C12 You Would Rather Listen to the Melodious Music of the Streets than be the Owner of the Prosperit
At that moment, Lu Shaoyou's attention was captivated by a young girl who appeared to be a servant. She seemed to be in her late teens, with a blush on her cheeks reminiscent of freshly bloomed peach blossoms. Beneath her long eyebrows twinkled a pair of innocent blue eyes. A pert and delicate nose adorned her rosy face, and her black hair was swept up into a lofty bun. Her understated, light-colored gown accentuated the graceful curves of her figure.
Lu Shaoyou couldn't help but feel a pang of regret as he observed her; she had the makings of a stunning beauty, marred only by a birthmark the size of an infant's fist on the right side of her face.
Yet, Lu Shaoyou found himself irresistibly drawn to her. Despite her servant's attire, she exuded an intangible aura of distinction. Her gaze didn't match that of a typical maid. Lu Shaoyou was certain she was no ordinary servant girl.
"Miss Dugu, how do you find our garden?" Lu Shaohu asked with a smile, addressing the young woman at the center of their group.
"It's quite lovely. These must be Frost Willows, a rarity from the northern plains," Miss Dugu replied, her eyes admiring the willows before her.
"Miss Dugu has exquisite taste," Lu Shaohu, Lu Shaoxiong, and Zhou Haiming chimed in unison.
"Rumor has it Miss Dugu possesses exceptional literary flair. In this deep winter, allow me to display my own talents and perhaps receive your guidance?" Zhou Haiming seized the chance to impress the beauty before him.
"I wouldn't presume to instruct you, but I'd be delighted to witness your literary prowess," Miss Dugu responded with a gracious smile.
"Then witness it I shall," Zhou Haiming declared, straightening his attire and drawing a deep breath. He surveyed the garden and recited, "The garden, once complete, offers a landscape both intricate and unique. Winter's chill gives way to spring's embrace, amidst verdant trees and blooms of grace. High towers beckon guests from near and far, a testament to where we are."
Pleased with his verse, Zhou Haiming allowed himself a smug smile. Lu Shaoyou, hidden in the branches above, nearly gagged, musing about the variety of characters one encounters in life.
Among the jovial group, Lu Wushuang's expression fleetingly betrayed a hint of resignation.
"The poem is commendable. Young Master Zhou, your talent exceeds expectations," Miss Dugu praised, prompting a swell of pride in Zhou Haiming that lent an extra swagger to his step.
The party continued on, their laughter and conversation reaching Lu Shaoyou's perch. He observed the servant girl with the unique air about her, who seemed preoccupied, her smiles scarce and her eyes tinged with melancholy.
"In the depths of winter, the grandeur of a bygone era slips away like grains of sand through one's fingers. Age, like a chapter of life, leaves its mark amidst the chaos of a flourishing world. Beneath the still surface of the sea, deep currents stir. Even the vast ocean can carry the melody of a flute, the rhythm of dance and song. Human existence, much like the moon, waxes and wanes through its cycles."
At that moment, the maid tread softly, her gaze lingering on the hues of deep winter. She seemed moved, and began to recite in a hushed tone. Her voice, fragrant as an orchid, caressed the listeners like a spring breeze. The young men and women, previously engaged in laughter, now shifted their attention to her.
She whispered, "In another life, I was adrift, brushing off the wounds of existence, filling my emptiness with thoughts of you. Gone are the days of waiting amidst the fiery battlefields of yore, or beside the Qinhuai River for the lady with the lute. The world crumbles, time scatters like leaves in the wind.
The purple brocade flutters in the delicate breeze, as if a bewitching flower blossoming in the wind. The dance beneath the green gauze stirs the splendor of an entire era, weaving half a lifetime's wanderings into the fabric of words, accentuating a world of sorrow. The once perfect tapestry is now frayed, the somber farewell unfolds at the curtain's fall.
As the maid's soft chant continued, Lu Shaoyou discerned a yearning in her verses, a lament for not being born a man. Had she been male, she would have been a hero of legends.
Lu Shaoyou regarded her with newfound admiration for her talent and aspirations. Should the opportunity arise, he vowed to gallop across battlefields, for such was the breadth of spirit befitting a man.
She sang on, "In the vast blue depths, the red rain scatters. Who marks the end at the ferry's edge? On the desolate, heartless battlefield, where arrows rain like tears, I'd rather savor the bustling alleys' tranquil tunes than reign over transient glories. My fair visage, fleeting as a reflection in a mirror, vanishes in an instant. Three thousand strands of hair, a testament to the bitter longing of a devoted heart. Amidst the grandeur of this world, who vies for the supreme throne of beauty?"
Listening to the maid, Lu Shaoyou found a harmony of masculine ambition and feminine sentiment within her words, a blend of strength and softness. It was as if he had entered a state of profound clarity. In his past life, his future had been uncertain, and he had not died before arriving in this new world. Wasn't this sense of belonging what he had been seeking? Her poetry was the very echo of his soul's hidden voice.
The maid began to sing once more, captivating all who listened. Her talent was undeniable, her music imbued with profound meaning. Even Zhou Haiming, who had earlier been so full of himself, now felt humbled.
But then, the maid's brow furrowed slightly. She struggled to connect with her emotions, unable to continue her song, her face etched with disappointment.
In that moment, however, a voice rose from the crowd, picking up where the maid had left off.
Lu Shaoyou, moved beyond words, thought of his previous life, where he had squandered nearly half his existence without love or accomplishment. In this new world, he yearned for just those things. Without realizing it, he found himself echoing the maid's lyrics.
"Sir, your talent and ambition shine through. Might I have the honor of meeting you?" The crowd, upon hearing this, was astounded. Lu Shaoyou's words were not only a match for the maid's, but they also resonated with a noble sensitivity, a sentiment unparalleled throughout the ages.
