Chapter 32 Chapter 32 Mandarin Duck Companion
Biyu and several maids followed quietly behind the two men. Their hearts surged, their breaths catching. They were shocked by her boldness in contradicting their masters, yet also quietly touched by her pure and clear kindness. They couldn't help but raise their eyes, gazing at her slender yet upright figure.
The woman had a delicate and pretty face, but now her expression was solemn and her words were righteous. Although she was slender, she held her head high, her chest puffed out, her shoulders straight, and her whole body exuded a high and confident spirit rarely seen in ordinary women.
I wonder what kind of careful pampering and meticulous care must be required to nurture such radiance and confidence.
"I originally thought this was just between you and me. I wanted to surprise you wholeheartedly. It should have been a joyous occasion, and I shouldn't have let others become victims of my feelings. If that were the case, wouldn't my original intention be a joke? This surprise and joy would be greatly reduced, and I would be burdened with guilt from now on, like an invisible shackle."
"If every move I make has to involve others and I have to be cautious about everything, then wouldn't it be difficult for me to move forward? How can I be free and happy?"
Lan Nongnong frowned in response, and her face clearly showed that she was not interested.
She didn't want to carry the fate of others on her shoulders, and she didn't want to come all the way here just to argue with him and create a rift between them.
She deliberately pursed her lips, frowned slightly, and looked at him with bright eyes, turning the tables: "Didn't you say that it was my boldness and passion that moved you, and that led to our current mutual affection? If I lose this nature, become conventional and timid, then will I still be the me that moved you?"
If she loses this unique quality that attracts his attention and becomes lost in the crowd, this liking for her will surely disappear.
Qin Jingyao answered in his heart, but he didn't want such trivial matters to disturb the interest of the two of them getting together, so he pretended to be helpless and shook his head in compromise.
"Well, since Nongnong is so eloquent, if I don't show any mercy, it would seem like I'm wasting your affection. How could I bear to make you feel uneasy because of someone else's concerns? I just hope you'll be free from worries and happy all day long."
He paused for a moment, then added in a gentle voice, a warning yet still doting: "But this is just this once, it won't happen again."
"Nong Nong always calls everyone else 'big brother', but when it comes to me, why is it that he only calls me by my full name?"
Without waiting for her to answer, he suddenly dropped his smile and said sternly, "The capital is a hodgepodge of people, and the flow of people is dense. Even if you don't like being restrained by nature, you must not be alone. This is for your safety, not intentional restriction."
"As the world goes, we should learn to be content with what we have and adapt to the circumstances."
He knew that she was used to being unrestrained and uninhibited, and that it would be difficult for her to be suddenly restrained. People often change gradually with the changing circumstances and time, and after a long time, habits will become second nature.
She doesn't need to be good at dancing with long sleeves. Even if she understands the master's dignity and the difference between superiors and inferiors in the future, he can still protect the lively and clear nature in her bones, which is as free as before.
Lan Nongnong's face lit up when she heard that. She raised her hands and said repeatedly, "I promise, there won't be a next time! Don't worry, as long as what you say makes sense, I will definitely listen to you!"
As soon as she finished speaking, she suddenly threw herself into his arms, wrapped her arms around his slender waist, and buried her slightly disheveled head in his chest, rubbing it again and again. Then she raised her face, her eyebrows curved, and said in a sweet voice, "Yao Jing, you are so kind! You are such a wise and brave head of the family, who is quick to accept advice and makes wise decisions! Don't forget to write a letter to Yuqing to make arrangements later!"
She coaxed him with sweet words, "Oh, you're naturally different from them. It's precisely because you're an outsider that you need to be polite and considerate. But you're the apple of my eye. I trust you and love you. I wish I could be with you all the time. Why should we differentiate between ourselves and each other, or talk about false formalities?"
"Brother Lin is my elder brother, and Brother Wu has escorted and cared for me all the way. I respect them as brothers, as a gesture of affection and courtesy."
"And you also say 'Big Brother' on the left and Big Brother on the right. It seems that the title of 'Big Brother' is really too common. Calling you by your name is the only way to feel close to you. Or do you also want me to call you 'Big Brother'?"
She deliberately frowned, pretending to be disgusted and said, "But I can't call them Brother Yao or Brother Jing. They sound like real siblings. Brother Yao or Brother Jing are so vulgar. How can they be as nice and special as calling your name? Besides, every time I call your name, it's like another stroke is engraved on the tip of my heart, and my love for you naturally deepens!"
