Chu Wang Fei

“Miss, it’s raining hard outside and the weather is cold. Be careful to not catch a cold!”

They say spring rain is as fine as silk. When it’s falling, it really does have another touch with it. But today’s rain could be compared to the downpour rain of the summer. Slightly opening the wooden window, she can see the rain falling and poured inside the room.

Mu Chun was afraid that Yun Qian Meng will catch a cold again, so she quickly shut the wooden window. She escorted Yun Qian Meng to sit down at the table. Then she took a clean cloth and carefully wiped Yun Qian Meng’s hand, which had been drenched by the rain. She was afraid that Yun Qian Meng will get sick again because of the rain. In this short period, first miss injured her head and now her foot became injured. There’s really hasn’t been a moment that she has left the medicine pot. It really let Mu Chun feel pain in her heart. So she is more careful in serving Yun Qian Meng during her daily life for fear that Yun Qian Meng will get sick again.

Yun Qian Meng saw that Mu Chun held her like a glass doll in the ball of her hands, and she felt warmth cross her heart. Her mood immediately turned good. Eyes that were full of smiles stared at Mu Chun.

“It’s still my Mu Chun who is considerate and careful. Don’t know which man will be so blessed to marry you in the future.”

Mu Chun didn’t think that Yun Qian Meng will make fun of her. Her white cheeks immediately flushed red. Her lips moved a few times. Her hands tightly held onto the clothing in her hands and then complained: “Miss only knows how to make fun of nubi! Nubi doesn’t want to marry. Nubi wants to serve miss for her whole life. What’s so good about marriage If the person isn’t clean, nubi is afraid that nubi will vomit to death!”

After saying that, Mu Chun felt Yun Qian Meng’s bright eyes staring at her. That pair of curved eyes were full of mischievousness. Only then did Mu Chun realize that she had said too much. There were some things that an unmarried lady like her should not say. For a while, she felt angry and ignored Yun Qian Meng. Still holding onto the cloth, she went out of the inner chamber.

But after she had left, the smile on Yun Qian Meng’s face disappeared. She carefully thought about Mu Chun’s words and felt more that those ladies were really pitiful. Even a maid understood this truth but those ladies didn’t comprehend it. All day long, they are participating in the so called banquets. They were only thinking about looking for their future husband. With the status of those noble sons, how can they only have one wife? All of that is just to connect families with each other. They are just pawns in the hands of the elders!

“Miss, how come Mu Chun is not serving at the front? This yatou, it seems more and more obvious that she doesn’t follow the rules anymore!”

At this time, Mi mama had quickly come in. Her body wasn’t the least wet. It was clear that she had shaken off the rain from her body before coming in to ensure that she didn’t pass over any moisture to Yun Qian Meng.

“Mama, don’t blame her. It’s me who was bored and played a few words on her. That yatou became shy and went into hiding.”

Yun Qian Meng smiled and poured a cup of tea for Mi mama to help her body get rid of the cold.

Mi mama saw that Yun Qian Meng is relaxed, she also felt at ease. After seeing that she was so considerate towards them, the servants, she was now more loyal towards Yun Qian Meng. She took a deep breath and whispered: “Old nu has let Pan Lan meet with her parents and also promised her that the lives of her parents will be protected! Pan Lan was immediately grateful towards eldest miss. She also informed nubi of Su Qing’s recent actions!”

Hearing that, Yun Qian Meng’s face flashed a touch of ridicule and questioned: “No wonder Su Qing has been so quiet recently. Didn’t think that she is actually taking action in private! But seeing how father is going in the backyard recently, Su Qing is not far from getting out of favor. Such a struggle is just an arrow at the end of its flight (wasted efforts)!”

Mi mama listened carefully to Yun Qian Meng’s analysis and nodded in approval. Then she said: “But miss don’t forget, Su Qing’s maiden family is also not bad! That dage of hers is now the minister of justice and her er ge1 is the cayun shi2! The two are both occupying an official position. They can’t be underestimated. If she joins hands with her geges, I fear that they will not be so easy to deal with!”

Yun Qian Meng heard the worry in Mi mama’s words. She asked with a smile: “Mama, do you have some bad news? Don’t have to talk so much to make it easier for me to accept it. The I of now, what can I still not accept?”

Seeing that Yun Qian Meng was so keen, Mi mama sighed in her heart. She poured out everything she got from Pan Lan.

“Su yiniang intended to give Pan Lan tonight to the minister of justice as a yiniang. Presumably, this is a means to draw the minister of justice to their side. If they join hands to deal with miss in secret, it’ll be so hard to guard against them!”

