Disclaimer: pictures were not from me. Again it come from my reliable Google.
Guzhen
Erhu
Tea set
Enjoy the long chapter!
BTW, you could play the video above when you saw this video in this chap, it will appear again later.
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Xiong Zhi stared at Xiong Wuyue for a long time.
Someone asking for a beating...
Then she smiled.
It was a good thing. She was actually waiting for it. Knowing how she offend Wuyue earlier, for sure that girl would not leave her unscathed.
Xiong Zhi glanced to Linfeng at her side.
"Is everything ready?"
"En. They are all here." Linfeng replied.
"Then let us give them a good show."
She's asking a show? I'll give her one!
Xiong Zhi stand up gracefully from her chair.
She smiled (smirked) lightly at Xiong Wuyue first, then faced the elders and the Old Xiong in the front row. She gave a bow and her cool and polite voice echoed.
"Greetings, to the elders and to the guests. I am Xiong Zhi, the young miss of the Xiong Family. I thank big cousin sister-" Xiong Zhi turned to Xiong Wuyue, smiled her practice smile who turned out to be a smirk at Xiong Wuyue.
"---for introducing me and giving me a chance to perform to all of you as the young miss of Xiong. " Then she looked at the guests.
(A/N: italized here means the speaker was emphasizing that word. If it was inside of " ")
Xiong Wuyue from the side smirked inwardly. She would like to see how this dumb girl would escape in this situation. Since she had someone keeping an eye to this girl she knew that Xiong Zhi don't have a music teacher. Old Xiong was very strict. He just let Xiong Zhi study the etiquettes, literature and academic. If Xiong Zhi wants to study music, she could freely study it if she requested to the Old Xiong. But Xiong Zhi had a timid and silent attitude. She would not strike a conversation first. So,in the end, she haven't studied any instrument.
Thinking this, Xiong Wuyue was confident that Xiong Zhi would be embarrassed today.
That's what'll you get for embarrassing me! For flirting with Linfeng!
" So for everyone here, for the 325th anniversary of Xiong Empire, I am honored to perform in front of all of you."
This made Xiong Wuyue look at her in disbelief.
She would play?! Impossible!
Old Xiong was also surprised. While the staff was carrying the guzhen in the platform, Old Xiong asked Mr. Zhou who were sitting at his side.
"Does Zhi'er has a music teacher?"
Mr Zhou was a little bit startled. He was the right hand of Old Xiong. So he must know everything inside the Xiong Mansion. But unfortunately, in his memory, Xiong Zhi doesn't have one. So he answer truthfully.
"....from what I know she doesn't have one. But young miss is a genius, she must have learned it herself."
"Then where did she get the instrument?" Old Xiong was not a fun of any kind of entertainment other than go. So the Xiong mansion had no new musical instrument. They had a music room, and the instrument there were in the glass case, because each instrument was hundred years old, the purpose only was to amuse the people not to play with it.
"That...this aide doesn't know..."
"En. It is truly a wonder." Old Xiong looked back at the stage where her granddaughter positioned herself in front of guzhen. Looking at his intelligent granddaughter made the old Xiong felt that this child was mysterious.
In the stage, Xiong Zhi checked the Guzhen first, plucking each string. While doing this, Xiong Wuyue was studying Xiong Zhi's action.
Does she really know how to play? Or she's just acting?
After securing that it was in tone, Xiong Zhi's jade like fingers start strumming all the strings. She did it twelve times.
Seeing this made Xiong Wuyue laughed inside.
So she doesn't know!
However before she speak it up, Xiong Zhi's right hand fingers start plucking the string of Guzheng. One by one, very fast. Then she used her left hand to pluck the other strings too, slowly, creating a rhythm that made the guest refreshed. Like a spring.
(A/n: the song Xiong Zhi played)
The music was very pleasing to hear. With the breeze of the cool night, with the lights from the red and golden lanterns, and with the simple blue white robe of Xiong Zhi, they were all creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere.
