“Forgive our poor hospitality,” my elder brother said with a laugh. “Second Princess, please bear with us.”
“Not at all,” Jiang Yunqiao smiled. “The wine, food, and performance are wonderful. I’m quite satisfied.”
My elder brother introduced the qin player, who was tall and thin, wearing a white-gray robe that hung loosely on him, giving him an ethereal appearance.
He wore a veil that completely covered his face.
“This is the newly hired qin player, Bai Chen,” my elder brother introduced.
Bai Chen bowed to us, neither servile nor overbearing. My elder brother then had him sit at a nearby qin table and whispered, “This qin player cannot speak, and it’s said that he is extremely ugly, which is why he covers his face. But his qin skills are excellent, so please don’t take offense.”
Before I could respond, Jiang Yunqiao said, “It’s fine. We’re here to listen to music.”
My elder brother nodded and left. Bai Chen placed the qin on the table, positioning his fingers on the strings without movement, seemingly waiting for us to choose a piece.
I glanced at Jiang Yunqiao, who sat up straight and told Bai Chen, “Master Bai, please play ‘Chang Xiang Si.'”
The veil on Bai Chen’s head moved slightly, as if nodding in agreement. He then began to play, filling the room with a melodious, slightly melancholic tune. Jiang Yunqiao closed her eyes, leaning back in her chair, saying nothing. Only when the piece ended did she slowly open her eyes, seemingly lost in thought.
Seeing her like this, I praised Bai Chen’s skills and placed a small gold gourd on his qin. He picked it up, put it in his sleeve, bowed to us, and silently withdrew.
After he left, Jiang Yunqiao suddenly spoke. “A Yao, sometimes I truly envy you.”
“Envy me?
“I said with a bitter smile. ‘Envy me for dragging my whole family into exile?’
She looked at me, seeming to look through me. ‘No, I envy you having a husband who would do anything for you.’
‘Meeting An Jin is indeed my blessing. But don’t you also have a good husband who is willing to help you?’
She stared into the distance. ‘It’s different…’
I grew worried and waved my hand in front of her. ‘Still can’t forget that person?’
