Chapter 7

"Unfortunately, it was not made by the old master of the Yun family. Over the years, the Yun family's craftsmanship in instrument making has not kept up with its former glory," Chu Shi said, then unyieldingly handed the phoenix-headed konghou to Ji Ling

Zhou Rong waved in front of Ji Ling, "What are you thinking about? You seem lost in thought."

Later, Ji Ling learned that Ji Le was also a girl from a distant relative of the old lady. Her parents were still alive, yet they sent her to the old lady's side. Her home was located in the suburbs of Beijing, and she spoke Mandarin with perfect pronunciation, which made Ji Ling feel quite ashamed.

Although her accent has changed somewhat in recent days, it is after all something she has spoken since childhood, and it cannot be altered in a short period of time

This season, I do remember, "Sister Zhen's is called 'Jia Yu', Sister Jing's is called 'Xiao Xiang Ye Yu', Sister Wan's is called 'Shi Quan', and Sister Shu's is called 'Ming Feng'

In the evening, when Nan Hui was attending to the elderly lady's hair, the elderly lady expressed some confusion, saying, "Why is A Shi so attentive to Ling girl? This is not like him." Although Chu Shi was usually cultured and gentle, he was inherently difficult for others to approach.

Zhou Rong nodded slightly and said in a voice that was almost inaudible: "He is indeed very formidable."

"Well then, it is better to start a family before establishing a career; you should have someone in your home by now," the old lady said.

"Your memory is quite impressive," Zhou Rong said with a smile. "You remember the names of the pianos they received."

Just as I was about to fall asleep, I heard the little girl Ming Yan softly knocking on the door outside, saying: "Sister Qian Mian, are you there?"

Ji Ling discovered that she actually also greatly enjoyed music; she played the piano until her fingers ached, yet she was reluctant to let go.

Ji Ling silently nodded

Qian Mian went to open the door and asked, "What happened?"

"Indeed, all of them are renowned instruments from previous generations, especially the 'Jia Yu', which produces a sound akin to jade. It is the aspiration of all who play the guqin." Zhou Rong said

Upon hearing Nan Hui's mention, the old lady immediately reacted, unable to suppress a smile at the corners of her mouth, "It is often said that a daughter is her mother's little cotton-padded jacket, but in my opinion, A Shi is truly my cotton-padded jacket."

Before encountering the konghou, she thought she liked the qin. However, after meeting the konghou, Ji Ling suddenly realized that perhaps Zhou Rong's so-called musical talent was entirely due to her dream of playing the konghou

After school, Ji Ling returned to Jialetang with her head down, feeling sullen, only to find a strange little girl of similar age in the hall.

Ji Le effortlessly pulled up Ji Ling, exclaiming, "Wow, what a beautiful little sister! Just like the jade maiden before the Bodhisattva Guanyin." Ji Le is nine years old this year, half a year older than Ji Ling.

Ji Ling then took it over. She looked at the uniquely shaped konghou in front of her; it was her first time seeing such a peculiar instrument, yet for some reason, she felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity. "Thank you, Cousin Shi."

Ji Ling stepped forward to greet the elderly lady and Chu Shi. The elderly lady took Ji Ling's hand and said, "Your cousin Shi has brought you some good things again"

Chu Shi took over the conversation and said: "Yesterday, I originally intended to bring a gift to my cousin Ling, but it ended up being chosen by Zhenzhen and the others first. Considering that I have a phoenix-headed konghou, also crafted by a renowned master of the previous generation, I might as well give it to my cousin."

Nan Hui knew that the old lady loved to hear people talk about the eldest son, so she smiled and said: "Isn't that so? The most important thing is that the eldest son treats you well, yet he never says it; everything is shown through his actions, and that is what is truly rare"

Its name is truly pleasant to hear. Ji Ling said, and then she couldn't help but reach out to touch the strings of the guzheng that had returned. If yesterday's acquisition of the guzheng made Ji Ling very happy, then today's zither made her feel as if she could not let go. It was as if this zither was her best friend from a past life, and they had finally reunited in this life

Ji Ling woke up crying, her tears soaked half of the pillow. After waking up, she walked over to Gui Qu Lai's side and, as if compelled by some unseen force, reached out her hand and surprisingly played the entire piece of music she had dreamed of in her sleep.

Since mentioning Chu Shi, Zhou Rong seemed somewhat distracted throughout the morning. It was not until the afternoon, when she was teaching Ji Ling to play the piano, that she regained her focus, for Ji Ling's musical talent was truly exceptional. Zhou Rong had only played those pieces once, yet Ji Ling remembered them almost perfectly. Although they were all extremely simple, it was indeed quite astonishing for a girl who had never played the piano before

Ji Ling had not yet come to her senses from her dream. Yesterday, Chu Shi gifted her a "Return Home". That night, she dreamt of playing the konghou all night long. Or perhaps it was not her, but the grown-up version of herself playing the konghou there. The night was so cool, and the sound of her konghou was like weeping and lamenting, causing Ji Ling in the dream to weep incessantly.

The young master has arrived, and he has brought something for the young lady. The old lady has asked the young lady to go ahead.

"Yesterday, Cousin Shi gifted me a konghou again. I wanted to ask Sister Rong if she knows how to play it, as I would like to learn. I cannot let Cousin Shi's kind intentions go to waste," Ji Ling said

This harp is named 'Return Home'.

Nan Huidao: "What is there that is difficult to understand? Miss Ling has been raised under your knee, old lady."

