Chapter 862: Chapter 513: Offering the Moon to a Beauty
(PS: It’s a bit short, I’ll need to write more about Qing Jun later, good brothers, refresh at eight tomorrow morning, ahem…)
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“Mr. Zhao, are you really not coming to our celebration? The Empress and the Emperor are very much looking forward to seeing you. If you do not attend, they will be greatly disappointed.”
Inside the tent, Dou Kou, accompanied by four Xianyue Li women, came to see Zhao Rong, softly asking.
After the Fengchan grand ceremony at noon, the attitude of the Music Workshop’s Xian Yue Li women toward Zhao Rong had become increasingly respectful and cautious.
Even Dou Kou, who is second only to one in the department, the Palace Chief.
The sight of those two full moons, a rare and auspicious phenomenon throughout the ages, was still hanging in the sky outside the tent.
The person who orchestrated this scene was none other than this young Confucian scholar, sitting casually behind a table, leisurely flipping through a book.
“I shall rest this afternoon, and won’t disturb the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.”
Zhao Rong shook his head, declined the invitation, and turned to glance at the plump-faced girl among the four Xian Yue Li women standing behind Dou Kou.
The latter was truly trying to keep a straight face, pretending not to recognize him while following her sisters.
Seeing his curious gaze, the plump-faced girl secretly glared at him.
Zhao Rong chuckled softly, and before Dou Kou noticed the oddity, he turned back and nodded, saying:
“Miss Dou Kou, you all go ahead and enjoy the celebration as if I were not here.”
“Also, please convey to the Empress and the Emperor on my behalf that the grand ceremony is over, my duties are fulfilled, and I will soon depart. I have already bid them farewell in advance so as not to disturb them upon my departure.”
He smiled and cupped his fists in farewell.
Dou Kou pursed her lips, looked at him, and nodded, though she didn’t leave immediately.
Zhao Rong observed this with curiosity, “Is there anything else you would like to instruct, Miss?”
Dou Kou lowered her eyes, raised her hand, and gestured to the back gently.
The plump-faced girl and the other three girls obediently withdrew.
Zhao Rong signaled by winking at little Qian’er, who was sitting not far away, ‘studying’ The Book of Poetry seriously.
The little girl had been sneaking glances at Brother Rong’er, and when his gaze met hers, she pretended to be focused on her studies seriously.
Receiving his signal, she glanced at the scholarly palace-attired young lady, then got up, taking The Book of Poetry with her.
Wearing a cute ruqun, little Qian’er walked away, one small hand behind her back, the other holding the poetry book, her head bobbing as if immersed in poetic recital.
Dou Kou, mostly expressionless upon entering the tent, did not gaze around carelessly.
Though as little Qian’er brushed past her on her way out, this scholarly palace-attired young lady slightly glanced at the cute ruqun-clad girl seemingly akin to Mr. Zhao’s household, also noting the book held upside-down in her hand…
Seeing this, Zhao Rong couldn’t help lifting a hand to pat his forehead.
You little rascal, the book’s upside down, what are you so engrossed in reading…
Little Qian’er, unaware she had just nearly let slip and embarrassed the Old Zhao Family style, was almost going to be ‘rightfully’ disowned and expelled by Brother Rong’er.
Before exiting the main tent, Qian’er still had a crescent moonlike smile, thought her seemingly studious poetess guise had certainly bluffed the ‘woman outside,’ feeling self-satisfied…
After everyone had left, the tent contained only Zhao Rong and Dou Kou.
The former opened his mouth, intending to explain the recent humorous incident, but Dou Kou had already bowed her head, as if nothing had happened, and straightforwardly stated her purpose:
“This interruption, Madam also entrusted me… to apologize to you.”
Zhao Rong’s expression returned to its previous calm, lightly smiling as he put down his book, looking at the palace-attired young lady below.
“There is no need for apologies.”
Dou Kou shook her head, “As a handmaid I am not fully aware, I am just conveying the Empress’s message.”
“The Empress said it was misunderstating on her part earlier, she shouldn’t have been paranoid and distrusting towards Mr. Zhao, and she hopes you forgive her… this ordinary woman.”
Zhao Rong pondered and understood a little, but previously, being occupied with the Fengchan grand ceremony, he hadn’t really minded the attitude of the Lady Dugu. Her suspicion and misunderstandings hadn’t affected him.
Now, hearing Dou Kou conveying that the most esteemed widow of Great Li was lowering her stance to this degree, he waved his hand and didn’t make things difficult.
Dou Kou still respectfully lowered her eyes, dutifully relaying the message:
“The Empress also said… all previous misunderstandings are wished to be written off, she no longer blames Mr. Zhao, and furthermore hopes you won’t mention it again in outside circles.”
Zhao Rong was taken aback, instinctively wanting to ask if it pertained to those petty pastimes she hid away, but he stopped in time.
He glanced at the palace-attired young lady standing quietly, and with a calm demeanor, nodded.
Higher-ups perhaps dread exposing privacy and losing face in front of subordinates.
Especially women.
Who knows how petty their worries could be.
Even losing face before a stranger like him, they wouldn’t wish to be undignified in front of subordinates.
Soon after, having passed on the Lady Dugu’s instructions, Dou Kou took her leave.
Zhao Rong initially wanted to ask her to convey a message to the orphan and widow, a few words of advice, but paused and ultimately refrained, letting Dou Kou leave.
“Heh, I did say not to meddle, Zhao Ziyu, oh Zhao Ziyu, do you truly intend to become Prime Minister Zhao…”
In the empty tent, Zhao Rong tapped the table edge and smiled self-mockingly.
After Dou Kou left, shortly after, a certain little girl, pretending to recite poetry with a book in hand, returned to the tent.
The young Confucian scholar propped himself up from the table.
“Come, with some free time this afternoon, let’s visit Brother Hui Zhi, have some drinks, and toast to our heart’s content.”