Yun Qian Meng smiled faintly. Didn’t think that Su Qing is running out of tricks. She personally can’t deal with her (YQM), so now she has actually pulled her maiden family into it! However, there’s not only the empress dowager and Fu Guo Gong Fu behind her now. If she got hurt in any way, she is afraid that Yun Xuan Zhi will be the first one to take away Su Qing’s life! She only hoped that Su Qing will think about it carefully before taking any action, otherwise it’ll really be like having to give away a bride and lose one’s army on top of it (to suffer a double loss after trying to trick the enemy).

“Mama, tell Pan Lan that I won’t make it difficult for her and will also not let her turn her back towards her old master. I only need her to get Su Yuan’s favor and make it so that the backyard of Su family is without peace and Su Yuan won’t have a mind to pay any attention to Su Qing.”

After faintly saying that, Yun Qian Meng’s eyes shot out a light, making people unable to guess what she is thinking.

Mi mama saw that Yun Qian Meng seemed unaffected and looked relaxed, she knows that her miss already has an idea in her heart. She immediately nodded, turned and went out of the inner chamber.

At this time, Mu Chu, who’d stopped being shy, came in. She bowed towards Yun Qian Meng and respectfully said: “Miss, the shopkeeper of Zhu Le Zing is here. Following your instructions, she brought over a few instruments.”

Yun Qian Meng nodded, stood up and straightened the tiny fold in her skirt. With the help of Mu Chun, she walked to the side room. A woman of somewhat over thirty was sitting in a seat and drinking tea. After seeing her (YQM) come in, she immediately put down the cup of tea and stood up. She paid her respect towards Yun Qian Meng and smiled: “Minfu3 Zhu shi greets eldest miss!”

Yun Qian Meng saw that her demeanor was so polite and also noticed her beauty. Free, mature and with a confident temperament. She was different from those ladies who only knew how to gossip. She felt curious about her for some time. She didn’t think that there was such a special woman in Xi Chu. It was really beyond her expectations!

It’s also the first time that Zhu shi saw the eldest miss of xiangfu. She felt that she (YQM) is different from the rumors on the streets. Some curiosity also rose in her heart. She took advantage of the time Yun Qian Meng took to stare at her to also gaze at Yun Qian Meng.

This eldest miss of xiangfu looked weak. It’s just that the pair of black eyes shone a light of limitless determination. With one glance, you knew that she is a very strong woman.

Right now, Yun Qian Meng was sitting on the top seat. Her whole body was faintly exuding an aura of elegance and peace. Even if she didn’t open her mouth to speak at this time, people still can’t ignore her. Truly a lady of a good family, making Zhu shi’s eyes, who had seen many people, become bright. She went as far as to compare this eldest miss of xiangfu with Hai wangfu’s Tian junzhu in her heart.

“Today, I let shopkeeper Zhu came to xiangfu is because I want to select a few musical instruments. Don’t know if shopkeeper Zhu has any recommendations.”

Retrieving her gaze, Yun Qian Meng smiled faintly and opened her mouth. Her eyes were full of smiles. The arrogance of misses from good families could not be seen.

Zhu shi couldn’t help but be attracted by that smile of Yun Qian Meng. Only after half an incense stick did she recover her gaze. Half-bowing, she respectfully answered: “Don’t know which instrument eldest miss is good at. Only then can minfu select for miss.”

Hearing that, Mu Chun looked at Yun Qian Meng with worry. She didn’t know why her miss suddenly wanted to purchase a musical instrument. After all, according to her knowledge, her miss had never learned to play any musical instrument. That Su yiniang, in order to let second miss surpass eldest miss, never gave miss any musical teacher.

Yun Qian Meng stood up from her seat, leisurely walked down and stopped in front of the few musical instruments. She then slowly stroked the string of the guqin and then turned to pinch the string of the pipa. The melody resounded in the room.

It appeared as though the strings were just brushed, but an expert noticed Yun Qian Meng’s gestures. Her smile turned deeper. She walked forwards and attentively introduced the instruments: “Eldest miss has good taste. This guqin is called Lu Qi. You see, this qin has plum flowers painted on it. The sound is penetrating. The appearance is good. It’s a rare, good qin! And the pipa is completely made of sandalwood. On the opening to the six phase, the phoenix pillow is like a shell. Just listen to the sound, you can hear that it’s strong and full of timbre. It’s enough to be compared to the qin!”

Yun Qian Meng saw that shopkeeper Zhu introduced the items for a long time, so she gave her face, took the pipa and sat down. She randomly played the five tones: ‘jian’, ‘tang’, ‘song’, ‘cui’ and ‘bao’.

