Her fingers moved, and the first note rang out, soft and low at first, almost hesitant. Then it deepened, like a wounded soul whispering its agony, pain and despair twisted together in each note, like an endless needle thrown into the depth of the ocean, longing to be found.
Her past came alive through the music—a lonely woman who was condemned and abandoned, who had been shamed and abused. The agony of bleeding hands, the nights she spent staring blankly into the night, wondering if death would be kinder than life, wondering if her existence was a sin itself.
But beneath the sorrow, there was something else: defiance, determination, and the intent to exact revenge.
The sound grew sharper, fiercer, like a blade wielded on a battlefield, cutting through any obstacle in its path with brutal efficiency. It was no longer sadness, but a vow—a promise that she would fight and take back everything she deserved.
The room had gone silent; every handmaiden, every servant, even the guards outside, no one moved, no one dared to speak, afraid a single breath would break the spell she had woven.
Consort Yao was awe-struck, she had expected something different, maybe a sweet melody to lighten the mood. But this… this was different. The music seemed to carry depth, a story—a story of loss, of pain, of a heart that had been broken, lost yet refusing defeat.
Without realizing, a tear slipped down Consort Yao's cheek.
By the time Ruyi struck the final note, the room felt heavier with unspoken words and emotions.The last echo of the melody faded, leaving wonder, confusion, curiosity, and hope in its wake.
Consort Yao exhaled heavily; she lifted a hand to her face, touching the wetness on her cheek, as if taken aback by her own reaction.
She stared at Ruyi for a moment, and then she murmured under her breath, "incredible."
Consort Yao rose to her feet, her gaze still fixed on Ruyi. For a moment, the room remained still, and then, she clapped.
"Good, very good," she declared. The clap echoed through the pavilion, shattering the stillness. One after the other, others joined in; surprised murmurs rippled through the handmaidens, the servants, the guards; even Xiao Lan was marveled. It was evident that everyone was astonished.
Ruyi smiled and bowed slightly, a sign of her appreciation.
Consort Yao stepped forward; she took Ruyi's hand and smiled brightly at her.
"How is it possible you play so well, Ruyi? I have never met anyone who could master the heart of the guqin completely. Music is more than just sound; it is emotion, spirit, and a powerful means of expression. It tells stories, evokes memories, and connects us to something larger than ourselves. And you…" she paused, tilting her head slightly, "you were the first to be able to grasp its essence; you impressed me yet again," Consort Yao added with a smile.
"Thank you, Your Grace. I'm glad I was able to meet your expectations," Ruyi said with a bow.
Then, In a rare gesture of favour, Consort Yao took Ruyi's hands and guided her back to her seat.
The moment she sat, the whispers began again. The handmaidens huddled together, speaking in low tones, their eyes flickering to Ruyi with a newfound sense of respect.
"Did you hear that?" One murmured, "I have never seen Her Grace so moved."
"Yes, me too. It's as if she has finally gotten the answer she's been looking for."
"She plays so well as if she's lived a hundred lifetimes."
"Who really is she? Where did she learn such mastery?"
"I would like to learn from her; I don't even mind if I call her master. She's so good."
Like that, the news of Ruyi's mastery and ability to capture the essence of music spread like wildfire. By the time the sun had dipped, Ruyi's name was on everyone's lips.
"Ruyi?" Consort Yao called. "Are you sure you know nothing about playing the guqin? How come you play so flawlessly?"
Ruyi lowered her eyes, her face the perfect mask of humility. "Forgive me, Your Grace. Truly, I do not know much about the guqin, but…" she hesitated only for a moment, trying to read her expression, and then continued, "Xiao Lan taught me."
"Xiao Lan?" Consort Yao repeated. "You mean your personal maid?"
"Yes," Ruyi answered, glancing towards Xiao Lan, who stood not too far from her. "Xiao Lan is truly talented; it's all thanks to her," Ruyi said, smiling at Xiao Lan, who looked puzzled.
"Me?" Xiao Lan pointed at herself, mouthing to Ruyi. But Ruyi quickly looked away.
Consort Yao gave a small nod and turned to the head attendant, calling out, "Zhun Momo?"
The head attendant stepped forward offering a bow. "Yes, Your Grace?"
"Reward her," Consort Yao ordered, and Zhun Momo gestured towards a waiting attendant, who quickly presented a silk pouch filled with silver and a finely crafted bracelet. She extended them to Xiao Lan, who stared at the items with confusion.
"Your Grace," Xiao Lan dropped to her knees. "This… I don't understand," she said hesitantly.
Consort Yao's lips curved into a smile. "This is your reward for helping Ruyi learn and understand the heart of the guqin; you're such a wonderful teacher."
