Chapter 33 Leverage
Just when the ladies were unwilling to be mocked by Huo Aying, they suddenly heard a voice outside the door:

"Jinxian pays respect to Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine!"

"Yun Ning pays respect to Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine!"

Looking outside, I saw two dignified and elegant people standing at the door.

As everyone stared at the door, they couldn't help but hold their breath.

Sheng Xinlan's eyes flashed with surprise, and she said with a clear expression, "Jinxian, Yunning, you are finally here, come and sit down."

"My sister Yunning and I went to Wanshou Palace to pay our respects to the Queen Mother, so we are late. I heard that the sisters are talking lively. I wonder what everyone is discussing?" Yao Jinxian looked at Sheng Xinlan, and then at the noble ladies present.

"Oh, I was just joking. It's nothing serious. I was thinking that you wouldn't come today." Sheng Xinlan's face was a little flustered. She had originally sent Yao Jinxian to Wanshou Palace, but she didn't expect it to end so soon.

"The Empress Dowager had something urgent to do, so Yunning and I thought we could come and pay our respects to the Imperial Concubine and meet all of you sisters." Yao Jinxian said with a dignified look.

Naturally, Sheng Xinlan could not find any fault with Yao Jinxian. Yao Jinxian was the legitimate daughter of Chief Censor Yao Hongmiao. Although Chief Censor was a deputy, Yao Hongmiao was deeply trusted by the emperor. He was also responsible for investigating and impeaching officials, and enforcing discipline. He was a person that all officials wanted to be close to. However, Yao Hongmiao was stubborn and very conceited. He basically had little contact with the Sheng family. It was for this reason that the Sheng family hoped to establish a good relationship with Yao Jinxian through Sheng Xinlan.

"I am naturally happy that you have this intention." Sheng Xinlan said gently.

"Didn't Miss Huo come today? I was joking with her." said the woman who had just embarrassed Huo Aying.

Yao Jinxian then looked at Huo Aying, "Sister Huo?"

Huo Aying smiled lightly and saluted politely, "Hello, Sister Yao. I am Aying."

Yao Jinxian smiled slightly, and said with concern, "Sister doesn't look like a cousin. Her temperament is better than some legitimate daughters."

Although it is the same words, it doesn't feel ironic when it comes from Yao Jinxian's mouth.

Huo Aying smiled slightly, "Sister Yao, you are too kind."

"I also have a connection with you. If I have time in the future, can I go to the Marquis' Mansion to find you?" Yao Jinxian asked gently.

Huo Aying was naturally very happy, "It's Aying's honor."

"I seem to have heard that there is a special kind of folk song in Wushan, it's called - what's it called?" Yao Jinxian stroked his forehead lightly, looking puzzled.

Huo Aying smiled and guessed, "Is it the Wushan tune "Tea Picking Song"? "

Yao Jinxian immediately realized and said, "Yes, yes, it sounds really good."

The only downside is that I have learned a lot these days. Huo Aying said, "Aying can sing. My mother often sings when she picks tea."

Yao Jinxian was quite surprised and asked, "Really?"

The other ladies praised seriously, "That's not something that ordinary people can sing! Don't brag about yourself!"

Huo Aying did not argue and looked at Sheng Xinlan, "My Lady Imperial Concubine, I really don't have anything rare to offer to you sisters. Why don't I borrow your precious place to sing a song to entertain you sisters?"

Sheng Xinlan wanted to test Huo Aying, and when she heard that she was going to sing Wushan Xiaodiao, she immediately became interested, "It's great that you have this intention, let everyone enjoy Wushan Xiaodiao."

"Hey - Ah Le -" With a high-pitched and melodious crisp sound, a gentle and rhythmic tune slowly jumped out, like a mountain stream, flowing slowly; like a light bird, flying by; like a misty mountain stream, flying far away...

Everyone present was stunned from the first sound of the song. With such singing skills, it would be impossible to sing with such a strong and natural flavor without living in the mountains for more than ten years.

Sheng Xinlan obviously didn't expect this result. She smiled awkwardly and said, "This Wushan tune is indeed beautiful."

Xiao Chuyi was completely shocked. "So, Sister Huo is really from Qingzhou?"

The other women also looked at each other and lowered their heads.

Now that he had fulfilled his identity, Huo Aying no longer needed to be aggressive, so he quietly drank the tea in his hand. However, when he occasionally glanced at Yao Jinxian with curiosity and met Yao Jinxian's intentional or unintentional gaze, Huo Aying instantly felt that Yao Jinxian was different.

The person with the worst look in the entire banquet was Sheng Xinlan. Not long after, she was about to leave on the pretext that she did not want to disturb the younger generation drinking tea and appreciating flowers when a voice came from outside: "His Majesty has arrived!"

Sheng Xinlan, who was about to leave, quickly straightened her clothes and makeup, and stood up reluctantly.

Xiao Wenzhan walked into the hall.

His attention was immediately attracted by a pure and beautiful woman opposite him.