Ignoring the pseudonym, Qin Jingyao was clearly enjoying her sweet talk, letting out a low chuckle as he let the matter go.
He drew his arm slightly closer, embracing the lively woman in his embrace. They strolled leisurely through the garden, their lips curled up in delight, and a warm glow spread across his deep, auspicious eyes, like a spring breeze blowing across an icy lake, rippling the surface with a tender smile.
"By the way, the letter I asked Aunt Liu to mail should be arriving soon. Has your family received it today?"
"You haven't answered me yet, whether you will be free tomorrow or not."
"Also, in our previous correspondence, the number of words you wrote to me was too few compared to mine. You need to double the amount you owe me..."
Joyful laughter flowed freely in the elegant and spacious courtyard. The setting sun melted into gold, and its afterglow gently enveloped the two figures in front.
The man was tall, his steps steady. The woman was petite, her steps light and graceful. His broad sleeves enveloped her slender shoulders, their figures intertwined in the warm light, hazy yet perfectly matched, as if there couldn't be another pair so perfectly matched in the world.
*
Qin Jingyao held a high position, burdened by numerous duties. His ability to return home and live with her was a result of meticulous planning. Longshuo was different from Yuqing, a place crowded with powerful figures and a wide public. He wasn't afraid of her being seen, but the timing wasn't right yet, and he didn't want to create complications that might disrupt his plans.
The day after their reunion, Lan Nongnong finally left the house on her own. She had mentioned that if he wasn't free, she might accompany him on his journey. She promised to find something to do to pass the time and never interfere with his work. Even if they sat facing each other in silence, occasionally looking up and seeing each other's figures nearby was enough for them.
Not to mention that Qin Jingyao was hiding his identity at the moment, and that his so-called busy business was just a cover. Even if he didn't hide it from her, how could he allow her to accompany him so freely in the imperial palace, a place of great confidentiality?
He felt sorry for her going to the capital, and his heart softened a little. He gently promised that he would take time to accompany her in the next two days. He pampered her with soft words again, until he saw her eyes curved and her smile was faint, then he felt relieved.
Although he couldn't accompany her in person, he still agreed that she could travel around the capital except for leaving the city. However, there were two rules that could not be changed: one, she had to have someone accompany her, and the other was that she had to return home before sunset.
Long Shuo was completely under his control, as if he could turn the palm of his hand. He had no concerns about any scoundrel daring to do anything inappropriate to her. Rather, it was her fickle nature that was the most unpredictable variable. Because of this, her every move, every frown and smile, needed to be firmly under his control, without any negligence.
Lan Nongnong had no objection to his request. For two consecutive days, she waved goodbye to him early in the morning and went out for a stroll in the streets with Biyu and two guards from the house during the day. She always returned on time before the time he set, near sunset.
Qin Jingyao always returned just before dusk. After dinner, the two of them would sit together in the courtyard under the moonlight, amidst the shadows of flowers, chatting about romance or sharing their innermost feelings, often staying up late into the night, enjoying a heart-to-heart chat.
The estrangement caused by the separation, the mixed joy and anger when meeting again, and even the expression and collision of each other's ideas during conversation, all quietly melted away in the days of being together day and night and whispering in each other's ears.
On the fifth day of their reunion, Qin Jingyao, true to his word, set aside a whole day to spend time with her. Lan Nongnong was overjoyed, the anticipation she had suppressed for the past few days suddenly burst forth, her eyes and brows filled with unconcealable joy.
She spent nearly half the night picking out clothes from the pile the previous night, and got up to dress before daybreak the next day. She had been feeling good lately, and she had been spending money well, especially since she was in high spirits.
She stood in front of a bronze mirror as tall as a person and looked at herself carefully. She saw that her skin was white with a rosy glow, her eyes were clear as water, her lips were red without any makeup, and her whole body exuded a fresh and full vitality. Her radiance seemed to be three times more dazzling than before.
Qin Jingyao waited quietly for her to put on her makeup. Although she did not wear many pearls and jade, her eyes were bright and she looked radiant, as if she had been carefully dressed up.
Women dress up to please themselves, and he could see it clearly. A look of amazement flashed across his eyes, and he smiled and praised, "Nong Nong looks so radiant today, she really brightens the whole room."
