Nianzu played the zither well, and everyone praised him. "If you qualify in the Civil Services, then you shall apply for the Department of Music in the Palace. The Emperor and the other Princes will surely like your music," Fei Jing's friend advised Nianzu, who nodded his head.
The servants took away the zither and the table.
"I heard that the Crown Prince is not into music. The department of music is not that prosperous because of limited involvement of the Princes and others," Fei Jing asserted and picked up the wine cup.
"The Crown Prince is not interested in anything except killing," Xie Tian said.
Nianzu glanced at him.
"The Crown Prince has changed after he married. I have heard this from people in Luoyang," Liu Shing stated and sipped the tea. "It was the luck of the Crown Prince that he got chosen for the throne, else mostly the Eldest one took the throne."
"Luck or the terror of the Crown Prince. Things are not good in the Palace. Everyone is power-hungry. I heard this when I went last month to Luoyang with Father regarding some work in the Capital Bureau Office. "Two poisoning incidents happened in the Palace," asserted Xie Tian.
Fei Jing enjoyed it and noticed the reaction of Nianzu. 'Why is not saying anything? How could he be calm even in this situation?' He wondered.
"We should not forget that the Fourth Prince had also left the Palace to marry a commoner," Fei Jing pronounced.
Nianzu narrowly gazed at him. He had not expected Fei Jing would bring this up.
"I have heard about it. Well, if I would be at the place of the Fourth Prince, then I would have never left the Palace. Who leaves comfort for mere a woman," Shi Huang stated and brought the wine cup closer to his mouth.
"Also, there was a verdict that the Fourth Prince can never enter Luoyang with his wife else his wife will be beheaded," stated Luo Zhen. Nianzu looked at him and picked the wine cup from the floor table in front of him. He sipped it when he heard Fei Jing.
"I wonder where the Fourth Prince is living," Fei Jing swirled the wine in the wine cup. "Who knows he's among us?" He muttered.
"Ahh, that would be good. Meeting with the Prince is such an honor. I have heard praiseworthy words about him in Luoyang. He is a kind person," Xie Tian affirmed and passed a smile to the others.
"Meeting a Prince is wonderful only if he has the powers. And now he has left everything behind then it means he is a mere commoner who has no status in front of the noble class," Fei Jing proclaimed. Nianzu's lips moved up into a tiny smile.
"But for the other Princes, he is still a Prince. The Fourth Prince always supported the Crown Prince. Even if the Fourth Prince has left his Prince's status, he has the Crown Prince's support. I mean,l if he fell into trouble, he can easily ask the help of the Crown Prince," Liu Shing opined.
"But it was a ridiculous step to leave the Palace just for a woman. A Prince can get many women for him. The Emperor was generous to his Fourth Son. If such a thing happens in the noble class, the commoner has to lose his life," he reasoned.
Fei Jing looked at Nianzu and said, "Why don't you say something? It's an open discussion for everyone, Nianzu."
"Even the Fourth Prince's name is the same as yours," Xie Tian suddenly said, gazing at Nianzu, who frowned.
"M-My music teacher gave me this name," Nianzu replied and gulped the remaining wine from the glass. "It is getting late. My wife and my brother must be waiting for me. Thank you, Master Fei, for inviting me to your residence. It was unexpected for a commoner like me to be able to drink and talk with all of you," Nianzu expressed his gratitude and bowed before Fei Jing.
"You are my friend, Nianzu. You did not even eat anything." Fei Jing looked at the plates on the table on which some snacks were put. He wanted Nianzu to stay longer.
"My wife will not have her food without me. If I eat here, I will not be able to eat at home. I do not want to let her stay hungry for long, Master Fei," Nianzu replied.
"Oh, you are married! You look young," Luo Zhen stated. "Your wife can wait for some time. Women know that their men have matters to handle," he added. "If Fei Jing is telling you to stay, then stay for some time. Also, do not let your woman rule you. A woman shall be at the foot of a man. That's their true place," Luo Zhen pronounced.
"Pardon me, but my views are completely different from Young Master Luo. I can never put my woman under my feet. She takes care of such a big household. So as a husband, I have equal responsibilities towards her. I hope that Young Master Luo will never advise other people regarding their women," Nianzu suddenly got furious. However, he kept his voice polite while correcting Luo Zhen.
Nianzu stood up and bowed before Fei Jing and then walked out of the pavilion.
"Did he just lecture me?" Luo Zhen muttered and smashed the cup on the floor. Fei Jing told him to calm down and then stood up.
"Don't ever let that man come in front of me because I will not let it go easily," Luo Zhen warned Fei Jing.
"Why did you bring his wife in the middle of our conversation?" Fei Jing questioned him and went behind Nianzu. He quickly ran out of the main door and saw Nianzu walking away. He dashed towards him and blocked his way.
"Forgive me, Nianzu. I had no intention of hurting your sentiments like this… forgive my friend," Fei Jing stated.
"I will be honest with Young Master Fei. I do not like kid's play. I will return the favor of Young Master Fei soon. Because of you people, a woman is considered a thing rather than a jewel," proclaimed Nianzu with knitted brows. He walked past Fei Jing, who chuckled.
"Why am I even feeling bad?" Fei Jing wondered.
~~~~~
Hello Dear Readers,
These few days have been tough for me. Also, I found I fell in rankings for two months. I did put all my heart in this book and since April 1, I have been continously writing this book. However, last two months were tough and I feel because I did not give the content which reader wanted, many left. Do share me if there's any problem in the story till now. This will help me work more.
THANK YOU
HAPPY READING
