The tall woman was shocked and angry. She stamped her feet and said, "You are so bold. You dare to attack our people. Do you know who I am?"
Wu Chengsi said calmly: "I just want to hear whose house you are from!"
The tall woman said coldly: "Don't be frightened after hearing this. We are..."
The short woman suddenly interrupted: "We don't mean any harm, we just want to take a look at the phoenix-tailed harp in the young master's hand. You don't have to be so nervous."
Liu Lanshuang had not looked back before, as if she did not want to take another look at the two women. Only then did she turn around and ask: "Can you also play the harp?"
"I know a little bit." The short woman smiled slightly.
The tall woman raised her chin and said, "My sister's playing skills can be said to be the best in Chang'an!"
Liu Lanshuang's eyes lit up and she turned to look at Wu Chengsi.
Wu Chengsi was a little helpless. His daughter-in-law seemed to have a strong competitive spirit. She wanted to compete with anyone who played music.
Anyway, it was still early, and he also wanted to listen to Liu Lanshuang's song again, so he agreed and said: "Quickly fight and teach them a lesson!"
Liu Lanshuang smiled and nodded, and said to the short woman, "Do you want to spar with me?"
The short woman was stunned for a moment, then her eyes shone with light, and she said, "Okay." She glanced left and right, pointed at a teahouse and said, "How about we go find a private room to compete?"
Liu Lanshuang nodded in agreement.
The tall woman sneered: "You really overestimate your abilities and dare to do anything in front of my sister."
He kicked a follower on the ground and said, "Go back one of you and get sister's Baihua zither."
The follower struggled to get up and was about to take the order to leave. The short woman said: "No need. There will be a royal banquet later, so I don't have time to take it."
Wu Chengsi frowned secretly: "These two women are indeed of extraordinary status and are qualified to participate in the royal banquet!"
The tall woman hummed, "That's right, let's use their harp." She turned to Liu Lanshuang and said, "Boy, you are unlucky. My sister decided to use your harp."
Liu Lanshuang frowned, but did not have an attack. She nodded and said, "Okay."
Several people entered the teahouse and asked for the best private room.
The short woman walked to a chair, sat down, raised her hand, and said, "You can play the drums first."
Although she seemed quite polite, Wu Chengsi could feel that deep down she was just as arrogant as the tall woman and did not take Liu Lanshuang seriously.
Liu Lanshuang is very good at controlling her emotions. No matter how the other party behaves, her mood swings are not big.
She silently walked to the desk, put the harp away, tightened the square string, closed her eyes and adjusted her breathing.
Everything is exactly the same as it was at Yuchun Music Hall.
When she opened her eyes again, with a flick of her hand, the beautiful notes that shook people's hearts gurgled out from her fingers.
The melody reverberates quietly, rising and falling, just like the sound of swallows and orioles.
Wu Chengsi did not completely sink into the song this time, but observed the reactions of the two women.
The tall woman seemed to be surprised when she heard the music. The short woman had her legs tightly together and her eyes were calm, staring at Liu Lanshuang's fingers for a moment.
Wu Chengsi frowned slightly. Judging from the woman's reaction, she did not admit defeat. Maybe Liu Lanshuang had really met a strong enemy.
Soon, the song ended, and the room fell silent. The two women were thinking about the music just now and did not speak.
The short woman was the first to come to her senses, stood up, and said with a smile: "Wonderful! This is the first time I have heard such a beautiful "Autumn Moon Night"."
Liu Lanshuang had no reaction to her praise and said calmly: "It's your turn."
The short woman chuckled and said, "You are quite interesting. What is your name?"
Liu Lanshuang frowned and did not answer.
The tall woman hummed: "Boy, it's your blessing that my sister is willing to ask your name, why don't you answer quickly!"
The short woman waved her hand and said seriously: "Sister, please don't be rude." She turned her head and smiled at Liu Lanshuang: "My name is Yiyang, can you tell me your name?"
Wu Chengsi was secretly amused. Could this woman have fallen in love with his own wife?
Liu Lanshuang said expressionlessly: "My name is Liu Zixian, it's your turn."
Yiyang silently recited it twice and said with a smile: "Your name is very good. It has the word "string" in it. No wonder you are so good at playing the harp!"
Liu Lanshuang said expressionlessly: "If you don't want to encourage me, you can just admit defeat."
The tall woman was furious: "It's rare for my sister to speak kindly to you. Why are you so ignorant?"
Yiyang waved his hand and said with a smile: "Sister, please don't be rude. Since Master Zixian wants to hear me play the harp, I'll just play it for him."
