The Divine Music of the Stranger

Raising an eyebrow, she surveyed her surroundings, noticing that the high-ranking officials and noble ladies still bore expressions of displeasure.

Yan Bai then spoke, his tone unhurried:

“This youth, being a newly arrived ‘branch’ from Willow Lane and a stranger to these lands, is unfamiliar with the culture of Western Huan. While his foolishness may have dampened your spirits, I implore you to show leniency. Perhaps allow him to display a talent, and thus atone for his misstep.”

“Excellent! I, Long, was just lamenting the dullness of this feast. My military camp cannot compare to the grand residences of you esteemed sirs, with your flutes, pipes, and dancing courtesans. Now, with some entertainment to offer solace, why would I not be pleased?”

Long Yan clapped a hand onto the bronze tiger head adorning the armrest of her chair, her laughter echoing loudly in praise. Her fiery gaze swept across the hall, not caring if anyone dared to object, before finally settling on Xia Qian.

“Young man, as Brother Yan suggests, if you can bring a smile to the faces of these esteemed adults, not only will this general not punish you, but I will also reward you handsomely!”

The Upper General’s words instantly became a military decree. All eyes in the hall converged on Xia Qian, like spotlights drawing her into their glare.

Jiang Buwei leaned against the gilded armrest, her face devoid of expression, yet the jade thumb ring on her finger spun with increasing urgency.

Brother Yan’s eloquent words are certainly courteous; they neither overstep his authority nor are the proposed solutions unacceptable. Long Yan’s cooperation is also perfectly timed. However, what kind of captivating talent could he possibly produce?

Similarly, the noble ladies seated at the tables narrowed their sharp brows, all waiting to see what kind of trick this lowly youth would pull.

Meanwhile, the male courtesans, fearing implication and disaster, trembled, pinning all their hopes on this new arrival.

“Cough, cough, this humble one offers greetings.”

Xia Qian smiled calmly, revealing a perfectly practiced, professional grin. Taking a step forward out of the line, she emulated a gesture she had seen Yan Bai make earlier, performing a graceful bow.

“As Brother Yan rightly stated, this is a respectful gesture from my homeland. And, to be precise, it is not merely for receiving esteemed guests, but also a sacrificial rite for honoring the Heavenly Gods.”

At the mention of the Heavenly Deities, everyone present showed expressions of surprise. In Western Huan, a land that revered Heaven and Earth, even the gods of other nations and tribes, when associated with sacrifice, were never treated lightly.

Looking at each other with questioning eyes, the Western Huan female officials then turned to the white-clad youth before the table. His plain white robes and simple attire, utterly devoid of makeup, struck them. Indeed, aside from mourning, only sacrificial rites called for such an appearance.

Out of a mindset of ‘better safe than sorry,’ everyone’s expressions involuntarily turned a few shades more serious.

“Oh?”

Long Yan’s brow arched, a mix of interest and skepticism in her voice.

“Is what you say true? This is before esteemed adults; if you dare to deceive us, your fate will be far worse.”

Xia Qian met the Upper General’s scrutinizing gaze, her smile deepening a fraction.

“This humble one has performed on stage since childhood, participating in countless ceremonies, both grand and small, to this day…”

If one were to count class talent shows, collective performances at school sports day opening ceremonies, and football team anniversary events, then yes, the performances were indeed numerous. Of course, this ‘ceremony’ was not THAT ‘ceremony.’

The atmosphere within the tent noticeably shifted. The contempt and disdain in the eyes fixed on Xia Qian receded, replaced by a newfound astonishment and seriousness.

Everything was proceeding according to plan—no, rather, with Brother Yan’s unexpected assistance, it was even smoother than anticipated.

Seizing the momentum, Xia Qian continued to speak nonsense.

“In the ceremonies of my humble village, we offer sacrifices, play heavenly music, and perform divine dances. Since the esteemed adults’ banquet currently lacks musical accompaniment, this humble one happens to be skilled in some ceremonial music. If you do not disdain it, I am willing to offer a divine sacrificial melody to enhance the feast.”

“Divine music? Though this northern borderland often sees various tribes pass through, it is truly rare to encounter sacrificial music from other lands. Interesting, very interesting!”

Long Yan sprang up from her seat, propping one hand on the table.

“Hey, young man, just as you said, play a tune. Tell me what bells, drums, or instruments you need without hesitation. If the main camp doesn’t have them, I’ll have the soldiers requisition them from the common folk.”

“Ah, General, you misunderstand.”

Xia Qian adopted a profound air, calmly waving a hand.

“Music offered to the heavens requires no instruments. Ordinary bells, zithers, and wind instruments are not worthy. It must be played using sacrificial tripods, with the music offered within them.”

“Oh?”

Not only was Long Yan hearing this for the first time, but the high-ranking officials and noble ladies also wore expressions of astonishment. What nonsense was this? How could one play a ceremonial sacrificial tune for the gods without instruments?

The male courtesans were equally stunned, though their concern outweighed their curiosity. They feared they might truly have to suffer alongside this chaotic new arrival.

Beside the commander’s seat, Jiang Buwei observed silently.

Just moments ago, he was a scapegoat, the target of all criticism. Yet, by merely leveraging the opening Brother Yan provided, he subtly reversed his situation with a few words. Heh, Xia Qian certainly has a glib tongue. But—

Her thoughts drifted as her emerald eyes gazed towards the opposite seat. To Jiang Buwei’s surprise, she had initially assumed this was a pre-arranged collaboration between Xia Qian and Yan Bai.

However, upon looking up, she realized that Yan Bai’s face was also etched with unconcealed confusion. Even Brother Yan, who had suggested ‘displaying a talent to atone for his misstep,’ had no idea what Xia Qian was planning.

This fellow… he’d better not over-exaggerate. If he does, I won’t be able to smooth things over for him. Don’t cause any more trouble.

As she looked at the white-robed youth again, Jiang Buwei couldn’t help but lightly clench her back teeth, her delicate brows unconsciously furrowing.

“Solemn tripods, indeed, quite fitting…”

As if truly pondering the rationale, Long Yan nodded repeatedly, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning back in her seat.

“Then tell me, how many tripods do you need? I’ll immediately order men to bring over the garrison cauldrons from the military camp!”

Xia Qian smiled and demurred.

“There’s no need to trouble the Upper General and the soldiers with such a grand undertaking. In fact, unlike offerings to the gods, since this is for the entertainment of esteemed guests, wine vessels can substitute for tripods. Consider it this humble one offering a toast to all you esteemed adults.”

“Oh, that makes things easier. I was wondering if a large tripod would even fit in this tent, and listening from outside would be too much bother. Right, let’s get to the point. What exactly do you need? Stop being so cryptic and just say it.”

“Yes, I trouble the Upper General to have twelve wine vessels prepared and filled with respectful wine. That will suffice.”

“Alright—do as he says.”

Long Yan waved her hand, and the ceremonial guards immediately brought in a long table, then placed twelve three-legged, high-necked bronze wine vessels upon it. The vessels’ openings were carved with animal figures Xia Qian didn’t recognize; their exterior was new, exquisite, and beautiful, yet they somehow possessed a profound sense of antiquity.

Arranging the wine vessels in a crescent arc on the narrow table, Xia Qian unhurriedly picked up a wine jar. Under the curious gaze of the crowd, she first poured wine into each cup, then, like playing a set of chimes, she tapped each one, adjusting the amount of wine held within each bronze vessel.

Hearing the sounds produced by tapping the wine vessels, Jiang Buwei suddenly understood.