TFDC Chapter 87.1

Chapter 87.1 - Six stringed zither song

Lou Qingwu’s ten fingers set on the zither strings as everyone held their breaths and watched.

Her fingers began to move, white fingers lightly picked at the strings as a flowing melody poured out like water, clear and lively.

When it entered the ear, it made you feel slightly drunk.

If it was any other day, this zither skill would be quite good.

It was only a pity that Shangguan Yiyun played before her.

Compared to Shangguan Yiyun’s profound zither sound, Lou Qingwu’s melody seemed a bit bland in comparison.

The empress nodded her head, satisfied and turned to look at Xiahou Rui.

His face was slightly pale as he sat there, dazed, his expression distracted.

The empress imperceptibly furrowed her brows, wasn’t that child Qingwu’s effect on Rui’er too big?

Xiahou Rui’s strange reaction made Xiahou Liuyun a bit worried.

He looked at Xiahou Rui and then at the tranquil girl on stage, unable to help but speak, “Second brother, did Miss Lou lose?”

Xiahou Rui’s body stiffened, his face gloomy as he lowered his eyes and shook his head.

“Ah?” Xiahou Liuyun froze. “Then second brother, you?”

He didn’t really understand the zither so he couldn’t tell if her zither was good or bad.

Originally, when he saw his second brother’s expression, he thought that Miss Lou had lost.

But his second brother shood his head, so if Miss Lou won, then why was he like that?

Xiahou Rui lifted his head up after half a second, his eyes dazed as he watched Lou Qingwu.

His voice was hoarse as he spoke, “Miss Lou won but also lost.”

“Why?”

How could someone win and lose?

“MIss Lou’s zither song is called <Conscious difference>.”

“What is that?”

“<Conscious difference>’s meaning comes from ‘appearing united but divided at heart’. It’s a song that the previous Xiliang’s empress played before she married and became Xiliang’s previous empress. Before then, she was a renowned beauty with lots of suitors. Among them, was the Medicine King valley’s previous godly doctor. It was only a pity that she didn’t return his affections. So she played this <Conscious difference>, using a six stringed zither which was unprecendented. It’s a pity that this <Conscious difference> then became Xiliang country’s taboo and was slowly forgotten. The people who know about this song are few, and it’s only because I went to Xiliang once before that I heard it once and knew about it.”

“Then …. Seeing as how Miss Lou can use six strings to play a zither song, then she’s winning for sure.”

Xiahou Rui gloomily shook his head, “Miss Lou did win but those who understand its complexity and detail are few and far between, those who don’t know … would only feel like her song’s lacking.”

His thin lips pursed together, his eyes passed a sigh.

Xiahou Liuyun became anxious, “If other people don’t understand then second brother, you can explain. That way, wouldn’t Miss Lou be able to win?”

Xiahou Liuyun shook his head, if Miss Lou didn’t play <Conscious difference>, then he’d definitely speak out.

But it’s a pity ….

“Miss Lou played this <Conscious difference> to tell me that … she doesn’t have any intentions towards me.”

So even if he spoke out, it’d only make things difficult for Miss Lou.

Xiahou Liuyun froze, this ….

Didn’t Miss Lou like his second brother?

Could it be that he guessed wrong?

So everyone misunderstood?

He stared blankly at Xiahou Rui’s dispirited look, unable to help but sigh.

If Miss Lou really was unwilling, then he didn’t know what to do.

……….

*

TL note:

Conscious difference - the literal translation would be the separation of consciousness/people.

Perfect cut off - there really were eclipses in the novel~

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