Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 1220 - 512: The Outbreak of War (Part 1)

Chen Shuya turned her head back and earnestly looked at the woman standing not far away, shaking her head and saying: "I just think your mother is so beautiful, just like a fairy in a painting."

Kexin joyfully said: "I also think my mother is very beautiful! She will definitely be as beautiful as her mother when she grows up."

Madam Chen, who had a good relationship with Mingzhu, looked at Yueyao and deliberately teased: "I heard that Lady Lian has already had four children? This must be a rumor."

Mingzhu said cheerfully: "How could it be a rumor? All four children have been brought here. Everyone has seen Kexin, as for the three boys, the eldest Brother Shengsheng and the third Brother Xuxu are at the residence, currently studying with Teacher Li along with my two little terrors! The second, Brother Feifei, has been taken as a closed-door disciple by Old Mr. Wen and is now in Hangzhou."

A madam nearby couldn’t help but ask: "Is it that Old Mr. Wen famous all over the world?" The madams present were familiar with Kexin, but not with the three brothers, mainly because Yueyao hadn’t brought the three children out.

Mingzhu said happily: "Yes! It’s that Old Mr. Wen who authored the ’Ancient Prose Collection.’ The old gentleman saw that our Brother Feifei was exceptionally intelligent, and diligent in his studies, and took a great liking to him, thus accepting him as a closed-door disciple." A group of madams gathered together, discussing topics besides clothing and jewelry, such as children.

Yueyao smiled: "It was also because Brother Feifei caught Old Wen’s eye."

Everyone was very surprised, but soon they were relieved. After all, having such a renowned mother made it somewhat easier to find a reputable mentor.

Mingzhu invited everyone to admire the chrysanthemums.

Yueyao, although she said the chrysanthemums in the garden weren’t as impressive, preferred observing the chrysanthemums to talking and chatting with these madams.

Yueyao stepped forward, gently stroking and carefully observing. Hundreds of pots of chrysanthemums displayed a myriad of poses and expressions: reds like fire, purples like sunset, whites like sparkling pearls, yellows like specks of gold, in various forms.

After admiring the flowers for a while, everyone went to listen to the opera.

Yueyao wasn’t very interested in the opera, finding the singing rather noisy and headache-inducing. Mingzhu, noticing how Yueyao sat so upright and proper, smiled and said: "This is the Ruyi Troupe’s opera, a very famous troupe, few in the Capital City can compare."

Yueyao internally grumbled, having no idea about what troupes were in the Capital City, let alone how they compared.

After watching three acts, the young girls in the center were led away by the maids. Yueyao knew that now was the main attraction.

Soon, a woman emerged from backstage. The audience watched as she appeared, clad in a scarlet dance outfit, with bare feet adorned with a delicate silver chain. She lightly stepped onto the stage, standing in the center, and first bowed to everyone.

Madam Chen quietly asked: "What is this about? So strange?" Though Madam Chen had only heard of the Four Great Courtesans of Jiangnan, she had never seen them, hence she didn’t recognize Xiang Ru.

Mingzhu chuckled: "I have no idea either!" Indeed, Mingzhu had no knowledge of what the woman on stage was about to do.

Madam Chen glanced at Yueyao, recalled rumors of Yueyao’s desire to night cruise the Qinhuai River, and couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows. Nevertheless, she scanned the people below and said nothing.

Those seated in the stands remained silent, so quiet that the drop of a pin could be heard.

Soon, music arose from backstage, its graceful melody conjuring images of a fluttering butterfly, a falling leaf swaying in the air, or flowers swaying in the spring breeze.

Yueyao watched, captivated, not even blinking. Clearly, today’s performance was far more beautiful than the one on the Qinhuai River that day.

After the dance concluded, Xiang Ru stood lightly panting, then bowed to the audience once more, giving a look toward Yueyao’s location, before gracefully exiting the stage.

Madam Chen finally asked: "Who on earth is this?" Hoping desperately it wasn’t who she suspected it to be!

Yueyao smiled and said: "Xiang Ru from Xunfang Pavilion. Her dance is famously said to be superb, and indeed, it lives up to the reputation today."

Madam Chen was stunned upon hearing this.

Soon enough, everyone present knew that the dancer was an oiran from Xunfang Pavilion, which sparked widespread discussion, as it was their first time witnessing someone invite a brothel’s oiran to perform.

Yueyao maintained a dignified smile: "I watch her dance, unrelated to her identity, just as everyone enjoys watching a lead actress from the Ruyi Troupe sing. Yueyao’s implicit message was clear, actors and women from brothels share similar social standings. If one can watch actors perform, they can equally watch a brothel woman dance."