Chapter 42 Dust and Light (Part 1) I don't want to travel together anymore.
I want to walk a little further, but the road eventually comes to an end.
Wei Yuanzhan escorted Zhirou to Qufei Lane, his mind much calmer than when he had just left the Song residence. Having delivered her, he mounted his horse and prepared to depart when a voice suddenly spoke from behind: "Who's been unfair to you?"
Upon hearing this, Wei Yuanzhan chuckled softly from his horse: "Who dares?" He then spurred his horse forward, leaving behind the words, "Let's go."
Zhi Rou watched his figure disappear into the night, remained silent for a moment, then turned her thoughts to herself and asked Pei Cheng, "Brother Pei, did you use the eldest branch's carriage today?"
Pei Cheng said yes, and Zhi Rou smiled with relief, telling him he didn't need to follow anymore. She walked alone for a while, climbed over the darkest corner of the wall, and jumped into the Song residence.
The bright moonlight, like water, covered the trees and surrounded the family school, making it seem like a secluded paradise.
On the stone steps, Song Qiyu raised his long eyebrows slightly, glancing at the darkness from which a rustling sound was coming.
Before long, the stiff hem of the robe appeared first in sight, followed by the collar and the hair bun.
The newcomer met his gaze and paused slightly: "Big brother."
Song Qiyu could tell at a glance that her illness was just an excuse, so he didn't ask any further questions. He was just going home to get something, so he simply responded.
Zhi Rou hadn't expected anyone to be there. When she was suddenly discovered, she quickly hid her hands behind her back, displaying her usual embarrassed and regretful demeanor.
She didn't speak or move, just stood there upright in the grass. Song Qiyu found her amusing, but his tone remained calm: "Aren't you going back?"
"Go back." Zhi Rou took off her boots and came out, her lips slightly raised in embarrassment, but she didn't let her gaze linger on Song Qiyu.
"Fourth sister often walks by the river, aren't you afraid of getting your shoes wet?" he suddenly said.
If Song Zhirou feigns illness once or twice, it's one thing, but if it goes on for a long time and happens frequently, her mother will surely scold her for not being disciplined enough and for damaging the reputation of the Song family's daughters.
My third sister has already come of age, and my mother attaches great importance to her marriage. If Song Zhirou ruins it, then all the old grievances will have to be brought up and settled.
Zhi Rou lowered her eyes, feeling very uncomfortable. Her older brother was just like her father, always lecturing her. Even though her father was a smiling tiger, she still felt that her older brother was more frightening than her father.
Zhi Rou had nothing to say, so she changed the subject: "Big brother, what do you think of Ting Song Academy?"
"It's acceptable."
"Grandmother said she wants to go to Jiangdong to visit the old Lady Hou. Big brother, can I go with her?"
"Grandmother doesn't need you to serve her."
Zhi Rou secretly pouted and stepped out of the cave: "Will big brother stay with grandmother?"
"Won't."
"How lonely Grandmother must be, so far away, and she's getting old..."
The two traveled together, and Zhi Rou had many questions. Eventually, they started talking about the young prince, and Song Qi Yu paused slightly.
Zhi Rou turned her head: "What's wrong?"
Song Qiyu scrutinized her for a moment with an inscrutable expression, then spoke in a mocking tone: "Fourth Sister is indeed getting too close to Prince Wei; even a member of the imperial family dares to casually inquire about him."
Zhi Rou remained silent once again.
I don't want to travel with you anymore.
She glanced southwest and said, "My path is different from yours, brother." gesturing for him to slow down.
At the end of March, Princess Rongqing hosted an elegant gathering at Yunju Villa. Song Hanjin received the invitation but did not want to go alone, insisting on bringing Zhirou along.
According to Xinghui, the Fourth Miss is just like a man, with extraordinary martial arts skills. However, among the four arts of playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, the Fourth Miss is only good at calligraphy. Wouldn't it be embarrassing for her to compete with a group of young ladies in the elegant gathering?
She was wholeheartedly thinking of her mistress, and Zhi Rou agreed. When they went out that day, Zhi Rou looked downcast and took Song Han Jin's hand: "Third sister, is it really necessary to go?"
