Chapter 43: Ripples

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  Recommendation, the recommendation list is very unstable, always being squeezed down, asking everyone for firepower support!!!!!

  Thanks for 'left is anti-party, minjiy' reward, cough, it would be better if there were a few more people~~~~~^_^~~~

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  "Ding dong..."

  The sound of the piano flows like a stream, with a clear and elegant tone, like dew drops gently floating in the air.

  No impurities, no noise, in the quiet space, the piano sound is melodious and flying, far away.

  Full and smooth, like jade beads falling onto a jade plate, ding-dong, like the tide surging out in all directions, filling every corner of the venue. The piano sound is light and airy, with a hint of subtle mountain and water leisurely atmosphere, like a clear spring meandering quietly, and like clouds drifting gently across the sky...

  Wei Xiao's eyes closed involuntarily, a faint ripple resonating in his heart, his thoughts gradually becoming hazy, as if he was about to drift away with the ethereal music.

  On the high platform, with a gentle and soft face, her jade-like hands lightly plucked the strings of the ancient zither, her beautiful eyes were clear and quiet as water.

  "Bang!"

  A sound like a dreamy, lingering "ding-dong" slowly spread through the air in the venue, rippling. Everyone couldn't help but let out a soft gasp, their eyes filled with a hint of bewilderment and melancholy.

  The sound of the guqin still lingered, and with a gentle bow, she held the ancient zither and lightly bowed to the audience below before turning around and walking away.

  Not pretending, not being pretentious, coming calmly and going quietly. Applauding her with a gentle smile, silent and self-possessed. Wearing simple clothes, coming quietly and leaving quietly.

  Wei Zhao took a deep breath, and the sound of the qin was not shocking or turbulent, but rather like a small bridge flowing with water, light and natural, refreshing the heart.

  He finally understood why Fu Yang said that Yi Yun's piano skills were unmatched, as she had already grasped the true essence of music, returning to simplicity and being naturally effortless. From her attire and demeanor to her interactions with others, Wei Xiao could also sense that she possessed a calm and composed heart that saw through everything.

  Wei Zhao looked at Yi Yun's gradually disappearing back and suddenly smiled lightly, smiling very happily.

  Xiangliang's small mouth opened and closed, spitting out a handful of melon seeds. Seeing Wei Zao's never-before-seen joyful smile, she couldn't help but pause with a stunned expression.

  The people around did not cheer, nor did anyone shout "I love you", they all looked at Yiyun walking down the stage with fluctuating emotions and excited expressions, still gazing intently, extremely excited.

  Soon, a figure on the high platform came out again, waving his hands as if saying something.

  The figure finished speaking and stood there motionless. The crowd below fell silent for a moment before suddenly erupting into heated discussion.

  Wei Zhuo took a deep breath and still felt his heart pounding.

  The sound below is like a wave, rolling from front to back. Hubbub, chaotic and disorderly.

  Wei Zhuo was cracking melon seeds while listening carefully. He roughly understood that the Hanlin above was going to set questions to test these scholars.

  On the high platform, dozens of talented scholars surged up at once, lining up in pairs, waiting to be selected.

  "Defend the prince."

  Suddenly, a shout with a hint of surprise sounded from behind Wei Zhuo.

  Wei Zhuang was taken aback and turned his head, but found it was Qin Yun.

  Wei Zhuo's eyes flickered slightly, and in just half a day, Qin Yun had transformed into a different person. The corners of his eyes and eyebrows were all confident and composed, and his elegant attire made him look even more radiant with joy. Every gesture he made was full of the air of a superior person. Behind him followed two men dressed like household servants, their eyes sharp and their presence intimidating.

  Wei Zuo's heart was slightly shaken, and he was about to get up, but unexpectedly Qin Yun had already walked towards Fu Yang.

  Fu Jiong took a look at Qin Yun, then glanced at Wei Qiao, and hastily picked up Guazi to run to the other side.

