Chapter 135
The next day, Xia Muyun took Xia Yuqing into the palace with anxiety . After experiencing the hunt, many Da Rens who had been watching the fire from the other side all stepped forward one by one . They all wanted to build up a relationship with this future son-in-law .
Feng Tingye has been living in the court for a long time . This kind of thing was seen by him quite frequently, no less than Xia Mingyuan and the others . At this critical moment, he once again played his long-sleeved good person card . He greeted each visitor with a smile, which made everyone happy .
Xia Yuqing watched silently from the side . Her eyes slowly filled with sympathy for these people, this group of poor people . Don’t look at the Ultra Seme Lord being so enthusiastic about you, the Ultra Seme Lord will probably forget who you are in the blink of an eye . After all, a person who can’t even recognize faces, how long can you expect the Ultra Seme Lord to remember you? Silence~
“Little…little Gong Zi, you are here too!” Just when Feng Tingye was a little annoyed by this group of people, their savior finally appeared .
Xia Mingxi, who hasn’t appeared for a long time because of his face injury, was completely healed and able to see people again . As soon as he saw Xia Yuqing, he acted as if he had found his buddy . Regardless of the usual pretensions, he walked quickly to Xia Yuqing’s side and gave her a warm greeting .
“…” At this moment, the officials who were paying attention to Xia Yuqing were bright again .
Unexpectedly… unexpectedly, this little Gong Zi not only has a close relationship with the Eldest Prince and the Third Princess, but even the Second Prince, who was the most individualistic and impartial, treated him so differently . If this person can really become the emperor’s son-in-law, his position in the future…
Now, the other officials who had no intention of making friends with Xia Yuqing were moved . But the fact is…
“Second Royal Brother, you are finally all right, let me see . ” Xia Yuqing stretched out her hand and wanted to greet Xia Mingxi .
Xia Mingxi originally grasping Xia Yuqing’s wrist, suddenly felt a cold look behind his back . He took two steps back reflexively, then faced the warning glance from Feng Tingye’s eyes: “…”
“What’s wrong?” Xia Yuqing didn’t notice anything .
Xia Mingxi said with a dry smile: “We are in court now, we need to pay attention . ”
Little Royal Sister, it’s not that your brother doesn’t want to be close to you, it is the plague god behind you who is too cruel . He had no doubt that if he dared to take a half step closer to her, that plague god will surely beat himself up again until he cannot see people for another half month! So for the sake of your Royal Brother’s safety, please accept this grievance .
“Oh…” Xia Yuqing then remembered that they were under everyone’s watch at the moment . They really can’t overdo it too much, but it’s so boring to be so restrained!
Fortunately, Xia Yuqing’s boredom was only temporary . This was because the main characters of the banquet soon appeared under her eager anticipation .
“The emperor has arrived, the imperial concubine has arrived . ” The shrill voice spread across every corner of the hall .
The people who were still talking were all quiet at once . Xia Yuqing was surprised to find that the faces of Xia Muyun and Xia Mingyuan all sank after hearing the sound of the announcement .
Who made them look so solemn? The emperor? The imperial concubine? She has already seen her cheap daddy, and they did not change their faces because of his appearance, so… is it the imperial concubine?
“Mm, this imperial concubine…” Xia Yuqing carefully pulled Feng Tingye’s sleeve, a little curious .
“Ai Fei has lived in the inner courtyard for such a long time, but doesn’t even know who the most favored person in the Xia Country Palace is?”
Feng Tingye’s words were teasing her . When Xia Yuqing heard it, she did not lose her cool like before . Instead, she gave him an angry look .
Feng Tingye couldn’t help but smile: “The most beloved woman in the harem of Xia Country, the most noble woman besides the empress of Xia Country, is the only woman who can be called the imperial concubine, the Royal Concubine Tuoba . She is the biological mother of the Fourth Royal Prince . ”
“Fourth Royal Brother’s biological mother?” Xia Yuqing gasped . No wonder the faces of the people with Xia Mingyuan were so ugly . This person is their rival’s mother, their royal mother’s rival!”
“Everyone rise . ” After the two’s discussion, Xia Haotian and the imperial concubine had already sat down at the main seat .
When Xia Yuqing raised her head slightly, she could see the face of this so-called Xia Country’s harem’s most beloved woman . The Royal Concubine was in her early forties, but she looked barely over thirty . She was very well maintained . At first sight, Xia Yuqing could immediately understand why Xia Mingxuan had such an overwhelming appearance .
