Chapter 57: The Show Begins

Chapter 57: The Show Begins

Princess Changping was the youngest daughter of the former emperor and was greatly favored during his reign. After his death, the current sovereign continued to treat her well, which allowed her to behave unrestrainedly in the capital.

She was married at eighteen to the youngest son of the Duke of Lu as her prince consort. It was said that the prince consort was a man of striking elegance, the most handsome in the capital at the time. However, he had a short life and passed away less than three years after their marriage, leaving no children behind.

After the death of the prince consort, Princess Changping began frequently inviting young men into her residence. Initially, she was somewhat discreet, but later she threw caution to the wind. It was said that there were no fewer than a hundred handsome young men in her mansion.

Such behavior from an ordinary woman would undoubtedly be condemned by the morals of the time, but who could challenge her when she was a princess?

Tang Shuyi, however, felt that there was nothing wrong with Princess Changping's behavior. She had the means, and the men who followed her did so willingly. As it affected no one else, how she chose to live her life was her own business.

However, why was the name Xiaoyu Chen mentioned in Princess Changping's private chamber just now? Could it be that Princess Changping has taken a fancy to the tender and handsome eldest son of her household?

At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Cuizhu went to open it, only to see Cuicloud standing at the doorway.

Upon seeing Cuicloud enter, Tang Shuyi waved her hand to dismiss the waiter. Cuizhu handed over some silver to him, and the waiter gratefully accepted, saying, "I'll have someone bring tea for the master right away."

The waiter left, beaming with joy, thinking to himself not only is this master handsome, but also very generous.

Inside the room, Cuicloud was whispering to Tang Shuyi, "I overheard a man's voice inside, telling Princess Changping that our household's eldest son is... as radiant as jade and as beautiful as a flower..."

At this point, she felt the chill emanating from Tang Shuyi, realizing that describing a man as 'radiant as jade and as beautiful as a flower' was not a compliment.

"What else was said?" Tang Shuyi inquired.

"That man, he also said… said that our eldest son, with his radiant jade-like beauty, must taste delightful, and suggested that Princess Changping take our eldest son as... as a face attendant."

Cuicloud steeled herself to finish her report, but no sooner had she finished than the sound of a teacup shattering echoed through the room, followed by Tang Shuyi's voice, cold with fury, "Such audacity!"

The room fell so silent that you could hear a pin drop. Then, there was another knock on the door. Tang Shuyi's face regained its composure, but those familiar with her knew that inside, her anger was raging like a tempest.

Cuicloud went to open the door, and two tea girls with delicate features entered, carrying a tray with tea. They noticed the shattered teacup on the floor, set down the tea beside Tang Shuyi, and silently cleaned up the pieces, standing to the side awaiting further instructions.

These were the teahouse's tea girls, serving the guests. They dared not leave without being told.

"No need for attendance here, you may leave," Tang Shuyi gestured, and the two tea girls bowed respectfully before quietly exiting. Cuicloud then closed the door.

"What was Princess Changping's response?" Tang Shuyi turned to Cuizhu for more information.

Cuicloud replied, "Princess Changping scolded that man, then said that now her heart belongs only to Scholar Qi."

Tang Shuyi let out a laugh, "Only Scholar Qi occupies her heart, yet she parades around with a flock of admirers. Oh, she must be here to intercept Scholar Qi, huh? Tsk..."

Tang Shuyi couldn't help but click her tongue. Princess Changping really was capricious! But then again, she had the privilege to be, being born into such a position.

Suddenly, anticipating some interesting drama, she instructed Cuicloud to go out and gather information. First, to call her immediately if there's a good show to watch, and second, to find out who suggested Princess Changping take Xiaoyu Chen as her face attendant. Those words weren't just casually spoken; either that person bore a grudge against the Yongning Marquis House, or someone was pulling the strings behind him.

Cuicloud nodded and left, and Tang Shuyi asked Cuizhu to call back the two tea girls, and also requested for some singers. Today, she had come out to experience the service of this tea house.

In a short while, there was a knock, and the two tea girls entered gracefully, followed by a woman carrying a pipa. With her willow brows, phoenix eyes, and rosy cheeks, she was quite the beauty.

Two tea attendants approached the tea stand beside Tang Shuyi and sat down, beginning to brew tea with movements graceful and fluid, a sight of pure beauty. The songstress, cradling her pipa, bowed to Tang Shuyi and asked, “What would the esteemed guest like to hear?”

Her voice was clear and melodious, very pleasant to the ear.

