Chapter 46: Zither Song on Yanshan Night

Chapter 46: Lute Song and Swallow Mountain Night

(I)

The guesthouse booked by Huang Qiong was a two-story white building situated right by the Bai River. In front of the door ran an asphalt road, closely flanked by the flowing channel of the Bai River.

A row of tall, verdant poplar trees guarded the river embankment. Directly across the river, a sheer cliff rose like a thick stone wall several kilometers long and over a hundred meters high, standing proudly before the guesthouse. Blocked by the mountain, the river began to bend here. The channel narrowed to just over twenty meters, with water filling the entire riverbed. The villagers had constructed a low stone retaining dam, pooling the water into a reservoir about five hundred meters long. The water was crystal clear, with white geese and ducks leisurely swimming across its surface, while the water spilling over the dam made a babbling sound. Accompanied by the wisps of cooking smoke rising from the guesthouse, a picturesque mountain village landscape unfolded before their eyes.

Huang Qiong went to the guesthouse reception and registered six twin rooms on the second floor. Bian Xiaoqi arranged for Qin Ke and Zhang Fang to share a room, Lin Haidong and Yu Chuan to share a room, and Tao Jianmin and the driver Shan Guoqiang to share a room; Zheng Yutong and Huang Qiong would share a room, Fu Sichen and Jin Chen would share a room, and she herself would share a room with Tian Ge.

After everyone had washed up and refreshed themselves, dusk had arrived, marking dinnertime.

A row of wooden tables was set up in the guesthouse courtyard, illuminated by electric lights as bright as day. Bian Xiaoqi arranged for the male guests to sit on one side of the wooden tables, in the order of Tao Jianmin, Lin Haidong, Yu Chuan, Zhang Fang, Qin Ke, and Shan Guoqiang. The female guests sat on the opposite side, in the order of Jin Chen, Fu Sichen, Huang Qiong, Zheng Yutong, Bian Xiaoqi, and Tian Ge.

The guesthouse chef had already roasted a whole lamb in the courtyard, and the lingering embers of the charcoal fire kept the courtyard warm and cozy. The roasted whole lamb was golden and glossy on the outside, exuding an appetizing meaty aroma that made everyone's mouth water. The chef first sliced three large platters of mutton to appease their rumbling stomachs. The mutton was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with crisp skin and smooth meat, exceptionally fresh and fragrant, greasy yet not cloying. Dipping the pieces in fine salt, chili powder, and cumin, they quickly swept clean the three platters of crispy, fragrant, and delicious mutton.

The chef then added three more platters of roast mutton and served piping-hot farmhouse dishes to the table. Each dish came in duplicate: braised reservoir fish in bean paste, stir-fried river shrimp, free-range chicken, farm eggs, tofu, and wild mountain greens. These dishes were all cooked using iron woks over earthen stoves, possessing an authentic rural flavor.

Lin Haidong opened the two bottles of Wuliangye brought by Huang Qiong. Excluding the driver Shan Guoqiang, he poured two taels for each of the five men. Qin Ke opened the two bottles of red wine brought by Huang Qiong and poured half a glass for each of the six women in their long-stemmed wine glasses.

Unable to wait any longer, Lin Haidong smiled and said, "Fair maidens and handsome gentlemen, it's time for us to drink."

Bian Xiaoqi raised her glass and smiled, "Fellow classmates, I am very happy to taste these authentic farmhouse dishes with all of you on this autumn night in the Swallow Mountains. I hope everyone eats happily and drinks to their heart's content. Come, cheers to our friendship!"

Everyone clinked glasses and took their first sip of the drink.

Encouraged by Bian Xiaoqi, the group quickly cast aside their reserve and enthusiastically sought out others to clink glasses.

On the men's side, Qin Ke first approached Yu Chuan and Zhang Fang to offer individual toasts. Lin Haidong and Tao Jianmin also went around to individually toast Yu Chuan and Zhang Fang. Stirred by the enthusiasm of the three, Zhang Fang and Yu Chuan accepted every toast without hesitation. The men exchanged toasts and spoke freely, acting like old friends of many years.

On the women's side, Bian Xiaoqi toasted Zheng Yutong, Jin Chen, Fu Sichen, Huang Qiong, and Tian Ge respectively. Seeing how boldly the men were drinking across the table, the five women were infected by the atmosphere. Casting aside feminine reticence and refusing to fall behind, they eagerly sought out others to toast.