It was like what shopkeeper Zhu had said. The tones of this pipa was really good. It didn’t let shopkeeper Zhu down for recommending it.

But today Yun Qian Meng invited the shopkeeper of the largest musical shop of Jingdu for a reason, buying musical instruments was just one thing. She handed the pipa over to Mu Chun to let her put it away. Yun Qian Meng smiled: “The instruments from Zhu Le Xing are made from famous people. Naturally they are good. Today, Qian Meng wanted to learn to play some musical instruments. Asking shopkeeper Zhu to please introduce some instruments which are popular with the ladies in Jingdu so that Qian Meng has something in common with them.”

Shopkeeper Zhu was someone intelligent. The moment Yun Qian Meng’s words left her mouth, she understood Yun Qian Meng’s meaning. Plus the fact that Yun Qian Meng had lowered herself to talk with a merchant, she really was different from those other misses. So she was also willing to talk about what other misses use: “The most talented woman of our Jingdu is Hai wangfu’s Hai Tian junzhu. That guqin of hers can be described as superb. Even the emperor is full of praises! Then there’s Han Lin’s academy’s miss Guan. She is well versed in qin, chess, painting and poetry. She can also play a good guzheng4! The misses from other family also like guqin and guzheng. So these two instruments are sold the most at Zhu Le Xing. This Lu Qi has just arrived today. Eldest miss has such coincidence!”

Yun Qian Meng listened quietly to her. Her eyes have a polite smile. When shopkeeper Zhu strongly recommended that guqin again, she nodded. She said to shopkeeper Zhu: “Today has tired shopkeeper Zhu. Leave this Lu Qi and pipa. Mu Chun, give the paper money to shopkeeper Zhu!”

Shopkeeper Zhu saw that Yun Qian Meng bought two top music instruments at once, the smile on her face turned deeper. She acted like she was unintentionally warning: “Hai Tian junzhu’s best song is ‘The house of flying daggers’.”

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Yun Qian Meng smiled and nodded. She let Mu Chun hand the already prepared paper money to shopkeeper Zhu. But shopkeeper didn’t understand and said: “Just now, xiangye ordered minfu to let miss carefully select the musical instruments and then go to the accounting room to get paid!”

Hearing that, Yun Qian Meng let Mu Chun return back to her side and let Bai Mei send Zhu shi off. Then she ordered the maids to move the two instruments to the inner room.

Mu Chun saw that Yun Qian MEng spent so much money to buy two instruments that she didn’t know how to use, her heart felt puzzled. She hesitantly said: “Miss, in a few days, it’s the day of Hai wangfu’s invitation. Are you planning on practicing qin?”

It’s good if miss has such intentions, but how can you be trained in a few days and turn into someone playing superb qin? This made Mu Chun feel endlessly worried.

Yun Qian Meng only smiled. Self-confidence flashed in her eyes. Although compared to the misses of this era, she’s not as well versed in the four arts, but in her childhood when her parents were still alive, she was also forced by her mother to learn to play a few musical instruments. Although she’s not proficient at them, but as long as she practiced a few days, she will not be disgraced in front of Hai Tian. And just now, she got lots of information from Zhu shi. Since Hai Tian is good at guqin, then her choice will be pipa. This will help stop them from crashing into each other and also give less ammunition for others to compare them against.

Have to say that this time, all is thanks to the word ‘coincidence’. Otherwise, with a timeframe of only a few days, she would not be able to create something on par with Hai Tian, the talented woman of Jingdu. With some emotions, her hands floated above the pipa’s strings. In her eyes, they couldn’t help but flash the intimate scene of four people. But people will change. Her parents were slaughtered by the drug lord. She and her sister only had each other. She had vowed to find the murderer, but she was unexpectedly killed and came to this era that was full of conspiracies. Really, nature messes with people!

Her hands drew many strings at a fast pace. These skillful movements made Mu Chun stunned. She didn’t know when her miss had learned such skillful movements.

Five days later, Hai wangfu’s banquet.

Knowing that Yun Qian Meng was about to leave, but old madam was in a fit of anger this past few days, so she only send Rui mama to warn her with some words. As for the other yiniangs and misses, only Lui Han Yu and Yun Yan came early to greet Yun Qian Meng. They checked that all the things were ready and sent Yun Qian Meng to the garden but they didn’t walk Yun Qian Meng out.

“Meng er, you need to be really careful and cautious at Hai wangfu. You must not try hard to stand out! But you also can’t let other people press you. Don’t forget that you are xiangfu’s eldest miss!”

