After being invited by Sun Ce, the girls seemed a bit uneasy. They bowed their heads, fiddling with the corners of their clothes, unsure of what to say.
Seeing this, Ma Chao stood up and took the initiative to introduce the young ladies to Sun Ce and the others.
“This is Xiao Qiao, Qiao Gong’s youngest daughter, from a prestigious family, with a lively and cheerful personality,” Ma Chao said, pointing to Xiao Qiao.
“This is Da Qiao, Xiao Qiao’s older sister, gentle and lovely, with a kind heart,” he continued, introducing Da Qiao.
“And this is Cai Wenji, Cai Yong’s daughter, intelligent and multi-talented,” Ma Chao then pointed to Cai Wenji.
“Finally, this is Lu Wan, from a scholarly family, knowledgeable and understanding, and considerate,” he said with a smile after introducing Lu Wan, looking at everyone.
Sun Ce and the others nodded to the young ladies in greeting, showing friendliness, after hearing Ma Chao’s introductions.
After the young ladies reluctantly exchanged greetings, the blush on their cheeks had not faded. They hurried away, heads bowed, with a hint of shyness.
Watching them leave, Sun Ce and the others couldn't help but burst into laughter.
After leaving, the young ladies’ moods gradually calmed down. They began their entertainment activities.
Lu Wan and Da Qiao were playing chess. Lu Wan rested her chin lightly, gazing at the chessboard, her eyes sparkling with thoughts. Every move she made was carefully considered, like a wise person exploring an unknown realm.
Da Qiao, on the other hand, was calm and composed, with a smile on her face, seemingly already confident. Her movements were graceful and natural, her pieces placed firmly and decisively.
As the game progressed, the atmosphere gradually grew tense. Lu Wan’s forehead was slightly sweaty, and a hint of anxiety appeared in her eyes. But Da Qiao remained calm and collected, as if everything was under her control.
Suddenly, a glimmer of light flashed in Lu Wan’s eyes; she found a way to break the deadlock. Her fingers swiftly picked up a piece and placed it down without hesitation.
Da Qiao was slightly stunned, then showed an appreciative smile. She realized her opponent’s strength was not to be underestimated.
At this moment, a gentle breeze swept by, rustling their hair. They were immersed in this wonderful game, as if time had stopped for them.
On a morning after a long-awaited snow, the tranquility of Zhou Mountain was broken by the zither music of Cai Wenji and Xiao Qiao.
Cai Wenji sat before the zither, her petite figure looking especially lovely in the sunlight. She gently plucked the strings, her fingers dancing on the zither like butterflies. Her gaze was focused and deep, as if she had poured all her emotions into the music.
Xiao Qiao sat elegantly to the side, her movements light and fluid. Her fingertips danced on the zither strings, as natural as flowing clouds and water. Every note seemed to flow from her heart, full of tenderness and agility.
The sunlight spilled onto them, illuminating their beautiful figures. Their long hair fluttered in the wind, interweaving with the zither music, forming a beautiful picture.
Cai Wenji’s zither music was clear and pleasant, like a clear spring in the mountains, flowing with freshness and agility. Her skill was superb; sometimes she played quickly, like a sudden storm, and sometimes she stroked slowly, like a trickling stream.
Xiao Qiao’s zither music, however, was melodious and lingering, like a celestial sound. Her playing was full of emotion, enchanting people and making them unable to extricate themselves.
The surrounding snowflakes sparkled in the sunlight, as if accompanying their zither music. The wind blew gently, bringing the scent of plum blossoms, making the entire scene even more captivating.
Cai Wenji and Xiao Qiao cooperated perfectly, their zither music echoing each other, like a beautiful symphony. Their faces were filled with intoxicated and satisfied smiles, as if the whole world contained only them and their music.
On this tranquil and beautiful Zhou Mountain, their zither music became the most beautiful melody, reverberating melodiously through the mountains.
On the other side, the discussion among Sun Ce and the others also entered a heated stage. They passionately discussed national affairs and the martial world, as if the fate of the future was in their hands.
At this moment, whether it was the tranquility and elegance of the young ladies or the heroism and ambition of the young men, they all formed a beautiful landscape in this wonderful time.
Zhou Yu suddenly stood up, and amidst the questioning gazes of his brothers, walked towards Xiao Qiao, who was playing the zither. His movements were fluid and natural, like a graceful breeze. His gaze focused on Xiao Qiao’s hands, and he accurately pointed out Xiao Qiao’s missed note.
Xiao Qiao’s face showed a look of astonishment, her delicate face filled with disbelief, her small mouth slightly agape, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't make a sound. A hint of surprise and self-reproach flashed in her eyes, and her playing unconsciously stopped.
Zhou Yu’s voice was gentle and steady, carrying a unique affinity. He softly said, “Xiao Qiao, this part should be played like this to produce a better melody.”
Xiao Qiao came to her senses and softly replied, “Ah, Young Master Zhou, I actually made such a mistake… Thank you for your correction.” Her voice carried a hint of shyness and remorse.
Zhou Yu smiled encouragingly, “No matter, who can be without fault? Your zither skill is already excellent; this correction is only to make your music even more perfect.”
At this moment, time seemed to freeze. Everyone’s gaze also converged on Xiao Qiao.
Xiao Qiao’s face showed a hint of astonishment, and a flash of surprise and self-reproach appeared in her eyes. She stopped playing, bowing her head slightly, like a flower bent by the wind.
Zhou Yu’s voice was gentle and steady, carrying a unique affinity. He explained in detail the reason for the missed note and the correct way to play it. His words were concise and clear, making them easy to understand.
Xiao Qiao listened quietly to Zhou Yu’s explanation, her eyes filled with a thirst for knowledge and admiration for Zhou Yu.
Following Zhou Yu’s guidance, Xiao Qiao readjusted her finger positions and played that melody again. This time, the zither music was like a celestial sound, perfect and flawless.
Zhou Yu’s face showed a satisfied smile, his eyes filled with encouragement and appreciation for Xiao Qiao.
The surrounding sisters also revealed knowing smiles, as if enchanted by the beautiful music.
At this moment, the entire scene seemed to be enveloped by a serene and beautiful atmosphere, enchanting people and making them reluctant to leave.
When the song ended, a round of enthusiastic applause broke out. Busybody asked someone to inquire why it was so lively, and the young maids chattered about how Zhou Yu, during the discussion among the group, was able to accurately catch a subtle error in the music being played.
The young ladies all silently remembered this clear, handsome, and unparalleled musician, Zhou Yu. “When the music has a mistake, Zhou Lang looks over”—another top celebrity had emerged.
A subtle, inexplicable flutter stirred Xiao Qiao’s heartstrings. Initially, her gaze was drawn by Sun Ce’s heroic spirit and boldness, but now she was captivated by this clear, handsome, and unparalleled Zhou Yu. They were all young people, not yet understanding what affection was, but a hint of it was already beginning to emerge.
A maiden’s heart is always poetry!