Some of the guests who were not fan of Chinese traditional music were awed and taken a liking to this music piece.
To the elders in front, some were even closing their eyes to become one with the music.
Xiong Zhi skillfully played this piece. Her expression was calm like what she was playing. Some young guests, man or woman could not help but fall for the beautiful scenery in front of them. A beautiful calm girl playing wonderfully with Guzhen. If some butterfly and crystal powder was spread, they would doubtlessly believe she came from the fairy land.
Xiong Wuyue was awed at first by the music, it could actually take one's mind. But she quickly recovered and looked around her. She looked at the expression of the Old Xiong. The Old man was listening with his eyes closed. Seemingly indulging himself in the wonderful music. Xiong Wuyue could not believe what she was seeing. She looked around again and studied the elders expression. Those in front were like Old Xiong, closing their eyes, some had a small smile in their face, they looked like they were enjoying the tranquil melody of the guzhen. Behind them, the guests were amazed and enjoying the music. Some haven't closed their mouth, some were tilting their head, and some were watching and listening intently. All the attention was in the beautiful girl in front.
This made Xiong Wuyue gritted her teeth. That's not what she expect!
She looked at the direction where Linfeng was. But she did not find him.
In the platform, Xiong Zhi's play was becoming slower. Until she plucked each string and in the just one pluck, the song was finished.
All the audience was silent. They were still in daze. Still in the world where the music brought them. The elders who opened their eyes was still smiling. They felt like their age was reduced by ten years. They felt young, refreshed, and their mind was calm. It was a wonderful feeling.
The audience hasn't woken up yet, when one old man who were sitting two chairs away from the Old Xiong spoke to no one.
"What a wonderful piece. This old man was rarely had a piece of mind. It's been ages since I felt young. Haha!" Then he gave a pleasant laugh. His voice was not so loud, but since it was silent all the guest heard it, this made them wake up.
They all clapped and murmured to themselves how beautifully Xiong Zhi played.
However before one of them could voice out their praise, Linfeng came on the platform holding a musical instrument and a small chair, he sat beside Xiong Zhi. Some men in dark blue robes came and brought small chairs and small tables in front and the sides, surrounding Xiong Zhi and Linfeng. Some girls and boys wearing dark green robes also come out with different musical instrument.
This made the guest startled. It was not yet done? What is the young miss about to do?
Old Xiong just quirked his brow and waited what kind of show his granddaughter were planning.
The praises that was about to erupt were instantly replaced by wonder.
Looks liked the young miss was not yet done.
But....the handsome man beside her, was that her aide? What he was doing sitting beside the young miss? Holding an instrument? Was he about to perform together with the young miss?
They all wondered.
If it was the case, then it would be a big issue. Everyone knows that the Zhou family were serving the Xiong family for generations. Even though the Zhou family was a prestigious family they were still under the Xiong. So the scene they were witnessing right now were uncomfortable for the Xiong. They all looked at the Old Xiong and waited for his reaction.
Old Xiong just squinted his eyes.
What is Zhi'er doing?
He did not discriminate the Zhou family, but it was on their family tradition for generations to be served by the Zhou. People who witnessed this might thought that Xiong Zhi was planning to break the treaty between the two families and raised the position of the Zhou or lower the Xiong for the Zhou.
Mr. Zhou at the side could not help himself but leaned and whisper to the Old Xiong.
"Sir, do you want me to stop them?"
If this continues, the reputation of the young miss would be tainted. Rumors would spread about her. Mr. Zhou looked at the elders, they were all frowning.
"...no. Let Zhi'er do her play..." Old Xiong said.
If she got in trouble, this old man would not help her. He already warned her about the cruelty of the business world.
Xiong Wuyue heard the murmurs and saw the frowning face of the elders made her happy. She was jealous at first seeing two of them together in the platform, but when she saw the reactions of the guests and elders made her feel agitated and excited to witness Xiong Zhi being scolded at. She was ready to add fuel in the fire.
