46 Sour Plum
◎Do eunuchs still visit brothels?◎
Fu Tao skipped class again today, not because of the storybook, but because today was a special day, and she had to come even if the teacher scolded her. She lifted her skirt and climbed up the tree. The maid below was anxious. The tree was nearly two meters high, and if she fell, her head would probably be broken. "Princess, Princess, be careful!"
Fu Tao ignored him and continued to climb up. "Keep your voice down, I know my limits!"
"Princess, what are you looking at? It's too high, isn't it?!"
Fu Tao is waiting for an old friend today. Today is Huang Zongwei's first day at Wenyuan Pavilion to sort out books, and he wants to be here to see him.
Seeing her climb so high, the maid tried hard to persuade her to come down. "Young Master Huang passed the imperial examination, was selected as a Hanlin Academy Scholar, and was appointed Xiuzhuan. His father is the head of the civil service, the Shangshuling. How could he join the princess in such a riot?"
"No, no one else is going this way. Go back now and don't wait for me!"
The maid couldn't resist, and although she was still worried, her master had already spoken, so she had to be sent away no matter what.
She was afraid that she hadn't climbed high enough and would lose sight of Huang Song. Suddenly, a shout came from behind her, frightening her so much that she almost fell off the tree. "Hey, who's hanging in the tree?"
It was Huang Song, "Zong Wei!" He was wearing the green robe of a new official and an official hat. He looked much more serious than usual and looked like an official.
He urged her to come down quickly, "Princess, please come down quickly. They are going to make Mid-Autumn Festival wine down here. Be careful not to fall!"
Fu Tao was quite agile and climbed down from the tree easily, breaking off a branch in his hand. The sweet osmanthus flowers were in full bloom, and the golden color was very beautiful.
She stood under the osmanthus tree, the fragrance of the flowers permeating the air. She looked particularly playful in this sea of flowers. "Hey, this is for you!"
Huang Song took the osmanthus flowers from her hand and asked, "Princess, aren't you going to school today? Why are you here?"
She was a little disappointed. Everyone was talking to her about school. She had finally gotten out of school today, only to be criticized again. "I was waiting for you. You haven't been here in ages. I missed you. I knew it was your first day on duty, so I waited for you."
The two of them had known each other since childhood, and it had been nearly ten years since then. Huang Song had passed the imperial examination this year and had not been to the palace to study with Fu Tao since the beginning of the year. He was one of Fu Tao's few friends, and today, knowing that he had started working, he had come to wait for him.
Huang Song brushed the petals off her head, lowered his eyes to look at the princess's serene and bright smile, and couldn't help but scold her again. "Princess, just tell me next time. It's so dangerous. What if something unexpected happens?"
She looked at Huang Song with her big, dark eyes and admitted her mistake. "I won't do it again next time. We haven't seen each other for half a year. I wonder if you are free the day after tomorrow. Can you accompany me out of the palace?"
Huang Song: "Princess, where do you want to go?"
She thought for a moment and said, "Why don't we go out of the palace and listen to some music or watch some opera? I heard there are a lot of interesting folk activities and interesting storybooks. But the palace is boring and there are no such things to entertain me. I don't have any brothers or sisters. You are my best friend. We grew up together. I want you to go out with me."
Huang Song was puzzled. How could he not have any brothers or sisters? He had clearly gotten along well with all the princes and princesses when he was little. "Isn't His Royal Highness the Crown Prince the princess's biological brother?"
Fu Tao rolled his eyes helplessly, "My brother is not very smart, I don't bother to pay attention to him."
This is indeed true, and only Fu Tao can say this with confidence.
"If the princess needs me, I will naturally be willing to accompany her."
"Oh, there's one more thing. If you see Xue Ji, you must help me hide it. Last time at Yu'er's full moon banquet, he was staring at me the whole time. I think he wanted to find fault with me and take credit for it to the Queen Mother. If he asks you, don't tell me!"
"good."
