"Speak." Emperor Zhou also felt that the palace banquet was a bit dull. Although there was wine and meat, and laughter and conversation, there was always a sense of oppression. If there was something that could lighten the mood, it wouldn't be bad!
"Father, the songs and dances in the palace come and go, and I'm getting a little tired of them. How about this? There happen to be several young ladies in this hall. I'd like to humbly invite them to come up and perform, whether it's singing, dancing, calligraphy, painting, music, or chess. What do you think? This is my third brother's welcoming banquet. It would be even better if they could enjoy it more!"
Huangfu Xuan listened with a deep look in his eyes, wondering what he was planning to do! He certainly didn't have the leisure for such things!
As Emperor Zhou listened, he looked at the people at the table. Those who had come to attend the palace banquet were only daughters of high-ranking officials and nobles or newlywed wives.
However, it wouldn't be unreasonable to let these unmarried women perform, so that the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and Consort Yun could also see them. This way, they could later find wives for their sons.
Although they have not been granted the title of king, they have all come of age.
Aside from the sixth prince's unruly nature, the second and third princes are already quite old, so it's time to find them virtuous wives!
The women on the field, upon hearing that they would be performing songs and dances, were eager to try and filled with anticipation. To be honest, everyone on the field was exceptional: King Yiyun of the Western Regions, the Second Prince Huangfu Ting, the Third Prince Huangfu Xuan, the Sixth Prince Huangfu Yu, the Heir Apparent of the Prince of Zhenbei, Beigong Minhao, the Heir Apparent of the Southern Prince, General Ji Tiankui, as well as Bei Juefeng and Bei Luojun from the Right Prime Minister's Mansion, General Ma and his son Ma Rui, etc. All of these people were rising stars of the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty. It would be great to marry such nobles.
Although some men are already married, which man doesn't have multiple wives and concubines? Marrying into such a high-ranking family is already quite an achievement! In the eyes of these ladies from wealthy families, sometimes a concubine from a high-ranking family is more glamorous than a wife from a poor family! A concubine can be elevated to the position of principal wife, while a woman who marries into a poor family will likely remain poor forever!
Ji Wushang glanced around, seeing the young ladies of these officials all vying for power, and sighed softly. Fortunately, she had already won over one man's heart, and Nan Xuzong had promised her he would not take a concubine, which put her at ease.
Looking around, Ji Wushang was startled when his eyes met those of his second cousin, Bei Luojun. He hadn't even noticed them there! Sigh, since marrying Nan Xucong, he hadn't really visited the Right Prime Minister's residence much.
Bei Luojun looked into her eyes and grinned. She was already happy, so he was relieved! When he first thought of proposing to her, it was only to give her happiness. Now, seeing her and the Prince of Nan so loving, all his worries were unnecessary, and he should wish her well.
Or perhaps there is a love in one's heart, but that is all in the past, and one will keep that love in one's heart and not touch it.
Ji Wushang looked at him, smiled, and then looked at Bei Juefeng beside him.
Bei Juefeng nodded amicably. He had seen the exchange of glances between the two earlier, and he felt relieved. It was a good thing that his second brother was able to see things clearly.
It's time for his parents to arrange a marriage for him with a beautiful and virtuous wife.
Sitting next to Bei Juefeng was the Seventh Princess, Mo Qiqi. Mo Qiqi was beautiful and sat quietly to the side, smiling at Ji Wushang, who smiled back.
Ji Wushang looked at the Right Prime Minister. Although the Right Prime Minister had a gray beard, he was still in good spirits. Since his maternal grandmother died and the incident involving Su Meier in the mansion occurred, the Right Prime Minister had not taken any concubines. He devoted himself to official duties, paving the way for Bei Juefeng and Bei Luojun in the court. Therefore, the two were able to attend the palace banquet here.
The Right Chancellor of the North looked at Ji Wushang, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes relaxed slightly. His granddaughter had indeed become quite accomplished. The scene of her speaking with the Third Prince just now had impressed him. To be able to speak with the Third Prince so calmly and composedly, she must be an extraordinary person!
Luo'er, you can rest in peace now.
The Right Chancellor of the North raised his wine cup, but Ji Wushang immediately raised his own cup, gesturing to him to toast his maternal grandfather, his eyes conveying a message before he drank the wine.
The Right Chancellor of the North nodded solemnly and finished his wine.
Seeing the women eager to try, Emperor Zhou decided to waste no more time. "Very well. Since no one has any objections, all the ladies who wish to come forward and perform will be rewarded!"
Everyone nodded and whispered among themselves, agreeing that this was indeed a great opportunity.
Every unmarried young lady wanted to go forward and perform, but due to the reserve of a well-bred lady, she hesitated and made many excuses.
"Don't you like the King of the Western Regions? Go and perform for him, he's watching from over there!"
"What are you saying! Don't ruin my reputation like this!"
"Don't you also like the Second Prince? Why don't you go?"
