Li Nuo bit into the apple handed to him by Li Anning and said, "It’s like this: in recent days, the Jade Sound Pavilion has encountered some trouble, but I am not in a position to intervene..."
He had never dealt with girls before.
During this time, having spent time with his wife, he had accumulated some understanding.
It’s best not to reveal all your tactics and trump cards at once.
And certainly not without reason.
Based on his understanding of Li Anning, he had known last time what kind of poem she wanted.
But giving it to her without reason, she might not remember his kindness next time.
So, he had held back a bit.
Now, wasn’t it useful?
"A turn of the head, a smile so charming, dimming the looks of all in the palace."
These words, although written by Bai Juyi about Yang Yuhuan and describing a beauty, widely known and applauded, could not be used to describe his wife and the Phoenix.
Praising his own woman at the cost of disparaging the Emperor’s concubines.
That would be highly disrespectful.
His father wouldn’t be able to find a reason to protect him.
But using them on Li Anning was fine.
Though the verse fits concubines best, she was the Royal Princess, the beloved daughter of the current Emperor, the most favored Princess of the Imperial Family, raised in the harem since childhood; to say her beauty surpasses everyone in the harem wasn’t far-fetched.
Over the years, as the Emperor of Daxia dedicated himself to the pursuit of immortality, even the youngest concubine in the harem was nearing forty and wouldn’t bother with such a junior.
Li Anning was very satisfied with the painting.
Even more pleased with the verse.
"Dimming the looks of all in the palace..."
This verse was clearly written for her, something Song Jiaren and Phoenix wouldn’t dare use.
It was not until Li Nuo explained the whole situation that Li Anning’s eyes moved away from the painting, saying, "Don’t worry, I’ll handle it soon..."
Though it was for Phoenix.
But given the favor of this painting and poem, helping Phoenix was no issue.
A moment later, Li Nuo exited the Ministry of Justice.
The little princess was easy to handle.
Though only married for three days, Li Nuo understood her, perhaps even more than his own wife.
Apart from Mumu, she was the easiest to please.
Give her two oranges, and she’d be moved to tears.
Prepare a gift she’s longed for, and she would likely agree to any demand.
Besides, Li Nuo hadn’t asked for anything excessive; he just wanted Li Anning to help Phoenix.
Those people dared to threaten Phoenix because they thought she had no backing.
Let them see whether she had someone behind her or not.
Li Nuo held no official position; in this matter, Li Anning at least had the status of an arrest officer, making her more suitable to deal with it than him.
Inside the Ministry of Justice, within the government office.
Li Anning had already hung the painting on the wall with a scroll, growing more fond of it as she looked.
A prison guard led a young girl in.
Gu Yanran was still considered a criminal, working in the government office during the day and returning to her cell at night.
Li Anning turned and asked, "Yanran, what do you think of this painting?"
Gu Yanran walked over to Li Anning, looked at the painting on the wall, and asked, "Did the young master paint this?"
Li Anning was slightly startled and asked, "How did you know?"
Gu Yanran smiled and said, "A turn of the head, a smile so charming, dimming the looks of all in the palace... Though many can paint this picture, only the young master could write such a verse."
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She looked at the verse on the painting, her expression puzzled.
The verse was beautifully written.
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The handwriting was beautiful too.
Beautiful, yet familiar.
So familiar, she almost thought she had written it herself.
At first glance, it really seemed like her own handwriting, yet on closer inspection, a slight difference was visible.
Li Anning, with only a basic knowledge of poetry, asked, "Are these verses good?"
Gu Yanran nodded.
To write about a beauty, merely describing her waist as willowy and lips as peonies is the lowest form of poetry.
Without any embellishment, to write for beauty, willing to forsake even one’s country, feeling crazed with longing after a day without seeing your beloved... Although it doesn’t describe physical appearance directly, it naturally conjures up the image of a peerless beauty in people’s minds.
The Emperor’s concubines, the selected maidens, even the palace maids, are carefully selected beauties; just what kind of beauty can turn the smile that dims the beauty of all others in the harem?
"Dimming the looks of all in the palace," this verse surpasses thousands of others.
Li Anning, expectantly asked, "How does it compare to the poems for Song Jiaren and Phoenix?"
Gu Yanran replied, "Although it’s just two incomplete lines, these regarding beauty, they are in no way inferior to the other two poems."
A radiant smile spread across Li Anning’s face.
Moments later, she led a group of constables out of the Ministry of Justice.
A few street bullies who had caused trouble at the Jade Sound Pavilion were promptly arrested and brought in by the Ministry of Justice.
The punishment rod rose and fell at the entrance of the Jade Sound Pavilion, the bullies’ screams rising and falling continuously.
Nearby merchants and common folk stood at a distance, watching.
They had all witnessed what had happened at the Jade Sound Pavilion these past days.
They had thought, having lost protection, this popular Music Workshop in Chang’an would follow in the footsteps of previous brothels.
