Chapter 69
“Wonderful, absolutely wonderful!”
“This is truly a masterpiece!”
“This melody belongs only in heaven; it’s a rarity to hear it on earth…”
After a brief moment of silence, a thunderous wave of applause erupted, mixed with exclamations of admiration.
Several seasoned judges, who had been specially invited to evaluate the performance, stroked their beards in approval, nodding repeatedly.
The sound of a gong being struck three times brought the crowd to silence, but their eyes burned with anticipation, all fixated on the curtained stage as if their gazes alone could reduce the fabric to ashes.
“Heh heh, judging by everyone’s expressions, it seems you share the same thought as I do,” an elder among the judges finally spoke. “This piece, titled Snow Falls, Souls Awaken with Fragrance Unbroken, was composed and performed by Miss Song Lige. Today’s performance makes me marvel at how each generation surpasses the last. Now, may I invite Miss Song Lige to say a few words?”
The elder’s words prompted another round of excited calls from the audience.
“Tsk tsk, Song Lige. The melody is beautiful, and so is her name. Go, find out more about her background immediately.”
“Understood.”
In the bustling hall, many servants of the noble gentlemen dashed out urgently. When they crossed paths at the door, they exchanged knowing looks without saying a word.
“Heh, perhaps this piece should be renamed Snow Falls, Fragrance Ends, Soul Unbroken,” a soft voice chuckled as the bamboo curtain was gently lifted, revealing the figure behind it.
At first sight, the audience’s eyes widened, and a wave of astonished exclamations rose. Among them, the lustful gazes of certain young noblemen gleamed like wolves spotting prey.
Murong Qiufeng and his companions froze momentarily, recognizing the woman immediately.
“Well, what a coincidence,” Murong Qiufeng mused with a wry smile. “This is the same woman from the painted barge.”
He had initially intended to approach her for acquaintance but now decided otherwise to avoid potential misunderstandings.
Yun Feiyang and Shangguan Ye, however, exchanged knowing glances, their expressions darkening slightly.
Sharp as they were, they had noticed the unusual circumstances of her appearance at the lake.
During the plum blossom holiday, the lake should have been bustling with other barges, but Yun Feiyang had ensured exclusivity by securing all available boats for his business ventures. Yet, another barge had mysteriously appeared and vanished as swiftly as it had come. It wasn’t even part of Yun Feiyang’s fleet.
Though they had dismissed it as an oversight at the time, seeing her here now added layers to their suspicions.
“Hmph, what’s so beautiful about her? A bunch of fools blinded by infatuation,” Zhao Xiru muttered disdainfully. Although she had enjoyed the melody, her dislike for the woman only deepened.
Murong Qiufeng chuckled. “Xiru, mind your words.”
As he pondered, the hall below fell silent. Song Lige’s clear voice rang out, slightly raised.
“I wonder which gentleman or lady was playing alongside me just now. Could I have the pleasure of meeting them?”
Though her tone seemed uncertain, her gaze landed unerringly on the private suite where Murong Qiufeng and his friends were seated.
Yun Feiyang, sitting by the window, glanced at the sea of eyes now fixed on their suite. Turning to Shangguan Ye, they exchanged a sharp look, both narrowing their eyes subtly.
That gentle voice just now had carried traces of inner strength.
A woman possessing martial arts wasn’t unusual, but paired with the mysterious events surrounding the painted barge, it was suspicious.
Judging by her internal energy, this woman’s martial prowess was formidable, surpassing Zhao Xiru’s. Yet, she had feigned helplessness on the barge when Zhao Xiru had casually snapped her zither strings.
Was this a calculated act, or merely coincidence? If it was intentional, who was she targeting—Yun Feiyang, Shangguan Ye, or Zhao Xiru?
Murong Qiufeng, debating whether to step forward, failed to notice the mounting tension in the room.
The audience’s murmurs grew insistent, making it clear that avoiding the limelight any longer would seem cowardly.
Shangguan Ye raised an eyebrow, casually picking up Murong Qiufeng’s flute and pressing it into Yun Feiyang’s hand.
“Qiufeng is new to the city and shouldn’t draw too much attention. The last thing I want is my residence becoming a haven for poets and musicians. Besides, Qiufeng isn’t the most eloquent speaker. He might offend her unintentionally. Yun Feiyang, why don’t you take this on?”
Yun Feiyang glanced at the flute in his hand, then at Shangguan Ye, realizing he was being used as a shield. Narrowing his eyes, he sighed.
“Fine.”
He stood and strode to the door, giving Shangguan Ye a cool look before stepping out.
As Yun Feiyang exited, Shangguan Ye stood abruptly. “Let’s go.”
“Go?” Murong Qiufeng and Zhao Xiru looked at him, puzzled.
Shangguan Ye smirked. “Unless you want to stay and be put on display?”
Understanding dawned, and they prepared to leave.
“Let’s sneak away then,” Zhao Xiru whispered.
“Not we,” Shangguan Ye corrected coldly. “You stay here and wait for him. Qiufeng and I will meet you later at Minghu Lake.”
Zhao Xiru’s eyes widened in protest. “Why me? Why not you?”
She truly found Shangguan Ye’s cold personality insufferable. How had she ever admired him before? He was better suited for Murong Qiujun to deal with. Her preference leaned toward Murong Qiufeng’s gentler demeanor.
Shangguan Ye suddenly smiled, his sharp gaze making Murong Qiufeng uneasy.
“Do you think it’s appropriate for me to stay and wait with her?”
Murong Qiufeng froze, realizing the tense dynamic between Zhao Xiru and Shangguan Ye. If they stayed together, trouble was inevitable. Reluctantly, he turned to Zhao Xiru.
“Xiru…”
She gritted her teeth, glaring at Murong Qiufeng. Foolish brother, she thought. Shangguan Ye was clearly setting him up. But with the latter’s icy gaze pressing down on her, she had no choice but to relent.
“Fine, but you’d better wait for us!” she hissed, resigned.
Without another word, Shangguan Ye grabbed Murong Qiufeng’s arm, and the two leapt through a side window, vanishing into the crowd below.
