invite
After the song ended, the female singers bowed and left the stage.
Qi Junyuan looked up at He Lin, then slowly rolled up the scroll and smiled, "Young Master Lin's painting is quite interesting."
Upon hearing this, many people below whispered among themselves, wondering what kind of painting could have earned such high praise from the Crown Prince.
Jiang Yi's eyes widened, and she secretly tugged at He Lin's clothes.
"He Lin, did I hear that right? The Crown Prince praised you? Or am I hearing things?"
"..."
He Yu laughed heartily: "That's right, my second brother's calligraphy and painting are excellent. I dare say that in this capital city, if he claims to be second, no one dares to claim to be first!"
These words were so arrogant and boastful that even Jiang Yi couldn't help but sneer. He Lin's brother was practically praising him to the skies in front of so many people.
It's confirmed, he's a fiercely protective brother.
"Hahaha, since both His Highness the Crown Prince and Young Master He say that Young Master Lin's painting skills are exquisite, why not take this opportunity to let everyone see them? It would also allow us to see if Young Master Lin's calligraphy and painting are truly as the Young Master He says. I wonder if His Highness the Crown Prince would be so kind as to lend us his treasure?"
"Yes, Young Master He has described Young Master Lin in such a mystical way, which makes me even more curious about this painting."
"..."
Many people began to chime in, wanting to have their eyes examined and appraise the painting.
The Crown Prince glanced around and saw many people below echoing his sentiments. He smiled slightly and was about to speak when He Lin casually remarked, "It's just a trivial skill, not worth mentioning."
"Hey, you can't say that."
"That's right. His Highness the Crown Prince said it was interesting, so it must be a very exquisite painting."
"..."
Jiang Yi thought to herself, "These people are flattering me to the point of making a fool of themselves. I wonder what they'll think if they see a damaged painting later."
Should I criticize He Lin to his face? Wouldn't that offend the Crown Prince and make him think that He Lin has bad eyesight?
Just imagining that scene is hilarious.
Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince glanced at He Lin, shook his head helplessly, and said, "Alright, I'll accept Young Master Lin's birthday gift. I won't show it to everyone today. If you're really curious, why don't you ask Young Master Lin for one privately? Hmm?"
He Lin chuckled lightly: "It's no problem. Since we all know each other, let's say one painting is worth a hundred gold pieces. Don't worry, I'm not the kind of person who would be greedy for small gains."
The hall fell silent instantly. A painting, worth a hundred gold pieces?
How could he say that? Is he crazy for money?!
Someone's chopsticks fell onto the table with a "clatter," sounding particularly abrupt in the quiet hall.
He Yu choked for a moment, then came to his senses first. There was no way around it; once words were spoken, they were like water spilled. Today, he had to help his younger brother make amends for what he had said.
"Haha, that's just how my second brother is, everyone please don't mind. How about this, second brother, let me make it clear first, I've reserved your next painting, what do you think?"
“Alright, but I won’t treat you any differently just because you’re family. I value integrity above all else, so your price is also 100 gold.”
"No problem, a hundred taels it is. Hey everyone, who's going to reserve the second piece?"
Everyone's faces turned pale and then red, and they looked at each other, all waiting anxiously.
They haven't even seen a fart yet, and they're already going to lose hundreds of dollars. What if He Lin denies it and just brushes it off with a few hasty scribbles? Who can they complain to?
These two He brothers, working in tandem, seem to think that if money could be made so easily, they might as well just rob someone in the street...
The atmosphere in the room gradually froze. Only He Lin, He Yu, and Qi Junyuan remained calm and took the words as a joke. The others probably didn't find it funny at all.
Refusing to offend the Crown Prince, yet fearing being tricked and losing money if they didn't refuse, was truly a dilemma...
Just as He Yu was about to launch into a tirade of ridicule, a clear, cold voice came from the entrance of the main hall: "Me."
Jiang Yi peeked out, wanting to see which sucker it was, and what she saw there stunned her.
As the palace doors opened, the person entered slowly, bathed in the cascading sunlight. Her posture was elegant, her figure exquisite. A purple silk dress made her appear like a celestial being descended to earth. Once the dazzling sunlight subsided, her features became clear: bright eyes, white teeth, exquisitely beautiful eyebrows, and skin as white as snow. When she smiled, it seemed as if the candlelight in the palace dimmed, radiating the brilliance of the sun and moon. She was truly breathtakingly beautiful…
"He Lin, who is she?"
He Yuqing cleared his throat and answered for him, "Shangguan Muya, the daughter of the Prime Minister's family."
Jiang Yi exclaimed softly, "Wow, she's so beautiful."
This is how a well-bred lady should behave.
He Lin glanced at her meaningfully, then looked away indifferently.
"Greetings, Your Highness. I am late today, please forgive me."
"It's alright, no need for formalities."
"Thank you, Your Highness." She gestured to the servants behind her to present the gifts. "These are the congratulatory gifts prepared by Muya. I hope Your Highness will not find them offensive."
The servant lifted the red silk and saw a bright and dazzling luminous pearl inside.
Jiang Yi's eyes widened in disbelief; there really were luminous pearls in the world!
Qi Junyuan waved his hand to let the servant accept the gift, and said with a smile, "Thank you very much, Miss Shangguan. I like this gift very much."
