Yan Min 'er and Madam Yan's conversation was overheard by a lady dressed in green. This lady was slightly younger than Yan Min' er and was more beautiful and slender. She asked, "I heard that Young Master Qiao's wife is a famous talented lady in Hu Province. Is she pretty?"
Yan Min 'er smiled and said ambiguously, "Even if she's a famous talented lady, she can't compare to Jiyang's Ah Xiu."
Ling Xiu was the beloved daughter of Ling Dianyi from the Imperial Residence's Record Office. She could compose poems at the age of five and was famous in Jiyang at the age of seven. She was proficient in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She was delicate and beautiful. She was outstanding in Jiyang City where most women were beautiful and bold. When she heard that there was another talented lady from Hu Province, she wanted to compete with her.
When another lady heard this, she covered her mouth and sneered. "Ah Xiu, you don't have to compare yourself to a merchant's wife. You don't have to lower yourself. Maybe the title of a talented lady is just a lie. You're just putting on a golden coat for yourself. "
Ling Xiu laughed too. "If Young Master Qiao really stays in Jiyang, he won't be a merchant in the future."
"A merchant is a merchant. The stench of money is in his bones. It's not something that can be covered by a change of clothes." Yan Min 'er's tone was scornful. "He's not elegant after all."
The ladies laughed together. At this moment, someone said, "Cui Zhongqi is here!"
Everyone looked up and saw a middle-aged man walking over from the end of the pavilion by the lake. This man was round and had a broad body. He looked simple and honest, and his smile was amiable, like the Maitreya Buddha. He wore a black martial attire and was in high spirits. When he reached the entrance of the pavilion, he handed the long spear in his hand to his subordinate and said with a smile, "Everyone is here."
Everyone quickly stood up and greeted Cui Yuezhi.
In Jiyang, Cui Yuezhi was second only to one person. Therefore, everyone in the Imperial Residence had to give him face. Cui Yuezhi turned around and asked Zhong Fu, "Are Huanqing and the rest here?"
"I've sent someone to invite them." Zhong Fu smiled. "They should be here soon."
Yesterday, Cui Yuezhi had a discussion with the princess in the Imperial Residence. He accidentally drank a few cups and stayed in the Imperial Residence. This morning, he had a quarrel with the group of stubborn old men. He had not seen his nephew until now. He touched his chin and said, "I wonder how my nephew looks like? Does he look like Big Brother? How similar are you to me? "
Zhong Fu wanted to say something but stopped himself. To be honest, apart from his gender, that Young Master Qiao had nothing in common with the Cui Family.
"I heard that the child was raised in a merchant's family," Cui Yuezhi was a little worried, "Although I don't mind these things, the nobles in the city value status the most. I just hope that they don't belittle themselves."
Zhong Fu still wanted to say something, but at the end of the pavilion, a servant of the Cui family came over and said, "Young Master Qiao, Madam Qiao has arrived —"
Everyone subconsciously looked up.
At the end of the pavilion, beside the lake, two people walked side by side. It was a man and a woman. Both of them were very young. The man was very tall and his body was as straight as jade. He wore a dark green embroidered robe with black and gold pythons. He was very elegant. His fine black hair was tied up with a green jade hairpin. His eyes were exquisite and bright. The woman standing beside him had a bright smile on her face. She was bright and adorable. It was unknown what material her clothes were made of. At first, it looked like an ordinary plain white, but as she walked, it glowed with shades of blue, purple, and gold. It was dreamy and very moving.
The two of them were both outstanding in appearance and bearing, and they were strangely compatible. When they stood together, it was an indescribable feeling of being a perfect match. For a moment, everyone in the pavilion was stunned.
Was this a merchant who was reeking of money?
Could a merchant have such extraordinary charm?
Cui Yuezhi was also stunned. Was this his elder brother's son?
His elder brother's appearance was seventy percent similar to his. Not to mention handsome, just the word 'slender' was difficult to achieve. This … was a little too good-looking.
Yan Min 'er was stunned. Suddenly, her face became extremely ugly. She knew these two people. This woman was the one who embarrassed her in the embroidery workshop that day. This man … was the one who mocked her for her dark skin. After she returned to the residence, she couldn't take it lying down. She didn't expect that these two people were the nephew and niece-in-law that Cui Yuezhi found.
