Five days later, the Yunshao Troupe entered the palace for the second time.
The stage had already been set up, and everything was arranged with noticeably greater refinement than before.
Today’s performance was “The Tale of the Sister and Brother Subduing Bandits,” telling how a poor pair of siblings used street-smart tricks to outwit a group of robbers.
Before the performance began, Yu Qijian took Zhao Yan to their seats. She still felt a faint regret that Yue Jilian himself was not performing on stage.
She had originally assumed this handsome young man was also an actor, but it turned out he was purely a director and playwright.
Fang Jinxian arrived earlier than anyone this time. He had already inspected the venue three times under the pretext of preventing any disturbances.
Yue Jilian stepped forward to greet them. Dressed in a green robe, elegant and refined, he spoke with subtle compliments:
“The Empress Dowager’s play is truly interesting. The troupe finds it especially enjoyable to perform every day—they never grow tired of it, no matter how many times it is repeated.”
A faint smile rested on his brows. His gaze lingered on Yu Qijian’s face for a moment longer than before. Compared to last time, his manners were still impeccable, but there was a hint of appreciation—and something like probing—hidden beneath it.
Yu Qijian simply assumed it was creative resonance between artists. Of course, she was not the original creator; these were all ancient modern-era stories. She only smiled and said, “Since the month master says so, this Empress Dowager and His Majesty are even more expectant.”
Yue Jilian lowered his eyes with a gentle smile. “This humble one will not fail Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager’s expectations.”
Yu Qijian could not help but ask, “Does the month master sing as well?”
“Replying to Your Majesty, I am fond of opera, but my skills are shallow. I only know a bit of arrangement and some techniques. As for other talents, I only know a little pipa.”
“Pipa and singing?”
“Yes.”
Yu Qijian had not heard anyone sing since entering the palace and became interested. “After the performance ends, may I invite the month master to perform a piece for us?”
“It would be this humble one’s honor.”
Not far away, Fang Jinxian watched every exchange between the two.
His long fingers rested on the armrest, tapping lightly and irregularly.
When Yue Jilian leaned slightly forward and pointed at something on the stage while speaking softly to Yu Qijian, Fang Jinxian’s hand stopped. A trace of irritation surfaced as he pressed his forehead.
The emotions that had gradually calmed over several days showed signs of resurfacing.
Did Yu Qijian not understand that the Empress Dowager should not be so polite to a mere performer, let alone so close?
Yet he also knew she treated everyone like this.
Except toward him…
His thoughts drifted. The play had already begun on stage, and he absentmindedly compared how she treated him versus others.
Gradually, his mind settled. Looking at Yue Jilian again, there seemed to be nothing special about him.
The story was indeed amusing. The sister was sharp and bold; the brother simple-minded but occasionally brilliant at critical moments. Using chili powder, fake officials, and ghost disguises, they toyed with a group of fierce-looking bandits until they were utterly humiliated.
Even the siblings’ poverty carried a strange artistry of making hardship bearable.
Palace servants chuckled behind their sleeves. Zhao Yan laughed so hard he almost fell over, tugging at Yu Qijian’s sleeve.
“Mother Empress, this sister and brother are both sad and funny…”
Ah, there was nothing to explain. It was all experience—poor people were like this.
Yu Qijian could not explain it. Compared to The White Snake, this performance held her attention more since it was based on a story she had personally adapted.
She occasionally exchanged comments with Yue Jilian.
“This part is well paced. The punchline lands nicely.”
Unconsciously, Fang Jinxian’s gaze kept drifting toward her.
She laughed five times. She spoke to Yue Jilian seven times. Once, Yue Jilian even poured her tea, which she accepted naturally.
She applauded four times and told Zhao Yan, “See? This is teamwork. Intelligence beats brute force.”
Very well—she did not forget to educate His Majesty while watching the play. But why did she smile so many times at that performer?
She had never smiled like that at him.