"Um, I... Dear sister, please don't tease me like that!"
...
Ji Wushang listened speechlessly. Such a discussion, and even talking about ruining a young lady's reputation, so blatant, and saying such shameless things in front of so many men, it was truly astonishing.
I have a particular fondness for someone, but because of worldly concerns, I dare not express my true feelings. I don't know if this is a tragedy or something else entirely.
Huangfu Lan looked at those people, sighed softly, and shook her head.
But Huangfu Ting said loudly, "Seventh Princess, look, none of the young ladies from prominent families are thinking of competing with you for the first chance to perform. Why don't you hurry up and seize the opportunity?"
Huangfu Lan frowned as she listened. She hadn't meant it that way, yet he said it like that. Wasn't he pointing a gun at her? He was just trying to make her his pawn. Was it really necessary to go to such lengths?
"Second brother knows perfectly well that Lan'er has only learned a little bit and knows a few words. How can she compare to the young ladies from prominent families?" Huangfu Lan belittled herself and praised others too much. This way, she could not only escape this performance but also win the favor of those young ladies from prominent families.
However, the Empress had other plans. She knew Huangfu Ting's thoughts well; he must have his reasons for doing this. As his mother, how could she not help him? Therefore, she said, "Ting'er is right. Lan'er, why don't you go forward and perform a good dance to set a good example so that the young ladies from noble families won't be so reserved?" As she spoke, her eyes drifted to the Empress Dowager, "The Empress Dowager and I haven't seen you dance in a long time, and we'd like to see you dance."
Huangfu Lan pouted. The Empress's words not only expressed her wishes but also invoked the Empress Dowager's name. What reason did she have to refuse? Besides, the Empress was her own mother…
Fine, let's see how the second prince is!
"Then I'll make a fool of myself!" Huangfu Lan stepped forward and bowed, and everyone nodded in approval.
Ji Wushang wasn't worried about herself; she was already married, so they probably wouldn't ask her to perform. Nan Xuzong paid no attention to anyone else; his eyes were only on Ji Wushang.
He raised his head and drank a few glasses of wine. Ji Wushang looked at him and whispered, "Don't drink so much, it's bad for your health."
"Whatever you say." Nan Xuzong nodded, a smile playing on his lips, and put down his wine glass. Having someone looking after him felt so different; this was what a home truly felt like! And if there were a baby… Nan Xuzong's smile widened even further.
However, these subtle actions were noticed by some women from official families.
"Look, Prince Nan is smiling! Why are they so happy!"
"More than just happy! Didn't you see them? They're so loving!"
"Prince Nan is actually quite handsome..."
"By the way, I heard that the Marquis's accounting office caught fire last night, and the Second Young Master Nan and Aunt Zhao were burned! It was a terrible sight!"
"Really?"
Why would I lie to you?
...
Ji Wushang listened and smiled, while Nan Xuzong was completely unmoved by any of this, only tightening his grip on Ji Wushang's hand.
At this moment, the sound of silk and bamboo instruments arose, a soft and warm melody that entered the ears, like being immersed in water, surrounded by gentle and warm water, and warming the heart all the way.
Ji Wushang looked at Huangfu Lan, who was sitting in front of the central stage. She appeared even more beautiful and ethereal, radiating an air of nobility and elegance befitting the Seventh Princess. All the men present were captivated by Huangfu Lan, enjoying her beautiful music and observing her expressions – it was truly a pleasure!
Except for some people.
Nan Xuzong was only looking at Ji Wushang. She was looking at others, but he was still looking at her. Every now and then, he would frown and look at the Seventh Princess. His eyes were not filled with envy, admiration or any other emotion, but rather with a scrutinizing attitude.
Is she planning to use her beauty to seduce him? In terms of power and ability, Yiyun Upper City is currently number one, and this is clearly her attempt to seize the position of Yiyun Upper City's concubine! Should we take her? Heh! Huangfu Ting, do you think that marrying Huangfu Lan to the King of the Western Regions will strengthen your power? Don't be so naive! Yiyun Upper City is not an ordinary place for you to enslave!
However, I should grant their wish. Only if the King of the Western Regions marries his concubine will my Wu Shang be able to live a more peaceful life.
A sly glint flashed in Nan Xuzong's eyes.
At this moment, Yiyun Shangcheng looked at Huangfu Lan, but it was more of a mocking look. Huangfu Lan felt as if God had been skinned alive under his gaze, and that feeling was not pleasant!
Huangfu Xuan lowered his head, sipping his wine elegantly in small sips. Today was his grand banquet, yet he couldn't feel happy at all. Those eyes were filled with a hostile intent, not hatred, but those eyes were something he would never forget!
Looking up at Ji Wushang, Huangfu Lan's gaze, however, remained fixed on Ji Wushang. Taking this opportunity, Huangfu Lan scrutinized Ji Wushang from head to toe. A woman of unparalleled beauty should be like this. Full of pride. Unfortunately, this kind of woman wasn't his type. What type did he like? He didn't know. Perhaps he would never find a woman he truly desired!