*
Lan Nongnong's recent outings weren't aimless; she'd wandered the streets, following the path he'd mentioned earlier, visiting the shops, flower shops, literary buildings, and temples. While these places were certainly elegant and noble, after seeing so many of them, the novelty wore off, and she found them less interesting than the Liyuan Opera House she'd chanced upon that day.
Unfortunately, just as she had the idea, Biyu hurriedly stopped her and whispered, "The young master has already ordered that you must not go to such a noisy place."
Not only that, when he heard about this after returning home that night, his face darkened and he reprimanded her more harshly than ever before.
As the saying goes, what you desire but cannot obtain is what makes you yearn for it most. Now that he is here with her personally, she cannot use the rules as an excuse to refuse her wish.
Before leaving, Lan Nongnong saw that the entourage around him had new faces, so she asked why Tongze was gone. He replied that he had other arrangements, so she didn't ask any more questions.
Lan Nongnong sat down next to him and, like a magician, pulled out a square piece of origami from the embroidered pouch slung across her waist. The paper was densely written with the day's itinerary. She unfolded the paper with both hands and handed it to him like a treasure, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
While secretly observing his expression, she feigned a casual air and said, "You're so busy on weekdays, who knows when you'll be free next time? Since it's hard to book a free time later, why not enjoy it today?"
As he spoke, his fingertips traced across the paper. "According to my plans these past few days, today's itinerary is tentatively as follows: We'll first go shopping at these shops, then go to the Pear Garden to see an opera, and stop by for lunch and a rest. After an hour's rest, we'll head out of town to the Cuishui Pavilion for a boat ride... and then, at the end of the afternoon, watch the sunset, and then head back down the mountain. What do you think?"
Qin Jingyao looked at the itinerary written down in detail, down to the exact time and hour, and felt both curious and amused. He caught a glimpse of the excitement and nervousness on her face, chuckled softly, accepted the itinerary, and agreed bluntly, "Very good, I'll do as Nongnong says today."
Seeing her immediately cheering softly with joy, and her carefree, easily satisfied look, he felt relaxed all over, and even an indulgent smile appeared in his eyes unconsciously.
As soon as the carriage stopped, he stopped the woman who was eager to get off. In her puzzled eyes, he slowly took out a long brocade box from his sleeve, which was about a palm long and two fingers wide and had a crabapple-colored lacquer and orchid pattern carved on it.
Lifting the lid with his index finger, he revealed a jade hairpin resting peacefully on soft satin. The hairpin was rosy pink, tinged with a warm golden hue, and its head, meticulously carved into a lily of the valley, was elegant and unique.
He put down the brocade box, gently pulled her back to sit in front of him, and raised his hand to insert the jade hairpin into the space in her hair that she had specially left.
Then he lowered his head, first meeting her pair of bright eyes, then her cheeks, which were enhanced by the pink hairpin. He suddenly chuckled, and his thumb freed her lip, which had been subconsciously bitten by her white teeth. He looked her up and down for a moment, his eyes smiling, his expression very satisfied. "Nong Nong is delicate and bright, this pink hairpin is a perfect match for you."
Lan Nongnong's heart was touched, and the smile on her face was more brilliant than a flower. She resisted the urge to pluck it off for a closer look, but she still asked the consultant knowingly: "This is the token of love you promised to give me, but you made it yourself?"
Qin Jingyao led her down from the carriage, took the veil offered by the maid, and put it on her with expert movements. He gently lifted a corner of the white veil and, facing the beauty who was visible only to him behind the veil, curled his thin lips and said with a smile, "Nong Nong has given me such an order, how dare I refuse? I shall make this token of our love myself."
It was just a quick glance, and Lan Nongnong couldn't see it clearly, so she couldn't help but raise her hand to touch it. The flower-shaped hairpin was so smooth and delicate under her fingertips that even the veins of the petals were clearly visible.
She smiled with her eyes curved, her fingertips lingering on the hairpin again and again, she really couldn't let it go. She let him hold her hand for a long way before reluctantly withdrawing his hand.
The next second, she grabbed his hand and lifted it under the veil that covered her shoulders. With the light filtering through the gaps in the veil, she lowered her head to examine his knuckles and palm.
