Chapter 42: Wind and Elegance Youth

ry"Ye Hou Sheng nodded: "My wife is right. In that case, you all wait here for me, I'll go ask again."Ye Dalian hurriedly handed him a small knife: "Sir, with soldiers and horses everywhere, it's best...Zhang Hui, ignoring the gazes of the onlookers, boldly approached Luo Yin-fu and said with a bow, "Master is indeed a man of great talent! On behalf of my late friend's son, I offer my apologies. I hope Master will be magnanimous!"

Her main purpose in coming to Qiu Shui Pavilion today was to further deepen the reputation of Wang Pei among the people of Chang'an.

Just then, Zhu Youzhen, who was being impertinent, blamed Luo Yin. Ironically, she drew everyone's attention to her and her son. Li Shengting revealed their identity as mother and son. It can be said that the three words "Prince of Pei" had sunk into people's hearts. Even Li Jiuniang didn't care about Zhen'er offending a distinguished guest. Only that little servant kept harping on Zhen'er's slip of the tongue! Fortunately, that young general was very sensible and protected me from that little servant. 。Zhang Hui was originally beautiful and intelligent. She immediately seized this opportunity and made a decision: to advance by retreating, she immediately apologized. 。On the surface, it appears to be a self-deprecating act, but in reality, it demonstrates Duke Pei's humility and self-discipline. This, in turn, wins over the hearts and minds of the people in Chang'an even more. 。To this end, she deliberately walked up to Lu Yin, thus making her own beauty appear a hundred times more radiant under the contrast of his ugliness. 。She was confident that after this apology incident, Prince Pei's positive image would definitely be established, and her purpose of coming to the play today would be fully realized. 。Luo Yin was at a loss for words and hurriedly smiled and said, “My lady, there's no need to be like this, no need to be like this” 。Luo Yin, though unattractive, would not hold a grudge against his friend for being so. 。Absolutely not. 。As Luo Yin spoke, he sized up Zhang Hui. He saw that she had eyebrows like distant ink, skin like congealed fat, a star-studded nose and eyes, and hair at her temples like clouds. She was indeed a peerless beauty. 。His heart unexpectedly skipped a beat, and he felt a strange sensation as if two drops of spring dew had fallen into the arid land of his heart. "Plop plop," it beat twice faster. Though he was known to be a wild soul who disregarded rules and conventions, he immediately smiled and said:“Furthermore, with madam's gentle words, how could Luo Yin still harbor any resentment”Although Zhang Hui found Luo Yin's words somewhat odd, she felt relieved after receiving the affirmation from the renowned poet Yuan Yu. 。Li Jiuniao also immediately stepped forward and took Zhang Hui's arm, saying: “Autumn Water Pavilion is truly fortunate to have the esteemed madam grace us with her presence.” 。

Jiǔniáng here offers her apologies to Madam.

Li Jiuniang understood in her heart that this Prince of Pei now controlled a large territory and had become an important minister in the court. 。Although he did not hold an official position in the capital, his influence was so great that even the imperial court relied heavily on him. 。If we can become good friends with the princess, it will naturally be very beneficial to my father's future development. 。Upon seeing Zhang Hui apologize, she immediately stepped forward and took Zhang Hui's hand, showing a sincere attitude of making amends. 。

Zhang Hui saw Li Jiuniang's expression of affection, which was exactly what he had hoped for.

