Chapter 172 – Accident, Famous Actress Sprained Her Ankle
“Then I’ll wait for you!” Seeing Wei Yuejiao behaved like this, Wei Yuewu also stood at the door and said noncommittally.
“You go over and pick plum blossoms first. When I come, we can make dew directly. That can save a lot of time.” Seeing that Wei Yuewu was actually not leaving, Wei Yuejiao was anxious and hurriedly said.
“In any case, we are not in such a hurry.” At this time, Wei Yuewu was very calm.
“The kitchen is in a hurry. Sixth Younger Sister, go ahead. I’ll be right there. It won’t take me too much time.” Wei Yuejiao did not expect Wei Yuewu to be neither anxious nor worried, so she could only use other excuses to urge her for a moment.
Wei Yuewu saw a trace of anxiety in Wei Yuejiao’s eyes and she raised her eyebrows. “Third Elder Sister, you are so anxious to let me go first. Is there anything bad waiting for me over there?”
Wei Yuejiao was shocked and her expression changed slightly. However, seeing the faint smile on Wei Yuewu’s face, she quietly heaved a sigh of relief. “How could there be something bad? No one has been living in that courtyard. There are just a courtyard of plum trees. Haven’t you been there before?”
In winter, there was nothing to enjoy. Indeed, the courtyard with plum trees was the place of the mansion that was most frequented by people to enjoy scenery.
“Alright, then I’ll go first.” Wei Yuewu did not argue this time. She said calmly and turned around to walk towards the courtyard in front of her.
Seeing Wei Yuewu leaved, Wei Yuejiao really relaxed. She looked at Wei Yuewu’s slender back, and a trace of malice flashed in her eyes. She did not believe that Wei Yuewu could explain this matter in a moment, however eloquent she was.
Not to mention there were also two princes and two princesses among the guests today!
The more people came and the nobler they were, the more advantageous the situation would be for her.
“Miss, has Sixth Young Lady noticed something?” Jinzhu looked at Wei Yuewu who moved leisurely forward and reminded Wei Yuejiao worriedly.
“So what if she has sensed it? As long as she enters the courtyard, the result will be the same no matter what.” Wei Yuejiao said coldly, as if poison would drip out of her eyes.
Wei Yuewu not only stole her limelight, but also blocked the paths of mother and her. With Wei Yuewu around, she was just a concubine-born daughter. Wei Yuewu’s existence was a constant reminder that she was just a concubine-born daughter.
Wasn’t it said that Wei Yuewu was innately deficient and wouldn’t be able to reach the age of 10? Why did she live to the age of 13 sound and safe?
However, she was definitely unable to escape this calamity today.
“Miss, are we going to the front yard now?” Jinzhu asked.
“Wait a minute.” Wei Yuejiao shook her head. “How are things going on with Third Aunt?”
“Someone should have already gone to report to her. If Third Lady hears that Second Young Master is unwell, she will definitely go over immediately.” Jinzhu nodded in understanding and said in a low voice.
“Wait a moment. I’ll go in and freshen up.” Wei Yuejiao suddenly remembered the Heir-apparent of the Duke of Yan whom she had just seen. Her heart was burning with excitement. She then thought that her clothes today were a little too simple. She had a new dress that she was going to wear when she entered the imperial palace. If she worn it now, she would definitely dazzle this Heir-apparent of Yan, who looked like an immortal from heavens.
“Hurry up.” Seeing that Jinzhu was walking slowly, Wei Yuejiao became impatient and urged her.
“Yes, Miss!” Jinzhu still wanted to say something, but seeing Wei Yuejiao’s excited face, she didn’t dare to bring it up. On second thought, nothing would go wrong. Nobody knew about the existence of Concubine Dong’s assistants in the mansion. This time, the assistants were put into use secretly, and no one would suspect the Third Young Lady.