His five fingers were slender, with distinct phalanges. His knuckles, palms and index finger joints were covered with calluses of varying thickness, which were the marks left by his years of martial arts practice and horse riding.
Her soft fingertips gently stroked the slightly rough tip of his index finger, feeling the tiny scars that were obviously new.
Lan Nongnong bit her lip and stared at the scars on his fingers, as if forgetting that she too had scars on her hands. Her eyes were filled with heartache and emotion, but in the end, she simply took his index finger and gently cupped it in her palm. With her right hand, she lifted one side of the hat veil and looked up at him, her smile so bright that even her chin was raised, revealing an unconcealed pride and satisfaction.
"Although your token of love is a long time coming, I just love it."
Before she finished speaking, she blinked again and continued with confidence, "However, life cannot be without novelty, otherwise, over time, wouldn't it be boring? Now that we have a token of our love, what about the future? For example, the first and fifteenth day of each month, the change of seasons, the half-year period, the beginning of the new year, the rotation of the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter, as well as the Qiqiao Festival, New Year's Day, the day we first met, the anniversary of our engagement... these special days, shouldn't we all commemorate them well?"
Qin Jingyao chuckled softly at her pampered, overweening demeanor. That laughter was heartfelt, a joy that came from the bottom of his heart. He stood tall and straight in the bright sunlight, as passersby stared at him, some sideways, some in shock, as he held her hand, oblivious to the world around him.
The smile on his lips did not fade, and he said slowly: "According to Nong Nong's calculations, I am afraid that the day we meet again, the second day, the third day... every day will be worth remembering? After all, the scenery is different every day, and the mood is also new."
"But, Nongnong has a point. If life is full of surprises, then the flow of time will be worthwhile. Otherwise, wouldn't it be boring? So, what's wrong with doing as you say?"
A light, contented laugh drifted out from beneath the veil, bringing a knowing smile to the ears of those who heard it. Lan Nongnong felt she had gained a great deal at the beginning of the day, and this good mood reached its peak when he patiently accompanied her in carefully selecting items, even personally negotiating prices, and purchasing many unique Longshuo items.
She was so busy trying to stop him from paying the bill that she didn't notice at all that the places they passed by and where they stopped were unusually empty and reserved.
She gave him a token of trust, and Qin Jingyao accepted it, but there was absolutely no reason for him to let his woman pay the bill when he was traveling.
Naturally, he didn't have to pay the bill himself, and he didn't even need to signal at all. His followers would quietly go ahead and settle the bills one by one.
He gently took her in his arms and walked out of the shop, and only reminded her in a gentle voice that there were several special products in Beijing that were most suitable for sending back. This easily changed her mind and made her put the small dispute over paying the bill behind her.
Although Lan Nongnong had little experience in the ways of the world, she knew that men valued their reputation in public. The items she selected were all reasonably priced, not too expensive but not too cheap either.
From what she had seen over the past few days, the value of these items was probably less than any of his accessories. If she stubbornly refused, she would appear petty and embarrass him, which was not worth it.
She had a sudden change of heart and made up her mind. She would let him do what he wanted today. She would have plenty of opportunities to repay his kindness in the future.
When Lan Nongnong went out a few days ago, she had already picked out a few places and was just waiting for him to come over for consultation. So there was no need to search aimlessly. She had plenty of money, and servants were always there to deliver the purchases to the carriage. In just over an hour, they had everything they needed.
When she arrived at the Liyuan Theater she had been longing for, she was more than half an hour earlier than planned.
*
Jin Man Tang was Longshuo's most renowned opera house, a hub for renowned actors and a throng of spectators. Entering the main entrance and passing a massive screen, nearly five meters wide and embroidered with the costumes of renowned actors, one was greeted by an exceptionally spacious lobby. Within it were hundreds of square tables, densely packed with people, a bustling atmosphere filled with chatter and a clamor of activity.
Looking around, she saw that all the guests in the room were men. No wonder he had warned her sternly not to come to such a place alone.
The building was three stories high, and at that moment, most of the side rooms had their doors open, with waiters bowing their heads in front of them, waiting for orders. An open door signaled the presence of guests, and even the private rooms were nearly full, though it was unclear whether the guests were male or female.
A few dozen meters away, directly opposite the screen, a vast, red-lacquered stage thrummed with the sounds of stringed instruments, while renowned actors performed. From time to time, coins and coppers were tossed onto the stage from the private rooms upstairs and the main hall. Occasionally, a dazzling golden streak would flash by, disappearing into the pile of prize money in front of the stage.
