Grandma Qin knew her daughter-in-law's personality well. She sighed, "In the afternoon, whatever vegetables from the garden can be dried, dry them. Those that can't be dried, salt them."
Mother Qin and Aunt Qin Er exchanged glances and said in unison, "Understood, Mother."
In the afternoon, Qin Junyao helped Mother Qin and the others cut green beans into shreds and eggplant slices.
The family had drying trays ready, so they just needed to spread them out.
The next day, Qin Junyao went to Yan County to the Qubing Hall. She was there to get medicine for Grandma Qin.
Grandma Qin had been acting mysteriously indoors lately, often complaining of neck and back pain. Su Dan Novel Network.
Because Doctor Sheng's decocted medicine was most effective when used fresh, Qin Junyao made a trip to Yan County every few days.
After leaving the Qubing Hall, Qin Junyao went to Tingyin Pavilion as usual. She no longer needed to wait for an announcement; the shop assistants recognized her and led her directly to the back courtyard.
"Sister Junyao, you've come at the perfect time. I was just about to send someone to fetch you," Ling Manshuang said, taking Qin Junyao's hand and leading her into the main hall of the back courtyard.
"Seeing Sister Manshuang so happy, it must be good news."
"It is indeed good news. A servant from my uncle's household has already arrived and brought your zither along."
As Ling Manshuang spoke, she entered the main hall. In the center of the hall, a long, slender object was covered with a red cloth. It was likely the twenty-one-string zither.
Qin Junyao stepped forward to lift the red cloth but was stopped by Ling Manshuang, "Let's wait a moment longer. I've already sent for Bai Qing."
After they sat down, Qin Junyao asked, "Sister Manshuang, where did you find someone to make this zither?"
"The Imperial City. I've never seen a twenty-one-string zither before, so to make one, I had to find the best craftsman."
Qin Junyao expressed her gratitude, "Thank you for going to so much trouble, Sister Manshuang."
Ling Manshuang waved her hand, "We are sisters, so this is a small matter."
They chatted for a while longer, and a servant announced Bai Qing's arrival.
"Junyao, long time no see. You've gotten a bit darker," Bai Qing said, entering the main hall with a folding fan and appraising Qin Junyao.
"Really?" Qin Junyao touched her face. "I haven't been out much lately."
Bai Qing folded his fan and gestured for a servant to bring over a box. "It doesn't matter if you've gotten darker. Use this to cleanse your face daily, and in half a month, you'll be fair again."
"Qingzi, stop teasing Sister Junyao. You present a gift as if you're selling something."
Ling Manshuang turned to Qin Junyao and said, "He's returned with some fine pearl powder this time."
Bai Qing had the servant place the box on the table beside Qin Junyao. "I only made use of your servant, and you've revealed my surprise. You'll have to prepare a good meal for me at noon."
"This is hardly a surprise. The real surprise is with Sister Junyao," Ling Manshuang said, standing up and taking Qin Junyao's hand to lead her to the center of the hall.
"Sister Junyao, look at your zither."
Qin Junyao glanced at the two people in the room, then stepped forward and lifted the red cloth, revealing the twenty-one-string zither underneath.
The black panel gave the zither a mysterious appearance, while the scroll heads and tails were carved with dark red peonies, exuding a dignified and grand aura.
The white and green silk strings looked like three-dimensional musical notation against the black panel.
Qin Junyao fell in love with the zither at first sight.
She sat before it and plucked the strings. A loud, clear sound resonated. The zither was good, and the strings were even better.
Ling Manshuang took the plectrum from Zhu Hua's hand and stepped forward to help Qin Junyao put it on.
She and Bai Qing sat beside Qin Junyao, waiting to hear the first twenty-one-string zither melody from the State of Qing.