She was so angry that she wanted to vomit blood.
At the side, Ling Xiu's gaze fell on Xiao Jue. She was a little dazed. She only muttered, "There's actually such a good-looking man in this world …"
Jiyang was different from Shuojing. The female lead was beautiful and bold, while the male lead was masculine and brave. It was probably because things were rare that was precious. Just like how a talented woman like Ling Xiu was highly sought after in Jiyang, a handsome, noble, and elegant man like Xiao Jue was really rare. All the unmarried women at the banquet stared at him like wolves staring at meat.
He Yan also noticed these covetous gazes. He secretly cursed in his heart. Xiao Jue's face really attracted bees and butterflies wherever he went.
Lin Shuanghe followed behind the two of them. At first, everyone thought that he was Xiao Jue's relative or friend. When they found out that he was the housekeeper, they were also shocked.
They probably didn't expect that the conditions to be a housekeeper in Huzhou would be so harsh.
Cui Yuezhi arranged for Xiao Jue and He Yan to sit on the right side of his long seat.
"Huanqing." Cui Yuezhi looked at him with a smile. "I really didn't expect you to be so good-looking."
He really made the Cui family proud. In Jiyang City, no one was more outstanding than the young man in front of him. When Cui Yuezhi was young, he was ridiculed behind his back for being a "round ball". He was vulgar and fat. Before Qiao Huanqing returned, he heard rumors in Jiyang City and was waiting to see another "little fat ball". Who knew … He really made them proud!
The Cui family wiped away their shame. Good!
Xiao Jue nodded calmly.
Cui Yuezhi's gaze fell on He Yan again. He smiled and said, "Niece-in-law looks young too. How old are you this year?"
He Yan said, "Almost seventeen."
"Seventeen is good." The more Cui Yuezhi looked at He Yan, the more satisfied he was. His nephew and niece-in-law were both good-looking. Their children in the future would be even more good-looking. The Cui family's bloodline would definitely be stronger with each generation. When he thought of this, he felt very gratified. He even wanted to go to the ancestral hall and burn two sticks of incense for his elder brother.
"Today's banquet in the middle of the lake is specially held to welcome the two of you." Cui Yuezhi smiled and said, "Do you think it's alright?"
Xiao Jue said, "It's very good. Thank you, Uncle."
The word "uncle" immediately pleased Cui Yuezhi. He smiled so widely that his face was about to burst. He said to the crowd, "As you can see, this is the only son of my deceased elder brother. He's my nephew!"
The guests immediately raised their cups and complimented Cui Yuezhi with things like "extraordinary appearance" and "profound elegance". They also congratulated Cui Yuezhi for reuniting with his family and so on.
Cui Yuezhi was even happier. He ordered the servants to serve the dishes and the banquet began.
There was no custom in Jiyang for men and women to sit at separate tables. The long tables were arranged according to their gender. Cui Yuezhi asked Xiao Jue in detail about the past few years. As they talked, the topic shifted to He Yan.
"I heard that my nephew and niece-in-law just got married not long ago?"
"We got married in October last year in Hu District," Xiao Jue said calmly, "Less than half a year ago."
Cui Yuezhi replied with an "Oh". He said regretfully, "It's a pity that I didn't see it with my own eyes." He patted Xiao Jue's shoulder. "If I could see you get married with my own eyes, I would die without regrets."
"What does your family do?" Cui Yuezhi asked. "Hu District is too far from Jiyang. It's not easy to find out about many things."
He Yan answered according to what he had said before, "I'm only from an ordinary family. Thank you for thinking so highly of me, Young Master."
"An ordinary family?" Everyone had different expressions on their faces. This was a commoner's family. The world always thought that although Qiao Huanqing was born into a merchant family, he was still considered rich. Money could make the devil turn millstones. Moreover, he was so outstanding. If he married the daughter of a minor official, it would be more than enough. However, he married Wen Yuyan, who was from an ordinary family, who had neither money nor power. Why? If he liked Wen Yuyan's beauty, he could have just asked her to be his concubine. Why did she have to be his wife?