This time, Yun Xuan Zhi was waiting in the living room. After seeing Yun Qian Meng come out, he immediately went to her and earnestly analyzed all the relations for her.

Yun Qian Meng only made a student appearance. From time to time, she nodded while listening to Yun Xuan Zhi.

“Mi mama, did you prepare another set of clothes for miss to change into?!”

This matter, Yun Xuan Zhi had already ordered a few days ago. If someone didn’t know any better, they would think that xiangfu are the ones having a feast!

It’s only because of precaution that Yun Qian Meng let Mi mama bring an extra set of clothes and jewelry to avoid if anything happen and she’ll be embarrassed in front of everyone.

“Xiangye, be assured. Old nu did as you commanded and will certainly take good care of miss!”

Mi mama immediately went forward and answered.

Only after that did Yun Xuan Zhi nod at ease. But after recalling about Hai Tian’s attitude towards Yun Qian Meng at the birthday banquet, his eyebrows showed worry. After all, Hai Tian was so arrogant even inside Fu Guo Gong Fu that day. Today, Meng er will enter her territory. Really don’t know what kind of things will happen.

Thinking like that, Yun Xuan Zhi immediately commanded guard Liu: “Be sure to protect eldest miss!”

Guard Liu had already admired Yun Qian Meng because of what happened last time. Today, xiangye has given him the task to escort miss so he will naturally use his best effort. He knelt on one knee and answered with a serious voice: “Yes!”

Yun Xuan Zhi still wanted to warn Yun Qian Meng about some more things, but at this time, they already arrived at xiangfu’s door. And waiting beside xiangfu’s sapphire-roofed carriage were three more carriages! One with a dark red roof that had a ‘Rong’ word printed on the carriage. One with an orange roof that had a ‘Chu’ word printed on it. And in front of the last carriage, Qu Zhang Qing was sitting on a white horse, waiting outside of xiangfu’s entrance.

A small white hand lifted the curtain. A face that looked like lotus appeared in front of everyone. Only a clear crisp voice shouted at Yun Qian Meng in delight: “Meng er!”

Yun Qian Meng moved past Rong fu and Chu wangfu’s carriages and walked to Fu Guo Gong Fu’s carriage. She bowed slightly towards Qu Zhang Qing: “Greetings to biaoge!”

Like always, Qu Zhang Qing didn’t have any expression. It’s just that when he saw Yun Qian Meng, something simmered in his eyes and his eyes softened. He nodded.

After that, Yun Qian Meng looked at Qu Fei Qing who was waving at her. Then she turned and looked at Yun Xuan Zhi. Yun Xuan Zhi nodded and ordered Mi mama to put Yun Qian Meng’s things into Fu Guo Gong Fu’s carriage. Then he ordered guard Liu to follow behind and protect Yun Qian Meng. After that, he looked at Qu Zhang Qing and smiled: “This time, need to trouble Zhang Qing to guard Meng er.”

Qu Zhang Qing didn’t have any good feelings towards Yun Xuan Zhi, but because of Yun Qian Meng, he slightly nodded. After seeing Yun Qian Meng enter the carriage, he gave a signal to start the journey.

No one came out from Rong fu and Chu wangfu’s carriages. After Fu Guo Gong Fu’s carriage started moving, the two subsequently followed. The scene looked a bit strange.

“What’s the matter with those two families?”

Qu Fei Qing had long noticed Rong fu and Chu wangfu’s carriages. These past few days, she had also heard many rumors. With some curiosity, she asked.

Yun Qian Meng only shrugged her shoulder and said with some helplessness: “Biaojie must already know. Why do you still ask me?”

Qu Fei Qing saw that Yun Qian Meng didn’t tell her honestly, she pouted. She looked sad and said: “Even hiding from me. So boring.”

Yun Qian Meng saw her acting like a child, she couldn’t hold back any longer and laughed. She grimaced, shook her head and replied: “The two fu just sent some gifts because I was injured. Did biaojie think too much? I would also like to ask, why did Hai wangfei go to houfu a few days ago? Can it be that she has set her eyes on biaojie?”

It was originally a joke, but suddenly Qu Fei Qing quieted down. With a sad expression and suddenly grabbing Yun Qian Meng’s hand, she said unhappily: “Meng er, to tell you the truth, that Hai wangfei did indeed come because of her youngest child’s marriage. It’s just, you also know how powerful Hai Tian junzhu is. If I married over, how can I still have a good life?”

While talking, Qu Fei Qing turned from the cheerful young girl to the sorrowful young girl. The eyebrows meticulously wrinkled.

