Chapter 353: The Fate Star Cursed Tool, The Zhengyang King p2
The flute music, like ripples spreading through water, reached the ears of the officials and nobles in the surrounding pavilions, and they all listened attentively with surprise and curiosity.
Some musicians frowned slightly, their fingers still plucking the strings and beating the drums, but they felt that the wondrous flute music was like a battle cry, the deep and thunderous roar of a general echoing in their ears. Their hearts stirred, and they unconsciously followed the melody’s sudden change, their music also becoming passionate and stirring.
Countless melodies intertwined, filling the area around the pavilion with inspiring and uplifting music, like the sounds of war, making their blood boil with excitement.
Inside the main pavilion, the members of the Hua family gasped in admiration, and the Hua sons looked at each other in surprise, leaning out the windows.
“Who is playing that music? Such passion and fervor, it must be a battle-hardened general!”
“Such incredible power to move people, even thousands inside and outside the pavilion are roused!”
“Could it be… Father’s arrangement?”
…
And in the backyard of the pavilion.
Hua Yanxing, assisted by several elderly servants, put on his gold-embroidered robe, closed his eyes, and listened quietly, sighing with emotion: “Even from a hundred zhang away, such a passionate and inspiring melody truly reminds me of the battles of the past.”
An old servant whispered in his ear: “Your Highness, it seems that the music isn’t being led by the musicians, but by someone else.”
“Whoever it is, to be able to play such a tune during the ceremony, uniting the hearts of the people, is truly commendable!”
Hua Yanxing put on his cloak and accessories, his silver-white hair neatly combed, his expression solemn and stern, completely different from the kind old man Lin Tianlu had met before.
His seemingly aged and wrinkled face emanated an astonishing aura of power and prestige. With a flick of his robe, a faint yet undeniable aura of heroism and dominance emerged, his gaze deep and profound, as if containing decades of experience and wisdom.
Just a glance was enough to make ordinary people afraid to look him in the eye.
“After the ceremony, find the person who played that music and give them a good sword.”
“Your Highness, why not give them gold or jade?”
“Someone with such spirit and passion, giving them gold or silver would be an insult.” Hua Yanxing stroked his beard and said in a deep voice: “But if they ask for a monetary reward, then give them some. And there’s no need for further interaction after that.”
“Hehehe—”
A low chuckle suddenly echoed, and a voice whispered in his ear: “Old man, the one who played the flute is in the side pavilion, with Princess Anqing.”
“Oh?”
Hua Yanxing raised a white eyebrow and grinned with interest: “So it was that boy helping out in secret, not bad! Truly not bad! Shuya has inherited my talent for martial arts, and her eye for people is even better than mine!”
…
“Hu—”
Lin Tianlu put down his jade flute, exhaled softly, and then chuckled: “I’ve made a fool of myself, I hope it wasn’t too unpleasant for you, Mother Tan.”
“This music…”
Mother Tan took a deep breath, slowly opened her eyes, and sighed: “Truly extraordinary.”
It wasn’t just casual praise, but a heartfelt exclamation of surprise.
Although she had heard some rumors and knew that her newly acknowledged godson was talented in poetry, calligraphy, and music, she hadn’t expected it to be so…
…astonishing!
Perhaps his playing skills weren’t as good as those renowned masters, but the emotions he conveyed through his music, the way he immersed himself in the melody, were truly unparalleled!
She had never heard such moving and soul-stirring music before. This sacrificial melody, which she had heard countless times, could be so passionate and inspiring, truly praiseworthy.
Mao Ruoyu and the others also seemed to awaken from a dream, applauding, their eyes sparkling.
Lin Tianlu put away his jade flute and chuckled awkwardly: “It seems my diligent practice these past few months hasn’t been in vain, at least it was enjoyable for you all.”
“More than just enjoyable.”
Mother Tan touched her chest, still feeling the lingering excitement and passion, her heart pounding. And the internal energy within her surged like waves, almost breaking through some kind of barrier.
The previously blocked meridians and channels felt a tingling sensation, a faint purple aura flickering between her eyebrows, her body trembling slightly, as the previously stagnant energy suddenly flowed smoothly throughout her body, her mind and spirit becoming clear.
After a long and soft sigh, she exclaimed:
“I don’t know how to repay you for this great gift, Tianlu.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and cupped his hands: “Congratulations on your breakthrough, Mother Tan.”
“You…”
Mother Tan pursed her lips slightly, glanced at Hua Shuya sitting beside her, and then at Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi, who were smiling, and couldn’t help but chuckle softly: “It seems you girls have already ‘tasted’ the wonders of his music?”