Even if something bad happened, others could not blame the Third Young Lady. Even if the Third Lady became suspicious, so what? The Third Lady had always been weak and did not dare to really contradict Concubine Dong. Moreover, it would not be beneficial at all to the Third Lady if the situation escalated.
Moreover, there was also Wei Fengyao, the wife of the heir-apparent of the Prince of Nan’an…
Wei Yuewu brought Jin Ling to the gate of the courtyard. She looked at the slightly closed doors and winked at Jin Ling, who immediately understood and pushed heavily on the doors with both hands. The doors opened abruptly, followed by two miserable screams.
Jin Ling entered the gate. Wei Yuewu lifted her skirt and followed her in. Only after she entered did she see clearly that behind the door on each side, there was a menial maidservant. They were tall and stout, but after being hit by the doors that were crushed open violently by Jin Ling, they were knocked unconscious and fainted behind the doors. There was a small but strong stick beside each of them.
“Miss, as expected, they set up an ambush here.” Jin Ling said angrily.
When she was still outside, she heard the suppressed sound of breathing from inside.
“Apparently, they planned to keep me here!” Wei Yuewu sneered and turned her gaze to the main rooms. Jin Ling understood and walked over. She opened the doors of the rooms one by one and looked carefully before returning to Wei Yuewu.
“Miss, no one was found!”
“Did you tell Shufei to place two plates of flower dew on each table?”
“Miss, don’t worry. There is enough flower dew to serve each table two plates. Shufei should be helping the cook make pastries!”
“Let’s go to the troupe in the front yard.” Wei Yuewu nodded and turned to leave.
In front of the stage, there were rows of tables and chairs. The several youngsters seated in the front were the most eye-catching. Wei Luowu himself did not expect his birthday party to become such a grand event. Although he tried to put on a humble expression, he could not hide the joy on his face. He couldn’t help feeling that this was a real birthday party for him.
Actually, he didn’t want his birthday to be so low-key and inconspicuous every time. However, under the dazzling light of his eldest brother, even his own mother advised him to keep a low profile for fear that he would steal his eldest brother’s show. He had been suppressed for decades and today, he finally had the chance to be the proud focus of attention at his own birthday banquet.
“Minister Wei has worked hard and contributed a lot to the country for many years. Eldest brother originally wanted to come over as well, but His Majesty happened to have something to discuss with him, so he asked me to bring a gift over.” The Fourth Prince, Wen Yi, said smilingly. The eunuch behind him immediately went up holding a gift box covered with bright yellow silk.
Wei Luowu knelt down and kowtowed respectfully before letting the servant behind him receive the gift box. His face was filled with joy.
Yan Huaijing sat on a large nanmu chair. His long and narrow eyes swept across the ladies sitting opposite him. Then, the corners of his lips curled into a smile as if he had seen something interesting. The young ladies who saw this scene couldn’t help but blush and their heart beat faster while they secretly rejoiced, each wondering if this noble heir-apparent laughed as the result of seeing them.
“Heir-apparent of Yan, did you see something interesting so that you’re actually so happy?” Lu Yeli asked as he looked in the direction of Yan Huaijing’s gaze.
He saw the Madam Dowager of the mansion of Marquis Hua Yang seated on the opposite side with two girls behind her.
“Madam Dowager, you are getting more and more energetic. Marquis Hua Yang and Minister Wei are truly blessed!” Yan Huaijing smiled and said in a clear voice.
“Thank you, Your Heir-apparent!” Wei Luowu respectfully cupped his fists towards Yan Huaijing.
“Minister Wei, you’re too polite. I heard that the Eldest Young Master will be returning to the mansion soon. Has the date of return be set?” The corners of Yan Huaijing’s lips curved slightly, his eyes glittering with a bit of deep serenity as he withdrew his gaze.
“It should be in a couple of days. My eldest brother has injuries. It is not good for him to travel in a hurry.” Wei Luowu replied with a smile.
