Suddenly, the sound of a pipa was heard on the water; the host forgot to return home, and the guest lingered. Following the sound, they secretly inquired who was playing.

Wei Ji's pipa playing was indeed excellent, and even Zhao Nihong, who didn't usually enjoy playing string and wind instruments, was captivated by her performance.

When Zhao Shuruo was at home, she would always listen to Wei Ji's pipa music at noon, just like how people in modern times like to listen to music before going to bed.

At this moment, she was no longer as stunning as Zhao Nihong.

"Fine wine in a luminous cup, I long to drink, but the pipa urges me on. Alas, there is neither fine wine nor a bright moon now," Zhao Shu lamented.

As soon as she finished speaking, Zhao Changyan walked in from outside the door. "What's so difficult about that, Sister Ajun? I have fine wine and a luminous cup, but I wonder if you could lend me this pipa-playing beauty?"

Zhao Shu pretended to be the one being robbed and said angrily, "I don't like hearing what you're saying, cousin. Sister Wei is my treasure. How can this treasure be borrowed so easily?"

Upon hearing Zhao Changyan's words, Wei Ji's heart skipped a beat. Could the princess's cousin be the second prince? Although he was younger, it wasn't impossible...

She had already started to have wild fantasies.

"Then how can Sister A-Jun lend her beauty to her brother?" Zhao Changyan looked at Wei Ji, who was bowing her head shyly. Her soft and boneless figure, beautiful face, charming and graceful temperament, and most importantly, her pipa playing was indeed excellent.

Father would certainly like such a person, but if the person is in Ah Jun's hands, it would be difficult for Father to speak up. If Ah Jun were to deliver the person, it would be much more convenient.

Zhao Shu thought for a moment, as if she couldn't think of anything to exchange for it, then pretended to be angry, "Cousin, if you can give me one of your treasures, I will give you the beauty."

"Alright, a gentleman's word is his bond, so don't go back on your word, Ah Jun." He then took off a crescent-shaped jade pendant from his body and handed it to Zhao Shu. "This is a treasure of Fu Ai's men. Ah Jun, do you think this treasure might be worth exchanging for a beauty like you?"

Fu Ai was the most skilled jade carver hundreds of years ago. The jade pieces he carved were all priceless, and most importantly, they were priceless and unavailable for sale.

Trading a person for a jade pendant is worth it no matter what. She reached out and took the jade pendant. "The pipa beauty is now my cousin. Let me make it clear first, cousin, you must cherish her."

"That's natural." Zhao Changyan smiled mysteriously.

Zhao Nihong, who was still enjoying the music, pouted and said coquettishly, "Second brother, I haven't had enough yet."

“Didn’t you always dislike these decadent songs? Alright, Second Brother has other matters to attend to, so I won’t say any more. Sister Wei, come with me.” He called her Sister Wei, just like Zhao Shu.

The Zhao family has good genes. Zhao Changyan is tall and upright. Although he is still young, he is already about 1.78 meters tall. If he were in modern times, he would be the kind of sunny big boy.

She looks especially beautiful when she smiles.

Wei Ji was so embarrassed that her face was almost red with embarrassment. She had originally thought that being by the princess's side would not only give her a high status, but also allow her to get close to the prince. However, for so long, she hadn't even seen the prince's face.

She kept telling herself not to rush, that there would be opportunities, there would be opportunities, and unexpectedly, she was hit by a windfall today.

Following the prince is nowhere near as good as following this little prince. The prince has so many women in his harem; even if he were to treat them all equally, she would still have to wait in line until she goes crazy.

But the young prince is different; he's young and he likes her...

Although they were siblings, boys and girls should not sit together after the age of seven. Zhao Changyan quickly summoned a maid and took Wei Ji away, leaving Zhao Shu and Zhao Nihong behind, which made the courtyard somewhat awkward.

Fortunately, Zhao Nihong was outgoing and lively. She affectionately took Zhao Shu's arm and said, "Sister Ajun, it's the Mid-Autumn Festival. Let's go out and have some fun together. I've just arrived in the capital and I'm not familiar with many places or people."

Zhao Shu almost laughed. Actually, their strategy was wrong. They should have tricked her out first, and then arranged for someone to bump into her unexpectedly. That would have been easier.

She pried Zhao Nihong's hand away. "Cousin, don't you know I have a bad reputation? No noble lady in the capital wants to be with me. If I go, people will see you with me and won't want to associate with you. So, in order not to implicate you, cousin, I won't go. I hope you have a good time."

"Besides, you've been to Prince Hui's mansion and know Sister Liuli, right? Sister Liuli is beautiful, gentle, and kind-hearted. If your cousin goes with Sister Liuli, she will definitely take good care of you. Sister Liuli knows many more noble ladies than I do. With her introduction, you'll soon be able to make a close friend."

What Zhao Shu said was all true. Zhao Nihong had already found out, but she had a mission to complete when she came to Beijing.

However, getting to know noble ladies is also important. If one can associate with those noble ladies, it will surely be of help to the king.

Zhao Nihong looked at Zhao Shu. Although they appeared affectionate, the disdain in her eyes could not be hidden from Zhao Shu. No matter how capable she was, she was still just a little girl who had not yet reached adulthood.

How can they compare to Zhao Shu, who has lived for decades?

"Cousin, when others are talking badly about me, please don't speak up for me, otherwise they'll think you and I are very close and won't want to associate with you." Zhao Shu added fuel to the fire.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Nihong realized how serious it was, and she made up her mind that although she was living in the Prince Yong's mansion, she must keep her distance from Zhao Shu, whose reputation was ruined.

"Little sister A-Jun, don't be discouraged. People talk about you because they don't understand you. It's okay, you still have your cousin." She patted Zhao Shu's arm, comforting her with affection.

Zhao Shu thought that if it were before, she would have been moved to tears and regarded Zhao Nihong as her closest relative.

"Thank you, cousin." She smiled, feigning gratitude.

Now, acting seems to have become her daily routine; when will this ever end?

"Princess, Princess Liuli requests your presence." Zhao Nihong's maid came to report, and upon seeing Zhao Shu here, an awkward expression flashed across her face. Princess Liuli had not said she wanted to invite Princess Jun.

Liuli was also a little embarrassed. "Ajun, Sister Liuli said she would take me to her maternal grandparents' house today to talk to her cousins. Originally, I didn't want to go, since I planned to spend today with you."

Zhao Shu pretended to be disappointed, but also acted as if nothing had happened, pursing her lips, "Cousin, go ahead. A-Jun isn't feeling well today, so she won't keep you company."

After saying that, without waiting for Zhao Nihong to speak, he lightly placed the handkerchief under his nose and quickly left Cuilan Courtyard.

As Zhao Shu's figure disappeared from sight, Zhao Nihong snorted coldly, "What Princess Jun? She's wasting such a good status. If I had the title, rank, and fiefdom, I guarantee I'd live a thousand times better than Zhao Shu."

As Zhao Shu left Cuilan Courtyard, her eyes seemed to be covered with ice. "Has Xiao Zhuzi not returned yet?" she asked in a cold voice.

"Not yet," Xiao Guozi replied in a low voice. The Prince Hui's Mansion had gone too far; no wonder the Princess was angry.

However, Zhao Shu wasn't angry that she wasn't invited; she was just angry that those people always wanted to rip off a piece of flesh from the Prince Yong's mansion.

"Tell the concubines to come to Chensong Courtyard to pay their respects every day, morning, noon, and night!"