Chapter 71 Capital 2
◎Princess Huang Mudan◎
Upon learning that Bai Chen was Xiaobai, Nan Qing and Chu Zhi felt relieved.
In Chu Zhi's words, he was willing to endure being a "dog" just to make Yan Yue happy, so he must love her terribly. Although humans and demons have different paths, if someone is willing to do this for Yan Yue, he will definitely risk his life to protect her.
The conclusion is, no one can beat Bai Chen. If Yan Yue causes trouble and Bai Chen can't protect her, then it would be useless for them to go.
Under the influence of Yan Yue, everyone has a relaxed mentality of "just do your best in everything, no need to force it". She attributed this to God's will. It is not advisable to go against God's will, and the right way is to follow God's will.
She said it and did it.
For example, a noble from the capital forced her to "invite" him, but she couldn't beat him so she just followed him.
For another example, when Yan Yue learned that they had something to ask for, he became even more arrogant. She didn't say a word to those who "escorted" her. She only made demands on food, clothing, housing and transportation, and everything had to be exquisite and of the highest quality.
In this way, Yan Yue set out on the journey empty-handed with only an umbrella. It was only a short seven-day journey to the capital, but he already had a small bag.
The carriage stopped, and as Yan Yue poked his head out from the curtain, he saw a majestic stone lion.
There is a pair of stone lions, squatting in front of the tall and heavy vermilion lacquered gate, staring with their round eyes and looking majestic. Above the door lintel, there is a plaque with black background and golden characters hanging high, with three large characters "Prince Jing's Mansion" inscribed on it, showing the noble glory.
At this time, the door slowly opened, and a heavy "creaky" sound echoed in the air.
Three people filed out of the door, a middle-aged man in gorgeous clothes was in front, followed by two maids.
Someone beside Yan Yue stepped forward to salute and introduced the newcomer, "Butler Cao, this is Master Yue."
Yan Yue was shocked: Heavenly Master? Is my status already so high?
The middle-aged man's surprise flashed in his eyes, and then he bowed to Yan Yue, and said respectfully: "Hello, Master Yue! Master, you must be tired from the journey. The guest room has been prepared. Please come in and rest for a while."
After saying that, he tilted his head to signal, and one of the maids took Yan Yue's bag and wanted to take the umbrella from her hand.
Yan Yue dodged the maid's hand. The maid paused and looked at Butler Cao for help.
Steward Cao explained, "When the Heavenly Master is at the mansion, Xiaoqin will serve him. I am Cao Yan, the steward of Prince Jing's mansion. If the Heavenly Master is dissatisfied with Xiaoqin, or has other needs, please tell me at any time."
Without waiting for Yan Yue to speak, he said directly to Xiao Qin: "Take the Heavenly Master to rest, and I will serve him with all my heart and soul!"
"yes!"
Xiaoqin quickly agreed, then looked at Yan Yue timidly and tentatively took the black umbrella.
Yan Yue had no choice but to say, "I can take it myself. Lead the way!"
The layout of the palace was solemn and orderly. Along the way, I met many servants and maids, but they all kept their heads down and there was no noise at all. Yan Yuexin said: It’s just the residence of the royal family, but the rules are so strict!
The so-called "guest room" turned out to be a small courtyard, almost as big as Yan Yue's house.
The courtyard is generous and elegant, and the furnishings inside the house are even more luxurious.
In the middle of the hall, armchairs and an eight-immortal table made of huanghuali wood are neatly arranged. The chairs are padded with cushions with exquisite embroidery that are warm to the touch. On the table, a brass incense burner was emitting curling smoke.
As soon as Yan Yue touched the crystal blue teapot, Xiaoqin immediately took over, poured a cup of hot tea and held it to her with both hands.
Yan Yue took the hot tea and wanted to ask her about the things going on in the mansion.
Xiaoqin was in her prime, but she was not as lively as she should be at her age. Her expression and words were very reserved. She didn't even dare to look up when answering, and she didn't dare to say a word in response to Yan Yue's questions.