The young girls' gazes towards He Yan immediately carried traces of envy and jealousy.
Ling Xiu's gaze shifted slightly and landed on Xiao Jue's face. The young man was handsome to begin with. At this moment, he was sitting lazily. However, due to his occasional indifference, he looked even more attractive. He was comparable to all the men in Jiyang.
She looked at He Yan again. She was only the daughter of an ordinary family. How could she be compared to her in terms of appearance and status? A trace of unwillingness surfaced in her heart. Wen Yuyan was not worthy of Qiao Huanqing. She was the only one who deserved to stand side by side with Qiao Huanqing.
She stood up and said softly, "Today, Lord Cui has found his family. This is a good thing worth celebrating. I'm not talented, but I'm willing to play a song for Lord Cui to congratulate you. "After she finished speaking, her gaze swept past Xiao Jue and she revealed a shy smile.
The young men in the banquet were overjoyed when they heard this. They stared at Ling Xiu with sparkling eyes.
Jiyang City's young ladies had always been bold and confident. If they had outstanding talent, it would not be embarrassing to show it in front of everyone. However, Ling Xiu was different from the others. She did not like to take the initiative to show off. Even at a banquet, she would use all sorts of excuses and would only agree when she had no choice.
However, it was the first time that she took the initiative like today. Moreover, it was her best zither skill. This made everyone look forward to it.
Cui Yuezhi was also very happy. He waved his hand and said, "Good! Ah Xiu, you've opened our eyes today. If you play well, Uncle will give you a big gift! "
Lord Ling and Madam Ling smiled. They were already used to such glorious things. After all, the entire Jiyang City knew that Ling Xiu was unparalleled in talent and beauty.
The servant quickly brought a zither.
This zither was also emerald in color. It was as green as the grass and trees in spring. She was also wearing a light green gauze dress. She really looked like a charming spirit in spring. Her slender fingers, bathed in incense, gently plucked the zither strings.
She was playing 'Late Spring'.
The spring breeze blew the horse Wuling 'er. In the warm West Lake in March, the strings touched the water and the orioles in the flower market. I don't know if the music will reach here. She frowns as she passes the mountains. Her hair is piled up in the willows …
The sound of the zither was pleasing to the ear. It brushed past people's ears, making them feel intoxicated. He Yan was also the same. He only felt that this young lady's hands were really skillful. Compared to his own movements of plucking the zither, if he was not careful, he could pluck the strings and break them, not to mention playing a complete song.
She was really amazing.
She was intoxicated by the music. When she glanced over, she saw that Xiao Jue was unmoved. He only lowered his head and drank his tea. She could not help but touch him and whispered, "Why aren't you listening?"
Xiao Jue replied, "I'm listening."
"Then why don't you look like it's very nice to listen to?"
"What do you mean by 'very nice to listen to'?"
He Yan pointed to the other side with his mouth. "Like them."
The young men present, and even some of the older young masters, were staring at Ling Xiu in a daze. It was as if they were drowning in the sound of the zither. Their eyes were flashing with admiration. Xiao Jue retracted his gaze and said coldly, "Boring."
"You're really hard to please." He Yan muttered softly, "I think it's very nice to listen to. She's also very pretty. If I can get to know such a girl, I'll definitely be very happy."
"Very happy?" Xiao Jue suddenly smiled. He looked at him and said with interest, "I hope you'll be as happy from now on."
He Yan did not understand what he meant. He only said, "Of course I'll be happy from now on."
While they were talking, Ling Xiu had finished her song. She looked at Xiao Jue and saw that Xiao Jue was talking to He Yan with a smile. He seemed to be teasing her. Ling Xiu saw this scene and her heart sank. She was even more dissatisfied.
She stood up and the people around her praised her. Cui Yuezhi also smiled and said, "Ah Xiu, your zither song lingers on. But the sound still lingers in my ears, three, no, nine days! "
No one would deny her zither music. Ling Xiu looked at Xiao Jue again, but he lowered his head and drank his tea. He did not even look at her. Instead, "Wen Yuyan" beside him looked at her with a smile, as if he was mocking her.
