Chapter 102 (2/2)
Qi Jianqiu nodded excitedly. “Luodi! Why don't you play the song Miss Crystal had just composed a while back? She can sing to the song as well!”
Crystal nodded as well. “If you don't mind my intrusion, Miss Feng, I would gladly love to play a song with you.”
“Of course not, Miss Crystal. I would be pleased to perform with you.” Feng Luodi smiled in return, ignoring the excited Qi Jianqiu beside Crystal.
“Why don't we invite Miss Linglong to join in as well?” Gan Qingjia spoke up. “Then we'll have three damsels who are all maestros in their own right to perform together. That will definitely be an experience we can all boast about indeed!”
Linglong nodded at the crowd and turned to smile at Feng Luodi. Qi Jianqiu pursed her lips, her dislike of Linglong apparent.
Gentleman Fang answered on behalf of the crowd. “I never expected that I'll be graced with a performance of such talented damsels in my life. How kindly the fortunes have smiled upon me today!”
Feng Luodi nodded at Linglong and Crystal respectively, a note ringing through the air as she started the song, the strings of the zither vibrating from her slender fingers. Crystal's melodious voice joined in, as did the accompaniment from Linglong.
The rain cast a veil
The thunders a clap
I lean by the pavilion
Music beneath my fingertips
A single lotus marks a new season.
The world flourishes
The boat floats down the river
Waves gently pat the sh.o.r.es
As my heart clears
My unrequited love in vain
The drums of dusk sound
The fishermen sing of home
Moonlight rises from the West
And the stars s.h.i.+ne through the clouds
The flickering candle masks my feelings
The crowd was enchanted by the song, unable to remove themselves from the melancholic picture painted by the bewitching melody and lyrics. Liu Shang had left in the middle of the song, upset with the lack of attention she was getting.
The gathering ended soon enough, and the guests bid their farewell to Gentleman Fang. Qi Jianqiu returned home in her carriage, while Gan Qingjia dragged Xue Yiqi to send Linglong and Crystal back to their respective zither parlours. Naturally, it was up to Jiang Moyin to send Feng Luodi home. Of course, a few of the other guests at the gathering had offered their services, but Jiang Moyin rejected them skilfully.
The carriage quickly arrived at the Feng Household. Feng Luodi alighted from the carriage and smiled at Jiang Moyin. “Rest early today, elder brother. It was really humid by the stream, and you'd spent an entire afternoon by it; I fear for your health.”
“Your music alone was worth the stay. It's been some time since I'd heard you play.” Jiang Moyin smiled, his clothes billowing around his overly slender figure.
Feng Luodi shook her head and laughed. “You can't get enough of poking fun at me, can you? I'll be going back now, be careful on your way back, elder brother.”
“Of course.” Jiang Moyin nodded. “Go on in.”
As soon as Feng Luodi disappeared into the household, Jiang Moyin doubled over in pain, his frame wrecked by heaving coughs. When he removed his hand from his mouth, blood had pooled in his palm. An attendant stepped forward quickly, worried.
“Are you alright, Grand Tutor? Let's head back now; the physician is waiting for you.”
“I'll be fine.” Jiang Moyin boarded the carriage with the help of the attendant. “Run a check on the Heir of Huaiyang. I want to know who he has been interacting with since coming to Chang'an, and if they noticed anything wrong about him. Compile everything that can be found about him and send it to my study.”
“Yes, Grand Tutor.”
Unbeknownst to Jiang Moyin, the Feng household received a royal decree as soon as he'd left the gates: Feng Luodi was summoned to the palace by the Emperor.
“Would you happen to know why the Emperor intends to meet me?” Feng Luodi was confused. Why will the Emperor summon me out of nowhere? Father is not at home, and Mother is resting. Who can I discuss this with?
“I have no idea, but the Emperor must have a use for you. Please come along with me, Miss Feng.”
“Alright. Please lead the way.” There was no time for Feng Luodi to ponder over the situation. She could only hope for the best, and prepare for the worst.”