Xia Yuqing glanced at the imperial concubine, then at Xia Mingyuan, who was sitting not far away from the imperial concubine . She had to admit that Xia Mingxuan’s face had inherited his mother’s appearance . She had a bewitching appearance . It was the ultimate perfect standard for a stunning beauty . This look, no wonder she could get such deferential treatment in the harem .
The love of three thousand concubines given to one, this woman deserved it .
“This is the person whom the Third Princess likes? Feng Gong Zi?” As soon as Xia Yuqing finished looking at the imperial concubine, the woman who was sitting in the main seat smiled and moved her gaze towards her .
“Yes, Royal Mother, it is him . ” Xia Muyun pulled Xia Yuqing and smiled at the imperial concubine . However, Xia Yuqing being the nearest to her, could feel Xia Muyun’s hostility towards the imperial concubine because…
Her hand held by Xia Muyun hurt! Please let go!
The imperial concubine looked up and down at Xia Yuqing, then a faint smile floated on her face: “Gong Zi is young and has extraordinary skills, he can even spot an assassin in such a chaotic situation . Moreover, he was able to rescue his Royal Highness, he really is young and promising . However, this Gong Zi looks like he is a little smaller than the princess, a bit shorter . ”
Everyone was startled upon hearing this, they all turned their eyes to the two of them . If the imperial concubine did not mention it, then it would be okay . But, now everyone has discovered this fact .
Xia Yuqing had a beautiful face . Although she wore men’s clothing, she was still a female . Thus, she still had a little bit of immaturity on her face . In addition, being a girl, naturally it was impossible to be as tall as a man . Xia Muyun was also an unusually tall girl, so it seems to be an elder sister, younger brother love .
The faces of Xia Muyun and Xia Mingyuan changed slightly, but Xia Yuqing looked at the inquiring gazes of the people without changing her face . She turned to look at the imperial concubine, neither humble nor overbearing, she stated: “Niang Niang, age is not a problem and height is just a distance . Although this Cao Min* was born humble and is young, Cao Min understands what it means to be faithful unto death . This Cao Min and the princess love each other sincerely . Thus, we don’t mind what Niang Niang had just said . Although Cao Min has no ability to give the princess what she wants, in the future, this Cao Min will definitely strive to become an arm that the princess can rely on and give the princess the happiness she wants . ”
* regular folk
Hmph little guy, this sister is from the modern times and has watched countless sappy soap operas . The sweet words of these youths is like a piece of cake for this young master .
“You…” Xia Muyun’s mouth twitched slightly, but she had to respond to Xia Yuqing with an affectionate gesture . Her face that couldn’t laugh or cry, was holding back her internal injuries .
Xia Mingyuan was also taken aback for a moment . Afterwards, they all smiled and stifled in their laugh with great difficulty . Even Feng Tingye couldn’t help but want to laugh . He didn’t expect Ai Fei to speak such sweet words without any ambiguity . Maybe if he can choose a good time and place, he could let her tell him all these sweet words, such as… in bed…
“The emotions between the princess and Gong Zi is so moving, it is really enviable . ”
“Yes, yes, Gong Zi really is dedicated to the Third Princess . It’s sturdiness is comparable to gold . It’s really rare . ”
“Yes…”
Xia Yuqing’s words won her countless praises, but the subtext contained in this made the concubine’s expression a little bit ugly .
They don’t mind? This was a mockery of her being nosy . They don’t care themselves, why should their unrelated Royal Mother care? This must have been taught to him by that annoying Third Princess .
The imperial concubine bit her lip . She felt annoyed in her heart, but her face was still tender . She turned her head and smiled at Xia Haotian, “Your Highness, it seems that the Third Princess does have a relation with this Gong Zi . Seeing this, a happy occasion must be coming up for the Third Princess (hinting there might be a wedding soon) . ”
Xia Haotian nodded indifferently . Still counting it as having responded to her words, the imperial concubine seemed to have gotten used to his lackluster responses and was fine with it . She knew how to advance and retreat . She proceeded to ask: “I heard that the Gong Zi is excellent in riding and shooting, I don’t know where you have learned it from?”