The singing styles, whether rough or gentle, have a long-lasting charm and sometimes draw thunderous applause from the whole audience. It is truly a grand scene of money being spent like water and oil boiling in a raging fire.
Lan Nongnong was truly stunned by the extravagant scene before her, and therefore she didn't notice at all that as soon as they entered the garden, there was a silent panic at the reception area, and there was also a faint commotion in the many private rooms upstairs. Although the intermittent gasps were drowned out by the clamor in the hall, they still revealed some unusual excitement.
The sounds of hurried footsteps echoed from the private rooms and corridors on each floor, seemingly about to approach, but stopping abruptly before they reached the target. Immediately, all the noises retreated almost silently, as if they had never occurred.
Qin Jingyao had already agreed to her visit and had already sent someone to reserve a room with a prime view. When the owner of the garden learned of his arrival, he immediately came out to greet him with great trepidation and personally led the two of them upstairs to a private room with the best view, directly above where no other table had been set up.
He hurriedly ordered his attendants to select the finest fruits and dried foods, placed them in his treasured elegant vessels, and personally carried them into the room. He then presented a pot of priceless gold, but dared not say a word, only bowed his head, smiled apologetically, and quietly withdrew.
Lan Nongnong's heart was still beating fast, her gaze fixed on the stage for a long time, not knowing whether she was watching the joys and sorrows in the play, or the madness in the audience.
It's not that she was surprised by something she had never seen before, but the so-called pretentious behavior seen in later generations could not be compared with the lively, unrestrained and natural carnival before her eyes.
Although the door was open, a colorful glass bead curtain hung over it, which blocked out the noise from outside without completely blocking the view.
Lan Nongnong took off her veil and let out a long sigh, her mood relaxing. Her bright eyes finally turned to him, and she gently moved her hand, which he had been holding, and asked with interest, "Do you come here often? Do you like to listen to opera? Can I order a play here? If I want to give a tip, what are the rules?"
Qin Jingyao had certainly heard opera before, but he'd usually heard the solemn and elegant palace operas, or invited troupes of famous actors to perform in the palace. All the repertoires were naturally chosen according to his preferences, but this was his first time to personally attend a Liyuan opera house.
He beckoned someone to bring in the playbill, gently pushing it in front of her. "Going to the theatre is nothing more than a way to entertain yourself. You can choose whatever piece you like. There's no fixed amount for the reward; it's up to you."
Seeing her lowering her head and concentrating on choosing the play, Qin Jingyao took out a handkerchief and slowly wiped away the sweat from the palm of her delicate hand which had been held in his palm.
Then he put the handkerchief back into his sleeve and took the soft, boneless hand into his palm again. His fingertips gently stroked her slender knuckles, and he looked at her calmly.
Her skin is as soft and smooth as jade, and a faint fragrance emanates from her skin. The richness of the hot spring is beneficial to her.
He raised his phoenix eyes slightly, his gaze fixed on the other side. Despite his wealth, he did not appear arrogant, nor was he cautious. His every move was calm and relaxed, as if this kind of affluence was nothing but normal for her, like a sober spectator, ready to withdraw at any time without any regrets.
His gaze returned to her face and hair, examining them for a moment longer. His fingertips gently caressed her soft, empty earlobe, and he suddenly spoke, "Would you mind if I pierced your ears? I still have some pink jade material left, and I'll carve a pair of earrings for you later that will perfectly match your hairpin."
Lan Nongnong's earlobes were naturally sensitive, and she couldn't help but shrink her neck slightly. Her mind was still mostly on the playbill, so she nodded vaguely. She hadn't considered piercing her ears before, prioritizing her studies. Now, she had no concerns. If he wanted to make earrings, then so be it.
He just casually reminded me, "I'm afraid of pain. If you want to pierce my ears yourself, you have to find a master and learn the art."
Qin Jingyao chuckled, his fingertips still lingering on the delicate skin of her ear, "Don't worry, Nong Nong."
Lan Nongnong didn't know much about opera, so she randomly ordered one based on her impression of the title. Perhaps it was near noon, so there weren't many guests ordering operas. Before she had even finished her cup of tea, the drums and music from the audience paused, and then a ceremonial performer sang the title of the piece she had requested.
