Zhao Hezi had been transferred back to Qingzhou six years prior, and Liu Wuxu had returned five years ago... Had they started setting the stage since then?
Perhaps sensing Jiang Shouzhong’s gaze, Zhao Hezi turned his head to look over.
Jiang Shouzhong revealed a slight smile and nodded in greeting.
Zhao Hezi furrowed his brows, glanced briefly at the Commandery Princess and Princess Yingmo, and then turned back to continue conversing with his friend.
A while later, the perforrs began to gradually leave the stage.
Seeing this, the lively crowd perked up, aware that the night’s main event was about to begin. They seated themselves properly, their eyes unblinkingly fixed on the tall stage’s rosewood door.
Outside the rosewood door, light gauze curtains gently swayed with the breeze, casting a warm, hazy glow.
The next mont, Liu Wuxu, dressed in a purple gown, appeared on the stage, capturing everyone’s attention.
The beautiful Liu Wuxu, holding a pipa, walked up to the front of the stage. A hint of lancholy in her eyes, her skin was as white as snow, which made her appear even more fragile due to a lack of color.
Her long black hair was loosely tied into an informal bun, with a few strands gently falling down, adding a touch of softness.
"Truly beautiful."
Zhou Wanyue exclaid, glancing at Jiang Shouzhong.
Contrary to the others’ infatuation, Jiang Shouzhong’s gaze was exceptionally clear, even indifferent.
Zhou Wanyue nodded secretly.
If this Jiang Yi, the future master of Wanshou Mountains and Rivers, truly harbored feelings for a courtesan, he would not be worthy of her pursuit, nor would Wanshou Mountains and Rivers entrust him with leadership.
Jiang Shouzhong, anwhile, was quietly observing Zhao Hezi’s expression.
After Liu Wuxu appeared, Zhao Hezi’s expression turned complicated, tinged with gloom.
He drank a cup of tea, looking quite displeased.
Was it because the woman he loved was betraying him?
Jiang Shouzhong then looked toward the wealthy rchant Zhang Fuwang, who, although his gaze was on the stage, seed indifferent compared to others.
"Honored guests, Lords and Young Masters, my Wuxu has been with Jinse Pavilion for five years now. Thanks to your patronage and care, my Wuxu has reached this day..."
The madam of the Jinse Pavilion rambled on, then took out a list and said with a smile, "The guests who ca today, we at Jinse Pavilion have registered all your nas. My Wuxu has seen them too, and has looked upon soone favorably..."
At this, the madam deliberately paused.
Those who heard that Liu Wuxu had already favored soone tensed up, scarcely daring to breathe, ntally praying to be chosen.
Who wouldn’t want the Oiran’s first night?
Liu Wuxu’s enchanting eyes gently swept over the crowd, and the air grew even quieter.
Everyone felt as if the goddess had looked their way, straightening their backs and flushing with excitent, as if they might be selected any mont to share her chamber.
Liu Wuxu then looked toward the second floor, pausing for a few seconds on Zhao Hezi, her expression sorrowful.
The crowd subconsciously looked at Zhao Hezi.
Seeing it was the General, everyone began to gossip.
Could it be this ti it’s Mr. Zhao?
Zhao Hezi’s face remained somber, his hand gripping the teacup tightly.
As he made eye contact with Jiang Shouzhong, Liu Wuxu did not linger long, yet her eyes mixed with a bit of guilt, pain, and helplessness.
At that mont, the madam unfolded a piece of paper, displaying Liu Wuxu’s personally written na to everyone, and loudly announced: "Tonight, the chosen gentleman by my Wuxu is none other than Lu Renjia, Mr. Lu!"
Silence!
Dead silence!
Everyone was stunned, completely dumbfounded,
Who is Lu Renjia?
Where had this person sprung from?
And Lu Renjia, who was pondering what gift to buy for Qing Niang, was equally stunned.
He looked around, wondering if soone had the sa na as him.
Not until two maids escorted him onto the stage did the bewildered man realize what was happening and imdiately shouted, "You’ve got it wrong, got it wrong! Not ! You’ve made a mistake!"
After the madam announced the na, Liu Wuxu had already left.
"Mr. Lu, you heard right, it’s you,"
said the madam with a smile, "My Wuxu personally chose you, specifically noting it was Lu Renjia from Liushan Division. Just enjoy your good fortune. However, the wedding night cannot happen tonight; it must wait three days, and then we at Jinse Pavilion will carry you in a grand sedan."
Lu Renjia beca frantic, looking towards Qing Niang.
But Qing Niang was nowhere to be seen.
"It’s really not ! You’ve got it wrong. Miss Liu, co out and speak. Did you write the wrong na?"
Surrounded by maids as he entered the backyard, Lu Renjia continued to shout desperately, "Zhang, Mr. Rong, help ! Save , please!"
His companions Zhang Yunwu and Rong Yuhe gaped, unsure of what to do.
Inside the hall, the crowd erupted in uproar.
"There’s a conspiracy! Miss Liu would never choose such an ugly freak!"
"Right, you must have coerced Miss Liu. I saw her crying just now; you definitely coerced her!"
"That Lu whatever, he looks like an idiot. How could Miss Liu ever choose him? Sothing’s not right!"
"..."
The crowd angrily accused, chattering away.
Upstairs, General Zhao Hezi stood with a stern face and left.
Princess Yingmo looked at Jiang Shouzhong with a smile that was not quite a smile: "That Mr. Lu really found unexpected good fortune, doesn’t Mr. Jiang feel envious?"
Jiang Shouzhong covered a trace of gloom in his eyes and replied with a smile:
"I should feel sympathy; he has almost offended all the important people of Qingzhou. His days ahead will certainly not be easy."
"Won’s hearts are most venomous indeed,"
Princess Yingmo sighed deeply.
Reviews
All reviews (0)