  Qin Yun smiled and sat down, looking at Wei Zhao, and said with a smile: "Little friend, this trip has been really tear-jerking for both gods and ghosts." Although he was teasing on the surface, in his heart, he was puzzled as to why Wei Zhao had put the pen and ink behind him, as if intentionally hiding something.

  Wei Xiao was slightly surprised, Qin Yun, who had regained his momentum, was still so approachable and humble?

  Wei Zuo's mind was racing, but his face remained expressionless as he said, "And congratulations to Mr. Qin, your long-held wish has finally come true, you're back in the imperial court."

  Qin Yun wasn't surprised at all by Wei Zhao's appearance, and turned his head to smile at the high platform: "Thanks to Wei Xiaoyou's poetry, I wonder if you have any intention of going on stage for a comparison today?"

  Wei Zhuo's heart skipped a beat as he smiled faintly and said, "People fear fame like pigs fear fattening, there must be moderation in all things."

  Qin Yun was taken aback for a moment, then lowered his head and leaned in to probe: "Little friend, is it about the Wei family's matter?"

  Wei Zhao's expression changed slightly, and he immediately looked at the decreasing number of people on the high platform, smiling but saying nothing.

  Qin Yun also turned his head and looked back, smiling: "Don't worry, little friend, I will definitely do what I promised."

  Wei Zhao nodded slightly, roughly understanding Qin Yun's purpose. He thought about asking his sister-in-law Li Xiujuan to visit Qin Yun, after all, he was not used to dealing with officials at this time.

  The figures on the high platform gradually thinned out, Qin Yun looked at the two people behind him, his eyes slightly turned, and he smiled again: "Little friend, if you win the champion today, then you will definitely be among the top in the future, even if it's not the champion, a Jinshi is not to be missed. It seems that those merchants in Jinling are not short-sighted people either."

  Wei Zhao had already guessed the purpose of Qin Yun's visit to be nine out of ten, although he didn't know what kind of thoughts were behind his back, but thinking about it, he wouldn't make things difficult for a small citizen like him without reason.

  Wei Xiao lowered his head in contemplation, Qin Yun's eyes lit up and he hastily added: "With your talent, combined with Master Yin Kong's implicit recommendation, this top scholar title is already yours for the taking!"

  Wei Zhuo's face remained expressionless, but in his heart, he couldn't help but smile. Not to mention his own talent, which he was most clear about, even if he had become the top scholar, would the Chen and Chu families have let the Wei family off?

  No! A top scholar, just a future rising star in the officialdom, is not enough to make them fearful. Moreover, this year's Chu Han is also highly valued, and Lian Bao is even directly connected with the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Justice. He, a fake top scholar who has just won the first place in the Buddhist debate, simply doesn't have that much deterrent power!

  Besides, he must be able to win the Buddhist conference? Wei Xiao couldn't help but shake his head.

  Qin Yun saw Wei Zhao's silence and changed his expression, saying: "This old man can also use his influence to help your friend in the Ministry of Officials, plan a good future for him. Even if something happens to the Wei family in the future, it will be good to have a way out."

  Wei Xiao's expression changed slightly, she looked up at Qin Yun with a glance, furrowed her brow, and then lowered her head again in contemplation.

  Qin Yun's face flashed with excitement, and he said again: "It wouldn't hurt for you to think about the Wei family too. Once you're in high school, the Wei family can shed their humble status and enter officialdom, protecting generations to come."

  Wei Zhao heard this and let out a soft sigh, as if he had finally put down a heavy burden. He looked up at the high platform and said, "Sir, may I think about it again?"

  He naturally wouldn't think that Qin Yun came to find him out of gratitude, wanting him to get this honorary title in the debate on Buddhism. The two were originally just exchanging favors, and there was no question of who owed whom. Moreover, Qin Yun was an old hand at officialdom, and he knew exactly how to give and take, so why would he make a big show of repaying a debt?

  Qin Yun saw that Wei Zhao had already relaxed and was no longer pressing him, so he chuckled and also turned his head to look towards the high platform.

  The platform had lost half of its people by this time, and from below came intermittent sighs and wails.