Gu Yu Chen personally poured tea for Song Shiyue, leaning close to whisper intimately, “Some people don’t want to acknowledge our engagement.”
Hah! As if their denial could make it nonexistent!
While lifting her teacup, Song Shiyue scanned the room and caught many gazes filled with aversion and rejection toward her.
How unfortunate—she had taken a position others coveted.
Song Shiyue teased, “You’re quite the coveted one, aren’t you? Not just women pine for you, but men too.”
“None of this is my wish, my lady. You must protect me.”
Gu Yu Chen reminded her of their engagement and cooperative agreement.
Song Shiyue shot him a glare. Since returning to Jing City, he had behaved normally, but today he was a completely different person.
He had smoothly transformed his image—his words, tone, and demeanor were now unmistakably that of a frivolous noble.
The Crown Prince watched their flirtatious exchange, utterly disregarding his status as Crown Prince and the presence of other princes.
Irritated, the Crown Prince signaled with his eyes to a man seated near the left edge.
Understanding the cue, the man jeered at Gu Yu Chen, “Young Master Gu, there are plenty of women here. Why bring your own?”
“My lady wanted to see. Women observing women offers a unique delight. My wife has distinctive tastes.”
Gu Yu Chen replied with a grin. Song Shiyue wore a poised smile, “My husband mentioned there’s more than just women to appreciate here—men too, worth admiring.”
She cast a meaningful glance at the man. The “men” available for appreciation here were none other than male courtesans.
She was subtly implying he was a plaything who relied on his looks.
The man’s expression darkened, ready to confront her.
Gu Yu Chen laughed heartily, “Don’t be impatient, my lady. I’ll find you a few handsome ones later.”
This was outrageous. The Crown Prince’s face fell, while Prince Chu looked excited and quickly interjected, “I’ve heard several skilled zither masters have arrived recently. I presume that’s whom Young Master Gu refers to.”
“Exactly. My wife is a woman of refined taste.”
The implication being that those who misinterpreted had filthy minds.
The Crown Prince immediately scowled, and the man stood up, prepared to rebuke them.
Prince Chu and the Junior Prince promptly stirred up the atmosphere, shouting to the steward in the hall, “Quick, bring all the zither masters up!”
The songhouse steward shrewdly hurried off to arrange it, specifically reminding the zither masters, “Today’s guests are all distinguished figures. Serve them carefully—no carelessness.”
Though he said this, no trace of nervousness showed on his face.
The eight zither masters were all men of similar height and build.
Their hair was half-tied and half-loose, bound with snow-white silk, long ribbons cascading down. Dressed in light-colored chiffon robes, they moved with ethereal lightness, carrying an air of immortality.
Song Shiyue didn’t hold back her praise, “Truly a feast for the eyes.”
“As long as my lady is pleased.”
Gu Yu Chen’s fawning expression made the Crown Prince and others frown in disgust, their curiosity toward Song Shiyue mingled with aversion.
Song Shiyue glanced at the Crown Prince, noting his gloomy demeanor, and sighed inwardly.
She never expected her first formal appearance in Jing City to attract so many prestigious figures.
Every one of them came with ill intentions!
Even these newly presented zither masters possessed extraordinary skills—she could only hope no chaos would erupt.
Her reason for accompanying him today was not only to announce to everyone that Gu Yu Chen was married, but also to demonstrate his devoted, obedient attachment to his wife.
She also hoped to attract the attention of her possible birth family and the person who had harmed her, prompting them to either approach her for confirmation or attempt to silence her.
The only uncertainty was whether her appearance would catch the eye of those who were watching.
Eight musicians, eight instruments. Their melodies intertwined, creating an elegant harmony.
The music was at times crisp and pleasant, at others rich and melodious. The tense atmosphere gradually dissipated.
A group of dancers glided in with light steps, swaying their water sleeves in rhythm with the music.
As the sheer sleeves fluttered, the guests’ gazes grew unfocused.
