vrcanaries Chapter 390 Pipa 2
Chapter 390 Pipa 2
Qi Yuebin thought for a moment, then moved his fingers lightly and played a song "Spring River Moon Night".
Yongzheng sat beside him, his eyes gleaming with admiration. Although he rarely expressed his emotions, he was clearly moved by the mood of the song.
After the song ended, Qi Yuebin gently pressed the strings, and the lingering sound gradually faded away. She raised her head, her brows slightly furrowed, as if she was thinking about something.
After a moment, she whispered, "Your Majesty, the melody of 'Spring River Moonlit Night' is gentle and simple, with a smooth and varied rhythm. It is an excellent piece. However... playing it alone on the pipa, while it can express its elegant beauty, it always feels lacking in a sense of profound artistic conception. It would be better if the flute could be used to complement it. The flute's deep and distant sound complements the pipa's clear and melodious tone, perhaps even better showcasing the profound charm of the spring river tide and the flower shadows under the moon."
Upon hearing this, Yongzheng's eyes lit up with admiration. He nodded slightly, his tone tinged with approval, "You're absolutely right. The pipa, while wonderful, can't stand alone. Accompanied by the sound of the flute, it's truly even more captivating. I never imagined you had such a unique understanding of music."
Qi Yuebin smiled slightly, lowered her head, stroked the pipa, and said softly, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. I simply feel that the essence of music lies in harmony. The pipa and the flute, one hard and one soft, one clear and one distant, can only complement each other to fully express the artistic conception of the song."
Yongzheng's eyes lit up, clearly attracted by her suggestion. He paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Noble Concubine Xi is the best at playing the flute in this palace. Her flute sounds clear and melodious, complementing your pipa perfectly. How about you come with me to Yongshou Palace and play a piece together?"
Qi Yuebin smiled brightly and said, "I couldn't ask for more! It's truly an honor to play with Noble Concubine Xi." Then, as if remembering something, she tilted her head slightly and whispered, "Your Majesty, how can music be fully enjoyed without a singer? I've heard that Concubine Wen's voice is like heavenly music. If she could recite this poem with us, wouldn't it add a touch of elegance?"
Upon hearing this, Yongzheng's smile deepened, and he nodded in approval, saying, "You are truly thoughtful. Concubine Wen's voice is truly beautiful and moving. If you could join in, the piece would surely be even more perfect. In that case, I will have someone invite Concubine Wen to Yongshou Palace. The three of you will play together, and I will be a listening audience today, fully appreciating the exquisite beauty of 'Spring River Moon Night'."
Qi Yuebin's proposal completely piqued Yongzheng's interest.
She looks like Chun Yuan, sings like Chun Yuan, and plays the pipa like Chun Yuan. With these three buffs added together, how could Yongzheng not be confused?
Arriving at Yongshou Palace, Zhen Huan was sitting on the couch reading a book bored. Seeing Yongzheng coming, she hurriedly bowed and said, "Greetings to the Emperor."
Qi Yuebin also bowed slightly.
After Yongzheng explained his purpose, Zhen Huan smiled and said, "Your Majesty and Concubine Duan are in this mood, so I'm naturally willing to cooperate. But..." She hesitated for a moment, then suggested, "Why don't we go to Yonghe Palace together? I heard that Rong'er sprained her ankle while chasing butterflies in the Imperial Garden yesterday. Mei Jie was so worried that she didn't allow her to go out again. If we go to Yonghe Palace, we can play together and visit Rong'er on the way. Wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone?"
Yongzheng smiled and said, "Okay, as you say, I haven't seen Concubine Hui for a few days!"
Zhen Huan ordered someone to bring the jade flute, and they all rushed to Yonghe Palace together.
In Yonghe Palace.
Outside the carved window lattices, sunlight filtered through the mottled shadows of the trees, scattering delicately onto the blue brick floor within, creating a natural painting of light and shadow. The house was serene and silent, with only the resonant ticking of the second hand of the chime clock, a repetitive, crisp "tick-tock" that echoed like the footsteps of time, urging it on.
An Lingrong sat on a carved pearwood chair, her face becoming increasingly distinct in the interplay of light and shadow, her eyes fixed intently on the embroidery in front of her.
Her fingers were long and nimble, gently twirling the delicate embroidery needle as it flew across the fabric. Each stroke was precise and powerful, a testament to years of practice. The fabric, originally a simple outline, gradually came to life as she threaded the needle.
On the embroidery frame, a pattern of "Phoenix Flying Through Peonies" gradually took shape. The peony was gorgeous, its petals layered and swaying gently in the breeze. An Lingrong had used the finest Shu brocade thread, its vibrant colors dazzling and shimmering softly in the sunlight, as if capturing the most vibrant hues of spring on this single piece of brocade.
Her needlework is delicate and exquisite, each stitch perfectly placed, bringing every wrinkle and texture of the peony to life. The petals are slightly curled at the edges, giving a sense of their softness and tenderness, while strands of gold thread adorn the stamens, adding a touch of elegance.
Above the peony, a phoenix comes alive. Its wings are outstretched, each feather distinct. Its tail dances like a ribbon, its lines flowing and agile, drawing a graceful arc across the sky. The phoenix's eyes are sharp and lively, as if it surveys the flourishing scene, or guards the delicate peony.
Shen Meizhuang sat by, quietly watching An Lingrong embroider, her eyes full of admiration. She whispered, "Rong'er, this 'Phoenix Flying Through Peonies' is truly beautiful. Your craftsmanship is becoming increasingly refined, even the spirit of the Zhai Feng has been embroidered so vividly."
An Lingrong raised her head and smiled slightly, with a hint of pride in her eyes: "I can't see Su Ye get married in person, so I want this wedding dress to accompany her through the most important moment of her life, so I used all my best skills!"
Shen Meizhuang nodded slightly, her gaze still fixed on the unfinished embroidery, her appreciation growing stronger. "She will surely know your thoughtfulness." She paused slightly, the image of the soon-to-be-wed woman emerging in her mind. The corners of her mouth curled up. "When she wears the wedding dress you embroidered, she will surely be the happiest bride in the world."
An Lingrong's eyes reddened, and she quickly blinked back the tears that were about to overflow. She looked at the embroidery again and said, "Sister, I just hope that everything goes well for her, and that she can live a happy and harmonious life in the future."
Shen Meizhuang sensed her emotions, came to her side, and put her hand on her shoulder, "I will."
At this time, Xiao Luzi ran into the hall and whispered, "The two ladies, the emperor, the noble concubine Xi, and the concubine Duan, are coming to Yonghe Palace."
An Lingrong stood up, ordered the maid to remove the embroidery frame, and then asked, "Where is Su Ye?"
She had already instructed Su Ye not to leave the palace today.
"Sister Su Ye is in the study."
"Go and call her."