But her eyes...
Yi Yunshangcheng whispered, "Why does the Third Prince seem troubled?"
"It's alright." Huangfu Xuan raised his glass. "Bottoms up!"
“Let’s do it!” Yiyun Shangcheng nodded.
The gentle flow of the zither became a song, and the soft murmur of the stream became words. When the piece ended, the Empress Dowager couldn't help but exclaim, "Lan'er's musical skills have improved again."
"Thank you for the compliment, Grandmother. I've made a fool of myself." Huangfu Lan put away the zither and then bowed.
Those around him couldn't help but offer a few words of flattery. Huangfu Lan nodded and smiled, then walked back to his seat.
Her gaze drifted towards Yiyun Shangcheng, but Yiyun Shangcheng's gaze wasn't on her. She shrugged at Huangfu Ting, indicating that she had done her best! He had already made a fool of her like a monkey, hadn't he? He had made her a pawn, and yet he still had to question her!
Huangfu Ting narrowed his eyes, looking at Yi Yun Shangcheng and Huangfu Xuan who were drinking together, and felt even more resentful towards Huangfu Xuan.
At this point, having started with Huangfu Lan, a second, bold official's daughter naturally stepped forward to dance.
Her elegant figure, beautiful face, and skillful movements all captivated every young man on the field. Unfortunately, her affections were unrequited, and she was ultimately defeated.
The Empress observed everyone around her, and their focus was unanimously on Ji Wushang! She hadn't even settled accounts with her yet! Yao Jinhan, the embroiderer from Wenge, had gotten into trouble and was taken out of the palace. Unexpectedly, according to Yao Jinhan's words, it was Ji Wushang who did it!
I really need to teach her a lesson!
At this moment, several more girls went up to perform, but the crowd found it boring and mostly drank or pretended to watch their performance.
Ji Wushang sat there feeling bored, but because of the scene, he dared not make any move, and was stiff and a little uncomfortable.
"Hmm? Why isn't Princess Nan performing?" At this moment, a woman went down to perform, and the Empress immediately called out.
Although the voice wasn't loud, many people heard it and turned their attention to Ji Wushang. Ji Wushang suddenly looked up and laughed, "My skills are not up to par, how can I presume to show off my meager abilities? I'm afraid if I were to go on stage to perform, everyone would laugh at me."
"I've heard that you, Wushang, are quite good at singing and dancing. Why are you belittling yourself like this?" the Empress Dowager said at this moment.
Ji Wushang was taken aback and looked at the Empress Dowager, whose eyes were full of smiles and kindness. She was Nan Xuzong's maternal grandmother... Ji Wushang stood up and bowed, saying, "Wushang dares not be presumptuous in front of His Majesty, the Empress Dowager, and Consort Yun Shu."
Nan Xuzong frowned as he listened.
The Empress said, "Hehe! It's just for fun." But a hint of ruthlessness flashed in her eyes as she spoke.
Ji Wushang looked at the Empress Dowager, who nodded at her. Ji Wushang gritted her teeth. Since that's how it is, then bring it on! The Empress wouldn't be so kind as to let her perform, but for the sake of the Empress Dowager, she would definitely do her best!
“Then, Wu Shang will make a fool of himself!” Ji Wu Shang knelt down before the emperor.
The Empress sneered and waved her hand. The palace maids and eunuchs outside immediately nodded in agreement.
Ji Wushang frowned slightly, while Nan Xuzong lowered his voice, "Wushang."
"I'll be fine." Ji Wushang frowned slightly. She was just thinking of getting back at him! If she succeeded this time, he would make her pay the price too!
At this moment, the eunuchs brought in a mat and a desk.
Ji Wushang said, "Please bring me a guqin, sir! I'm not comfortable using any other ones."
The eunuch looked at the Empress, who nodded slightly.
Before long, a fine ancient zither was brought forward and placed on the desk, where Ji Wushang sat down.
All eyes turned to Ji Wushang. Yi Yun Shangcheng gently gripped the Golden Dragon Cup, while Huangfu Xuan put down his cup, coldly watching Ji Wushang's every move. Bei Gong Minhao put down his chopsticks, refusing to eat or drink, and looked at the quiet Ji Wushang.
Nan Xuzong's hands, resting on his knees, clenched into fists.
If the Empress tries anything to sabotage Wu Shang, I will definitely retaliate tenfold!
Ji Wushang's gaze fell on the ancient zither, on which were some patterns, but perhaps because of its age, they were not very clear.
Ji Wushang placed his hand on it.
The Empress's cherry lips curved upwards. This zither was a mute zither, which none of the palace musicians could produce a sound from, so it had long been abandoned and sealed in the national treasury. This time, it was only to make things difficult for Ji Wushang that this mute zither was brought out!