(The three-in-one chapter begins in August. I wish all the best in the world!)
Cui Xin's move shocked the bystanders. With so many eyes watching, she couldn't cheat even if she wanted to, unless Yu Shu had colluded with her beforehand.
But that was even more impossible. Everyone saw that this person had been picked out by Imperial Consort Xue. Could it be that Imperial Consort Xue was helping Cui Xin fool everyone?
Compared to the surprise of the bystanders, Yu Shu, the person involved, was in a fog. She couldn't see what trick Cui Xin had used to accurately guess her thoughts.
The palace maid presented the names of the flowers that Yu Shu had written down to Imperial Consort Xue. The nobles in the waterside pavilion took turns to verify it, but they still couldn't believe it.
Thus, Duchess Jing spoke, "I didn't understand it just now. Can Miss Cui try again?"
Cui Xin agreed and did the same thing. She asked Yu Shu for help. She guessed the flowers and plants in the courtyard and asked her to write. She asked the same question about whether it was sunny or rainy. It was completely unrelated.
As expected, Cui Xin guessed the answer that Yu Shu had written on the paper. This time, it was "canna".
This time, the expressions of the bystanders changed. Seeing how effective the Cui family's "Spirit Speech Technique" was, those with meticulous thoughts couldn't help but think further — —
To be able to understand one's thoughts just by hearing words, what secrets would there be in front of the Cui family who knew this technique?
"You are called Cui Xin, right?" Imperial Consort Xue spoke at this time, "The fu's unique technique is indeed different from the masses. Demonstrate it for ben gong again. Don't guess the flowers and plants, guess something else."
Hearing this, Cui Xin revealed a bitter smile. She lowered her body and said, "Niangniang, please forgive me. This lowly girl doesn't dare to hide anything. With my abilities, this' Spirit Speech Technique 'can only be used twice a day. If I do it again, I'm afraid I'll lose face."
"En?" Imperial Consort Xue smiled amiably. "Is it because your skills aren't good enough, or are you deliberately hiding your abilities? Speak the truth. ben gong hates people who cheat. Perhaps tonight, this golden jade hibiscus will be bestowed to you. "
When everyone heard this, their expressions all changed.
Yu Shu looked at Cui Xin thoughtfully. She was also wondering how effective her family's "Spirit Speech" was.
When Cui Xin heard Noble Consort Xue's words, she wasn't happy. Instead, she was shocked. She lifted the hem of her skirt and knelt outside the waterside pavilion.
"How would I dare to lie in front of a noble? It's really a family secret. I can't explain the reason in front of everyone, but with Celestial Commissioner's reminder, the Cui family's' Art of Spiritual Speech ', the more refined it is, the harder it is to use it. For example, my third uncle can use it once every ten days, but my grandfather can only use it once every month."
Hearing this explanation, half of the people present looked better.
Noble Consort Xue turned her head to ask Duchess Jing, "What does Old Furen think?"
The Duchess of Jing leaned back in her chair and said, "I see that with this girl's ability, she can only guess the flowers and plants in this garden. As for her grandfather, Duke Cui, he doesn't only have this bit of ability."
Hearing these two comments, the other half of the people present also looked better.
Princess Xiang looked at Cui Xin who was kneeling on the ground. After all, she was the child she had watched grow up. She couldn't help but help and whispered a few words in Noble Consort Xue's ear.
Her words probably had an effect. Noble Consort Xue's smile disappeared and her expression became much calmer. She waved her hand at Cui Xin who was still kneeling on the ground.
"You can get up — someone else will come up."
Cui Xin hurriedly got up and retreated, standing next to Royal Princess Xi Wen.
Yu Shu also retreated to the back of the crowd. She looked coldly at Cui Xin and Xi Wen who were whispering to each other.
"Can you see what's going on?" Xue Rui went around to the back of the crowd and asked Yu Shu in a low voice.
Yu Shu hesitated and said, "This Cui family's strange technique clearly uses the Art of Spiritual Speech. I've also heard of several kinds of Art of Spiritual Speech, but they're all very troublesome to perform divination. In comparison, this' Art of Spiritual Speech 'can be said to be marvelous."
