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As Nangong Shuang was about to decline, a slightly sharp female voice interjected, "Mother, the guests have all arrived. Shouldn't we begin today's Qin Hui?" Turning to look, she saw a young girl dressed in a light purple gown, undoubtedly Xiao Yuyan. With a graceful figure and a beautiful face, there was a hint of arrogance in her brows.
Madam Xiao smiled and nodded, "Yuyan is right. Let's start the Qin Hui. Nangong Shuang, we can talk more another day."
Nangong Shuang smiled in agreement and then found a seat next to Guan Chunyi. Guan Chunyi was already engaged in conversation with several young ladies nearby. Seeing Nangong Shuang approach, she quickly introduced, "Sister Shuang, this is Lin Yuyao, the daughter of the Minister of Personnel, and this is Qian Sisi, the daughter of the Deputy Minister of Works..."
Nangong Shuang greeted each one in turn, and the young ladies responded politely. However, she could sense their curiosity and scrutiny. It seemed that her status as an unknown guest from the Guo Residence had drawn considerable attention.
At that moment, Xiao Xiang stood up and announced the official start of the Qin Hui. First, several renowned musicians took turns to showcase their talents. An elderly man with white hair played a piece titled "High Mountains and Flowing Water," the melody clear and enchanting, transporting listeners to another realm; next, a middle-aged scholar performed "Spring Snow," rich in charm; followed by a young talent's rendition of "Guangling San," showcasing exquisite skill.
Applause erupted from the audience, creating a lively atmosphere. Xiao Xiang then announced that it was time for the talented young ladies to take the stage and display their skills on the guqin. As soon as she finished speaking, Xiao Yuyan was the first to rise gracefully and walk up to the platform. She offered a slight bow to everyone before sitting at the guqin, her delicate fingers gently plucking the strings.
A piece titled "Plum Blossom Three Variations" flowed from her fingertips, captivating everyone with its beauty and perfectly expressing the resilience and purity of plum blossoms in wind and snow. The audience listened entranced, erupting into thunderous applause at the end.
Xiao Yuyan rose calmly and smiled down at the audience, her gaze intentionally sweeping toward Nangong Shuang as if to flaunt her musical prowess.
Several other young ladies took their turns on stage to showcase their talents. Guan Chunyi leaned over and whispered, "Sister Shuang, why don't you go up and play a piece? I heard from Aunt Guo that your guqin skills are exceptional."
Just as Nangong Shuang was about to humbly decline, Xiao Yuyan approached her with a gentle voice, "Indeed, since Nangong Shuang is here, why not showcase your talent? I’ve heard you are not only skilled in medicine but also in music. We are all looking forward to it."
Though her words were polite, there was an undertone of provocation. The nearby young ladies cast expectant glances her way; some even began to cheer softly.
Nangong Shuang realized she had been pushed into a corner—refusing to go on stage would seem like cowardice while accepting could lead her into a trap set by Xiao Yuyan.
Just as she hesitated, Xiao Zhongyan approached her: "Nangong Shuang's guqin skills are remarkable; I had the pleasure of hearing them once before and still remember it vividly. Since this gathering is rare, why not play a piece for everyone to appreciate your style?"
With Xiao Zhongyan personally inviting her, Nangong Shuang felt it would be impolite to refuse any longer. She stood up and smiled at everyone: "Since you all insist, I will do my best. However, my skills are still rudimentary; please don’t laugh at me."
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Nangong Shuang walked slowly onto the platform and took her seat at the guqin. Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes to calm her thoughts, she gently placed her hands on the strings.
The piece "Feng Qiu Huang" flowed from her fingers. This composition by Sima Xiangru was created in pursuit of Zhuo Wenjun; it conveyed emotions through guqin music and ultimately moved Zhuo Wenjun, leading to a legendary romance. Nangong Shuang's performance was delicate and profound, expressing the infatuation and longing within the piece perfectly—sometimes sorrowful and pleading, sometimes joyful and lively—captivating all who listened.
Gradually, the audience became entranced by her music; some closed their eyes in rapture while others nodded gently in appreciation. Even those young ladies who had initially looked down upon her could not help but be captivated by her talent.
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