Yun Qian Meng knows that in Qu Fei Qing’s heart, she is ten thousand times unwilling, otherwise why else would that pair of hands which are holding her own hand slightly tremble?

Not to mention, the year when Hai wangfu was to be constructed, in order to show his distinctness, Hai wang actually chose the famous mountain of Jingdu Ming Yang Mountain for it to be constructed. Ming Yang Mountain is one thousand meters above sea level. Hai wangfu was built at the hillside. It spent a lot of manpower and resources!

This was still nothing. The important thing was that if Qu Fei Qing really married into Hai wangfu, then in the future, if she suffered and wanted to go back to her maiden home, she wouldn’t be able to find the road.

Thinking like that, Yun Qian Meng felt that this time, Hai wangfu’s proposed marriage must have ulterior motives. Jingdu is not lacking ladies with a higher family than Qu Fei Qing, so why did they set their eyes on biaojie?

“Don’t know how Lao Tai Jun and jiujiu answered.”

Yun Qian Meng turned her hand and held Qu Fei Qing’s hand. She attentively comforted her.

Speaking till here, Qu Fei Qing let out a sigh. Her expression slightly improved.

“Lao Tai Jun didn’t answer Hai wangfei on spot. She said that she needed to think it through. That Hai wangfei also didn’t make it difficult and gave time for Fu Guo Gong Fu to think. But since this happened, which gongzi will still marry me? Would it not be like as if they’ll be declaring to be Hai wangfu’s enemy? Even the emperor, in order to keep the monarchy in harmony and the court calm, he will not come forward to help me in this kind of thing. This time, Hai wang’s shizi is blessed with a child, Hai wang deliberately sent his subordinate to personally deliver the invitation to Fu Guo Gong Fu. Lao Tai Jun and Daddy weren’t at ease. They were afraid that something will happen on the road, so they let dage come along to protect me.”

Hearing that, Yun Qian Meng understood why Qu Zhang Qing also came along, but at the same time, she was also very envious of their sibling love. And they were helping her because she is their family. Yun Qian Meng won’t watch Qu Fei Qing suffer. So she said with a tough expression: “Biaojie be assured, Meng er will certainly be at biaojie’s side protecting you!”

Qu Fei Qing, after seeing her like that, felt her heart turn warm and she nodded with a smile.

While talking, the carriage passed the downtown area and rode towards Yang Ming Mountain where Hai wangfu is. Because it’s far, they departed at yinshi (3-5am). After half an hour, everyone’s face showed a bit of tiredness.

Yun Qian Meng lifted the curtain and saw the outside was gray. Presumably, it’s due to the mist. Compared to the clearness of the day, this mist was refreshing, making people’s spirit become aroused. The weariness had dissipated. At a distance, a hint of yellow sunlight was gradually rising along the horizon. After some time, it will shine on earth. Presumably, before long, the mist will disappear without a trace.

The one leading at the front, Qu Zhang Qing, was dressed in a noble gongzi attire. He was sitting with a straight back on the horse. His hands were tightly clutching the reins. He was being really careful. It’s not difficult to see that he is a good brother. For a moment, it let Yun Qian Meng think about the little brother Su Qing had drowned. If he was still alive, she wondered if he would be like Qu Zhang Qing protecting his jiejie. And that day Su Qing drowned a baby boy, don’t know if Yun Xuan Zhi knows about it. Even if Yun Xuan Zhi was not satisfied with the marriage with Qu Ruo Li, but the part of him who was hoping to have a boy, don’t know if he’ll have the heart to kill his own child.

Qu Fei Qing saw Yun Qian Meng looking outside in a daze, so she also looked. She saw the appearance of her dage protecting her. Her heart felt moved. Then she looked behind them and saw the carriages of the two fu following their carriage side by side. And the servants of the two fu acted like they don’t like each other. It let Qu Fei Qing momentarily put down the thing in her heart. She laughed out loud: “I didn’t know that Chu wangye and Chen Lao Tai Jun are like two playful children. Look at the expressions of their servants. It really made people feel funny! It’s just that why didn’t the two elders come out to meet us?”

Yun Qian Meng, upon hearing Qu Fei Qing’s words, and also thinking about the scene that happened a few days ago at Bai Shun Tang, she couldn’t help but smile. Then she put down the curtain and said: “There’s a heavy fog in the morning. The body is the most important for the elders. Moreover, how can there be a principle where the elders come out to greet the juniors?”