Song Hanjin scrutinized her with narrowed eyes. During holidays and banquets, outsiders would inevitably gossip about Zhirou. Song Hanjin thought she had long since ignored them; did she still care?
“It was Princess Rongqing who invited me. Since you are with me, you are a guest of the princess. Who would dare to question the princess’s actions?”
Seeing that she had misunderstood, Zhi Rou pouted helplessly and said, "It's not that I'm worried about."
Song Hanjin pondered for a moment, then glanced at her with a smile: "What's wrong? Are you afraid you won't be able to handle the poetry recitation later? I told you a long time ago to learn to play the zither, but you wouldn't listen, saying you had limited energy and were satisfied with just studying and practicing martial arts."
Zhi Rou listened, her lips pursed into a thin line. Seeing that she was somewhat sullen, Song Han Jin changed her tone and said, "If you stay with me today, I'll buy back the jade thumb ring you had your eye on last time and give it to you as a gift, how about it?"
It was clear she was easily bribed. Hearing this, she smiled again, said nothing more, and climbed into the carriage.
Princess Rongqing hosted the event, and the guests were all scholars and gentlemen of marriageable age. Men and women sat separately, separated by a covered bridge running north and south.
As Zhi Rou stepped onto the bridge, she glanced towards the male guests. A young man was presiding over the event; he must have been an emcee. Beside him, a slightly stout man dressed in luxurious clothes was being treated with respect. The people around him called him "Little Prince."
So this is the rumored mentally challenged young prince? He responded to everyone's bows with composure, behaving just like any other person. Zhi Rou withdrew her gaze. Indeed, appearances can be deceiving; that saying is very true.
Remembering that Jiang Luoya had mentioned Princess Jiayang to her, Zhirou couldn't help but feel curious. She grabbed Song Hanjin's sleeve and asked in a low voice, "Isn't Princess Jiayang the daughter of the young prince?"
All daughters of princes in our dynasty were granted the title of Princess of the County, without exception.
Song Hanjin's heart skipped a beat, and she turned her face away: "Who told you that?"
Zhi Rou was a little confused by her stare: "Nobody."
Song Hanjin glanced elsewhere, and seeing that no one was around, she stepped closer and said, "The rumor that the Jiayang County Princess's identity is incorrect, and that she has always stayed in the Prince's Mansion to cultivate herself, rarely showing her face in public. I think she... seems a bit aloof, and doesn't like to socialize."
Zhi Rou listened silently without saying a word.
Upon entering the garden, one finds several people already seated neatly. Princess Rongqing sits at the head of the table; she is approximately twenty years old, exuding elegance and grace, and displaying royal majesty in every gesture.
To her lower right sat a woman who looked about the same age as Zhi Rou. She was beautiful and seemed indifferent to everything around her, only slightly lowering her eyelashes and occasionally taking a sip of tea.
This must be the Princess of Jiayang County.
Zhi Rou had never seen royal children before. Upon seeing them now, she realized they were indeed different from others. Even sitting quietly, they exuded an air of wealth and power.
Song Hanjin led Zhirou and Princess Rongqing to pay their respects. As Zhirou lowered her eyes, she clearly saw the skirt, which was covered with lotus embroidery, move forward slightly. Its owner was standing in front of Zhirou, seemingly watching her.
This feeling was subtle, and Zhi Rou didn't like it. Fortunately, it didn't last long. The princess nodded and invited them to sit down.
The servants served fragrant tea and snacks, but Zhi Rou remained silent, her thoughts wandering.
Shortly after, Princess Rongqing clapped her hands and said in a cool voice, "There is no need for formalities at today's banquet. It is actually a preliminary preparation for the visit of the envoy from Beili next month. If there are any outstanding dancers or musicians, they are welcome to perform with me at the banquet to showcase the splendor of our dynasty."
Princess Rongqing made no attempt to conceal her intentions, and a chorus of low responses followed.
Upon hearing this explanation, Song Hanjin felt somewhat annoyed, but since she couldn't leave, she frowned and raised her eyes, only to meet Wei Mingying's equally troubled gaze.