She sighed in her heart: The aristocratic families of the 12 constabularies are worthy of being known as the big families of Yi Xue in the capital. Just a strange technique passed down in their family is enough to support a facade.
Think about it, Cui Xin only guessed the flowers and plants today. With Elder Cui's cultivation, could he see through people's minds?
"I'm just curious that the Cui family has this kind of mind-reading ability. How can the Emperor tolerate the people of this constabulary? Isn't guessing the Emperor's intentions a capital crime?" Yu Shu whispered to Xue Rui in surprise.
Xue Rui shook his head and waved his fan. He stood in front of the two and whispered in her ear,
"Silly girl, what do you do as a Celestial Commissioner? Do you think the Great Advisor is someone who does nothing? I don't know much about Yi Xue, but I have heard of a secret. His Majesty carries a rare treasure with him. It has been around since the founding of the Da An Empire. It is passed down from generation to generation to his successor. Other than the current Great Advisor, no one can predict the good or bad luck of the Emperor. "
Yu Shu's knowledge was broadened again. She was surprised: She had the Xin family's "List of Rare Objects" in her hands. She had seen all kinds of treasures, but none of them could stop people from predicting.
She really didn't know what kind of treasure the Emperor had on him was.
.....
With Cui Xin's skill in front of them, there were a few young ladies playing the zither and flute, embroidering and kicking, but none of them were worth watching.
Yu Shu turned her attention to the movements on the lake. She discovered that there were a couple of wooden rafts rowing from the other side of the lake to the center of the lake.
The lanterns on the surface of the lake were dimmed. It seemed that these people had extinguished all the paper lanterns in order to find the one with the real gold wick.
Yu Shu glanced at Xue Rui and said, "When are you going into the water? If you wait any longer, someone will find the gold wick by sheer luck. Then you and that Second Master Zhu will become a joke. "
Xue Rui saw that she already knew about the bet between him and Zhu Qingjue. He smiled and glanced at Zhu Qingjue's direction. He said to her:
"If the enemy doesn't move, I won't move. At most, it will be a draw. What am I afraid of?"
Yu Shu saw that he seemed to be at ease, so she didn't worry for him. She was about to continue to observe Xi Wen's movements when she saw Jing Chen, who had been waiting outside the waterside pavilion, turn around and walk toward the shore.
He walked to the shore, broke a willow branch, and fished out a few lanterns. He weighed them in his hand, fiddled with them for a moment, and then put them back into the water.
What is he doing?
Yu Shu just had a question, but in the next moment, she was tongue-tied.
She saw Jing Chen retreat one zhang, and then with a leap, he lit the lanterns on the water. One after another, his wide white sleeves fluttered in the wind. He was like a swan goose spreading its wings, leaping across the water!
"Look! Daozi is flying on the water! "This was the daughter of a civil official.
"Wow! What a beautiful qinggong! "This was the daughter of a military general.
Very quickly, no one cared about the young girl who was performing. Everyone's attention turned to Jing Chen, who was flying across the surface of the lake as if he was walking on flat ground.
"What is going on?" The nobles in the waterside pavilion asked each other.
Yu Shu frowned. She began to worry that Jing Chen might have been instigated by someone to steal this golden jade hibiscus.
Xue Rui carefully watched Jing Chen's movements. His eyes flashed, and his face slightly sank. He said, "What a cheap way."
Yu Shu turned her head and asked, "What do you mean?"
"The lanterns on the lake are all made by the imperial court, and they are all the same size. However, real gold is precious, and the lanterns made from it are definitely easier to sink than ordinary lanterns. As long as he controls the strength under his feet, he doesn't need to pay attention to the lanterns that don't sink. But if there is one that is different, it will definitely sink. "
The reason why Xue Rui said this was a cheap way was because this method could only be used by a martial artist like Jing Chen, who had excellent qinggong. Even if others understood his intention, they would not be able to imitate him, and could only stare at him.
After hearing Xue Rui's words, Yu Shu frowned so much that her eyebrows could squash a mosquito to death.
