The sunlight at the Qinshan Villa cast a warm glow over the serene surroundings. Qin Yijun sat by the lake, playing an uplifting melody on his flute. The music echoed throughout the villa, bringing peace to those who heard it.
After playing for a few minutes, he stood up and walked towards his father's room. He found his father writing.
"Yijun, good that you're here. I have some news to share with you," his father said.
"What is it, Father?" Yijun asked.
"The Mo clan has invited us to perform music for the opening ceremony of Master Xiang's birthday celebration the next day. I want you to lead and start practicing with our musicians," Master Jian replied.
"Yes, Father. I'll call the musicians to discuss what needs to be done," Yijun said.
"Why not let Yuxi lead, Father?" he added.
"You know your brother isn't comfortable interacting with others, so it would be challenging for him to lead," his father replied.
"That's true, but I'll include him in the practice sessions," Yijun suggested.
His father smiled, and Yijun took his leave.
As he walked, he saw Yuxi sitting in the library, reading a book.
"Yuxi," he called.
Yuxi looked up. "What do you need, brother?"
"Father has news. We'll be providing music for Master Xiang's birthday celebration the next day. I'll be leading the musicians," Yijun explained.
Yuxi nodded.
"I want you to join me and help with the musicians' practice," Yijun added.
"Okay."
"Be early tomorrow since we'll start practicing," Yijun reminded.
Yuxi nodded and returned to reading.
The next day, the musicians gathered early in the Qinshan Villa hall. Yijun and Yuxi stood at the front, ready to begin practice.
"Let's start," Yijun said.
"The theme of the music should be lively and joyful, fitting for Master Xiang's birthday."
The musicians began to play, with Yijun leading on the flute and Yuxi observing the musicians.
As they played, Yuxi noticed some parts of the music that needed improvement.
"Stop for a moment. There are parts that need improvement," he said.
The musicians nodded.
On the last day of practice, while the musicians were busy preparing for the night's celebration, Mo Yuming (Tian), Master Mo Xiang's sister and Yuxi's close friend, suddenly arrived.
Yijun saw her standing at the hall's door.
"Ah, Qin Yijun, good to see you," Mo Tian greeted.
Yijun stood up and bowed.
"Mo Yuming, what brings you here?"
"I wanted to visit the musicians before tonight's celebration. I know how important it is for my brother," Mo Tian explained.
"Yuxi, come here," Yijun called.
Yuxi approached his brother.
Mo Tian smiled. "Qin Yuxi, you've grown taller."
Yuxi glared at her. "Stop it, we just saw each other yesterday."
Mo Yuming laughed. "You're so fun to tease! You're like a rooster!"
"Shut up!" Yuxi snapped.
Yijun smiled at their banter. "Would you like to watch our practice?" Yijun asked.
"Yes, if I may," Mo Tian replied.
Yijun nodded and continued the practice.
Mo Tian watched and listened to their music, occasionally shooting playful jabs at Yuxi.
"Stop it," Yuxi said in a serious tone.
"Why don't you join in? It would sound even better," Mo Tian said.
"And you, why are you here and not with your brother?" Yuxi retorted.
"My brother has many helpers, he doesn't need me there. Why, Yuxi? Are you throwing me out? Don't you want to be with me?" Mo Tian asked with a sly smile.
"I'm asking the questions here," Yuxi replied.
"You're so mean. Just say it straight out if you want to see me every day, don't be shy. I'll understand," Mo Tian said with a grin.
Yuxi just narrowed his eyes and continued what he was doing.
"Shut up," he said.
(At Fengming)
Feng Mei was catching some birds on a mountain near Fengming. It was forbidden to them because birds was associated with the wind.
She stopped practicing when she heard a voice shouting.
"Lady Mei'yin! Lady Mei'yin!"
She saw one of their female servants, so she quickly hid her bow and arrow.
"I'm here!" she shouted.
The servant quickly approached her.
"Lady Mei'yin, you're being looked for at Fengming," she said.
"Why?" Mei asked.
"Today is Master Mo's birthday, and the celebration will be held tonight. The Feng family is invited," the servant replied.
"What am I supposed to do there? I don't want to go. Please tell them I'll stay here," Mei said.
"It's not possible, Lady Mei'yin. Your mother told me to bring you back before nightfall," the servant insisted.
"It's still daytime, and the celebration is at night! They're being too eager! Is the food there delicious?" Mei replied.
"Please, Lady Mei'yin, come with me. I don't want to get scolded," the servant begged.
Mei looked at the servant as if sizing her up.
"My family doesn't know how to get angry, but fine, I'll go home... Let's go!"
The servant smiled and followed Mei.
When Mei arrived at Fengming, she immediately went to the dressing room because she knew her siblings and mother were there.
"I'm here!" she said.
She saw Ling trying on clothes, Xiao getting her face done, and her mother already dressed.
"It's good that you're here, Mei. Come, try on the clothes you'll wear," her mother said.
Mei looked at the clothes. The designs and colors were beautiful and attractive, but she didn't like them, so she made a face.
"Mei, look at me, am I look good?" Xiao asked.
Mei nodded and smiled. "You're very beautiful, Sister."
"Why are you asking Mei? She doesn't know what's good or bad," Ling said, having just finished dressing.
Xiao and their mother smiled because they knew Ling was just joking.
"You're so mean, Sister Ling!" Mei replied.
"Just choose what to wear, and I'll fix your face," Ling said.
"I don't want to go," Mei said.
"Why, mei?" their mother asked.
"Come on, Mei. You're always absent from ceremonies and celebrations," Xiao said.
Mei knew they would still pressure her, so she thought of an excuse.
"I want to go, but my feet and head hurt," she said.
"Really, Mei? Are you just lying?" Ling asked.
"It's true, I'm serious," Mei replied.
"It's not possible, Mei. Take some medicine, and you won't even be walking there," her mother said.
"I want to rest, Mother," Mei said.
"But-"
"Let's just let her rest, Mother. It'll get worse if she doesn't rest," Xiao said.
Their mother nodded.
"Okay, I'll go. I'll rest now," Mei said and quickly left the room.
"It's obvious she's lying," Ling said.
"She's just making excuses. We know she won't come no matter what," Xiao replied.
After getting ready, the three went to their carriages.
"Why are there only three of you? Where's Mei?" Master Lei, their father, asked.
"She's not coming," their mother said.
"As I expected," their father replied.
"She'll follow later, I'm sure," Yang said.
"What did you do again?" Ling asked.
"Just wait, you'll know later," Yang replied.