Soon, the sound of stringed instruments rang out again, and the actors took the stage one by one.
Lan Nongnong then stopped talking and watched the show attentively.
The play, "The Mandarin Duck Companion," tells the story of a pair of childhood sweethearts who grew up in an alleyway and eventually married, enjoying a loving marriage. The man, Li Zheng, studied diligently, earning high school diplomas, while his wife remained at home, caring for them and diligently managing the household. Later, Li Zheng traveled to Beijing to take the imperial examinations, where he was crowned a top scorer and became a sought-after newcomer in the imperial court.
With fame and fortune came favor. As expected, Li Zheng, with his talent and good looks, was immediately noticed by a high-ranking official, who wanted to recruit him as his son-in-law. Li Zheng was frank, stating that he already had a virtuous wife and felt unworthy of receiving such love.
By this point in the play, the audience was already buzzing with discussion. Most were impressed by Li Zheng's character, nodding their heads in approval, praising his unwavering dedication to his roots. Naturally, there were also those who scoffed at his inflexibility, whispering that this move might offend high-ranking officials and ruin his own path to success.
Some even scoffed, claiming that if the wife was truly virtuous, she would consider her husband's future and leave him. A man shouldn't let a woman ruin his future; he should seize the opportunity to gain both fame and fortune, and to pursue both talent and beauty.
Hearing these big talks, Lan Nongnong's eyes were already spitting fire, and she unconsciously clenched her fists. She had forgotten that there were people around her. She had only one thought in her mind, which was to see whether Li Zheng would stick to his original intention.
She originally thought that this "mandarin duck companionship" was just a play of a perfect match, harmonious and harmonious, without any twists and turns, and that as long as things worked out naturally, they would be together for a lifetime.
Now it seems that it is completely different from what she thought. However, the show has started and cannot be stopped, and the show cannot be turned around and left.
Then let’s take a look at how this “mandarin duck companionship” works!
Qin Jingyao saw her pretty face frosted with indignation, which he found quite novel. Although he had never seen this play of mandarin ducks, he had already guessed the ending.
Since ancient times, for men, a promising future has far outweighed romantic relationships. Just looking at Li Zheng's refusal to accept the offer as "unlucky," one can conclude that he is playing hard to get, a tactic of retreating to advance.
He wants to climb up the social ladder, but doesn't want to damage his reputation. This kind of hypocritical and self-proclaimed affectionate behavior is just a pretense, waiting for wealth and power to fall into his hands.
In the play, it was just as he expected. The high-ranking official admired his talent and the noble lady admired his character and appearance. They did not mind that he already had a wife and were willing to take a step back.
Under the pretext of "pity for his deep love", he was allowed to keep his original wife by his side. However, after all, there was a huge disparity in their social status. Li Zheng was already an official, bringing honor to his family, while his original wife was just a commoner, with no talent or virtue, and it was difficult for her to be a worthy wife.
In the end, his wife was demoted to a concubine, and the daughter of a high-ranking official was "married down" to be his wife.
In this way, Li Zheng can become a high-ranking official's son-in-law, have a wife of both talent and beauty, and does not have to bear the moral stigma of abandoning his wife. It can be said that he has "the best of both worlds."
Li Zheng was grateful to the senior official for his "thorough" consideration. After some hesitation and pretending to refuse, he finally agreed reluctantly.
The wife, knowing her status was low and no match for her husband's current status, considered divorcing him. However, her husband, deeply in love, refused to divorce her. Although he demoted her to a concubine, he allowed her to remain by his side, continuing their "lovebirds" relationship. Far from feeling humiliated, she felt grateful.
In the end, Li Zheng gained both fame and fortune, and enjoyed the best of both worlds, with beauties everywhere. It ended in a very "perfect" way.
"good!!!"
"My wife is both talented and virtuous, and comes from a distinguished family. My concubine is understanding, respectful, and filial. With such a harmonious relationship between wife and concubine, a man can focus on his work and achieve his goals! Good! Truly good!"
"That's right, good singing!"
"Bang!"
The loud cheers from below surged like a tide, drowning out the sudden clapping of the table. Qin Jingyao, unprepared for her sudden action, frowned slightly. He lifted her hand and saw that her delicate palm was already flushed red.
