Chapter 22: Learning the Zither
After reciting one poem, “Bamboo and Rocks”.
She then recited the previous poem, “Bamboo Lodge”: “Sitting alone among the secluded bamboos, I play the zither and let out a long whistle…”
The clear, cold voice paused, then said, “The Demon Academy has indeed produced a poetic talent this time. A good poem, it should be rewarded!”
Then, the topic changed: “Can that Little Bug play the zither?”
In the study, Headmaster Ji Mo pondered for a moment before saying, “I haven’t heard. This subordinate inquired, and he is merely an ordinary Mayfly spirit. Most likely… he is not skilled in zither arts.”
By the desk, the Green-Robed Female Demon looked up at the blue sky through the window, her slender jade fingers idly tapping the bamboo armrest of a rocking chair. She said faintly, “Then find a demon to teach him. This old aunt…”
Seeing Ji Mo’s expression instantly change, looking as if she would cry if she dared to speak, the Green-Robed Female Demon quickly changed her self-address: “This Empress awaits him playing the zither and whistling in the bamboo forest.”
“This subordinate obeys.”
Ji Mo’s expression returned to normal, and her demeanor once again became elegant. Plum blossoms bloomed on her head, instantly covering it completely—this was the flower demon’s etiquette.
After a respectful bow, she turned and left.
Just as she reached the door, Empress Yuli’s clear, cold voice rose again: “Tell that Little Bug to switch to a plum blossom poem next time.”
Ji Mo’s heart warmed, but before her smile could fully bloom, her face darkened. The clear, cold voice entered her ears: “If the plum blossom poem doesn’t work, then switch to a war poem.”
Ji Mo’s smile didn’t reach her eyes, and she respectfully said, “Empress, rest assured, a plum blossom poem will certainly be provided.”
Please quickly put away those little thoughts.
Fighting is impossible.
War poems are also impossible.
The Demon Market has only been stable for a dozen years, just recovering some Origin Qi; it can’t withstand any more turmoil.
You must continue to maintain your aloof image.
Although Ji Mo didn’t say it, Empress Yuli understood the unspoken meaning. She had been nagged by Little Plum Blossom quite a bit in the past. If she didn’t listen, Little Plum Blossom would either look at her with a wronged expression or recite relevant books in the Bamboo Tower every day, giving her a headache and causing a conditioned response.
The past is unbearable to recall!
Once Ji Mo had definitely left the bamboo forest, the Green-Robed Female Demon, with wind accompanying her, immediately sprang up, jumped onto the roof beam, grabbed the hidden strong liquor, bent her left elbow, clenched her fist to support her head, lay sideways on the beam, and began to drink heartily.
After a few gulps, she sighed helplessly.
Ji Mo is good in every way.
It’s just that as a demon, she’s a bit too particular.
Fortunately, I am wise and mighty, sending her out to… ahem! It was my Wisdom Eye recognizing her talent, unwilling to let it be buried, so I appointed her as Headmaster of the Demon Academy to utilize her strengths.
Only then do I have such leisurely time.
“And that Little Bug!”
Empress Yuli’s eyes darted around, full of cleverness: “A demon should make full use of their talent.”
Mayflies are short-lived.
Even if they become demons, it’s still the same.
He must write more poems before he dies.
Collect them well!!!
Of course, I won’t treat him unfairly.
Whether he can seize the opportunity to break through and extend his lifespan depends on whether this Little Bug strives for it.
It wasn’t just Empress Yuli who felt complicated; Fu Shaoguang’s mood was also a mix of emotions at this time.
After tonight’s class, he was summoned to the Headmaster’s study and learned that he had been rewarded by Empress Yuli. Fu Shaoguang was overjoyed, but upon hearing another piece of news, his mood took a sharp downturn.
He was actually asked to learn the zither!
And it was personally designated by the Empress.
“Headmaster, please don’t joke.”
“Do you think this Headmaster would joke?”
Seeing the Headmaster’s serious expression, Fu Shaoguang gave up his last shred of hope, put away the reward, flapped his wings in a bow, turned and flew out of the study, then his expression sagged.
Attending classes, meditating, practicing techniques, researching health preservation formulas, plus helping Zhu Yun with her tutoring, had already reached the upper limit of maintaining his insect body’s energy balance; output and input were just equal.
Occasionally, input would even increase a tiny bit.
As for learning the zither, he was a complete novice.
Starting from scratch, even with his uncommon Comprehension Ability in this life, it would inevitably consume a lot of time and energy.
Thus, he would have to make some choices.
He glanced at Zhu Yun, who was waiting for him, and then at Gongyang Yang. He made a decision in his heart.
