Chapter 45: Performing arts under the emperor’s order, the beauty is in the bones, not in the skin.

"The most famous prostitute in Chuhuai must be Xiao Xie Tanhua." The storyteller slammed the gavel.

"That's called—performing under imperial order!"

These four decisive words caused laughter from both the stage and the audience.

The riverside teahouse is quaint.

The green tile roof has an elegant charm, and a few wooden tables and chairs, and a few landscape paintings create an atmosphere of listening to the rain by the river.

Guizhier and Liu Qianjin chose a seat by the window.

If you look out, you can overlook the leisurely river. The candidates need to stay in Chuhuai for a few days to attend the literary society gatherings.

The two of them changed into women's clothes and slipped out, enjoying themselves.

"So it's him." Guizhier thought to herself.

General Luan once mentioned that when they passed by the Chuhuai River on this trip, they only needed to ask around to find out what happened to the top scholar.

Chu Huai's teahouse also has some local characteristics and does not shy away from erotic anecdotes.

“Let’s talk about the imperial examination in the spring of the first year of Chengshuo. The emperor governed the country with literature and selected scholars based on their talents.” The storyteller gently waved his folding fan.

"The Xie family of Sishui is a distinguished and prestigious family. It's a pity that the eldest son of the Xie family has caught a cold and can't take the exam."

Guizhier and Liu Qianjin pricked up their ears.

Xie Yuan, the second son of the Xie family.

In terms of talent, he was even better than the eldest son. Because of his outstanding appearance, he was chosen by the emperor as the third place in the top three - Tanhua Lang.

"Not really." Guizhier blew on the tea.

A trace of surprise rippled across her face, and then she regained her composure.

I had a chance encounter with Young Master Xie yesterday, and Gui Zhi'er's only impression of him was that he was cold and indifferent.

Although he is handsome, he is not good-looking and is overshadowed by the gorgeous clothes.

"Beauty lies in the bones, not in the skin." Liu Qianjin's eyes were a little more cunning. She nodded, "Young Master Xie would definitely be gorgeous if he put on makeup."

The storyteller continued, his voice loud and clear, like the sound of a huge bell.

As the saying goes: The wedding night is the time when one’s name is on the list of successful candidates.

At the banquet in Qionglin Garden, the newly-qualified scholars toasted each other and kowtowed to express their gratitude for the emperor's grace.

The eldest princess took a liking to the third place winner at first sight.

"The Princess is so noble and honorable! How can we refuse her?"

The storyteller's eyes widened, and he suddenly slammed the folding fan in his hand on the table, as if he was filled with righteous indignation.

Just telling lies.

Is it right for the royal family to rob and plunder?

Guizhier was cracking melon seeds and curling her lips in disdain.

She was not a native of Daliang, so naturally she did not care about the supremacy of imperial power.

Are kings, princes, generals, and ministers of different races?

What's more, the son-in-law is not allowed to interfere in politics.

No matter how ambitious you are, you can only serve a woman who pleases you.

Who among the serious scholars would be willing to submit?

"The emperor was furious!" the storyteller recounted vividly. "As the saying goes, if you learn the arts of civil and martial arts, you can sell them to the emperor."

"Since you don't appreciate my kindness, why not go to Chu Huai and perform?"

"Oh." All the guests in the room were either dumbfounded or gasping for air, whispering to each other and exclaiming in surprise.

"Ridiculous." Guizhier picked up the sunflower seeds with her bare hands and placed them between her teeth.

With a click, the melon seed shell cracked.

"Why doesn't the old emperor sell it himself? That's called - sharing happiness with the people!" Guizhier imitated the storyteller's tone and chirped a few lines.

"Heh." A light laugh.

Guizhier raised her eyes.

The voice came from the man sitting next to me. He was wearing a veil with semi-transparent gauze on the brim of his hat, so his face couldn't be seen clearly.

But her slender waist and the long robe covering her long legs made her figure even more graceful.

The storyteller's story has ended.

On the table, the cups and plates were still there, the tea had cooled slightly, and melon seed shells were scattered everywhere.

"What advice do you have for me, young man?" Guizhier asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I don't deserve it." The man changed to a relaxed posture, the river breeze blew the half-open window, and his veil swayed.

"I'm just kindly reminding you, young lady, that walls have ears and words can be a source of trouble."

But his tone was full of smiles.

Guizhier pointed to the beam of the teahouse and then to the ground.

Finally, he withdrew his index finger and placed it in front of his lips.

Heaven knows, earth knows, you know, and I know.

The man shrugged his shoulders and tapped the table with one hand, making a crisp sound, as if he was extremely happy.

But soon, he stopped smiling.

Just because there was a burst of chaotic footsteps coming from the stairs.

"Sir, I need your help with this matter." The people who came all looked sad and angry.

Most of them wore wide-brimmed felt hats and cloth bags tied around their waists, the typical attire of traveling merchants.

Seeing that they seemed to have something private to discuss, Guizhier tactfully took Liu Qianjin to change seats.

Anyway, with the hearing ability of a martial artist, it is not difficult to hear clearly.

"The captain of the boat gang said that we still need your advice." The merchant bowed deeply.

Speaking of which, people only know that merchants make profits by reselling and they live a very comfortable life.

Little do they know that they also have their own sufferings.

That is, transactions were subject to the control of the yahang. Large-scale transactions had to be registered with the yahang so that the government could collect a commission and taxes.

But once the goods are in the warehouse, the merchants have no say.

"Sir, everyone knows how precious the first spring tea from Lingnan is." The merchant took out an abacus and fiddled with the round beads.

"That dealership, relying on the government's endorsement, is reaping the profits, which would be fine. But this time, they're holding back the goods for no reason and won't let us find a buyer privately."

Everyone was breathing rapidly, their chests heaving.

Guizhier listened to it and understood it.

After the beginning of spring, the tea buds, which have been dormant for the entire winter, become plump and fresh when watered by the spring rain.

But the pawnshop intervened and suppressed the goods, making the merchants anxious.

"In our line of work, our lives depend on market fluctuations," the merchant said, calculating his losses with a bitter face. "If we hold onto this in-demand commodity until after the beginning of summer, it'll be worth nothing!"

"Everyone says that you have connections in Chuhuai..."

The man wearing a veil on his head suddenly raised his hand, elegantly and decisively, interrupting the endless stream of words.

The noise suddenly stopped.

"You just said the other day that it was revenge, that the servant was thrown into the ash house." The man's tone was gentle and melodious. "I also helped redeem this man."

"I'll try my best to find out about the dental business, but I can't guarantee any news."

Just a few words can gently touch people's heartstrings.

"I still have to rely on your care."

The merchants were very grateful. They held a thick stack of silver bills in their hands, bent down and placed them on the coffee table.

After the crowd dispersed, the man lifted the veil of the curtain.

Her eyebrows are like distant black ink, blending heroism with charm. The corners of her eyes are stained with peach rouge, adding a touch of charm to her deep and affectionate eyes.

He turned to look at Guizhier, his long eyelashes like a fan, trembling slightly.

"I'm Xie Yuan." He pursed his lips and smiled, "Miss, if you're free, you can come to Bailuzhou for a few drinks."

Young Master Xie is truly gorgeous after putting on makeup.