"Pa!" She was knocked on her forehead. When she came back to her senses, she saw Xue Rui put away his folding fan, and the corner of his mouth curled up.
"What are you worried about? With me here, no one can take advantage of you tonight."
After saying this, he turned around and strode to the bridge in the distance.
Yu Shu touched her forehead and looked at his departing figure. She suddenly had an impulse to run after him.
"Brother, wait."
Xue Rui turned his head and stopped. He saw Yu Shu running in front of him. With her back to the crowd, she fumbled in her sleeve for a while, took out a triangular sachet, and stuffed it into his hand.
"This is?" Xue Rui touched it and felt that there was something hidden in it. It seemed to be made of jade.
"This is good luck." Yu Shu looked up and blinked at him. Her eyes were sparkling, and she said,
"I was going to give it to you as a birthday gift, but now I changed my mind. I will give you half of it first. As for the other half, you have to give me that Golden Jade Hibiscus in exchange."
Their relationship was now a secret. The Golden Jade Hibiscus was useless to them. Even if they got it, they could not give it to each other openly.
However, it did not mean that it was meaningless. The Golden Jade Hibiscus was a gift from the heavens. So what if it was not recognized?
The Hibiscus fairy who fell in love with a mortal was also blocked by the Sky Emperor. At the last moment, she still succeeded.
She did not want the use of the Golden Jade Hibiscus. She only wanted the good intention behind it. If there was a person who was willing to wait for her, even if there were thousands of difficulties and dangers, how could it be against a person's heart?
Being dazzled by her eyes, Xue Rui was stunned for a moment. For a moment, he seemed to be able to read her mind. He could actually read her mind from her eyes.
Thousands of words, how could a single sentence express one's mind?
At this moment, Xue Rui was full of joy, but he could not express it. He could only clench the sachet in his hand. His eyes were full of love, and he lowered his head to promise her:
"Just you wait. I will definitely snatch that Golden Jade Hibiscus to please you."
Tonight's fight was not for hatred, but for love.
.....
As soon as Xue Rui left, Zhu Qingjue could not wait any longer. She followed closely behind and went on the bridge.
Yu Shu walked back to the waterside pavilion. She looked around, but Liu Yi was nowhere to be seen. At this moment, there was not a single male guest outside the waterside pavilion. It was all women competing.
"What did you say to Cousin Xue just now?" Xin Liu tilted his head and asked curiously.
Yu Shu smiled casually and said, "I taught him a method so that he can find the true core."
Xin Liu believed her and held her to ask more questions. However, Yu Shu refused to say a word and let him coax her.
Just now, there was a young lady who finished a painting in the time it took for half an incense stick to burn. The nobles in the waterside pavilion commented a little and praised her, but it was obvious that they were not in a good mood.
That young lady did not gain any favor. Knowing that there was no hope, she retreated to the side in disappointment.
Imperial Consort Xue wrapped a handkerchief in one hand and gently pressed the corner of her eyes. She let out a small yawn and talked to the people outside.
"Looking at it, the first one is more interesting. It's not that the others are bad, but there's not much novelty. It lacks some surprises and makes people not spirited."
Honored Consort Shu coughed lightly and had a different opinion. "The Cui family's' Spiritual Language Technique 'is ingenious. However, in my opinion, the young lady of the Zhao family's skill of writing with two brushes is also from hard work and practice. There's not much novelty in the writing, but the intention is sufficient."
Imperial Consort Xue glanced at her and smiled. "That makes sense. Let's not talk about it first. Let's finish reading first."
Honored Consort Shu softly said, "Okay."
In the imperial court, the Yin family might be more powerful than the Xue family. However, in the harem, Imperial Consort Xue's position was above Honored Consort Yin.
"Oh right." Imperial Consort Xue thought of something and turned her head outside.
She said with a proud expression, "Where's Wenwen? Didn't you say that you've meticulously prepared? I haven't seen you for a long time. Did you show your fear after seeing the good ones?"
