HPDBC Chapter 53 Welcoming Banquet of Fellow Villagers
Chapter 53 Welcoming Banquet of Fellow Villagers
During Mu Yuyan's time as a princess, the nobles were aware that Princess Jiaqing had two maids by her side. However, the identities of these maids remained a mystery to the entire capital.
Having grown up alongside Mu Yuyan, the maids, in name, were subjects to their princess. Yet, in reality, they were more like sisters. However, after Mu Yuyan ascended to the throne, with the increased responsibilities of state affairs, their playful times together became rare.
Due to Liu Yexi's straightforward personality and limited wit, she joined the Imperial Announcements Bureau. On the other hand, Xiao Fei'er, with her enchanting beauty and proficiency in music, was honored with the establishment of the Dulcet Pavilion, becoming the foremost beauty in the capital and serving as the female Emperor's direct spy in this gathering place of diverse backgrounds.
Both women were adept at controlling court and public information. One operated in the open, while the other worked in the shadows.
"Xi Jie, you are quite a narrow-minded spirit," remarked Xiao Fei'er.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Fei'er abandoned her delicate demeanor, bit her lip, and replied with determination, "If you have the ability, go talk to His Majesty. Let's switch roles tomorrow!"
"I also want to see what kind of person the young man you often mention in your letters is. The one referred to as 'our gentleman' who even has His Majesty bewitched..."
Liu Yexi frequently corresponded with her. Her letters inevitably included matters related to His Majesty's marriage and the life with Gu Lan.
"Hush!"
Liu Yexi hurriedly covered Xiao Fei'er's mouth.
"Don't shout. The gentleman doesn't know His Majesty's identity!"
"Oh, I know, I won't spill the beans."
Xiao Fei'er freed herself from Liu Yexi's hand, lifted her snowy white chin, and said with pride, "You mentioned before in the letters that Gentleman Gu is extraordinarily talented. You promised to bring his works for me to appreciate, didn't you?"
"Rest assured, I haven't forgotten."
Liu Yexi wiped her hands, slightly disgusted, and retrieved a copy of Dream of the Red Chamber from her bosom.
"Read it carefully. I had to coax Her Majesty for a long time to get this. If you damage it, His Majesty might put you in a pig cage."
Recalling the effort she put into obtaining this particular copy, Liu Yexi nearly revealed her true intentions. Mu Yuyan was aware of Xiao Fei'er's disposition and knew she wouldn't enjoy reading such things. But on the contrary, Xiao Fei'er loved them.
When she served as a princess in the palace, she was genuinely interested in the poems, essays, as well as musical scores and famous paintings dedicated to the royal family—she was truly a talented woman. Without such talent, one couldn't become a courtesan.
As Xiao Fei'er was about to eagerly flip through the book, Liu Yexi restrained her.
"Don't be impatient; there's more important business."
"Oh, I almost forgot!"
Indeed, the prosperity of the capital had its reasons.
Different from other major dynasties, the Jing Nation prided itself on courtesy and simplicity, flourishing due to its central location and burgeoning population.
This capital city alone housed a whopping three million inhabitants, surpassing even the major cities of his past life.
"The day is late. Let's find an inn here first. Tomorrow, we can go to the land deed office to inquire about purchasing a house," Gu Lan turned to the group.
"Let's listen to Elder Gu!" Zhongren, holding the blue-clad maidservant's sleeve, tilted his head and responded to Gu Lan.
As for Lin Tan'er, she gazed at the flourishing scenery on both sides of the long street, a bit lost in her thoughts. "Does Sister like it here? How about I ask my master to buy a house here for Sister later?"
Zhongren, the little Daoist, said with a hint of flattery. With the protection of Gu Lan and Lin Tan'er's great destiny, the child gradually became more carefree, no longer worrying about divine retribution.
"Huh? Your master is so rich... But it's better to forget it. I am the young master's maidservant; wherever the young master is, that's where I'll be," Lin Tan'er smiled.
"Well... that's true. In the future, I'll also live at Elder Gu's house!"
"Elder Gu, are you tired from walking? Shall I go and prepare some tea for you?" Zhongren, the little Daoist, quickly changed his tone, looking at Gu Lan.
Although he enjoyed the protection brought by The Heavenly Maiden of Destiny, he was well aware that all of this was bestowed by his own offering—gifts from Elder Gu! When you're kissing up, make sure to kiss up to the key figures; otherwise, it's not worth the loss.
"No need. The inn is just ahead. Let's go there and buy some food and drinks," Gu Lan smiled and pointed ahead.
Yun Family Inn.
After having their meal there, Gu Lan planned to take out the yet-to-be-copied "Three Hundred Poems" to complete it. However, before half an hour had passed since their arrival, a waiter came to deliver a message, saying that a noble wanted to see Gu Lan. Explore hidden tales at empire
"I'm not familiar with life in the capital. Why would someone be looking for me?" Gu Lan, with a sense of doubt, walked out of the inn.
At the door, a middle-aged man in casual clothes, with a resolute face and a relatively dark complexion, was waiting for him.
"Oh, is it Brother Gu?" The man seemed somewhat surprised by Gu Lan's dignified appearance, never expecting the top scholar to be so handsome. Thus, he asked.
Gu Lan nodded faintly, "It's me. Who are you?"
In a brief exchange, Gu Lan had already observed that the man in front of him was a martial artist, at the mid-level, with calluses on his hands from wielding weapons for many years. Interestingly, he spoke with a Langzhou accent.
"Ah, my name is Wei Zhi, a person from Langzhou. Brother Gu and I are fellow villagers. Now, I am the person in charge of our Langzhou Association here in the capital," Wei Zhi explained cheerfully. "Several Langzhou scholars arrived a few days ago, waiting for Brother Gu to come. We are planning to host a welcoming banquet today."
"Brother Gu, please don't refuse. Otherwise, my brothers and the elders from Langzhou, as well as the folks from our hometown, won't be able to explain it!"