Ling Xiu's smile was a little stiff. After a while, she said humbly, "Ah Xiu doesn't dare to show off in front of an expert. I heard that Madam Qiao from Huzhou is a famous talented woman. Her zither skills are superb. Since we're fated to be here today, can you let Ah Xiu experience it?" After saying that, she looked at He Yan with anticipation. "Let everyone see how exquisite Madam's zither skills are."
He Yan was watching happily. When he heard that, he was stunned. Why was she suddenly mentioned? Wen Yuyan's zither skills were superb? Was that so? Why didn't she know?
He Yan looked at Lin Shuanghe for help. This was her husband. Lin Shuanghe turned his head away as if nothing had happened. He pretended to talk to the people around him. He did not intend to help her.
"I think … that's not necessary …" He Yan said, "Miss Ah Xiu's zither skills are already very good. I don't need to do anything more."
"How can you say that it's unnecessary?" Ling Xiu looked at He Yan with sincerity. "Ah Xiu really wants to listen to Madam's zither music."
He Yan was speechless.
Her zither music? Her zither music could drive away evil spirits and calm the house. It was not for appreciation!
When Ling Xiu saw He Yan's awkward expression, she could not help but feel proud. She thought that the rumors about Wen Yuyan's talents were probably just a pretense. If she could make a fool of herself in front of everyone today, she would become the joke of Jiyang City.
Yan Min 'er, who had always been at odds with Ling Xiu, could not help but gloat when she saw this scene. Previously at the embroidery workshop, although it was Xiao Jue who said those sarcastic words, Yan Min 'er blamed He Yan for it. A woman who was admired by such an outstanding man was always particularly eye-catching. Especially when she did not look special, she made people feel that she did not live up to her reputation.
He Yan looked at Xiao Jue who was beside him. Xiao Jue was drinking tea leisurely with a calm expression.
No wonder he said, "I hope you can be as happy from now on." Did he already guess that this would happen? How did he know? This kind of strange thought was unpredictable. How could Xiao Jue see through it? Did she have the ability to read minds? He Yan muttered in his heart. He reached under the table and secretly tugged at Xiao Jue's sleeve. He whispered, "Can you help me?"
Xiao Jue said calmly, "Didn't you learn it before?"
"I didn't learn it," He Yan said, "Lin Shuanghe taught me before. He even said that I was already very good. But when I heard this girl play just now, I feel that my playing is not quite right."
His words were tactful, but in fact, it was not just not quite right. It was ridiculously wrong.
"You don't know anything about zither, chess, calligraphy, or painting." He said, "Other than swindling, what else do you know?"
He Yan said hesitantly, "Breaking a boulder on my chest?"
But she couldn't just show others how to break a boulder on her chest!
Xiao Jue: "…"
"If I expose myself, we're all finished. Help me," He Yan pleaded, "Commander in Chief, Young Master, Second Young Master Xiao, husband?"
Xiao Jue was obviously disgusted by this "husband". He said, "Speak properly."
He Yan: "Then I'll take it that you agree."
The two of them spoke very softly. In the eyes of the crowd, He Yan seemed to be acting spoiled to Xiao Jue. Xiao Jue was very indulgent.
Cui Yuezhi smiled and said, "What? Does Yu Yan not want to play the zither? "
"To be honest, after we got married, I made a promise with my wife. My wife's zither skills are superb, and she can only play for me." Xiao Jue said calmly, "So today, I'm afraid I can't do as you wish."
Everyone was stunned. He Yan was also stunned. He never thought that Xiao Jue would use this reason. But thinking about it, this reason was very good. After all, if he used other reasons once, there would be a next time. This reason would also prevent the next time. After all, there was no reason to break a promise.
Ling Xiu's expression was stiff. She looked at the young lady sitting beside the young man. In the end, she couldn't take it anymore. She smiled and said, "But today is the day that Young Master and Master Cui are reunited. There are so many people here, it's not a big deal to break the promise once."
"My promise with my wife cannot be changed." Xiao Jue looked at her calmly, "You must listen. I can do it for you." At the end of the sentence, his tone became cold. He was already impatient.
Ling Xiu was also shocked by his coldness. For a moment, she didn't dare to speak. Cui Yuezhi smiled and said, "Huanqing also knows how to play the zither?"
"I only know a little."
