in2ebook Chapter 123: Appointment on the Flower Boat (1)
Chapter 123: Appointment on the Flower Boat (1)
The maids' laughter faded away, but Yu Qingli couldn't fall asleep. She sighed in her heart, what has Murong Yanhui done this time?
I hope it's not too exaggerated! But no matter what he does, she can just stay at home for the time being. Wait until the hype is over before going out.
She pulled the thin quilt over her shoulders again, but felt even more stuffy and hot. She simply couldn't fall asleep, so Yu Qingli sat up from the bed.
"Meihong..."
After a low call, Mei Hong walked in from the outer hall. Her eyes with a few dark circles showed that she seemed to have not slept all night last night.
"Meihong, what's wrong with you? Are you worried?"
When Mei Hong came back yesterday, Yu Qingli had already gone to bed, so she was unable to tell Yu Qingli that Yu Zhengsha had called her over. Because of this, Mei Hong was worried and thinking all night, so much so that when she heard the maids gossiping at the door, she didn't even have the energy to go out and chase them away.
Seeing Yu Qingli asking, Mei Hong's eyes suddenly turned red. The thing that she shouldn't have been worried about was weighing on her shoulders. Now that she had an outlet, her emotions suddenly burst out.
Yu Qingli frowned, "Didn't I tell you, if you want to follow me, you are not allowed to cry. Just say whatever you want."
Mei Hong suppressed the grievances in her heart and told Yu Zhengsha everything about how he tested her yesterday. Yu Qingli didn't react much after hearing it.
"Is it just for this?"
"Miss, isn't this matter serious?"
Yu Qingli glanced at Mei Hong calmly, "Don't worry too much. Since father is just testing the waters, it means he hasn't known about the eldest prince yet and isn't completely sure. Otherwise, with father's personality, how could he let you and me go so easily?"
Meihong thought about it and felt that what the young lady said made some sense. She couldn't help but feel relieved. But when she thought about it carefully, she realized that she was indeed worrying too much.
Suddenly remembering what the maids had said earlier, Mei Hong asked tentatively, "Miss, I heard that the King of Yan prepared flowers for you..."
"Whatever he prepares, it has nothing to do with me. Meihong, go buy me some herbs later. I need to study medicine carefully these days."
Mei Hong's face lit up when she heard this, and she readily agreed, "Yes, I'll go there in a while."
With nothing to do, Yu Qingli went to the yard with Mei Hong to breathe the fresh morning air, which was quite comfortable. The heavy rains in the past few days had made the albizzia tree in the yard fall to pieces, and it looked very miserable. Even the sunny weather for several days did not ease the weather at all.
Yu Qingli felt it was a bit of an eyesore, frowned, and said to Mei Hong, "This albizzia tree is so dilapidated, it looks very unlucky. It's better to just pull it out and plant something else."
Mei Hong was stunned and felt a little reluctant. These Albizia Julibrissin trees were planted by her own hands. She planted Albizia Julibrissin trees, but she planted them out of love.
What's more, the eldest prince's favorite is the Albizia Julibrissin tree. However, what the young lady said is not wrong. The Albizia Julibrissin tree has always been named for its auspiciousness. Now that it is in such a state of decline, it makes people feel unhappy.
After struggling for a while, Meihong decided to follow the young lady's wish and have the trees pulled out. It would be better to plant the peonies that the young lady has always liked. These are elegant and luxurious, and although they are not in bloom yet, they can temporarily decorate the courtyard.
I immediately responded, "Don't worry, young lady. I'll arrange to plant some more peonies soon, okay?"
Yu Qingli stopped him without hesitation and said, "Let's plant some roses. I think roses are more appealing now."
Meihong was puzzled. When did the young lady's hobby change?
She naturally didn't know that after going through so many tragic experiences, she appreciated the thorny rose more than the graceful peony. Even when it was in full bloom on the branches, it did not forget to hide its sharp thorns. This kind of pride and this kind of sharpness were what she wanted.
Looking at the unfamiliar light in Yu Qingli's eyes, Mei Hong felt more and more unfamiliar in her heart. She had never seen such a lady before.
Regardless of whether Yu Qingli was the lady she was familiar with, she naturally could not shirk what she had to do, so as soon as the sun rose, Mei Hong went to the street to buy the old medicinal herbs that Yu Qingli had ordered.
As soon as Mei Hong left the house, a strange woman arrived at the door of Yu Mansion and said she wanted to see Yu Qingli.
Yu Qingli was a little puzzled. Although her name was well-known in Luoyang City, she did not like to make close friends, so she did not have many friends, especially female friends. Who was this woman who came to visit her rashly?
With some doubts and curiosity, Yu Qingli invited the woman into the hall.
These days, Yu Zhengsha was busy with the final work of disaster relief and the verification of accounts, so he left the mansion with Jiang Bai early in the morning.
When Yu Qingli came to the front hall, she saw a woman with a graceful figure and pretty appearance sitting in front of the hall, but there was a hint of worldly air between her eyebrows and eyes.
She felt a little strange because she didn't recognize the woman in front of her at all.
Seeing Yu Qingli coming out, the woman hurriedly stood up from her chair, looking somewhat uneasy, not knowing whether it was because of nervousness or for some other reason.
