Before Song Zixing could answer, the Prince of Jin, seated at the head of the table, spoke up: "Look at my memory, I've completely forgotten to introduce you to each other."
Prince Jin rose and went to the lower seat, introducing them one by one: "This is Song Zixing, son of the Governor-General of Jiangnan and General of Annam. And this is..." Prince Jin pointed to the man in brocade robes with phoenix eyes below Song Zixing and said, "This is Li She, the third young master of the Li family of Luoyang."
Upon hearing this, Gongzi Yi appeared slightly surprised and quickly stood up, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "I have long admired your names. It is truly an honor to meet you today."
"You flatter me," Song Zixing replied.
Li She, standing to the side, cupped his hands in a fist salute and replied, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Li She? Hua Wuduo couldn't help but wonder to herself, wasn't Li She her future brother-in-law's younger brother? Her sister was to marry Li Kang, the eldest son of the Li family. She had met Li Kang before; he was a forthright and chivalrous man. He and her sister had met in the martial arts world and had experienced some ups and downs, but in the end, they fell in love and got married. Her sister had said that among the three brothers in the Li family, Li She was the most skilled in business, but he was also quite capricious and almost always did whatever he wanted.
The Li family has four sons. The eldest son, Li Kang, mainly manages the Li family's business in the north. The second daughter, Li Qin, is a true lady of high society, never leaving the house and not involved in the Li family's business operations. The third son, Li She, manages the Li family's business dealings in the entire Jiangnan region and surrounding areas. The fourth son, Li Kan, is the youngest son of the Li family, but he has now also taken over part of the Li family's business in the southwest region.
This Li She is no ordinary person. As far as she knows, Li She actually controls the Li family's biggest source of income: businesses in the Jiangnan region and nearby prefectures and counties. So, he basically controls the Li family's economic lifeline. She never expected that he would be so young.
The Prince of Jin continued, "This is Wu Qi, son of the Prince of Liang; this is Wu Yi, the second son of the Marquis of Xijing; and this is Wu Duoduo, the third daughter of the Marquis of Xijing."
The Prince of Jin introduced them one by one, and naturally, the two sides exchanged pleasantries.
Just then, three people entered through the door, chatting and laughing. The man in the lead, dressed in fine clothes and a jade belt, still exuded a heroic air. Behind him were two women, both graceful and charming, no less beautiful than Wu Duoduo in her current attire.
The man and one of the women stepped forward and bowed to the King of Jin, saying, "Your subjects greet Your Majesty."
Then, another woman said, "Song Ziyin greets Prince Jin."
Hua Wuduo saw these three people and couldn't help but secretly guess that the man should be Liu Jin, the son of the Prince of Jin, the woman should be Liu Yu, the daughter of the Prince of Jin, and the other woman was named Song Ziyin. Could she be Song Zixing's sister?
"Very well." Prince Jin stroked his beard and smiled. "Come here, you three. I will introduce you to our three distinguished guests who have just arrived."
After that, the Prince of Jin gave another introduction, and the three of them hurriedly got up to exchange insincere pleasantries with the man and two women.
While exchanging pleasantries, Hua Wuduo noticed that Song Ziyin's gaze towards Gongzi Qi was somewhat dazed. Recalling that she herself looked exactly like that when she first saw Gongzi Qi, she couldn't help but feel a little schadenfreude.
After both parties took their seats, maids brought out several plates of fruit, and the sound of string and bamboo instruments filled the air. The hall was filled with glances that secretly passed between the two people, and it seemed to become more lively with the increase in the number of people breathing in the room.
Hua Wuduo hadn't taken the occasion seriously, sitting idly to the side without saying a word; of course, it wasn't her turn to speak. Now that Song Zixing had recognized her, there was no point in pretending anymore, and in her boredom, she simply let herself be.
She picked through the fruit in the plate, then picked up the biggest, juiciest, and most tempting-looking pear. She took a bite, and with a crisp, loud crunch, she attracted the surprised gazes of the two reserved young ladies opposite her. Seeing that her actions had startled the two ladies, Hua Wuduo paused slightly in her pear-biting motion. Then she saw that the two ladies opposite her had both politely turned their gazes away. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly and swallowed the pear hastily. Then, she took another bite, and there was another crisp crunch. Hua Wuduo's heart skipped a beat. This time, the two young ladies opposite her looked at her with a more complicated expression. Hua Wuduo couldn't help but feel annoyed. Looking at the pear in her hand that she had already taken two bites of, she wanted to throw it away but was too embarrassed to do so. She probably had no choice but to eat it. However, the pear was particularly crisp and juicy. Every bite she took was accompanied by a crunch. She gritted her teeth and endured the pressure of being stared at by the two young ladies opposite her. She insisted on taking a few small bites, but found that eating like this was too tiring. Later, she simply made up her mind, lowered her eyes and brows, and did not look at anyone in the hall. She focused on eating the pear.
