Chapter 72: How Could Such a Woman Exist?

Song Zhiyan could tell that Ye Chutang didn’t want to become a female scholar.

“Miss Ye, do you have any concerns?”

Though the world imposed many restrictions on women, with daily public appearances often being criticized, Song didn’t believe Ye Chutang would be the type to be bound by these rules. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have come to the Poetry Pavilion in the first place.

Ye Chutang took a sip of fine Biluochun tea and smiled brightly.

“Compared to teaching and nurturing others, I prefer freedom.”

“In short, I’m lazy.”

Song Zhiyan was amused by her frank answer.

“Miss Ye, you are indeed… clear-minded.”

Being able to see through things and let go—only then can one be truly free. She wasn’t wrong at all.

“This is freedom for me; a person’s life is short, at most a hundred years. I want to live freely as I wish.”

Song Zhiyan’s smile faded, and his gaze became serious as he looked at Ye Chutang.

“Miss Ye, in this world, no one can be truly free. You came to the Poetry Pavilion to gain fame, to rise higher and break free from restrictions. I can help you with that.”

“The condition is to become a female scholar at Huating Academy?”

“Miss Ye, no matter how high you rise, you are still beneath the emperor. Living in this world, no one can escape the rules.”

The Song family had been in power for hundreds of years and had witnessed the downfall of dynasties and the suffering of the people. They understood what needed to be done during times of national decline.

Only when the seas are calm and the emperor is wise, with virtuous ministers, can there be true freedom.

Ye Chutang set down her teacup and looked at Song Zhiyan seriously.

“Director Song, everyone has their own way of living. How do you know that your freedom is the same as mine?”

Helping others is fine, but letting her save the world? Forget it.

Seeing that he couldn’t persuade Ye Chutang, Song Zhiyan shifted the topic.

“I was too abrupt, Miss Ye. I shouldn’t have pressured you to make a decision.”

With that, he stood up and walked over to an ancient zither placed in the room.

“This is a new zither just acquired by the Poetry Pavilion. I would like to test the sound of the strings. I hope Miss Ye doesn’t mind?”

Although Ye Chutang wasn’t particularly skilled in music, she had learned a little and was somewhat knowledgeable.

Song Zhiyan had his own motives, and so did she.

The longer she stayed in this room, the better it would be for her to make a name for herself.

“It would be an honor to listen to Director Song play the zither.”

Song Zhiyan moved the zither onto the table. A maid came forward and lit incense while another brought fresh water for him to wash his hands.

Once the preparations were done, he tested the sound of the zither before beginning to play.

It was a piece Ye Chutang had never heard before.

At first, it was serene and tranquil, then lively and spirited, suddenly shifting to a sorrowful, weeping tune, followed by the sounds of war and battle, and ending in a grand flourish.

When Song Zhiyan’s hand pressed the strings to silence the final note, applause and praise rang out from outside the room.

He looked at Ye Chutang. “Miss Ye, what do you think?”

Ye Chutang gave an honest evaluation. “The zither is exquisite, and Director Song’s skills are superb. The music is full of emotion, and the performance was excellent.”

She could tell that he had a great love for the world and his people.

“This zither…”

Ye Chutang noticed that Song Zhiyan seemed about to use the zither’s history to continue persuading her.

She quickly interrupted. “This zither is indeed good. May I try it?”

Song Zhiyan turned the zither towards her and placed it before her. “Miss Ye, please.”

The previous day, Ye Chutang had astonished everyone with her commentary on ancient books and vocal music, areas she had not touched before.

People did not doubt her literary abilities but wondered if music might be her weak spot.

Today, she intended to surprise them all.

Ye Chutang washed her hands, tested the feel of the zither, and played a piece full of vitality, Yangchun Baixue.

Song Zhiyan offered her two lines of poetry:

“Clear and pure, snow-covered bamboo glistens; all things know spring, the gentle breeze stirs.”

(*Note: From the commentary of The Mysterious Secret Scores)

“Miss Ye, are you trying to say that after winter, spring will come and all things will revive?”

Ye Chutang didn’t answer but politely asked, “Director Song, may I play a pipa piece as well?”

Although Song Zhiyan didn’t quite understand Ye Chutang’s intention, he agreed.

“Zicui, bring the best pipa.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

As the servant brought the pipa, Ye Chutang said, “Don’t close the door. Open the windows as well, so everyone can listen.”

The Ambush from Ten Sides was a good piece, perfect for these scholars to experience.

Song Zhiyan immediately sensed that the pipa piece Ye Chutang was about to perform was no ordinary one.

He asked, “Miss Ye, would you like to perform on the high platform of the Poetry Pavilion?”

The Poetry Pavilion was designed with an open interior, with countless works of poetry, calligraphy, and paintings hanging from different eras.

To make it easier for the attendants to hang the works, each floor had a small suspended platform fixed by four iron chains, with support beneath, making it very stable.

Ye Chutang nodded. “Sure.”

After testing the pipa, she climbed onto the high platform of the Pavilion.

The maid brought over a comfortable chair for her.

Song Zhiyan instructed a servant to notify everyone downstairs to open the windows of the Poetry Pavilion.

Ye Chutang wanted to make a name for herself, and he would help her.

In turn, he would ride on her fame and take the Poetry Pavilion to new heights.

After sitting down, Ye Chutang strummed the pipa, and the atmosphere became sharp and fierce.

The battle began, the horns sounded, two armies clashed, swords and sabers flashing, life and death struggles, ambushes rising.

The listeners were immersed in the scene, their blood boiling, feeling tense.

Passing by the Poetry Pavilion, Qi Yanzhou heard the music and immediately stopped.

He asked the doorman, “Who is playing the pipa?”

“It is Prince Chen, Miss Ye.”

Since Qi Yanzhou stopped being a frivolous young master, he hadn’t attended any literary gatherings. Today, he broke his rule.

After writing a poem about the people’s livelihoods, he entered the Poetry Pavilion.

Just as he stepped inside, the intense battle theme suddenly shifted.

One side of the army was defeated, and the tone turned mournful and tragic.

Many listeners were moved to tears.

Song Zhiyan watched Ye Chutang, who played with such passion, her music shaking him deeply.

How could such a woman exist in the world, surpassing countless men!

Just when he thought it was a sad song, the melody abruptly turned, rising with an intense, stirring, and powerful tone.

This was the triumphant celebration of the victorious side.

The listeners went from sadness to joy, as if they had won a battle, rejoicing with a deafening cheer.

When Ye Chutang finished playing and stood up, she left the zither room and returned the pipa to Song Zhiyan.

Song Zhiyan had the servant collect the pipa and then deeply bowed to her.

“Miss Ye, what piece was that? It was truly awe-inspiring.”

“Ambush from Ten Sides. It’s not a composition of mine; I accidentally learned a little of it.”

“Miss Ye, you are too modest. In the whole of Beichen Kingdom, I doubt there is anyone who plays better than you.”

“This piece itself is balanced, full of emotion. As long as one doesn’t play it incorrectly, it can have this effect.”

After saying this, Ye Chutang asked, “Director Song, do you understand the meaning behind the two pieces I played?”

Song Zhiyan nodded.

“Spring follows winter, a beautiful thing, but it often requires the blood of many to achieve.”

The flow of history cannot be stopped.

He was willing to go with the flow, while some did not wish to get caught in it. Neither was wrong.

Ye Chutang smiled and said, “Director Song, your ambitions are grand. I wish you success. As for me, I’m just a small woman, not interested in meddling too much.”

“I understand.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the servant knocked on the open door.

“Director, Miss Ye, Prince Chen has arrived.”