"Then I want to hear Huanqing play the zither today." Cui Yuezhi laughed loudly, "My Cui family has never produced such an elegant person! Zhong Fu, wipe the zither again. "
"No need." Xiao Jue said, "Butler Lin, bring the Evening Fragrance Zither."
Xiao Jue was very particular about the things he used. He Yan meant that he knew. But in the eyes of those who didn't know, especially Ling Xiu, it was as if Xiao Jue didn't want to use the same zither as her because he didn't like her. She couldn't help but bite her lips. She reluctantly returned to her seat.
Lin Shuanghe quickly brought over Xiao Jue's Evening Fragrance Zither.
He Yan still remembered this Evening Fragrance Zither. Before she went to the Liangzhou Guards to pretend to be Cheng Li Su, she was drunk and crushed this zither. Xiao Jue even brought it to Liangzhou to get it repaired. Just by looking at it, she knew that it was very expensive. Fortunately, Xiao Jue didn't ask her to pay for it. Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to pay it back even if she sold herself.
She vaguely remembered that she had heard Xiao Jue play the zither. But she was half-drunk and her memory was blurry. Now that she saw this zither, the memories of her drunken stupor flooded her mind.
The man sat in front of the zither, burning incense and bathing his hands. Unlike Ling Xiu's deliberate playing, he was much more lazy and casual. His movements were very natural. If he wasn't someone who played the zither for a long time, he wouldn't be able to do it so smoothly.
At a certain moment, He Yan seemed to have seen the dissolute youth lying on the loquat tree in the Xian Chang Dojo.
But he had grown up.
The zither strings were plucked.
His hands were slender and had distinct joints. They were very good-looking. When they fell on the zither strings, a pleasant sound flowed out. This sound was different from the "Late Spring" that Ling Xiu had just played. It was different from the cheerful "Late Spring". It was quiet with a hint of melancholy, like a river illuminated by the bright moon, flowing into the distance.
He was playing "River Moon".
This song was very difficult and tested one's zither skills. He Yan had heard someone play it before. It was her master, Liu Buwang. However, when Liu Buwang played it, he was more reminiscing or lost. The feeling of Xiao Jue playing it was different from that of Liu Buwang.
When a handsome man did elegant things, he was always particularly eye-catching. Even Ling Xiu, who had just been frightened by Xiao Jue, or Yan Min 'er, who had been mocked by Xiao Jue before, and even more people, couldn't help but be immersed in his music at this moment.
He Yan was no exception.
When he played the zither, his disc-wing-like eyelashes drooped down, covering the indifference in his eyes, leaving only gentleness. His facial features were excessively handsome, and his thin lips were slightly pursed, making him look restrained and charming.
He Yan thought that it was indeed difficult to see someone more outstanding and good-looking than him in this world.
When the song ended, Xiao Jue withdrew his hands.
Everyone stared at him and was silent for a moment.
If it weren't for his "River Moon", Ling Xiu's "Late Spring" should be very outstanding. But after comparison, Ling Xiu's zither skills seemed mediocre and not so amazing.
Both men and women stared at Xiao Jue, and there was only one confusion in their hearts at this moment. Wasn't it said that Qiao Huanqing, who came from Huzhou, was adopted by a merchant's family? But now it seemed that the information was wrong. Such a person didn't seem to be raised by a merchant's family.
Cui Yuezhi's face became even more proud. The more he looked at Xiao Jue, the more satisfied he was. He laughed and said, "Huanqing, your song stunned us all! Previously, Her Highness always said that Ah Xiu's zither skills were the best in Jiyang City. The next time I bring you to the Prince's Mansion, Her Highness will definitely praise you if she hears your music! "
When everyone heard this, they all had different thoughts. Since Cui Yuezhi mentioned the Princess, it meant that he wanted to bring Qiao Huanqing into the Prince's Mansion. If that was the case, they couldn't treat him as an ordinary merchant …
Xiao Jue smiled slightly and glanced at He Yan with his deep eyes. He said calmly, "I've embarrassed myself. To be honest, my zither skills are not even one-tenth of Madam's."
"Really?" Cui Yuezhi looked at He Yan in surprise. "How good must it be!"
He Yan blushed.
It was quite embarrassing.
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