It's as simple as crushing a bedbug.
With just a glance or a gesture, the shadow guards lurking in the shadows would silently and completely eliminate this despicable scum.
The idea was incredibly tempting.
People like Pei Ziqing are a waste of air when they're alive; their death would be a purification of the world!
At the entrance of Bazhenlou, a series of footsteps approached from afar, suddenly entering his perception range.
What an unlucky day! Helian Yue actually brought Pei Ziqing to Bazhenlou.
He wanted to hear what the dog would spit out.
Helian Jue lowered his eyes, concealing the cold emotion within them.
If only I had gone to the outskirts to find Miss Liu, I could have spent more time with her by feeding the pigs and chickens!
Inside the private room named Listening to the Moon.
Helian Yue sat by the window, her gaze sweeping listlessly over the bustling lobby below through the draped light gold veil.
Pei Ziqing sat opposite her, diligently setting out the dishes, and talking incessantly about the specialties of Bazhenlou, but his words always carried an undisguised disdain for this humble place.
It was also accompanied by a sense of superiority, as if accompanying the princess was a condescension.
"This mutton is said to be made with rare herbs from the Western Regions, but in my opinion, it's just a gimmick. The spices are too strong and mask the original flavor of the mutton. It's ultimately not a very refined dish."
Pei Ziqing placed a slice of lamb chop into the white jade dish in front of Helian Yue, his tone carrying a deliberate criticism.
The maid standing nearby couldn't help but roll her eyes. The aroma of spices couldn't mask the gamey smell of the mutton, and she didn't believe that this scholar could eat it.
Helian Jue took a few bites, but found Pei Ziqing's rambling very annoying.
Her gaze drifted unconsciously toward the small stage in the center of the building downstairs.
The storyteller had already left.
A man dressed in a simple blue robe sat on the stage, with an ancient seven-stringed zither in front of him.
He had a handsome appearance and a calm demeanor, and his slender fingers gently plucked the strings of the instrument.
A clear and melodious melody, like a mountain spring dripping into a deep pool, instantly calmed the noise in the hall.
Then came a string of smooth, flowing notes, sometimes like a spring breeze caressing willows, sometimes like the autumn moon reflecting on a river.
Helian Yue gasped softly involuntarily, her eyes brightening beneath the veil.
She received instruction from renowned teachers in the palace from a young age, and was well-versed in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. One listen was enough to tell that this person's musical skills were extremely high, far surpassing those of ordinary street performers.
The sound of the zither... calmed her troubled mind somewhat.
"This musician's skill... is quite interesting."
She couldn't help but whisper a compliment, purely out of appreciation for the art.
However, this unintentional remark struck a nerve like a needle, deeply affecting Pei Ziqing's chauvinistic nature.
The smile on his face froze instantly, then was replaced by a mixture of jealous disdain.
How did a lowly street musician manage to attract the princess's attention?
And he even received her praise?
"Your Highness!"
"You are of noble birth, of great wealth and honor, how dare you praise such a lowly entertainer?!"
Pei Ziqing's voice suddenly rose, carrying a stern, reprimanding tone, completely forgetting his own identity.
"It's utterly vulgar! A man who doesn't strive for advancement, doesn't study the classics to pass the imperial examinations, but instead learns the tricks of actors and entertains others in public—what kind of behavior is this?"
"Such behavior is absolutely not what a decent man should do! Your Highness, please do not let this decadent music deceive your mind!"
Pei Ziqing became increasingly agitated as he spoke, his words sharp and full of the superiority complex of a student and his contempt for the musician.
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