Chapter 44: High Mountains and Flowing Water

Jun Jun Yiyi and Jun Jun Zhidie were overjoyed; a gleam of schadenfreude was unmistakable in Jun Jun Yiyi's eyes. Although it was true that they had deliberately spread the rumor that Jun Jun Zijin was a waste, Jun Jun Zijin had never been taught the zither, chess, calligraphy, or painting by her mother while in the manor, and it was even more impossible at the estate. Since returning to the manor, no one had ever heard her play. This time, let's see how she makes a fool of herself.

When the original owner was in the manor, Wu Shi forbade Jun Jun Zijin from learning the zither, claiming out of concern for her fingers that such a young child should simply play. She never allowed her to play the zither in public either; everyone present was convinced she could not play.

In fact, before Fang Fang Mengru passed away, the original owner had learned the zither. The 21st-century Jun Jun Zijin had also studied the guqin and piano for several years under her mother's insistence. Although she could not compare to the skilled players of this era who practiced diligently every day, as the saying goes, "When mountains and rivers seem to block the path, willow shadows and bright flowers reveal another village," the 21st-century mind stored thousands of years of famous melodies. She should be able to handle the current situation with ease; Jun Jun Zijin was not incapable, she simply had no desire to join in this fuss.

Jun Jun Shuyan and He Ling'er looked at Jun Jun Zijin with some concern, but since the Imperial Concubine had spoken, neither dared to utter a sound. Quan Quan Qingle could not bear it any longer; she stepped forward in a few quick strides:

"Imperial Concubine, Jun Zijin's hands are for taking pulses and curing illnesses, not for playing the zither."

Before the Noble Consort could speak, Princess Jiahe could not wait to say:

"Does Lady Lady Qingping dare not? A fallen noble daughter is still a fallen noble daughter; even if ennobled as a County Lady, she cannot escape the fact of being a waste."

Xiang Xiang Junzheng noticed the commotion on this side first. His face, which had been relatively calm, instantly tightened; his brows knitted deeply, and an unmistakable look of nervousness flashed in his eyes. He feared Jun Jun Zijin would do something improper and bring shame to the family. Even more, he feared she would anger the Noble Consort, with consequences too terrible to imagine!

Xiang Xiang Junzheng was extremely anxious inside but dared not speak to stop her. He could only stand there dazed, staring fixedly at Jun Jun Zijin. He regretted not letting Wu Shi attend this palace banquet. On the day of the Old Lady's surgery, he had heard rumors that Wu Shi and Li Shi had offended the Crown Prince, so he had not dared to let her come. If Wu Shi had been here, leading these younger generation members, they would not have easily caused trouble, Xiang Xiang Junzheng thought to himself.

The commotion naturally drew the attention of the Emperor and several Imperial Princes. The Imperial Princes stopped their actions and watched the spectacle with leisure. Quan Quan Aoyu had noticed the Noble Consort making things so difficult for Jun Jun Zijin; a flash of coldness passed through his eyes, and he waved to signal Feiying to come over. But seeing Jun Jun Zijin's calm and composed demeanor, he knew this girl would give him a surprise, so he signaled Feiying to withdraw.

Emperor Quan Quan Wuji also wanted to see how Jun Jun Zijin would handle it; if she could not cope with such a situation, how could she ever stand by his son Quan Quan Aoyu's side in the future?

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

Jun Jun Zijin glanced at the crowd watching the show with schadenfreude, sighed inwardly, then stood up calmly and bowed, saying:

"Replying to the Imperial Concubine, this subject merely understands some medical principles; regarding zither skills, I know only a little."

The Noble Consort raised her eyebrows slightly, smiling ambiguously: "Then play a piece. This Palace is curious about Lady Lady Qingping's zither skills."

Jun Jun Zijin bowed again in agreement and walked lightly toward the place where the guqin was placed.

After sitting down, Jun Jun Zijin lightly touched the strings to test the sound, then began to play slowly. She chose one of the ten famous pieces, "High Mountains and Flowing Water," which was perfect for the hot weather.

The zither sound at first flowed like a babbling brook, clear and pleasant. In that quiet valley, a cool breeze brushed past, carrying the unique freshness and chill of the mountains, gently swaying the treetops. The piece "High Mountains and Flowing Water" was like a clear spring in the mountains whispering, passing through stones and gaps, striking directly at the softest part of the human heart.

Under Jun Jun Zijin's fingers, the guqin strings sometimes sounded low and deep, like towering mountains standing immovable; that steadiness and solemnity made people look up involuntarily, as if they could glimpse the mountain peaks shrouded in mist, mysterious and unfathomable. At other times, the sound became clear and melodious, like a small stream in the mountains winding around green stones and passing through the forest, carrying joy and freedom, leaping over every inch of land kissed by sunlight, awakening the sleeping mountains and forests, and awakening in the audience an infinite longing for nature.

At this moment, the Imperial Garden was utterly silent. Everyone present was immersed in the music; all held their breath and focused, not daring to even exhale a single breath, fearing that even a slight sigh would scare away the spirits of the forest.

The majesty of the high mountains and the liveliness of the flowing water intertwined, seemingly forming vivid pictures. Every note of the guqin seemed like a breath of nature; every pluck was a hymn to the power of life. The melody was sometimes impassioned, like a flash flood erupting and surging endlessly, displaying nature's grandeur and power; at other times gentle, like a small stream under the moonlight, quiet and profound, inviting reverie, as if one could hear the gentle footsteps of time.

When the piece ended, the crowd remained unable to come to their senses for a long time.

The Noble Consort was the first to come to her senses; her eyes held a few complex expressions that were hard to define. She coughed lightly, breaking the silence.

"I did not expect Lady Lady Qingping to be not only skilled in medicine but also so outstanding in zither playing; truly talented in many arts. This zither skill can be called unparalleled," the Noble Consort said.

Jun Jun Zijin stopped playing, stood up, and respectfully replied: "The Imperial Concubine overpraises me. This piece, 'High Mountains and Flowing Water,' is difficult to present in a refined setting." Who doesn't know how to speak polite words?

"Excellent!"

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

"Truly a sound from heaven! The County Lady personally ennobled by me has indeed not disappointed me. I have prepared rewards today for those who excel in various arts; since the zither performance was so wonderful, let these rewards be bestowed upon Lady Lady Qingping!"