Chapter Seventy-Seven: First Encounter with Gu Man

As one of the most renowned melodies in our country, “Butterfly Lovers” has enraptured countless hearts and moved many to tears. It is not only the embodiment of beauty, but also a declaration of sentiment. Its aesthetic richness encompasses layers of grace, joy, tragedy, and nobility.

Though Gou Ye could be considered only an amateur, he played the piece with remarkable clarity and purity. After all, this was the composition he knew best since childhood; he had never imagined he’d be so fortunate as to play it here today. Only when he finished did he notice the expressions of the two listeners—Gu Yue’s face was streaked with tears, her eyes brimming with deep admiration, while Gu Shen’s gaze was filled with reverence, an almost worshipful awe one might have for a great master.

Gou Ye scratched his head, set the flute against the wall, and looked at them, somewhat embarrassed. “Please, don’t look at me like that. You’ll make me blush, ha ha ha.”

“Brother Gou Ye, you’ve spoken to me of your past, but you never mentioned you could play the flute,” Gu Shen exclaimed in astonishment.

“Oh, I learned it when I was young. My elders played, so I picked up a bit by ear—not enough to be called a master. Even if I had told you, I can’t possibly tell you everything, right? Should I also inform you at what age I wet the bed, or when I first fed myself?”

Gu Shen laughed heartily and gave a respectful bow, repeatedly expressing his admiration. Gu Yue, having composed herself from her earlier fervor, stepped gracefully before Gou Ye, bowed slightly, and asked, “Young Master Gou, does this piece have a name?”

“Butterfly Lovers,” he replied. “It was composed especially for the tale of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. Does Miss Gu like it?”

Gu Yue nodded without hesitation. “I love it—truly. I have listened to countless melodies; though my own skill is modest, today, to hear you play ‘Butterfly Lovers’ is to witness a masterpiece. Such a moving piece, and yet unknown to the world—how regrettable. To have heard it today fills me with joy. If you would teach me this melody, I would do my utmost to assist you in whatever you require.”

He hadn’t expected that a casual performance would wield such power. Gu Yue agreed to his request without a second thought. Gou Ye, delighted by this turn of events, consented at once. Since he couldn’t write music, he could only play “Butterfly Lovers” over and over for Gu Yue to listen and learn, repeating the tune deep into the night. By the time Gu Shen had fallen asleep, the teaching was finally complete.

Gu Yue then performed the piece in its entirety with Gou Ye, her zither and his flute weaving the melody together. The strains filled the whole room, so much so that even passing servants paused, their spirits stirred by the music. Thus, with “Butterfly Lovers,” Gou Ye moved Gu Yue’s heart and added another ally to his cause.

He began to notice that, not only were Gu Shen’s siblings of different temperaments, their passions varied as well. The fourth son, Gu Yu, loved books and scholarship; the second daughter, Gu Yue, was devoted to the zither. What of the rest—what interests might they hold? The following morning, Gu Shen insisted on taking Gou Ye to meet his third brother. This time, Gou Ye knew he must prepare and promptly asked, “Your family is blessed with so many gifted siblings. What does your third brother care for?”

Gu Shen smiled sheepishly. Persuading his siblings ought to have been his responsibility, but it was Gou Ye’s efforts that had won the last two over. He felt somewhat embarrassed but answered, “You’re sharp, Brother Gou Ye! How did you guess my third brother has his own passion? Indeed, he is devoted to chess—there’s no one in the county who can best him. Our father even hired a renowned master to instruct him. My third brother’s skill at chess is unmatched; I can barely hold my own against him.”

Just as Gou Ye had suspected, each sibling had their own pursuits. Yet, as for chess, he was barely a novice. To win over the third brother, it was clear he would have to make a serious effort, but facing someone so skilled, especially one taught by a master, he feared he would only make a fool of himself.

After much deliberation, Gou Ye came up with an idea. He decided to try his luck, silently praying for the blessing of Master Jin’s spirit.

Upon entering, the routine was the same: introductions made, but the third son, Gu Bo, was utterly absorbed in his game, ignoring their presence as if he hadn’t heard a word Gu Shen said. The two stood aside and waited until noon. Only when a servant brought in lunch did Gu Bo give them the slightest acknowledgment. “Please, have a seat.”

But Gou Ye, instead of sitting, walked over to another chessboard. He would close his eyes to think, then arrange pieces on the board, pondering each move. He spent a full hour in this fashion before finishing his setup. He exchanged a glance with Gu Bo, nudged Gu Shen, then walked out without another word.

Gu Shen, who hadn’t even eaten, was a bit annoyed—especially since Gou Ye’s actions were so baffling. He couldn’t help but ask, “Brother Gou Ye, what are you doing? Even if we miss lunch, we need to wait a little longer! My third brother is always like this—nothing matters to him but chess. Just wait until he finishes his game; then I’ll do my best to persuade him.”

Gou Ye smiled. “It’s no use. The third young master’s heart is entirely in the game. Matters of power and rivalry don’t interest him at all. I’ve set things in motion; whether it works or not is up to fate. Let’s eat first, and afterward, we can try persuading the other brothers.”

Perhaps because Gu Shen was annoyed, he ate with gusto, devouring his lunch with particular relish. Before they had finished, a lively young lady burst through the door. She appeared about the same age as Yun Niang, her features fresh and charming, her eyes especially bright and quick-witted.

Gou Ye could tell at a glance that she was lively by nature. She walked straight up to them, unconcerned. “Little Eight, it’s almost afternoon and you’re only now having lunch? I heard from Second Sister and Fourth Brother that a great talent has come to visit. Where is he? Is it this one?”

She pointed at Gou Ye, and their eyes met, sizing each other up. The girl snorted, “He’s nothing special. Not as refined as Fourth Brother, not as imposing as Eldest Brother—he hardly looks the brilliant type.”

Though she was seventh in the family, she was only a year older than Gu Shen, and her appearance and demeanor were more like a younger sister than an elder. The family had long treated her as the youngest. Gu Shen, a touch reproachful, said, “Seventh Sister, mind your manners. Brother Gou Ye, allow me to introduce you—this is my seventh sister, Gu Man.”