Chapter 66: Brother! Sister!
The two exchanged glances, nodding in mutual understanding.
The ukulele strings plucked, and the wondrous Hawaiian sea breeze came rushing in.
With the sound of the ukulele, it was as if one could see a distant beach, a group of bikini-clad beauties, offering a sense of life’s beauty and freedom.
Soon, Zhao Zun’s pipa music joined in.
The chords of the ukulele danced, like cheerful elves, while the pipa’s melody was melodious, resembling a gentle flowing stream. When played together, the harmony was enchanting, blending exotic flair with classical elegance.
Like seagulls soaring freely over the sea when flowers bloom in spring, one was intoxicated and forgot the hustle and bustle.
Everyone in the hall, including the Empress, was immersed in this joyful and wondrous music.
It was originally a harmonious and marvelous scene, yet a furious gaze traversed the hall.
Seeing Zhao Zun, whom she daydreamed about, gracefully step onto the stage and perform music alongside that disdainful girl, Princess Changle’s anger was instantly ignited.
Especially when Zhao Zun sat there, the image of the muscular man playing the pipa kept stirring her uncontrollable springtime heart.
Her chest heaved violently as she tightly gripped the handkerchief, her fingertips turning slightly white from exertion.
Her eyes were fixed on the figure on stage that moved her, filled with disbelief and anger.
Prince Xiaoyao, being a man of such noble status, how could he disregard his identity to perform on stage?
That was Zhao Zun, whom she had adored for years!
Why? Why?
Zhao Zun’s gentle brows and extraordinary demeanor seemed like a mockery to Princess Changle. Because Zhao Zun’s smile and tenderness at this moment were all directed at that woman from a small place.
Her heart felt pierced by a million needles, unbearably painful, yet with no way to vent. She could only grit her teeth in silence, forcing herself not to lose composure before others.
No matter how angry Princess Changle was, the two on stage continued to cheerfully "play music."
After the musical prelude, the distinguished Prince Xiaoyao not only played the instrument but also began to sing—
Look at the early spring light
Rushing to the branches
The petals’ colors flourish
The girl is shyer
...
Blow my reed pipe
Sister sings a song
Wait until the sun sets
Then you come with me
Is this... is this still the fearsome Prince Xiaoyao Zhao Zun renowned for striking terror in enemies far and wide?
Those present were so shocked their eyes nearly fell out, yet the novel and pleasant melody deeply captivated them, and they listened with relish, utterly enchanted.
Some even followed the rhythm, clapping along.
Soon, Zhao Zun’s rugged voice fell, and Han Lei’s soft and sweet voice resounded again in the hall.
Take my rice wine
Brother, have a taste
Sweetness at your brows
Drunkenness in my heart
...
The harmony between the ukulele and pipa music was seamless and fluid, and Zhao Zun and Han Lei sang with great involvement, demonstrating flawless cooperation.
Ever since Zhao Zun learned this song from Han Lei’s karaoke machine, they sang and played it multiple times on their return journey by carriage. They were already well-versed in it.
The more they sang, the happier and more affectionate they became. Their eyes exchanged and collided in the air, transforming into spots of warmth, warming each other’s hearts.
On stage, Han Lei and Zhao Zun exchanged flirtatious glances, and the lyrics’ "Brother!" and "Sister!" were like a thunderstorm of pear blossom needles, pricking every nerve in Princess Changle’s body.
Looking at Han Lei’s annoying face, Princess Changle could no longer contain herself, and she cursed through clenched teeth, "Shameless."
Once the curse left her lips, Princess Changle was shocked at her loss of composure and hurriedly raised her hand to cover her mouth.
Fortunately, everyone’s attention was on the stage, and no one noticed her.
Princess Changle was so infuriated by Han Lei and Zhao Zun’s performance, she nearly exploded.
Unbeknownst to her, Emperor Jing and Mr. Wei had quietly entered the hall, halting the eunuch’s report, leaning against the hall’s door, watching the performance secretly, contemplating other thoughts.
"What did I say?" Emperor Jing wore a faintly proud smile, glancing sideways at Mr. Wei.
"Zhao Zun is adept at leading troops, but he is also a common man. Look at how he gazes at Miss Han. Listen to the song he’s singing. Tsk tsk tsk."
Mr. Wei had certainly seen it, and he surely knew what Emperor Jing was thinking.
A trace of shadow flicked through his eyes, and he fawned, "His Majesty’s insight is keener than that of an old minister. Now His Majesty can rest assured, Zhao Zun is not one to stir up trouble."
"Mm! Once they’re done performing, proceed to declare the imperial decree."
Gazing at Zhao Zun on stage radiating deep affection, Emperor Jing’s smile grew deeper, evidently satisfied with Mr. Wei’s flattery.
At the end of the performance, everyone applauded, and some even shouted like thunder in admiration.
Zhao Zun stood up, took Han Lei’s hand, smiled and nodded to the crowd, then walked off the stage with her toward his seat.
As they passed by Princess Changle holding hands, Han Lei deliberately gave Princess Changle a gleeful yet infuriating smile—
In a voice only the two of them could hear, Han Lei said, "Are you surprised? Did you expect this? You wanted to force me on stage to embarrass myself, but it turned into a harmonious duet instead—doesn’t that anger you? Heh heh..."
Han Lei’s voice was weak and faint yet Princess Changle heard her clearly.
The phrase "harmonious duet" brutally stung her nerves again.
Her prideful and domineering nature prompted her to raise her hand to slap Han Lei, but Han Lei had already walked gracefully past her, leaving her to fume alone.
"Silence!"
At this moment, Mr. Wei’s voice, imbued with authority yet tinged with joy, came from the steps before the Dragon Throne.
The crowd quieted down, finally noticing that Emperor Jing was already seated high on the throne, and Mr. Wei stood on the steps, holding a bright yellow imperial edict in his hand.
Upon seeing the imperial edict, everyone except the Empress stood up.
"Prince Xiaoyao Zhao Zun, accept the decree!" Mr. Wei shouted loudly.
Princess Changle, who was seething internally, felt a surge of joy upon hearing this and couldn’t help but glance provocatively at Han Lei.
Zhao Zun, just sitting down, was also delighted. He understood that Emperor Jing was about to bestow a marriage upon him and Han Lei, and quickly pulled Han Lei’s hand, approaching the throne to kneel.
"Minister Zhao Zun, accepting the decree."
"By the mandate of heaven, the Emperor decrees."
Mr. Wei began to loudly read the imperial edict.
"Prince Xiaoyao Zhao Zun has guarded Beiguan for many years, contributing great achievements. Now bestow the region of Canzhou as his fief, and grant the County Magistrate’s niece Han Lei as his Princess Consort. Permit the recruitment of five hundred soldiers and one hundred trusted aides according to ancestor’s rules. Rename Prince Xiaoyao to King of Cangzhou, and on the sixth day after the New Year, proceed with family to the fiefdom. No entry to the capital without summons. By Imperial Order!"
Boom!
Once the decree was announced, some were indifferent, but others felt as if struck by a bolt of thunder—shocked to the core.