My elder brother introduced the qin player to us. The player was tall and thin, wearing a white-gray robe that hung loosely on him, giving him an ethereal appearance.
He was wearing 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.
I was somewhat puzzled. My elder brother first had him sit at a nearby qin table, then whispered to us, “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 indeed excellent, so please don’t take offense.”
Before I could say anything, Jiang Yunqiao spoke first: “It’s fine. We’re just here to listen to music.”
My elder brother nodded and left. Bai Chen placed the qin on the table and positioned his fingers on the strings but did not move. It seemed he was waiting for us to choose a piece.
I glanced at Jiang Yunqiao, who sat up straight and said to 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, and a melodious, slightly melancholic tune filled the room. Jiang Yunqiao closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair, saying nothing. Only when the piece ended did she slowly open her eyes, still looking as if her mind was elsewhere.
Seeing her like this, I praised Bai Chen’s skills and placed a small gold gourd on his qin. He slowly picked it up and 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?
“Envy me for dragging my whole family into exile?”
She looked at me, yet seemed to be looking 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 be your helper?”
She stared into the distance: “It’s different…”
I grew worried and waved my hand in front of her eyes. “Still can’t forget that person?”
She paused. “How could it be so easy?”
