Xue Ke, Who Loved Learning

Meanwhile, upon returning to the palace, Xue Ke went to her brother Xue Qinghe to tell him about her upcoming trip to the Moonlight Pavilion to practice musical instruments and etiquette with Tang Yuehua.

Xue Qinghe readily agreed, as this would allow his sister to recover from the grief of Xue Ye's death.

"Brother, do you know what? I met two older sisters at Aunt Yue's place today. They played their instruments so well!"

"I heard from Aunt Yue that they were able to play very well after only a few days of learning. I've been learning for a long time and I still can't match them."

"Hmm, really? She learned the xiao, the most difficult musical instrument, in just a few days! But I believe my sister is no worse than them. As long as she works hard, she'll definitely learn it quickly and surpass them." Xue Qinghe praised her sister while expressing her surprise.

"Of course. Aunt Yue says I'm a genius when it comes to learning. And she also said that with more practice, I'll definitely catch up with the two of them soon."

Because practice is the sole criterion for testing truth.

Xue Ke said firmly and forcefully.

"Of course I believe my sister."

After smiling and saying this, Xue Qinghe remembered that he still had things to do and said with a hint of apology, "Keke, your brother has been quite busy lately and can't study with you. Please take good care of yourself, okay?"

"Okay, I understand. I'll go back and rest now, brother." Xue Ke said and left Xue Qinghe's residence, her mind filled with the meaning of the saying, "Practice is the sole criterion for testing truth."

She guessed that Tang Yuehua must have wanted her to return to the palace more often to practice.

Upon returning to her room, Xue Ke couldn't wait to go to the room where the musical instruments were kept and begin practicing. After playing, her mood improved, and even the grief she felt over the death of her father, Xue Ye, gradually faded.

Two days passed quietly. Xue Ke was a persistent person. In order to practice the harp well, she would come to the Moonlight Pavilion early every day to ask Tang Yuehua to help her with her studies.

Tang Yuehua was happy with this arrangement; after all, teaching one person was the same as teaching two.

Xue Ke has a strong talent for musical instruments. She has almost caught up with Ah Yin and Liu Erlong after only two days of hard work. However, there is one thing she still can't match the two of them.

That's the rhythm; she could never match the rhythm of the two of them, and she didn't understand why.

She asked Tang Yuehua, Liu Erlong, and Ah Yin, but neither of them answered; they would only glance at Wang Feng.

In the end, Xue Ke concluded that the secret must lie with Wang Feng.

Around noon, Tang Yuehua heard a noise downstairs. She told the three girls to practice for a while before going down to the fifth floor.

"Ah Yin, let's go down and take a look too."

"Um."

Then, Liu Erlong, carrying her daughter, and Ah Yin also went downstairs.

At this moment, Xue Ke saw that Tang Yuehua, Ah Yin, and Liu Erlong had all gone downstairs, leaving only herself on the fifth floor. Thinking of how she could help Ah Yin and Liu Erlong play Wang Feng's music even better, she looked into the room inside.

After hesitating for a moment, Xue Ke got up and walked towards the room. When she saw Wang Feng inside, she went up to him and asked sincerely, "Wang Qing, can I ask you for some advice? Do you know how to play the harp with better rhythm?"

"You're asking me?" Wang Feng pointed to himself, looking at Xue Ke with a puzzled expression.

Why would she ask me such a question? Isn't playing musical instruments her forte?

"Yes, I learned from Aunt Yue, Sister Ah Yin, and Sister Erlong that you taught them. As long as you tell me, no matter how difficult or painful it is, I will keep practicing. If you want payment, I can give it to you."

Xue Ke also has a competitive nature, especially when it comes to musical instruments; she never believes she can lose to anyone.

"Well, Xue Ke, it's not a matter of whether it's difficult or not. The problem is that this harp practice method isn't suitable for you." Wang Feng shook his head and refused. If Liu Erlong Ah Yin came to him for practice, he would have agreed without hesitation. After all, they were used to it.

But Xue Ke is different; she is Xue Qinghe's younger sister, and Xue Qinghe dotes on her.

If Xue Qinghe found out that he was teaching Xue Ke to play the harp, he would surely transform into Qian Renxue and slay him with a single sword strike.

Moreover, he has been using the alias Wang Qing because he doesn't want others to know.

"How can it not be suitable? You haven't even taught me, how would you know it's not suitable? Do you want payment? Here, this is my personal jade pendant, priceless. I'm giving it to you. And if others know I wore it, its value will only increase." Xue Ke took out the jade pendant from her bosom and was about to give it to Wang Feng so he could teach her.

Wang Feng quickly refused, whispering, "Princess Xue Ke, let me tell you secretly. This training method is very tough. You are a princess; you can't endure hardship."

"Why is it inappropriate? Although I've only known you for a few days, we studied together on the fifth floor, so we're practically friends, right? Isn't it only natural for friends to help each other?" Xue Ke was unhappy and chased after Wang Feng, demanding that he teach her.