This top actress of the capital actually has deep ties to the imperial court. Before she came, she learned that Li Jiuniang's father is none other than Prince Shou, Li Jie! If you want to make a name for yourself in Chang'an in the future, Prince Shou is naturally someone you should try to win over. 。"Upon receiving his advances, Li Jiuniang responded with great enthusiasm:“Having arrived at the Qiushui Pavilion today, I realize that such heavenly music and enchanting singing truly exist in this world! As someone from a humble village, how fortunate am I to be able to hear the celestial voice of Lady Jiuniang. It is truly a blessing for my entire life!” 。Li Jiuniang smiled and immediately said, "Since madam appreciates it, how dare I refuse I happen to have a poem by Mr. Zhao Jian, called 'Bee,' which I would like to present to you all. Please be gracious." 。Zhang Hui wanted to return to her seat, hearing that Li Jiuniang was going to sing again, but Li Jiuniang gently pulled her back: "It's alright, it's alright, I'm just singing for my lady. It's an honor for me that you listen here." 。Seeing Li Jiuniang being so attentive, Zhang Hui naturally had no choice but to stay. He felt a little puzzled in his heart: Judging from this situation, it seemed like her family also wanted to draw the official closerHearing Li Jiuniang sing: “No matter plains or mountaintops, endless scenery is fully embraced, after gathering a hundred flowers into honey, for whom does one toil, for whom does one sweetness” Although there was no accompaniment of bamboo flute and strings, just a clear solo, her voice was crystal clear and ethereal, like a silk ribbon gently probing into the heart, making people feel comfortable and a little itchy, truly pleasant. 。The singing stopped, and the applause immediately filled the hall again. 。Only Ye Youxiao felt a shiver in his heart and let out an untimely cold snort, which immediately drew ridicule from Li Shengting: “You little servant doesn't understand poetry, what are you snorting about!”Li Jiuniang was enjoying herself, but when she heard Li Shengting say that Ye Youxiao snorted, she couldn't help but frown and said to Ye Youxiao: "Ye Youxiao, if what I sing is not right, you can point it out one by one." 。"Hmph, not afraid of losing grace" This was also because she was currently rehearsing a new play with Ye Youxiao, and Zhang Hui was beside her, so she endured it again and again, speaking politely. 。The audience was surprised. 。This little servant boy is no more than ten years old, apparently just a runner of some sort. Why would Lady Li Jiu be so polite

Ye Youxiao could only smile and say: "Lady Jiu's singing voice is naturally unparalleled in the world. When I inadvertently hummed a verse, it was actually in admiration for the poem itself." 。This poem "Bee" is also Luo Yin's masterpiece. 。Everyone ridiculed Luo Yin because of his ugly appearance; but for his poems, not a single person dared to criticize. 。Now hearing that this young man had actually scoffed at his own poems, Luo Yin couldn't help but ask: "This young master, Luo Yin is not talented, I would like to ask, why does my humble work only deserve a sneer from you"Li Shengting instead remained silent, thinking to himself that Luo Yin was actually a great talent, only hampered by his ugly face. 。Now this servant girl is actually going to seek out the renowned poet's trouble, just wait and see how she humiliates herself and gets kicked out! 。Ye Youxiao didn't actually understand poetry, but he dared to speak freely in front of Xiangye. How much more so for a failed scholar He immediately said: “Mr. Zhaojian’s poem is actually very good. After careful consideration, it can be considered a prophecy.” 。Therefore, I believe this poem should only be recited in a study or contemplated in a meditation hall. It should not be sung publicly, nor should it be performed by the Nine Maidens. To be honest, it is a pity to waste the Nine Maidens' beautiful voices on this. 。When everyone heard him say this, they didn't blame Jiuniang for not singing well, but said that this poem was not suitable for singing. 。In that case, we wouldn't offend the author or the songwriter. Everyone in their hearts would feel that although this young boy is young, he has a good tongue. 。Lu Yin was not content and asked again, "What a perfect omen!

" 。Luo is not well-educated and still needs to ask for advice. 。Ye Youxiao smiled: "No, no, Mr. Zhaojian's scholarship is astonishing. Ye is merely someone who has gained a glimpse of it. The bees in this poem, although they have boundless scenery before them, do not know where their home is, whether on flat ground or mountain peaks. Their future is uncertain, and they don't know where to go. As the saying goes, 'Where will I be when tonight's wine wears off' It's only by the willows at dawn with a cold moon breeze that..." 。Luo Yin's life was burdened by his appearance. Despite being full of talent, he had nowhere to display it. 。Just as Ye Youxiao said, "Even with infinite scenery, which one is your own home" Although this poem "Bee" was an accidental gain, it unknowingly expressed his self-situation. Now, it has been seen through by a young servant. Luo Yin couldn't help but be startled. 。Especially his last two sentences, they were a complete reflection of his own wandering life, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of melancholy! I immediately bowed and asked: "What you said, young friend, is enough to prove that you are truly a man who understands poetry! Luo Yin admires it! But the last two lines, I don't know where they come from"Ye Youxiao was startled upon hearing this: Oh no! This is the Tang Dynasty, how could I recite Song Dynasty lyrics here! There's no way, if I tell you about the Song Dynasty, you wouldn't understand anyway! I had better just make something up for myself: “There is no source, only when I was passing through the Grand Canal in my younger years, I came across it by chance. Please don't laugh at me, sir.” 。The audience listened attentively as Ye Youxiao recited and expounded on the poems, finding themselves deeply impressed by his knowledge and insights. 。Even Li Shengting looked at Ye Youxiao with admiration, but she just sighed in relief, thankfully he was young and wouldn't become her rival. 。Thinking of this, I couldn't help but look at Li Jiuniang. 。

