C58 (2/2)

The two popinjays walked over and patted him on the shoulder in sympathy. ”My condolences, Ziji,” they said in unison.

”What did I do wrong?” Cheng Ziji puffed up his cheeks, and rested his tongue on his left cheek.

”You said eldest son's wife.” Xu Mu replied sincerely.

”That's what they say outside.” Cheng Ziji emphasized, ”I'm not the only one.”

”So we increased our taxes.” who was on the right side said in a sympathetic manner.

”Forget it, the tax increase has nothing to do with women.” Cheng Ziji slapped their hands away, and the three of them walked forward together, ”Those singers from Gu Xiangfu are still here, how can they help raise the taxes of a woman?”

”It's normal for a hero to be sad and a beauty to pass away.” Saying that, Su Suyin sneakily asked: ”Have you seen the direct daughter of the Yun family before?”

”Why haven't I seen it before?” Cheng Ziji did not care, and was even a little angry: ”Usually, that group of young mistresses would spend some time together, and I have seen them a few times during my big sister's feast.”

Although he was a popinjay in the capital, a playboy who loved to play and had been to the Smoky Willow Lane many times, he had already opened his eyes to the matter of beauties. Even for girls like Yun Qianliang, who only had beauties, who had bold personalities and did not have brains, even he did not respect them and directly married the person he worshipped.

”I've asked Zhao Yuanqi about the matter of the Gu Xiangfu's servants before. That brat is praising boss's wife.” With one hand behind his back, Xu Mu played with the fan in his other hand while pretending to be a refined scholar. He clicked his tongue twice, ”Zhao Yuanqi rarely praises people, and it's even more rare for him to praise a woman when he can hear her. It made me really want to see how boss is reprimanding his own wife.”

The three happily chatted as they walked towards the Apricot Flower Hall. Their chatter quickly changed to that of a girl from the Apricot Flower Hall.

Gu Yicheng left the palace and made a trip to the Suburban Courtyard. He stayed there until dusk and only returned to his residence in a hurry before the city gates closed.

”Master, you're back.” The Steward Gu welcomed you out of his room and informed him of the important matter. ”Before dusk, the court officials sent someone to invite you to the Apricot Flower Hall for a banquet. Many officials were there, do you want to send someone to reject the invitation?”

”No need.” Gu Yicheng did not get down from the carriage, ”I will go personally.”

The night was dark, and the lights were bright.

In Qingfang Street, red lanterns hung from the eaves of houses in groups. As far as the eye could see, the orange lights seemed to gather like a myriad of stars.

Wearing red and green outside the shop, a coquettish woman was recruiting guests. She was dressed in a light gauze and her fragrance was intoxicating. It was the perfect time to be in high spirits.

Inside the Apricot Flower Tower, a group of officials were seated in a banquet, surrounding the center of the hall for the fans to sing and dance. The assembled officials were drinking wine and drinking cups, happily chatting with the beautiful ladies.

Gu Yicheng was seated in the middle of the hall. He was seated alone and his status was incomparably noble.

The rules of the pavilion were also different. Here, one could not see any of the dirty methods used, and those who wanted to climb up to become a noble could rely on their own abilities, while those who wanted to become a noble had to ransom for their young lady. Those who did not buy a good night's night could not acknowledge others.

As for how long they could stay in the noble residence after exiting the Apricot Flower Hall, which kind of favor they got was the ability and life of the girls.

”That's all?” Gu Yicheng asked in lack of interest.

The official who was in charge of the east withdrew his playful thoughts and called a halt to his singing and dancing, going over to please this person who was about to be invited to the banquet.

”Gu Xiang does not like singing and dancing, and has other performances. Do you want to change them?”

”Is this what you meant by 'nice to look at'?” Gu Yicheng raised his chin, pointed at the group of people who were waiting for orders, and said a few words right on top of that, ”Ominous, dull, fake, and most importantly, not looking well.”

Everyone present went silent. The young lady of the Apricot Flower Hall was famous for her outstanding appearance. Her last sentence was really a bit unreasonable.

The official who was in charge of the east started sweating. He raised his hand to wipe the sweat off his forehead, but could not say anything.

One of the officials was quick-witted and quick to flatter.

”Indeed, compared to Madam Gu, these young ladies are like clouds and mud.” The official pushed aside the beautiful person beside him and spoke like a gentleman.

Gu Yicheng's gaze turned stern, his pitch black eyes looked as deep as the abyss, there seemed to be countless sharp blades inside.

”My family is shallow from a prestigious family, and has a title. How could they allow others to make such a scene?” His expression was as cold as ice and snow. His eyes were incredibly sharp, and the dangerous aura he exuded felt as if it were being entangled by evil spirits.

At this moment, the lively atmosphere was about to turn chilly. The officials did not dare to let out a single sound, and the failed officer was so frightened that he knelt on the ground and apologized, kowtowing while trembling and begging for forgiveness.

”If there's a next time, it's better to replace the position of an envoy as an envoy.”

Gu Yicheng left with these words, leaving the group of people looking at each other in dismay.