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Qian Wan'er's face grew even paler, tears welling up in her eyes. Seeing this, Nangong Shuang felt a pang of sympathy and was about to step forward to intervene when Guo Chunyi suddenly spoke up, "Sister Shuang is exceptionally skilled at playing the guqin; why not let her perform a piece for Sister Wan'er?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the hall fell silent, all eyes turning to Nangong Shuang.
"A maidservant knows how to play the guqin?" Liu Yingying said, her tone laced with surprise and a hint of disdain.
Nangong Shuang felt a flicker of annoyance but kept her composure. Qian Wan'er quickly shook her head, "There's no need, I—"
"Wan'er, let Nangong Shuang give it a try," Madam Guo kindly interrupted. "Nangong Shuang is skilled in medicine; surely her musical talent is not lacking either."
Nangong Shuang knew that refusing at this moment would only make Qian Wan'er feel more embarrassed. She smiled gently and stepped forward to bow, saying, "Nangong Shuang is unworthy but would like to attempt a piece on behalf of Miss Wan'er. I hope everyone will be forgiving."
Li Dajia looked at her with interest. "A young lady who is both knowledgeable in medicine and music is truly rare. What piece do you intend to play?"
After pondering for a moment, Nangong Shuang recalled the guqin pieces she had learned during her childhood at the Nangong Mansion. One piece taught by her father was called "Mei Ying Xue Hun," a family heirloom rarely heard by outsiders.
This piece was profound and distant, embodying the resilience of plum blossoms braving the snow as well as the sorrow of a ghost lamenting its grievances—perfect for expressing her current state of mind. However, playing a piece from the Nangong Family openly would reveal her identity.
As she hesitated, her gaze inadvertently met that of the Dowager of the Duke of State. The old lady's kind eyes seemed to offer encouragement as she nodded slightly, as if saying, "Play without worry."
Suddenly filled with courage, Nangong Shuang smiled softly and said, "Today I will perform 'Mei Ying Xue Hun.' This piece comes from my family's teachings and symbolizes the unyielding spirit of the plum blossom against frost and the lingering memories of lost souls."
Li Dajia was momentarily taken aback. "Mei Ying Xue Hun? I have never heard of this piece."
Nangong Shuang replied with humility, "This piece was created by my master and has never been shared publicly. Today I dare to try it; I hope for your guidance, Li Dajia."
Li Dajia stroked his beard and nodded. "Very well; I shall listen attentively."
Nangong Shuang took her seat at the guqin, gently touching the strings before retrieving a prepared string from Qian Wan'er's embroidered pouch and skillfully replacing it. Her movements were smooth and fluid, captivating everyone present.
Once she had replaced the string, Nangong Shuang took a deep breath. Her fingers flew across the strings as a clear sound like frost resonated throughout the hall. The melody began like plum blossoms blooming—elegant and refined—gradually deepening into a lament for parting pain before settling into tranquility yet imbued with endless sorrow, as if souls lingered in reluctance amidst the snow.
The music flowed like a heartfelt confession—sometimes like babbling brooks, sometimes like temple bells at dusk and dawn, sometimes like winds whispering through pine trees, sometimes like ghostly wails. The entire piece was mournful yet not hurtful, hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving.
The audience listened entranced, forgetting to breathe. Even Li Dajia closed his eyes to listen intently; his white beard trembled slightly, clearly touched by the performance.
In one corner of the stage, the Dowager of the Duke of State was already in tears, her trembling hands clutching a handkerchief tightly as she fixed her gaze on Nangong Shuang's figure as if comparing something.
As the final note faded away, silence enveloped the hall before erupting into enthusiastic applause.
"Wonderful! Inexpressibly wonderful!" Li Dajia exclaimed excitedly as he clapped his hands in praise. "In my sixty years of artistry, I have never heard such an enchanting piece! Who is your master? How did you acquire such extraordinary skills?"
Nangong Shuang smiled slightly but remained humble. "My master is a recluse who prefers not to reveal their name."
Li Dajia nodded repeatedly, "No wonder, no wonder. This piece is a masterpiece, with exquisite melodies and profound meanings; it truly is a rare gem to hear. Miss, your skill on the guqin is exceptional, expressing the emotions within the piece to perfection, leaving one in awe!"
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