Seeing their knowing smiles and the warm atmosphere, Mother Tan paused, her gaze drifting downwards, the teasing words on her lips swallowed, momentarily speechless.
She had thought her heart had become cold and indifferent after marrying into the mansion, but now…
…ripples were appearing again.
As the passion subsided, why did her heart feel so empty and lonely?
Lan’er suddenly leaned forward and said: “Your Highness, the old Prince has ascended the platform for the ceremony.”
“Ah… let’s go and see.”
Mother Tan quickly came back to her senses, a gentle smile returning to her face, and she waved her sleeve: “That old man’s aura is still as strong as ever.”
Hua Shuya was the first to look out the window, Lin Tianlu and the others also looking over curiously.
The old prince was slowly ascending the red-carpeted stairs alone, his face showing no signs of age, his back straight, his steps firm and steady. As he ascended, the people in the streets and alleys, who had been enjoying the music, gradually quieted down, standing on tiptoe to watch, their eyes filled with respect as they gazed at his still imposing figure.
This was General Zhengyang, the protector of their country’s borders.
It was with his iron-blooded hands that he had repelled countless invaders and protected countless lives. His tales of battles and campaigns were known to everyone, and now, seeing him in person, they could feel his invincible aura and profound presence, their hearts filled with awe and respect.
How many times had he faced death, how many battles had he commanded, to cultivate such… unparalleled strength and skill!
“People of Qingcheng, and all heroes and righteous individuals who have come from afar.”
His deep and powerful voice, amplified by his internal energy, was clearly audible for hundreds of zhang, echoing like thunder.
Hua Yanxing stood on the platform with his hands behind his back, his expression solemn, and said in a loud and clear voice: “This Qingyang Grand Ceremony is held on the eve of the Spring Festival to honor our ancestors and inform their spirits. It is also to show that our Qingcheng, Qingyang… and even the entire Fengchen Kingdom, are blessed with peace and prosperity, that our people have lived and worked in peace and contentment for hundreds of years, untouched by war!”
“Now, with music and rituals, poems and songs of praise, all the people present bear witness. We, the Hua family of Qingcheng, have always been loyal and devoted to our country and our people!
I, Hua Yanxing, will dedicate the rest of my life to serving our country and our emperor, and my name shall be etched in the annals of Qingcheng for all to see!”
“Hiss!”
Hearing his solemn declaration, gasps and murmurs arose from the crowd below, even the residents of Qingcheng were surprised.
The ancestral records of Qingcheng had been passed down through generations, and the names recorded within… were all those who had fought for their country until their last breath, dying on the battlefield. And now, this old prince, holding the Qingyang Grand Ceremony, making such a declaration before everyone, was clearly expressing his determination to die for his country!
In an instant, Hua Yanxing took the brush offered by a servant, dipped it in ink, and with a powerful stroke, wrote his name on the ancient scroll.
—Putting down the brush, he stood with his hands behind his back. The cold wind howled, but it couldn’t extinguish the burning passion in his heart.
That old yet straight and unyielding figure, at this moment, inspired admiration and awe in countless people: Truly… a hero of Qingcheng, the Zhengyang Prince!
And then, after a moment of silence, Hua Yanxing suddenly turned around and shouted coldly: “But recently, rumors have been spreading about our Hua family’s intention to rebel, trying to sow discord between us and the imperial court, to achieve their own sinister goals!”
His deep and serious gaze swept over the thousands of people below, and Hua Yanxing’s expression remained solemn, his voice filled with righteous indignation: “Those villains are hiding among you now, intending to take advantage of this opportunity to disrupt the ceremony, harm the people, and incite rebellion!”
Hearing this, the crowd erupted in shock and commotion.
And among them, in several pavilions, faint fluctuations of Yin energy could be sensed, as if some were cursing and sneering inwardly, chilling Yin energy swirling as they materialized, one after another!
But at this moment, Hua Yanxing, instead of panicking, showed a cruel and ferocious grin, spreading his arms and shouting: “Everyone, eliminate these demons and villains!”
As soon as he finished speaking, the dozens, even hundreds of “civilians” who had been screaming and fleeing suddenly calmed down, the light around them fading, revealing their true faces.
There were old and young, men and women, but without exception… they all erupted with a powerful aura far surpassing the previous Yin energy. Hundreds of figures leaped into the air, countless spells and techniques, long prepared, unleashed simultaneously!
In the next moment, the entire Qingcheng was almost completely engulfed in a surging tide of Yin energy!