"Your Highness, please make fun of me." Xi Wen pouted and stood out. Her beautiful eyes swept across the surroundings. She raised her chin and said with a proud expression,
"I'm afraid that you won't be able to say that they're good after seeing mine."
His words made the girls who had behaved earlier embarrassed.
Princess Xiang frowned slightly and turned to look at Imperial Consort Xue's expression.
"Oh?" Imperial Consort Xue waved her handkerchief at her and said curiously, "I want to see how you dare to boast like this."
"Yes, Your Highness, please wait a moment." Xi Wen bowed. When she stood up, she ordered the servant outside the pavilion,
"Go and get my zither."
Playing the zither was not new. It was a bit difficult to win with this.
Yu Shu saw that Xi Wen was determined to win and knew that there was something else going on here.
As expected, when Xi Wen got the zither, she was not in a hurry to perform. Instead, she first played,
"The song I'm playing today is called 'Cold Cicada'. When the sound reaches its peak, it can move the cicadas."
As she spoke, she sat on the soft mat that had been set up. She slowly played the zither with one hand and the tune was slow.
It was a summer night. The cicadas in the back garden were constantly chirping. It was fine if one didn't listen to it, but if one deliberately listened to it, they would inevitably feel a buzzing in their ears.
However, Xi Wen's zither perfectly added syllables to the monotonous chirping of the cicadas. The two complemented each other and were actually very pleasing to the ear.
After five minutes, someone whispered. Even Yu Shu, who did not know much about music, could hear that the cicadas in the garden seemed to be directed by someone. Sometimes it was high and sometimes it was low, sometimes it was long and sometimes it was short. For a moment, there was a rhythm!
That was not all. As the zither reached its climax, in the end, when Xi Wen finished the song, the originally loud chirping of the cicadas was like a broken string. It suddenly quieted down!
After a few breaths, the back garden was completely silent. Not even the sound of cicadas could be heard!
"Cicadas — —"
It wasn't until the noisy chirping of the cicadas rang out again that everyone came back to their senses. They looked at each other and clicked their tongues in wonder.
"What a good 'Cold Tremble'. The song is rare, but the meaning is rare. Royal Princess Xi Wen has put in a lot of effort. Ben gong has a whole new level of respect for you." The taciturn Honored Consort Shu was the first to speak her praise. Her fair face, which was like a young girl's, was slightly flushed. It was a rare expression that only appeared after seeing something she liked.
Duchess Jing was still a little confused. She leaned forward and asked, "Did I have a bad hearing just now? Why did the cicadas in the garden suddenly stop chirping?"
Someone on the side joked, "Old Madame isn't deaf. The cicadas just stopped chirping, but we all heard them."
Xi Wen saw everyone's reaction and raised the corners of her eyes. She couldn't hide the pride in her eyes and sent a look towards Cui Xin.
When Yu Shu saw this situation, she couldn't help but praise Xi Wen's good intentions in her heart — —
First, she called Cui Xin to come forward and use her family's unique skill to control the situation, making it so that the people who came later couldn't surpass her. When the people in the seats were all bored, she stood up and swept away the depressing situation. It was refreshing.
If there were no accidents, no one would be able to overshadow Xi Wen's performance of 'Cold Cicada'. Tonight, the golden jade hibiscus would belong to no one but her.
Although Yu Shu was sure that Xi Wen taking the golden jade hibiscus was just an empty wish, she still felt unhappy when she saw Xi Wen's complacent appearance.
There was a faint voice in her heart — —
Xue Rui was the person she liked, but there were other women scheming in order to express their goodwill. How could she endure this?
Yu Shu asked herself, if she really let Xi Wen win the golden jade hibiscus and hold it in front of Xue Rui in front of everyone, would she be able to swallow this?
"Can't swallow it."
Xin Liu suddenly heard Yu Shu muttering to herself and turned to look at her, "What did you say?"
Yu Shu's eyes flashed and several thoughts flashed through her mind. She put one hand on Xin Liu's shoulder and asked casually, "Half of the people have come out. Aren't you also prepared? When are you going up?"
Xin Liu scratched his head and said gloomily, "With my little weight, I'd better not join in the fun. At most, my mother will scold me when I go back."
