Chapter 457: Listening to Opera

Chapter 457: Listening to Opera

Bai Huanqin turned away with a grim expression and left without a word.

Lou Ruhui's mother, Lady Yu, the Marquess of Mingguang's wife, couldn't help but frown.

What did this Bai girl mean by this?

Their Ruhui had just narrowly escaped danger, and here she was, making such a face—for whom?

The earlier whispers among the girls were overheard by Yu Mingzhu and Jiao Shi as well.

Yu Mingzhu stepped forward gracefully and said, "It seems to have been a misunderstanding. Regardless, Ruhui's health is the most important thing now. As long as she's fine, that's what matters."

That made sense, and Jiao Shi nodded repeatedly, then couldn't help but glance at Xingxing, saying, "Good child, I will definitely make Huanqin apologize to you later."

Xingxing really didn't care about Bai Huanqin's apology. Even if forced to apologize, someone like her would only hold onto resentment, piling up grievances, which would be endlessly frustrating. If given the choice, Xingxing would prefer to take Bai Huanqin down in one fell swoop, rendering her unable to cause any more trouble.

That would be far easier.

Of course, Xingxing knew better than to say such things to the wife of the Duke's heir.

Xingxing just smiled politely at Jiao Shi.

Jiao Shi didn't know why, but seeing Xingxing's polite yet distant smile made her heart ache for no clear reason.

Lady Yu of the Marquis of Mingguang also gratefully stepped forward, holding Xingxing's hand, her eyes welling up with tears. "Miss Yu, I truly must thank you. If it weren't for your timely help, Ruhui might have been in grave danger."

As she spoke, Lady Yu started to bow to Xingxing.

Xingxing quickly stepped aside. "My lady, you're too kind. Today, Sister Lou has been nothing but warm and welcoming to me. It was just a coincidence that I happened to carry some emergency medicine with me. Sister Lou's recovery is also due to her own good fortune."

These words moved Lady Yu deeply, her eyes welling up as she nodded repeatedly, unable to speak.

Jiao Shi watched the harmonious interaction between Xingxing and Lady Yu, feeling her heart ache all the more for reasons she couldn't quite understand.

...

Although Lou Ruhui had not yet woken up, the imperial physician had already assured everyone that she was out of danger, so there was nothing to worry about.

Yu Mingzhu's birthday banquet naturally had to continue.

Lady Yu, ever thoughtful, expressed her apologies to Yu Mingzhu: "...Today, because of Ruhui's incident, your birthday banquet was delayed. When I return to the manor, I will definitely send some gifts to our Mingzhu as a token of apology."

Yu Mingzhu clasped Lady Yu's hand in return, speaking sincerely, "Aunt, please don't say such things. Birthday banquets happen every year, but my cousin's health is far more important."

The long-delayed birthday banquet finally got back on track.

Although Yu Mingzhu remained the center of attention at the banquet, the earlier events had cast a pall over the event.

Moreover, Bai Huanqin's earlier accusations that Xingxing carried poison, only for it to be revealed that the "poisonous" medicine in Xingxing's pouch had saved Lou Ruhui, made everyone pay more attention to Xingxing.

The girls around Xingxing couldn't help but eagerly use the serving chopsticks to serve her dishes, as if feeding Xingxing was a delightful activity—and indeed it was. Xingxing was not picky, and when those around her helped serve her food, she would smile sweetly in thanks before digging in, her cheeks puffing out slightly as she ate, a sight that filled everyone with satisfaction and happiness.

Yu Mingzhu's face remained radiant with smiles, seemingly unaffected, still the beloved and impeccably mannered leading lady of the capital.

But her gaze, when it fell on Xingxing, deepened slightly.

After the banquet, everyone eagerly looked to Yu Mingzhu, waiting for her next arrangement—aside from the usual games like mallet ball and arrow tossing, Yu Mingzhu had originally prepared ice plows and other activities on the frozen lake near the pavilion. However, after Lou Ruhui's incident, many of the girls were too afraid to venture onto the ice again. Moreover, Yu Mingzhu had let it be known earlier that she had invited the currently popular and hard-to-book Meimu Opera Troupe to perform "The Misplaced Affection." Clearly, everyone was now waiting for the Meimu Opera Troupe to begin their performance.

Yu Mingzhu smiled and clapped her hands, and the maids entered in a line, inviting the young ladies to another spacious room.

The Meimu Opera Troupe was already waiting there.

Everyone was buzzing with excitement, whispering and chatting about the Meimu Opera Troupe as they walked.

Xingxing couldn't resist glancing at Liu Yuxiu—she had previously been infatuated with Rui Hong during a visit to the Yu family home and had vowed to seek Yu Mingzhu's help at her birthday banquet.

Liu Yuxiu's face flushed slightly, her eyes brimming with anticipation.

Xingxing felt a headache brewing.

When they arrived at the pavilion specially built for watching operas, the young ladies couldn't help gushing with envy:

"I heard the Duke of Xinguo built this pavilion for his beloved granddaughter Mingzhu to enjoy operas."

"Wow, the Duke really spoils Mingzhu. This place is so spacious, ideal for opera performances."

"No wonder Mingzhu is so pampered. I heard her second brother gifted her an opera troupe earlier this year. But since the troupe was new, Mingzhu thought they needed more training. Plus, she had already booked the Meimu Opera Troupe, otherwise we'd be watching her own troupe today."

"Wow, the Duke's family really dotes on Mingzhu!"

Yu Mingzhu overheard the chatter but just smiled faintly, seeming unbothered.

Soon, with the sound of the troupe's drums and music, Rui Hong, dressed as a noble lady, made a graceful entrance onto the stage.

Her every move and glance radiated charm, and her stunning singing voice left the young ladies mesmerized.

The Meimu Opera Troupe's "The Misplaced Affection" was set in a bustling, diverse gathering place. Without their brothers escorting them to private rooms, many young ladies would be too embarrassed to attend such performances.

For many, this was their first time hearing Rui Hong perform "The Misplaced Affection."

They were brought to tears, convinced that the ungrateful scholar was nothing but a cold-hearted scoundrel.

After the performance, many young ladies were still immersed in the emotions of the play, wiping their tears with handkerchiefs.

Only Xingxing noticed Liu Yuxiu quietly getting up and slipping out.

Xingxing rubbed her temples and sighed.

To be safe, she quietly followed.

As she tiptoed to Rui Hong's room, she heard Rui Hong gasp in surprise, seemingly questioning, "Miss, why are you here again?"

Liu Yuxiu's voice, tinged with madness, said, "Rui Hong, if you yield to me, I can make you the top star in the capital!"

Rui Hong, both shocked and angry, replied, "Miss, please respect yourself—"

Xingxing hurried over and tried to push the door, but it wouldn't budge.

It seemed Liu Yuxiu had locked it behind her when she entered.