The lavish luncheon left everyone reluctant to leave. The guests were all prominent figures, including high officials of the Qi Kingdom, the Three Ministers and Four Grand Councillors, and numerous barons, while the scholars of noble standing were too numerous to count. Their presence showed just how much importance they placed on Yan Xia's position among the aristocratic clans.
Zithers, drums, flutes, pipes, gongs, and strings were all present. In ensemble, their opposing tones blended into a harmony seemingly crafted by heaven; in solos, each had its own distinct character and charm. Lively passages evoked the rising sun and summer clouds glowing with heat; quiet passages flowed like murmuring streams, soothing body and mind like winter glaciers. Ensemble and solo alike had their own colors, movement and stillness their own power, leaving every listener spellbound.
In such an atmosphere, everyone naturally feasted and exchanged toasts. Their smiling faces and lively conversation made even the background music seem less important.
That afternoon seemed to stretch on forever.
Slender dancing girls fragrant with perfume danced gracefully; there were games of pitch-pot and archery, gardens filled with birds and flowers to admire, and talented young aristocrats composing poems and rhapsodies that enchanted the literary guests...
Beautiful things always passed too quickly, leaving people to wonder why happy, carefree moments vanished in an instant, while painful, tedious hours stretched on without an end in sight.
Some mourned this truth. Others never dwelled on it, focusing only on the present, drinking and making merry when happy, playing the zither and singing when sad. The days would pass one by one regardless.
No one knew which sort of person Yan Xia was. Even if they did, they could not know what he truly thought.
After the evening banquet ended, the guests departed one after another. The