Chapter 553 - 553: Exceptional Talents

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Flying all the way, Chu Xuyao landed on the ground, panting. “Seventh Brother, have you decided which competition to participate in?”

On the way back, Chu Xuyuan had made up his mind, “Chess!”

Chu Xuyao pondered for a moment, “Chess is indeed suitable for you, and you can ask Brother Jinghong for some tips. If you can learn a few tricks from him, you might win first place.”

“That’s a good reminder. I’ll go see Brother Jinghong after dinner,” said Chu Xuyuan, turning to ask Chu Xuyao, “What about you?”

“I’ll choose the guqin,” Chu Xuyao declared with a flourish, “I’ll go ask our fifth sister for some advice later. I plan to defeat everyone.”

Chu Xuyuan encouraged him, “If you can play as well as our fifth sister, you’re sure to win first.”

“I’ll try,” Chu Xuyao felt that it was a tall order, as his skills were not even on par with their teacher’s, let alone reaching the level of their fifth sister. It would probably take years of practice to get there.

As the two of them spoke, they placed the book bag in the room and went to look for Chu Qingzhi and Tang Jinghong.

After asking Li Qingyu, they headed towards the wasteland.

One-tenth of the wasteland was fenced with vibrant green bamboo. Upon arriving, they immediately noticed it.

Next to the fence was a small pile of… pheasants and hares???

“Fifth Sister.”

“Brother Jinghong.”

“Back already?” Chu Qingzhi was moving bamboo sticks to the edge of the wasteland, her skin glowing softly in the fading sunlight.

“Yes,” Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao ran over to help with the bamboo.

Tang Jinghong was fixing the bamboo into the ground to form a fence, beads of sweat rolling down his temples, his profile exuding a sexy charm.

He asked, “You’re back a bit late today. Did something happen?”

“Actually, yes.” Chu Xuyuan looked expectantly, “Brother Jinghong, could you teach me some chess skills tonight?”

Tang Jinghong, wielding a large hammer, secured the bamboo with three firm strikes, “Why the sudden interest in chess?”

Chu Xuyuan explained, “The headmaster mentioned an upcoming Poetry and Rites Assembly in the capital and asked if we were participating. Since we’re already going to the capital, we decided to join. I chose to compete in chess, so I wanted to seek advice from Brother Jinghong.”

Hearing Chu Xuyuan’s choice, Tang Jinghong paused, asking, “Why did you choose chess?”

Chu Xuyuan was straightforward, “I really enjoy the feeling of controlling the game when I make a move, and I love the thrill of capturing my opponent’s pieces. There’s an indescribable satisfaction in surrounding the enemy’s pieces…”

After listening, Tang Jinghong paused for a moment, “Come find me after your martial arts practice tonight. We’ll spar a bit.”

Chu Xuyuan replied cheerfully, “Alright.”

Chu Xuyao approached Chu Qingzhi, his eyes gleaming, “Fifth Sister, I’ve chosen to compete in guqin. Can you teach me?”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “Why did you choose guqin?”

Chu Xuyao looked down, slightly dejected, “Of the Six Arts, only the guqin is something I’m confident in.”

Well, the boy was pragmatic. Chu Qingzhi smiled slightly, “Sure, I’ll teach you after dinner.”

“Thank you, Fifth Sister.”

After dinner, Chu Xuyuan went to Tang Jinghong’s house with a chessboard, eager to delve into the intricacies of chess.

Meanwhile, Chu Xuyao brought out a guqin to the second-floor hall to learn from Chu Qingzhi.

The women of the house gathered in the hall. Ge Lihua and Wu Yaqing were both skilled in playing the guqin, though Ge Lihua and Chu Xujin were still handling a case in the county and hadn’t returned.

Chu Qingyan plucked a string of the guqin, producing a melodious sound, “It sounds lovely.”

Wu Yaqing, feeling tempted, asked, “May I play a bit, Xuyao?”

Chu Xuyao pushed the guqin towards Wu Yaqing, “Go ahead, it’s a learning opportunity for me.”

Wu Yaqing adjusted her posture, tested a few notes to ensure the tuning was correct, and then began to play. She chose a piece from Anhuai Kingdom, characterized by its gentle style, resembling a soft breeze. Such music could easily soothe a troubled mind.

After the performance, Chu Qingyan applauded, “Beautiful.”

Wu Yaqing commented, “I haven’t played in a while; my technique feels a bit rusty.”

Chu Xuyao generously offered, “You can use the guqin whenever I’m not.”

Wu Yaqing smiled, “I won’t be polite then.”

Chu Qingzhi suggested, “Xuyao, play a piece for us to identify your areas for improvement. Once corrected, your skill will naturally enhance.”

“Okay.” Chu Xuyao secretly thought that besides his fifth sister, there were many experts at home. He aimed to at least secure a spot among the top three if not the first in the competition.

As he played, everyone observed his technique. Though correct, his fingers were a bit stiff, like fingers frozen in winter. The music thus produced was only mediocre at best.

After finishing, Chu Xuyao looked up anxiously, “How did I do, sisters?”

Chu Qingzhi pointed to his hand, “Extend your hand.”

Chu Xuyao did as told, “What’s wrong with my hand?”

Chu Qingzhi pressed on a few acupoints to relax his hand, “It’s too stiff. Don’t tense up so much.”

Chu Xuyao, not fully grasping, said, “But bones are naturally hard. Even if I relax, they’re still hard.”

“I’m not talking about the hardness of your bones but the stiffness of your fingers. If you’re too tense, the music will sound rigid. We need to be relaxed, including our fingers. Understand?”

Chu Xuyao pondered her words and got the gist, “I’ll try again.”

He played the same piece.

Halfway through, they looked at each other and nodded. It was much softer now.

Chu Xuyao was catching on, and by the third attempt, he improved further, though new issues surfaced.

With each repetition, by the tenth rendition, most imperfections were identified.

Wu Yaqing, resting her chin on her hand, observed, “Xuyao has a great talent; he’s grasped our advice so quickly.”

Hong Yujun agreed, “Indeed, his skill has improved significantly in just a while.”

Chu Xuyao humbly smiled, “It’s all thanks to your excellent teaching.”

Chu Qingning expressed concern, “Xuyao, do your fingers hurt? Maybe take a break before continuing?”

“Alright, sisters, wait here for a moment.” Leaving the puzzled ladies behind, Chu Xuyao quickly ran downstairs.

Wu Yaqing looked at the others, “What’s with Xuyao?”

They all shook their heads, equally puzzled.

Soon, Chu Xuyao returned, carrying a tray with several glasses of juice on it. He offered it to them, “Sisters, please have some juice. Thank you for guiding me..”