Although Liu Yuxiu at home loved the zither, she had rarely played it since falling ill, keeping them all stored in the study. Today, the zither's melody was like a storm, surging with a battle spirit that didn't sound like his Ah Xiu's playing.
Could it be that someone had brought a renowned master to play the zither at home to celebrate Ah Xiu's birthday?
He couldn't help but smile at the thought. The children nowadays really came up with new ideas every year to make Ah Xiu happy!
"Old Master Qin is back?" Sister Zhou, busy in the kitchen, saw Old Master Qin returning home early and hurried over, wanting to take the cake from his hands.
Qin Han instantly suppressed the smile on his face, nodded slightly, and handed the cake to Sister Zhou. "Put it in the refrigerator."
"Understood!" Sister Zhou nodded with amusement.
Although Old Master Qin appeared stern, he always had more to say whenever it concerned the Old Madam.
Listening to the tenderness emanating from the surging battle spirit in the zither music, Qin Han's eyes were filled with the warmth of memories, as if recalling his younger self and his Ah Xiu.
He changed his shoes and walked inside. Sister Zhou brought him a cup of water and a box of medicine.
"Old Master Qin, your medicine!"
"Ah, I'm all better now, no need to take it anymore." Qin Han clenched his fist, feeling his recovered strength, shaking his head stubbornly.
Sister Zhou was unfazed by his expressionless face. She was, after all, following the Old Madam's orders. "The Old Madam said the first thing you do when you get home is take your medicine. If you don't, you can ask the Old Madam about it."
Speaking of Liu Yuxiu, Qin Han’s stubbornness vanished. He was a man who feared nothing; he could even vouch for things in front of his superiors during that serious accident back then. In this life, the only person he feared was Ah Xiu.
Qin Han murmured helplessly, "Bring it here."
He took the medicine and swallowed it cleanly. The zither music from upstairs had transitioned from a tempestuous battlefield to a lingering, sentimental melody. Every note spoke of the unspoken tenderness in the heart of a tough man.
His heart also softened.
"Who invited someone to play the zither at home?" he asked Sister Zhou. "Which master is it?"
Such music made one feel as if they were there, able to witness the scenes depicted by the notes and feel the emotions within. Such skill couldn't be achieved overnight.
What was most commendable was the precise handling of both delicate and bold emotions. This person had a deep understanding of the nation and the world, which allowed them to maintain a broad love within the passionate romance.
Hearing his question, Sister Zhou couldn't help but laugh. "Sir, you also think it's master-level, don't you?"
Old Master Qin also enjoyed listening to music with Grandma Liu, and years of exposure had indeed honed his appreciation.
Hearing Sister Zhou's words now, he couldn't help but frown in confusion. "Then who is it?"
Though Old Master Qin was handsome, years in his position meant that when he frowned, the very air seemed to freeze.
Sister Zhou lost her playful mood. She lowered her gaze and said, "The person playing the zither is Young Master Qin's girlfriend."
After dismissing Sister Zhou, Qin Han looked towards the study alone, murmuring thoughtfully, "Huo Rou..."
"So that's how it is," he muttered, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
When he had investigated the Jiang family before, he had discovered Huo Rou's close ties to them, which had even led to an argument with Ning Yi.
Afterward, no matter how much he investigated, he couldn't find the slightest anomaly.
Judging a person by their music, he thought, Huo Rou must have a noble heart.
Not just her zither skills, but her sentiment as well.
A person of integrity, with lofty ideals for the nation and the world, a person with great love and pursuit of sincerity – such a person was indeed the kind to capture the heart of his most outstanding grandson, Qin Ning Yi.
He softly repeated Huo Rou's name, then after a long pause, nodded slowly and ascended the steps.
Approaching the study, the music was nearing its end, the lingering notes fading, all returning to peace, leaving behind a trace of melancholy and release.
Qin Qijian's voice rang out, "Sister-in-law! Can you play it again? I want to try singing along!"
The first time he heard it, he was amazed; the second time, he felt a surge of passion.
He was now impatient to put lyrics to it and sing it out.
To express the anguish, struggle, hesitation, and intense love of this monarch, making it known to all.
"Okay, you try," Huo Rou was also piqued. Through the guzheng's performance, the essence of this piece had been more fully revealed. She was also eager to see how astonishing the effect would be when paired with lyrics.
The zither music began again.
Outside the door, Qin Han withdrew his hand, standing by the door with lingering interest, listening to the piece from beginning to end.