Because Lu Ying’er mentioned playing the zither, the group moved to another side chamber used as a music room. After washing hands, burning incense, and changing clothes, Lu Ying’er sat solemnly in front of the ancient zither, lifting her arms wrapped in narrow sleeves. Her delicate hands strummed the zither, and a rich, deep melody emerged from her fingertips, with superb tones and skillful techniques. It was clear that Lu Ying’er had put in much effort into learning the ancient zither; such proficiency could not have been achieved overnight. Compared to Lin Wanwan’s junior from the music academy during her university days, Lu Ying’er was far superior, and Lin Wanwan was even further behind. However, while she couldn’t play as well, she could still listen. Lu Ying’er’s performance on the zither gave off a showy impression, at a level where even laypeople would praise it with a "Wow, so impressive" and then move on with laughter, but it couldn’t move the heart. Simply put, it lacked soul. A zither player must express their heart. The purpose of playing the zither is not to entertain others, but to cultivate oneself with reverence, to communicate with heaven, nature, and confidants. In this respect, Lu Ying’er’s level was that of an excellent graduate of a music academy, professional but far from being a "master," and worlds apart from Xiao Chong’s zither skills. As the piece ended, Lin Wanwan’s expression remained calm, while the other noblewomen offered various praises, though it was hard to tell if they were sincere. After all, she was the County Magistrate’s daughter, and among the young ladies at the banquet today, there was no one with a higher official status. Lu Ying’er looked at Xiao Chong and said coyly, "Cousin Zifang, do you think I’ve improved since last time?" Xiao Chong responded indifferently, "Hmm, slightly better, but you still need to practice diligently." Oh, brother! You’re so straightforward, just saying it openly, leaving her with no room to step down! Lin Wanwan found it amusing, having thought Xiao Chong would offer some polite words, she was surprised to hear such honesty, yet she felt quite pleased. Every time he listened to her playing, he would always have an annoying smirk, as if he were about to say, "Your level is quite amateur." Luckily, she had never asked for his opinion and didn’t need his evaluation, unlike Lu Ying’er, who insisted on asking him. Lu Ying’er’s skills were indeed better than hers, but only in terms of technique. If Xiao Chong had praised Lu Ying’er like others, saying how excellent her playing was, it would have been too hypocritical. Lu Ying’er’s face fell slightly, and she pouted, coquetting, "Of course, I can’t compare to you, Cousin Zifang. I will practice diligently and never slack off." Xiao Chong smiled without speaking, and his expression revealed nothing of his emotions. At this point, Lady Lu approached, first praising her daughter, then saying to Xiao Chong, "Zifang, you are excellent with the zither, do give your cousin more guidance." Xiao Chong bowed respectfully, smiling faintly, "Aunt, forgive me, but my cousin has already invited famous teachers; it’s not my place to show off." Lady Lu sighed, "The female teacher has returned home and won’t be back until after the Lantern Festival, so there’s no one to guide these days. Fortunately, Ying’er is clever and diligent, never neglecting her studies in the arts." Xiao Chong did not reply, but Xiao Jingkun beside him smoothly took over the conversation, continuing with praise. Lin Wanwan watched her cousin’s eloquent performance, suddenly caught off guard when Lu Ying’er called, "Lady Lin, why don’t you play a piece for everyone too? I’ve heard you learned from a hermit when you were young, you must be very proficient, do enlighten us. I’ve heard all those reclusive scholars have great abilities, so your mentor must be such a person." Lin Wanwan didn’t expect the attention to turn to her, she was slightly taken aback, but quickly composed herself. It’s just performing in public, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Being shy is not her style. She’s someone who can stand on an exhibition stage in front of a sea of strangers without any fear, why should this bother her? Besides, ever since Xiao Chong gifted her the Jiaowei Zither crafted by Cai Yong, she had been playing it every day for pleasure. She smiled calmly and said, "Of course, no problem." A maid led her to wash her hands and burn incense, changing out of her wide-sleeve robe into a narrow-sleeved Hanfu that Yun Shang had prepared. Ancient noblewomen had many rules, needing to bring many things when going out, including spare clothes, of course. Lin Wanwan usually wouldn’t prepare such things, but today, for attending a Great Tang social gathering, she followed Yun Shang’s suggestion and allowed her to bring two sets of clothing each for herself and little Qingyu, not expecting they’d be needed. Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝙣𝙚𝙩 Little Qingyu, who stayed close to her, looked up and said, "Mother, can I play too? I want to play, I want to change clothes too." Lin Wanwan gently lifted her little chin and smiled, "You listen to Mother play first, and when we go back, Mother will listen to you play, how about that?" Little Yu’er blinked and said, "Okay." After changing clothes, Lin Wanwan pondered for a moment and decided to take a different approach, not playing a famous ancient zither tune. Given her skills, playing such tunes would be showing off woodwork to a master among a group of noblewomen who had practiced the zither since childhood; it would be better to perform a song. So she decided to perform Master Huang’s "Swordsmen." Unique, flavorful, without high technical demand, and definitely novel. Since it can’t be stable, aim for uniqueness. After the prelude with its free and easy, carefree sentiments, Lin Wanwan began to sing: "The ocean laughs, the tides on both shores surge Rising and falling with the waves, remembering today The heavens laugh, tides of the world surge Who wins or loses, heaven knows The mountains and rivers laugh, distant in mist and rain Waves wash away all the worldly dust The breeze laughs, yet stirs loneliness Pride remains in the evening light All beings laugh, loneliness no more Pride still there, laughing blissfully" It used little technique, the harmonics weren’t played perfectly, but Lin Wanwan exuded a sense of openness, confidence, and boldness, grand and clear, grasping the essence of freeness, exhilarating and refreshing. The onlookers who were quietly whispering fell silent, leaving only the low sound of the zither and Lin Wanwan’s clear voice resonating in the air. When the piece ended, everyone strangely found themselves at a loss for critique, except for Xiao Chong’s perpetually sleepy eyes, which suddenly glimmered. Lady Lu paused and then commented, "What song is this? Undoubtedly, it sounds quite agreeable, but it’s too simplistic. The melody kept repeating the same notes, ’Gong, Shang, Jue, Zhi, Yu,’ lacking in literary depth. Zifang, what do you think?" Being named, Xiao Chong replied with ease, "Hmm, great music is simple, the great way is straightforward. The simpler it is, the more it moves people, the simplest is the most beautiful, a marvel indeed." Lu Ying’er, displeased, said, "But it has no technique, not even the harmonics were played well." Xiao Chong chuckled a few times without rebuffing, and his eyes shone with amusement, giving off a sense of "How foolish you are, not worth arguing with, a summer insect can’t discuss ice."