"Grandmother, my favorite instrument is naturally the guqin." Turning to the servant in charge of the instruments, she said, "Go fetch my ’Hao Zhong.’"
Gu Youyou was slightly startled.
She had the fortune to hear the legends about the famous zither Hao Zhong. In Zhuzhao Country, which did not exist in any historical records, she wondered if this Hao Zhong was the same as the one in the legends.
If it was, then she would indeed be feasting her eyes.
It wouldn’t be a wasted journey after all.
Before long, someone brought out an ancient qin of peach wood color. Just from its appearance, the craftsmanship was refined, with gold wrapping around both ends and silver threads, inlaid with green gemstones.
Yue Ruxue took it, her eyes gently sweeping over everyone in the room, and finally settling on Jin Zijin. She smiled brightly with confidence.
The sound of the Hao Zhong did not flow like other soft guqins, but resonated like the sound of bells and the prolonged call of horns.
If the qin were to be played for the ordinary scholar-gentleman, it would not be as pleasing as the gentle music of other qins. However, Brother Zijin was different; he was meant to be a man of the battlefield, just like his father and brothers. Therefore, she was certain Brother Zijin would prefer this kind of robust and spirited music that stirred the blood.
For this reason, she specifically chose a battle melody meant to boost the morale of the troops.
As the piece began, Gu Youyou listened with a quiet heart.
This tune was not like the delicate sentiments of love favored by young ladies. From the start, it was an impassioned and moving sound of profound sadness and excitement, which made Gu Youyou reevaluate the imperious Yue Ruxue.
She actually played such a tune—had she misjudged her?
They say that qin music can best reflect one’s innermost feelings. It wasn’t that she played exceedingly well, but the music seemed to paint a scene of thousands of soldiers battling fiercely. Gu Youyou saw another Yue Ruxue, a heroic figure on horseback.
When the piece ended, the Marquess seated on high was the first to clap and praise the performance, and the house servants and guards standing at the far edge were also stirred, making Gu Youyou instantly understand why she chose not to play romantic melodies, but rather warlike ones.
It turns out she was pandering to their tastes.
The women might not appreciate it, but most of the men in the Marquis Residence had seen the battlefield, and they enjoyed it.
Despite the Yue Residence being predominantly female, with few men, the status of those few men was unmatched.
One must admit this girl was not as foolish as she had thought, which was rather interesting.
The elderly Madam also smiled in satisfaction, saying, "Axue’s qin skills have improved considerably this year. When it comes time to fight enemies on the battlefield, Axue will be able to assist with her qin music."
Hearing this, Gu Youyou was again surprised. Could the young ladies of the Marquis Residence also go to the battlefield?
Yue Ruxue shyly thanked her, "Thanks for the praise, Grandmother, Axue will not be outdone by her father and brothers."
Ah, such bold words. It was as if calling her fat would make her pant.
The Marquess laughed heartily with joy, "Ha ha, each of my children is commendable. Axue, despite her young age, does not pale next to men in service to Zhuzhao."
The Marchioness was also very pleased by the compliment.
Next, Yue Rushuang, the eldest daughter, went to draw lots. Although she was the eldest, her status was far inferior to Yue Ruxue’s because her mother was a concubine.
She drew an upper lot, which was third in order. After showing it to the elderly Madam, she stood aside properly to wait.
The two younger daughters from the second house timidly picked one each.
The six-year-old little girl drew the second lot and blinked her big eyes at her mother, seeking guidance.
Her mother smiled and said, "Xiaosi just started learning instruments this year, and her fingers are tender; she fears pain. So I didn’t let her learn various string instruments, but instead, she learned the bianzhong. She finds the chiming, ringing sounds amusing. Let’s choose the bianzhong then, just hope the child’s play won’t cause too much noise for Madam."