Li Jiuniang's heart was even more tumultuous, like mountains roaring and seas crashing.

She had managed to invite the great poet Luo Yin so easily, but Luo Yin was actually defeated by Ye Youxiao! This is impossible! Luo Zhaoyan's talent is far superior to Ye Youxiao's. But what Ye Youxiao said made perfect sense, at least something she hadn't considered! After getting the poem, she spent time figuring out how to perform it, but she didn't think about its hidden meaning. In the end, Ye Youxiao got the first prize! Even if she had thought deeply, she probably wouldn't have understood it as clearly as Ye Youxiao. 。This little servant is truly a prodigy, no wonder he came up with the story of Liang and Zhu. 。Especially the last two lines "Xiao Feng Chan Yue," it's obviously meant for me to sing! It was written just for me! But why did he only say there were two lines

Li Jiuniang blurted out, "Such beautiful verses, how could there only be a mere two lines" That envious and yearning emotion, she no longer wanted to hide it. 。

Luo Yin just shook his head and mumbled: “Although profound and moving, it leaves one feeling deeply melancholic”

"It's a pity that the sentence structure is not right, what a great regret!"Li Jiunyang smiled and said: "This righteous power can only rely on you, sir." 。Luo Yin shook his head again and again: “Absolutely not, absolutely not. No matter how good other people’s clothes are, Luo certainly never wears them.” 。“He even showed an unprecedented flattering smile and said to Ye Youxiao, “Hee hee, I would still like to ask the young master himself to change it into a seven-character quatrain or a seven-character regulated verse, so that it can become a masterpiece!” 。"Seeing Luoyin value Ye Youxiao so much, Li Jiuniang simply acted as a good person: 'Honorable officials, this young man is actually surnamed Ye, given name Youxiao'" 。He recently made a new play and invited me to rehearse with him. 。Today, I specially came to the shed. I presume it's to discuss this new play. 。All the spectators in the hall knew about joining the army, but how could it be related to Li Jiuniang Even Zhang Hui couldn't help but ask: "Jiuniang has such a graceful figure and singing voice, if she went to perform for soldiers, I wouldn't think much of it." 。Li Jiuniang smiled: “How could I possibly go and meddle with the military” 。You Xiao's new play, performed in his Yejia shed, has a complex plot and is difficult to sum up in words. 。After my performance has been rehearsed, I would be honored to have your esteemed presence and guidance. 。"Zhu Youzhen couldn't help but ask, "Ye Youxiao, can you also sing opera" Ye Youxiao replied with a smile, "Although I can sing opera, I came to Qiushui Pavilion today for money." 。As soon as these words were spoken, Ye Youxiao's image of a "young talent" and "rising star" instantly shattered into pieces. 。I didn't expect this elegant young man to actually be a runner who asks for money! Some people even wondered: Li Jiuniang comes from a noble family, how could she be short of money Could I have misheard

Only Li Shengting almost laughed out loud. 。As expected, this servant is nothing more than a debt collector on the run. 。What does it mean to truly understand poetry and perform it well How much can we trust such claims

Li Jiuniang ceremoniously presented Ye Youxiao, but this was also due to a change in her perception of him. She even felt that, despite the age difference, given her status and position, the Ye family should have no reason to refuse.

