Rejected Beauty Practices the Villain Play-Chapter 937 - 912: Arch-Enemies

Xie Jue, who steadfastly refused to perform for money and laughter, reluctantly settled for listening to Fang Chuning play the zither at a restaurant. As Xie Jue said, Fang Chuning’s musical talent is the best; back in the Imperial College, he was highly praised by the master. The masters who taught at the Imperial College were top-notch in the country, and Fang Chuning was guided by them from a young age. Even though he no longer practiced the zither, his skills were unmatched by others. His playing drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. A wealthy merchant in Pingnan County praised the tune, saying it only existed in the heavens, and cordially invited him, offering a hundred taels, hoping Fang Chuning would play for his mother’s birthday a month later. Now, Fang Chuning was a gentleman bowing for five buckets of rice. Heart moved by the hundred taels, yet he thought of the birthday a month later and felt Xie Jue would not agree, as they wouldn’t stay in Pingnan County that long. Therefore, he politely declined. The wealthy merchant also felt it was a great pity and immediately rewarded him with one thousand coins. Fang Chuning thought quietly that their food and lodging for a few days with Xie Jue were no longer a problem.

Xie Jue stood outside the crowd listening to Fang Chuning play, his gaze clear and his emotions joyful. It had been a long time since he last heard Fang Chuning play. When in Ningzhou, he carried a short flute and often heard Fang Chuning play it, but rarely the zither, partly due to circumstances. Fang Chuning’s music, like his character, was bright and spirited, with no trace of melancholy or sentimentality, clear and pleasing to the ear. Xie Jue himself disliked listening to sentimental and lingering zither music, which is why he particularly loved the pieces Fang Chuning played.

Aside from their childhood friendship, Xie Jue also found Fang Chuning’s playing absolutely beautiful. Dressed in a blue robe with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, he was a rare sight as a graceful young noble, charming and handsome. In the restaurant, several women whispered among themselves, their eyes filled with affection, all inquiring about Fang Chuning’s origins. Xie Jue knew he had always been the ideal husband beloved by women, whether for his looks or his temperament.

Fang Chuning was aware of the difficulties; their journey north to Ningzhou relied entirely on talent. The farther north they went, the more difficult it was to earn travel expenses easily. Despite the applause, there were few genuine donors. At the end of a tune, as Fang Chuning said, the rewards received, aside from the thousand coins from the wealthy merchant, were just one or two coins, hardly enough to fund their journey north to Ningzhou.

Fang Chuning had a sudden inspiration, stood up, and bowed to the audience in the restaurant, gracefully stating, "To all the gentlemen, ladies, uncles, and aunts, I pay my respects. My brother and I are new here and accidentally lost our money bag. Our hometown is in Ningzhou, and the journey is long. We find it difficult to continue with no money, so we came here to embarrass ourselves for survival. If you enjoyed our performance, my brother and I can play a duet of ’Jiangnan’ for everyone; if you think it’s good, please give us some tips so we can safely return home. I thank you all in advance!"

"Alright, play a duet!" A young man threw three cents, "If it’s good, this young master will reward you."

Xie Jue, "..."

Second Young Master Xie had never performed to amuse others in his life; he also thought he would never find himself in such an awkward and destitute situation. Yet, as the situation dictated, Fang Chuning looked at him with a smile, suggesting they were in it together. Xie Jue, keeping a straight face, walked over and sat down in front of the guqin while Fang Chuning took out his long flute.

Playing the guqin while burning incense was originally an elegant affair, but now it was a means of livelihood, which Xie Jue found unfortunate. Yet, thinking of enduring the elements, a bowl of beef noodles requiring Fang Chuning to ingratiate himself with others, Xie Jue thought, what is the difficulty of playing the zither and selling smiles? Back then, he could venture alone into the Beiman; comparatively, this was nothing.

He was cold and arrogant but lacked the peculiar pride and aloofness of scholars.

’Jiangnan’ was a piece of music both Xie Jue and Fang Chuning were very familiar with; they had played it at Lu Liu Villa, with Xie Jue on the zither and Fang Chuning accompanying on the flute.

Both were handsome young gentlemen with extraordinary temperament and remarkable good looks; simply standing by was pleasing to the eye, let alone the harmonious duet of zither and flute, sounding like the music of the heavens. Xie Jue’s zither skills were taught by masters, highly skilled. He often played the zither at home when he had nothing to do. Not long ago, he played a duet with Fang Chuning at Lu Liu Villa, of which they were extremely proficient. The piece, ’Jiangnan,’ astonished all present, and tips flowed like water into a bag Fang Chuning had already prepared.

After the performance, Xie Jue, unaccustomed to pleasing people this way, watched as Fang Chuning, burden-free, clasped his fists in thanks for the tips, begging with such practiced ease it belied any vestiges of noble bearing.

Fang Chuning weighed the tips, a substantial haul indeed. Truly, duets were more moving, or perhaps they traded on their good looks. The young ladies later having tea in the restaurant were the most generous, each giving one thousand coins, their eyes unable to conceal their admiration, clearly attracted more by looks than by music.

"What a wonderful piece, what a beautiful melody!" An elderly gentleman with gray whiskers couldn’t help but exclaim and tossed three copper coins, "I’ve never heard such harmonious and pure notes in Pingnan. You two are indeed brothers and confidants!"

"You’re too kind!" Fang Chuning clasped his fists and bowed, "If you like, I can play a piece just for you."

"Great!"

The young man couldn’t help but raise his voice, "I also gave you tips. Do you know ’Phoenix Seeking the Phoenix’? Play it for me; this young master has money to spare."

"That tune...I indeed do not know," Fang Chuning replied with a light laugh. The young master was visibly disappointed and waved a hand, "Tsk, not knowing such a famous tune is so boring!"

Fang Chuning smiled without speaking, just about to fulfill the old man’s request when suddenly, a group of strong men rushed into the restaurant aggressively. The leader kicked aside tables and chairs, causing diners to scream and run. He pointed at Fang Chuning and Xie Jue, "You two scammers cheating on food and drink, you dare come to Pingnan County? Men, seize them; I’m taking them to see the officials!"

Fang Chuning, with an exceptional memory, recognized the group at once as bandits. Even though the leader had never greeted him, Fang Chuning recognized him. It was almost instinctual, as if he couldn’t forget even if he lost his memory. When checking into the inn, he had already memorized every face in the lobby.

The group of bandits was imposing; the diners who didn’t want trouble quickly fled. Six strong men swiftly stepped forward to pin down Xie Jue and Fang Chuning.

The shopkeeper and an assistant came up to intervene but were kicked aside by the strong men, "Mind your own business!"

Seized by two strong men gripping his shoulders, Xie Jue remained expressionless. Truly, what a fortunate accident, these people walking right into their trap.

The strong men glared fiercely at Xie Jue and Fang Chuning, then gestured to leave, "Let’s go!"

Fang Chuning, seeing Xie Jue saying nothing, knew he didn’t want a big scene in the bustling restaurant, coldly sneered, "Fine, let’s see the officials. You lot calling thief as thief are quite skilled; we can have a nice chat at the yamen."

The strong man sneered, lowering his voice, "You can discuss with King Yan!"