It had been so long since I'd tasted such juicy, crisp, and sweet pears. Thinking of her arduous journey, enduring wind and rain, and even personally helping the poor, she'd almost gone hungry along the way. Where would she find the money to buy pears? Besides, the people around here were living in poverty; they probably couldn't even find pears like these. Thinking this, I felt rather aggrieved, so I ate even more recklessly.
Then, what could be heard in the main hall was what sounded like a mouse scurrying about in a corner, making frequent, unrestrained smacking noises...smacking...smacking...
Prince Yi and others were discussing the Phoenix Boat Race with the Prince of Jin.
Just then, the Prince of Jin said, "There is still some time before the Phoenix Boat Race, gentlemen..." Click... The Prince of Jin turned his head.
Gongzi Qi calmly replied, "We three have been quite a bother, Your Highness. Please forgive us." *Click*
Liu Jin smiled and said, "Young Master Qi is too kind. You've been too kind. My father and I are very happy that you all came as promised." Click... Liu Jin couldn't help but glance at Hua Wuduo.
Li She, who had been silent until now, suddenly said, "The supplies needed for the Phoenix Boat Race will arrive in three days." Click... Li She raised an eyebrow.
Then Liu Jin said, "Thank you, Brother Li, for your great help. The Phoenix Boat Race was able to proceed smoothly thanks to Brother Li's efforts in procuring supplies." Click... Liu Jin couldn't help but glance at Hua Wuduo again.
At this moment, Song Zixing said, "Every year, the opening ceremony of the Phoenix Boat Race is performed by the noble children of our dynasty. I wonder what this year will be like..." Song Zixing's gaze intentionally or unintentionally swept towards Hua Wuduo, and then there were two crisp sounds, "Crack, crack..." (just those two cracks). Song Zixing couldn't help but chuckle.
Upon hearing this, Gongzi Yi smiled and said, "I've long heard of Princess Jiang Yu's many talents. This year, I came all the way from the capital specifically to hear her sing a song at the Phoenix Boat Race." Gongzi Yi's face was beaming, and his eyes were filled with affection as he looked at Princess Jiang Yu, Liu Yu, across from him, until Liu Yu blushed and lowered her head. *Snap...* This was the crispest and loudest sound.
After a short while, Hua Wuduo finally finished eating the pear and put down the core. Suddenly, a servant behind the curtain in the main hall let out a long sigh, as if a heart that had been held in suspense had finally been put down. Hua Wuduo turned his head upon hearing this.
The pears were finally finished, and the hall seemed to quiet down considerably.
At this moment, Li She said, "Are the pears delicious? These pears were specially transported from Jiangnan to Jiangling by my men."
Hua Wuduo laughed upon hearing this, "It's delicious, but it's so noisy when you eat it, it's really annoying." So it was she who was annoyed?!
***********************
Li She smiled and said, "It's not your fault, nor is it Li's fault."
"Oh?" Hua Wuduo said, "What you said is quite interesting, but since it's all correct, why should I be troubled?"
Li She smiled slyly and said, "The eater may be unaware of the danger, but the listener may take it to heart."
Hua Wuduo smiled knowingly and said nothing more.
The two men were speaking with hidden meanings, which others understood but none of them showed any emotion.
The Prince of Jin, seated at the head of the table, then spoke up: “The three distinguished guests have come from afar and must be tired by now. Jin, please take the three distinguished guests to rest first.”
"Yes, Father," Liu Jin said, rising to his feet.
The Prince of Jin added, "Later, I will host a banquet to welcome you all, distinguished guests who have come from afar. I cordially invite the three of you to attend."
Gongzi Qi rose and bowed, saying, "Your Highness is too kind. The three of us will certainly arrive at the banquet on time."
Gongzi Yi also stood up and bowed to express his gratitude, saying, "Your Highness has been so hospitable to the three of us. We are extremely grateful. Wu Yi and my younger sister thank Your Highness for your kindness."
Hua Wuduo quickly stood up to express his gratitude.
Liu Jin stepped forward and said with a smile, "You two are too kind. Please follow me." Liu Jin stepped aside and politely declined.
"I'm sorry to trouble you, Young Master Jin," said Young Master Qi.
"Please," Liu Jin said.
The three of them followed Liu Jin out of the hall.