Seeing that she didn't dare to breathe, Yan Yue could only say, "I'm not used to having people serve me closely. Go and do your work first. I'll call you if there's anything else."
Xiaoqin left, and Yan Yue looked around the room at the porcelain and ornaments of various shapes, feeling that each one was quite valuable. She was afraid of having to pay for it if it broke, so she didn't dare to fiddle with it any more and put it back carefully.
It was really boring to just stare and wait, so she lowered her voice and called out "Bai Chen" several times, but no one showed up, and she couldn't help feeling depressed.
Bai Chen disappeared after delivering the whip that day. Yan Yue guessed that he was protecting herself secretly, but no one responded to her calls at this moment. What does this mean? This means that he must have just arrived in the capital, and was dazzled by its prosperity. He didn't care about her life or death and just lived a carefree and happy life!
Yan Yue felt unbalanced. Why could he live happily outside while she could only be trapped in a high-walled courtyard with blue bricks and gray tiles? But although Butler Cao seemed respectful and polite, he actually did not leave anyone any room for choice.
But then I thought, he also said that if I needed anything, I could just tell him. So if she wants to go out for a walk now, that can also be considered a need, right?
Yan Yue had just opened the door a crack when she heard three people whispering outside.
"That Heavenly Master is just a little girl, how can she deal with such a thing?"
"That's right! Xiaoqin said that the girl didn't know what she was invited to do, and she still asked her! Fortunately, Xiaoqin didn't dare to say it. If she scared her away, Housekeeper Cao would have skinned her alive!"
Xiaoqin was young and spoke timidly to everyone: "But didn't the prince invite this Taoist priest to suppress evil spirits?"
"You have been in the mansion for a short time, so you don't know. In the past year or so, there have been more than a dozen masters who have come to our mansion, including those who recommended themselves or were recommended by others. Has any of them had a good ending? They are all either stupid or crazy."
Xiaoqin asked: "Didn't they say they were here to defraud money?"
The unfamiliar voice sneered, "How can they all be incompetent? They are all incompetent and want to cling to our palace, but in the end they failed to solve the problem and were attacked by the evil spirits!"
Xiaoqin's voice became even more timid: "That Heavenly Master, he looks less than 20 years old, doesn't that mean...?"
"Even the Immortal Master of Qingxu Temple is helpless, how can we count on a little girl like her? I just hope she doesn't overestimate her abilities and resigns early, so that at least her life can be saved."
Yan Yue in the room listened for a while and had a general understanding. Something strange happened in Prince Jing's mansion, and even people from Qingxu Temple came, but the problem was not completely resolved. Many "experts" have angered evil spirits and have been retaliated against, becoming crazy and stupid.
Yan Yue guessed that when Linjiang City reported the incident at the City God Temple, King Jing treated her as a folk expert and invited her without further explanation.
She was a little unhappy. After all, they never told her the reason and didn't ask for her consent. But now that she was here, she was really curious about what the evil backlash would look like. I haven’t seen it yet, but I can’t miss it!
She excitedly lifted the curtain and was about to ask for clarification when she heard a greeting coming from outside the courtyard: "Princess!"
Following a burst of light and dense footsteps, a young girl with a high bun and wearing a pear-yellow brocade skirt appeared. The hem of the skirt was embroidered with large, delicate peonies, which swayed gently with her steps, like a peony flower swaying in the wind.
The yellow peony walks gracefully with lotus steps, and the corners of her mouth slightly raised with a faint smile, like a spring breeze blowing on the face, making people feel like they are bathed in warm sunshine. Xiaoqin saluted hurriedly, but she didn't look away and went straight to Yan Yue.
"Master, I have finally got you here!"
The enthusiastic Huang Mudan came over and nodded to her as a polite greeting. Yan Yue was flattered and supported her: "No need to be so polite!"