Leaning back in his chair, Tang Shuyi gestured for Cuizhu to also take a seat, then said, “Just perform something you're proficient at.”

The songstress complied, taking a seat on a small stool by the window, while Cuizhu, with a smile, took her place beside the tea stand on a low stool, her mistress’s demeanor radiantly graceful and elegant.

“Chrysanthemums on the fence feel the sorrowful mist, orchids weep with dew, a light chill through the gauze curtains, as the swallows fly away in pairs. The bright moon, oblivious to the bitterness of parting, casts slanting beams through the vermilion door until dawn…”

The singing was melodious and lilting, pure and hauntingly beautiful, truly a delight to the ears.

Tang Shuyi, languidly crossing one leg over the other in his chair, took the tea handed to him by a tea attendant, and after lightly sniffing it, began to sip slowly. His gaze wandered through the window to the street outside: hawkers loudly peddling their wares, passersby hurrying on their way or pausing to browse at stalls, children playing and frolicking at the street corner…

In the tranquil elegance of the private room, savoring tea, listening to songs, and watching the myriad scenes of the marketplace outside was indeed a pleasure.

As the song ended, Tang Shuyi snapped back to the present, finished the remaining tea in his cup, and said, “Well sung, a reward!”

Cuizhu stood up, took out some scattered silver pieces, and handed them to the songstress, who accepted them with a bow, saying, “Thank you for your generosity, my lord. Would you like to hear anything else?”

Her face flushed slightly as she spoke. This distinguished guest was not only handsome, but his every move exuded an easy, carefree grace.

Just as Tang Shuyi was about to say that any song would do, there came a knock at the window, followed by Cuizhu's hoarse voice, “Young Master, the show has begun.”

Tang Shuyi's eyes lit up, and he got up to open the window. Outside, on the corridor, two groups confronted each other. On one side was the thirty-something, well-preserved Princess Changping, and on the other, the refined and dignified Qi Liangsheng.

Princess Changping had her back to him, and although Tang Shuyi could not see her expression, he could tell from her voice that she was probably pleased as she said, “Lord Qi is here for tea as well? Why don’t you join us?”

Qi Liangsheng’s expression was clear from Tang Shuyi’s vantage point. He remained indifferent, taking two steps back as Princess Changping moved forward.

He replied, “I am here to buy some pastries for my mother from this teahouse. I shall be leaving shortly, I’m afraid I cannot join the Princess for tea.”

“Is that so,” Princess Changping said, her voice patient. She added, “I haven't seen the Dowager for many days, so I shall accompany you back to pay her a visit.”

“My mother has not been well recently, and cannot receive visitors,” Qi Liangsheng said.

Princess Changping seemed to grow angry. “Qi Liangsheng, do you think you can hide from me?”

Qi Liangsheng did not back down. “I am loyal to the Emperor, and I shall heed only His Majesty’s commands.”

Princess Changping sneered, "Very well, then wait for the Emperor's decree."

After she finished speaking, she and her entourage bustled out. Qi Liangsheng glanced over at Tang Shuyi, then strode towards the private "Heaven No. 1" room.

P.S.: I decided to come back and say a few words after reading some comments from readers later on.

Some readers commented that it’s awkward and unsuitable for the female protagonist to cross-dress at her age. I want to ask, does age really matter?

The protagonist is in her thirties before and after the time travel. Although being in one's thirties might not be considered very young today, it's definitely not old either. She has the soul of a modern person and, even after traveling to ancient times and having three children, to the point she could be a grandmother, she still has her own life to live!

Under the strict moral codes of a feudal society, she may not do anything too outrageous, but there’s no problem with going out for tea, listening to interesting tales, enjoying dances, or even drinking for pleasure, and she might even travel later on.

Her life isn’t entirely tied to her children. While educating her kids, she can live her life freely and spiritedly. Why not?

As for cross-dressing, it's just for convenience. After all, it’s the ancient times. If noble ladies go out to listen to music or watch dances, it could cause unnecessary trouble if known by others.

In short, what I want to convey is that the protagonist has her own life beyond raising her children. Of course, she died of overwork in her previous life; in this life, she may just want to enjoy living. But she certainly doesn't live just for her three children.

Regarding whether the protagonist convincingly disguises herself as a man, whether she's tall enough—that’s manageable; she can wear shoes with higher heels, as I think I've mentioned. As for the rest, don’t sweat the small stuff; this is just web fiction meant to pass the time, not to be taken too seriously, haha!