This was probably what they meant by driving ducks onto a perch, wasn’t it? She had never expected to experience it herself today. Had she known it would turn out like this, she absolutely would not have come. Of course, there was no medicine for regret in this world.
She casually found a zither close to her, placed both hands upon its body, took a deep breath, and plucked the strings. The melody gradually rose.
Many people had come with the attitude of watching a good show, but as they listened, they began to feel that something was off. The music was filled with the intent of slaughter, impassioned and magnificent, like the mingled blare of war drums and horns before an army set out, brimming with killing intent.
All at once, the zither’s notes sank low, giving one a sense of both serenity and tension. Then the music gradually quickened, suddenly rising by a pitch, and the sense of killing grew heavier and heavier.
Everyone seemed to see the life-and-death clash of two armies locked in fierce battle. The thunder of hooves, the clash of blades and spears, and the cries of men rose and fell together, shaking the heart, moving heaven and earth, as if the tiled roofs might fly up and come crashing down.
There were the clang of metal, the beat of drums, the twang of swords and crossbows, the sounds of men and horses recoiling in panic. It stunned all present. Ferocity filled the air, and the reek of bloody slaughter seemed already at the tips of their noses. Then a breaking note surged forth, the zither strings trembled, ten thousand horses galloped in collapse—and in the end, all dissolved into nothingness.
A burst of applause rang out, breaking everyone from their daze. Qin Xiaoran wore a smile. “Excellent zither music. Miss Xiao’s skill is truly extraordinary.”
Because in zither class, the pieces taught were all gentle and elegant tunes. Very few dared to play such an intense piece.
This was a song of battlefield slaughter, embodying the grand, majestic spirit of frontier soldiers shedding blood on the battlefield to defend their homeland and nation. They had lived in ease for too long; no one was willing to use such a killing melody to rouse them.
“Breaking the Formation. It is called Breaking the Formation.” Xiao Qianyin raised her delicate brows slightly and smiled faintly. “This is the kind of piece you ought to be learning. Fine men should establish achievements and build careers, their blood hot and vigorous. Playing these limp, feeble tunes all day—no matter what aspirations you have, they will be worn away entirely. Mingling in heaps of rouge and powder, do you think that is something to be proud of? A true man should possess soaring heroism and a heart higher than the heavens, not sit here playing pieces only women would play. Isn’t that so?”
Every word rang firm and powerful, striking into the hearts of many. The Zither Gentleman’s expression changed. He had not expected Xiao Qianyin to seize this opportunity to deliver a grand speech.
“Miss Xiao, aren’t your words a bit excessive? Do you mean that going to war is the only good path? Wouldn’t the common people under heaven be plunged into misery and suffering? Governing with benevolence and goodness is the righteous way.”
“Ha. Hearing you say that, I know which school among the Hundred Schools you belong to. You must be of the Confucian school, yes? Only Confucianism advocates governing with benevolence and goodness. But you must see clearly whether it is suitable for the present circumstances.”
Xiao Qianyin stood, hands clasped behind her back, and said, “The world is divided into four. Who does not wish to unify all under heaven? Confucianism is suited to a unified dynasty and peaceful customs among the people, but it is not suited to this moment. If one wishes to merge four into one, one must rely on war and force. The First Emperor did exactly that in the past, thereby unifying the Central Plains, destroying the six states, and establishing the Great Qin Empire. Moreover, just because you wish to remain peaceful and quiet does not mean others are the same as you. Thus, strike first and gain the advantage; strike later and suffer disaster!”
The Zither Gentleman sucked in a breath of cold air. He had not expected Xiao Qianyin to truly dare say such things. There were many sons and daughters of nobles from various states here, and even the crown princes of three kingdoms. These words of hers, heard by them, were no different from instigating them to launch wars.
Qin Xiaoran’s gaze was complicated. He had thought she was merely interesting, that was all. Now, he discovered that she was not as she appeared on the surface—and that the two of them, astonishingly, shared the same thoughts without prior agreement.
For the first time, he felt the pleasure of finding a kindred spirit. His own thoughts were far too mad, impossible to speak of to anyone, including his own imperial father. Yet she had voiced what was in his heart.