The luminous pearl originates from the Western Regions. When used for illumination at night, it shines as brightly as day. In summer, it also has the effect of repelling mosquitoes and providing coolness. It is a rare treasure in this world.
As expected of the eldest daughter of the Prime Minister's mansion, Shangguan Muya is incredibly generous.
After bowing to the Crown Prince, she walked straight towards He Lin, her eyes smiling: "I heard that Young Master Lin was selling paintings just now. May I decline the next one?"
Her voice was pleasant and gentle, and you could even smell a floral fragrance when you got close.
Jiang Yi's heart pounded like a drum. She lowered her head, suddenly wanting to know how He Lin would answer.
He Lin lifted his eyelids to look at her, and raised the corners of his mouth: "A hundred gold coins."
Shangguan Muya smiled and said, "Yes, it's settled then. Young Master Lin, please remember this."
He Lin nodded without saying a word.
Jiang Yi secretly raised her head, almost popping her eyes out. The servant following behind Shangguan Muya gave her and He Lin a flirtatious wink. Who else could it be but Yin Zhaobai?!
I never expected that he was Shangguan Muya's servant!
"I'm not mistaken, am I? That person is... Brother Zhaobai?"
Jiang Yi asked quietly from behind He Lin.
He Lin got a headache just hearing the words "Brother Zhaobai," but he couldn't do anything about it, so he could only reply, "Yes, it's him."
The banquet was a joyous occasion, with everyone toasting and joking with each other, as if the painting sale had never happened, and continuing to eat and drink as usual.
While pouring wine for He Lin, Jiang Yi glanced at Shangguan Muya and found that she was also looking this way. Jiang Yi's sixth sense told her that this matter was definitely not that simple!
After a long silence, she whispered in He Lin's ear, "That Shangguan Muya likes you."
"Pfft...cough cough..."
He Yu, standing next to him, spat out a mouthful of wine. In an instant, it was as if the entire room had been muted, and all eyes turned to look in their direction.
He Lin's expression remained unchanged, but He Yu's reaction was significant.
"It's alright, everyone please continue, don't worry about me."
Jiang Yi turned her head and questioned, "Big brother, why were you eavesdropping on our conversation?"
He Yu wiped the spilled wine from the corner of his mouth and said, "Sister-in-law, you really are..."
That's where the story ends, leaving the reader in suspense.
"What?"
Someone present suggested, "I've heard that Miss Shangguan's dance is famous throughout the capital. Would we be fortunate enough to witness it?"
Yin Zhaobai sneered: "My young lady is of noble status. You dare to watch her dance?"
The man was clearly angered by being mocked by a servant and losing face in front of everyone. He angrily said, "Who do you think you are, daring to speak to me like that? Watch your dog's life!"
Instead of being angry, Yin Zhaobai laughed: "Then may I ask who this young master is? Does he even deserve to watch my young lady's dance?"
Jiang Yi was incredibly impressed. Just who was he? He was just a servant in front of others, yet he dared to speak like that in front of the Crown Prince!
"you……"
That's enough.
As soon as the crown prince spoke, the man dared not say anything more and immediately shut his mouth.
"If Miss Shangguan doesn't want to dance, why force her?"
"Your Highness is right."
Shangguan Muya couldn't help but smile: "It's rare to be so happy today, and I don't want to spoil everyone's fun, so Muya will make a fool of herself."
She walked gracefully to He Lin and invited, "I've heard that Young Master Lin's flute playing is exceptional. Would you be so kind as to accompany Mu Ya on a piece?"
Jiang Yi gritted her teeth. No, she, the proper wife, was still here!
He Yu glanced at Shangguan Muya, then at Jiang Yi, and quickly tried to smooth things over: "Haha, this isn't quite appropriate, Miss Shangguan..."
"I know that Young Master Lin is married and should avoid suspicion. It's just a song, I think Second Madam He shouldn't mind, especially since it was in front of so many people."
He Yu opened his mouth but had nothing to say, so he simply stopped talking, his eyes filled with only a warning to He Lin.
He Lin didn't mind at all. He glanced at Jiang Yi out of the corner of his eye, nodded and smiled, "Since it's Miss Shangguan's invitation, then I'll accept it without hesitation."
Jiang Yi took a few deep breaths, her back teeth almost grinding to powder. "You bastard He Lin! If she hadn't come along today, this would have been a real romantic encounter! I'm so angry!"
Yin Zhaobai squinted at the scene opposite him, his eyes full of amusement. This was going to be a good show.
Shangguan Muya was led by a maid to a side hall to change her clothes, while the flute that He Lin was playing had already been brought and placed in front of him. They were just waiting for Shangguan Muya to change into her dance costume so that the two of them could begin their performance.
Looking at the seemingly harmless man in front of her, Jiang Yi's eyes turned red, and she wished she could pounce on him and bite his neck off.
"Hey, sister-in-law, don't be angry. That's just how my second brother is. He... you..."
It wasn't that He Yu stopped mid-sentence; rather, Jiang Yi suddenly stood up and walked around the crowd from behind.
"Second brother, why don't you go and check on her? Try to coax her back by talking nicely. She's in an unfamiliar place; what if she gets lost?"
He Lin turned his head and looked at Jiang Yi's retreating figure, and couldn't help but frown.
Is she angry?
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