“Xiaohua, aren't you curious who wrote that song 'Phoenix Seeking Phoenix'? Well, it was him,” said Lord Gao, who was standing on the second floor, pointing at the Princess of Runan Palace to look downstairs.
“It’s him,” said the Princess.
“What? Do you know him?” asked Lord Gao in surprise.
“Uncle, he is the good-looking man I told you about yesterday,” said the Princess.
“What a coincidence,” said Lord Gao.
“Who is that woman beside him?” The Princess felt uncomfortable seeing the tender and doting look in the man's eyes towards the woman, so she asked.
“What? Are you getting jealous before he even becomes your noble consort? Don't worry, she's just a woman, no threat to you. With my status in the royal court and your identity as the Princess of Runan Palace, as long as you show a hint of affection towards him, what man would refuse the temptation of power, not to mention the Emperor's favor towards you.”
“Alright uncle, I want him as my noble consort.”
“Good, I’ll check him out and make sure you get what you wished for.”
“Thanks uncle, you always spoil me the most.”
“Of course, let’s go. The scent comparing competition is about to start. We need to see your mother first.”
“Okay.”
Gong Xiaohua noticed the moment when the Princess and Lord Gao looked over at them.
Qin Chuyuan asked, “What’s wrong?”
“There are two people staring at us from the upper left,” said Gong Xiaohua.
“You’re overthinking, Xiaohua. There is indeed a man and a woman. The man looks older and the woman is gorgeous. But they seem to be staring at Master Qin,” said Lord Shi, looking up.
“Master Qin, that young lady is looking at you quite passionately. We just arrived in Liang Capital City and you already attracted a lady. No wonder you're the most handsome man in Ye Capital City,” teased Lord Shi.
“Lord Shi, if you don’t want your mouth anymore, I don’t mind taking care of it for you,” said Qin Chuyuan sternly.
“Please don’t take offense Master Qin, I was just joking,” said Lord Shi apologetically.
“That face of yours is too eye-catching. You and the Prince have been stared at since yesterday, especially you. It’s better to change your makeup,” said Gong Xiaohua while pondering how to modify his look, completely oblivious to how intimate her actions seemed.
Qin Chuyuan's ears turned red as Gong Xiaohua kept staring at him. The tips of his ears that were half-hidden by his hair had slowly turned red without him realizing, all the way to the roots.
Lord Shi watched the whole time. He understood why the Prince made an excuse to not come out.
Ever since Master Qin left Ye Capital City, he had two faces. Towards them, he was as cold as ice. But towards Commander Gong, he was like a puppy, eyes seeing no one else, following wherever she went. It made Lord Shi, already advanced in years, feel sour as he watched.
“Ahem,” Lord Shi coughed, interrupting the two.
They looked at Lord Shi simultaneously.
After checking no one was paying attention to them, he said in a low voice, “Yesterday, I heard a different story about this King Liang and Runan Palace when I was outside.
The rumor goes that when King Liang was young, he fell in love at first sight with the Consort of Runan. Unfortunately, the Consort's heart belonged to the Prince of Runan.
The Princess of this Runan Palace is called Princess Jianan. Everyone guesses that she is King Liang's illegitimate daughter that he forced the Consort of Runan to birth after being unable to obtain her love.
The Prince of Runan’s absence at the border these past few years was not because he was angry, but rather forced exile by King Liang.
If these rumors are true, by getting close with the Consort of Runan, we can use King Liang’s feelings for the Consort to help us in the future. This trip is looking promising!” Lord Shi shook his head as he happily said.
Not forgetting to flatter Gong Xiaohua, “Of course this is all thanks to Xiaohua’s efforts.”
“Lord Shi, you praise me too much. Alliance between the two countries depends on you all,” said Gong Xiaohua humbly.
“Don’t be modest Xiaohua. No matter the truth of these rumors, Runan Palace holds significant status in Liang Capital City. Gaining their favor can only bring benefits without harm. No wonder Minister Li spoke so highly of you back then. It’s evident now you live up to your reputation. It’s a pity Minister Li met his end...“ Lord Shi did not finish his words as he was interrupted by Qin Chuyuan.
“Lord Shi, if you have time to flatter people, why not think about how to achieve the alliance between our countries instead?”
Realizing his slip of tongue, Lord Shi quickly stopped, “You’re right, you’re right.”
Lord Gao and Princess Jianan arrived at the resting place of Runan Principality Consort.
The Consort was currently resting with her eyes closed as the noble ladies knew she disliked entertaining guests, so no one actively bothered her.
Hearing voices outside, she knew who the guests were. Opening her eyes, the Consort sat up and called out, “Come in.”
After a while, the door opened and people walked in.
“Younger sister.”
“Mother.”
“Mm.”
“Why are you still resting at this hour? Did you not sleep well last night?” asked Lord Gao with concern.
“No, I was just talking to someone earlier and got a bit tired. I’m fine now,” replied the Consort.
“I heard you wrote a song ‘Phoenix Seeking Phoenix’ last night at Hundred Flowers Building for a courtesan? Didn’t expect you to be in that mood,” said the Consort mockingly to Lord Gao.
“Younger sister, you’re usually oblivious to things outside your window. How did you find out so quickly?” asked Lord Gao.
“Humph. It’s spread all over Liang Capital City. I don’t care about your matters, but Xiaomeng is not young anymore. You know her reputation in Liang Capital City. If you care about her, stop letting her go to those places,” said the Consort sternly.
“Mother, it was my choice to go. Uncle had nothing to do with it. And my marriage will be decided by His Majesty. You don’t need to worry,” argued Princess Jianan.
“You?” The Consort was furious.
“Xiaomeng, watch your words with your mother,” Lord Gao scolded his niece.
Princess Jianan pouted and sat aside silently.
Lord Gao persuaded the Consort, “Xiaomeng just likes to have fun. Those who slander her are simply jealous. Why bother yourself over them? It will only upset you needlessly.
Rest assured, I will supervise Xiaomeng here and find a suitable husband that you’ll also approve of. Then we’ll ask His Majesty to grant her hand in marriage. That should be fine, right?”
Hearing this, the Consort no longer argued. Lord Gao took this chance to say, “Let us go. The scent comparing competition awaits us.”
When the competition was halfway through, Lord Shi suggested, “After this ends, I’ll symbolically go buy some fragrances while you two head back first. No need to keep me company.”
“No, it’s too dangerous for you alone,” Gong Xiaohua objected.
“We just arrived and offended no one. And I’m a grown man, what danger could there be? Don’t worry. With an eighty percent discount, we’ve already saved quite a bit. Do you want me to buy any fragrances for you? I’ll get them together.”
“Then we’ll have to trouble Lord Shi,” said Qin Chuyuan as he handed a list to Lord Shi.
Lord Shi took a look. Most were fragrances popular with women, probably to bring back for the ladies at home. “You’re too kind, Master Qin.”