(A/n: add fuel in the fire, means that Xiong Wuyue was panning to made the elders more eager to scold and punished Xiong Wuyue by her statements. You get what I mean right?)
***[RR: We dooo...we read a lot of CN, transmigration, rebirth, otome games, you name it. So shut up.]***
(A/n: I miss you...)
***[RR: you mean, you miss yourself right?]***
(A/n:......)
However, since the Old Xiong was silent and not reprimanding Xiong Zhi, the elders and the guests, especially her, Xiong Wuyue, the miss from the other branch had no right to speak about it first.
So all of them, just watched the show.
Xiong Zhi did not care about their opinions, she looked at Linfeng first checking if he was affected by their look of accusation.
Linfeng was very handsome holding an Erhu. He was checking the strings when he also glanced at her. He let out an assuring smile.
Like the other people, he was against of this idea before, they might face accusations in the beginning of their performance. But when Xiong Zhi voice out her reason he was amazed by her idea and was convinced to participate.
So right now, he believed her that they would pull it off.
Smiling to each other, Xiong Zhi breath deeply, and start plucking the strings of Guzhen.
(A/n: what they were playing)
In the big pavilion, the cheerful and fast sound of Guzhen could only be heard.
Since it was an upbeat and cheerful music, Xiong Zhi could not help but titled her head a little and her dancing fingers looked majestically.
When she first touched the Guzhen earlier she felt uncomfortable. For she learned to play it inside the Guan mansion. It was her companion for three years. But now she was using it for her counterattack. For her sweet revenge.
She was uneasy at first, it brought her back bitter memories. But with Linfeng by her side, waiting for his turn to play, Xiong Zhi did not mind to play the Guzhen again.
While she let her fingers dancing, she glanced at Linfeng to hint that it was the time for him to play the erhu.
Linfeng smiled and started to play the erhu. Seeing the small smile on his face, Xiong Zhi could not help to smile also.
They play the song together with a beautiful smile on their face.
The audience who were still want to make a ruckus swallowed their unvoiced complaints.
The music that played by the two beautiful people compliment each other and were very lively and awaken their souls.
If not for the etiquette, they already began dancing.
Some could not hold their selves and began to sway their heads.
The elders in front planned to not show their favor for this second performance of the young miss. But hearing the music, the beautiful scenery in front of them, one wearing white like a fairy, and one black, contrast to the fairy, but like an unyielding prince, showing both small smile that could take a breath away, and very influencing, they , the elders unconsciously smile while listening to the blissful music.
Old Xiong in the center, when he first heard the song, he was instantly stunned. He was not fond of music, but he doubtlessly knew the piece they were playing. Seeing Linfeng played skillfully at Xiong Zhi's side, the tables and chairs surrounding them, he somewhat guessed what Xiong Zhi's performance was all about.
True to his guess, old women from Xiong mansion walk to the platform. They were carrying a tray covered with cloth. They each claimed a table and began to uncover the tray.
The audience attention reluctantly gaze at the old women. Why they were here?
When they saw the tea set each old women had, they were all dumbfounded. Brewing tea as a part of performance? That's unheard of!
But the elders in front were pleasantly surprised. When they saw the old women skillfully washed the dried leaves first, and the smell riched them, they began to speculate in their hearts.
Was the young miss the one who thought of this? This....the smell...remind them of their ancestors.
The upbeat music was then accompanied by other musician. Xiong Zhi's guzhen, Linfeng's erhu, the sound of the Xiao, small tambourine, small chimed bells, the pipa, all spontaneously played together, creating a delightful music.
While they were playing, while the old women skillfully brew the tea in chorus, small children, boy and girls, in their cute traditional clothes, that ranged from the age of 6-10 , walk in the platform wearing gold and silver butterfly masks.
They began to dance gracefully. Surrounding Xiong Zhi and Linfeng. Their dancing the basic moves, but their coordination suit well in the music.
Watching the scene made all the people want to join them and dance in the platform. They were now in full smiles. Even Old Xiong, who was cold to children found himself amused and showing a rare pleasant smile.