Fang Jinxian’s expression remained calm. He even nodded lightly when Zhao Yan occasionally glanced his way.
Yet the hand hidden in his sleeve slowly tightened.
As the play reached its climax, the siblings captured the bandit leader, and the entire audience cheered.
Yu Qijian rewarded the troupe generously. She had nearly forgotten about Yue Jilian’s promised performance when he suddenly stepped forward and requested a pipa.
With a gentle smile, he said he would play a humble piece for the Empress Dowager and His Majesty.
Fang Jinxian found his smile unpleasant. If he knew it was ugly, why insist on performing?
Yet Yu Qijian smiled brightly, full of expectation.
—No taste at all.
He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and set it down. The porcelain clinked sharply against the wood.
Without a word, he stood and left.
Even after walking far away, he could still hear the pipa blending with a clear male voice.
It was grating and irritating.
Let this troupe come and offend him—he had brought it upon himself.
After the performance, the Yunshao Troupe was supposed to leave the palace according to custom. However, after handling an urgent matter outside, Fang Jinxian returned near the Palace of Eternal Peace at dusk and noticed a side hall still lit warmly. Murmurs of conversation drifted through the window lattice.
He paused.
He listened.
Yu Qijian’s voice carried a relaxed smile. “Month master, your observations of common life are so detailed. No wonder your scripts feel so vivid.”
Then came Yue Jilian’s gentle reply. “Your Majesty flatters me. I merely travel widely and see more… but it is the Empress Dowager’s guidance that brings me sudden clarity each time. And this milk tea—how does Your Majesty come up with such ingenious ideas?”
Fang Jinxian’s eyes darkened.
Still talking.
The performance had ended nearly two hours ago—what was there still to discuss?
Common life? As Chief Eunuch, had he not seen more filth, darkness, and human depravity than any wandering performer? Why did she not discuss “life” with him instead?
Some fallen young master.
Some lowborn wretch from theaters and brothels, shamelessly skilled at ingratiating himself.
The palace servant guarding the door sensed his cold expression and froze. Before they could announce him, Fang Jinxian already lifted the curtain and entered.
Inside the warm chamber, Yu Qijian reclined on a soft couch. A plate of untouched pastries sat beside her.
Yue Jilian sat respectfully on a stool below, posture proper but not fearful. The atmosphere between them felt unexpectedly harmonious.
Seeing Fang Jinxian enter, Yu Qijian looked surprised.
“Chief Eunuch is back? Finished with your business?”
Her tone was casual, as if greeting a colleague returning late.
Yue Jilian immediately stood and bowed. “This humble one greets Chief Eunuch Fang.”
Fang Jinxian did not immediately allow him to rise. His gaze casually swept over the tea beside Yu Qijian.
Full. So she had only been talking.
Then he looked at Yue Jilian’s face under the lamplight—clean, refined, and especially irritating.
An eyesore.
“Mm,” he said flatly. “The palace gates will soon close. Month master, it would be inconvenient for you to stay.”
A direct order to leave. No attempt at politeness.
Yue Jilian lowered his eyes. “Chief Eunuch is right. I lost track of time speaking with the Empress Dowager.”
He turned to Yu Qijian and bowed again. “Then this humble one takes his leave. If there are new scripts in the future, I will present them for Your Majesty’s guidance.”
Before Yu Qijian could respond, Fang Jinxian let out a faint, cold laugh.
“Month master should be more mindful of his position. The Empress Dowager is burdened with state affairs and has no time for such theatrical scripts.”
Yue Jilian’s face turned pale. He quickly lowered his head in acknowledgment.
Fang Jinxian did not even bother to look at him again and waved him off impatiently.
Once Yue Jilian left, Yu Qijian blinked and looked cautiously at Fang Jinxian.
“Did you eat gunpowder or something?”
Fang Jinxian: “……”
Yu Qijian suddenly panicked and shot up.
“Don’t tell me the Yu Clan did something again!”