It’s just that with the attitude of Chu wang and Chen Lao Tai Jun, who will fight even if only half a word is said, how come after such a long time, none of them acted? Yun Qian Meng was suspicious of if anyone was actually in either of the two carriages.

“Fei er, Meng er, the carriage is going up the mountain. You need to sit well!”

At this time, from outside the carriage came Qu Zhang Qing’s voice. Qu Fei Qing immediately answered with a ‘yes’ and then along with Yun Qian Meng, she carefully held onto the handrail to avoid falling out of the carriage and become embarrassed in front of everyone.

The carriage accelerated. After traveling for a while, suddenly the carriage was hit by something. It shook violently. Then everyone heard the sound of arrows from the outside. Then cries of wolf could be heard. A smell of blood went into the air. It gradually passed through the curtain and entered the carriage, making Qu Fei Qing and Yun Qian Meng immediately frown. Don’t know why, on the road to Hai wangfu, wild animals appeared.

According to reason, although here it’s in the mountain, but after all, Hai wangfu’s status is not the same. The road to Hai wangfu has long been an official road, how can such a situation still happen?

Moreover, today is the good day that Hai wangfu invited every fu’s gonzhi and misses. Why did they not send someone to clean the road in advance? Was this accidental or man-made?

Yun Qian Meng and Qu Fei Qing exchanged a glance. Immediately, they understood the doubt in each other’s eyes. They finally understood why Qu Zhang Qing told them sit well. He must have noticed the strangeness outside. He was afraid that if he noticed them, the enemy will know, so he implied instead.

“Is all well?”

From outside came Qu Zhang Qing’s concerned questioning.

Yun Qian Meng helped Qu Fei Qing sit well and then answered: “All is well. Is all well with biaoge?”

Fortunately, the two families had combined and turned into one. Yun Xuan Zhi wasn’t at ease and sent guard Liu to follow them. If at this time, Qu Zhang Qing was injured, there’ll still be guard Liu. Otherwise, if they had travelled separately, wouldn’t they have fallen into the enemy’s trap?

“I’m fine. No one is frightened, right?”

Qu Zhang Qing was now worried. After all, Lao Tai Jun and his parents had handed Fei er and Meng er over to him. If something happened to them, he, as their gege, will regret it to death.

“Still good! Asking biaoge to be careful!”

Yun Qian Meng said calmly to make Qu Zhang Qing be at ease..

At this time, the sound of carriages and horses rushing closer came from the outside. Presumably, the servants of Rong fu and Chu wangfu saw that something was happening here and were now rushing towards them. But since they had now come, the security will be higher.

Regardless of who’d wanted to embarrass Fu Guo Gong Fu today, with the help of the two fu, even someone as arrogant as Hai wang will need to think before he acts.

It really was Yun Qian Meng had speculated. The other half of the trip went a lot more smoothly. After an hour, the carriage entered Hai wangfu. Half an hour later, they had arrived at the main entrance of Hai wangfu.

Yun Qian Meng calculated the time and discovered that compared to the imperial palace, this Hai wangfu was many times bigger! After all, the last time she went into the palace to meet the empress dowager, even though she sat on a sedan chair, it still took half an hour. This time they are even sitting on a carriage. Can the two places even be compared?

“This Yang Ming Mountain is surrounded by mountains. Hai wang living here will not be afraid of attacks!”

At this time, Qu Fei Qing made this careless remark, but she enlightened the doubt in Yun Qian Meng’s heart.

That’s right, being surrounded by mountains, it can be described as being guarded in the open. This is really a good place that’s really difficult to attack.

At this time, Qu Zhang Qing dismounted from his horse. He personally went to the carriage and opened the curtain. He carefully looked at the two meimei’s inside. His heart finally eased after seeing their calm expressions.

While they were dismounting the carriage, Hai wangfu’s housekeeper came out of the front gate. The housekeeper took the invitation from guard Liu and then bowed to the few people: “Greetings to gongzi and misses. Please enter!”

Then he welcomed Qu Zhang Qing, Qu Fei Qing and Yun Qian Meng into the wangfu. Guard Liu was blocked because he was carrying a sword. Only the four personal maids of Qu Fei Qing and Mu Chun are going with them.

When the people entered Hai wangfu, they were attracted by the scenery inside. Although Hai wang was a general, he was someone who knew how to enjoy. Every plant and tree in this wangfu were derived from the nature. Even the rockeries had also retained some characteristics of Yang Ming Mountain. Aside from the pavilions, the rest retained the essence of nature. Compared to the Imperial garden, this place was one or two levels higher. She wondered what Yu Qian Di would think when he saw this scene.