Next, the men went over to toast the women opposite them, and the women gladly returned the toasts. For a time, the guesthouse courtyard was filled with their laughter and cheers.

(II)

Buoyed by the alcohol, Zheng Yutong said to Bian Xiaoqi beside her, "Xiaoqi, I haven't been this happy in a long time. This kind of atmosphere is something I've only experienced back in college. I need to learn from you and make our team-building activities just as lively and harmonious as today's."

"Sister Yutong, you're not telling the truth. Tonight, isn't there a certain gentleman present who makes you feel even more joyful?" Bian Xiaoqi whispered playfully into Zheng Yutong's ear.

"Xiaoqi, don't make fun of your older sister. Who knows what he's thinking?" Zheng Yutong's flushed cheeks under the lights turned even redder.

"Sister Yutong, the sun has set and we're 'unwilling to return'; don't you understand yet?" Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

"Xiaoqi, you have to help me confirm it," Zheng Yutong's voice dropped even lower.

"Sister Yutong, I'll give you an answer soon," Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

Bian Xiaoqi suggested that Huang Qiong and Zheng Yutong swap seats. She said to Huang Qiong, "Sister Qiong, you've arranged the food and lodging so well. Look at how happy everyone is."

"Xiaoqi, I was worried that the two PhDs would be too aloof to fully enjoy themselves," Huang Qiong smiled.

"Everyone's nature is pretty much the same. It's just that heavy work pressures usually force people to hide their true natures. When the right occasion and timing present themselves, everyone will release them to the fullest. Today is just that kind of occasion," Bian Xiaoqi said.

"As long as everyone has a good time, I'm happy," Huang Qiong smiled.

"Someone has already said they are 'waiting solely for the rosy clouds.' If that person becomes happy, will you be even happier?" Bian Xiaoqi whispered in Huang Qiong's ear.

"Whether in terms of education, intelligence, or future prospects, there's a huge gap between us. Xiaoqi, do you think it's possible?" Huang Qiong lowered her head and whispered.

"Sister Qiong, none of us should belittle ourselves. You might not have noticed your own excellence, but I believe someone has the discerning eye to spot the pearl. Once you've set your sights, you should be a little braver," Bian Xiaoqi encouraged in a low voice.

"Xiaoqi, thank you for thinking so highly of me," Huang Qiong murmured.

Seeing Bian Xiaoqi constantly whispering to others, Tian Ge tugged at her arm and said, "Sister, what are you two talking about? You've only been talking to others and leaving me out in the cold."

Bian Xiaoqi smiled, "Little sister, you'll have work to do in a moment. Everyone's going to showcase their talents and put on performances, and we'll be counting on you to take pictures. Tell me what performance you're planning to give."

"Since I'm carrying the camera, I couldn't bring any musical instruments. If only there were a pipa, I could play a tune of *Sunny Snow*," Tian Ge said.

"I brought a pipa," Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

"That's wonderful!" Tian Ge grew excited again.

An hour later, the two bottles of Wuliangye had been finished by the five men. Qin Ke, Zhang Fang, and Yu Chuan had each consumed three taels, Tao Jianmin had half a catty, and Lin Haidong had the most at six taels. The six women had also finished the two bottles of red wine. Fu Sichen drank the most, nearly half a bottle. The others had consumed roughly equal amounts. Lin Haidong opened canned Qingdao beers, and everyone slowly sipped their beer while continuing to chat.

At this moment, a half-moon quietly rose into the night sky, casting its moonlight into the guesthouse courtyard. After consulting everyone's opinion, Qin Ke turned off the courtyard lights, and the surroundings suddenly plunged into darkness. Looking up at the night sky, twinkling stars were visible—a celestial sight impossible to see in the city of Beijing. Everyone fell silent, and the courtyard grew quiet, save for the clearly audible sound of the Bai River flowing not far away. At this very moment, breathing in the clean, fresh mountain air and savoring the clear breeze and bright moonlight of the Swallow Mountain autumn night, everyone forgot the pressures of work.

(III)

Qin Ke had the guesthouse attendant set up a pile of firewood where the whole roasted lamb's charcoal embers still glowed, and lit a bonfire. The rising flames instantly illuminated the courtyard, casting a reddish glow on everyone's faces and sending waves of warmth washing over them.

