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墨書 Inktalez
This is a typical Chinese courtyard with three sections, featuring a meticulously trimmed garden where a few wintersweet blossoms are still blooming.
Lin Mingchang adjusted the collar of his dark long coat and leaned slightly forward, lowering his voice to a whisper, "Remember our identities: deep enthusiasts of ancient musical instruments. Do not appear too professional, nor too unfamiliar."
Shen Tong nodded gently. She wore an indigo satin qipao, draped with a gray shawl. Her hair was simply styled with a jade hairpin, looking neither ostentatious nor lacking in elegance. In her right hand, she carried a small brown leather bag containing her hastily prepared "research notes."
The door was opened by a middle-aged butler dressed in a blue traditional Chinese jacket. Rather than a butler, he resembled more of a bodyguard, his physique appearing even more robust than Lin Mingchang's. He scrutinized the two visitors with sharp eyes and asked, "May I ask who you are?"
"I am Lin, and this is Miss Shen. We are here to visit Mr. Mo; we made an appointment yesterday," Lin Mingchang replied with calm confidence, retrieving a business card from his inner pocket and handing it over.
The butler glanced at the card and then scrutinized Lin Mingchang again before saying, "Please follow me."
He turned and led the two into the residence. Shen Tong followed behind, and as they passed through the front courtyard, she suddenly felt an uncomfortable sensation, discreetly narrowing her eyes.
The trio arrived at the second courtyard and entered a spacious and elegantly decorated hall adorned with several ancient musician paintings. The atmosphere in the air was strikingly similar to the fluctuations of Death Qi that Shen Tong had sensed recently, yet it was more subdued, as if suppressed by some force.
"Please wait here; Mr. Mo will be here shortly," the butler said before exiting the hall.
After a moment, a warm voice came from the side door, "Interesting guests."
The two turned to see an elderly man with graying temples walking towards them slowly. He wore a finely tailored deep blue long gown, his face lean and refined, though his eyes were unusually deep-set.
"Mr. Mo," Lin Mingchang nodded slightly, "Thank you for taking the time to meet us."
"Mr. Lin is too kind," Mo Wen's gaze passed over Lin Mingchang and landed on Shen Tong, revealing a fleeting glimmer of something unusual in his eyes. "This must be Miss Shen you mentioned during our appointment? I hear she has unique insights into ancient musical instruments."
Shen Tong met Mo Wen's gaze directly and replied calmly, "I wouldn't dare claim that; I merely dabble in it. I heard that you have an extensive collection and are particularly skilled with the Konghou, so I took the liberty of coming to seek your guidance."
Mo Wen chuckled lightly, "Miss Shen is too modest. Please follow me; I happen to have some collections to share with you both."
He led them through the courtyard and up some steps to an independent Brick-and-Tile Cottage in the backyard.
Pushing open the intricately carved wooden door revealed various ancient musical instruments on display, each carefully maintained and exuding a faint scent of sandalwood.
"These are the fruits of my labor over many years," Mo Wen said as he gently stroked the strings of an ancient guqin, producing a soft tremor of sound. "Music is the art that reaches directly into the soul; would you agree, Miss Shen?"
Shen Tong nodded in agreement and feigned curiosity as she approached a small Konghou with an antiquated design, pretending to be an amateur as she asked, "Is this the legendary Konghou? It looks smaller than I imagined."
Mo Wen walked closer and replied, "This is merely a replica; true ancient Konghous are much larger and have richer tones."
He paused for a moment, fixing his gaze on Shen Tong's eyes, and said, "To be honest, I have been dedicated to restoring a true 'Emperor's Konghou' in recent years. It is said to produce melodies capable of resonating with the Yoke of Hearts."
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