C11 The Wyrmflight

The melody of the zither and the graceful fluttering of garments were a delight to the ears. Qin Xuan sat with his eyes closed, savoring the grand rehearsal arranged for King Qin. Yet, every so often, a slight frown creased his brow, signaling a hint of dissatisfaction. This put Chunwan, who stood by his side, on high alert.

Despite the fourteenth prince's lack of prowess in martial arts, his mastery in the arts of zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting was unmatched in the palace, and indeed throughout all of Atrela. If he sensed something amiss, there surely was a flaw. Chunwan discreetly marked each instance and location of Qin Xuan's frowns, growing increasingly anxious.

The Melody House had dedicated two months of practice to this performance, and yet, there seemed to be numerous issues. With King Qin's birthday banquet just a month away, making too many changes now could be problematic...

As the final notes of the zither gently dissipated, the elaborate rehearsal came to a close. Qin Xuan's eyes opened slowly, a barely noticeable slyness twinkling within them.

He rose to his feet and applauded. His demeanor suggested approval, but Chunwan couldn't be certain.

"Your Highness, what do you think?" she asked tentatively.

A mischievous glint appeared in Qin Xuan's eye as he raised an eyebrow slightly. "Before we discuss that, I have a piece of my own. Perhaps everyone would like to hear it first?"

Chunwan couldn't refuse. The fourteenth prince offering to play the zither for them was an honor beyond measure. With no objections from the crowd, Qin Xuan settled back into his seat. Squirt diligently prepared the instrument, and Qin Xuan, with a serious expression, wiped his hands before beginning to play.

The music started with a forceful, almost piercing intensity. But as the piece progressed, it became irresistibly captivating. The dancers, who had just been performing elegantly, now found themselves swaying to the rhythm. Their movements were nothing like the head-bobbing of the patrons at the Golden Feast; they were seductive and enchanting. As they swayed their slender waists with such allure, they seemed to dance right into Qin Xuan's heart.

As the melody quickened and surged with passion, the dancers lost themselves in the rhythm, culminating in a rare sense of exuberant joy!

Even the young maids and eunuchs beside Qin Xuan danced with cheeks aglow and spirits soaring!

When the song concluded, the crowd clamored for an encore, their enthusiasm unabated.

Qin Xuan, invigorated and without reservation, obliged with another piece—none other than the timeless classic from his past life, "Little Apple."

"You are my little, oh little apple..."

He hummed along instinctively. Indeed, no matter how many years passed, the song remained catchy and memorable!

Some are simply destined to bask in adoration. Surrounded by the Melody House musicians and dancers' applause and compliments, Qin Xuan's excitement soared, and he played four or five songs back-to-back!

Exhausted and flushed from the effort, everyone's waists ached. They seized the momentary silence to quench their thirst.

Chunwan, the esteemed conductor of the Melody House, well-versed in music, had yet to encounter such an uplifting and liberating composition!

Dabbing at her sweat with a handkerchief, her breath still catching in her chest, she exclaimed, "Your Highness, your piece is truly magnificent! Chunwan has never heard such an exceptional melody!"

Others readily agreed.

"Indeed, it's my first time hearing such an enchanting tune!"

"Your Highness is truly a natural-born talent, a jewel of the heavens!"

"My heart was pounding to the beat just now, thumping wildly! It's an indescribable delight, as if it released all the gloom from my soul!"

"May I ask the name of that last piece?"

Basking in the adulation of these graceful beauties, Qin Xuan was the epitome of contentment.

Such praise from these refined individuals far surpassed that of the coarse men at the Golden Feast.

His heart swelled with pride. "The piece is named Phoenix Skydance. It's..."

"Your Highness! If I may suggest," Yanyu interjected, "perhaps it could be renamed Wyrmflight?"

The soft, crisp voice caught Qin Xuan's attention, prompting him to look toward its source. There, gliding toward him like a celestial being, was a figure in a light pink gown that made her delicate face bloom like an early spring peach blossom. It was Miss Yanyu, the same woman he had encountered at the Sky-Kissed Pavilion.

She must have danced to the zither music earlier, as a rosy blush tinted Miss Yanyu's cheeks. Her eyes were demurely cast down, exuding a shyness that captivated Qin Xuan, drawing his gaze.

Chunwan, concerned that Yanyu's lack of propriety might offend Qin Xuan, quickly reprimanded her, "How dare you! The prince himself chose that name. You can't just change it on a whim!"

Yanyu's head drooped even lower, ready to kneel and accept her punishment, but Qin Xuan unexpectedly offered her a hand. "No harm done. I'm actually curious to hear your reasoning."

Relieved by his response, Chunwan gestured for Yanyu to rise and said, "Since His Highness has spoken, go ahead and explain. If you're mistaken, there will still be time to face the consequences."

"Yes!" Yanyu gratefully glanced at Chunwan before turning to Qin Xuan. "Miss Yanyu believes that if this piece were to be played before the Holy Emperor, the word 'Dragon' would be more fitting."

Qin Xuan mulled over the name 'Wyrmflight' and found himself nodding in agreement. She had a point; King Qin was known for his immense pride and self-regard. If the piece were named 'Phoenix Skydance', it might inadvertently provoke his sensitivity.

However, 'Wyrmflight' would likely delight King Qin upon hearing it. "Excellent, excellent, a fine revision!" he exclaimed with approval. "Miss Yanyu, you have a keen eye for detail!"

Indeed, if King Qin were in a foul mood, even the mere title 'Phoenix Skydance' could be twisted into an accusation. In suggesting this change, Miss Yanyu had effectively alleviated a potential concern for him.

"Your Highness, I am grateful for your commendation," Miss Yanyu said with a gracious smile. "There is one more favor I wish to ask. I would like to learn this piece from you. May I have the honor?"

Chunwan was startled, "Such a sophisticated piece could only be played by someone of Your Highness's exceptional talent. Are you sure you can learn it?"

Qin Xuan was touched by Yanyu's candor and looked at her intently, "Do you truly wish to learn?"

"Yes! This piece touches the heart more deeply than previous ones and helps release negative emotions. That's why I'd like to give it a try."

"Learning it isn't hard, but... do you intend to perform it before my father, the King?"

Yanyu nodded, her gaze pure and devoid of any deceit.

In truth, performing before King Qin wasn't out of the question, but his temperament was unpredictable. What if he found the piece disruptive and perceived it as some enchanting, seductive magic? What if he then held Yanyu responsible?

Wouldn't that mean I'd be causing harm?