Princess Rongqing is the daughter of Prince An, and her involvement in this matter is likely inseparable from the power struggles within the capital. Today, all those present are daughters of officials; who would want to get involved?
A cool breeze swept through the garden. Seeing that the crowd's spirits were not high, Princess Rongqing raised her jade finger and pointed at Jiayang.
"Jiayang has loved the zither since childhood. I heard that Uncle Wang even hired a famous courtesan from Chang Le Lou to teach you. I wonder if Jiayang could play a piece for you today?"
Princess Jiayang appeared mild-mannered, but her actions were anything but awkward. She smiled faintly and said, "It is truly Jiayang's good fortune to have my cousin's favor."
As she spoke, she gathered her skirts, stood up, and walked to the middle of the red platform, waiting for the servants from the other courtyard to set up the konghou (a type of harp).
Just then, someone suddenly said, "How can the music of the zither be without the accompaniment of dance?"
"It is said that Miss Wei is skilled in the Pan dance and is a disciple of a famous dancer. Throughout the entire capital, only Miss Wei and her master can perform this Han dance. Today, thanks to Princess Rongqing, we may be able to witness this unparalleled dance."
These words were so precise, they practically put Wei Mingying on the spot, leaving no room for doubt.
Princess Rongqing had long heard of Wei Mingying's dancing skills, and her gaze toward her unconsciously narrowed with anticipation.
Wei Mingying frowned, slapped the table, and sat down.
"I only dance for my parents, and I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint the princess today."
As soon as these words were spoken, another voice, seemingly both sarcastic and pitying, rose from the audience: "Miss Wei has studied dance for over a decade, just for her own self-admiration?"
The socialite and noblewoman seemed to have no malice in her words and actions, even appearing innocent, yet every word she uttered was meant to hurt someone.
"The Princess of Jiayang is willing to play the zither, does Wei Mingying look down on even members of the imperial clan?"
"She's going to be the Crown Prince's wife, so you'd better be careful not to offend her."
Amidst the murmurs, Princess Jiayang was left out in the cold, while Princess Rongqing remained silent, merely tilting her head slightly to look at Wei Mingying.
A few days ago, Wei Mingying had a quarrel with Lady Hou and secretly met with a palace maid who was out shopping. She asked the maid to pass on a message to Granny Yanqiu, who was by the Empress's side.
Therefore, she went to the palace that day not to choose a consort for the Crown Prince, but to meet Her Majesty the Empress.
Outsiders, unaware of the inside story, only observed that Wei Mingying was usually aloof and arrogant. If she were to be elevated in status, wouldn't she truly become a figure from another realm, unapproachable?
Although Song Hanjin had a grudge against Wei Mingying, she didn't want to see her being bullied, so she gritted her teeth, hoping that Wei Mingying would fight back.
Unexpectedly, Wei Mingying remained silent today, uttered her refusal, and stood before the seat, the wind whipping at her and ruffling her clothes.
If they were targeting other women, Zhirou might be able to tolerate it, just as her mother taught her, and not meddle in other people's business.
But that's Sister Wei.
Noticing the sudden movement beside her, Song Hanjin quickly grabbed Zhirou's hand and asked in a low voice, "What is Fourth Sister doing?"
Before she could answer, Song Hanjin continued, "Weighing the pros and cons, what did your teacher teach you? Have you forgotten again?"
Zhi Rou rubbed her forehead: "I can't stand it."
"If you can't stand it, just bear with it. The affairs of the Marquis of Yining's mansion are none of your business. Just watch from the sidelines."
Yes, there is a connection. Know the way of gentleness.
She broke free from Song Hanjin's restraints, stood up, and stepped out.
“How can the Pan dance be paired with the Konghou? This humble girl dares to request that her sword dance harmonize with the music of the Princess of Jiayang’s zither.” After saying this, Zhi Rou bowed to the two people at the head of the table and in the middle of the stage.
This prompted the county magistrate of Jiayang to look up and follow the sound towards the direction of the seating area.
Zhi Rou stood quietly in the center of the banquet, waiting.
She was clearly a woman of impeccable manners, yet her current actions revealed a kind of unpredictable arrogance.
This was Jia Yang's first impression of Song Zhirou, who was still a county magistrate.
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