Free Web NovelChapter 1079: Chapter 1078: All Professionals
The excellent zither Lu Zheng mentioned is, of course, Si Lingxi’s Wuhuang Zither.
It’s made from the thousand-year-old Phoenix Tree Wood of Phoenix Mountain, matched with Cold Ice Jade Silk from the Southern Border, blended with the Five Metals Elite, crafted by an unparalleled zither maker of the previous dynasty.
Phoenix Tree Wood, paired with the phoenix.
Not only is it a supreme magical treasure, but it’s also a renowned zither, whose performance can easily surpass the Phoenix Tail Zither in Lu Zheng’s hands.
Of course, the quality of a zither also depends on who is playing it, as even the finest zither sounds like a donkey’s bray in the hands of a novice, while a standard Yaoqin can be played by Lu Zheng to evoke an immersive mental realm.
However, having an excellent zither makes it more comfortable for a piano master to play.
Lu Zheng has played the Wuhuang Zither before, so when he passed by the zither shop, he had a mind to equip himself with another one.
But...
Once you’ve seen the vast ocean, other waters are nothing; after knowing Mount Wu, other clouds will not impress. Once you’ve played the Wuhuang Zither, even reverting back to the Phoenix Tail Zither is tolerable. In the past, it was as sweet as Xiaotiantian, but now trying to win Lu Zheng’s affection with a never-before-seen Dragon Sound is thinking too much.
"Zhongjing, Ouyang Kui..."
Lu Zheng blinked, and thought that next time if he had a chance to go to Zhongjing, he could ask this Ouyang Kui to help make a zither for him.
Lu Zheng never thought the other party would be unwilling.
Not because of Si Lingxi, but because Lu Zheng’s own zither skill was enough to prompt a top-tier zither maker’s involvement.
After all, renowned zithers become "renowned" due to unmatched musicians and renowned compositions, with every historically famous zither associated with "celebrities" and "famous songs", never heard of a zither becoming famous on its own.
According to Si Lingxi, after listening to her piece back then, at least ten top-tier zither makers wanted to craft a zither for her.
And to vie for the privilege of crafting for her, those ten zither makers each spent a year crafting a zither for Si Lingxi to appraise, before finally deciding on one to craft for her.
This forms a stark contrast with ordinary musicians desperately seeking an excellent zither.
So, it is said that the seller’s market and the buyer’s market are not constant but dynamic, entirely dependent on which side holds the stronger position.
Just like a game of extremely high quality, the development company dares to confront any platform.
Terrifying indeed!
"A better zither?"
The shopkeeper couldn’t help asking, "What zither could be better than Master Li’s zither? You should know, Master Li is an inner disciple of Master Ouyang, and if Master Li hadn’t returned to reside in his hometown, our store wouldn’t have received such a good zither."
Lu Zheng smiled slightly, saying, "An ancient zither from the previous dynasty, who exactly made it, I’m not quite sure."
At this point, Lu Zheng stood up, "Thank you, Shopkeeper."
"Sir, our store is a century-old establishment in the state capital and dare say that the entire Yizhou Prefecture may not have a better zither than the Dragon Sound." The zither shopkeeper tried to save face.
"Got it, thank you, Shopkeeper." Lu Zheng nodded and led Lin Wan out.
And just as they stepped out, they saw a woman standing gracefully outside, dressed in a blue and purple beaded satin cloak with a white fur cape draped over her shoulders.
Beneath the cloak, her jade-like face was smooth as congealed fat, her vermilion lips moist as red cherries, her willow eyebrows resembling distant mountain ranges, and her starry eyes like rippling autumn water, with a prominent nose adorning her delicate oval face, making it even more exquisite and nimble.
"I am Xingyao, greetings to you, sir, and to you, ma’am."
The woman slightly bowed, her voice reminiscent of a yellow oriole, lively and pleasing, her figure like a summer willow, delicate and graceful.
Needless to say for Lu Zheng, even the well-acquainted beauty Lin Wan was taken aback.