Qin Ke placed a chair beside the bonfire and smiled at Lin Haidong, "Classmate Lin Haidong, it's time for your performance."

Lin Haidong did not decline further. Taking a sip of beer, he cradled his guitar, sat down on the chair, and smiled, "Buoyed by the alcohol, I will self-accompany and sing *You of Yesterday*."

As the guitar melody struck up, everyone was instantly transported back to their college days. Memories buried deep in their hearts welled up, hazy faces began to clear, and unfamiliar voices gradually grew familiar.

"Tomorrow, will you recall the diary you wrote yesterday? Tomorrow, will you still miss the you who loved to cry the most..." Lin Haidong's singing awakened everyone's youthful memories, and they all joined in singing along: "Who married you, with your melancholy and sensitivity? Who read your diary? Who pinned up your long hair? Who made your wedding dress..."

As Lin Haidong finished the song, everyone felt unsatisfied yet stirred with various emotions. In the firelight, Lin Haidong looked at Fu Sichen; Yu Chuan looked at Huang Qiong; Zhang Fang looked at Zheng Yutong; Tao Jianmin looked at Jin Chen, and the courtyard fell silent once more. With no one specific to look at, Tian Ge looked toward Bian Xiaoqi and Qin Ke, only to see Qin Ke gazing affectionately at Bian Xiaoqi, while Bian Xiaoqi looked back at him with equal devotion.

After a moment, Bian Xiaoqi smiled and said, "Classmate Lin Haidong's guitar and vocals instantly pulled us back to our college days. Very touching. Next, may we invite Classmate Fu Sichen?"

Still in high spirits, Lin Haidong immediately declared that he wanted to join Fu Sichen in a duet of *Heart Rain*.

Without a trace of coyness, Fu Sichen stood up and sang first: "My longing is an untouchable net; my longing is no longer a breaching sea." Lin Haidong chimed in: "Why is it always on those rainy days that I deeply yearn for you..." Facing each other affectionately and singing emotionally charged lyrics, the two stirred up the crowd's emotions once again.

Stirred by Lin Haidong, Qin Ke chimed in, "Classmate Lin Haidong's guitar skills are still top-notch, and he sings wonderfully. He lived in the same dorm as me in college—I slept on the upper bunk, and he slept on the lower. Next, the two of us will duet *My Brother on the Upper Bunk*."

"Brother on the upper bunk, brother in my lonely memories, you once shared your cigarette with me, yet could never guess the coin in my palm..." The singing of Qin Ke and Lin Haidong was tinged with a faint melancholy, striking once more at the softest parts of the men's hearts as youth was awakened yet again.

A night breeze swept by, carrying a hint of chill; the temperature in the mountains was noticeably a few degrees lower than in the city. The women began putting on extra layers. Bian Xiaoqi put on the white cashmere sweater Qin Ke had prepared for her. Tian Ge hadn't brought any warm clothes, so Qin Ke lent her his grey wool sweater. Unbothered by its oversized fit, she put it on immediately and felt much warmer at once.

Seizing the moment of overflowing tenderness and unabated enthusiasm, Bian Xiaoqi announced, "Next, let's welcome Classmate Tian Ge, the talented woman from Peking University. She will play the pipa piece *Sunny Snow* for everyone."

With skilled fingering, Tian Ge used a fresh, smooth melody and a lively, brisk rhythm to depict the vitality of all things and the vibrant scene of spring. She brilliantly expressed an enterprising, optimistic spirit and boundless affection for nature.

Unrestrained release continued, and everyone began eagerly vying for a turn.

Huang Qiong and Yu Chuan sang a duet of *The Era of White-Clad Purity*: "When the autumn wind stopped at the tips of your hair, upon the shoulders of the crimson sunset. You gazed at the clear pulse of the leaf, and it fluttered down in response..." Remembering the era of white-clad purity left everyone lost in endless reverie.

Zheng Yutong and Zhang Fang sang a duet of *The Moon Represents My Heart*: "You ask me how deep my love is for you, how much I love you. My feelings are true, my love is true, the moon represents my heart..." Gazing up at the bright moon in the night sky, the song struck a chord among everyone for pure emotions.

Jin Chen and Tao Jianmin sang a duet of *Sweetness*: "Sweetness, your smile is as sweet as sweetness, like flowers blooming in the spring breeze..." Everyone was intimately familiar with this song and hummed along.