There were many female guests like Xin Liu who had no intention of fighting for the golden jade hibiscus. Seeing that there was someone in front of them, they were even more unwilling to show their heads.
Therefore, after Xi Wen passed, everyone was still immersed in the lingering sound of the cicada. For a long time, no one dared to stand up and compete with her.
Seeing this scene, a group of nobles in the waterside pavilion exchanged a few glances and started to discuss which one was the best.
Those with sharp ears all heard that Cui Xin and Xi Wen were mentioned the most and Xi Wen was praised the most.
"At present, Wenwen is slightly better than Miss Cui." Imperial Consort Xue's gaze swept around and landed on Princess Xiang. She recalled,
"Looking at this child, I think of Fifth Sister when you were young. You were also full of vitality, mischievous and clever. You were very likable."
Princess Xiang's hand holding the tea paused and looked back at her, trying to see something from Imperial Consort Xue's beautiful face. After a moment, she smiled bitterly,
"When I was young, I was not sensible and caused a lot of trouble for Eldest Brother."
Hearing her mention the Xue family's eldest brother who passed away early, the people present just felt that there was something unusual between the two sisters. Then they heard Imperial Consort Xue's crisp laughter,
"Hehe, I digressed. Back to the main topic. Who else wants to come up and try? If there is no one, then I will betroth this golden jade hibiscus in my hand."
Hearing this, Xi Wen quietly took a step forward. She was so excited that she couldn't hold back the corner of her mouth.
But the people around were in low spirits.
Seeing this, Yu Shu secretly sneered. She didn't have time to think carefully and stepped forward —
"I still …"
However, before she could step forward, Cui Xin, who had been secretly watching her, saw her move and pushed Rui Zizhu who was standing in front of her.
Rui Zizhu reflexively took two steps forward and suddenly jumped in front of others. When she looked up and saw Yu Shu who was about to step forward, she hurriedly said,
"Me too!"
Everyone turned to look at her and whispered to each other.
Xi Wen looked at Cui Xin with a questioning look. Cui Xin moved closer to her ear and whispered a few words. Soon, Xi Wen showed a hint of schadenfreude on her face. She looked at Rui Zizhu and then at Yu Shu, and a sly smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.
Rui Zizhu instantly blushed. She quickly glanced at Yu Shu, who was covered in a misty light, and no one dared to look at her directly. She bit the tip of her tongue hard and calmed herself down before asking for instructions in the waterside pavilion,
"I have also prepared. Please allow me, Your Highnesses."
Few people present didn't recognize that she was the Empress's niece.
Noble Consort Xue narrowed her eyes and glanced at the person who was about to step forward. She curled her lips and said,
"Girl of the Rui family, what are you good at? Tell me."
"I have a story to tell." Rui Zizhu's hands hung by her side and her toes were pressed together, revealing her nervousness.
"You want to tell a story?" Noble Consort Xue looked at her in surprise. "Is it interesting?"
"Yes, it is."
"Haha," Duchess Jing laughed. "I have attended the Gentlemen's Hibiscus Banquet for more than a decade and have never seen anyone come here to tell a story. Your Highness, why not listen?"
Noble Consort Xue nodded and tilted her body toward the couch. She raised her hand and gestured around.
"All of you be quiet and listen to what she's going to say."
Rui Zizhu was, after all, the daughter of a duke. Because her back was facing Yu Shu, her initial nervousness had passed. She put on the proper bearing. She straightened her skirt, raised her head, and lowered her eyes slightly. She thought for a moment. She first organized the words that Xi Wen had taught her tonight before speaking.
"This story says that there is a city in the South where a wealthy family lives. This wealthy family has a master. After the main wife passed away, he took in a few concubines. One of them was a yiniang. Before entering the family, she was a widow. She raised a son and a daughter with great difficulty. After remarrying, because the master was kind, she brought them into the wealthy family so that they didn't have to worry about food and clothing. What I want to talk about today isn't about the widow, but the daughter that she brought into the wealthy family. "
Rui Zizhu wasn't a proper storyteller. Her opening was dull, but her voice was tender and crisp. It was pleasant to listen to. Thus, both standing and sitting, everyone listened. No one was distracted.