"Sister Rong, do you know about the konghou?" Ji Ling asked

Qian Mian was naturally astonished, yet Ji Ling could not articulate the reason, only stating that she had heard the melody from Zhou Rong, who also praised her musical talent. However, such an explanation could hardly convince Qian Mian, and at present, there were no better alternatives. She certainly could not claim that she had dreamt it, as that would be even less believable.

I have no objections; I will follow my grandmother's wishes.

Zhou Rong thought for a moment and said: "I have not learned to play the konghou, so I cannot teach you. Nowadays, people place great importance on the qin, and there are very few who play the konghou. Even if there are some, they are..." At this point, Zhou Rong fell silent again.

"This is your cousin's heartfelt intention, so please accept it." The old lady said on behalf of Ji Ling.

"How did you remember that?" Zhou Rong asked curiously, as she did not believe that Ji Ling, given her background, could have been exposed to such refined music before.

In the evening, Qianmian brought milk to Ji Ling for a hand soak, saying, "This young lady's hands must be carefully protected; if they become rough, she will be ridiculed for having the hands of a laborer."

"That cousin is truly impressive, to have so many fine instruments," Ji Ling remarked

Unexpectedly, Ji Ling heard it and nodded, saying, "Yes, yesterday, my cousin Shi came to Jialetang and mentioned that his 'Shandong Journey Map' is about to be printed. It sounds quite impressive."

Ji Ling only glanced at Ji Le and immediately felt envious. Ji Le was round and plump, and when she smiled, her eyes curved into crescent moons, making anyone who looked at her feel delighted. Her appearance was exactly what the adults often referred to as a face full of joy and good fortune.

The next day, Ji Ling went to the school again

"Ling, you're back! Come and meet your sister Le!" The old lady waved at Ji Ling and said, "From now on, you will all live in Jiale Hall, so you must be as close as real sisters."

It seems that your musical talent is quite remarkable; do not let it go to waste said Zhou Rong

Indeed. The old lady sighed, having raised a distant relative of the Ji family. Others may not say it, but they all look down on Ji Ling. However, they fail to consider that no matter how poor Ji Ling may be, she is still a member of the Ji family. Among all these people, only Chu Shi truly cares for her. He genuinely regards Ji Ling as his sister.

Ji Ling felt embarrassed and lowered her head as Ji Le praised her. If she were a bit more tactful, she would have returned the compliment by praising Ji Le's beauty.

Ji Ling quickly humbly said: "Cousin Shi, I am already very satisfied with Yunhe. Sister Rong said that Yunhe comes from the Yun family, a family renowned for crafting musical instruments."

Ji Le is naturally beautiful, and the old lady has always liked girls who resemble flowers, but compared to Ji Ling, she still falls short by a large margin. Ji Ling's kind of beauty is indeed rare in the world

Ji Ling was taken aback and immediately understood. Although the old lady had reluctantly taken her in, she still did not like her sullen personality, which is why she would choose to raise another young girl instead

Zhou Rong found it difficult to articulate. The courtesans, in order to create novelty and attract the attention of their patrons, would diligently practice instruments such as the pipa and the konghou in addition to their skills in playing the guqin. However, such an explanation could not be conveyed to Ji Ling, so she could only respond perfunctorily: "I can't recall at the moment. However, mastery of the guqin is fundamental. If you enjoy the konghou, you can simply explore it on your own during your leisure time."

"Sister Le." Ji Ling stepped forward to pay her respects to Ji Le

Ji Lingdao: "I just think these pieces are too beautiful; when Sister Rong plays, I find myself humming along in my heart, and it seems like I just remember them."

It is precisely because of this that Ji Ling is still in a state of shock at this moment

Ji Ling was dumbfounded as she stared at the large basin of spiced milk, "Sister Qianmian, this milk is meant for drinking." Moreover, it was something that was hard to come by. She recalled when her mother gave birth to her younger brother, her health suffered, and she had no milk, so she went around seeking cow's milk and goat's milk to feed her brother, which was quite valuable.

What is it?" Ji Ling asked.

Ji Le is much more lively than Ji Ling, and most importantly, she is sweet-natured, unlike Ji Ling who is somewhat blunt with her words. Therefore, on her first day at Jia Le Tang, more people, both above and below, took a liking to her compared to Ji Ling. Even the old lady is fond of her.

Qian Mian smiled and said: "What cannot be finished drinking can naturally be used for soaking hands. Do not worry, we have quite a few dairy cows in our estate, specifically raised to produce milk for the masters. Do you know Lady Zhang? She even uses cow's milk for bathing."

Ji Ling scratched his head, "Because those pianos are too beautiful."

"Of course I know, why do you ask this?" Zhou Rong said

Alright, I will take the young lady there now said Qian Mian

Zhou Rong listened with a face full of longing, and then cast a pitiful glance at Ji Ling.

Ji Ling was left speechless. After washing her hands, Qian Mian brought the remaining milk to Ji Ling for foot soaking, which could be considered a practical use of resources

Ji Ling understood Zhou Rong's meaning, but felt that there was nothing pitiable about herself. She had also received a fine guqin, and she was not at all close to Chu Shi. The other four treasures were all his sisters, so it was only natural for them to receive good instruments. Moreover, Ji Ling knew that if it were truly a meeting gift for her, Chu Shi would have prepared a guqin, yet he brought back five, clearly considering all his sisters at home.

Ji Ling walked only a few steps to the east room where the old lady resided, and saw Chu Shi conversing with her, seemingly discussing a marriage proposal.