Chapter 17: Who Listens to a Song of Fleeting Clouds

“Grandmother, your grandson has just returned from the capital. While there, I had the fortune of receiving guidance in music from Master Gongyang. Today, I’d like to play a piece for you, so you can judge whether I’ve made any progress.” Lu Jin was keeping the old lady company when he heard Pei Yunrui speaking from the adjacent room.

“Wonderful, wonderful! Hurry and bring the zither for my grandson,” the old lady said, delighted, instructing the maids to fetch the instrument.

Lu Jin was somewhat baffled. What was this performance about? And who was this Master Gongyang? Besides, wasn’t he a maternal grandson? Why call her grandmother?

There was more to the story than Lu Jin knew. Pei Yunrui’s nominal grandmother had passed away when he was very young, and his father was often away serving as an official. Thus, his mother brought him to live with the Shen family for years. From childhood, Pei Yunrui called the Shen family’s matriarch “Grandmother,” and never changed the habit as he grew older.

This form of address reflected the close ties between the Pei and Shen families, and also the old lady’s affection for her only grandson from her daughter.

Shen Yanxi, nearby, had shining eyes—she clearly looked forward to hearing Pei Yunrui play.

Lu Jin felt a little sour. Was playing a tune really such a big deal? He also suspected Pei Yunrui was being intentional, since he’d glanced at him moments before.

Soon, the pavilion was arranged, with a guqin placed at the center. Pei Yunrui rose to wash his hands, his movements graceful and self-assured. Lu Jin wanted to give a snide review but couldn’t bring himself to do it.

After washing, Pei Yunrui approached the instrument, gracefully lifted his robe, and sat at the low seat beside the zither, preparing to play.

After a few scattered notes, Pei Yunrui said, “Grandmother, I’m about to begin.”

With the old lady’s permission, fluid melodies flowed from the instrument. At first, the music was gentle and bright, like a breeze brushing the face. As it progressed, the tempo quickened, lively rhythms soon engulfed by the clamor of warlike sounds—metal clashing, horses neighing. The music became powerful and stirring, filling listeners with excitement. Near the end, the tone changed once more, becoming low and suppressed, mournful and plaintive.

When the piece ended, silence lingered in the pavilion.

The old lady was the first to recover, her face full of satisfaction. “Excellent—wonderful! Master Gongyang’s composition is superb, and my grandson’s playing is just as fine…”

The others, now returned to their senses, applauded Pei Yunrui enthusiastically. Pei Yunrui himself was obviously pleased, his excitement clear.

Lu Jin had to admit, it was impressive. He hadn’t expected this pampered youth to have such talent; clearly, family heritage was no empty boast. The piece itself was remarkable, and Lu Jin listened with rapt attention.

“Master Gongyang’s ‘Melody of the Clouds’ is noble in conception and varied in style. It swept through the capital soon after its debut. I never imagined you’d play it so well, cousin—truly remarkable,” Shen Yanxi praised.

Lu Jin, listening, thought it was all right, but pursed his lips in silent protest.

“Don’t tease me, Yanxi. As for musical skill, who can rival you? Since you were six, you’ve studied with both the Liang and Nan masters, and your playing is extraordinary. I merely offer a humble effort,” Pei Yunrui replied modestly.

“Don’t belittle yourself, Yunrui. Yanxi plays beautifully, but you’re no less accomplished,” the old lady said, brimming with joy at the talent of her grandchildren.

Lu Jin glanced at Shen Yanxi—so she played, too?

After basking in everyone’s compliments, Pei Yunrui returned to his seat by the couch.

“Yanxi, can you still sit still?” Pei Yunrui turned and smiled at her.

“Well…” Shen Yanxi was indeed tempted. She simply stood up, no longer pretending to be reserved.

Lu Jin quietly moved aside to clear a path.

After washing her hands, Shen Yanxi sat where Pei Yunrui had been, poised to start playing. The audience held their breath, not daring to move.

