Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 1218 - 512: War Breaks Out (Part 1)

There’s no denying that Xiang Wei’s storytelling skills are top-notch, leaving a deep impression on Mingzhu’s heart.

After Mingzhu finished speaking, she looked eagerly at Yueyao and said, "My eloquence isn’t as good as yours, you should go talk to Niu Yanghui!" Mingzhu feared that if she went, they might end up arguing again.

Yueyao smiled and scolded, "Look at you, scaredy-cat. Fine, I’ll go talk to him. But let’s pick the right moment; the next few days won’t work. Promise me, during this time, don’t argue with him, just do what you need to do. If you can’t stand seeing him, come stay with me."

Mingzhu curiously asked, "Why so particular?"

Yueyao responded, "Why ask so much? Just do as I say."

Mingzhu had always placed blind faith in Yueyao. With her assurance, Mingzhu didn’t press further, "Then I’ll sleep with you tonight."

Niu Yanghui returned to the main courtyard at night, finding it dark. The maid came out and said, "Old Master, Madam went to sleep at Lady Lian’s place and won’t be returning tonight."

Niu Yanghui wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or to smile wryly. Relieved, because there would be no arguments tonight; wry, because with Yueyao around, life might become difficult. He had experienced Yueyao’s formidable nature before and guessed he’d have another profound lesson this time.

The next morning, as Mingzhu awoke, she saw Yueyao practicing martial arts in the courtyard. Curious, she asked Xiang Wei, who was wiping sweat after practice, "Why are you all practicing martial arts?"

Xiang Wei sized up Mingzhu before slowly saying, "You always ask Yueyao about beauty secrets, right? Well, this is one of them."

Without a thought, Mingzhu replied, "Who are you kidding?"

Xiang Wei shrugged, her classic move, "Believe it or not."

Mingzhu was skeptical but after Yueyao finished her routine, she approached and asked, "Xiang Wei says this martial arts routine can make one look younger. She’s kidding me, right?"

Yueyao shook her head, "It’s not entirely a joke; there’s some truth to it. If you practice daily, your body will naturally become healthier. A healthy body is energetic, and naturally, it gives a youthful appearance!"

Mingzhu was intrigued and, after considering, said, "Then you tell me, can I learn?"

This question was truly difficult for Yueyao to answer, as it was a realm she didn’t understand, and her routine wasn’t suitable for Mingzhu. "If you want to learn, you can have Xiang Wei or Bai Yi teach you. If you persist, it’ll be nothing but beneficial to you." The problem is sticking with it.

As long as it’s truly good for her, Mingzhu thought she could persevere.

Of course, Yueyao understood Mingzhu’s motivation: it’s not merely being good for the body, but the desire to look young and beautiful. "Let’s start tomorrow! If you started learning today, you’d probably end up sore. Also, there are many guests coming later, so it won’t be feasible."

Mingzhu laughed, "Today you’re not allowed in the studio; join me in entertaining the guests."

Yueyao didn’t refuse.

Xiang Wei, however, had a question, "Aside from inviting the theater troupe today, did you invite anyone else?"

The question seemed puzzling, but Mingzhu knew Xiang Wei well enough to understand she must have an agenda, "Who do you want to invite?"

Xiang Wei grinned, "Xunfang Pavilion’s Xiang Ru dances beautifully; could you invite her over to perform? It would be a feast for everyone’s eyes." Xiang Wei thought the dancer was incredible, leaving a lasting impression.

Mingzhu was annoyed, "What kind of place is Xunfang Pavilion? It’s a brothel! Inviting an oiran to perform, what does that look like?"

Xiang Wei scoffed, "Actors and brothel women are both low-class professions. If you can invite actors to perform, why not brothel women to dance?"

Mingzhu felt she couldn’t argue logically with Xiang Wei. If the madams found out she invited an oiran to perform, they’d surely ridicule her!

Xiang Wei mocked, "That woman Xiang Ru is indeed a brothel girl, but you’re inviting her to dance, not for a social call — who would laugh at you? Moreover, if you could invite an oiran to perform for the guests, people would praise your influence." The Four Great Courtesans of Jiangnan are famous; meeting them demands both money and reputation.

Mingzhu hesitated.

Xiang Wei also felt Mingzhu had changed greatly during her years in Suzhou, acting timidly, unlike her old bold self: "What are you hesitating for? Even if you’re willing to invite her, she might not come." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Mingzhu looked at Yueyao.

Yueyao chuckled, "Decide for yourself! If you want to invite her, take my invitation. If anyone asks, say I heard Miss Xiang Ru’s dance was wonderful and wanted to see it myself. Knowing it’s me who wants to see, there won’t be much gossip." Yueyao had long ceased worrying about such rumors.