The entire pavilion become very lively.
However, in Xiong Wuyue and Xiong De's face, black lines appeared more as second passed by.
When the old women were done brewing the tea, the accompanied music stopped as the sound of Guzhen could only be heard.
At the same time the children each went to the table where the tea were placed. They lifted their mask and carried each tea cup and went to the front row where the elders sat.
When the elders saw the face of the children they all cried out in surprise.
"Yan'er!"
"Deng'er!"
"Little treasure!"
"Quin'er"
"Little Chen!"
That's right. The children were the favored grandchild of the elders.
However, even they were favored they could not bring them in this big gathering of the Xiong anniversary even if they are share holders and elders of the Xiong Empire.
It was the unwritten rule. Only the children of the Xiong family could come. They (elders) could bring their grandchild one he/she was an adult ( 18 above). Not a child.
Bringing the children here was like exposing himself to the elites of the society and business world.
And their grandchildren could only get that privileged once they were in the age that could serve the Xiong Empire.
So seeing their grandchildren here was shocking to them at the same time excited them.
When they saw their grandchildren bringing tea to them they were instantly warmed.
The children bowed to them in greeting and waited for their grandfather to accept the tea.
But the elders could not accept the tea, while the Old Xiong haven't received anything yet.
The sound of Guzhen stopped when the children was in front of their grandfather.
Xiong Zhi and Linfeng stand up. They both reached out a tea cup and walked to their target. Linfeng walked and stopped in front of Mr. Zhou. While Xiong Zhi walked to the center and bowed to Old Xiong.
Then she gave her speech.
"Maybe a lot of you were wondering why I brought Mr. Zhou Linfeng in the stage to play with me."
The elders who were about to forget about that matter looked at Xiong Zhi.
Waiting for her explanation.
"The Xiong Empire would not be what it is right now without the people who worked hard behind it. From the first generation, the Zhou family is the partner of the Xiong family to build what we have today. Until the treaty was born. I invite Mr. Zhou Linfeng to play this song with me to voice out the appreciation and thanks of the Xiong family to the Zhou family. Like the music we played, without the Zhou family, the Xiong Family wound not be as prosperous as it now. "
Xiong Zhi bowed to Mr. Zhou first and then to Linfeng.
"Thank you for your hard work."
When Mr. Zhou heard the thanks of Xiong Zhi, his eyes watered. For generations, their family worked hard for the Xiong, and it became as a natural thing. Since they were helping from the very beginning, the thanks that come out from the mouth of the Xiong family were gone as time passed. Until some heirs treated their family as servants.
After a very long time, the Xiong finally remembered to give their thanks. It might just be a word, but for them, the Zhou family, it was a great gift , a great accomplishment.
The Old Xiong was stunned for a moment. He too, forgot to give thanks to the Zhou family. Whenever they celebrated the Xiong Empire anniversary, the Zhous were forgotten.
Old Xiong looked at the audience, 1/ 4of them were from the Zhou's. Then he looked at Mr. Zhou.
Old Xiong stand up from his seat, faced the crowd and slightly bowed.
"This old man is getting older each passing day. Today, my granddaughter just remind me that without the Zhou family efforts there would be no Xiong family who you want to curry favor from. I deeply thanks the Zhou family for your loyalty and hard work."
The Zhou who were present, had unshed tears in their eyes.
They were greatly moved.
They looked at Xiong Zhi with gratefullness. The mighty and cold Old Xiong who never bowed to anyone where bowing to them. This was the scene they'll never forget for their entire life.
Linfeng also looked at Xiong Zhi. Undescribable feeling was in his heart. He felt warm, yet pained. Like those words uttered by her and by her grandfather woken up all his wounds, all his suffering and grudge against them. They were crying out loud. Like he was glad that they took notice of it and at the same time, he felt justice had not yet achieved. So ....uncomfortable... So complicated.
But he was still amazed by her.
He cooperate first in this performance because she said that what they're doing was "going back to its roots".
