Chapter 4
By evening, Yu Xi was at his desk reviewing memorials, while Fu Changshi waited beside him, not daring to speak. The palace attendants, who had long served in the Youcheng Palace, knew that these days had been extremely difficult. If they wanted to survive, they had best avoid making even the slightest mistake, or they would be killed. Especially as that unspeakable day drew ever closer, not only the harem but also the court officials felt a sense of unease.
As Yu Xi put down the last memorial, Fu Changshi repeatedly opened his mouth to offer some advice. Their king hadn't had a proper meal or sleep for three days, but he swallowed the words back. After all, this was Yu Xi's weak spot, and no one could mention it.
Suddenly, the sound of a piano came into the study, breaking the silence in the room. The sound was melodious and lingering, like a gentle breeze, penetrating into people's hearts.
Yu Xi raised her eyes and asked, "Who is playing the piano?"
Fu Changshi's heart skipped a beat and he hurried to the door, but returned in a hurry after a while.
"Your Majesty, the sound came from the room of the young prince of the mermaid tribe."
Yu Xi closed his eyes, responded softly, and said nothing more.
Fu Changshi quietly came up and said, "I will pass on the message right away." He didn't know whether the mermaid was looking for death by disturbing the king at this time.
"Wait." Yu Xi didn't raise her eyes, her fingers gently placed on the table, "Let him play."
Fu Changshi was stunned when he heard this, then lowered his head and said, "Yes!"
For several days in a row, a piece of music, "High Mountains and Flowing Water," would be heard punctually in the evening. Even those who did not understand music would find it somewhat peaceful. The sound gradually faded away until Yu Xi fell asleep.
When the song ended, the jade-like fingers pressed on the strings to end the sound.
"Master, the music you play is so beautiful." Xiao Qi supported his chin with both hands, squatting aside and looking up at him with admiration on his face.
Ling Huanchen looked up and couldn't help but smile when he saw his silly look.
He and Yu Xi lived together in Ziyi Palace, so the sound of the piano should be able to reach the study and Yu Xi's bedroom.
He had once heard from an old maid in the palace that a major event had occurred thirteen years prior, and since then, Yu Xi had been unable to sleep at night. Yu Xi had ascended the throne at seventeen, and this was already the seventh year, meaning the event had occurred when he was eleven. He had no idea what had happened, but since he knew it was a source of worry for Yu Xi, he had to do something about it. The sound of the zither could help calm the mind and promote sleep, so he hoped it would be helpful.
"Master, it's time to go to bed."
Yun He went to make the bed. Ling Huan Chen watched her busying herself and asked, "How is the king these days?"
"Your Majesty looks much better these days than a few days ago," Yun He replied.
As long as it works, he really can't think of any other way to help.
At dinner time the next day, a palace servant suddenly came to summon Ling Huanchen. Initially, he thought he was going to study again, but he was taken to another room.
As soon as I arrived at the door, the faint aroma of food wafted towards me. The King of Youcheng, whom I hadn't seen for many days, was sitting in the main seat. At a glance, the table was full of delicious food, which made me very hungry.
Ling Huanchen bowed as he entered, and was immediately offered a seat, next to Yu Xi. He glanced around and saw that the person beside him looked quite rosy, suggesting he had slept well these past few days.
Closest to Yu Xi was a plate of purple crystal potato cake, about the size of an adult's palm. It needed to be cut into smaller, easier-to-eat pieces before eating. Ling Huanchen picked up the silver thread next to it and methodically divided the potato cake into eighths, picking up a piece and placing it on the glass plate in front of Yu Xi.
Fu Changshi, who was holding the silver thread, suddenly had his job snatched away. He stood there for a moment, then put down the silver thread and stepped aside.
Yu Xi watched Ling Huanchen's movements from the corner of her eye, without commenting. After he stopped, she slowly picked up the potato cake from the plate and took a bite.
I don’t know if the chef changed his technique today, but the potato cake tastes a little sweeter than usual.
Similarly, Ling Huanchen served the Tremella and Lotus Seed Soup in front of Yu Xi first. After serving Yu Xi, Ling Huanchen finally turned to himself. He wasn't particularly picky about food, and didn't eat much. He had initially intended to stop after a few bites, but seeing that Yu Xi seemed to have a good appetite, he decided to eat a little more.
During the meal, Yu Xi did not say a word, and Ling Huanchen did not speak either. The room was obviously quiet, but Fu Changshi, who was standing at the back, suddenly felt a sense of peace and warmth.
If Ling Huanchen had just entered the palace, he would definitely not have had such an idea, but after the past few days, not only him, but everyone in the palace had to think more about it.
Ever since Yu Xi ascended the throne, every early spring had been a time of great danger for the You Palace, and no matter who or what they did, they couldn't get through it safely. But things had changed since Ling Huanchen arrived. Simply playing a song every day had helped the king overcome his inner demons and sleep peacefully at night. He was like a savior descended upon earth.
The remaining dishes were cleared away one by one, and Yu Xi finally spoke slowly, "My dear, your zither playing is excellent. Could you please play another piece for me?"
Is he addicted to listening?
Ling Huanchen nodded and said, "I will be of service."
A palace attendant brought out a Qingfeng Yaoqin. Ling Huanchen knew the quality of the harp just by touching the strings. It was a hundred times finer than the one in his room. As his jade fingers stroked the strings, beautiful music poured out.
