Chapter 36: A True Embarrassment to Men

Chapter 36: A True Embarrassment to Men

In ancient times, there was the story of composing poetry in seven steps; today, Ruan Qinghuan pretends, strolling slowly through the garden, from the winding path to the pavilion on the lake...

Seeing this, He An’s eyes twinkled with a smile. He found Ruan Qinghuan’s pretense oddly amusing.

When she returned to He An’s side, she spoke slowly: “Plums sour, their juice splashes on teeth and gums, banana leaves divide green light onto window screens.

In the long day, waking from sleep with no particular thoughts, idly watching children catch willow flowers.”

He An’s hand paused as he held the brush, then he wrote swiftly, the entire poem soon appearing on the paper, the surroundings utterly silent.

The crowd wore various expressions.

Wasn’t it said that the Prime Minister’s wife was a domineering and empty-headed woman?

Not having recited poems for years, suddenly doing so brought back the feeling of doing homework in the past.

The Crown Princess whispered, “I didn’t expect Qinghuan to be so talented.”

The Crown Prince nodded, “I am also surprised.”

Ji Lingchuan had no interest in what was happening outside the veranda, only thinking about how to escape this place quickly. But Chu Li clung tightly to his wrist; if he used force, he would inevitably pull her up too.

With so many people present, making a big scene would only make things more complicated.

Qi Siwei’s face turned ugly, glaring at Ruan Xiaoyue, “What’s going on here?”

Ruan Xiaoyue hadn’t expected this either, “She really knew nothing before. Could it be that after marrying into the Prime Minister’s family, the Prime Minister taught her?”

"Do you think I'm a three-year-old child? The Minister is busy with state affairs; how could he possibly have the leisure for such things?"

Ruan Xiaoyue coaxed, "Sister Qi, don't worry. There will be guqin music and dances later. With your enchanting figure, once you dance, which man wouldn't be captivated?"

Although Qi Siwei was unhappy, she could only accept this for now.

With so many people watching, she couldn't afford to lose her temper in the Crown Prince's estate.

Ruan Qinghuan glanced at Qi Siwei and noticed that she was indeed looking at her. Qi Siwei wore a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes, which were filled with calculation.

The poem that He An finished writing was hung in the most conspicuous position. A good poem deserves good calligraphy, and it immediately attracted many onlookers.

"You really impress me, my dear."

"The same to you. Your talent for drawing attention is quite impressive, too."

"What do you mean by that?" He An was puzzled, thinking she was referring to Wei Mingxi. "Mingxi is just our cousin; don't overthink it."

"It's not just her..."

"Minister," Qi Siwei pretended to pass by and gave a polite nod to He An.

Ruan Qinghuan walked ahead, and He An followed without acknowledging Qi Siwei, which caused many to look in her direction. Qi Siwei, left standing there, felt humiliated.

After all, she was the daughter of the Minister of Revenue; how could the Minister not show her some respect?

"I don't know her well either, husband."

As they neared the shaded terrace, Ruan Qinghuan suddenly turned around. "He An, this is the Crown Prince's estate. Could you please be a bit more reserved? Aren't you worried about making a fool of yourself?"

He kept chasing after her, trying to explain himself, and Ruan Qinghuan felt like all eyes were on her. He An was still babbling on. Was this how a Chancellor should behave?

All of this was seen by those in the shaded terrace.

The consort chuckled, and the Crown Prince shook his head with a playful smile. Only Ji Lingchuan suddenly added, "Look at that. How is it that our esteemed Chancellor is being controlled by his wife like this?"

"On the streets, they say the Chancellor is cold and aloof, looking down on the daughters of wealthy merchants. Tsk, tsk. I wonder who is actually looking down on who. What a way to embarrass men."

As soon as he finished, Ji Lingchuan's head was pulled up by Chu Li, who grabbed his ear and questioned, "Is a man's dignity built on bullying his wife?"

Ji Lingchuan's face turned red, and his last bit of defiance kept him from speaking out. "Hey, little one, He An's family matters have nothing to do with us. You're my good sister. No matter what, I'll always protect you."

That's better.

Just as Chu Li was about to let go, she heard Ji Lingchuan continue, "When you get married, if your husband dares to bully you, I'll definitely support you. Just tell me how you want him dealt with."

"Ow... ow..."

He An and Ruan Qinghuan returned to the stage just in time to see this scene. Ruan Qinghuan frowned.

The consort scolded, "That's enough. You two are making the biggest fuss. Aren't you afraid of embarrassing yourselves?"

Hearing this, Chu Li let go of his ear but still held onto his wrist, afraid that if she let go, he would run away again.

He An and Ruan Qinghuan sat down. A maid came to report, "My lords, the next segment is the musical performance and dance. The first dance will be performed by Miss Qi."

They weren't interested in these activities. The Crown Prince had someone relay a message, allowing everyone to relax.

The consort looked into the garden and saw that Qi Siwei had changed into a bright red silk dress. Though she wore an inner layer, the dress was still somewhat sheer. "Is this how Minister Qi usually teaches his daughter?"

Ruan Qinghuan only then noticed Qi Siwei's new dress.

The red silk fabric clearly outlined her waist. Although the dress had multiple layers, the outer layer was designed with strips of fabric, so even a light breeze could faintly reveal a hint of white.

This attire immediately caught the attention of the young masters in the courtyard.

As for the ladies, some were whispering, some were sneering, and others were flattering and praising Qi Siwei's figure and makeup.

The sound of the zither began, and Qi Siwei stood in the central position that the crowd had cleared for her. Her flirtatious gaze boldly swept toward the stage. To her disappointment, He An didn't even glance her way.

Ruan Qinghuan suddenly wondered what He An's reaction would be upon seeing this scene. She turned her head only to find him looking at her.

The zither music rose and fell, and Qi Siwei's movements began to dance, drawing admiration from the young masters in the courtyard.

The consort stood up, "I'm tired. Qinghuan, Chu Li, do you two want to stay and watch a bit longer?"

Ruan Qinghuan also stood up, "The sun is quite harsh today. I'd like to rest in the room for a while."

As the two stood up, He An and the Crown Prince naturally followed them out. Just then, they heard Ji Lingchuan say, "You all go ahead. I'll stay and watch a bit longer."

As soon as he finished speaking, he was dragged out by Chu Li and pulled out of the shaded terrace.

Just as Qi Siwei was dancing with all her effort, she noticed that no one was left on the shaded terrace. Her mood plummeted, thinking that Ruan Qinghuan must have deliberately pulled everyone away because she was worried that He An would be captivated by her.

A good opportunity was ruined like this. Not having had the chance to speak a word to the Chancellor, Qi Siwei felt an unprecedented sense of frustration.

Some older officials were drinking tea in the side hall. Seeing the Crown Prince and the others return, they stood up to greet them.

"No need for such formalities, gentlemen. It's not lunch time yet. Let's just chat here."

The usually eloquent Minister of Revenue was unusually quiet today. He secretly observed He An and noticed that the other man hadn't even looked at him once. He knew then that things hadn't gone well with his daughter.