Chapter 195: Chapter 194: Konghou Melody Lost to the Modern Era
The topic of discussion at the Xiao Mansion these days revolves entirely around one person—the newly titled Village Lady of Le’an, Lin Wanwan.
Whether it was her dominance in dismissing matchmakers or the sudden Imperial Decree bestowing her with the title of Village Lady, everybody in the mansion couldn’t stop talking about it.
Today, Lin Wanwan introduced another hot topic to the mansion. Her maid actually bought a female musician at the East Market using a priceless glass hourglass with a copper base. The exquisitely crafted glass hourglass stunned the audience, leaving no one capable of competing against her.
The reason for the heated discussions is partly due to the financial power displayed. On the other hand, it’s because the female musician comes from the Changshi Mansion in Hangzhou. According to reliable gossip, the musician was being sold because the Chief Historian took a fancy to her and intended to take her in. However, she resisted and accidentally injured her master, prompting the mistress to sell her off.
No one with a hint of sense in Qiantang and Hangzhou would purchase this musician, stirring up trouble for themselves.
Yet, this new Village Lady generously snapped her up along with her konghou, leaving everyone in awe.
Several cousins from the Xiao Mansion already visited Lin Wanwan’s residence to see the spectacle. Since entering the mansion, the female musician has been kneeling silently by the side with her konghou in her embrace, her eyes lowered.
Having musicians in households became a common practice among the upper class of the Great Tang. The court even allocated female musicians to officials, with the court bearing the expenses. It was clearly stipulated what rank of official was accompanied by how many musicians.
Many men of letters had no true affection for the musicians at home, treating them like objects for amusement. It was common to send these talented and beautiful musicians as social gifts, and many famous historical figures practiced this. However, it was rare to see them openly sold.
If gifted, musicians would still circulate among nobles of equal standing. But when publicly sold without a floor price, it’s unpredictable who might purchase them.
It’s fortunate for this musician to end up in Lin Wanwan’s hands.
After purchasing her, Lin Wanwan did not inquire immediately about her situation, instead focusing on entertaining those who came to see the spectacle.
It wasn’t until evening, after sending away the cousins from the Xiao Family, that Lin Wanwan finally found peace.
Little Qingyu sat in her lap, curiously staring at the unfamiliar beauty under the lamplight and the massive konghou beside her.
Lin Wanwan finally had the opportunity to carefully observe her. Her face was as delicate as melted snow, her slender waist resembling a willow branch. Her oval face, with soft and full features, and her slightly almond-shaped eyes under her arched brows, together with full, rosy lips, embodied the subtle and reserved beauty of an ancient Eastern woman.
Amidst such gentle features, a slightly aquiline and petite nose added an uncommon boldness for a woman. She wore a plain white dress, her hair styled into a crescent bun, against her snowy skin and blossom-like visage.
In short, she was indeed a classic beauty.
Such a beauty would be considered a naturally gifted visual treat in the entertainment world of later generations. Yet, here, she had ended up as nothing more than a commodity.
Lin Wanwan merely used a glass hourglass with a copper base bought for three hundred eighty yuan in a modern boutique to purchase her.
The harshness of Tang laws categorizing "slaves and low-born people equal to livestock" was something Lin Wanwan had witnessed firsthand.
In terms of looks, she was on par with herself. In terms of talent, Lin Wanwan was surely inferior. Ah, the fate of women in ancient times was predetermined by their birthright, an eternal tune of sorrow and joy.
After a moment of contemplation, Lin Wanwan asked, "What is your name? How old are you? Where are your ancestral roots?"
The female musician lowered her gaze, bowed in her kneeling posture, and replied, "Replying to the Village Lady of Le’an, this lowly one’s name is Tu Mi, age twenty-four, originally from Yangzhou Jiangdu."
"Tu Mi? ’When the last flower blooms, the Tu Mi flower is finished.’ That’s not a proper name. Don’t you have a family name?"
The female musician said, "Since I can remember, I’ve been in the music academy, never having a family name."
What a pitiful life, destined to serve others with beauty from the start.
"I don’t like the name Tu Mi. Since you’re here now, it’s a new life for you. Hmm, from now on, you shall be called Heng Wu, is that alright?"
"Thank you, Village Lady, for granting me a name."
"What talents do you have?"
"Replying to the Village Lady of Le’an, this lowly one is dull, with hardly any talents, save for playing some konghou and performing a few Hu Xuan dances."
Being modest. The female musician says she can play the konghou, which surely means she’s highly skilled. It’s the core of their livelihood.
In modern times, the konghou has long been lost, with its relics scarce and scores nonexistent, only seen in poems and murals. In the 1950s, China’s music community attempted to rescue this art form. What we hear now is the reproduction by modern musicians based on materials and murals.
Reflecting on this, Lin Wanwan said, "Well then, may I trouble you to play a few pieces for me?"
"Which piece would the Village Lady like to hear?"
Unfussy, Lin Wanwan said directly, "Play your best one."
"Yes, Ma’am."
Heng Wu first respectfully paid her respects, then stood and moved to the konghou, plucked the strings, and began to play.
Li He once wrote a poem about the konghou with a line that left a deep impression on Lin Wanwan—"Jade shatters in Kunshan as the phoenix cries, lotus weeps dew as orchid smiles."
Previously, she only appreciated the poetic beauty, but after hearing this konghou melody today, the poem gained a concrete image in Lin Wanwan’s mind.
As the piece ended, the room fell silent, the lingering sound reverberating in the rafters.
Lin Wanwan was immersed in the music, speechless for a long time. Hua Nong was right; this konghou playing was as delightful as Xiao Chong’s ancient zither playing. That’s how an outsider would judge it.
Both pieces had souls embedded in them, naturally touching people’s hearts.
"Mom, she plays so beautifully!" little Qingyu’s tender voice interrupted everyone’s thoughts.
Lin Wanwan smiled and asked, "Does Little Yu like this instrument?"
Little Qingyu nodded vigorously, "I like it! Can I try playing it?"
The little one’s desire to try was strong; she wanted to try her hand at everything new she encountered.
Lin Wanwan smiled and said, "Then ask this Teacher Heng Wu if she is willing to teach you to play."
Upon hearing this, Heng Wu looked up, her eyes clear and without a hint of fear, "Teacher?"
Lin Wanwan gazed at her with a gentle smile, "Indeed, Little Yu is five years old this year. It’s time to cultivate musical skills. I think the konghou is perfect, and you’ll be in charge of teaching her music. What do you think?"
"This lowly one... this lowly one isn’t worthy."
Lin Wanwan asserted, "You are worthy. I believe in you."
Heng Wu’s eyes shimmered as she bowed deeply again, her voice slightly trembling, "Thank you, Village Lady. I will wholeheartedly teach the young lady and never be negligent."
Little Qingyu slipped down from Lin Wanwan’s lap, ran to the konghou, and began to pluck at it. Heng Wu hurried over to guide her, full of patience.
Lin Wanwan watched them, rubbing her chin, pondering that if she could record Heng Wu playing the konghou and post it on modern internet, it would surely contribute to the inheritance of Chinese civilization. But, would it be too conspicuous? She’d better put on a disguise.