Cui Rumei heard about the two's playful behavior. She was extremely bored this month, so she thought of following other people's movements as a way to pass the time.
Everyone is full of energy, but she is not liked now.
"The Crown Princess has really stolen the show. The Crown Prince has been lukewarm towards me because of what happened last time. Look at the full moon banquet, he poured wine and served food for her in front of so many people, so attentive."
Hua Xue didn't say anything. She had seen enough of the farce last time. She didn't know how much suffering she would have to endure in the future if she followed Cui Rumei. It would be better for her to stay quiet and not help the evil.
"I'm such an eyesore every day. How am I going to survive in the future?"
An idea suddenly struck her, and she thought, "How about you, Talented Person, go find Master Xue and see if he has any ideas?"
"Xue Ji?" Cui Rumei stopped fiddling with the thing in her hand, it seemed like a solution.
Hua Xue: "I saw at the full moon banquet that day that Lord Xue looked at the Crown Princess with a look of disgust. After a few words, the Crown Princess shrugged him off and returned to the table. Perhaps he has a solution?"
"That's what you said. Go ask him tomorrow."
Bored to death, Xue Ji had nothing to do except making incense. It rained heavily this afternoon. Listening to the sound of rain and the slightly cool weather, he fell into a light sleep and was suddenly disturbed by Qingyun again.
"Sir, sir!?" He ran to the inner room and woke people up as if he had encountered some lonely ghost.
I woke up suddenly, and was frightened by his sudden shouting, "What are you doing!"
"Someone's coming."
"Who is it? I don't see you!"
He hadn't had anything to do for days. Ever since Rong Qianyu said everyone should take what they needed, he had become listless, pacing the palace from time to time, ignoring the maids and eunuchs who greeted him. Or perhaps he was just dazed and didn't know what he was doing. Qingyun went into the room several times to bring him tea, only to find him sitting by the bed, motionless even as the rain soaked his clothes.
Qingyun felt more than once that he was lovesick, but he didn't dare to mention it or ask, for fear that he would be scolded if he said something unpleasant. The person who tied the bell must untie it, and he didn't know when he and the Crown Princess would be able to reconcile.
"Choi Jae-in is here."
Xue Ji was a little impatient. "We rarely interact with each other. What is she doing here?"
"Then will we meet again?" Qingyun asked cautiously.
Xue Ji raised his hand and slapped him hard, "Nonsense, of course the master saw it."
Finally got scolded.
He wore a long robe of a matching color and tied up his long hair casually, which only made his skin look clearer and his figure more handsome.
You have to see me even if you don't want to.
When he opened the door, he saw Cui Rumei sitting in the hall. She was dressed simply and elegantly, and she had completely lost the domineering attitude she had when she was the most favored.
"What brings you here?"
Cui Rumei was unusually polite and bowed to Xue Ji, saying, "Master Seal Holder, you've been working so hard lately."
Xue Ji evaded the question, saying, "You are embarrassing me. I cannot accept the position of seal holder. I have not yet been officially appointed."
Cui Rumei was a bit embarrassed and smiled, "It doesn't matter whether you grant me the title or not. The position of the Chief Seal of the Imperial Household must belong to you. I've often told Your Highness that it's time to promote some of our own people. Lord Xue is a capable person and should be given more important positions."
Xue Ji didn't like her false politeness and asked, "What brings you here? You're not here just to praise me as a useful talent, are you?"
"I would like to ask for your help to make His Royal Highness change his mind."
He knew she had come so humbly, offering such kindness for no reason, but must have something to ask of him. Concubines in the harem were simply vying for favor, so he tried to rebut her offer. "Your Highness has always valued you above all else. How can you possibly change your mind?"
She was filled with sorrow. Xue Ji had been having a hard time this month, and so had she. "The Crown Princess and His Highness have been getting better and better lately. I'm a little..."
"Is Cui Cairen worried?" Xue Ji asked.
"yes."
