Chapter 64: Utilization (Part One)

In the Autumn Fragrance Pavilion, Lu Xueqing and Jun Yihong conversed happily, the air filled with the scent of golden osmanthus. In the distance, the lotus pond sent forth a delicate fragrance with the breeze. Jun Yihong closed his eyes to savor the lingering music that Lu Xueqing played, its melodious notes echoing for days—beauty, fine music, and splendid scenery.

Since the founding of Crescent Moon, every emperor had cherished ancient music. After the current Emperor ascended the throne, he elevated the art of the qin to its pinnacle. In gatherings large and small, people befriended one another through music, exchanging skills and insights.

Lu Xueqing possessed not only the renowned beauty of Moon City but also an extraordinary mastery of the ancient zither, envied by all the ladies. Her playing was famed for its lingering resonance, captivating noblewomen and society ladies alike. As the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister’s household, she held sway in the circles of the elite.

Jun Yihong had always admired his elder brother Jun Moli and devoted himself to the study of metaphysics and martial arts. However, his talents were mediocre, and he failed to excel, his proficiency with the qin equally ordinary. Had Lu Xueqing not been so skilled in ancient music, and had he not wished to please her, he likely wouldn’t even distinguish the different musical notes.

“Why does Miss Lu still seem troubled? Was the music score I gifted you not to your liking?” Jun Yihong had specially found a rare and unusual qin score for her, and the piece she had just played was from it. Each note was executed with exquisite skill, refreshing the mind and soothing the soul, yet happiness was missing.

His main purpose today was to present her with the score and win a smile from the beauty. The lyrics and music were beautiful, yet she remained glum, dampening his spirits. Unable to help himself, he asked.

“Not at all, Your Highness. The score you gave is wonderful, and I could not wish for more. Thank you.” Lu Xueqing lowered her posture, her voice soft enough to drip like water. She leaned gently toward Jun Yihong, her eyes glistening with tears.

Jun Yihong could not bear to see a beauty weep. He quickly helped her up. “Do not worry, Lady Lu. For my sake, the matriarch will not hold it against you any longer. Cheer up!”

Lu Xueqing shook her head and looked at Jun Yihong. “It was nothing serious, really. Only someone deliberately broke my second brother’s leg, and my mother lost her composure, which angered my grandmother.”

“Who?” Jun Yihong’s expression darkened as he asked, “Someone dares to cause trouble in Moon City? They must have a death wish. Rest assured, Miss Lu, such behavior is what I detest most. I will make sure they are properly dealt with.” His urgency and indignation made it seem as if he himself had suffered the injustice.

Inside, Lu Xueqing was delighted, though her face remained pitiful and tear-stained, silent for a long while.

Jun Yihong noticed her silence and realized she was not one to spread gossip. To ask her for names was pointless; it would be better to send someone to investigate and learn the truth himself.

He smiled gently, stepped closer, and disregarding decorum, took Lu Xueqing’s hand in his own. Her skin was flawless as jade, smooth as cream, with a slight coolness at his fingertips, making him reluctant to let go.

“Your Highness…” Lu Xueqing hesitated, struggling slightly to withdraw her hand, softly calling out. Her cheeks were so red they seemed ready to bleed. Jun Yihong would not release her. She lowered her gaze and bit her lip, allowing him to hold her hand.

“You are unlike other women, and you know well my intentions. I will request an imperial decree from my father to make you Princess Jing. As for those vile ruffians, I will handle them for you and ensure you suffer no further grievance!” Jun Yihong made his promise, prompting Lu Xueqing to curve her lips ever so slightly. Jun Yihong saw this and assumed she had accepted.

P.S.: Little Hongzi has fallen for the beauty’s charms~~~ Dear readers, happy 520~~~