Chapter 85: Ensemble

Since she had already decided to perform in public, there was no room for hesitation now. Lu Yalan accepted the flute, thanked Song Mo for her kindness, tugged at the corner of her mouth, and whispered, “I’ve only practiced pieces like ‘Three Variations on Plum Blossoms’ and ‘Three Refrains on the Yang Pass.’ I’m not really familiar with anything else.”

She felt a little embarrassed as she said this. These days, everyone favored Beethoven and Mozart, their instruments of choice being the piano and violin. She was like a black swan stumbling into a flock of white swans, an oddity who simply didn’t belong.

Lu Yalan didn’t believe there was anything wrong with the music handed down by her ancestors over thousands of years, but in an age that revered Western music, she couldn’t expect others to listen to her with an open mind. She simply resolved to do her best.

Later, when she returned home and heard the sounds of a wager, she was reminded of the matter once more. But being utterly exhausted, she hadn’t managed to inform Zhu Yuanzhang about it in time.

Shi Qian let out a sigh and darted out the window in a flash, while Jiang De shook his head repeatedly as he watched. This flea’s habit of slipping out through windows was something he’d probably never change in his lifetime.

Ye Chen was startled at first, but then relaxed, shaking his head with a smile. He realized he’d been overly jumpy; this world was filled with ordinary people—how could any of them possibly pose a threat to him?

Inside the container was the very vine elixir that Lord Guiyou had once gifted him. This was a rare heavenly medicine, capable of refining the inner core and boosting one’s cultivation.

Damn it, ever since You Jingyan had arrived in this era, every time he was sleeping soundly, someone was bound to disturb him.

Qian Yao offered a smile to the Marquis, who—fearing trouble and worried that Qian Yao might realize he was keeping an eye on her—simply greeted her and retreated to his room.

In other words, the “Hundred Birds Facing the Phoenix” spear technique was designed for martial prodigies. It required infusing one’s intent into the spear, and if the wielder could grasp this essence, their mastery would advance by leaps and bounds.

“Wait, hold on. Remember to send extra sauce and some Xiliang nectar. We mustn’t let them say I’m stingy,” Han Wei instructed once more.

Wu Hao carried himself with great poise, an air of imperious sharpness emanating from him. Just walking down the street, he drew many curious glances from passersby.

Wei Lin nodded and said, “Junior brother, let’s hurry and go!” Wei Qing bowed to Wei Lin and promptly left.

Yet she wasn’t afraid of her father at all. Xu Minghui spent little time with her and seldom imposed any restrictions. So, as my marriage to Xu Minghui was nearing its end, Tiao Tiao ultimately chose to live with her father.

Meanwhile, Yaezakura rummaged through the apartment, finally finding a few rolls of bandages and some medicine.

Yang Qingluo suddenly stomped her foot. Oh no—she wondered how Mo Han was doing, and if her injuries were serious.

Beneath the covers, her face was as red as a boiled shrimp, while her heart pounded wildly.

“Princess, you can even discuss the art of tea with such ease—you’re truly learned…” Magpie, gesturing at the tea in the blue-and-white porcelain cup, flattered her mistress, urging Sizhenn to say a few more words.

At first, Chu Tian managed to keep his composure, but as he neared the range of Feng Busan’s spellcasting, he quietly took a step back.

He hated Dorgon, and also the empress, who was entangled with Dorgon in countless ways. So long as she occupied the central palace, he would be reminded that, even as emperor, he’d once had to swallow his pride and endure humiliation—a shameful chapter he could never forget.

As Zhu Yunxiu spoke, emotion seemed to well up in him. He lifted a hand and placed it over the back of mine.

Following Zhang Minglang’s instructions, I took the bus to Diwang Tower again and brought back two cups of coffee.

This masterful rhythm was orchestrated by the veteran Scholes, who made United’s attacks flow at will, switching tempo seamlessly. If Carrick were in command instead, his midfield organization would drop United’s offense by a level. Who knew what United would do when Scholes retired?

At dawn, before the sky had fully brightened, Ziyun watched Ouyang depart. She hadn’t slept a wink all night, yet felt not the least bit tired. She stepped outside and drew a breath of icy air.