"Meet Miss Yu."
The woman bowed politely, and Yu Qingli quickly returned the greeting, saying, "I heard the young lady was looking for me. I wonder what it is that you want?"
The woman took a deep breath, and only after seeing that Yu Qingli didn't act like a typical rich lady did she speak: "I'm sorry for being rude. I'm Ruyi, a singing girl from the Beauty House. Today, I'm here to invite you, Miss, on behalf of our Madam Qu."
Yu Qingli was very surprised. She had of course heard of this Beauty Shop. In fact, a large part of the business in Nishang Shop recently was customized by this Beauty Shop. Strictly speaking, this Beauty Shop was her big client.
There are two favorite places for literati and scholars in Luoyang City. One is the Poetry Square, and the other is the Beauty Square where there are so many beauties!
The predecessor of Meirenfang was a brothel. I heard that it was later bought by an unknown woman and turned into a singing and dancing house. It is quite legendary.
Yu Qingli had only heard of the name of this Beauty Shop.
Seeing Yu Qingli remained silent, Ruyi continued, "Could it be that the young lady despises us for our humble origins and thinks we are unworthy of drinking and chatting with her?"
Yu Qingli was startled. She looked up and saw a trace of sadness and self-pity on Miss Ruyi's face. She couldn't help but explain quickly, "Miss, please don't misunderstand me. I didn't mean that. It's just that I have no dealings with the Beauty House, let alone know any Madam Qu. May I ask who this Madam Qu is?"
Ruyi's expression softened slightly upon hearing this. "So that's how it is. I didn't explain it clearly. Our Madam's maiden name is Linlang!"
"is her?!"
The woman who caught Yu Qingli's eye at first glance has always been of great concern to Yu Qingli. She has wanted to get to know her, but she has never had such an opportunity. Unexpectedly, the woman would take the initiative to invite him today.
Yu Qingli immediately replied, "If Madam Qu invites you, then Qingli will definitely go. Miss, please wait a moment. I will change my clothes and go out with you right away."
Seeing Yu Qingli's sincerity, Ruyi's face became even more joyful and she said, "Yes, Ruyi will be waiting here. Miss, don't worry. It's still early. Besides, Madam said that as long as you can invite Miss today, the time doesn't matter."
Yu Qingli smiled. This Madam Qu was a straightforward and persistent woman. She suddenly became curious. What would happen to Ruyi if she didn't agree to go?
She changed into a crescent-white peony pleated skirt, tied her hair into a simple bun, and inserted a jade hairpin. She looked elegant and pure, and extremely charming.
After packing up, Yu Qingli and Na Ruyi walked out of the Yu Mansion together and got on the carriage parked at the door.
The carriage sped all the way towards the singing and dancing house on the bank of Luoyang River.
The Beauty Pavilion is built in the most beautiful place on the bank of Luo River. The whole Beauty Pavilion is actually a huge bamboo building. The bamboo building is built by the water. The backyard is full of lotus and daffodils. Various koi are also raised in the water, making the whole bamboo building look more elegant and peaceful.
"Miss, please come this way."
Ruyi brought Yu Qingli into the hall. Some graceful women were practicing dancing diligently in the hall, and the doors of some rooms were closed, probably because there were guests inside.
Because it was daytime, the Beauty House was not that busy and seemed somewhat quiet.
Following Ruyi to the private room on the second floor, the first thing he saw was Qu Linlang.
Qu Linlang was wearing a lilac-colored double-breasted long dress today, with a green gauze covering her shoulders. She looked like a green lotus in the river, with a kind of beauty that was untainted by the mud. Her face was tilted with a bit of tenderness, and a glance from her seemed to be able to capture people's hearts.
A hint of admiration flashed across Yu Qingli's eyes. Knowing her past, she admired such a woman even more.
"Ms. Yu, you are finally here."
Seeing Yu Qingli coming in, Qu Linlang hurriedly greeted her with a smile in her eyes and eyebrows.
Yu Qingli couldn't help but relax. Such a smile made her feel very comfortable. She couldn't even remember how long it had been since she had seen such a sincere smile.
She politely bowed to Qu Linlang and then sat down in the private room. Ruyi, who had previously invited Yu Qingli, was assigned to prepare tea and snacks.
"Miss, please don't mind. It was Linlang who was abrupt. After meeting you once before, Linlang has been thinking about finding another opportunity to have a good chat with you. Taking advantage of the fact that the Beauty Shop is very quiet today, I invited you here. I hope you don't mind."
"How could that be? It's Qingli's honor to be invited by the Madam. How dare I say I despise her?"
The two couldn't help but smile at each other!
Ruyi came in with some tea, the lingering aroma of the tea added a touch of elegance.
"I asked you to come here today, Miss, because I have something to ask of you."
Qu Linlang took a sip of tea, her voice so gentle that it was impossible to refuse.
Yu Qingli was a little surprised. "Oh, Madam, just say it. As long as Qingli can do it, I will definitely do my best."
"Miss, you will definitely be able to help me with this matter." Qu Linlang smiled lightly and raised her jade hand. Soon, several pretty women came in with trays. What else could be on the trays if not clothes?