Chapter 108: Millennium Pavilion Like Orchid

But now, Chi Nan Yi clearly can't attend to these.

Yun Shan drove the carriage, taking her toward Qingjun County.

They sped nonstop until the city gates were about to close, when Chi Nan Yi finally arrived at Qingjun County.

The difference between the county seat and Changxi Town was still very evident.

The county town bustled extraordinarily, with shops lining both sides of the streets, their interiors exquisitely decorated, and crowds of people shopping everywhere.

The two did not pause, proceeding straight to the magistrate's residence.

After Chi Nan Yi announced her family, the servant went inside to convey the message; shortly thereafter, Xie Yuwei hurried out, personally greeting her.

"Miss Chi," Xie Yuwei said with a smile, "Why did Miss Chi come in person?"

Yun Shan saw Xie Yuwei's enthusiasm and couldn't help but furrow his brow.

Although Sir Xie is said to be gentle, he harbors an underlying arrogance; when the Prince summoned him, as a local official he showed no fear or flattery toward Xie Yuwei, and compared to his attitude toward Miss Chi, his demeanor toward the Prince was rather cold.

Thinking of this, Yun Shan's gaze toward Xie Yuwei carried a hint of scrutiny and caution.

Chi Nan Yi entered the main hall, where servants brought tea; she lowered her head and saw a tea‑cup stain on the low table beside her seat, indicating that there had been guests earlier.

She discreetly averted her gaze and smiled, "Sir Xie, I have come today with something to tell you."

"Miss Chi, feel free to speak."

"A while ago, I went to the back mountain of a village and met a sage."

"A sage?"

"I suppose so! He had an ancient, celestial aura, like a recluse; in casual talk I heard him mention something."

"What was it?"

"This winter, there may be a snow disaster."

As Chi Nan Yi finished, Xie Yuwei's brows knit, "Snow disaster?"

"Exactly, a snow disaster," Chi Nan Yi's eyes flickered as she whispered, "I happened upon him by chance; his words were uncanny, as if he were masterful of celestial phenomena. He was very certain about the snow disaster, and thinking that you have always looked after me, I reported it to you at once."

Xie Yuwei nodded, "If he truly is a master of celestial signs, his words may not be false. Miss Chi, thank you for making the trip; I am now aware. Whether the snow disaster occurs or not, I am deeply grateful for your concern."

"Sir, your words are weighty." Chi Nan Yi didn't linger, rose and left; she had said what she needed, and Xie Yuwei's...

Just as she stepped away, a man in white robes emerged from behind the screen.

The man watched Chi Nan Yi's departing figure, a hint of shock flashing in his eyes.

He truly hadn't expected that such a similar person could exist in this world.

"Second Young Master, what's wrong?" Xie Yuwei, noticing the complexity in Chi Shao yuan's eyes, asked, "Second Young Master, are you also pondering Miss Chi's remarks about the celestial signs and snow disaster?"

"She also bears the surname Chi," Chi Shao yuan murmured, "What a profound coincidence."

Xie Yuwei, hearing this, smiled and said, "What the Second Young Master means is that, upon learning that the girl also bears the surname"

Chi Shao yuan shook his head, "Since our aunt was murdered, the Chi Family retreated to Nanpu; Grandfather's health has declined day by day, and to have endured so many years,..."

Hearing this, Xie Yuwei felt a heaviness in his heart.

"I understand, once I finish my current affairs, I will go,..."

Chi Shao yuan nodded, his gaze again turning toward the direction Chi Nan Yi had left.

"I still have urgent matters, I must take my leave first."

"Second Young Master, the city gates are now closed; perhaps you should spend the night in the residence and set out again tomorrow!"

The gates are closed? Doesn't that imply that the Chi‑surname girl is still within the city? Thinking this, Chi Shao yuan could not sit still; he gave a slight nod and hurried away.

By the time he reached the street, Chi Nan Yi's figure had long vanished.

At this moment, Chi Nan Yi, dressed in male attire, sat in a refined room of the Millennium Pavilion.

Yun Shan, wearing a mask, stood behind Chi Nan Yi.

Chi Nan Yi closed her eyes, thoroughly enjoying the intermittent music beyond the sheer curtains, her fingertips...

When the piece ended, the woman behind the curtain said softly, "My humble talent is lacking; I have shown my ugliness."

Chi Nan Yi slowly opened her eyes, a hint of smile in her brows, "You are modest, Miss. I have roamed the jianghu for years, heard many famous pieces, and few can match you."

Hearing this, the woman did not show a genuine smile; such praise...

"May I ask if the Miss could change the piece and play another?"

The woman did not refuse, sat back down, and this time set aside her pipa, placing her fingers on the zheng.

"Since the young master enjoys it, I will humbly perform again," she said, lightly brushing the strings, producing a melody akin to mountain streams.

Found it.

Soon, the music gradually ceased, and Chi Nan Yi slowly returned to herself.

"Do you like this piece, young master?"

"I like it," Chi Nan Yi tapped the folding fan in her hand and said leisurely, "The Southern Music Master's signature piece is indeed outstanding; Miss, your skill is extraordinary, and this 'Bless the Lord' piece, when performed by you, is truly beyond others' reach, but..."

Chi Nan Yi deliberately left it unsaid; the woman, hearing this, became somewhat curious.

It was still the first time she had heard those three words from anyone else.

Since the day she first presented the piece to the public, no one had ever said there was any flaw in her playing; this young master was the first.

"Enough, I won't say more; it's just my personal view, and I shouldn't tarnish the Miss's ears."

Hearing this, the woman grew anxious: "Young master, what do you mean? Is it that Rulan's playing is lacking? Please point it out; you have only said half, yet disdain to speak with Rulan?"

"No, it's just that I have long known that Miss Rulan is the star courtesan of the Millennium Pavilion; each person only has time for at most two pieces a day. I realize the time has passed, perhaps others await her, so I will not trouble you further." After speaking, Chi Nan Yi slowly rose, gave Rulan a slight nod, and turned to leave.

How could Rulan really let her go?

"Wait!" Rulan twirled a fingertip, "Young master, do you truly have insight into Rulan's piece?"

"It's not really insight, just some doubts."