Gongzi Yi and Gongzi Qi were both assigned to guest rooms on the east side of the palace. Hua Wuduo, being a woman, was not originally in a position to share a room with them. However, Gongzi Yi made an excuse, saying that his younger sister, Wu Duoduo, was traveling far from home for the first time and would be afraid to be alone in an unfamiliar place. As her older brother, he wanted to take care of her. So, Hua Wuduo was also assigned to the east wing, but in the room opposite Gongzi Qi and Gongzi Yi.
At three quarters past the hour of You (5:45 PM), the setting sun cast its golden rays.
The Prince of Jin sent someone to invite the three of them. They were already prepared, so they went to the front hall with the messenger.
When the three entered the hall, there were already many people inside. Judging from their attire, most of them were officials from the Jiangling area. Upon seeing the three of them enter the hall, they inevitably engaged in another round of insincere pleasantries.
After exchanging pleasantries, they took their seats in turn, led by the servants. Gongzi Qi sat next to Song Ziyin, while Hua Wuduo sat next to Li She.
Liu Jin and his sister Liu Yu sat together below the Prince of Jin, with Song Zixing beside Liu Yu. At this moment, Liu Yu's cheeks were flushed, and her demeanor was slightly reserved. Song Ziyin was the same; ever since Gongzi Qi sat down next to her, she hadn't raised her head once.
As soon as Hua Wuduo sat down, he casually picked up a grape in front of him, peeled it, and put it in his mouth. Seeing Li She looking at him from the side, he raised an eyebrow and said, "No sound, very delicious." Li She smiled.
The crowd didn't have to wait long before music began, and dancers gracefully entered, accompanied by singing, dancing, and the banquet commenced.
Fine wines and delicacies were laid out on the table one after another. Prince Jin first raised his wine cup and delivered a heartfelt welcome speech to the crowd below. Everyone raised their cups in gratitude. Hua Wuduo's arm ached from raising his cup so many times. Looking at the table full of fine wines and delicacies, he suddenly thought of the starving people he had encountered near Jiangling along the way, and sighed inwardly.
During the banquet, everyone was busy talking and socializing, but Hua Wuduo kept her head down and ate. She ate this and that, and after finishing her own food, she would eat Gongzi Yi's. She gave Gongzi Yi all the food she didn't like, and took all the food she liked to eat herself. Gongzi Yi saw this but didn't say anything and let her eat.
After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere in the main hall became lively. Flattery and sycophancy were rampant, and Hua Wuduo was thoroughly fed up. Just as he was about to get up, he heard Li She beside him say, "You really can eat."
Before Hua Wuduo could answer, Gongzi Yi beside him said, "Brother Li, please forgive my gluttony." With that one sentence, Hua Wuduo was destined to be accused of being a glutton.
Hua Wuduo frowned but did not refute, only saying, "It's really stuffy here, I want to go out for a walk."
Gongzi Yi said insincerely, "Sister, you're not familiar with the Prince of Jin's residence, and it's dark at night. Have a maid accompany you so you don't get lost."
"Oh," Hua Wuduo replied perfunctorily. No matter how large the Prince of Jin's mansion was, or how dark the night, she would never get lost.
Upon hearing this, Gongzi Yi smiled and said to Li She, "My sister is just like that, she has no respect for elders. I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Brother Li. Come, Brother Li, let's drink this cup together, please."
At this moment, Li She also raised his cup and said, "Please."
Hua Wuduo rolled her eyes at him. Alright, she'd already made herself a laughingstock twice tonight. Gongzi Yi saw her glare but pretended not to notice.
At this moment, everyone in the hall was discussing the Phoenix Boat Race. Just as Hua Wuduo was about to get up, he heard Prince Jin suddenly sigh heavily, and he subconsciously stopped moving.
Someone immediately asked obsequiously, "Your Highness, why are you sighing like this? Is there anything troubling you? We are here to help you."
The Prince of Jin sighed heavily again, saying, "Every year, the opening ceremony of the Phoenix Boat Race is performed by the noble daughters of our imperial family." Upon hearing this, Hua Wuduo thought to himself: Why does this sound so familiar? Then he heard the Prince of Jin say, "This year, it should be my daughter, Yu'er, who is performing. Unfortunately, Yu'er has been unwell recently, and her voice has broken. The doctor says she won't recover for at least half a month. With the Phoenix Boat Race approaching, alas... what should we do!" The Prince of Jin sighed repeatedly after speaking.
She was perfectly fine this afternoon, how could her voice break in such a short time? Hua Wuduo suddenly had a bad feeling when she thought about her current situation. She turned to look at Liu Yu, who was sitting in the seat above her. She saw that Liu Yu was still shyly looking down and did not say anything. She didn't know if she was really sick or pretending. Just then, she suddenly saw Song Zixing looking at her. Song Zixing raised his wine glass to her and smiled... That smile made Hua Wuduo's heart skip a beat.