The housekeeper wasn’t a talker. He just led the few people inside. Passing though the huge front yard, they saw a refined and exquisite palace hall. The glass was yellow and similar to the bricks of the palace. So daring. It seems that this Hai wang was also someone restless. It’s just that his power was too large and he also lived among mountains. Presumably, even those officials hadn’t seen such a sight.

While everyone’s hearts was full of speculation, a woman wearing in pink official clothes came out from the inside. When the housekeeper saw the person, he immediately bowed respectfully: “Greetings to Zhou cefei5.”

They looked at the person while the housekeeper was talking. They saw that this cefei looked as though she was in her early thirties. She had maintained her appearance carefully and looked only like she was in late twenties. Delicate white skin and slightly plump. She really did have the air of a good family.

Seeing two misses and one gongzi, Zhou cefei immediately came forward with a smile. She said with laughter: “Presumably, you are Fu Guo Gong Fu’s eldest gongzi and eldest miss and xiangfu’s eldest miss. Just now, our wangfei niangniang was talking about you. Didn’t know that you’d already come.”

Seeing that, Qu Zhang Qing immediately did the greeting etiquette. That Zhou cefei accepted their bows smilingly. She sent the housekeeper away and personally took the three to the place where the banquet would be held today.

“Gongzi and misses must be tired from the trip. Please use some tea and simple snacks later. After the gongzis and misses from other fus arrive, the banquet will start on time.”

That Zhou cefei still had a warm smile on her face. While talking, she uses a soft gentle tone. On the surface, she looked like someone excellent to get along with. But as a person who had survived ‘pass like a thunder and move like a wind’ Hai Tian, she would not be someone simple. This made Qu Zhang Qing not let his heart loose for even a moment. He maintained a respectful expression so that people couldn’t find any faults.

After they went through nine long corridors, a door with a circular arch appeared in front of them. ‘Sui Yi Yuan’ was written just above the arch. Such vigorous, effective and cursive inscription showed the writing skills.

“Wangye really does have good penmanship!”

At this time, Qu Zhang Qing faintly opened his mouth.

Zhou cefei saw that someone knew that it was Hai wang’s handwriting, amazement crossed her eyes. She raised her eyes and looked at Qu Zhang Qing. He had an indifferent expression but he looked like a jade tree that had faced the wind (handsome). Her eyes couldn’t help but praise. She smiled: “Thanks gongzi for your praise. If wangye heard this, he will certainly be happy!”

It’s just that Qu Zhang Qing said this not because he wanted to curry favor with Hai wang, but to remind his two meimei not to ignore Hai wang’s accomplishments in literature just because he is from a general origin.

Yun Qian Meng and Qu Fei Qing got the hint. They laughed and followed Zhou cefei into ‘Sui Yi Yuan’.

By this time, there were many misses and gongzi waiting. Seeing that it’s Hai wang’s Zhou cefei, they stood up and bowed.

Seeing this scene, the three understood. Presumably, only the three of them were brought over here by Zhou cefei. Is there some hidden meaning in this?

Zhou cefei only brought them over and then excused herself. The moment she left, from those gongzi’ and misses’ eyes, discrimination can be seen. Especially towards Yun Qian Meng. Obviously, she’s a not favored miss from xiangfu and had also has been rejected by Chen wang. But today, she’d received advantage because of Fu Guo Gong Fu’s gongzi and miss and was personally led here by Hai wang beloved cefei. And they were the pearl in their elders’ hand at home, but in the end, they only had the fate of being led by Hai wangfu’s housekeeper.

For a time, in ‘Sui Yi Yuan’ surged an undercurrent. Various vicious eyes were directed at Yun Qian Meng.

Qu Zhang Qing naturally couldn’t allow his two meimeis to be humiliated. His tall body stood in front of his two meimeis. The three sat down on a round table at a distance.

Today without the supervision of Chen wang by his side, that Yuan Qing Zhou rushed like a wild horse in front of Yun Qian Meng. Without any avoidance, he wanted to sit by Yun Qian Meng’s side. Qu Zhang Qing’s body flashed and put Yuan Qing Zhou five meters away. He said with a cold voice: “Yuan gongzi knows how to conduct with dignity! How can Hai wangfu be the place where you can be presumptuous? If Chen wang were to know this, Yuan gongzi must be aware of the consequences!”

Yuan Qing Zhou didn’t think that today there is no Chen wang, but a Qu Zhang Qing appeared. His heart immediately felt annoyed. He relied on Yuan defei’s backing, raised his neck and roared at Qu Zhang Qing: “Qu Zhang Qing, get out of my way! Otherwise, don’t blame me for being rude!”

