dognovel Chapter 2270 Performing Arts in Public
Chapter 2270 Performing Arts in Public
Miaoqin's fingertips landed on her own seven-stringed zither, the body of which gleamed with a warm ebony luster. It was a beloved possession that she had carried with her for many years.
As my fingertips glide across the strings, there's a barely perceptible hesitation, and that inexplicable unease in my heart resurfaces.
She had intended to bring her personal maid along, but last night she found a note in the maid's room with only a few words on it: "Go to the rendezvous point outside the city."
She and Mr. Mo always chose to exchange messages in remote, desolate places outside the city, never leaving a trace inside the city.
Logically speaking, the maid was usually cautious and shouldn't have left suddenly, but upon further reflection, she realized that the situation in Youcheng was now almost under control.
According to her previous plan, those who had secretly contracted the disease would experience a large-scale outbreak within three days, resulting in countless deaths and widespread panic.
She wasn't just there to perform at Manager Yu's birthday banquet.
Today, the major merchants of Youcheng have gathered together, encompassing almost all the city's money transactions and goods circulation. She intends to take advantage of this grand event to control these merchants and firmly grasp the lifeline of Youcheng's wealth.
With a gentle press of her fingertips on the strings, a clear, melodious note spread out, and Miaoqin composed herself.
Just as she was pondering this, three light taps came from the back window, the rhythm even, a signal she had agreed upon with her subordinates.
Miaoqin glanced at the front door; it was quiet outside. She got up and walked slowly to the back window, gently pushing it open a crack.
A tall, straight-backed man dressed in a gray cloth shirt stood outside the window; his face was hidden in the shadows. He was one of her men.
"Miss, everything has been prepared as instructed."
Miao Qinxin felt a little relieved, her eyes darkening slightly: "Alright. Immediately gather everyone and act according to my music. There must be no mistakes."
"Yes."
As soon as her subordinate left, a maid's soft voice came from outside the front door: "Miss Miaoqin, my master is waiting in the front hall and has come to invite you to perform."
Miaoqin responded, raised her hand to straighten her skirt, and hugged the seven-stringed zither to her chest.
As I walked through the corridor, I heard a commotion coming from the front hall. The clinking of wine glasses, the laughter of guests, and the accompaniment of string and wind instruments all blended together, creating a scene of peace and prosperity.
Miaoqin walked steadily, but inwardly she sneered. This lively scene would soon turn into a living hell in a few days.
Inside the front hall, the birthday banquet had just begun when Manager Yu, standing in the main seat, raised his hand to quiet the crowd and said loudly, "I am deeply grateful to all my business colleagues for honoring me with your presence at my birthday banquet today."
To add to the merriment, I have specially invited the most skilled zither player in Youcheng, Miss Miaoqin. Now, please, Miss Miaoqin, perform a piece for us to enhance the refined atmosphere!
As soon as he finished speaking, the guests in the hall erupted in excitement.
"Manager Yu, you are truly generous! You just treated us to fine wine, and now you've invited Miss Miaoqin. How wonderful!"
"That's wonderful! I've been wanting to hear Miss Miaoqin play her zither for so long, and today my wish has finally come true!"
"This birthday banquet is only complete with Miss Miaoqin!"
Everyone turned their heads and looked towards the door, their eyes filled with anticipation.
Miaoqin, carrying her zither, walked in lightly. Her moon-white skirt swayed gently with her steps, her slender figure and aloof demeanor instantly attracting everyone's attention.
She walked to the zither table that had been prepared in the center of the hall and gently put down the seven-stringed zither in her arms.
In the west corner, Yan Ruyu held a teacup, her eyelids slightly lowered, observing Miaoqin's every move without making a sound.
"Your Highness, what do you think of her musical skills?"
Yan Ruyu was not knowledgeable about music, and could only judge whether a piece of music sounded good or bad.
Huo Changhe's gaze swept over Miaoqin's starting posture, then fell on the strings. A faint smile appeared on his lips as he snorted, "The starting posture is fairly standard, and the form is proper. It's barely acceptable."
The words fell.
The music began, initially like a clear spring flowing, melodious and ethereal.
The guests held their breath, listened intently, and looked completely absorbed.
The music gradually rose, like a flock of birds singing in unison, melodious and graceful, yet with a touch of passion, before softening again, like a spring breeze caressing the willows, warm and pleasant.
As Yan Ruyu listened, she felt that the music truly deserved the title of "heavenly sound".
Upon careful reflection, it was indeed somewhat different from what I had heard on the street before.
According to the captured individuals, each of Miaoqin's zither pieces had a specific meaning, and the shopkeepers of the three shops would play a particular piece depending on who they were meeting.
I wonder if today's song also has a hidden meaning.
Huo Chang's gaze sharpened slightly: "Her playing the zither... is definitely not simple."
Like some kind of signal, listen to this melody; it seems smooth, but in reality, it contains hidden structure. Each transition has a deliberate pause, not just simple instrumental accompaniment.
Yan Ruyu listened carefully, but still couldn't discern anything, so she had to give up.
She then observed the reactions of the other guests, and found that most of them were immersed in the music and seemed to be doing nothing wrong.
Miaoqin sat gracefully before her zither, her fingertips dancing nimbly across the strings, her gaze calmly sweeping over the guests in the room.
He glanced at the wine glasses in front of them.
Today there is a jar of Xingyuan Zui, which was purchased by Manager Yu at a high price, and it is also her target this time.
She had already arranged for people to poison the wine jars halfway through the journey.
Her music was not only for entertainment, but also to send signals to her men who were lying in ambush inside and outside the mansion.
She intended to use the music to allow her subordinates to take control of all entrances and exits of the Yu residence, monitoring the every move of these wealthy businessmen.
Once the birthday banquet is halfway over, she will throw out the "bargaining chips" she has prepared in advance, forcing these people to depend on her.
Three days later, the disease will break out on a large scale, and Youcheng will inevitably fall into chaos. Those who control the lifeline of wealth will become her greatest help in controlling Youcheng.
The fingertips glide across the last string, leaving a lingering, clear sound, before the music abruptly stops.
There was a moment of silence in the lobby, followed by thunderous applause and exclamations of praise.
"Wow! This is absolutely beautiful! Such music should only exist in heaven; it's a rare treat to hear on earth!"
"Miss Miaoqin's musical skills are indeed well-deserved. I will never forget hearing them today!"
With a beaming smile, Manager Yu stepped forward and said, "Miss Miaoqin, your musical skills are truly superb, which has broadened my horizons and delighted all the guests."
Miaoqin slowly rose, curtsied, and said in a clear, melodious voice, "Manager Yu, you flatter me. It is my honor to entertain our guests."
"Someone, bring a seat for Miss Miaoqin and serve her the best wine!"
Two maids hurriedly stepped forward, added a chair next to the main seat, and brought over a pot of Xingyuan Zui (a type of liquor).
Miaoqin thanked him and was about to sit down when she caught a glimpse of the back hall from the corner of her eye. Her subordinate, disguised as a servant, nodded slightly to her.
This indicates that everything is proceeding according to plan.
Miaoqin felt relieved, a smile appeared on her lips, and she didn't even notice the slight tickling sensation on her fingertips.