Cui Rumei nodded, and suddenly burst into tears as she spoke. Crystal clear tears welled up in her eyes, and then rolled down her cheeks, which made Xue Ji very surprised.
This woman has always been domineering and looks down on everyone, yet she can be so humble.
No one loves her, and Xue Ji himself is also depressed, so it might not be a bad idea to help her.
"I'm going to say something quite disrespectful, please don't be offended. You used to live in the brothels of the common people. The Crown Princess is not as good as you in controlling men."
From what he said, it was clear that Xue Ji was a eunuch, so how could he have the ability of a little girl to control a man?
"Men are all the same. Talented, you might as well give it a try. You are His Highness's favorite at all times. The Crown Princess' birthday is coming up soon. There's no need to rush for quick success. You need to take it slow and steady to ease things."
At this point, she still didn't seem to understand.
Xue Ji thought, forget it, if she doesn't understand, I'd better tell her directly. "There is a top performer at Zuifanglou in the capital who performs a feather fan dance. The prince will definitely like it."
After pointing out a clear path, Cui Rumei finally understood. "I understand. Thank you, sir. I'll take my leave now."
After everyone left, Xue Ji ordered Qingyun to change into new clothes. The scent of rouge on Cui Rumei was too strong and he didn't like it.
Qingyun was puzzled as to why Xue Ji wanted to help her, "Sir, are you trying to help Cui Cairen win favor?"
Xue Ji asked in return, "What kind of talk is that? This is called mutual benefit. I'm just doing you a favor."
He had never liked anyone before, and even though he had feelings for someone, he didn't know how to express them. He simply didn't want to let Qianyu and Fu Hua get close. The last time he saw him pick up food for her and even send her back to the palace, he felt inexplicably furious. Fortunately, Cui Rumei was here, so this might be an opportunity.
"I have nothing to do today, so I'll leave the palace."
Qingyun: "Are you...going there in person?"
"What if you do it for me?"
He brought Xue Ji a new set of clothes and said, "Then I will prepare the carriage and horses."
"No, I'll go by myself."
"Are you alone?"
Xue Ji glanced at him angrily. Why did this kid always interrupt recently? "I can't go halfway."
Qingyun wanted the two of them to stop targeting each other like this. In the end, he, the middleman, was the one who got hurt. He was secretly criticized for delivering things to Rong Qianyu, and when he came back to send a letter to Xue Ji, he was also accused of incompetence.
Outside the palace, people have recently started to prepare lanterns for the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the people are coming and going, making it very lively.
This was one of the few times that Fu Tao went out of the palace to play. Everything on the long street seemed commonplace to ordinary people, but she enjoyed it very much every time and found everything new to her.
There are shops on both sides of the street. The afternoon sun shines softly on the eaves of the brightly colored buildings. Teahouses, pawnshops, and bun shops are bustling with people. The streets are bustling with people, and the whole place looks prosperous.
The two of them wandered into a bookshop. The books were all very novel and had never been seen in the palace. "Boss, have you got any new books recently?"
The owner pointed to a row of new books bound in pink and green on the bookshelf. "There are a few new ones, some from Haitangguan and Qingshui Academy. They're all interesting!"
She looked at the rows of green book covers with no interest. She picked up a book and glanced at it with a look of reluctance. Not only were the titles extremely long, but even a casual flip of the page was bland and boring. She felt awkward and her features were squeezed together. "The ones from Qingshui Academy are the most boring. There's nothing in them, and they're still expensive."
"Then take a look at these books. They are all new books from Haitang Pavilion. Many girls like them." The boss took out a few books with pink covers.
"What is this book about?" Fu Tao asked.
"This book has a great story!" the boss began to talk excitedly. "It has four volumes, divided into Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon. Let's talk about the Wind volume. The author is a wanderer who came to Suzhou to study, but was favored by two of his classmates. From then on, he and his teachers and classmates..."
"Okay, okay, just put on this set." Fu Tao raised his hand to signal him not to say anything more.