The crowd saw that there’s something good to watch at this side and they stared silently with wide eyes at Yuan Qing Zhou and Qu Zhang Qing.

Originally, Yuan Qing Zhou wanted to make this matter big, but he’s surprised to find Qu Zhang Qing looking behind him. He thought that Qu Zhang Qing feared him, his heart couldn’t help but feel pride. He boasted: “Today if you help out xiaoye, I will not forget your good!”

Qu Zhang Qing had long known that Yuan Qing Zhou was up to no good, but for the sake of Yun Qian Meng’s reputation, he didn’t answer Yuan Qing Zhou, so that people won’t have the free time to twist his words and criticize Yun Qian Meng again. And how can he let people from Yuan family hurt Yun Qian Meng again? Lao Tai Jun wouldn’t spare him. After seeing that person gradually getting closer to Yuan Qing Zhou, Qu Zhang Qing’s heart eased. He didn’t bother with Yuan Qing Zhou anymore and walked back to his seat.

At this time, Yuan Qing Zhou thought that his words had worked, he felt triumphant. Seeing Yun Qian Meng dressed up today when she rarily did, he felt that she was really beautiful. He wished that he could immediately jump and embrace her. But when his feet took one step forward, he found out that his collar had been grabbed by someone. He immediately felt rage. While he turned, he loudly cursed: “Who is it that doesn’t have eyes and dare to stop xiaoye? See how xiaoye will……”

But the one who went into his eyes was Chen wang’s extremely cold face. It immediately scared Yuan Qing Zhou. His hands and feet couldn’t help but begin to tremble. With a hoarse voice and distressed expression asking for Jiang Mu Chen’s mercy, he asked: “Biaoge…why…why are you here?”

Damn, didn’t Ming Xing say that his biaoge had something to do at court and will be one hour late?

“Come people, escort young master back to Han Guo Gong Fu!”

Jiang Mu Chen didn’t bother with Yuan Qing Zhou. He directly tossed Yuan Qing Zhou to the guards behind him and commanded in a cold voice.

Yuan Qing Zhou didn’t even have the chance to beg for mercy since he was quickly taken away by the guards and left the scene.

Jiang Mu Chen was looking with frost-like eyes at the initiator, Yun Qian Meng.

Qu Zhang Qing and Qu Fei Qing looked at Jiang Mu Chen, they were prepared to guard against him.

Yun Qian Meng was looking with a faint smile at Chen wang. Only when Jiang Mu Chen was half a meter away from her did she leisurely stand up. She bowed and said: “Chennu greets Chen wangye!”

Jiang Mu Chen seeing her being so graceful while he seemed unable to let her go, anger went up in his heart. In that pair of fairly calm and cold eyes immediately flashed resentment. With a trace of irony, he said: “You can still sit still!”

Hearing that, Qu Zhang Qing and Qu Fei Qing immediately got angry. Chen wang’s words were obviously ridiculing Yun Qian Meng. The hidden meaning was that Yun Qian Meng had been rejected and she still actually had the face to appear at such a banquet. Why didn’t Cheng wang think that the one who had almost ruined Yun Qian Meng wasn’t anyone but himself? And now he’s using such vicious words on a weak woman, it can be seen that this person had no grace!

But after Yun Qian Meng heard his ironic statement, her smile still remained the same. Even her eyes were smiling. Then she answered: “Wangye can sit still, chennu naturally can sit still!”

Chen wang’s expression changed. That frost-like expression now looked sharper He glared fiercely at Yun Qian Meng. At this time, Qu Zhang Qing stood up and blocked his glare……

The scene that occurred in the garden fell on the two people’s eyes above the building not far away.

“Tian er, is she xiangfu’s Yun Qian Meng? Really not a simple person!”

A soft voice said with a little dignity.

“So what? Today she is able to come, but she may not be able to walk out of Hai wangfu!”

Hai Tian’s prideful voice sounded.

“If such a beauty is gone, wouldn’t it be a shame? I think that she is way more interesting than Fu Guo Gong Fu’s Qu Fei Qing!”

At this time, a male voice wearing a smile came into the dialogue of the two women.

Comments:

1. 二哥 (èr gē): second brother

2. 漕运使(cáoyùn shǐ): in charge of tax collection. Also has a secondary role as a distribution for army provision.

3. 民妇 (mín fù): what a commoner woman calls herself.

4. Guzheng is a large guqin. It has 13 to 25 strings.

5. 侧妃 (cè fēi): concubine of a wangye. She is one rank below a wangfei. A wangye can have two ce fei.