The Crown Prince took the opportunity to scrutinize Song Shiyue brazenly, his eyes filled with admiration, disdain, and a predatory gleam.
He thought the dancers’ sleeves provided him cover, unaware that Song Shiyue, with her sharp senses, had already noticed.
Through the fluttering water sleeves and sheer veils of the dancers, gazes from different angles and different people fell upon Song Shiyue.
It would be impolite not to return the favor. Song Shiyue seized the chance to carefully observe everyone present.
When their eyes met, some awkwardly lowered their heads, some glared back at her fiercely, while others conveyed goodwill.
Prince Rui was among those who expressed kindness. He raised his teacup, using it as a substitute for wine, and offered blessings to both Song Shiyue and Gu Yu Chen.
Yet, Song Shiyue detected a hint of mischief in his eyes, and immediately after, she saw Gu Yu Chen shoot Prince Rui a sidelong glance.
“Are you and Prince Rui on good terms?”
“Yes, fairly so. He’s one of the more normal among the princes.”
Normal? Not upright? Gu Yu Chen’s choice of words was thought-provoking.
As Song Shiyue glanced elsewhere, she noticed a handsome young man sitting next to Prince Rui, along with the baby-faced Prince Chu, both winking and making faces at her.
“Who is that young man beside him?”
Without even looking, Gu Yu Chen replied, “The youngest son of Prince De, Junior Prince Rong Zeyu.”
Song Shiyue immediately recalled the description in the records: carefree, straightforward, often acting foolishly, spending his days either following Prince Rui or tagging along with Gu Da Shao for free meals and drinks, completely disregarding the reputation of Prince De’s mansion and his own status as a junior prince.
“He’s like a shameless dog—once he latches on, you can’t shake him off.”
As they spoke, the Junior Prince sauntered over with a cheeky grin.
“Madam Gu, this humble one pays his respects.”
Completely ignoring the Crown Prince’s glare, the Junior Prince bowed respectfully to Song Shiyue with perfect etiquette.
Song Shiyue observed the Junior Prince’s carefree demeanor but noticed his eyes were unusually earnest. He was genuinely showing her respect.
“Greetings, Junior Prince.”
Song Shiyue placed her hands one over the other, slightly bowed her head, and bent her knees in a polite curtsy.
Though she did not rise, her gesture conveyed respect for the Junior Prince.
This was a stark contrast to her perfunctory attitude during their first meeting, indicating that Madam Gu held the Junior Prince in special regard.
Rong Zeyu laughed heartily, “Gu Da Shao, your wife is quite a remarkable person.”
“Very few can catch my wife’s eye.”
Gu Yu Chen knew that the Junior Prince’s temperament suited Song Shiyue’s disposition.
When the two interacted, there were no distinctions of status between them.
“Let me tell you a secret—my wife’s culinary skills are unparalleled. I’ll host a banquet for you someday.”
Although the two were on good terms, he had never extended such an invitation before. Today’s offer was entirely due to the Junior Prince’s earlier acknowledgment of Song Shiyue as his wife.
Junior Prince Rong Zeyu was momentarily stunned. Wasn’t Gu Da Shao just acting? He wasn’t the type to care about others’ feelings, yet today he had repeatedly made exceptions for his wife.
Rong Zeyu already held some fondness for Song Shiyue, and now he felt an additional layer of respect for her.
“Then it’s settled—I’ll be looking forward to your invitation.”
He gazed happily at Song Shiyue. “Madam, you must teach me a few moves from that night when you fought the thieves.”
“Heh! I didn’t realize the Junior Prince was also there that night. I’m afraid I gave you quite a laugh.”
“Having the chance to witness the young madam’s grace was my honor.”
There wasn’t a trace of falsehood in Rong Zeyu’s words; he truly admired Song Shiyue immensely.
The three of them chatted cheerfully, completely disregarding the Crown Prince’s expression.
As the music ceased and the dancers withdrew, several more people entered from outside, led by a young woman with a cold and haughty expression.