(A/n: you know what I mean right? No need to explain? Just comment if you don't understand what I mean. I'll kindly answer you. Oh, I'm talking about the " ")
***[RR: comment]***
(A/n: not you.)
But he did not expect to be like this.
So, she...noticed my hard works all this time?
His gaze to Xiong Zhi became more unfathomable.
The elders who saw Old Xiong gave out his thanks gave thanks also to the Zhou family.
Afterwards, Xiong Zhi still,continued her speech.
"The song we played is called Harvest of Tea. Some of you might not know it, but if we looked back to the history of the Xiong's business, before we become the great empire today, like any other business, we come from the humble background of serving the customers tea. We are a tea house at first. Known for its bitterness yet calming tea, called Xiong Shu huan tea. With the help of Zhou family, the tea house served the royal family for generations. Until it could not just hold a tea house. Silk, cotton, grains, and jewelries were added to the business, now, we owned restaurants, hotels, malls, it is expanding more as year passed, became known to the world. We become an empire. With the help of the elders, and future generations, the Xiong Empire will dominate the business world. "
The elders who heard this become excited for no reason. Their blood were boiling, they felt young again like when they were in twenties helping the business to be known in the whole wide world.
They looked at their grandchildren. They now know what their purpose here. Why they were assigned to bring them the tea. It was like a ceremony. The thankfulness of the younger generation were given to them. At the same time,it was a sign as their guidance for the younger generation to lead the Xiong empire to future glories in the future.
Xiong Zhi bowed to the Old Xiong and offered the tea.
Old Xiong's heart quivered at her speech. He was very moved. He accepted the tea, and gave his own short speech.
"May all of us cheers to the future glory of the Xiong empire!"
As he drank his own, the elders also drank. Then the banquet continued.
The elders praised Xiong Zhi endlessly. Saying how intelligent she is, how humble she is, how talented, and how they were moved by her performance and speech.
After the elders, the Zhou family who were present gave their sincere thanks to her, even Mr. Zhou voiced out his deep gratefulness to Xiong Zhi.
While giving out a simple smile to them, Xiong Zhi caught sight of the infuriated Wuyue.
She was glaring daggers at her and her fist was curled.
Seeing her, Xiong Zhi did not forget to give her thanks to her as she was the one who introduced her to the stage and acted out her play. So now, it looked like Xiong Wuyue helped her to be basked in glory.
"My big cousin sister. Your dance earlier is magnificent. That you moved the hearts of all men. No doubt, it show case how you worked hard for the guest to be entertained." Xiong Zhi's words were praises but to Wuyue it was full of mockery, Xiong Zhi's eyes full of contempt unlike her words that cool and sound sincere.
This made her angry more.
"Is your feet fine? You jumped high. You must call a doctor to check it." Xiong Zhi contained with a concern in her voice.
To outsider she looked like a little cousin who was worried to her big cousin.
But Wuyue know more than this. This girl was mocking her!
Is she telling me that my effort were all in vain?! That my practice for two months, the pain I endured that time were all for nothing! Hateful! Hateful! How my incredible dance lose against your petty song!?!
But she could not voice it out. She held herself back with all the strength she could. She bit her mouth until blood flow out.
She recovered and smiled awkwardly. Bit by bit with difficulty, she praised Xiong Zhi.
"Little cousin was joking, my.. .my dance...is not....comparable to yours....what magnificent music..."
Arghhh!! Hateful!! I'm gonna kill you!!! You bitch dared to let me say those words!!!
Xiong Zhi smiled. It was a genuine smile. She could see how Wuyue having difficulty of speaking. Knowing the attitude of the girl, she must be exploding inside, cursing her a hundred times. Seeing her enduring the shame, Xiong Zhi was happy. But not enough, not enough for her thirst...
It was just a refreshment, the main dish haven't served yet ...little by little...I let you taste....your own medicine.