Yu Shu only needed to hear this opening to know that it was directed at her. She stared at Rui Zizhu for a while. Her gaze shifted and met Xi Wen's smiling face. Her eyes darkened.
"… That girl was born with a lowly life. Her father died suddenly, her mother worked hard, and her younger brother was sick and weak. With great difficulty, she entered the family of a wealthy family, but she refused to be honest. She often did those sneaky things and was caught more than once. Gradually, she was given the cold shoulder."
The people around discussed in low voices. Most of them said that the girl in the story didn't know any better.
"Once, she stole something valuable and was caught by the servants. She was sent to the old madam of the family and was punished in public. She didn't realize that she was in the wrong first and harbored a grudge against the rich family. One time, she got a chance and actually slandered the reputation of the family that raised her … Later, the rich family didn't reciprocate their kindness. Seeing that the girl was stubborn, they hardened their heart and chased her out."
Hearing this, someone in the waterside pavilion couldn't help but scold. It was Duchess Jing, who had a clear distinction between likes and dislikes.
"Well done. What a cruel and unscrupulous thing!"
Noble Consort Xue calmly advised, "Old Madam, continue listening. The story isn't finished yet."
Rui Zizhu licked her lips and continued,
"Your Highness is far-sighted. This story isn't over yet. Who would have thought that after that girl was chased out of the family, she actually had good luck? Her life was smooth sailing, and she made friends with noble people. Now, she is living a glorious life outside. And that rich family, more or less because of this girl, from then on, the family declined. In the end, they lost their flesh and blood, and ended up in ruin and dejection. They say that good and evil will be rewarded, but who would have thought that the heavens would close their eyes. "
When everyone heard her say this, they all felt that something was strange. It was still Duchess Jing who first asked,
"Hiss, Zizhu girl, from what you said, it sounds like it's true. Could it be that this isn't a made-up story, but a real person?"
"This … is indeed true. To tell the truth, Old Madam, that girl who returned kindness with ingratitude is now settling down in the capital." Rui Zizhu said in one breath. Her forehead was covered in sweat, and her mouth was dry.
A stone stirred up a thousand ripples. Everyone was shocked. Only Imperial Concubine Xue played with the pure gold fragrant handkerchief, her expression unchanged.
"Nonsense." Empress Shu frowned and asked sternly, "Are you speaking without thinking, or are you deliberately mystifying me? If there really is such a person, you better explain now. Otherwise, I will charge you with the crime of lying."
Rui Zizhu grabbed her sleeve with one hand. After a moment of hesitation, she couldn't help but look back. She glanced at the crowd and happened to meet Yu Shu's cold eyes. Her heart suddenly jumped, but she couldn't raise her hand to point it out. She could only avoid her eyes, lowered her head, and mumbled,
"I only know that the girl's fate is light and lowly. Not even one in a thousand people will appear. It is commonly known as … a dog shit life."
"Pfft." Someone couldn't help but laugh. The words "dog shit life" were too vulgar.
The atmosphere eased a little, and then there was a surprised voice —
"You said dog shit life?"
Everyone turned to look at the source of the voice, only to see a pretty young girl making a big fuss over nothing. This person was Zhan Xueyuan, who had quite a bit of conflict with Yu Shu. She was the current seventh-ranked Zan Ji of the Taicheng Department.
Empress Shu was displeased and said, "What are you shouting for?"
Zhan Xueyuan hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Please forgive me, Your Highness. I was disrespectful just now. It's really my first time as the Celestial Commissioner. A few days ago, I checked the documents and happened to see a girl with a light and lowly fate. She is the dog shit life that Miss Rui mentioned. I was surprised because this person was here tonight. "
Empress Shu's expression turned cold. She said coldly, "Who is it? Point her out."
Yu Shu folded her hands in her sleeves and looked straight ahead. A storm was brewing in the bottom of her dark eyes, waiting to be unleashed.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