After all, while Ye Youxiao might not be as handsome as Li Shengting, he is far stronger than Luo Yin. 。Let's recommend him first and make plans later. 。Unexpectedly, Ye Youxiao, as soon as he opened his mouth, seemed like a complete money grubber, a despicable commoner! The slight infatuation I had just felt instantly turned into endless disgust. I immediately waved my hand to Huang Siniang and said: "Siniang, take 80 taels of gold and 100 taels of silver to open his Yuan for him and take it away."。Seeing Li Jiuniang's face change drastically, these onlookers were all old foxes. Naturally, they knew that staying any longer would be embarrassing, so they immediately stood up and left one after another. Li Shengting originally wanted to say goodbye to Li Jiuniang, but seeing her with a sullen expression, he didn't dare to invite trouble upon himself, so he also left awkwardly. 。In the blink of an eye, only Luo Yin, Zhang Hui and her son, along with Li Jiuniang, remained in the vast autumn water pavilion. 。Although Luo Yin didn't leave, he wasn't trying to comfort Li Jiuniang. He didn't even realize that Li Jiuniang was angry. He was preoccupied with the two words "new play" that Li Jiuniang had said, feeling a constant itch in his heart. 。With Li Jiuniang's discerning taste, she would never recommend anything less than top-quality, nor would she personally participate in it. 。But when it came to specifics, Li Jiuniang merely said "the plot is twists and turns, hard to sum up in a few words," two sentences that only served to veil her intentions. Under the pretense of being elusive, she instead piqued Luo Yin's curiosity even further. Seeing that all the onlookers had dispersed, he turned to Li Jiuniang and asked: "Jiuniang, about this new play you mentioned, I wonder if a humble man like myself would be fortunate enough to witness it"Upon hearing Luo Yin's words, Li Jiuniang couldn't help but feel a stirring in her heart. 。Luó Yǐn's talent was far superior to that of Yè Yǒuxiào, but he simply never considered writing plays like this. 。Of course, it wasn't just Luoyun. No one in the entire Tang Dynasty had ever thought of this. 。This kid, Ye Youxiao, is actually quite clever. 。But if we were to ask Luo Yin to write a new play Well, it might be worth a shot. 。Li Jiuniang immediately put aside her previous dejection and smiled, "In a few days, I will naturally invite Mr. Zhao to come and give me guidance. The place will be next to Yongshou Temple." 。Luo Yin heard that he would be able to see the new play in just a few days, as if he had heard that he would be getting married in just a few days. He suddenly smiled. 。Zhang Hui laughed and asked, "Just now I heard Jiuniang say that she paid with gold and silver from the Kaiyuan Period Are you not afraid that he won't accept it" Hearing Zhang Hui speak, Luo Yin's heart moved again. 。On second thought, I felt the timing wasn't right, so I kept quiet. 。Li Jiuniang did not want to hide from Zhang Hui either: "Madam, you don't know, this little servant actually asked for money in the middle of the night. How could I possibly face anyone Therefore, I gave him gold and silver opening yuan, just so he would come again begging. Then at that time, I'll have my father write another edict, asking someone to take him to the Ministry of Finance to redeem it." 。Heh heh, that's exactly what I want to do. 。“It turns out that these gold Kaiyuan and silver Kaiyuan coins were cast during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang Dynasty. They circulated mainly within the palace, but they were only used for special occasions such as financial gatherings or divination ceremonies. 。Moreover, there is another type of gold and silver coin called “Kaiyuan,” which was awarded to meritorious officials by the imperial court. However, such awards from the emperor were extremely rare, and those who received them would keep them at home as treasures, refusing to circulate them in the market. 。Moreover, when listing, the procedures were complicated. It required a witness from a minister of the third rank or above to vouch for the legitimacy of the money's origins. Then, it had to be exchanged for ordinary Kaiyuan currency at the Ministry of Finance's Currency Office before it could be traded. 。Li Jiuniang was already resentful that Ye Youxiao had claimed victory in their performance, but she didn't want to argue with him. However, a knot remained in her heart. Plus, his miserly attitude today was truly irritating, so she asked Huang Si Niang to bring him a pile of gold and silver from the opening ceremony. 。If this Kaiguan dared to trade on his own accord, he could be handed over to the authorities. He would remain imprisoned until someone clarified the source of the money, proving it was not stolen from the palace, and only then would he be released from blame. 。

At this moment, Ye Youxiao carried over two large sacks of money, panting heavily with a flushed face.

Li Jiuniang smiled inwardly, but her voice was cold as she said, “What do you mean, just leave after getting paid!”e, it's quite possible that in the future China and America won't be enemies anymore." 。Well, this sentence means that there is a type of American who opposes socialism and opposes countries like the...