Two days later.
The Nian family.
Nian Jiaojiao brought a zither back.
The curriculum for the scholars at the academy was relatively flexible, with several required courses and a selection of electives.
The total time for the required courses amounted to no more than three days a week.
The remaining time, including electives and free periods, was allocated by the scholars as they saw fit.
Among the elective courses, Nian Jiaojiao had chosen the qin, a musical instrument within the broader subject of "Music."
As for why she chose this particular instrument.
It was still the profound impression left on her by the zither performance of Miss Wushuang previously.
She was currently studying "Object Manipulation."
To think that in the future, she might be able to use the qin to heal and music to kill.
That would be incredibly impressive.
...
After two days of study at the academy, Nian Jiaojiao brought the zither back to practice.
Hmm... she wouldn't go to the academy for classes these few days.
The next time she had her Guqin class, she would surely astonish the world!
Nian Jiaojiao recalled the expressions of bewildered astonishment on the faces of her classmates during her lessons over the past two days, and a knot of frustration tightened within her.
She was definitely not tone-deaf!
In the courtyard.
Nian Jiaojiao leaned against the willow tree behind her, sitting cross-legged on the ground, with the Guqin resting on her lap.
Not far away.
Her four husbands sat on stone stools, gazing towards Nian Jiaojiao with... eager anticipation...
"Weng~~~~"
The zither's sound was uncontrolled, sounding hoarse and strange.
The four on the stone stools looked bewildered.
Nian Jiaojiao, feeling a little guilty, gave them a sheepish smile and said:
"That was just a sound check, a sound check."
The four did not understand the Guqin, and hearing her use such a professional term as "sound check," they simply assumed it was a normal procedure before playing.
Thus, their expressions returned to a state of "eager anticipation."
Nian Jiaojiao recalled the teacher's instructions on posture and the basic practice pieces from class, and began to play.
"Wengwengweng~~~~~~~~~"
"Screech~~"
"Creak~"
"Beeeep————"
....
The various handsome men present instantly turned pale with fright.
Even Nan Qing and Xuan Yi, who normally showed little expression, had their serene faces gradually begin to crack.
"Wife Master!!!"
Xing Yun, unable to bear the prolonged noise, was the first to cry out.
"Weng (mute)"
Nian Jiaojiao glanced at the four, a hint of threat in her eyes.
"What is it?"
This was the first time Xing Yun had seen his wife master act this way since she had recovered from her illness.
He swallowed and said:
"Wife Master, as expected of you, the music you play is truly extraordinary~"
After flattering her, Xing Yun quickly flashed Nian Jiaojiao a fawning smile.
"What do you all think?"
The other three were choked, finding it difficult to utter insincere words.
At this moment, a clear and gentle male voice came from behind them.
"Jiaojiao has started learning the qin, hasn't she?"
Nian Jiaojiao turned her head and saw Tong Ziyao standing by the moon-shaped gate connecting the courtyards.
Seeing Nian Jiaojiao look over, he smiled and nodded in greeting.
"Young Master Tong, long time no see."
Tong Ziyao had been diligently practicing "staying in seclusion" these days. Sometimes Nian Jiaojiao couldn't help but sigh: Truly a man from a good family, ordinary people wouldn't be able to endure such a life!
Tong Ziyao walked closer to the group, stopping about a meter away from Nian Jiaojiao.
He looked at Nian Jiaojiao sincerely and said:
"Jiaojiao is a beginner. It's not easy to achieve correct posture and memorize the positions of the strings in just a few days."
Nian Jiaojiao felt a little embarrassed by the praise.
At this moment, hope for "music" rekindled within her heart.
"Really? How long has Young Master Tong been learning the qin?"
Tong Ziyao smiled faintly:
"Ziyao has been learning the qin for ten years."
Oh wow, this was an experienced player!
Nian Jiaojiao's eyes lit up.
She looked at him.
He had a gentle disposition and seemed very patient.
Moreover, he wasn't a woman from the academy, so he definitely wouldn't mock her.
So, she quickly stood up and bowed slightly:
"The accomplished are teachers. I hope Young Master Tong can offer some guidance in my future qin studies."
Tong Ziyao's smile deepened.
Seeing the two chatting more and more congenially, it was not Nan Qing who spoke first, but Yu Chuan.