As the two people immersed themselves in playing their respective instrument, the audience could only watch in awe. They recognized the song right away as the legendary "Two Lovers' Flight." They were even afraid to breathe loudly in fear it would ruin their once chance of a lifetime to hear this song in person. Because the man was covered with a veil, they couldn't see him, but the woman whose fingers flew across the Guzheng was a sight to behold.
The dress and hairstyle she had on was simple. The dress was peach colored with lotus flower embroideries. Her hairstyle was half up and half down, there was only a peach blossom hair ornament. Li Wei was not made beautiful by the things she wore, her beauty seemed to almost shone from the inside. Two words described her perfectly: heavenly beauty. This was the first time for many of the audience to meet Prime Minister Li Qian's niece. As the rumors, Li Wei was indeed an unmatched beauty. Even as she was standing before, her beauty was sure to be first rank. Now seated behind the Guzheng, her fingers gracefully played the strings, the tips of her hair slightly flew with the wind, and her lips spread into a smile, her beauty seemed to impossibly multiply.
Not only was the audience captivated, members of the royal family were also caught up in the music. The emperor whom had always desired to hear this song once again never imagined he would hear it today. This song was a great choice appropriate for a happy occasion of two lovers. Li Wei was wised to choose this song and also had the talent to match.
Not far from the emperor, Hua Xifeng's gaze never left Li Wei. He just met her moments ago, but she became more intriguing by the moment. He felt oddly familiar with her, despite not having met her before. It was as if there was a string that connected him to her. Even with her cold gaze, he found himself lost in her glare.
He had seen countless beauties before, but Li Wei felt different to him. Not only was she beautiful, she was humble and down to earth. The way she carried herself was graceful and of high standards. Her eyes often held a mysterious look, as if she knew things no one else did.
Hua Xifeng felt his heartstrings being tugged as Li Wei smiled lovingly towards the dark clothed musician beside her. The way she was smiling now, it was as if she was really playing with her lover. It was as if there were just the two of them in the world and no one else mattered. It was as if the two lovers poured their deep love with each note they played.
Even though he tried to look away, Hua Xifeng couldn't. His eyes were glued to Li Wei's every movement. The way she gently closed her eyes and moved to the music, the way her long eye lashes laid upon her cheeks, every little details were ingrained within him. Every note from her fingers were like arrows headed straight towards his heart.
Li Wei didn't notice anything other than Khan Bojing who was beside her. She sincerely conveyed her love for him through this song. Never in both her lives have she hesitated to reach towards the one she loved. She was bold, she was arguably shameless, and she was straightforward.
Even if they were modestly seated apart, she still felt the heat of his body radiating towards her. As she came onto the last part of the song where they would finally play in harmony, she gazed tenderly at him. Her eyes longing stared at him for a split second before she turned back to the audience. After all, they were not alone. She had to be cautious.
As the Guzheng and the flute played the last note, silence filled the pavilion. The audience were still left feeling amazed and had no immediate reaction. It was only when the emperor stood and clapped did they followed.
Li Wei bowed deeply and stood up. Before she walked back, Khan Bojing whispered, "I'll see you soon."
She walked calmly back to her seat despite her jumping heart.
"Miss, I always knew you are amazing!" San'er whispered with praise as Li Wei sat down.
Li Wei only smiled. She previously planned to stay on the low, but meeting Khan Bojing here made her excited and she couldn't help taking advantage of the situation to court him.
From the front, the emperor smiled happily. He was obviously pleased with Li Wei's gift. "I never imagined there was such a talented musician from the Li House! Li Wei, you really surprised me."
"Li Wei thanks Your Majesty for your generosity and kindness." Li Wei's response was short, polite and respectful.
The banquet wrapped up smoothly after other performances. Li Wei sighed in relief as she followed Aunt Rin across the bridge. She ignored the countless eyes on her back as she walked away. As she passed underneath a plum tree, a voice called out to her. "Li Wei."
That voice again. Li Wei turned to face an awaiting Hua Xifeng. He stood underneath the plum tree, plum blossoms surrounded his figure. His dark eyes wandered on her face, trying to meet her gaze. She put on a smile and met his gaze. "Yes, Your Highness?"
"Thank you for your gracious gift for Lan'er and I." Hua Xifeng's words came out different from what he wanted. He really wanted to tell her that she caused him to be amazed, she was captivating to watch. But because he was engaged to Li Zhilan, he could only be polite. He had to stay within the formality that divided them. "I will remember the song you played today."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Li Wei unexpectedly felt her heart pounding against her chest at his earnest words. She felt bad for him who had to deal with her stubborn love for so many years.
"Li Wei."
She turned around as he called her again. For some reason, he looked a bit lonely as he stood there.
"Will we meet again?" Hua Xifeng blurted out these words from his heart. He felt the need to ask if he'd see her again. He felt like she would disappeared the moment she left his sight.
Li Wei gave a small smile, her first genuine smile towards him in this life. "If fate permits it, then yes."
Then, she walked away and didn't look back.