Sensing that the half-moon hanging high in the sky made for a fitting moment, Qin Ke proposed that Bian Xiaoqi play the pipa piece *Flowers on the Spring River Under the Moonlight* for everyone.

Like a white-robed fairy, Bian Xiaoqi sat gracefully and relaxedly on the chair by the bonfire, her posture open and elegant. Her left leg rested over her right, her right foot planted on the ground while her left foot hovered in the air; she held the pipa vertically, shoulders leveled, waist held straight; her left thumb pressed against the back of the pipa while her other four finger joints arched up, pressing onto the frets; the back of her right hand faced outward, her forearm parallel to the pipa's soundboard, her wrist slightly curved toward the board with her knuckle joints raised and her tiger claw open as if holding an egg.

As her thumb and index finger plucked the strings, a soft and gentle melody flowed from her fingertips. The tranquil mood conjured an imaginative idyllic scene on earth: sending off the sunset, welcoming the bright moon at dusk; people drifting in light boats upon the spring river; emerald green mountains stacked on both banks, flower branches playing with shadows; the water's heart rocking the moon, oars and rowlocks adding their sounds...

Qin Ke rose and walked around the bonfire, chanting Zhang Ruoxu's *Flowers on the Spring River Under the Moonlight* as he walked: "The spring river tide connects with the rising sea, and the bright moon at sea is born together with the tide. Sparkling, it follows the waves for ten thousand miles; where is there no bright moon over the spring river? The river winds and turns around fragrant meadows, the moon illuminates flower-laden woods like scattered frost. Unseen, frost flows through the empty air; white sands on the islets cannot be discerned. River and sky share a single hue, without a speck of dust; pure and bright in the sky is the lone moon wheel. Who was the first by the riverside to see the moon? In what year did the river moon first shine upon man? Generations of human life are endless and continuous, yet the river moon remains year after year ever the same. Who is the river moon waiting for, I know not; I see only the Yangtze River bearing water away. A single piece of white cloud drifts away leisurely; on Qingfeng bank, grief is hard to bear. Whose parting wanderer is in a small boat tonight? Where is the moonlit tower of longing? Pity the moon lingering above the tower, shining upon the dressing mirror of the parted one. Though rolled away from the jade bead curtains, it cannot be driven off; swept from the pounding block, it returns once more. Gazing at each other across this distance, we cannot hear one another; I wish to follow the moonlight to shine upon you. Wild geese flying far cast no shadow; fish and dragons leaping in the depths ripple the water. Last night in the quiet pool I dreamed of falling blossoms; pity that spring is half over and he has not returned home. The river current carries spring away, about to end; the river pool's declining moon sinks westward once more. The slanting moon slowly sinks, hiding in sea mist; boundless is the road from Jieshi to Xiaoxiang. How many people know to ride the moon and return? The setting moon shakes its lingering romance, filling every tree along the river."

Listening to Qin Ke's resonant voice, Fu Sichen and Jin Chen felt their hearts stirred as well. They stood up together and danced gracefully to the beautiful melody of the pipa. Jin Chen's dance was light and carefree—free, vivid, and lively, with rich, graceful, and dazzling movements; Fu Sichen's dance was passionate and enthusiastic, combining form, spirit, vigor, and rhythm, where breath and meter guided her movements like poetry, like painting, like towering mountains and flowing water.

At this moment, the bright autumn moon of the Swallow Mountain night, the gentle and graceful melody, the cadence of poetry, and the wondrous, fluid dance steps wove together into a breathtaking picture. Huang Qiong, Zheng Yutong, Tian Ge, Lin Haidong, Zhang Fang, Yu Chuan, and Tao Jianmin were all intoxicated. As the final note of the pipa came to an abrupt halt, they remained lost in the wonderful scene, unsatisfied and still immersed.

Bian Xiaoqi stood up, took the hands of Fu Sichen and Jin Chen, and bowed in thanks to everyone. The group immediately burst into applause and cheers that lasted for a long time.

Lin Haidong sighed with emotion, "You are all so talented. This is utterly thrilling. I'm already drunk."

Qin Ke smiled, "You haven't drunk all that much; you won't get drunk."

"No, my heart is drunk," Lin Haidong smiled.

The flames of the bonfire gradually dwindled until they went out completely, and only then did everyone rise from their seats.