The young lady is delicate and soft, yet she criticizes the powerful minister for bowing and scrapin

"It's just that I got a nice zither and put it in the courtyard," Wei Jun said casually, walking in another direction.

Wei Ruochun meant well, "Sister A-Li plays the zither exceptionally well. Brother, it's a waste to leave the zither in the courtyard; why not give it to A-Li?"

Qi Yunli's heart skipped a beat. There was a picture of a man and a woman drinking together, and then there was playing the zither. Both of these things were related to her.

All eyes immediately turned to her, making Qi Yunli very uncomfortable. She just wanted to disappear in front of Qin Xue.

Wei Jun was tall, and even from a distance, he looked down at him condescendingly: "Do you want this zither?"

This aura, this oppressive presence—Qi Yunli lowered her head, not daring to look him in the eye.

How was she supposed to answer that?

Want it? What right does a mere cousin have to compete with the prince for something, especially since the prince has already said it's an expensive zither?

She doesn't want it? That's even more wrong; she has no right to be picky.

"This zither looks quite nice in the yard. There aren't any other flowers, plants, or trees to decorate this yard, but this zither adds a touch of elegance. Maybe one day my brother will want to learn to play the zither?" Wei Ruowei quickly came out and said with a smile, her eyes crinkling with laughter.

She'll definitely give Wei Ruochun a good beating later, pinching her ear. She's always trying to do good but ends up doing bad things. It's just that she's stupid but hardworking.

Wei Jun: "I don't know how to play the zither. Playing the zither is just something that entertainers can only do to amuse their guests when they have no other talents."

He spoke with resolute certainty and unwavering conviction, as if having even the slightest connection with actors would tarnish his noble status.

He has other strengths and doesn't need to rely on playing the piano to amuse others.

Wei Ruowei seemed struck by lightning, and hesitated before speaking, "Big brother, you..."

"Cousin is right, it is true that entertainers play music to amuse their guests," Qi Yunli replied.

She didn't want Ruowei and Wei Jun to have any argument at this moment, especially since what Wei Jun said was his heartfelt opinion.

What's wrong with someone expressing their innermost thoughts and showing sincerity?

"Ah Li, which piece did you play best? Ruo Chun just praised your playing. Now that we have a precious zither here, why don't you play a couple of pieces for us to hear?"

Qin Xue's shadow moved even closer to Wei Jun's shadow beside her.

A pang of guilt welled up in her heart, but more than that, she was told by voices urging her to exclude all women around Wei Jun.

It's unacceptable that Wei Jun has someone else in his heart before they're even married.

No matter how many wives and concubines one may have after marriage, it is unacceptable for one to have any romantic involvement with other women before marriage.

Moreover, in everyone's eyes, Wei Jun is a bright and upright man who is detached from women, yet he harbors a woman in his heart. This is an insult to her dignity!

She was destined to become the mistress of the Marquis's mansion, the future daughter-in-law chosen by the old lady of the mansion. She had to have the courage to do so. She could no longer be like a little girl in her boudoir, innocently waiting for her parents to pave the way for her. She had to learn to stand up and fight her way to becoming the mistress of the Marquis's mansion.

Qin Xue was teasing Qi Yunli in front of Wei Jun. If she were really the woman Brother Jun liked, Brother Jun would definitely not be able to bear it.

I thought Qi Yunli would at least look a little embarrassed, but when she heard this, she showed no embarrassment or resistance whatsoever. Instead, a faint, genuine smile spread across her face, her eyes crinkling with delight.

"Great! I'd love to play it for my sisters too."

Qi Yunli was eager to try, looking like she really wanted to show off. Her voice was soft and gentle, like a breeze. Although it was a little weak, it was pleasant to listen to.

Qi Yunli walked to the zither table and sat down slowly. She didn't rush to raise her hand, but straightened her skirt, kept smiling, and then gently placed her hand on the strings.

With her eyes lowered, her long eyelashes lifted slightly beneath her eyelids: "I'll play 'The Wind Enters the Pines' for Sister Xue. I wonder if you'll like it."

The music of "Feng Ru Song" is not rousing, but extremely soothing. The melody is gentle and flowing, like a clear spring flowing through the cracks in the rocks, making people feel refreshed and tender.

Her technique was extremely skillful, with her hands working together perfectly. Her finger techniques—hooking, picking, stroking, and flicking—were very precise, and every note was just right.

Women should be proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but they don't need to go deep. It's enough to learn a little bit above the beginner level so that they can chat with their future husbands.

The three girls listened intently, completely captivated by the music.

They could play the piano, though not skillfully, but they knew that the piece was so beautiful, which showed that the player was highly skilled.

The music ended, but the lingering sound still resonated in my ears.

Qi Yunli slowly raised her eyes, her smile still gentle: "Sister Xue, do you like it? Consider this your first time visiting the Marquis's residence, and since I didn't prepare a gift, I'll offer this song to you."

Qin Xue was already feeling a little guilty for deliberately making things difficult for her, but Qi Yunli not only didn't hold it against her, but also went along with it, saying it was a gift for her, which seemed extremely appropriate.

"You played so well!" Qin Xue clapped her hands and looked at Qi Yunli with genuine admiration.

"As long as Sister Xue likes it." Qi Yunli stood up and stepped back, her face naturally nonchalant, without glancing at Wei Jun once.

Wei Ruowei quickly pulled the two people next to her: "Since Sister Xue has already found Big Brother, then the three of us sisters will not disturb you any longer."

The three of them curtsied and stepped back. Then Wei Ruowei quickened her pace and led her two sisters out of Jingchen Courtyard.

As expected, Wei Ruochun hadn't taken more than a few steps when Wei Ruowei pinched her ear.

"Why did you make Big Brother deliver Ah Li Qin just now? Didn't you see the look in his eyes just now, like he wanted to devour Ah Li? He was so fierce!"

Wei Ruochun did feel a little guilty: "I...I didn't know either. I thought my older brother would agree. It's not that he doesn't want to play the piano...Ah Li, I didn't mean to."

Qi Yunli shook her head: "It's nothing. If Ruochun hadn't said that, I wouldn't have had the chance to perform for Sister Xue."

The group arrived at a fork in the road. Wei Ruochun wanted to go to the front hall to wait for Qin Xue to return so that they could chat for a while longer.

Wei Ruowei accompanied Qi Yunli.

Wei Ruowei frowned and said, "Brother, what you just said was hurtful. How can you say that playing the piano is just for the guests' amusement?"

"No wonder you wanted to come with me; you were just trying to comfort me. It's alright. My cousin has seen a lot of social interactions in the court. At those banquets, the musicians playing the zither are just there to amuse him."

"You seem quite philosophical about it." Wei Ruowei had other thoughts on her mind. "How's your younger brother doing at the private school?"

Qi Yunli maintained her smile, secretly wondering if her younger brother had gotten into a fight with someone and if any bad rumors had reached Wei Ruowei's ears.

"I envy you. Your younger brother is so sensible and well-behaved; he would never cause you any worry." Wei Ruowei sighed deeply.

"Unlike my younger brother, who has been very restless lately, always wanting to go out and play with others, and doesn't even want to come home. My mother wouldn't let him go home and instructed the tutor to keep a close eye on him. I had to redeem him a few days ago."

"It's normal for kids to be playful. My son Asi is rather quiet, and I'd prefer him to be more outgoing."

"But the friends he associates with are shady characters. I've heard rumors that someone in their clan school owes money at a gambling den, but I don't know if it's true or not, which makes me very worried."

"A gambling house?"

Once someone becomes addicted to gambling, there's little chance of them ever turning things around.