Chapter 584: Coincidence

The Jinyi Young Master emerged from behind the screen and laughed, "Since ancient times, heroes have a hard time resisting the charms of beauty. Perhaps this Young Master Nantang cares not for power nor wealth, but only for the captivating lady. The Dingbei Marquis’s wife is the daughter of Qin Jijiu; her poetry and painting skills are naturally superior, which is why these romantic scholars adore the addition of incense by their beautiful sleeves."

King Jin kept his gaze fixed on Qin Yuan’s graceful silhouette in the distance, and smirked, "That’s why this woman is of great use. If I can have her under my control, it will save me significant effort."

The Jinyi Young Master chuckled sycophantically, "Snatching a little wife is but a simple task."

King Jin slapped the railing heavily and stared at Qin Yuan, his face full of determination: "Haha, you said it right. Once that little woman tastes my charm, she won’t be able to let go. But the first time, you still need to handle it discreetly. After all, she’s been married for so long but still doesn’t know a man’s taste. Gu the Third is powerless against such a delicate flower, so I’ll generously take care of her for him."

"Hahaha, worry not, Your Highness. We will ensure everything is arranged properly. However, today the Crown Prince still needs..."

"No matter, when a woman encounters such a situation, she will only find ways to cover it up. Who dares to make a fuss?"

Qin Yuan wrinkled her dainty nose, covering it with a handkerchief, managing to suppress a sneeze.

Beside her, Hehua whispered, "Why do I always feel someone is watching us."

Qin Yuan glanced towards the lively group of women not far away and smiled, "Then let’s follow the people from Duke An’s Mansion. This garden is crowded; even if someone wants to make a move, they’ll have to lead us away first."

"Right, Mistress is correct. Let’s move to where more people are. Once the feast begins, we should be careful—it’ll be harder for others to plot against us."

Qin Yuan nodded, saying, "I wonder how Treasure Bead is doing. It’s been quite a while, yet we haven’t seen her."

Gu Baoshu was also thinking about her third sister-in-law, absent-mindedly responding to her friends’ questions. Turning past the rocks, they heard the serene sound of a piano. The group paused and listened attentively.

Song Wenyu said, "This piano music is quite lovely."

Miss You smiled, "With such beautiful music, one can understand the refined intentions. What has Miss Song gathered from it?"

Gu Baoshu spoke bluntly, undermining the host, "Not as good as my teacher plays. He often says it’s like playing emotional tunes to a cow, but I know the good from the bad."

The group felt uncomfortable continuing the conversation, creating an awkward silence.

Miss You sneered, "Naturally. Didn’t your Sixth Brother just take a concubine, I heard she’s the head of a brothel. I suppose you’re used to listening often. In our house, we have small performance troupes for such entertainment; nothing new about it. But my parents wouldn’t let me go to the teahouse to hear new songs."

The conversation somehow deviated inappropriately, and Song Wenyu frowned.

It’s unbecoming for unmarried girls to discuss such topics.

Yet the nobles seem less concerned with propriety.

But no matter how unconcerned, mentioning visiting a brother’s concubine for music is not ideal.

Both are speaking without regard for decorum.

Gu Baoshu seemed oblivious to Miss You’s implied meaning, laughed heartily, "How did you know my Sixth Brother’s Aunt Zheng is skilled in singing and playing? I once listened secretly from outside the courtyard, and although I couldn’t fully understand, I thought she was decent—though somewhat sleepy."

Miss You laughed, "Did you feel sleepy listening to this player?"

Gu Baoshu took a few steps, looked around, and said casually, "It’s fine. You Da, how come we wandered off track here..."

Song Wenyu’s heart stirred, she said to Miss You, "Could we have accidentally ended up in someone’s sectional courtyard? If we mistakenly intrude upon someone, it would not be well."

Upon hearing this, Gu Baoshu glanced upward, quickly trading glances with Song Wenyu, immediately parting.

Thus, she knew this Song family also guarded against the Crown Prince.

Miss You laughed brightly, "This is the place for enjoying and viewing the collection of pianos in the mansion. It’s called the Piano Room. Many siblings come here to play pianos when they’re interested. I can’t tell who’s playing, but there’s an underlying sense of anticipation, as if waiting for a distant friend or an awaited guest."

Song Wenyu nodded, "Indeed..."

Gu Baoshu said, "Aren’t we looking for my third sister-in-law for a talk? Why linger here listening? I never enjoyed these things such as piano, chess, calligraphy, and painting. I’d rather finally not touch them. Why don’t you enjoy the pianos, and I’ll find my sister-in-law."

Saying so, she moved to leave.

Miss You quickly grabbed her arm, laughed, "Your third sister-in-law wouldn’t go missing in my house. I see you’re not of the type that can’t be parted from grown-ups. There’s hardly anyone here, why not take a break? If there isn’t anyone else, we could sit down and relax."

Song Wenyu made no sound.

Miss You already had her maid investigate who was inside.

The maid quickly returned to report, "The third master is inside with two noble guests, listening to a piano performance by a new Piano Maid, who was once praised by Chen Dajia. Third Master said they’re all familiar, no need for excessive restraint. If you find it inconvenient, you may stay in the side room."

Song Wenyu’s eyes shone brightly, she smiled, "Then let’s go inside. It’s been a while since I’ve seen the third master, but I wonder who the noble guests are."

The maid answered timidly, "We do not know, My Lady."

Song Wenyu seemed eager, "Treasure Bead, we’ve walked for quite a while. Aren’t you tired? Why not rest briefly before continuing? It won’t delay you finding the Dingbei Marquis’s wife."

The Duke Zhen’s Mansion’s third master is a dream jade-faced young lord in many ladies’ hearts, everyone agreed, "Indeed."

Gu Baoshu reluctantly said, "Alright then."

Miss You smiled knowingly, "Alright, let’s listen to the piano and drink tea in the side room."

The group entered the Piano Room, lifting the heavy curtains and saw several people seated on the ground, not far away from an elegant lady dressed in a light purple gauze robe, fingers skillfully strumming the piano strings.

Gu Baoshu had no interest in this nonsense, but upon seeing the guests watching the performance, her face turned somber.

Song Wenyu, who had been somewhat upbeat, was also taken aback and paused in her tracks.

Who would have thought that the nobles the third master brought were unexpectedly them?

Miss You had already smiled and bowed, "We humbly apologize for the delayed greeting of Your Highness the Crown Prince and Ninth Princess for visiting our humble place."

Gu Baoshu and Song Wenyu quickly followed in bowing.

The Crown Prince gently lifted his hand, saying warmly, "No need for formality. I heard Third Brother got a Piano Maid who plays remarkably well, so I came to listen. Unexpectedly, my mischievous sister tagged along. I hoped to avoid disrupting anyone, but it seems we encountered you here."

The Ninth Princess laughed cheerfully, "That’s right, we’re all old friends, no need for excess courtesy. We were talking together a few days ago."

She laughed again at Gu Baoshu, "It’s been so long since we last saw you. Who knows where you’ve been venturing? Come here, let’s talk."