“As a son, he even missed his father’s birthday. It is really a pity for the Eldest Young Master!” Yan Huaijing’s expression was still gentle and his voice was elegant, but the smile on Wei Luowu’s face instantly froze.
However, Wei Luowu was a person who had seen much of life. He immediately cupped his hands in the direction of the imperial palace and said, “Serving the country is of the utmost importance. My birthday is just a small matter that isn’t worth mentioning.”
“Minister Wei is truly loyal to His Majesty.” Lu Yeli indifferently commented.
“I don’t dare to forget about national affairs.” Wei Luowu responded with a serious expression on his face. At this moment, the butler hurriedly came over with an anxious expression. He made a gesture to Wei Luowu from the side. Wei Luowu understood. He excused himself to the Third Prince and the several heirs-apparent and brought the butler to the side.
“What is it?”
“Second Master, bad news. That Drunken Peony missed her steps on the stairs and sprained her ankle. She can’t perform on stage anymore. What should we do?” The butler was in a state of extreme anxiety. The performance was the next big thing. It could be said that this troupe was famous solely because of the Seven Spin Dance performed by the Drunken Peony. However, at the critical moment, an unexpected problem came up. How could the butler not be anxious?
It’s impossible to change the troupe now.
“Is there anyone else in the troupe who can perform the Seven Spin Dance?” Wei Luowu frowned and asked.
“That troupe owner said there was someone who could dance, but she might not dance as well as the Drunken Peony.” The butler hesitated for a moment, but he still replied. Another reason why the Drunken Peony was famous was her outstanding appearance. This was not something that was possessed by any woman even if she could dance well.
“Then let her perform. Tell her to cover her face and just tell the audience she is the Drunken Peony!” Wei Luowu had calmed down at this moment and thought of a solution. He naturally understood the implication of this incident.
“Yes, I will inform the troupe owner right now.” The butler wiped away the cold sweat that appeared on his forehead due to anxiety. After hearing Wei Luowu’s words, he hurriedly left. In fact, this was also the solution he had thought of. Therefore, he had already asked the troupe owner to make preparations before coming to report to Wei Luowu and asking for his instruction.
Backstage, Wei Yuewu was dressed in a light purple dancing dress. The long hemline was dragged behind her, making her look even more slender. She wore a veil of the same color, which covered her exquisite face. Only her watery and shining eyes were exposed.
“Sixth Young Lady, how can…” Although it was a cold day, the troupe owner’s head was covered in sweat. He rubbed his hands and kept wandering around.
“Don’t worry, our Miss will take care of this matter. It has nothing to do with you.” Jin Ling put her hands on her waist and glared at the troupe owner.
“Yes… yes…yes, I know.” The troupe owner didn’t dare to say anything and only kept nodding his head. At this point, there was nothing he could do.
Music could already be heard from outside. Wei Yuewu smiled coldly as she lifted the corner of her skirt and walked onto the stage…
Lu Yeli stared at Wei Yuewu, who only revealed a pair of eyes. He pressed his hand on the table and was about to stand up. Fortunately, he woke up and tapped his hand on the table. The eunuch behind him hurriedly poured tea for him.
He took a long breath and leaned back again. He cast a sidelong gaze at Yan Huaijing, only to see that he was smiling warmly. After a quick glance, Yan Huaijing turned his gaze away from the high platform as if he didn’t notice anything unusual. He couldn’t help but secretly frown. Did Yan Huaijing really not find out?
Inexplicably, he was secretly delighted!
However, he suddenly remembered something and his expression turned cold. His gaze swept past Wei Luowu who had a smiling face, and a harsh expression appeared in the bottom of his eyes.
He had long heard that the daughter of Marquis Hua Yang was not favored by the mansion, but he never expected that she would be disliked to such an extent…
He would definitely take off the veil off her face in a while. By then, he would like to see how the mansion of Marquis Hua Yang dealt with the situation.
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