He gently pulled the bell in the room, and Jiang Ting appeared silently from behind the beaded curtain. At his slightest gesture, Jiang Ting immediately bowed and presented the medicine bottle he was carrying with both hands.
Before Qin Jingyao could speak, Lan Nongnong was already so angry about the play and the audience's remarks that her chest was heaving violently and her hair was almost standing on end.
"Shameless! So shameless! Absolutely shameless!!!"
"It's clear that Li Zheng is a hypocritical hypocrite, wanting everything! He demoted his wife to a concubine and is completely irresponsible. He is ungrateful and heartless!"
"To hold such a high position, such a high official must be very knowledgeable and sharp-eyed. How could he be deceived by such a calculating and despicable person?"
"That young lady is both talented and beautiful, and comes from a distinguished family. How could she possibly be interested in such a corrupt, selfish, and despicable person?"
"Cultivate oneself, manage the family, govern the country, and bring peace to the world. This Li Zheng is a pity to even call himself righteous. He doesn't cultivate himself and is not upright. His family is managed by his first wife, and the country is ruled by a wise ruler, virtuous ministers, and many truly virtuous and talented people! He is unkind, unjust, unfaithful, and unfilial. How can he be worthy of anything?!"
"If such a person really existed, even if he became an official, he would bring disaster to the court and the people. He must be a corrupt official! How could such a person even dream of gaining both fame and fortune and enjoying the happiness of having many wives?! He is simply dreaming of a lifetime!!!"
There are countless such things throughout history. Even in an open-minded society like the modern times, there are still many Phoenix men who use marriage as a stepping stone to change their status, seize their wives’ property, and abandon their wives and children!
But existence does not mean it is reasonable or should be so!
Before coming here, Lan Nongnong was just an ordinary young person with upright values. She grew up in a healthy, positive and optimistic environment. She was just an ordinary wave in the vast sea of clouds. She was neither as calm as a chrysanthemum nor as passionate as a radiant one. She rarely argued with others.
But every time she sees news like this, she must clearly state her position and condemn it deeply! Such people may escape legal punishment, but they will never escape moral judgment!
We must not become accustomed to and indifferent to such practices just because they are common, otherwise we will be like a frog in warm water, unknowingly influenced by this vulgar norm.
It is because there are always some people in the world who are willing to stand up, speak out for justice, and stick to the right path, that people in the world can avoid being blinded by popular trends, distinguish right from wrong, and know what is right and what is wrong!
The reason why Lan Nongnong was so indignant was that the audience cheered in unison for the plot, and their deep approval was far greater than the drama itself.
She clenched her palms tightly, her eyes filled with realization and anger. "How foolish of me! I forgot that mandarin ducks are polygamous and unfaithful birds! Those poems and verses that use mandarin ducks as a metaphor for true love are all lies!"
Although Lan Nongnong was furious, she was not so impulsive as to open the door and confront the crowd when she was outnumbered and outnumbered. As a result, Qin Jingyao, who was in the same room with her, would naturally become the first to bear the brunt of the disaster.
She turned her head suddenly, her eyes fixed on him, "Yao Jing, tell me! What do you think of the play "Yuanyangban"?"
Qin Jingyao was still slightly stunned by her sudden outburst of anger and harsh words, but he unexpectedly met her sharp eyes, and his eyebrows twitched slightly. He keenly sensed that there was a hidden meaning in her words, as if there was a trap.
She asked, yes, what do you think?
Normally, if you were just asking someone for their opinion, you'd probably use "what do you think" or "what do you think." But she chose to start her question with "yes."
But this word "yes" is actually thought-provoking.
Yes, it means to demand, to question, to examine, and the words are sharp, forcing people to make their position clear immediately without any ambiguity.
He means to ask for advice, to seek advice, and the tone is gentle, giving people room to consider and maneuver.
This was the first time Qin Jingyao had seen her so aggressive and sharp. With her pressing attitude, if his response failed to satisfy her in the slightest, he would be in no danger of getting away with it.
Meeting her fiery gaze, he frowned and said solemnly, "Nong Nong and I agree. Li Zheng has all the knowledge, but his intentions are not upright. The fact that the high-ranking official asked instead of ordered, rather than resorting to coercion, proves that there was a chance to turn the situation around. If he had truly refused, the high-ranking official's residence would have its own dignity, and his daughter would not be without a husband, so he would not have been so persistent."