At this moment, someone said, "Your Highness need not worry. Although it is quite a pity that Princess Jiang Yu cannot perform on stage, there is someone who can replace her." The person glanced at Hua Wuduo. He had been introduced as Zhang Fengwei, the governor of Jiangling, when he entered the hall.
At this moment, someone else chimed in, "Indeed, why should Prince Jin worry? Miss Duoduo is the daughter of the Marquis of Xijing, a true member of the royal family. If Miss Duoduo is willing to perform on stage, Your Highness's troubles will be easily resolved."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
At this moment, Song Zixing said, "The Third Miss of the Marquis of Xijing has a voice as beautiful as a nightingale singing in a valley. Her singing must be very melodious. If the Third Miss is willing to perform on stage, it will not only solve the problem of the Phoenix Boat Race, but also relieve the Prince's troubles."
Hua Wuduo was about to retort, but was secretly silenced by Gongzi Yi.
At this moment, Gongzi Qi said, "I am deeply grateful for the Prince's kindness and the esteemed officials' support. Since Princess Jiang Yu is unable to perform the opening ceremony due to illness, it would be my sister's good fortune to be able to do it in her place. How could I refuse?" Wu Duoduo was Gongzi Qi's cousin, whom he referred to as "my sister" to outsiders.
While Gongzi Qi was speaking, Gongzi Yi whispered to Hua Wuduo, "Don't worry."
Hua Wuduo was taken aback upon hearing this, wondering what Gongzi Yi and Gongzi Qi were up to, so he remained silent.
At this moment, Song Zixing asked, "What does Miss San herself think?"
Hua Wuduo immediately replied, "I will obey my elder brother's orders."
Upon hearing this, the Prince of Jin laughed and said, "Excellent!"
Everyone laughed and praised Hua Wuduo.
Hua Wuduo responded with a forced, insincere smile and humility.
The commotion had finally subsided temporarily, and Hua Wuduo, unable to stay any longer, got up and left the main hall. Suddenly feeling the urge to urinate, he asked the maidservant who was bringing wine into the hall, "Where is the latrine?"
The maid seemed surprised that she would ask so directly. She paused for a moment before saying shyly, "Miss, please go north, turn the corner and keep going straight. There is a signpost ahead."
Hua Wuduo nodded and walked straight north. After walking for a while, he turned a corner and saw two signposts at the intersection ahead. Upon closer inspection, the left sign read "Male" and the right sign read "Female." Hua Wuduo immediately understood and turned right.
The latrine in the Prince of Jin's mansion was very clean and spacious. It was divided into two rooms, an outer room and an inner room. Two maids served the guests in the outer room, helping them change clothes and apply incense. The inner room was where they could relieve themselves. It seemed that this was specially prepared for the distinguished guests who came to the mansion.
After she relieved herself, a maid brought her a basin of water to wash her hands, and another maid came forward to fumigate her with incense. After she finished tidying up, she was about to leave when someone came in. She looked up and saw that it was Liu Yu. The two nodded to each other but did not say much. Hua Wuduo then left the latrine.
As they reached the intersection, a night breeze brushed past their faces, and Hua Wuduo vaguely heard someone say from not far away, "No need to help me up, step back." It was Song Zixing's voice.
"Yes," the servant of the Prince's mansion replied.
Hua Wuduo frowned upon hearing the sound. What a small world! He had run into him here. He had only taken a few steps forward when he suddenly remembered something and turned back to look at the signpost.
A moment later, Liu Yu's scream came from inside the latrine: "Young Master Song! You...you..."
Hidden in the shadows, Hua Wuduo chuckled inwardly upon hearing the sound. Liu Yu must have already come out of the inner restroom and bumped into Turtle Star. Judging from her voice, she didn't sound sick at all; it was indeed a lie. Hua Wuduo snorted coldly, quickly emerged from the shadows to retrieve the signpost, and then sped away.
No sooner had Hua Wuduo left than Song Zixing, still drunk, rushed out of the outhouse. Now mostly sober, he hurried to the signpost and examined it closely, wondering to himself: Could it be that I really did see it wrong? But it seems…
Song Zixing reached out and replaced the signpost.
Inside the main hall, cups and plates were scattered everywhere, and everyone was seven or eight parts drunk, making a complete fool of themselves.
Just after Hua Wuduo left, Li She and Gongzi Yi toasted each other with a few cups of wine.
Slightly drunk, Gongzi Yi said, "My sister has a weakness."