Chapter 44: High Mountains and Flowing Water

Jun Yiyi and Jun Zhidie were overjoyed. Jun Yiyi could not hide the schadenfreude in her eyes; although it was indeed they who had intentionally spread the rumor that Jun Zijin was a good-for-nothing, Jun Zijin’s mother had never let her learn music, chess, calligraphy, or painting while in the residence, and it was even less likely she could have learned them at the manor. Since returning to the residence, they had never once heard her play. This time, they would watch her make a fool of herself.

When the original owner was in the residence, Lady Wu would not let Jun Zijin learn the zither, using the excuse of doting on her fingers and saying that such a young child should just play properly. She was never allowed to play the zither outside either, so those present were convinced she could not play.

In fact, before Fang Mengru passed away, the original owner had learned the zither. The Jun Zijin from the 21st century had also studied the guqin and piano for several years under her mother’s insistence, though she could not compare to the skilled zither players of this era who practiced diligently every day. But as the saying goes, "When mountains and rivers seem to block the way, a new village appears amidst the willows and flowers," she had thousands of years of famous melodies stored in her mind from the 21st century. To handle the current situation, she would surely be able to manage with ease; it was not that she could not play, but that she simply did not want to join in the fun.

Jun Shuyan and He Linger looked at Jun Zijin with some worry, but since the Imperial Consort had spoken, the two did not dare to make a sound. Quan Qingle could not stand it anymore and stepped out after a few quick steps:

"Imperial Consort, Zijin’s hands are for taking pulses and treating illnesses, not for playing the zither."

Before Imperial Consort Gao could speak, Princess Jiahe could not wait to say:

"Could it be that the County Princess Qingping is afraid? A fallen noble daughter is still a fallen noble daughter; even if she has been titled a County Princess, she cannot escape the fact that she is a good-for-nothing."

Jun Zhengming was the first to notice the commotion here. His face, which had been relatively calm, instantly became tense. His brows furrowed tightly, and his eyes revealed an undisguisable nervousness. He was terrified that Jun Zijin would do something improper and bring shame upon the family. He was even more afraid that she would annoy Imperial Consort Gao, the consequences of which would be unimaginable!

Jun Zhengming was extremely anxious inside, yet he did not dare to speak up to stop it. He could only stand blankly where he was, his eyes fixed firmly on Jun Zijin. Jun Zhengming somewhat regretted not letting Lady Wu attend this palace banquet. He had heard a little about how Lady Wu and Lady Li had offended the Crown Prince on the day of the Old Madam’s surgery, so he had not dared to let her come to the palace banquet. If Lady Wu were here to manage these juniors, they would not have easily caused trouble, Jun Zhengming mused to himself.

The commotion here naturally also caught the attention of the Emperor and several Imperial Princes. The Imperial Princes stopped what they were doing and watched the show with interest. Quan Aoyu had originally noticed Imperial Consort Gao making things so difficult for Jun Zijin, and a flash of coldness appeared in his eyes. He waved his hand to signal Feiying to come over, but seeing Jun Zijin’s calm and composed demeanor, he knew this girl would give him a surprise and signaled for Feiying to step back.

The Emperor, Quan Wuji, also wanted to see how Jun Zijin would respond. If she could not even handle this kind of situation, how could she stand by his son Quan Aoyu’s side in the future?

Quan Qingle wanted to say something more, but Jun Zijin patted her arm and gave her a reassuring look.

Jun Zijin scanned the crowd who were watching the show with schadenfreude and sighed inwardly, but on the surface, she stood up calmly and bowed:

"Replying to the Imperial Consort, this subject’s daughter only has a slight understanding of medical principles, and only knows a thing or two about zither arts."

Imperial Consort Gao raised her eyebrows slightly and said with a smile that was not quite a smile: "Then play a tune; this palace is quite curious about County Princess Qingping’s zither skills."

Jun Zijin bowed again to accept, her steps light as she walked toward where the guqin was placed.

After Jun Zijin sat down, her slender fingers lightly brushed the strings to test the sound, and then she began to play slowly. She chose one of the ten most famous melodies, "High Mountains and Flowing Water," which was very fitting for the hot weather.

At first, the zither sound was like a babbling brook, crisp and pleasant to the ear. In that secluded valley, a breeze brushed past, carrying the unique freshness and coolness of the mountains, gently swaying the treetops. A melody of "High Mountains and Flowing Water," like the murmuring whispers of a mountain spring, winding through rocks and crevices, struck the softest part of the human heart.

Under Jun Zijin’s fingers, the strings of the guqin were at times deep and resonant, like towering mountains standing firm; that sense of stability and solemnity made one look up involuntarily, as if one could glimpse the peaks of the mountains, shrouded in mist and mysterious. At other times, it became crisp and melodious, like a mountain stream winding around blue stones and passing through the forest, carrying joy and freedom, leaping on every inch of land kissed by the sun, awakening the sleeping forests and also awakening the infinite longing for nature in the listeners' hearts.

At this moment, the Imperial Garden was perfectly still. Everyone present was immersed in it, holding their breath and focusing their attention, not even daring to let out a deep breath, for fear that even a light exhale would startle the spirits of the forest.

The majesty of the high mountains and the agility of the flowing water intertwined, seemingly forming vivid pictures. Every note of the guqin was like a breath of nature, and every pluck of the string was a hymn to the power of life. The melody was at times impassioned, like a mountain torrent erupting, rushing endlessly, showing the grandeur and power of nature; at other times, it was gentle, like a stream under the moonlight, quiet and profound, inviting reverie, as if one could hear the soft footsteps of time.

When the song ended, the crowd remained dazed for a long time.

Imperial Consort Gao was the first to recover, her eyes filled with a complex emotion that was hard to describe. She coughed lightly, breaking the silence.

"I did not expect County Princess Qingping to be not only highly skilled in medicine but also so outstanding in zither arts; you are truly multi-talented. This zither skill can be called peerless," Imperial Consort Gao said.

Jun Zijin stopped playing the zither, stood up, and replied respectfully: "The Imperial Consort flatters me; this piece, 'High Mountains and Flowing Water,' is hardly worthy of such high praise." Who doesn't know how to say polite things?

"Good!"

Suddenly, the Emperor could not help but stand up and praise loudly:

"Truly the sound of heaven! The County Princess I personally titled has indeed not let me down. I have prepared rewards today for those who came out on top in various talents; since the zither performance is so wonderful, then bestow it upon County Princess Qingping!"