"Even if the high-ranking official feels displeased at this loss of face, the newly crowned number one scholar is a disciple of the Emperor. If they still fear such personal revenge at the Emperor's feet, it is not only petty, but also narrow-minded and self-deprecating."
"His wife supported her parents-in-law and managed the household, and while she had no merit, she still worked hard. He showed no appreciation for her hard work, but instead appreciated the high-ranking official's so-called benevolence and righteousness. As the old saying goes, a wife who has shared the hardships of life should not be divorced, yet he easily demoted her to a concubine. This shows that in his heart, fame and fortune far outweigh his promises of loyalty and loyalty. Such character is truly despicable."
When these words fell into Lan Nongnong's ears, it was like drinking ice in the hot summer, making her feel relaxed all over. The anger that had almost solidified into substance in her body subsided in an instant.
Yes, even though it was difficult for her to express everything she was thinking, it was a great blessing that he understood why she was angry and shared the same hatred with her.
Her heart relaxed, and she settled back into his position. The stinging pain in her palms instantly returned, and she couldn't help but curl her fingers together, letting out a low hiss of pain.
Qin Jingyao's grip on her wrist remained unchanged, and he only glanced at her calmly. He saw her hurriedly sitting up straight, her fair face wrinkled in pain, but she bit her lip to endure it, and in the blink of an eye, she returned to her cute and pitiful appearance.
There was a hint of smile in his eyes, and his hands became lighter and slower as he applied medicine to her.
"If you're afraid of pain, don't take it out on yourself in the future. Dropping a cup or teapot at least makes a sound. Is there anything in this room you can't smash to vent your anger? Even this ring on my hand or the jade pendant on my waist are yours to smash for fun. Isn't that better than hurting yourself?"
As he spoke, he raised his eyes and glanced at her. Seeing that she was wearing only three or two accessories at most, which was too plain, he couldn't help but frown.
"There are many jewels stored in the mansion's storehouse. If they are not used, they will become waste. You should wear more jade ornaments in the future."
His tone was calm, but undeniable. "The sound of jade breaking is so clear and crisp, even more beautiful than the sound of porcelain breaking."
"The opera world is filled with joy, anger, sorrow, happiness, separation, and reunion. I just listened to one play and I got so angry that I hurt my hands. If you listen to it a few more times, will you still want these hands?"
Lan Nongnong was scolded so much that she couldn't even lift her head. She could only mutter in a low voice: "I'm just so angry that I did this--"
Noticing that his gaze was still fixed on her face, she could only concede softly, "Okay, okay. I'll pay attention from now on."
Then she quietly raised her eyes again, tugged at his sleeve, and a sly smile curved her lips: "But Yao Jing, do you know what your words just now resembled?"
Qin Jingyao lowered his eyes and carefully applied the ointment to her, and replied casually, "What does it look like?"
The entrance to this wing room faced a six-panel mica screen. In front of the screen sat a soft couch, facing the stage below. The two sat side by side on the couch, separated only by a rosewood square table, half a arm's length long.
Lan Nongnong had injured her right hand, so she leaned her left elbow against the small table, supporting her chin with her hand. She tilted her head slightly and looked at him with a smile. Her red lips parted slightly, and her voice was sweet: "What I said just now was wrong. It's not 'like', it's 'is'!"
"He's my sweetheart, my lover. He'd rather let me spend money like water than let me hurt myself. He listens to my scolding and venting, but doesn't scold me for breaking the rules. He's so protective and domineering. He's truly a wonderful man!"
Not only did she say this, she also extended her left hand and gave him a thumbs-up. Her pretty face was smiling brightly, like a flower.
You must know that in this world, just based on her angry scolding, accusations and inappropriate behavior, she is enough to be criticized by the world, condemned and her reputation destroyed.
However, what Qin Jingyao heard and saw was novel and interesting. He just enjoyed her sweet talk and was happy to indulge her like this. He raised his eyebrows slightly, smiled and glanced at her.
"Just saying it is good for you? If you are so easily satisfied, I have to keep a closer eye on Nongnong to prevent you from being deceived by others in the future."
Lan Nongnong wrinkled her nose, snorted, and glanced at him with her crescent eyes. "I'm not stupid. How could I trust people so easily? Others can't fool me. If I really was fooled, it must be you."
"Tell me, have you ever lied to me?"
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