The boss smiled heartily. After coming for half a day, he finally opened the shop. "Miss, you have good taste. This book is very beautiful. There is also a man giving birth to a child to become the queen!"
"Really?" Fu Tao was so happy that he couldn't stop smiling. He gave all the change in his hand to the boss. "This money is all for you. Wrap it up for me and I'll come back to buy it!"
The bookstore owner was also very happy. It was the first time he had seen such a generous girl. He thanked her repeatedly, "Thank you very much, young lady, thank you very much!"
Huang Song didn't expect Fu Tao to be able to joke with these vendors so easily. Fu Tao also sensed his puzzled look and felt a little embarrassed. "You don't think I'm weird, do you?"
"As long as Tao'er is happy, it's actually harmless."
Smiling, she pulled him towards the market, "Let's go, let's listen to the story!"
She had a truly good personality. She didn't have the airs of a legitimate princess, nor was she at all arrogant. She was also very lovable and lively. If she had been born among the common people, she would have grown up carefree and free. However, as a member of the palace, it was difficult for her to have her life be as she pleased.
The two of them ordered a few side dishes and sat in the teahouse listening to a story. Suddenly, Fu Tao looked nervously at a man in the distance. "Who is that?"
Fu Tao immediately stopped him, "Don't look back! It's Xue Ji, he's not here to arrest me, is he?"
Fu Tao always felt that Xue Ji's ghost had been around recently and might be out to catch her, so she hid in front of Huang Song and didn't dare to look sideways.
"No way, Master Xue would not do such shameful things."
"Yes," Fu Tao said jokingly, "He always kills in an open and honest manner."
"Don't look, don't look, don't let him find you."
The two of them seemed to be making big moves, and the more they tried to hide their actions, the easier it was for them to be discovered. Unfortunately, Xue Ji also saw them, but he had important matters to attend to today, so it was not convenient for him to go up and say hello.
He stood up and walked towards the brothel on the slanted street. The mother who managed the house had been waiting for him at the door since early morning. She greeted him warmly and invited him in.
"Is Qingwan here?"
The madam greeted him with a smile, "I'm here, I'm waiting for you, please come in!"
Fu Tao was surprised to see him enter the brothel with such ease and familiarity, "A eunuch is visiting a brothel again?"
In her impression, Xue Ji was always alone, and she didn't know that he liked women. There were even rumors that he liked homosexuality, but she didn't expect that she would catch him red-handed.
"Don't look at anything inappropriate. Perhaps Master Xue is doing something else."
Fu Tao's eyes nearly popped out of his head after hearing Huang Song's words. What else could it be? Was he the one being prostituted?!
"Please, sir."
Entering the building, he saw a scene of flourishing flowers. The women were wearing thin and bright clothes, and a choking fragrance hit him in the face. Xue Ji didn't like it very much, so he covered his nose with a handkerchief and was taken to a private room.
A woman with outstanding appearance had been waiting in the room for a long time. Her name was Qingwan and she was the top performer here. She was about eighteen or nineteen years old, with a slim figure, fair skin and beautiful appearance. She was proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting.
The madam ordered Qingwan to bring a cup of tea, "Sir, have some tea and take a seat. Speak slowly."
"I won't drink the tea anymore. I'll leave now. You know that during the smallpox epidemic, the Crown Princess wanted to kill you. I fought against all odds to save you. It's time for you to repay me."
Qingwan nodded in understanding.
"If someone pays a high price to learn your feather fan dance in the next few days, you must teach her. And make sure she dances better and more beautifully than you. You can also teach her some of your specialties. You must make sure she surpasses you. You must devote all your energy to teaching her."
"I understand," she replied. "Sir, who is this man?"
Xue Ji didn't answer. "Don't ask what you shouldn't ask. If you want to save your life, don't ask when the time comes."
"Also, there's one more thing. What do you women like? I want to give it away."
Qingwan heard this
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