"Well, Xue Ke, it's not a matter of whether I teach you or not, but even if I tell you, you still won't agree to learn." Wang Feng said helplessly, having no choice but to refuse verbally to avoid being chased and attacked by Qian Renxue.

"As long as you tell me, I will learn no matter how difficult it is." Xue Ke still didn't give up. Seeing that Wang Feng still disagreed, she made a solemn vow on the spot that if she didn't study hard, she would become a haggard old woman.

For any woman, a sallow complexion is her greatest enemy, let alone for Xue Ke, a princess who loves beauty.

"This..." Wang Feng hesitated, but seeing Xue Ke's determined look, he reluctantly agreed to tell her.

"Alright, come with me. This isn't a good place to talk." With that, Wang Feng walked into another room.

Xue Ke followed him inside without thinking much of it. Since it was about imparting secret techniques, it was natural to discuss it inside the room.

"Alright, Wang Feng, you can tell me now, right?" Xue Ke pressed him for an answer as soon as they entered the room.

"Not yet. If Erlong and Ah Yin find out I told you, they won't agree. You have to promise me I won't tell them," Wang Feng said, gesturing.

"Don't worry, I won't tell them." Xue Ke didn't want Liu Erlong and Ah Yin to know that all their efforts had been in vain. Now she just hoped that Wang Feng would tell her how to practice better as soon as possible.

"Alright."

Seeing Xue Ke's studious nature, Wang Feng felt somewhat helpless, knowing that he had no choice but to tell her.

Then he told Xue Ke why Liu Erlong and Ah Yin's harp playing had a more beautiful tone.

Xue Ke didn't quite understand at first, but then she heard Wang Feng say it was because of the secret techniques and playing methods, and his understanding of musical instruments, and then she understood. After understanding, she realized that's how it was.

"Ahem, Princess Xue Ke, this is their practice method."

"I told you long ago, this method is too difficult and really not suitable for you."

"That's enough for now. Just don't tell Ah Yin or Erlong, or they'll be angry. Also, I'll pretend I didn't hear what you swore earlier."

"Okay, I'll go out now. They'll be back soon."

Wang Feng said something and then turned and left the room.

"Wait." Xue Ke grabbed Wang Feng, her face showing some hesitation.

"What's wrong? Is there anything else?" Wang Feng stopped and looked at Xue Ke with a puzzled expression. Did she still want to learn?

"I want to give it a try," Xue Ke said with great effort.

"Uh! Princess Xue Ke, isn't this inappropriate?" Wang Feng was startled, looking at Xue Ke with a puzzled expression. Why would she do something that was clearly unsuitable for her?

"I just wanted to try... that's all. Erlong and Ah Yin can do it, so why can't I?" Xue Ke said firmly.

"Don't misunderstand, I, Xue Ke, am never one to break my vows. I don't want to be a 'yellow wife' (a woman who marries a man who has never done so)."

Xue Ke pretended to be calm as she spoke, then went to the piano table in the room and gestured for Wang Feng to teach her.

Because of her status as a princess, she was strictly bound by the rules of the palace from childhood. She had a great passion for musical instruments, and she was determined to learn them and become proficient in them.

The reason she's now determined to practice is not only because she wants to master the instrument and catch up with Ah Yin and Liu Erlong, but also because she's curious. Besides, Wang Feng is very handsome, so she won't lose out if he teaches her.

"Ahem, Xue Ke, why don't you reconsider? You can't make a hasty decision just because of a momentary lapse of judgment," Wang Feng advised.

"What? I've already made up my mind, aren't you going to teach me? Or are you afraid I'll eat you up?" Xue Ke saw that Wang Feng's persuasion had not deterred her, but instead made her even more determined to learn the secret technique.

Now that Ah Yin, Liu Erlong, and Tang Yuehua are not around, Xue Ke secretly resolves to study hard, surpass them, and give them a surprise.

"Since that's the case, I'll reluctantly help you out." Wang Feng finally agreed.

"Okay, let's begin." Xue Ke, with her strong thirst for knowledge, looked at Wang Feng with a hint of anticipation.

Then Wang Feng said, "My technique is very special, unlike ordinary techniques."

"Before you start learning, you need to understand the structure and size of the harp, including its body dimensions, thickness, and length. Also, you need to learn how to control the force when playing it."

Upon hearing Wang Feng's words, Xue Ke very seriously and agreed with what Wang Feng said.

"Next, you should gently stroke the strings with your hand, moving downwards. Remember, don't play too hard, or you'll damage the strings and affect the overall sound. Then, slowly release your Soul Power and cover the strings."

Xue Ke imitated Wang Feng's writing with great enthusiasm and gradually began to admire him.

She hadn't expected Wang Feng to possess such vast and impressive knowledge.

After practicing for more than half an hour, Xue Ke walked out of the room.

Wang Feng, following closely behind Xue Ke, shook his head and smiled wryly. They thought that Xue Ke loved studying so much, and her goal was simply not wanting to lose to Liu Erlong and Ah Yin. Her personality was truly competitive.

Xue Ke didn't relax after coming out. She went to the study room and eagerly sat down on the stage to continue practicing.