Xiao Lan swallowed hard, looking at Ruyi with nervousness, seeking her guidance.
Ruyi's expression was steady and unwavering, giving nothing away.
Then, Xiao Lan understood.
"Yes, My Lady was eager to learn, and I merely guided her. It's an honour to have her play for you,"
Xiao Lan said smoothly, as if she had practiced the lines.
Consort Yao smiled in approval. "You did a wonderful job."
"Thank you, Your Grace," Xiao Lan responded, bowing. "May your days be filled with endless honor and peace."
"Alright, alright, you girls take care," Consort Yao said, rising poisedly. She turned to Ruyi, her gaze softening for a moment before a warm smile touched her lips. "Thank you, you've made my day."
Ruyi stood up and lowered her head, a soft, knowing smile on her lips. "Your happiness is what matters most, Your Grace."
"I hope to see you soon," Consort Yao said with a final smile. As she turned to leave, everyone immediately bowed. Zhun Momo followed, while the handmaidens and servants trailed behind. Their steps were light, yet purposeful, a testament to years of practiced precision.
As soon as they were out of sight, Xiao Lan faced Ruyi. "Miss Ruyi, I don't understand. It's obvious you don't like playing the guqin. In fact, you hate it because the first time you ever tried, it pricked your finger. I really don't understand. How can you play it so well? I'm always with you; how did you learn how to play, when, where? Your personality has changed a lot. Are you still Miss Ruyi, who really are you?"
"Xiao Lan," Ruyi called softly, "I know you have a lot of questions on your mind, but I can't tell you anything for now. Please trust me. I promise I'll tell you everything in due time, okay?
Xiao Lan let out a sigh before speaking. "Miss Ruyi, I know you're a good person, and I know you'd never do anything to hurt anyone. Truly, you've changed a lot. My Lady doesn't have the mind to stand up to anybody; she has always been timid. Even when she never met a lot of people, she never had the confidence to talk to them, she's not too smart; she doesn't have your confidence at all. She likes white; you like green. You're just so different from her."
Ruyi smiled. "You think too much. I'm still me." Ruyi explained, circling Xiao Lan, a trinket on her hairpin swaying with her as she moved. "You're right about one thing, though: I've changed. I have my own goals. I've always been weak and vulnerable, but I need to change that. If I don't stand my ground now, people are just going to take advantage of me. I'm simply building my own strength. What now? You think it's bad to want to protect myself?" she asked rhetorically, then paused briefly, her eyes searching Xiao Lan's for any doubt. "As for green, I've always liked it. It reminds me of the spring, of new beginnings. But… I never had the opportunity to wear them, because I've always had to wear white. It's what I told you, isn't it? That I like white," Ruyi smiled, then continued. I also remember when we were younger, you cried because you didn't want to take the tonic brew my mother prepared for you, as it was too bitter. I felt bad, so I sneaked in and added honey to it for you, do you still remember?"
The memories of their childhood brought tears to Xiao Lan's eyes. "I'm sorry, Miss Ruyi; I didn't mean to…"
"I know," Ruyi interjected, "but I need you to trust me. I won't do anything that could bring trouble to the Xu family."
"I trust you," Xiao Lan stated.
"You must promise me not to discuss today's matter with anyone, do you promise?" Ruyi asked.
"I promise. Rest assured," Xiao Lan affirmed.
"Alright," Ruyi replied with a grateful smile. "Let's go."
As they were about to leave, Xiao Lan presented the gifts from Consort Yao, suddenly remembering it.
"You can keep it," Ruyi said, closing Xiao Lan's palm.
"No, no," Xiao Lan protested, "though it was given to me, I don't deserve it," Xiao Lan stated.
"Nonsense, it was given to you, not me. It's yours," Ruyi insisted.
"But…" Xiao Lan pressed on.
"It's alright, keep it," Ruyi assured her.
"Thank you, Miss Ruyi," Xiao Lan uttered.
Then, Ruyi took Xiao Lan's hand. "Xiao Lan, don't forget, you're like a sister to me. If there's anything bothering you, don't hesitate to tell me, alright?"
"Okay," Xiao Lan replied, her smile widening.
As they settled into the carriage prepared by Sun Jingxuan, Ruyi's mind raced. She had managed to convince Xiao Lan and gained her trust—For now.
She knew Xiao Lan was loyal and trustworthy, but she wasn't ready to reveal anything yet. She couldn't risk jeopardizing her plans with a slip-up.
She glanced briefly at Xiao Lan and whispered silently to herself, "Thank goodness I have Ruyi's memories; if not…"