For now, the father and daughter duo goal today was to leave a good impression and gained the favor of the share holders (elders) and Old Xiong, so in the future they could convince them to side at Xiong De to be the the heir of the Xiong Empire and Wuyue to become the young miss of Xiong. To show them the good for nothing Xiong Zhi out of the picture.
But today's performance of Xiong Zhi, she just not let them see how deserving she is to be the young miss, she also gained the favor of the elders and moved the stone heart of the Old Xiong.
It was a win battle for her and a huge loss to them.
Xiong Wuyue excused herself and went back to his father. They need to scheme again.
While Xiong Zhi went back to her seat, Linfeng walked to her side and stared at her.
He was about to say his thanks when a clapped sounded. An old voice echoed.
"She is truly a genius as you said, Old Xiong. It's good I travelled here to take a look on her." All,the guest looked at the back where the old man stand up from his seat and walked in front. Some people were following him behind.
Their interest were picked because this old man called the owner of Xiong Empire as Old Xiong only. With his causal attitude and simple greeting they guessed his identity was spectacular and might be equal to the Old Xiong. But who he is?
The Old Xiong snorted when he heard the voice, without looking to the other party who were approaching them, he asked.
"When did you arrived? Did you arrived late again? You might thought your the honored guests to arrived late."
"Haha. Your still a cold and bitter person ha'? I arrived here when some sparrow were dancing on the stage."
When the audience heard it, the girls snickered. A sparrow? Is Wuyue playing as a phoenix ? It was clearly an insult!
Xiong Wuyue at the side was in furry. Who was this old man!? How dare him to call her a sparrow!
But then she stopped when she remembered something.
Is he...?
Her father at the side glanced at her. They shared a look. A knowing look. Looked like there scheme B would be put to play.
When the other party was in front. Xiong Zhi take a look at them. When he saw the old man she felt he was familiar. Like she saw him on the past.
The old man looked at Xiong Zhi and smiled warmly at her. He was very interested and favored this child when he watched and listened to her speech earlier. She was truly a genius. But he remembered something. The deal. He sighed , what a pity.
"Old Xiong, I should not have agreed to your deal. Now it is my lost. And I'm also afraid I might lose two billion to you. Tsk. Tsk."
Old Xiong just laughed. Of course he was happy as this old man was complementing his kin.
"But, I will not give up. There still time." The old man said looking at Xiong Zhi.
Xiong Zhi doesn't know what they're talking about. She was still thinking were she met the old man. Then an image appeared in her mind.
But that old man had a long beard, deep eye socket, and unhealthy unlike this lively old man in front of her. And if he was that old man then.....
Xiong Zhi's heart skipped a beat. She was afraid to looked behind the old man.
But unfortunately the old man had plans.
"Well, you're not the only one who has a genius kin. Meet my grandson, Guan Gao Huan."
Guan Gao Huan step out from behind. His dark brown hair shined as the light of the lantern reflected on it. His golden eyes were sharp, warm and could make your heart skipped a beat. He wear a genuine smile that made all the woman swoon and the gentleman to be comforted. His stall stature bowed to the Old Xiong. He greeted the Old Xiong and the elders.
Xiong Zhi at the side could not listen what he said or what elders said when they greeted him back.
Her world stopped for a moment, no sound could be heard. Like a slow motion her frightened gaze focused on him. He slowly turned his head to her. His smile that made her frightened stiff bloomed as the corner of his mouth curled up more. For the outsider, it was a breathtaking smile but for her, who knew him and live with him for three years know what his smile meant. It was the smile of the devil.
He stared at her.
And she was frozen in place.
She did not even felt that she was shivering cold.
The only thing she could think was,
The beast was here.
______________________
A/n: ooooohhhhhh........he's here....I'm so excited.....
BTW His name, i think it was different from what I mentioned before, I'll find that chapter and edit it. His name here in this chap is the legit. And also, I mentioned before the year of the anniversary. I think it's not 325. I'll find it and edit. I just can't help to update. My cells were screaming update.
So see you again by wed or Thur?,not sure but sure this week. Thanks for reading 😘💕