Huang Mudan was stunned, and Xiaoqin was even more dumbfounded. She quickly reminded her: "This is Princess Changning, the only daughter of King Jing."
Yan Yue nodded and exclaimed: "As expected of a royal relative, I have never seen a noble lady as distinguished and dazzling as you!"
She praised sincerely, causing Princess Changning's slightly stiff smile to pause, then rise again, "Master, you must have been exhausted from the journey. I came to see if the servants have missed anything."
Yan Yue said hurriedly: "No, no, Xiaoqin is very appropriate."
Princess Changning smiled appropriately: "If the Heavenly Master has any other needs, please feel free to send Xiaotao to call me or Butler Cao."
Seeing that the other party still didn't mention the main business, Yan Yue asked directly: "If the princess has no plans today, can I go out for a walk?"
Princess Changning's smile suddenly became sincere. "Of course! The Heavenly Master is a guest of the palace, so there is no reason for him to be restrained. The Heavenly Master can go wherever he wants."
This princess is much easier to talk to than Butler Cao!
Yan Yue asked happily: "Then can Xiaoqin go with me?"
"Uh...ah?" Princess Changning's smile froze again.
Yan Yue quickly explained: "I'm new to the capital, and I'm not familiar with anywhere. I'm afraid I'll be dazzled by the sights and won't be able to find my way back."
Princess Changning's pale face turned a little blue, "Ah, so that's it..." She hesitated for a moment, her eyes fell on a woman behind her, and she smiled again and said, "Xiaoqin is young and inexperienced. Xiaotao is my maid, and she has been in the palace for many years. I'll let her accompany you!"
As she spoke, she called over a maid: "Xiao Tao, go get some money from Madam, and make sure you accompany the Heavenly Master to have a good time, understand?"
Xiao Tao looked at Princess Changning steadily and replied solemnly, "Princess, rest assured, I will do it."
Yan Yue sighed again: Even accompanying guests shopping is entrusted with such a serious task, the royal palace really has strict rules!
The capital city was so prosperous that it was dizzying. Yan Yue stole a glance at the bag of silver that Xiao Tao had just received. It was bulging with money, and it must be quite a lot, enough for a feast and a shopping spree. Unexpectedly, Xiaotao seemed to have guessed her thoughts and stuffed the whole bag of silver directly into her hands!
Yan Yue was a little confused: "This, all for me?"
Xiao Tao said: "The money was originally given to the girl. It will be more convenient for her to use it if she holds it in her own hands."
Yan Yue shook the heavy purse and said with envy: "The palace is really generous. Guests are given so much money just for shopping!"
Xiao Tao smiled slightly: "What would you like to eat, young lady? There are several restaurants in the capital, and each of them specializes in different dishes. I can recommend some to you, young lady."
When all the dishes were served, Yan Yue pulled Xiao Tao to sit down and eat together. She recognized that Xiaotao was one of the people who had talked to Xiaoqin in the yard earlier, so she took advantage of the meal to ask about Prince Jing's Mansion again in a roundabout way.
Xiao Tao was not as cautious as Xiao Qin. She did not hide anything from Yan Yue and said directly, "The evil spirits have been haunting Prince Jing's Mansion for a long time!"
After she finished speaking, she looked around, lowered her voice and leaned forward: "In the past year or so, the prince has invited many masters. It is said that the evil spirit is too powerful and has not been eliminated. Those masters are either crazy or stupid!"
Yan Yue asked: "Is it a demon or a ghost?"
Xiao Tao shook her head and said, "I don't know. Even the immortal master of Qingxu Temple couldn't deal with the evil spirit. No one dares to intervene in the affairs of Prince Jing's Mansion! Really, this matter has spread throughout the capital, and everyone knows about it!"
Yan Yueqi asked, "What did that evil spirit do? It caused such a big commotion."
Xiao Tao lowered her voice by two notches: "The head mistress of our Jing Wang Mansion, Princess Jing, has gone crazy!"
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