Candlelight flickered red, and pearl curtains flowed purple in the warm and cozy Xuan Qing Hall. Xu Qiu’er approached Xu Qing’er, intending to sit below her to show respect for the Qing Concubine. However, a young servant near Long Han Jie quickly guided her, “Qiu Fei, please be seated above.”
Xu Qiu’er smiled at the young servant, realizing he had offended two people. She took a seat beside Long Han Jie, who asked, “Feeling better?”
“Much better,” Xu Qiu’er replied with a faint smile.
“Your Highness,” Qing Ya said, “I heard my sister can play music. May I request she perform for the prince’s birthday?”
Long Han Jie turned to Xu Qiu’er, who stood up. “This concubine will prepare.”
Discussions began among the guests about the unusual privilege of the Crown Prince’s principal wife performing at the Second Prince’s birthday, especially since the Crown Prince did not object.
Xu Qiu’er knelt elegantly at the qin, purifying her hands and burning incense before she began to play. The music flowed gently, like a stream emerging from a deep ravine, stirring emotions with its soft, silk-like sound.
Long Han Jie sat upright, listening intently.
The stream gradually thickened and deepened, murmuring and winding through nine curves, creating sounds like breaking crystal.
Fish swam in the stream, playing, resting, and occasionally leaping, generating sparkling light and crisp water sounds.
As the water flowed beyond its peaks, the momentum increased. Cavalry charged, water splashing like wind, with waves surging three zhang high, fierce and unrelenting.
Suddenly, a wrong note interrupted the music, leaving lingering echoes.
Sandalwood smoke drifted through the bamboo curtain, creating a delicate atmosphere enhanced by shadowy bamboo.
“Excellent! Truly a song that should only exist in heaven, rarely heard on earth. Qing Concubine’s words were not false,” Long Han Jie applauded.
Qing Ya lowered her eyes, while Xu Qing’er glared at Xu Qiu’er, thinking, “Keep dancing, let’s see how long you can continue.”
“Bring wine.”
Xu Qing’er stepped forward respectfully, “The wine prepared for Your Highness today is brewed from fresh fruits, rich yet not too strong. Would you like to try?” She poured a small cup from a fine-necked jade bottle and offered it to Long Han Jie.
The amber-colored wine had a light yet lingering scent, subtle and alluring.