Xia Yuqing shook her head: “Cao Min is not talented, I have only practiced for a period of time . So Cao Min can be considered as self taught . ”
This is the truth . A modern person, apart from Cui Er’s instructions at the beginning, she hasn’t even entered the apprenticeship of anyone . Thinking like this, she really must be a genius, hahaha…
“…” Royal Sister, this kind of lie, aren’t you afraid of having your tongue fall off? Xia Mingyuan and Xia Muyun, who had seen Xia Yuqing’s shooting skills, were embarrassed at the same time .
Xia Yuqing thought that she had given the perfect answer, but she didn’t know that these words falling into the ears of the imperial concubine sounded differently . This kid is deliberately embarrassing herself, deliberately perfuncting her . After all, no one who is good at riding and shooting would dare to say that they learned it themselves . She can only blame herself for hearing rumours and not actually witnessing Xia Yuqing’s skills with her own eyes . Otherwise she wouldn’t think so, that’s how the misunderstanding was planted!
The smile on the royal concubine’s face froze for a moment, then quickly recovered: “So, Gong Zi is this talented! Besides riding and shooting, what other strengths does Gong Zi have?”
“Other strengths?” Xia Yuqing pondered for a moment . Xia Mingyuan and the rest glanced at each other, suddenly having a bad feeling .
Sure enough, Xia Yuqing thought for a moment, then her eyes suddenly brightened . She shyly said: “Cao Min…Cao Min’s zither skills are pretty good . ”
“!” Xia Mingyuan and the other people familiar with the power of Xia Yuqing’s zither sound unanimously trembled . They almost spilled a glass of fine wine . One by one, they looked like ghosts . Their eyes widened as they looked at Xia Yuqing in amazement .
Xia Haotian was also taken aback, obviously surprised that Xia Yuqing could play the zither . However, Xia Mingxuan was a little expectant . He was looking forward to what kind of surprise Xia Yuqing would bring him .
Feng Tingye had an unpredictable smile on his face . He was not prepared to intervene at all . His eyes silently swept across the pale faces of the few people . The smile in his eyes deepened .
The imperial concubine raised her lips and smiled: “Unexpectedly, the young man is skilled in literary arts and martial arts, excellent in riding and shooting, he can also play the zither . Since everyone is happy today, how about Gong Zi playing an impromptu song to open our eyes?”
“Royal Mother, Gong Zi is young and has little knowledge, how can his zither skill be compared with the zither master of the palace? Moreover, with so many ministers here today, Gong Zi will inevitably be timid and it will influence his performance…” Xia Mingyuan trembled . He stood up wanting to prevent disaster from happening .
Unexpectedly, the more he spoke, the more the imperial concubine wanted to see if Xia Yuqing’s zither skills were all a bluff, or whether he was skilled .
Therefore, before Xia Mingyuan finished speaking, he was interrupted by the imperial concubine .
“Your Royal Highness, today, all the civil and military officials are here, the emperor is also here . Is the Eldest Prince preparing…to ruin the mood?”
“…” Xia Mingyuan was speechless . The imperial concubine, this evil enchantress, you are wrong . This prince is thinking of saving you, who knew she would turn around and bite the good person . If something happens later, you must not blame this prince!
The imperial concubine saw that Xia Mingyuan stopped speaking, her lips twitched . She turned to Xia Yuqing and smiled: “Gong Zi, would you like to play a song for us?”
Xia Yuqing under everyone’s expectations, curiosity, panic, or gloating gaze pondered for a moment, then turned her head to look at Xia Muyun . She asked, “Third Princess, do you know how to play the flute*?”
* play the flute – Chu Xiao
As soon as she finished speaking, Xia Yuqing was stunned . Chu Xiao*, Chu Xiao, Chu Xiao! It really isn’t pure anymore, how can she say such things casually!
* chu is blow, xiao is the flute; putting it together it also means in slang blow Job
Xia Muyun was startled: “Umm… just a little bit . ”
When she was a child, she had studied with a musician for a day or two, although the musician had vomited blood with anger after two days… the musician was never seen again in the palace . But putting that aside, she was still able to do a bit .
“It will be fine . ” Xia Yuqing’s eyes lit up . She turned to the imperial concubine and smiled: “Niang Niang, a solo performance is too monotonous . Cao Min dare to ask, can this princess and Cao Min play the song “Swordsman*? Niang Niang please allow Cao Min to go prepare with the princess first . ”
* this is a popular tv series; she’s talking about a song from there
“Swordsman? This name sounds unique . Your Majesty, what do you think?” The imperial consort turned her head to ask Xia Haotian .
