Ethan Caelan smiled and nodded. He stood up, walked over to the zither already placed in the room, gently sat down, and said, "This is a piece of music that I composed and recorded using the musical notation system. I hope you won't laugh at it."
The room fell into silence as Ethan's slender fingers lightly plucked the strings of the zither. The sound from the instrument resonated beautifully, each note touching the souls of the listeners. Every vibrant sound seemed to tell a story, taking everyone through a spectrum of emotions, from gentle and profound to strong and passionate.
When the music ended, the room burst into enthusiastic discussions. The scholars did not stop praising and expressing their deep admiration for Ethan's talent and creativity. In the midst of the rising emotions, Adrian spoke to everyone:
"Your Highness, we are truly fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from you. We hope you can compile the knowledge you have just shared into materials so that we can incorporate it into the music education system of the Kingdom of Helios. Will you accept, Your Highness?"
Ethan smiled and nodded, "I am willing."
The entire room erupted in applause and cheers of joy, everyone eagerly anticipating the opportunity to learn about the musical notation system Ethan had mentioned.
After the discussion with the scholars, Ethan's reputation spread rapidly throughout The Imperial Academy and gradually across the entire capital. In just one day, no one in the capital was unaware of the fourth prince, the first talent of the Kingdom of Aria. Alongside his extraordinary musical talent, his stunning beauty was even more beloved. Paintings of him, musical compositions, and literary works created by him instantly became highly sought-after items. From the tranquil alleys to the bustling boulevards, everywhere people were buzzing about his talent and exceptional beauty. The capital of the Kingdom of Helios, already bustling, now became even more lively and vibrant.
In his office at The Imperial Academy, the warm sunlight shone into the room, highlighting Ethan's figure as he diligently worked at his desk. He was engrossed in compiling the “Complete Music Anthology” with all his passion.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. "Knock! Knock!" The sound echoed through the room. Ethan put down his pen, looked up, and saw Harrison Ryder standing at the threshold with a radiant smile.
"I heard that today, the first talent will personally teach the class. May I attend?" Harrison said, his voice carrying a hint of mischief, his eyes sparkling with a playful smile.
Ethan smiled, put down his pen, and stood up, inviting Harrison to the guest table. “General Harrison, you are truly good at teasing me. Are you not supposed to be training the troops today?”
Harrison, sitting down, responded with a cheerful tone, “Thanks to a certain renowned scholar, my senior commander has approved my temporary leave from training to attend lessons.”
Ethan, slightly surprised, asked again, “Are you not joking with me? Have you really registered to study at The Imperial Academy?”
Harrison nodded firmly, smiling: “Yes, I have enrolled in your music class, Your Highness.” He continued, eyes gleaming with excitement: “Not just me, but many other noble sons and daughters have also enrolled in your class. Many scholars are lining up to get in.”
Ethan, surprised, humbly bowed his head and said, “I do not possess such talent to make everyone go through so much trouble.”
Harrison smiled, his eyes intently watching Ethan: “Your Highness, you are now famous throughout the capital. Everywhere I go, people are talking about you.”
Ethan, surprised, asked: “What are they saying about me?”
Harrison, smiling brightly, replied: “Everyone says you are a music deity descended to the mortal realm.”
Ethan laughed softly and said, “People really have vivid imaginations.”
He looked at Harrison and asked with concern: “General Harrison, what pieces do you know how to play already?”
Harrison shook his head, a bit embarrassed: “Since childhood, I have not been interested in music, so I hope you can teach me from the beginning.”
Ethan smiled gently and kindly said: “That is no problem, I will teach you how to read musical notation from the start.”
Ethan began meticulously guiding Harrison through reading musical notes and distinguishing basic sounds. Ethan’s clear and gentle teaching method quickly helped Harrison grasp the basic knowledge. When Harrison started plucking the first notes, although imperfect, the sound brought a fresh feeling, as if a new door had opened for the young general.
Suddenly, there were footsteps, and Leo Grant bowed respectfully and stepped in to report: “Your Highness, Cassian Lightwood requests an audience.”
Immediately after, Cassian appeared in the room, his face respectful but full of curiosity. He approached Ethan, clasped his hands in greeting: “Your Highness, I have long admired your musical talent, and today I come hoping to learn from you.”
Ethan stood up, smiling gently: “Minister Cassian, you are also a remarkable talent, why do you need to learn from me?”
Cassian humbly replied: “Your Highness, I have heard that you are compiling the ‘Complete Music Anthology,’ and it contains many novel insights. I am very eager to learn from you.”
Ethan nodded, gently invited Cassian to sit next to Harrison. Cassian's eyes briefly glanced at Harrison, a polite smile forming on his lips: “General Harrison, you seem quite free today to have time to come here to play music.”
Harrison smiled faintly and nodded: “A busy minister like you, setting aside all your duties to come here to learn, is truly admirable.”
At that moment, Ethan brought out the newly compiled materials for Cassian and Harrison. He was unaware of the subtle competition between his two students. Ethan gently explained the new musical knowledge, his clear and calm voice mesmerizing the two guests into absorbing it deeply.
Cassian Lightwood listened attentively, occasionally glancing at Harrison Ryder sitting close to Ethan Caelan. Seeing the closeness between the two, a flicker of jealousy passed through Cassian's heart.
After explaining the basic concepts, Ethan smiled gently and said, "Now, the two of you can practice on this ancient zither. Minister Cassian, with your extensive experience, I hope you can guide General Harrison further. I need to continue compiling the materials."
With that, he returned to his desk, leaving the two men with the ancient zither before them.