"Greetings, Miss Xingyao." Lu Zheng cupped his hands, suddenly finding the name Xingyao somewhat familiar.
"Greetings, Miss Xingyao." Lin Wan also cupped her hands, noting that her outfit was quite similar to Xingyao’s attire.
Xingyao straightened up, noticing that the two had not introduced themselves, a flash of surprise appeared in her eyes, but she did not mind, instead, she asked, "Please forgive my inquisitiveness, may I dare ask the name of the half piece you just played, sir?"
So it was for the music.
No reason not to say, Lu Zheng replied, "It’s called ’Phoenix Seeking Phoenix’."
The half piece Lu Zheng played earlier was his rendition based on ancient Hua Country stories, which he once performed at a bar in Hai City, ’Phoenix Seeking Phoenix.’
It then sparked a minor stir online at the time, allowing many to appreciate the wonder of ancient styles.
Now brought to Great Jing, it remains a top-tier composition.
It certainly drew the attention of those with fine taste.
"’Phoenix Seeking Phoenix.’" Xingyao’s eyes lit up, "Phoenix soars across the sky, seeking its Nv Jiao, what a fitting name."
"You praise it too much, Miss." Lu Zheng nodded in gratitude, finally remembering who Miss Xingyao was.
When he saw Lu Zheng say a word, and pull his female companion away, Xingyao was momentarily bewildered, but before she could act, her maid, who had been following her, moved to block the two of them.
"Please, sir, wait a moment." The maid said softly.
"Hmm?" Lu Zheng raised an eyebrow, turning back to Xingyao and asking, "Does Miss have more to say?"
"Oh, oh!" Xingyao snapped out of it, hastily waving her maid away and bowing again, not daring to be presumptuous, "Please forgive me, sir, Xingyao was momentarily dazed, having never heard this piece before. May I ask if sir knows which master composed it?"
Lu Zheng blinked, laughing unwittingly, "I don’t know, why, does Miss want to learn it?"
Xingyao’s eyes brightened, she glanced at Lin Wan, feeling that she had already gauged Lu Zheng’s concerns, and without helping herself, she stepped back half a step, retracting her presence, slightly bowed, and quietly said, "I truly wish to learn, only fearing to disturb you, sir."
Lu Zheng nodded, "It is somewhat disturbing."
Xingyao, "..."
Lu Zheng laughed heartily, waving his hand, and said blandly, "Just joking. However, this piece was composed for my wife, and I don’t want it played in a brothel."
"This piece was composed by you, sir?"
The revelation in Lu Zheng’s words shocked Xingyao, and as she looked up abruptly, she found Lu Zheng’s face wearing a gentle smile, as calm as floating white clouds, serene and tranquil.
No matter how he looked, he did not seem like someone who would boast.
Xingyao’s eyes flickered, and she realized the implication of Lu Zheng’s words, "So you have already recognized Xingyao, sir." freёwebnovel.com
"I had the pleasure of visiting Xiuyun Building once and heard of Miss Xingyao’s great name." Lu Zheng nodded and said.
Xingyao’s bright eyes blinked, and her face showed a hint of mischief, she slightly tilted her head and giggled, "But you hadn’t seen me?"
"That day happened to be Qingxin and Miss Zixiao’s performance." Lu Zheng shrugged.
"What a pity that is." Xingyao smiled, then turned to Lin Wan, full of envy in her words, "Luck is on your side, Ma’am, to have such a lover to cherish and keep company, a single song of ’Phoenix Seeking Phoenix’ is worthy of passing down through the ages."
Lin Wan smiled slightly, nodded in thanks, without needing to elaborate to the woman in front of her.
Xingyao bowed, retreated two steps, then took her maid and turned to leave, her willow waist swaying, full of grace and elegance.
Lu Zheng tipped his chin slightly, "See that? Professional."
Lin Wan pouted, reached out, and circled Lu Zheng’s waist, "I’m a policewoman, also professional. Want to give it a try?"