Listening to it outside on ordinary days is calming and peaceful, and listening to it so close now is even more amazing. The lingering clear sound is no longer just described in books.
These days, there have been songs like "High Mountains and Flowing Water", so Ling Huanchen decided to change to a song called "Spring Dawn Song", which is more in line with the spring scenery.
Yu Xi had already taken the book handed to him by Fu Changshi, but without even glancing at it, he was attracted by the beautiful music and his eyes fell on the person playing the piano. The book he had always loved became uninteresting.
After the song ended, Ling Huanchen looked up and smiled faintly into Yu Xi's eyes.
Yu Xi simply asked, "My dear, what do you think of this zither?"
Ling Huanchen has been taught music, chess, calligraphy and painting since he was six years old. He prefers music and calligraphy, and naturally cannot let go of a good music instrument.
"It's a good piano."
Yu Xi withdrew her gaze and stared at the book in her hand as if nothing had happened. "This zither is for you, my dear."
This zither was made by the finest zither maker in Youcheng, and it was the only one of its kind in the world. Although Yu Xi was well versed in music, he had never played it himself. Now, he felt that no one other than Ling Huanchen could match this zither.
Ling Huanchen was naturally delighted to have Aiqin, but he didn't take it too seriously. However, in the vast palace of Prince You, even the slightest news would cause a stir, let alone the king's favor and reward.
"Master, look!" Xiao Qi broke off a few branches of peach blossoms in full bloom and ran into the house, holding them up like presenting treasures.
Ling Huanchen was holding a volume of classics in his hand. He raised his head when he heard the voice. The aroma of tea mixed with the fragrance of peach blossoms filled the room.
He had long been accustomed to Xiao Qi's childish nature and smiled indulgently, "It looks good. Put the bottle in it."
Xiao Qi excitedly went to find a porcelain vase, arranging flowers while chattering, "Master, do you want to change clothes today?"
Ling Huanchen was puzzled, "Why?"
Xiao Qi finished inserting the peach blossoms and turned her head. "Of course, I'll wait for the king to summon me to show it to him. Although you look good in anything, it would be a shame if you didn't change up your outfit."
Seeing that he looked like he understood everything, Ling Huanchen couldn't help but laugh, "How do you know that the king will definitely summon you?"
"Of course I know it. Not only I, but everyone in the palace knows it. The king summoned the master to dine at the same table and also gave him a jade harp." Xiao Qi spoke with great joy, as if he was the one being rewarded.
Ling Huanchen looked back at the book in his hand. "It's just a meal. It might just be a whim of the king. As for the zither, the king can give it to him if he likes."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qi hurriedly said, "Master, that's not the case. I've heard that since our king ascended the throne, he has never eaten at the same table with others. Only the young prince has this honor, but he has never eaten from beginning to end. Most of the time, he would be tested by the king halfway through, and to avoid punishment, the young prince would find an excuse to run away."
Ling Huanchen agreed, it was indeed something Yu Zhao would do. Thinking back to his past life, he decided to find an opportunity to teach that unlearned young prince some lessons, lest he get to know the spies from the outer city and cause trouble for his brother.
Yu Xi had once shared a table with him, but seeing him feel full after just a few bites, he gradually stopped sitting with him. Later, Yun He heard that Yu Xi often sent people to inquire about his daily diet. If he took a few more bites of a dish, they would prepare more the next day, and dishes he didn't touch were never served again.
Perhaps, at that time, Yu Xi just wanted someone to have dinner with him.
He was momentarily lost in thought while Xiao Qi continued to chatter away, "As for this zither, it goes without saying. It's the finest zither in Youcheng, and it's been kept in the Ziyi Palace. The king has never allowed anyone to touch it, but he gave it to you, my master."
As the saying goes, "To serve the right master is an honor." In reality, he had no great ambitions, nor had he sought wealth and glory; he simply sought a comfortable life. Now that his master was favored, it was a blessing for them, his servants. Furthermore, his master was kind and beautiful, and it was only a matter of time before she won the king's favor. He was happy for her. If such a good master were neglected, and then subjected to the palace servants' hypocritical ostracism, her future would surely be difficult.
At this time, Yun He walked in and said, "Master, someone from the production department wants to see you."
Ling Huanchen put down the book and said, "Let them in."
Immediately afterwards, two palace servants came forward with brocade plates in their hands, their heads bowed and their backs bent.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
Ling Huanchen glanced at him and asked, "What's the matter?"
One of the older palace attendants looked up and said respectfully, "Your Highness, His Majesty has ordered a few more garments to be made for you. We were negligent in not making them in time due to limited fabric. They are now ready. Please review them, Your Highness."
When Ling Huanchen heard this, he understood. It was nothing more than Xiao Qi's words being fulfilled. Everyone in Prince You's Palace had heard the news, and it must have spread like wildfire.
"Everyone has a heart, please let it go."
The palace attendant bowed again and said, "This is our duty, and we dare not be presumptuous."
After the people from the production department left, Xiao Qi said with a smile, "Isn't what the servant said right?"
Before Ling Huanchen could speak, he suddenly heard other people's voices coming from outside the door.
"Si Zhenfang wants to see you!"
Ling Huanchen raised his eyebrows when he heard the voice.
Coming again?
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