Zhuge Wenxui wandered the garden without a clear destination in mind, simply seeking a place to be alone for a while.
He was even less eager to face his tender wife, unwilling for her to worry about him.
"Are you content to continue living this idle life?"
Startled by the voice, Zhuge Wenxui exclaimed, "Who’s there?"
Such high martial arts prowess that he hadn’t noticed anyone approaching.
"My identity is not important. I’m merely here on behalf of my master to ask the young City Lord a question, are you resolved to keep compromising in this way?" the man said as he stepped out of the shadows.
It was none other than Luoyi, an attendant of Chu Yu.
Zhuge Wenxui recognized him and hastily bowed his hands in greeting, "I am honored!"
"The young City Lord need not be overly courteous. I am here to ask on behalf of my master if you are willing to become one of his people, to obey his orders. If the young City Lord is willing, someone will clear all obstacles for you, ensuring you can securely assume the position of City Lord of Hongchou City!"
To become a person of Prince Yanjun, Zhuge Wenxui was naturally willing.
He quickly knelt on one knee, "I am ready to serve His Highness!"
"Then, the young City Lord just needs to wait for the news. When the time comes, I hope the young City Lord can act convincingly!" After speaking, Luoyi left as silently as he had appeared.
Zhuge Wenxui remained in place, filled with anticipation.
It was quite a while before he returned to his own courtyard. Seeing his wife look at him with tenderness and harmony, he carried her directly to the bedroom, and what followed was a passionate intertwining, now with added vigor!
A grill had already been set up with chickens and rabbits turning on spits, and a large pot boiled with a thick porridge.
Prince Yanjun sat atop a carriage, playing the zither.
Han Tianci followed Yuwen Ya, happily learning from him how to roast chickens and rabbits.
Yun Jinnian stood to the side, looking up at the night sky, listening to Prince Yanjun play the zither.
The music was hauntingly ethereal, beautifully addictive.
Yun Jinnian turned his head towards him, curious how someone who had been tormented by poison since birth could play such ghostly beautiful music.
Chu Yu walked over to Yun Jinnian, "Do you want to play the zither?"
Yun Jinnian looked at Chu Yu, "May I?"
"Just wait, I’ll help you get the zither!" said Chu Yu as he went over to Prince Yanjun and whispered something.
Yun Jinnian couldn’t hear what he said, but Prince Yanjun stopped playing, allowing Chu Yu to bring both the zither and the stand to Yun Jinnian.
"This is the Fengmin Zither!" said Chu Yu.
"No wonder it can produce such wonderful music!" said Yun Jinnian as he had Henuan wipe his hands with a wet towel, then dry them and apply a medicinal solution before gently plucking the strings.
He played "High Mountains and Running Water" elevating the piece to new heights, as if depicting majestic mountains and babbling streams, and seemed to convey the deep friendship between Boya and Ziqi with profound vivacity.
"The moon rises over the sea, sharing this moment with the end of the earth," Chu Yu murmured softly.
Yun Jinnian glanced at him, "Raising my cup, I invite the bright moon, my shadow and I make three."
Chu Yu laughed, "Soon we’ll have delicious roasted chicken and rabbit, will Jinnian join me for a cup?"
Yun Jinnian looked at Chu Yu and also smiled, "In that case, I shall enjoy a light drink!"
This smile was filled with warmth and joy.
Chu Yu watched, somewhat entranced.
His ear tips also turned slightly red as he quickly turned away, licked his lips, and signaled to Luo’er, "Bring my Jade Meteor!"
Such a perfect moment surrounded by beauty, he wanted to perform a piece with Jinnian.
To not waste such a wonderful and peaceful night, to not waste Jinnian’s warm smile.
Yun Jinnian was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, after all, few played the Jade Meteor, and sons of nobility like Chu Yu usually played the long Xiao or a flute, didn’t they?
For a moment, Yun Jinnian actually looked forward to performing a duet with Chu Yu!