After saying that, he beckoned to Zhao Shu, "Come here. Some people say that my disciple Luo Hu is tone-deaf and dull-witted. I am very angry. Take this seven-stringed zither back and practice more, but don't be too hard on yourself, understand?"
Zhao Shu: ...Walking to the seven-stringed zither, I noticed that the Fuxi-style white jade zither on the zither table had a beautiful name: Falling Plum Blossom.
The Luomei Qin (a type of zither) has plum blossom patterns of varying depths on its body. It is said that zithers with these patterns have a clear and resonant sound and are extremely valuable due to their age.
Zhao Shu did not refuse, but instead bowed to Xiao Xingyuan opposite her, saying, "Greetings, sir."
Xiao Xingyuan didn't react much, he just nodded slightly, stood up, and left the courtyard.
"If you see this person again in the future, just pretend you don't know him. Don't let him treat you badly and then have to greet him with a smile." Luo Hu was extremely dissatisfied with Xiao Xingyuan's attitude. After saying that, he pointed to the seat next to him and asked Zhao Shu to sit down. "How is the Crown Prince?"
"Much better. I'll have the Crown Prince come to see you another day. The Crown Prince is a wonderful person."
Luo Hu chuckled, finding his disciple's eagerness to speak well of the Crown Prince particularly endearing. He thought, "Xiao Xingyuan even called his disciple dull-witted. In my opinion, Xiao Xingyuan's disciple isn't much smarter either."
Indeed, those who protect their own are always the best, especially their own people.
"It's good that you're much better. In a few days, I'll be visiting a friend. Pack your things and come with me." Luo Hu thought of his friend whom he hadn't seen for many years and the carefree days of the past, and a look of longing and nostalgia appeared on his face.
"I wonder when the teacher will be leaving?" She has many things to do and is afraid that she won't be able to manage her time.
Luo Hu knew she was busy, didn't he? He smiled and said, "I don't know. Maybe in three to five months. We'll see if you've made any progress. My friend also has a disciple. You can't fall too far behind him, understand?"
Newly accepted disciples are naturally not as good as those who have been taught for more than ten years. As long as they don't lose by too much, it's not shameful.
Zhao Shu did not expect her teacher to have such low requirements, and obediently agreed. Three to five months later, things were almost on track. She was able to take some time to travel and visit friends with her teacher, which was a different kind of cultivation. Moreover, these visits were definitely not ordinary. It would be even better if she could take the Crown Prince with her.
Luo Hu then asked her briefly what books she usually read. She replied that she mostly read medical books and historical records. Luo Hu did not comment, but told her to come to the Luo residence to ask him if she had any questions, and then said no more.
After leaving Yanzhu Courtyard, Zhao Shu carried Luomeiqin back to Xiyan Courtyard. When she arrived, Huo Danlan was instructing people to set out the meal. She was in an exceptionally good mood today, and despite being in her mid-twenties, she sometimes acted like a young girl.
Zhao Shu and Sun Yun were amazed.
After the meal, Huo Danlan found a quiet moment and pulled Zhao Shu behind a screen, pulled off her face mask, and asked Zhao Shu to take her pulse.
The fleshy lump on my neck has shrunk considerably, and it should be almost completely healed in three to five months. "Thank you for your hard work, Auntie." There are so many things to avoid in my diet, and I have to restrain my cravings every day. I also have to eat some foods that I don't normally like. Even on New Year's Eve, I can't have a special meal like everyone else.
Huo Danlan shook her head and put her face mask back on. "It's nothing. As long as I get better, this little bit of suffering is nothing."
Seeing that she was smiling very happily, Zhao Shu asked jokingly, "Aunt, why are you so happy? Is it because of a friend?"
"You little devil, trying to trick your aunt." Huo Danlan patted her head and smiled indulgently, but still didn't directly address Zhao Shu's question.
The two emerged from behind the screen, and Sun Yun said, "Ah Jun, Xiao Zhu Zi is here. He says someone from the capital has come and wants you to go back quickly."
His smile faded, and he frowned. "Where's Xiao Zhu?"
“Princess, this servant is here.” Xiao Zhuzi entered from outside the door, first bowed to Huo Danlan, and then said to Zhao Shu, “Princess, the Fourth Prince has arrived, saying that he has been ordered to bring the Imperial Concubine back to the palace.”
Upon hearing the words "Fourth Prince," Zhao Shu's mind went blank. All the recent events connected in a single thread, and fragments of memories gradually became clear in her mind.
Many things are vague when you can't see them clearly, but you understand them when you suddenly realize them.
"Let's go back to the palace." Since Zhao Bi has gone straight into battle, he'll be thoroughly humiliated before being sent back.
Back at the palace, Sun Yun carried the Luomei Qin back to Jinlan Palace, while Zhao Shu went straight to Fengxin Palace. When she arrived at the palace, she saw Zhao Bi's chief eunuch, Xiao Ruanzi, standing outside the palace with a whisk in his hand. Upon seeing Zhao Shu, he hurriedly came over with a cheerful smile and bowed, "This servant greets the princess. May the princess be blessed with good fortune."
"Little Ruanzi, is Fourth Brother inside?" On the surface, she had no grudge against Zhao Bi, so she naturally had to smile when the time was right.
Xiao Ruanzi stepped aside, bowed, and replied, "Your Highness has just arrived and is inside paying his respects to the Empress Dowager. On the way here, Your Highness kept mentioning the Princess. It has been a long time since we last met, and Your Highness has been extremely concerned about her. I'm sure Your Highness will be overjoyed to see her."
As he spoke, he led Zhao Shu to the door, paused, and did not follow her inside.
Zhao Shu let Chu Chun and the others wait outside, and then she entered Fengxin Palace. When she arrived at the main hall, she indeed saw Zhao Bi sitting there chatting and laughing, making the Empress Dowager smile with delight.
Prince Yong and the Crown Prince were not present. As soon as she entered, Zhao Bi noticed her. “It has been several months since I last saw you. You have grown taller and become even more lovely. It is better for you to stay with your grandmother. If it weren’t for your father’s restraint, your brother would also like to come to Guanzhou to fulfill his filial duties to your grandmother. You can also live a carefree life like a hermit in the mountains.”
One cannot hit a smiling face. Zhao Shu walked up to the Empress Dowager but did not bow. Instead, she leaned affectionately against the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager pulled her to sit on a stool. The grandmother and granddaughter used their lack of manners to show that "I am more favored than you," while the grandmother used indulgence and lack of discipline to show that "this child is my most beloved granddaughter."
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
