Very quickly.
A piece ended amid stirring, rapid strings.
A thunderous round of applause immediately erupted from the audience seats around the second floor, faintly mixed with several cheers.
The woman playing in the center slowly rose, curtsied to those around her, and quickly stepped aside.
The smile on Tang Yuehua's face did not fade. This female official of her hall was the finest string musician in the imperial court; even Xue Ye greatly adored her.
Her performance just now had been exceptionally good. She had already won this round.
Xue Qinghe was even more lavish with praise, repeatedly calling it excellent and extolling it to the skies.
Even Hu Liena, who did not particularly enjoy melodies, felt her heart stir after hearing it.
She could not help feeling worried.
Though experience had always told her that trusting Xu Yuan was never wrong, the other side truly was too outstanding!
Moreover, she had never heard Xu Yuan play any melody before, so naturally, she was extremely uneasy.
A few minutes passed.
Once the praise around them gradually subsided, Xue Qinghe finally turned her gaze toward Xu Yuan.
"Xu Yuan, it's your turn!"
As if afraid Xu Yuan would make an excuse and slip away, Tang Yuehua waved her hand and had all the instruments brought out at once.
"Whatever instrument you need, I have it here."
"Xiao Yuan!" Hu Liena nervously tightened her grip on Xu Yuan's hand.
"Don't worry."
Giving her a reassuring look, Xu Yuan slowly stepped forward. After thinking for a moment, he chose a harp.
He had originally wanted a guzheng, but the conditions did not allow it. There simply was not one.
After making his choice.
Xu Yuan carried the harp to the performance area in the center of the second floor and sat down.