention of coming to her rescue.

"I think… there’s no need…" He Yan stammered. "Miss Ah Xiu’s skills are already excellent. I don’t need to add anything more."

"How can you call it unnecessary?" Ling Xiu looked at He Yan with utmost sincerity. "Ah Xiu truly wishes to listen attentively to your performance."

He Yan: "…"

Her performance? Her zither playing could ward off evil spirits—it wasn’t meant for appreciation!

Seeing He Yan’s troubled expression, Ling Xiu couldn’t help but feel smug. She had heard rumors of Wen Yuyan’s dual talents, but perhaps they were just a facade. If she could make her embarrass herself in front of everyone today, it would be the talk of Jiyang City.Yan Min'er, who had always been at odds with Ling Xiu, couldn't help but feel a sense of schadenfreude at the sight. Back at the embroidery workshop, although it was Xiao Jue who had spoken those sarcastic words, Yan Min'er had placed the blame on He Yan. After all, a woman admired by such an outstanding man always seemed particularly conspicuous, especially when she appeared to have no special qualities—making her seem all the more undeserving.

He Yan glanced at Xiao Jue beside her, who was leisurely sipping tea with an air of utter calm.

No wonder he had said earlier, "I hope you'll remain just as happy later." Had he already anticipated this scene? How did he know? Such strange, unpredictable thoughts—how could Xiao Jue possibly see through them? Could he read minds? He Yan muttered to herself inwardly, reaching under the table to secretly tug at his sleeve. She whispered, "Help me out, won't you?"

Xiao Jue replied indifferently, "Didn't you learn it?"

"I didn't master it," He Yan said. "Lin Shuanghe taught me before, and he even said I was quite good. But after hearing that girl play just now, I think my playing might be a bit off."

Her words were tactful. In truth, it wasn't just "a bit off"—it was completely wrong.

"You're not skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, or painting," he remarked. "Aside from deception and trickery, what else can you do?"

He Yan hesitated before replying, "Breaking stones on my chest?"

But she couldn't exactly demonstrate how to break stones on her chest right here and now!

Xiao Jue: "..."

"If I'm exposed, we're both finished. Please help me," He Yan pleaded. "Commander, Young Master, Second Young Master Xiao... husband?"

The word "husband" clearly disgusted Xiao Jue. "Speak properly," he said.

He Yan: "Then I'll take that as a yes."

Their voices were kept extremely low, but to the others, it appeared as though He Yan was acting coquettishly toward Xiao Jue, who seemed to indulge her completely.

Cui Yuezhi laughed and asked, "What's the matter? Does Yuyan not wish to play the qin?"

"To be honest with everyone, after our marriage, my wife and I made a pact. Her qin skills are exceptional, but she only plays for me alone," Xiao Jue said calmly. "So today, I'm afraid we cannot fulfill this young lady's wish."

Everyone was stunned. He Yan was also taken aback, never expecting Xiao Jue to use such a reason. But upon reflection, it was a brilliant excuse. After all, using other reasons to brush things off once would only invite future attempts. This reason, however, blocked any future requests as well—after all, why would anyone ask someone to break a pact for no reason?

Ling Xiu's expression stiffened as she looked at the young woman seated beside the young man. Unable to swallow her anger, she forced a smile and said, "But today is the day of your reunion with Lord Cui. With so many people here, making an exception once shouldn't be a big deal, right?"

"The pact between my wife and me is unbreakable," Xiao Jue replied, giving her a cool glance. "If you insist on hearing it, I can play in her stead." By the end of his sentence, his tone had turned cold, clearly indicating his impatience.

Ling Xiu was also startled by his icy demeanor and momentarily dared not speak. It was Cui Yuezhi who stepped in to smooth things over, laughing heartily. "Huanqing can play the qin as well?"

"I know a little."

"Then today, I must hear Huanqing's qin music," Cui Yuezhi clapped his hands and laughed. "My Cui family has been a military lineage for generations—we've never produced such a refined person! Zhong Fu, wipe the qin clean again.""No need," Xiao Jue said. "Steward Lin, bring the Night Fragrance Zither."

