Fu Xing gave the go-ahead. "Let's welcome Xia Lihua's team with a round of applause!"
The villagers clapped cheerfully. They had a mix of curiosity and excitement on their faces as they leaned in to watch the outsiders showcase what they'd learned.
As Xia Lihua took her place at the center with the guzheng before her, the sunlight caught in the strings of the instrument, glowing faintly. She closed her eyes for a moment, willing herself to focus. No matter what Xia Liyan's motives were, she wasn't going to let herself falter.
Xia Lihua took a slow breath. The guzheng rested gently across her lap, fingers poised above the strings. Behind her, Quan Kunjie held a wooden flute, while Yang Lingyun had settled into position with the pipa.
There was a breathless stillness in the air. Even the birds in the surrounding trees seemed to fall quiet.
Then the first note rang out.
