Chapter 229: Chapter 186: The Gathering of Geniuses! Su Changqing’s Fury! _4
He changed the topic and said:
"I’ve heard that Fairy Meng is exceptionally skilled in music, so I specially sought out an ancient guqin, hoping the fairy would like it."
After speaking, Zhou Yu glanced somewhat wistfully at Chang Qing.
This ancient guqin was originally intended to win over the lady, but to his surprise, she was pleased, just not because of him.
"Thank you, Third Prince, for your consideration."
Seeing the ancient guqin, Xian Banmeng halted her smile, a hint of joy visible in her eyes, and thanked with a smile.
Due to the charm of her celestial physique, she couldn’t cultivate too quickly but had to suppress it vigorously instead.
As a result, from a young age, she had plenty of leisure time, learning music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
Initially, it was to pass the boredom, but slowly it became a passion she couldn’t relinquish.
This ancient guqin truly struck a chord in her heart.
"Before we can judge the quality of the guqin, let’s hear its sound first. Chu will test out how this guqin sounds."
Seeing the ancient guqin placed in the field, Chu Ze strode forward to it, then looked at Xian Banmeng with fiery eyes, saying:
"Fairy Meng, just listen and see how this tune is."
At this moment, everyone present sensed a looming crisis; how could they let Zhou Yu and Chang Qing shine alone?
Initially, many wanted to step forward, but seeing Chu Ze rise, they could only sit back begrudgingly.
The legitimate son of the Hidden Chu Family, more adept in music, if they went forward now, it would only be courting shame.
Soon, melodious guqin music began flowing like an immortal spring through secluded woods and valleys.
Everyone present listened and secretly praised in their hearts, quietly listening.
Meanwhile, Xian Banmeng quietly moved next to Chang Qing.
"Does Master Su understand music?"
She looked at the man beside her, lightly smiling as she asked.
"A little, I suppose."
Having just quelled the spicy sensation in his mouth, Chang Qing casually nodded and said.
"Oh?"
Xian Banmeng’s eyes sparkled, filled with interest as she asked: "Then how do you find Master Chu’s performance?"
"Hmm..."
After pondering briefly, Chang Qing objectively commented, "The technique is passable, but the artistic conception is lacking, it’s..."
He hesitated for a moment and said, "It’s okay."
The four arts of Confucianism are divided into form, skill, intent, and path.
This Chu Ze’s music has merely achieved mastery at the ’skill’ level.
To others, it may sound pleasing and melodious, but to Chang Qing’s ears...
Not to say it’s unbearable, but just as it is, "it’s okay" is already his attempt to avoid offending anyone.
But Chang Qing didn’t notice that Chu Ze, who was playing the guqin, was now bulging with veins on his forehead.
However, constrained by the unfinished tune, he refrained from erupting.
"It’s okay?"
Xian Banmeng slightly parted her red lips, oddly saying: "Master Chu’s music with perfected technique is just okay?"
"Uh... mastered technique, is it that strong?"
Chang Qing glanced in surprise at Xian Banmeng.
Mastered technique, isn’t that basic?
When he learned from a Confucian teacher back then, um... this level was attained in the first month, earning him quite a scolding from the teacher.
"Is it really that strong..."
Xian Banmeng shook her head, amused yet helpless.
Mastered technique in music at Chu Ze’s age, even within the Confucian School, is not considered weak.
Moreover, Chu Ze is trained in multiple disciplines, which is even more commendable.
However, listening to Chang Qing’s meaning, it seems his music might surpass the other’s?
Thinking of this, Xian Banmeng looked at the man beside her, even more curious.
But before she could ask more, Chu Ze had already finished the piece, garnering much praise in the field.
Yet, there was no smile on Chu Ze’s face; his gloomy gaze was fixed on Chang Qing’s position.
"This Master Su seems not to think highly of my music."
"May I ask for your guidance?"
Chu Ze was already displeased with Chang Qing, and the recent "okay" evaluation only fueled his anger.
Now that the piece had ended, he directly incited a challenge.
Chang Qing was momentarily stunned upon hearing this, then smiled and said, "I’d rather not; the pieces I know don’t quite suit this occasion."
The piece "Piano Kill" is full of murderous intent, which might disrupt the atmosphere here.
"Hmph!"
Chu Ze coldly retorted, leaving no room for politeness, "Is it unsuitable, or is it because you can’t play it?"
"Who gave you the nerve to randomly critique, claiming my music is just ’okay’?"
"If you can’t, then sit quietly and listen; no one will take you for a mute!"
Hearing this, Chang Qing frowned slightly, displeased and said, "Since the piece is played publicly, it’s meant for appreciation, with both likes and dislikes."
"Why is it that only praise can be given, but not evaluation?"
Before Chu Ze could respond, those who were already jealous because of Xian Banmeng all spoke up in support.
"Who do you think you are? Can you judge Brother Chu’s music?"
"Ridiculous, he really thinks of himself as a great Confucian, critiquing here."
"Heh, it’d be fine if he truly had the skills, but he’s even afraid to perform, what a joke..."
At this moment, everyone’s aim was consistent; Chang Qing posed the greatest threat to them.
All sorts of mocking and taunting words filled the air incessantly.
The more Chang Qing listened, the more his expression darkened, the more he was disappointed with these so-called prodigies.
He had come to make broad friendships and gain broader horizons.
But looking around, he found no one worthy of befriending, just a bunch of petty people.
"Everyone!"
Xian Banmeng stood up, frowning as she said, "It’s just a leisurely piece; why be so aggressive?"
It would have been better if Xian Banmeng hadn’t spoken. As soon as she helped Chang Qing, the flame of jealousy among everyone present burned even stronger.
The chilling words didn’t stop; instead, they increased.
"Elder Brother Chang Qing, let’s go first."
At this time, Zhou Yu also came forward somewhat awkwardly, quietly tugging at Chang Qing’s sleeve.
"I apologize, Master Su."
Looking at the silent Chang Qing, Xian Banmeng said apologetically:
"It’s all my fault; I didn’t think it’d come to this."
"Let it be today. Shall I visit to apologize another day?"
To Chang Qing, Xian Banmeng didn’t yet have favorable feelings, but she certainly hoped they could become friends.
Because Chang Qing was the first man who could overlook her appearance and pay attention to her as a person.
She didn’t want some irrelevant people to cost her this potentially valuable friendship.
"It’s not your fault; it’s mine for coming here."
Chang Qing stood up with a calm expression.
Listening to the chilly and sarcastic remarks in his ears, he gradually became angry within.
But he did not turn to leave; instead, he moved to the center, sitting cross-legged before the ancient guqin.
"Ha, didn’t you say your piece was unsuitable? Why, now it’s okay?"
Chu Ze sneered coldly, everyone else showed amused expressions, waiting for Chang Qing to make a fool of himself.
"It was indeed unsuitable just now."
Chang Qing said calmly, his hands slowly resting on the ancient guqin,
"But now, it’s just right!"
Zheng!
As soon as the sound of the guqin began, an overwhelming murderous intent instantly enveloped the entire area!