Xiao Jue had always been particular about his belongings, something He Yan was well aware of. But to those unaware, especially Ling Xiu, it seemed as though Xiao Jue was refusing to use the same zither as her out of disdain. She bit her lip resentfully and reluctantly returned to her seat.

Lin Shuanghe quickly brought over Xiao Jue's Night Fragrance Zither.

He Yan still remembered this zither. Before impersonating Cheng Li Su at Liangzhou Guard, she had gotten drunk and damaged it, and Xiao Jue had taken it to Liang Province City for repairs. Just by looking at it, one could tell it was priceless. Fortunately, Xiao Jue hadn't made her pay for it—otherwise, she could have sold herself and still not been able to cover the cost.

She vaguely recalled hearing Xiao Jue play the zither before, but she had been half-drunk at the time, and her memory was hazy. Now, seeing the zither, the memories from that drunken night flooded back.

The man sat before the zither, having cleansed his hands and lit incense. Unlike Ling Xiu's deliberate posturing, he appeared more relaxed and casual, his movements natural and effortless. Only someone who had played the zither for years could achieve such fluidity.

For a moment, He Yan seemed to glimpse the dashing youth from the Virtuous Prosperity Academy, lazily dozing on a loquat tree.

But he had grown up now.

The strings were plucked.

His hands were slender and well-defined, strikingly beautiful as they moved across the strings, producing a melodious sound. This tune was different from Ling Xiu's "Late Spring." Unlike the cheerful tone of "Late Spring," it carried a serene yet faintly melancholic quality, like a river illuminated by moonlight, flowing endlessly into the distance.

He was playing "River Moon."

This piece was difficult, demanding exceptional skill. He Yan had heard it played by only one person before—her master, Liu Buwang. However, when Liu Buwang played it, it was filled with nostalgia and loss. Xiao Jue's rendition felt different.

A handsome man engaged in an elegant pursuit was always captivating. Even Ling Xiu, who had just been frightened by Xiao Jue, or Yan Min'er, who had been mocked by him earlier, and even the others present, couldn't help but lose themselves in his music.

He Yan was no exception.

As he played, his eyelashes, delicate as butterfly wings, lowered, concealing the cold indifference in his eyes, leaving only gentleness. His features were excessively handsome, his thin lips slightly pursed, exuding restraint and allure.

He Yan thought to herself that, indeed, it was hard to find anyone in this world more outstanding or more beautiful than him.

As the piece ended, Xiao Jue withdrew his hands.

Everyone stared at him, momentarily speechless.

Without his rendition of "River Moon," Ling Xiu's "Late Spring" would have been considered excellent. But with the comparison, her skill seemed ordinary, no longer as breathtaking.

Both the men and women present stared at Xiao Jue, their minds filled with a single question: Wasn't it said that Qiao Huanqing from Huzhou was adopted by a merchant family? Yet, judging by this, perhaps the information was mistaken. Someone like him didn't seem like he could have been raised in a merchant household.

Cui Yuezhi felt even more proud, looking at Xiao Jue with increasing satisfaction. He laughed heartily and said, "Huanqing, your performance left us all stunned! Previously, Her Highness the Princess always said that Axiu's zither skills were the best in Jiyang City. Next time, I'll take you to the palace. If Her Highness hears you play, she will surely praise you lavishly!"Upon hearing this, everyone's thoughts varied. Since Cui Yuezhi had mentioned the Princess, it meant he intended to bring Qiao Huanqing into the royal residence. In that case, she could no longer be regarded as an ordinary merchant...

Xiao Jue smiled faintly, his deep, penetrating gaze sweeping over He Yan as he said lightly, "I apologize for my humble display. In truth, my skill with the qin does not even reach one-tenth of my wife's."

"Really?" Cui Yuezhi looked at He Yan in surprise. "How good must that be!"

He Yan's face flushed.

She felt rather embarrassed.

(End of Chapter)