But unexpectedly, the situation had taken a turn.
These were not ordinary street bullies.
Chang’an, being under the Emperor’s direct rule, required one to have backing regardless of profession.
Street bullies without backing would have been dealt with by the government long ago.
These bullies belonged to various small gangs.
And these gangs had their own backers.
A great portion of the money they extorted was intended as tribute to those significant figures in the background.
With their high statuses, there were things those significant figures couldn’t do themselves and would have others handle for them.
The shops in Chang’an without any backing, besides paying taxes to the court monthly, also had to give them a substantial "tea fee."
If unpaid, they’d sit bare-chested in the shop daily, and even without speaking or doing anything, they could scare off customers.
Over time, these shops would either have to close or sell at a low price.
The small merchants in Chang’an had suffered long from these street bullies.
Watching these usually arrogant street bullies wail painfully at the entrance of Jade Sound Pavilion gave everyone immense satisfaction.
Jade Sound Pavilion wasn’t without its own backing.
These street bullies didn’t even dare bother the County Magistrate’s Office.
On the second floor of Jade Sound Pavilion, Phoenix personally served Li Anning a cup of fragrant tea and softly said, "Thank you, Princess."
Li Anning gestured with her hand and said, "There’s no need to thank me; this is something we should be doing. If you want to thank someone... never mind, better not thank him."
Song Jiaren really should thank her.
She was going to great lengths to prevent her husband from being seduced by other women.
When Li Anning arrived at the Song Residence, she saw Li Nuo and Song Jiaren playing the zither.
Song Jiaren was nestled in his embrace.
She had entered listening to the sound of the zither.
The door to the room was open, someone was playing inside, so she didn’t knock.
She hadn’t expected them to play the zither like this.
Was this really playing the zither?
She even felt a coercive force.
Was this what the power of Legalism meant to be used for?
She had thought all these days, Li Nuo was busy studying at home preparing for the Imperial Examination and had no time to come to the Ministry of Justice.
It turned out he wasn’t lacking time for the Ministry of Justice, but rather the interest.
"Sorry to interrupt..."
Li Anning turned and walked away, glancing towards the bed before she left.
A single quilt.
...
The next day, Li Nuo went to the Ministry of Justice.
On his way, he stopped by Jade Sound Pavilion and learned that the favor he had asked of her had been taken care of by Li Anning the day before.
Her visit to the Song Residence was probably to discuss this matter with him.
It was just ill-timed.
Yesterday, when Li Nuo had Phoenix help set Song Jiaren’s poem to music,
His wife hadn’t mentioned learning the zither lately.
But she was very interested in the tune composed from her own poem.
However, he had only been teaching for a little while when Li Anning came in.
This made Li Nuo secretly resolve that next time he taught his wife to play the zither, he would make sure to close the door.
Before Li Nuo could speak, Li Anning asked first, "How far have you two progressed?"
Li Nuo asked, "Progressed to what?"
Li Anning gave him a look and said, "Don’t play dumb, I’m asking about you and Song Jiaren."
Although such a matter was rather private, there was nothing to hide from Li Anning.
It wasn’t their first encounter after all.
As his strategist, if it weren’t for her, his relationship with his wife wouldn’t have progressed so quickly.
Li Nuo didn’t know how to start, so Li Anning bluntly asked, "Have you held hands?"
Li Nuo nodded.
That month hadn’t been a waste; holding hands had become a daily habit.
It seemed the events of that month were more than she had imagined.
Li Anning fell silent for a moment then asked, "Have you kissed?"
Li Nuo nodded then shook his head.
They had kissed, but not fully.
Since it was just an accident, it couldn’t count towards their progress.
Li Anning frowned, "What does that mean?"
Li Nuo explained, "Well..."
A moment later, Li Anning managed a smile and said, "Congratulations, I wish you a century of bliss and many children early..."
The blessing was somewhat reluctant.
Because she herself was quite reluctant.
Actually, during that boring month, she couldn’t help but wonder.
If Song Jiaren truly didn’t like him, would they end up divorced?
Her Martial Path talents were so high, and since Li Nuo had none, it was normal for her not to like him.
However, Song Jiaren not liking him suited her quite well.
Neither of them had talents in the Martial Path.
And both were practitioners of Legalism.
To Li Anning, he was like a treasure trove, constantly bringing her surprises and novel experiences.
If Song Jiaren divorced him, she wouldn’t mind him.
They could work on cases together, cultivate together, shop for groceries, do house chores, stroll through markets, go for walks… just like before.
If Father Emperor disagreed, they’d elope first, have a few children, and then return.
By then, Father Emperor would have to agree.
She had actually planned it all.
But plans can’t keep up with changes.
She suddenly regretted carelessly making such suggestions!
Phoenix and Song Jiaren both...
Li Nuo smiled and said, "Actually, we’ve come this far, thanks to you…"