"Your Majesty, your servants pay their respects to you!" everyone said in unison.

Xiao Wenzhan walked towards Sheng Xinlan and sat down.

"How come Your Majesty is free now?" Sheng Xinlan smiled and quickly poured wine for the emperor.

Xiao Wenzhang was in a very good mood, "I just came out of Xuanming Palace, and happened to come to see the banquet set by Chuyi." Xiao Chuyi was a little anxious, "Father, where is Brother Chengyi?"

Seeing her daughter like this, Sheng Xinlan was unhappy. Xie Chengyi almost became her favorite. "Chuyi, how old are you? Can you still play with Chengyi like you did when you were little?"

Xiao Chuyi didn't care about that and just acted like a spoiled child, "Father, I just want to see Brother Chengyi."

"I've asked him to wait at the door." Xiao Wen Zhang said helplessly. Even as an emperor who was high above everyone else, he had to think of a solution for his daughter's mood.

Xiao Chuyi's face was filled with joy, her face slightly reddened, "Thank you, father."

Except for Huo Aying who just realized it, everyone else knew that the third princess had been in love with the prince for many years. They wanted to pay for him, but with the princess here, they had to think twice before marrying Xie Chengyi.

Afterwards, Xiao Wenzhang turned his gaze back to Jin Xian and praised her with a smile, "Jin Xian has become more dignified and sensible. No wonder the Queen Mother keeps praising you."

Yao Jinxian bowed and said, "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. It is my blessing to be able to relieve the Queen Mother's worries and boredom."

Xiao Wenzhang nodded with satisfaction, "Then go to the palace more often to accompany the Queen Mother in the future."

"Yes." Yao Jinxian nodded.

After asking Yao Jinxian, Xiao Wenzhan's gaze was unconsciously attracted to Huo Aying. However, it seemed a little inappropriate for him, an emperor, to take the initiative to ask Huo Aying.

After Sheng Xinlan noticed His Majesty's thoughts, she pointed at A Ying and said, "Your Majesty, that is Miss Huo that the Marquis mentioned. She is a beauty that cannot be compared to the capital of Northern Jin."

Hearing someone mention him out of the blue, Huo Aying stood up and said, "Aying is unworthy of this."

"Father, you missed a great show. The Fog Mountain Tune sung by Sister Aying just now was absolutely amazing and beautiful!" Xiao Chuyi said excitedly.

"Really?" Obviously, Xiao Wenzhan was very interested.

Huo Aying nodded and said, "Aying pays respects to His Majesty. The princess is showing respect to me."

Xiao Wenzhang nodded with a pleased look on his face, "Yes, good, she is indeed both beautiful and talented."

There was a hint of coldness in Sheng Xinlan's smiling eyes.

After drinking two or three glasses of wine, Xiao Wenzhan felt a little tired. Sheng Xinlan gently helped His Majesty back to the main hall of Shulan Palace.

There was nothing fun to do for the remaining people, so they all dispersed.

Xiao Chuyi ran out without waiting a moment.

Just as Yao Jinxian was walking out, Huo Aying called out softly, "Sister Yao, please stay."

Yao Jinxian is still as gentle and elegant as ever, and even the smile on her face seems always so gentle and powerful.

Huo Aying didn't know how to start and was speechless for a moment.

Yao Jinxian looked at Ah Ying and told the maid beside her, "Go wait for me outside."

Yao Jinxian then made an inviting gesture, "Miss Huo, please sit in the front."

At a stone table in a corner, the two sat down together.

"Miss Huo, do you have any questions?" Yao Jinxian's temperament was difficult to hide.

Huo Aying was not stupid. She could sense that Yao Jinxian seemed to be trying to help her. "Thank you, Miss Yao, for today."

Yao Jinxian looked at the fallen leaves in the distance and said, "Jinxian did this because someone asked her to do so. You are welcome, Miss Huo."

"Entrusted by someone? Who?" Huo Aying asked in surprise.

"Prince." Yao Jinxian said in a low voice.

Huo Aying was stunned, "Prince?"

"The prince said that you have been staying in Wushan for many years and are not good at socializing. He was afraid that your cousin would be eaten by us, so he asked me to take care of you as much as possible. Of course, it's just a piece of cake for me. You are brave and decisive enough. Even if I don't say anything, I'm sure they won't be able to embarrass you." Yao Jinxian was a little distant and indifferent.

Huo Aying smiled and thanked her quickly, "After all, this palace is not my own courtyard. How can I manage the situation when I first arrived? I still have to thank Sister Yao. Aying will remember this."

As Yao Jinxian left, Huo Aying couldn't help but think of Xie Chengyi again. This man wasn't completely heartless and had some conscience...

When walking out of the palace, he saw from afar Xiao Chuyi, like a little bird, flying into Xie Chengyi's arms.

Welcome everyone
Today is the first day of PK2. I hope everyone will support "Welcome the Good Man". I will work harder!
Ah Ying: Oh, a man who attracts many people...