She came to Liu Lanshuang's seat, sat on it, put her hands in front of the harp, and was about to start when there was a knock on the door.
"May I ask who is playing the harp inside? Hao Ping is in Xiajizhou, and I'm here to see you!"
The tall woman snorted and said to the two followers: "You go out and guard, no one is allowed to disturb you!"
The followers agreed and went out.
"Hey, what are you doing? I sincerely ask to see you...Hey! Don't do anything, I'll just leave! Really!"
After a while of arguing, the noise outside finally stopped.
Yiyang seemed to want to drive away the noise, and fiddled with it a few times, and several pleasant notes sounded leisurely.
"It's really good!"
She praised her, glanced at Liu Lanshuang again, and said, "If the young master is so good at being a bitch, he must be from a big family, right?"
Liu Lanshuang said coldly: "Do you want to compare?"
Yiyang covered his mouth and smiled: "You are so impatient!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a pair of delicate hands suddenly turned around like a breeze sweeping fallen leaves, and a high-pitched note suddenly sounded in the room.
Wu Chengsi was surprised. This weak-looking woman was actually good at majestic and passionate repertoire, especially the instrument she used was the harp, which is famous for its vibrato!
Liu Lanshuang's expression also changed, her eyes became brighter, and she stared closely at Yiyang's fingers.
Wu Chengsi quickly immersed himself in the music. With his eyes closed, he felt as if a thousand-foot waterfall appeared in front of him, and the rapids were rushing down! It was also like seeing waves hitting rocks and water splashing!
After a long time, the voice suddenly turned low and slow, like a lover whispering in the ear. The sound became softer and softer, and finally fell silent.
Wu Chengsi felt a little sentimental for a moment, and it took him a long while before he regained his mood.
Looking at Liu Lanshuang, she had her eyes closed and seemed to be still reciting the music just now.
Looking at Yiyang again, she put down her hand and stared in Feng Wu's direction, her brows filled with anger.
Wu Chengsi was slightly startled. Feng Wu fell asleep again?
When he turned around to look, he found that she was not hypnotized this time, and was manicuring her nails with a small dagger.
Wu Chengsi was secretly amused. This girl didn't seem to have a single musical cell in her body. She was somewhat affected by Liu Lanshuang's music, but she had no reaction at all when she listened to Yiyang's music.
The tall woman did not pay attention to Feng Wu. She squinted at Liu Lanshuang and said, "Boy, are you scared by my sister's playing skills? Let's see if you dare to be arrogant in the future!"
Liu Lanshuang opened her eyes and did not look at her. She only said to Yiyang: "You drum well."
Yiyang smiled and said: "Young master, you are so complimentary. This song is as good as mine."
The tall woman was surprised and said: "Sister, you are obviously the better drummer?"
Wu Chengsi said: "You and I are both laymen, how can we know better than them?"
Yiyang smiled and said: "This young master is right. If you don't understand this, you can't hear the secret. Although my sense of music is better, it's not as good as Mr. Zi Xian's fingering."
Liu Lanshuang suddenly said: "Do you also play other musical instruments?"
Yiyang was stunned for a moment and said: "I like the zither the most. Although I can do other instruments, I am not very good at it." After a pause, he asked: "Is Mr. Zixian proficient in other instruments?"
Liu Lanshuang showed a smile of victory and did not answer. She stood up and pulled Wu Chengsi to leave.
Wu Chengsi turned around and said "goodbye" and went out with her.
The tall woman was surprised and said: "Sister, what does he mean?"
Yiyang's cheeks rose with red clouds, and he said softly: "He must be proficient in other instruments, so I lost."
On the street, Wu Chengsi looked at Liu Lanshuang, who looked a little proud, and thought to himself: "This girl is really competitive. She is so happy after learning that Yiyang is only good at playing the harp."
When the majestic gate of the palace appeared in front of her, Liu Lanshuang suddenly turned her head and said with a smile: "Husband, I am so happy today, thank you."
Gu/span put her lips together, tapped the side of Wu Chengsi's face, and then ran quickly towards the palace, without going through the main door, and entered through the third gate.
Wu Chengsi touched his cheek, recalling the touch at that moment.
"Why is she licking you?" Feng Wu suddenly asked.
Wu Chengsi glanced at her helplessly and patiently explained: "This is called kissing, not licking! Have you never seen others kiss?" As soon as the words came out, he suddenly thought of Feng Wu's childhood and felt a little regretful.
Unexpectedly, Feng Wu said: "Ah! I have seen it, just two people sticking their mouths together and grabbing food from each other's mouth, right?"