Xia Haotian took a deep look at the two of them: “Permitted . ”
So, Xia Yuqing took Xia Muyun and several Ya Tou guards, under the sad eyes of Xia Mingyuan, to prepare .
“Hmph, that old witch wanted to make Little Royal Sister a joke? Fortunately, she didn’t expect that Little Royal Sister has such a skilled tongue . Hehe, Royal Sister, your zither skills should be pretty good right?” Xia Muyun walked to a position where everyone could not see and immediately lowered her voice to ask .
“Um… just so-so . Everyone who has heard it said it was good, so it should be good . ” Xia Yuqing recalled the results of the previous performances, which was barely satisfactory .
“People who have heard it say it’s good, then it should be pretty good . ” Xia Muyun touched her chin and made a conclusion .
Cui Er and the others who followed, heard the words and almost slipped . The corners of their mouths twitched . It was pretty good, they suffered countless deaths and injuries each time . Every time after listening to Niang Niang’s performance, many people’s outlook on life would undergo earth-shaking changes, which is not a…bad thing .
“Then I can feel rest assured, my skills are not very good . Please forgive me . What did you just say “Swordsman”, I have never heard of it, what about the score? Show it to me for a few moments and I’ll try to get it together last-minute . ”
“Ah, score? No score…”
“…No score?” Xia Muyun was startled, and continued, “No score? Then give me a few hums to let me find the tune . ”
Xia Yuqing stretched out her hand and scratched her cheek . She said with a silly smile: “Uh, I don’t know how to hum, but it doesn’t matter . I always play the zither improvised, you can also improvise . I believe that with our skills, we will be able to achieve unity of mind and spirit . Free and easy, just like the swordsman, there will be a sense of freedom of wandering around the world . ”
Xia Mingxi, who followed Xia Yuqing out, almost choked to death by his own saliva . He looked at Xia Yuqing’s back then looked up to the sky and sighed . If Mr . Jin Yong* knew that one of his masterpieces had been misinterpreted like this, he wouldn’t know if he would find a piece of white jade tofu and hit himself to death .
* the author of the swordsman
“…” No score, no tune, everything dependent on improvisation, and it’s a duet? Are you f**king kidding me? !
When Xia Muyun was struck hard with these words, she didn’t know what to say . Then, she felt a shoulder tap .
Turning her head, she saw Leng Ruofeng poking her shoulders with his finger . He turned his head and said coldly: “Come here, I have something for you . ”
Xia Muyun was taken aback again, something for herself? This man who hasn’t even said a few words to herself has something for her? Could it be something… like a token of love?
Xia Muyun’s small face blushed . When she was lost in her madness, she quickly followed suit .
Leng Ruofeng led Xia Muyun to a remote place . Instead of facing each other, he stretched out his hand to Xia Muyun’s face .
“!” What does he want to do? Does he want to touch her face? Or does he want to kiss herself? Although she didn’t mind, but…but isn’t it too fast? She… She is not mentally prepared yet!
Xia Muyun closed her eyes . Her face couldn’t stop raising a happy smile, but after waiting for a while, someone didn’t touch her . Someone was somewhat puzzled: “What are you doing with your eyes closed?”
“Huh?” Xia Muyun opened her eyes, only to find that Leng Ruofeng’s hand was stretched out in front of her . There were two small cotton balls lying in the palm of his hand: “Take it and plug your ears . ”
“This is what you’re giving me?” Xia Muyun stared at the two balls of cotton .
“En . ”
“…” Holding ear plugs? What is this saying? Also, under normal circumstances, would a man carry cotton balls with him?
Xia Muyun twitched . She put the two balls of cotton into her palm, then Leng Ruofeng said: “There is no score, just improvise with your ears blocked . You don’t have to worry about what Niang Niang plays . ”
“…” Improvise? No regard to how the other party plays? Can this still be called a duet?
Leng Ruofeng planned to leave after saying this, but just as he was about to take a step, he seemed to think of something again . He paused, turned his head and stretched out his hand to pat Xia Muyun’s shoulder . He uttered two words with difficulty: “Take care . ”
” …… ” What kind of thing actually caused the facial paralysis, Leng Ruofeng, to express this emotion? Why does she see pity in his eyes? Why does she suddenly feel a strong ominous premonition? Is something bad going to happen?
“Third Royal Sister, the time is almost here, we should go up . ”
“…” Is it too late for me to back out now