“Fu Bug, what did the Headmaster want you for?”
“To learn the zither.”
“You’re going to learn the zither? You’re so pitiful, that’s troublesome. By the way! Do you still have time to tutor me?”
“You seem very happy.”
“Of course… no! I’m just worried about you, afraid you’ll get tired. After all, learning the zither is too hard, and with your physique, I could sit on a whole group of you and kill them.”
“Don’t worry! Although I don’t have time, Gongyang Yang does. Seeing how much you care about me, I will formulate an extremely detailed tutoring plan for you two.
As a friend, I believe Gongyang Yang will meticulously complete it, helping you smoothly pass the end-of-month quarterly exam and annual review.”
“Zhu Yun, I will help you well!”
Zhu Yun: (*￣︿￣)
That’s really not necessary!
I just want to muddle along and wait for death!!
And I have a bad feeling!!!
The Three Demons left the Demon Academy. Fu Shaoguang skillfully landed on Zhu Yun’s head. In the past, she always took him home, which saved a lot of effort. As for Gongyang Yang, he couldn’t bear to do that to him.
Who told Zhu Yun to have good food and be hardworking!
Ankang Alley, Ancient Pine Courtyard.
Fu Shaoguang lay sprawled on the bed. Although he only ate seven-tenths full of the rice paste made with spirit honey water and spirit rice, he held his snow-white abdomen and didn’t want to move.
He didn’t want to wash the bowl, nor brush the pot.
Perhaps he should find a servant.
The thought had just arisen when he immediately cut it off.
Giving up tutoring meant less income. Eight taels of silver had to be spent sparingly to buy cultivation resources. It was not yet time to summon insects or demons.
He had, however, come to terms with the matter of learning the zither.
The best way to preserve health is to cultivate the mind.
Being calm and unattached, full of Divine Qi, leads to a free and long life.
Playing the zither can regulate the five zang organs, soothe the mind and smooth the Qi, reduce distracting thoughts, release stress, and cultivate temperament.
Speaking of which, in his previous life, he had even tried the Five-Tone Health Preservation and Healing Method. Although he still kicked the bucket, he did feel much more comfortable mentally during that period. Moreover, music is universal, affecting animals even more than humans, and it’s more convenient and safer than using medicine, without the harm of drug toxicity.
As long as he learned it well, it would preserve his health, save money, satisfy the Headmaster and Empress Yuli, potentially earn rewards, and even provide another means of livelihood—killing many birds with one stone.
Of course, the main reason was that Fu Shaoguang didn't want to exhaust his mental energy. Looking at learning the zither from a different perspective, the more he thought about it, the better it seemed.
Ultimately, learning the zither was imperative.
However, Fu Shaoguang didn’t act immediately.
Days later, in the study, when Headmaster Ji Mo asked, Fu Shaoguang truthfully said, “A zither costs at least two taels of silver. This Junior is reluctant to spend it. I wonder if I can borrow a zither from the Demon Academy to practice?”
Except for a few species like crickets, larks, and cicadas, most creatures of the Demon race do not actively cultivate musical instruments. Some find it troublesome and difficult to learn, making them feel stupid and easily leading to mental collapse.
They steer clear of musical instruments, even changing color at the mention of them.
Some feel there’s no need. If they want to hear music, they just howl a few times, which is guaranteed to attract a chorus of calls, making it lively, festive, and hassle-free.
The Demon Academy also only had two zithers: one belonged to the Headmaster, and the other was shared by all the instructors.
Fu Shaoguang set his sights on the latter.
Ji Mo rubbed her forehead, remembered the Empress’s instructions, and relented, allowing Fu Shaoguang to use the other zither for practice.
This matter was settled.
Fu Shaoguang was about to leave when the Headmaster, suddenly remembering something, called him back: “The Empress instructed that the next poem should be on the theme of plum blossoms. If you find inspiration, feel free to let your brilliant brush flow.”
Fu Shaoguang nodded: “This Junior has noted it.”
Whether it was the Empress’s command or the Headmaster’s idea, they were both demons he couldn’t afford to offend. He had no interest in investigating the truth of the matter; it was too tiring.
As long as there was a reward after completion, that was enough.
After a moment of hesitation, Ji Mo gritted her teeth and spoke again: “If the plum blossom poem is not feasible, a war poem will also do.”
She thought for a moment and added, “Preferably a gentler war poem. Alright, off you go.”
Fu Shaoguang: ’(°ー°〃)
I feel like you’re using this as an excuse to scold me?
He walked out of the study.
Fu Shaoguang was full of questions.
A gentle war poem???
It’s really… better to write about plums!
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