Wu Chengsi glared and said: "Of course not, kissing is a behavior between couples, to promote feelings! Not to grab food!"
Feng Wu said "Oh" with a dull expression, as if she had instantly lost interest in this topic.
The two of them returned to the palace and were walking in the corridor. Wen Rong came over quickly and said, "Your Majesty, why are you coming back now? Madam and Xu Ruren have already changed their clothes and are waiting in the lobby."
Wu Chengsi frowned and thought to himself, "The title Ruren is like a constant reminder of my concubine's identity."
His feelings for the two girls deepened day by day, and he did not want them to be wronged, so he said: "Pass this order, from now on everyone in the house will call Zhiying the eldest lady, Lan Shuang the second lady, and Wenqing the third lady!"
Wen Rong was secretly surprised, nodded in agreement, and added: "Just now there was news from the palace that the emperor issued a decree to release the two princesses who were in the cold palace."
There have always been two princesses living in the cold palace of the Ming Dynasty. They were both born to Concubine Xiao Shu by Li Zhi. After Concubine Xiao Shu was killed, both girls were relegated to the cold palace.
Wu Chengsi thought to himself: "Li Hong released the two princesses. It was a kind act. Naturally, no ministers would object. Although Wu Mei was dissatisfied, it was hard to say anything."
Suddenly, two women, a tall one and a short one, appeared in his mind, and he was secretly surprised and said, "Could it be them?" Thinking of their bossy looks, the more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed.
But then again, whether it's them or not, it's not a big deal.
The two princesses who had been locked away in the palace for a long time had no influence on the affairs of the court. Li Hong just wanted to show his kindness through this matter.
Wu Chengsi returned to the back hall and changed into a light yellow robe, and then came to the lobby.
In the lobby, not only Li Zhiying and Xu Wenqing had already changed into palace clothes, but Liu Lanshuang was also waiting, wearing a lavender skirt.
Wu Chengsi came to her side and whispered: "Women's clothes still look good!"
Xu Wenqing has been wearing a black cloth over her eyes since she started treatment. With her sensitive ears, she heard Wu Chengsi's whisper and wondered: "Your Highness, whose women's clothes are good-looking?"
Wu Chengsi smiled and said: "Of course it is you three. What you are wearing tonight looks good. If others see it, they will envy me to death!"
The three girls all blushed when they heard this. Li Zhiying smiled slightly and said, "Your Majesty, it's getting late. Let's set off quickly."
Wu Chengsi nodded and said, "That's fine. There will be many people entering the palace later, so let's go there early to avoid crowding with them."
After a while, the second door of the palace opened wide, Wu Chengsi rode a white horse at the front, and the three women each sat in a carriage, slowly following behind.
Because it was still the period of national mourning, all banquets were held in the most frugal manner, and all attendees wore light-colored clothing.
Originally, if Li Zhi had not died, Wu Mei would have hosted the banquet, but as a result, Li Zhi died too quickly and Li Hong caught up.
Wu Chengsi and his three wives parted ways in the palace. They and their female relatives were going to Fengming Hall, where they all attended a meeting, hosted by Wu Mei.
Apart from the queen and the queen mother, there are only a few princesses who are eligible to participate in the main banquet at Linde Hall.
Wu Chengsi walked slowly to the Linde Hall, and at this moment, a shout came from behind him.
It's Princess Taiping's voice.
Turning around, she saw Princess Taiping walking hand in hand with two women. The two women were Yiyang and the tall woman who had just fought with Liu Lanshuang.
Wu Chengsi thought to himself: "It seems that I guessed right. These two women are the princesses who were released. No wonder they are so big." He stopped where he was and waited for the three people to come over.
When the tall woman saw him, she exclaimed: "It's you, you...are you King Wu Chengsi of Zhou?"
Yiyang said hurriedly: "Gao'an, don't be rude." He turned around and saluted Wu Chengsi and said, "Yiyang has met cousin Chengsi."
The tall woman came back to her senses, her expression became much more respectful, and she said, "Gao An has met cousin Chengsi."
Although they are princesses, they have lived in the cold palace for a long time, and their biological father and mother are both dead. How could they dare to be rude when seeing a prince with such power as Wu Chengsi?
Princess Taiping giggled and said, "Oh, have you met before?"
Princess Gao'an smiled and said: "Yes, when my sister and I were out of the palace just now, we happened to meet cousin Chengsi. I thought at the time, hey, how could this man be so bold and dare to be rude to me and my sister? It turned out that he actually
It’s my cousin!”
