The two actors playing female roles sang with sweet, enchanting voices, their long water sleeves flowing with exquisite grace.
However, the two audience mbers didn’t spare the actors a single glance. They were hunched over the table, heads together, trying to figure out how to write a review of the performance.
With their serious expressions, it looked less like they were there to enjoy an opera and more like they were conducting academic research.
The atmosphere in the private room was rather peculiar.
Fortunately, the two actors were professionals. Even if their audience was completely unappreciative, they still diligently perford the entire piece.
Seeing that the two princesses showed no interest in hearing a second piece, the actors tactfully withdrew.
Princess Anshun said, "When you watch an opera, you’re supposed to appreciate the actors’ figures and looks. The singing is important too, of course. So just go all out praising how handso they are and how well they sing."
Hua Manman replied, "That makes sense. But here’s the problem: do you have any good lines for praising people?"
Princess Anshun drew a blank.
The two looked at each other, speechless. They could both sense the aura of a fellow academic slacker.
Hua Manman lanted, "Two poor students, adrift in a sea of words."
Princess Anshun added, "Our shared plight is all the introduction we need."
The two of them raised their teacups, clinked them together, and said in unison.
"Let us persevere together!"
Although their literary knowledge was sorely limited, they could still hire soone to provide the material for them.
Princess Anshun called over an attendant, tossed him a piece of broken silver, and gave her order.
"Go find soone skilled with words and bring them here."
Sui Chun Garden had many poor scholars in its employ. In addition to helping write lyrics for the performances, they also composed poems to liven up the atmosphere for patrons who liked to affect an air of refinent.
Having received a tip, the attendant scurried off cheerfully to find soone.
A short while later, he returned with a thin, middle-aged scholar.
The middle-aged scholar had already been briefed by the attendant. He entered without daring to look around, properly cupping his hands in a respectful bow.
"This humble scholar greets Princess Anshun and Princess Consort Zhao."
Princess Anshun asked him to write so poetry of praise.
The middle-aged scholar asked cautiously, "May I ask if the person the Princess wishes to praise is a man or a woman?"
Princess Anshun replied, "A man, of course."
In those days, female roles in operas were almost always played by n. The two actors who had just perford were both n, but their beautiful makeup and costus made them look enchanting and delicate.
After a mont’s thought, the middle-aged scholar’s brush flew across the paper, composing two poems. Both were filled with lines praising a man’s handso and noble bearing, a sight that would make one forget all worldly cares.
Princess Anshun understood little of rhythm or literary flair, but after a glance, she thought they were quite good. They were easy to understand, simple, and clear. She imdiately made her decision.
"These two will do!"
Hua Manman also thought they were good; in any case, they were much better than any poem she could have written herself.
She paid the middle-aged scholar with a silver ingot, sending him on his way, then ticulously copied down both poems, word for word.
And just like that, her performance review was complete!
The two listened to one more piece before leaving Sui Chun Garden, thoroughly pleased with themselves.
Since it was still early, Princess Anshun suggested visiting the nearby Seven Stars Temple to offer prayers. She asked if Princess Consort Zhao wanted to go with her.
Hua Manman readily agreed.
The two of them went to Seven Stars Temple together.
Princess Anshun first straightened her attire, then knelt solemnly on a prayer cushion. She bowed three tis toward the statues of the Three Pure Ones, murmuring sothing under her breath.
Hua Manman was close enough to overhear a few words and realized that Princess Anshun was praying for a child.
She recalled the rumors she’d heard: Princess Anshun had been married for decades but had never conceived. The matter must have beco a constant source of heartache for her.
When Princess Anshun finished offering incense and rose, she noticed Princess Consort Zhao’s expression and gave a resigned smile.
"I’m at my wit’s end. I’ve seen so many doctors, but nothing has worked. All that’s left is to pray to the gods and hope for a miracle."
Hua Manman recalled that Lin Qingzhi had once predicted Princess Anshun would soon beco pregnant.
’This is the perfect chance to see if that prediction was true.’
So, Hua Manman proposed an idea.
"I’m on friendly terms with Feihua Zhenren from this temple. His dical skills are extraordinary. Why don’t we have him take a look at you? He might be able to help."
Princess Anshun’s eyes lit up, but she quickly suppressed her excitent, telling herself not to get her hopes up.
She had seen many famous doctors before. Each ti she had been filled with hope, and each ti it had ended in disappointnt.
The sting of disappointnt was a bitter feeling.
To avoid that feeling again, she could only do her best to keep her expectations as low as possible.
Princess Anshun said with reserve, "Then I’ll have to trouble you."
Hua Manman smiled. "It’s no trouble at all."
She inford a young acolyte nearby that she wished to see Feihua Zhenren, revealing her identity as Princess Consort Zhao.
Realizing he was in the presence of distinguished guests, the young acolyte dared not delay. He quickly escorted the two princesses to a side room to rest, then hurried off to find Feihua Zhenren.
A mont later, Feihua Zhenren, dressed in a blue-gray Daoist robe, strode into the room.
Perhaps because the food at Seven Stars Temple wasn’t very good, he had actually lost more weight.
Holding his horsetail whisk and stroking his three-inch beard, his robes fluttering, he once again possessed the transcendent air of an immortal.
The mont Feihua Zhenren saw Princess Consort Zhao, he looked as if he were seeing a long-lost relative. His eyes quickly reddened, and his voice trembled.
"Princess, it has been too long! This humble Daoist has missed you dearly!"
Hua Manman was exasperated. "Zhenren, do you miss , or do you miss the food at my mansion?"
His true thoughts exposed, Feihua Zhenren showed no signs of embarrassnt. Instead, he let out a long, mournful sigh.
"Ever since we parted, this humble Daoist has lost his appetite. Princess, when can I co to stay at the Prince Zhao Mansion for a few days?"
He used to be accustod to the als at Seven Stars Temple and never thought they were particularly bad.
But ever since tasting the food at the Prince Zhao Mansion, nothing at Seven Stars Temple could compare. Everything seed bland and tasteless.
As a result, his appetite had been poor recently, and he had lost quite a bit of weight.
Hua Manman smiled. "The Prince Zhao Mansion welcos you as a guest anyti, Zhenren."
At these words, Feihua Zhenren’s face imdiately lit up with a joyous smile.
’I can eat delicious fried chicken again!’
Hua Manman introduced Princess Anshun and explained the reason for their visit.
Feihua Zhenren took out a pulse pillow and asked Princess Anshun to place her wrist upon it. He then produced a silk handkerchief, draped it over her wrist, and began to take her pulse.
After a mont, Feihua Zhenren withdrew his hand.
Hua Manman quickly asked, "Well?"
Princess Anshun remained silent, but her gaze, fixed on Feihua Zhenren, was filled with anticipation.
Feihua Zhenren stroked his beard and said with a grin.
"Congratulations, Princess Anshun. It is a joyful pulse."
Princess Anshun was stunned for a long mont before she could react.
She shot to her feet, her voice trembling with so much excitent that she stamred.
"Wh-what did you say?"
Feihua Zhenren smiled and repeated, "Judging from your pulse, you have been pregnant for over twenty days."
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