Wen Zhu is the unloved illegitimate daughter of the Minister of Rites. From a young age, she was sent to a manor, and her birth mother was also out of favor.
In her previous life, she was sen...
Every word in the dialogue seems to touch the most sensitive part of the audience's heart.
The actor who played "Pei Shaojun" looked at Zhao Manxiang in the audience from time to time with affectionate and gentle eyes, as if conveying infinite tenderness to her through the character's eyes.
Zhao Manxiang's face was flushed, and two pink clouds appeared on her cheeks.
It had been a long time since anyone had looked at her so tenderly, which filled her heart with complex emotions, including surprise, a little shyness and helplessness.
In this back and forth, Zhao Manxiang had unknowingly been completely immersed in the plot, as if the actor playing "Pei Shaojun" in front of her was the Fu Zhiyao who had made her heart beat so many years ago.
There are indeed some similarities in appearance between the two, making this illusion even more real.
Recalling the scenes of his youth, the figure riding a horse and greeting him with a smile emerged in his memory, "Sister Zhao."
At that time, the two families had a very good relationship. When she was a child, she had visited the Sheng Mansion countless times, and every time she left, she often had the opportunity to have the other party accompany her in the name of escort.
Sometimes the Duke's wife would ask her son Fu Zhiyao to ride a horse to escort her and her daughter back to the Zhao family safely.
At that time, the ignorant girl could not help but quietly lift a corner of the curtain and look out, hoping to see the young master sitting on horseback in a leisurely and free manner.
At first, Fu Zhiyao wasn't as indifferent to her as he is now. That beautiful time always evokes the softest memories in her heart...
Thinking of all those beautiful days in the past that are gradually disappearing, Zhao Manxiang couldn't help but reveal some sadness.
At this time, the actor who played "Pei Shaojun" seemed to have noticed her subtle emotional fluctuations, so he looked at her with a softer look.
After dealing with some trivial matters in the troupe, Wen Zhu returned to the stage.
I found that Zhao Manxiang was still watching the performance on the stage attentively.
Wen Zhu tiptoed over and added new tea to her cup, and whispered to the maid standing nearby not to disturb the lady who was in a trance.
Until the whole drama came to a successful conclusion, there was still one person in the audience who had not left for a long time. That was Zhao Manxiang, who was still sitting there motionless.
At this time, Qingmei gently reminded him, "Young Madam, according to custom, isn't it time to give tips to the performers as a token of appreciation?"
After hearing this, Zhao Manxiang suddenly came to her senses.
She coughed a few times to clear her throat and then said, "Yes, get ready. We should give the artists who performed on stage today the rewards they deserve."
"Lin Yuelou is indeed worthy of his reputation. Not only is his singing skill amazing, but even his clothing styles are very exquisite and beautiful," Qingmei added in agreement.
"Then let's add an extra string of silver as a token of recognition for his outstanding skills."
Zhao Manxiang stood up and said, "I feel a little tired. I want to go back and rest for a while."
Seeing this, Aunt Zhou quickly stood up from her seat and echoed a few words of compliment before standing up and saying goodbye and leaving the scene.
After walking a few steps, Zhao Manxiang heard someone calling her from behind: "Young Madam."
The voice was clear and pleasant, which made her stop involuntarily and look back to see that it was Lin Yuelou.
The sunlight shone through the treetops onto his body, making him look particularly energetic.
"My humble servant greets the young lady. Is this the handkerchief you lost?"
Lin Yuelou asked with a smile, his eyes revealing a sincerity that was irresistible.
Zhao Manxiang shook her head slightly, and at the same time took out an exquisite handkerchief from her sleeve, gently unfolded it and showed it to Lin Yuelou.
The exquisite osmanthus pattern on it seems to emit a faint fragrance under the light.
"No, I always carry it with me."
Zhao Manxiang explained, and although there was no impatience in her tone, she was not willing to stay in this place for too long.
The handkerchief was embroidered with glittering gold thread on the edge, and it was indeed a very precious little thing.
"I was mistaken. It turns out the young lady loves osmanthus."
Lin Yuelou's eyes were as bright as stars, and at this moment they were filled with indescribable emotions. "I like the scent of osmanthus, too."
These words made Zhao Manxiang's heart tremble slightly.
Normally, she always kept a certain distance from or even looked down upon people of low status like actors, but today, perhaps because the weather was too good, or perhaps for some other reason, she actually expressed her preferences.
"The scent of osmanthus is indeed very pleasant, and it is very suitable for someone with outstanding temperament like you. It can not only set off your elegance, but also highlight your uniqueness."
Lin Yuelou's words revealed admiration, but he did not finish the second half of the sentence.
This sudden pause aroused Zhao Manxiang's curiosity. "What's wrong?"
She couldn't help but ask, and her raised brows showed a little uneasiness in her heart.
After a moment's thought, Lin Yuelou spoke up, "I sense a hint of melancholy between your brows. Given your appearance and upbringing, you should easily obtain whatever you desire. I didn't expect you might have some unresolved issues."
If his words came from someone else, they might seem extremely pretentious, but when spoken by Lin Yuelou, they gave people a particularly sincere feeling.
In an instant, Zhao Manxiang felt as if the vulnerability in her heart had been pricked.
She originally thought that such warm care should not come from an artist.
After all, he could never become a young man from a noble family like Pei Shaojun or Fu Zhiyao.
"How shameless!"
Moisture welled up in Zhao Manxiang's eyes. She held back her tears, glared at Lin Yuelou fiercely, then turned and left quickly.
As they walked along the road, Qingmei whispered beside them, "No wonder people say Lin Yuelou is so charming. He's also so considerate and thoughtful in private."
"What's the point of being considerate? He's just an actor!"
Although Zhao Manxiang replied in this way, she couldn't help but look back again.
Lin Yuelou was still standing there, watching her go, his eyes fixed on her back, his eyes full of lingering emotions, that affectionate expression was almost heart-warming.
"How shameless."
Zhao Manxiang complained in a low voice, her heart full of displeasure. She turned around again and quickened her pace back to Qifangyuan.
Wen Zhu saw Lin Yuelou and Zhao Manxiang chatting from afar. She waited quietly in Lancui Courtyard, and only walked out of the yard carefully after they left.
When Lin Yuelou saw Wen Zhu, he immediately showed a friendly smile and asked gently, "Is this handkerchief yours?"
There was a hint of inquiry in his tone.
Wen Zhu smiled slightly and shook his head gently, "No, this belongs to my young mistress. From today's performance, I can see that you are indeed very popular, especially my young mistress has a very good impression of you."