After a few trial notes, her fingers danced across the strings like sprites. The zither’s vibrations were gentle as a mountain stream, or as the morning mist enfolding the landscape—music ethereal and elegant, as if one were falling into a dream…

Lu Jin closed his eyes, letting himself be swept away, his mind empty and peaceful. It was a melody he had never heard before; each note flowed past his ears like clear spring water.

Suddenly, the music shifted. It rushed forward like a mighty river, roaring endlessly—waters from the heavens pouring down, unstoppable, sweeping all before them without hesitation.

Just as everyone felt nearly breathless, the music changed again, returning to its delicate, ethereal character. It was as if she remained herself, standing above the clouds, never truly descending.

Lu Jin was deeply moved. Shen Yanxi’s skill was indeed formidable—young in years, but great in talent.

“Yanxi’s playing is ever more brilliant—I almost feel guilty to breathe while listening,” the aunt said, smiling at her.

“You flatter me, aunt,” Shen Yanxi replied, modest as ever.

“Yanxi, is this a new composition? I don’t recall ever hearing it before,” the old lady asked, clearly a music lover who had heard many pieces.

“Grandmother, I composed this myself—it’s the first time I’ve played it before so many people,” Shen Yanxi said, smiling, her face faintly damp with sweat.

“You see, if I hadn’t shown off today, who knows when Yanxi would have revealed her hidden talent!” Pei Yunrui quipped, prompting laughter from all.

“Yanxi, does your piece have a name?”

“Not yet—so I’ll seize the chance and name it ‘Reflections in Light.’”

“Good, very good—a fine name for a fine piece,” the old lady said, lingering over the memory, her eyes reflecting the glory of days gone by.

“Beautiful music, and a beautiful name! Yanxi is already a master among composers,” Pei Yunrui said with genuine admiration.

Everyone chimed in, their words full of praise for Shen Yanxi’s artistry.

Her mother beamed, proud of her daughter, while her younger brother looked equally delighted to share in the honor.

“Son-in-law, what did you think of Yanxi’s playing?” Grandmother turned to Lu Jin.

Shen Yanxi, now back in her seat, looked curiously at him, eager for his assessment.

“The melody lingered in the air, resonating for days,” Lu Jin replied offhandedly.

Grandmother laughed. “Well said, my talented son-in-law! ‘The melody lingered in the air, resonating for days’—such words are worthy of Yanxi’s music.”

Lu Jin felt a bit exasperated. He’d meant only to pay a compliment, yet the old lady insisted on making much of it.

Shen Yanxi hadn’t expected Lu Jin to praise her so highly. No lengthy speech could have pleased her more than those few words, and she felt a quiet joy.

Pei Yunrui was surprised as well, glancing at Lu Jin as if to say, “You know your music.”

Even the mother-in-law finally gave Lu Jin a look, no longer stingy with her attention.

Lu Jin wondered whether this was the daily life of an aristocratic family, or if, like modern parents, they simply enjoyed having their children perform in front of guests. In any case, the festivities continued.

Watching his sister-in-law perform, Lu Jin felt an ominous premonition—was everyone going to participate?

He had to admit, his sister-in-law’s dancing was truly superb—and her figure even more so. Such a slender waist, how could it withstand such twists? Lu Jin was genuinely concerned.

Even the aunt took the stage; this noble family knew how to have fun. His uncle sang a rousing song evoking the spirit of the battlefield.

His father-in-law played the drum quite well, though it was a bit small—next time, he should be given a larger one to play all day.

Lu Jin realized this was simply a lively family gathering, without so many rigid rules. Everyone either played music or danced; here in the Plum Garden, the Shen family’s own festival was unfolding.

For a moment, Lu Jin felt as if he were dreaming. Who would have guessed that he, the overlooked son-in-law of the Shen household, would witness such a scene?

Just as he was lost in thought, Pei Yunrui called out,

“Brother-in-law, do you have any talents to share?”

Lu Jin was speechless—he knew Pei Yunrui was up to something!