Xi Lingfeng's gaze fell on the jade flute in Agu's hand. Agu came to his senses and immediately presented the jade flute respectfully with both hands.
"Her Majesty the Crown Princess instructed me to return the Jade Flute to the Left Prime Minister, and also expressed her gratitude for his assistance."
Left Prime Minister Xi Lingfeng narrowed his eyes, a shimmering dark light bursting forth. He reached out his slender hand to take the jade flute. The jade flute was entirely emerald green, and the Left Prime Minister's slender and perfect hand complemented it perfectly. The flute was beautiful, but his hand was even more so.
Putting everything else aside, just those hands alone are captivating.
Agu sighed inwardly, thinking, "How can anyone else live with a man like this?"
No wonder so many women in Kyoto wanted to marry the Left Prime Minister; they were probably all captivated by his charm.
As for the women who wanted to marry the Crown Prince, besides his handsome appearance, a large part of them were also hoping to climb the social ladder because he was still the heir apparent of the Great Zhou Dynasty and the future emperor. As for the women who admired the Left Prime Minister, they probably truly loved him.
Agu was lost in thought when a smile appeared on the ordinary face of the Left Prime Minister Xi Lingfeng, extremely gentle, except for his pair of black eyes, which exuded ultimate allure.
He gently touched the jade flute a few times. This jade flute was his beloved possession. However, thinking of the girl standing on the high platform playing it during the day, it really suited the jade flute very well. Moreover, the tune she played was truly a rare masterpiece in the world. He had never heard of it before. This girl was becoming more and more amazing.
Thinking it over, Xi Lingfeng handed the jade flute to Agu again.
"This xiao should be given to the Crown Princess. Since ancient times, heroes have cherished beauties, and a fine zither is paired with a kindred spirit. This xiao can accompany the Crown Princess, which is also its wish fulfilled."
Chapter 52 Tokens of Affection
As the Crown Prince's personal bodyguard, Agu naturally knew that the Left Prime Minister treasured this jade flute greatly. Moreover, this jade flute was indeed a rare treasure among musical instruments, priceless. Now, he had actually given it to the Crown Princess. What did this mean? Did he have designs on the Crown Princess?
As soon as the thought crossed Agu's mind, he dismissed it and chuckled to himself.
What kind of person is the Left Prime Minister? Why would he like the Crown Princess? Perhaps the Left Prime Minister gave the Jade Flute to the Crown Princess because of the Crown Prince's reputation. That would be a reasonable explanation.
Agu acknowledged and put away the jade flute, then respectfully said, "Then this subordinate will return. The Crown Princess cannot be left unattended."
"Go."
Xi Lingfeng waved his hand, and Agu stepped back, passing by Shizhu.
Looking at Shizhu, Agu couldn't help but admire that the people under the Left Prime Minister's command were all more handsome and more capable than the last.
This young master Shizhu is no less than any noble young master in the capital. He is extremely elegant in every gesture, handsome, and exceptionally skilled.
Besides the young master Shizhu, the young lady Shimei, and the young lady Shilan, all of them are first-rate handsome men, and their skills are equally impressive.
As Agu pondered this, he walked out. When Shizhu saw the jade flute in Agu's hand, a look of surprise flashed across her face. However, when she stood in front of Xi Lingfeng, she remained unusually calm. Her master had instructed her to always maintain a calm and composed demeanor, as this was the best way to defend against enemies.
Shi Zhu respectfully reported, "Your Majesty, I have investigated. Everyone in the Cold Demon Palace has been very quiet lately. Please rest assured."
"Okay, that's good. Don't be careless."
Xi Lingfeng nodded casually, looked down at the book on the table, and after a while, seeing that Shi Zhu had not left, he looked up curiously: "What's wrong?"
"There is something I don't understand, Your Excellency. Why didn't you take back that jade flute?"
The jade flute is the master's most cherished possession. It's difficult for ordinary people to even see it, let alone lend it to anyone. They were already surprised when the master lent it out before, let alone now that he's not taking it back.
A faint smile appeared on Xi Lingfeng's lips, and the room was enveloped in a comforting glow.
He casually remarked, "Don't you think the Jade Flute is a perfect match for the Crown Princess?"
"Master?"
Shi Zhu paled. What did the master mean by this? Did he give the jade flute to the Crown Princess? This is unacceptable! That's his favorite thing!
However, before Shi Zhu could say anything more, Xi Lingfeng narrowed his eyes, a cool and intimidating dark light emanating from his pupils, causing Shi Zhu to tremble. He forgot his master's rules, which forbade him from questioning his master's words at any time, and hurriedly spoke up in a panic.
"Your subordinate deserves to die."
"Go down."
Xi Lingfeng withdrew his gaze and waved his hand.
Shi Zhu left with a sigh of relief. In the veranda in front of the door, Shi Mei was glancing at him sideways with a sneer, looking smug.
"How was it? You got a scolding from me, didn't you?"
The four of them were absolutely loyal to Xi Lingfeng, but in private they would still compete for their master's favor, throw little tantrums, and attack each other, though nothing serious.
Shi Zhu seemed not to hear Shi Mei's words and walked straight down the corridor steps without expression.
Shi Mei could tell from his expression that he was unhappy and must have been scolded. Amused, she sat down on the railing of the veranda, swinging her legs, and said smugly, "Do you want me to tell you why Master didn't take back the Jade Flute?"
Shi Zhu stopped in his tracks. He was genuinely curious as to why the master didn't take back the jade flute. Although the master said it was a perfect match for the Crown Princess, it was his beloved possession. Moreover, the master was always a cold and indifferent person; when would he ever be so kind?
"You're so stupid. The master is a germaphobe. Although he doesn't dislike women, look who he's been close to. That jade flute has been used by the Crown Princess. Do you think the master would still want it?"
"You mean the master finds that jade flute filthy?"
Shi Mei didn't speak, but her face showed an expression of "this child is teachable."
Shi Zhu thought to herself, "Is that really true? Is that really true? If that's the case, then Master could have refused to lend it in the first place. Besides, he's not exactly a kind-hearted person."
Seeing that he was still deep in thought, Shi Mei was both annoyed and amused. This fool! She ignored him and turned to leave.
As for Agu, he brought the Jade Flute back to the Qinfang Courtyard of the General's Mansion as usual.
Hai Ling was just about to rest when she heard Yan Zhi's report that Guard A Gu had returned, so she went out to see A Gu. She was surprised to find that A Gu had brought back the Jade Flute. After hearing A Gu's words, she was stunned. The Left Prime Minister Xi Lingfeng actually wanted to give her the Jade Flute. How could she accept this?
She couldn't accept a gift without merit. This priceless jade flute was too precious for her to bear. Since he wouldn't accept it for now, she would simply return it to him when she saw him again.
Hailing put away the jade flute, told Agu to leave, and went into her room to rest.