After leaving the Shangguan family, Ying Xue and Xiao Man walked through the streets of the imperial capital. The streets were still bustling with people, a never-ending stream.
"Hey, isn't this the blind Miss Xiao?"
A gloating voice rang out, and several people immediately blocked Xiao Man's path. They leaned in close to examine her. "We heard you went blind, and thought it was just a rumor. We never expected it to be true!"
"How dare you be so rude!" Ying Xue immediately stepped in front of Xiao Man.
"Oh, this little maid is quite feisty, just like her mistress," the man who spoke reached out to push Ying Xue but found he couldn't budge her. His face changed. "What are you all standing around for? We came today to have a good chat with Miss Xiao, after all, she didn't hold back from 'entertaining' us in the past."
"Indeed," the others said, rubbing their fists. It turned out these were all spoiled young masters who had been bullied by Xiao Man before. Now that Xiao Man was blind, they thought it was an opportunity to get revenge for past beatings.
Ying Xue immediately blocked Xiao Man's front and kicked the leader of the group to the ground. The others swarmed forward, relying on Xiao Man's blindness and the fact that she only had a maid with her. They completely disregarded Xiao Man. One of them, seizing an opportunity, grabbed a stick and lunged towards Xiao Man!
"Get lost, you bastard!" A scream echoed. The man who had attempted to sneak attack Xiao Man had his head smashed open. "You cowards dare to bully her? Don't you know she's under this young master's protection?"
"Xue Kun, are you insane!" the man with the bloody head yelled at Xue Kun, pointing at him furiously. After all, Xue Kun was the one who had been beaten the most by Xiao Man!
"You're insane, your whole family is insane! Xiao Man, this young master can bully her, but you can't! Now scram!" Xue Kun waved his hand, and the servants behind him surged forward, scaring the group into scrambling away in a panic.
"Hmph, and you still dared to oppose this young master!" Xue Kun turned around and approached Xiao Man, asking cautiously, "Xiao Man, when will your eyes get better?"
"I don't know," Xiao Man replied calmly, extending her hand for Ying Xue to help her.
Seeing this, Xue Kun quickly took Ying Xue's place. He flicked his sleeves and gestured for Xiao Man to rest her hand on his arm, then led her forward. "Where do you want to go?"
"Xianle Fang."
"Xianle Fang is a good place," Xue Kun began to chatter. "The singers and dancers at Xianle Fang are top-notch. All the officials, ministers, and wealthy magnates invite performers from Xianle Fang to perform at their banquets and celebrations. Why, do you want to invite performers from Xianle Fang to the General's mansion?"
"No, I'm bored at home, too bored, so I just want to go to Xianle Fang to listen to some music."
"Listening to music is good. Miss Hua Lian at Xianle Fang has an exceptional voice and remarkable singing skills. When we get to Xianle Fang, I'll have Instructor Lin call Miss Hua Lian to sing for you." Xue Kun supported Xiao Man and they entered Xianle Fang.
Xianle Fang was different from Feixian Tower.
Feixian Tower was a brothel, where guests were welcomed as long as they had money. Most of its business was physical. Xianle Fang, on the other hand, was akin to a Jiaofang Si (a government music academy in ancient China), specializing in training singers and dancers for noble families. People could also come here to listen to music and enjoy dances on a daily basis.
The attendants at Xianle Fang saw Xue Kun arrive with someone and quickly stepped forward. "Young Master Xue, Miss Xiao, are you here to listen to music today?"
"Call Miss Hua Lian to sing a couple of songs for us," Xue Kun said quickly.
"Unfortunately, Miss Hua Lian has guests. How about we have Miss Hua Rui instead? Miss Hua Rui also sings with great flavor." Su Dan Novel Network.
"No, I want..."
"Miss Hua Rui will do too," Xiao Man interrupted Xue Kun. Hearing this, Xue Kun immediately changed his tune. "Then let Miss Hua Rui come over. Be careful of the steps. We'll go to a private room upstairs."
The attendant led them to a private room and ordered fragrant tea and refreshments to be served. A moment later, a woman entered carrying a pipa, followed by two young maids carrying musical instruments.
"Hua Rui greets the two distinguished guests."
Xue Kun handed a cup of tea to Xiao Man. "What song do you want to listen to?"
"What songs does Miss Hua Rui specialize in?"
"I know all sorts of popular folk tunes," Hua Rui's gaze fell on Xiao Man's face. Xiao Man had been to Xianle Fang before, albeit only a few times, but each time she had come with Prince Qi. Hua Rui naturally recognized her.
"Then sing anything. I just want to listen to some music."
Hua Rui nodded. Her fair fingers plucked the pipa a few times, not yet a melody, but already imbued with emotion. Hua Rui sang "Mandarin Ducks," a song of lingering affection that resonated through the room.
After the song finished, Xiao Man immediately applauded. "Well sung, a truly heavenly sound. Miss, have a drink to moisten your throat, and sing another song."
Ying Xue poured wine and handed it to Hua Rui. Hua Rui took it and drank it down in one gulp. Her fingers continued to pluck the pipa in her lap, while the two young maids behind her accompanied her.
Xue Kun rested one hand on the table, his gaze fixed on Xiao Man. He had never examined Xiao Man so carefully before.
Looking closely now, he realized that Xiao Man was also a rare beauty. Usually, when they met, they would fight, and he would always be beaten. He never had the chance to examine Xiao Man's appearance closely.
Ying Xue, seeing Xue Kun staring at Xiao Man without looking away, felt displeased and coughed. However, Xue Kun seemed not to hear, gazing at Xiao Man dreamily and smiling. Xiao Man was truly beautiful when she smiled, and so gentle when she wasn't hitting people.
Hua Rui played another song, "Green Waist." The previous song, "Mandarin Ducks," had been played excellently, but this "Green Waist" was played unsatisfactorily. Xiao Man couldn't help but frown.
Seeing Xiao Man frown, Hua Rui was puzzled. Was she dissatisfied with the song? But the song had already begun and could not be stopped casually.
When the song ended, Hua Rui looked at Xiao Man. "Miss, you were frowning while listening to this song. Do you not like it?"
"Not exactly. I've heard someone play 'Green Waist' before, but the melody was different." Xiao Man extended her hand. "May I borrow your pipa?"
Hua Rui immediately handed the pipa to Xiao Man. Xiao Man took it, adjusted the strings, and plucked a few notes casually. Then, with a sudden flourish, her playing was like thunder, like a swan gliding through the clouds, or a phoenix dancing in the nine heavens, astonishing everyone in the room.
The "Green Waist" was Hua Rui's specialty.
This was because her partner, Hua Ya, was most skilled at the "Green Waist" dance. They often performed together, and their performances always amazed the audience. But today, Xiao Man had shown her a different "Green Waist," one that seemed to stir the soul.
As the song ended, the door to the private room was pushed open, and a group of people barged in. Hua Rui and the maids quickly rose to bow.
Nangong Yu's gaze fell on Xiao Man, who was cradling the pipa. His face was still etched with shock, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Then, his eyes were filled with deep confusion.