Wu Chengsi felt relieved. Although this Princess Gao'an was very arrogant, she was quite frank and not that annoying.
He reprimanded with a straight face: "Even if I am a civilian, I didn't know your identity at the time, but you two were a little too silly!"
Princess Taiping stuck out her tongue. She had often been lectured by Wu Chengsi for using her power to oppress others.
Princess Yiyang said hurriedly: "Brother is teaching me a lesson. We haven't left the palace for a long time, and we got a little carried away for a while. Please don't take offense, brother."
Princess Gao'an also lowered her head, looking a little uneasy.
Wu Chengsi's expression softened and he said, "It's good if you admit your mistake. Come and sit in my house more often when you have time."
Both girls immediately smiled. Princess Taiping smiled and said, "Sisters, you go in first, and I will have a few words with my second cousin."
The two women agreed and went in holding hands.
Princess Taiping pulled Wu Chengsi to a corner and said with a smile on her face: "Second cousin, I helped you get two more helpers, how can you thank me?"
"You mean them?"
Princess Taiping snorted and said, "Don't underestimate them. Although they are of little use now, they are both genuine princesses. As time goes by, their influence will continue to rise!"
Wu Chengsi was silent for a while and asked: "Did your aunt ask you to win them over?"
Princess Taiping shook her head and said: "How is it possible? The Queen Mother hates Concubine Xiao Shu and the Queen the most. How can I be asked to win over Concubine Xiao Shu's daughter!"
Wu Chengsi secretly sighed, because Princess Taiping always liked to show a childish look and always treated her like a child.
But in this matter, she considered the long term better than herself and Wu Mei.
He patted Princess Taiping on the shoulder to encourage her and said with a smile: "How did you win them over?"
Princess Taiping raised her chin and said with a smile: "A few days ago, I received news from the palace that the emperor planned to release them, so I have been making preparations."
Wu Chengsi was secretly alarmed. She must have gotten this news from Li Hong, which meant that she must have placed someone beside Li Hong.
When it comes to the news network in the palace, Wu Chengsi is really not as good as her.
Princess Taiping continued: "This morning, the emperor issued an order to release them and let them live in Qingluo Palace. I immediately went to find them."
"Well, what happened next?"
Princess Taiping smiled and said: "Although Brother Huang was considerate and ordered people to send them some daily necessities, the one he sent was only a sixth-grade eunuch, but he did not go himself!"
The two princesses had to leave the cold palace, but they only had a sixth-grade eunuch to accompany them. Naturally, they were dissatisfied, secretly sentimental, and their gratitude to Li Hong was greatly reduced.
Princess Taiping seized this critical moment and took advantage of it. Her timing was not bad.
Wu Chengsi nodded and said, "What you did is beautiful!"
Princess Taiping blushed with praise and said with a smile: "I brought all the clothes, jewelry, musical instruments, and palace maids I had prepared, and they immediately regarded me as their biological sister!"
Wu Chengsi was silent for a moment and said softly: "Taiping, you really hope to have two sisters, right?"
Princess Taiping was stunned and said: "No, I just want to win over them to be your helpers. I only need you and my mother to be good to me. Why do I need a sister?"
"..." Wu Chengsi touched his forehead and said, "Okay then, you can walk around with them more in the future."
Princess Taiping smiled and said: "That's natural. Originally, I planned to take them out of the palace to have fun, but something suddenly happened, so I let them go out by themselves."
When he said "something happened," his expression suddenly became serious, and he continued: "Second cousin, the emperor plans to keep Prince Zheng in Chang'an, and it seems that he also wants him to be Zhongshu Ling!"
Wu Chengsi said slowly: "I know about this. My aunt has also talked to me about it. She hopes to let Qiu Shenji or Huang Luchao be the official secretary."
Princess Taiping frowned and said: "The prestige of the two of them is not comparable to that of the emperor's uncle. I'm afraid it will be difficult to accomplish this matter."
Wu Chengsi was silent for a while and said: "In fact, it is not difficult. As long as someone comes out to object when His Majesty proposes that Prince Zheng be appointed as the Secretary of the Central Committee, the matter will be handed over to my aunt for decision."
Princess Taiping smiled and said: "That's good."
"My aunt can only reject King Zheng's decree to serve as Zhongshu Ling. It is not easy to let Qiu Shenji or Huang Luchao take this position."
Princess Taiping nodded and did not pursue the matter further. She winked and said, "Second cousin, how are your two new concubines? Are you happy at home these days?"
Wu Chengsi looked slightly embarrassed and said: "Why are you asking this? Well, the dinner is about to start, let's go in quickly."