allonlinenovel Chapter 350 Mask
Chapter 350 Mask
In the end, each of the three children received a mask.
Even the youngest, Lingjie'er, has one.
Seeing that both of her older brothers had them, Lingjie also insisted on wearing one.
Wen Zongji picked out a white fox mask for her at the mask stall. Her small face was hidden behind the mask, and even though it was a small size, it still looked too big on Ling Jie'er's face and didn't match her at all.
Lingjie herself was quite happy wearing it.
Rui Ge'er chose his own mask—a white horse mask.
When Wen Zongji saw the mask, his first thought was of Prince Charming. He thought that his son was gentle and gentlemanly, and came from a good family, so he was a real Prince Charming.
The eldest princess smiled and said, "Horses have always represented composure and restraint, not being impetuous, which is indeed a good match for Rui-ge'er."
Wen Zongji: "..."
He was ashamed to admit that, despite being a scholar, he hadn't thought as deeply as the Princess.
Rui smiled, not thinking too much about it, he just felt that it was pleasing to the eye.
Wen Zongqi was very playful and gave all the children masks. He also chose a mask for himself to wear—half a golden fox mask.
I didn't have any particular reason for it; it was just because the mask looked good.
"My wife, is it beautiful?"
Wen Zongqi put it on and turned to look at Chen Xiu Nian.
Chen Xiu Nian looked him over and said, "Close your eyes."
Wen Zongqi was puzzled, but he still obediently closed his eyes.
Chen Xiu Nian was satisfied: "This looks great."
Wen Zongqi's face is still quite striking; after all, it's the result of several generations of genetic improvement by the Marquis of Zhongyong's family. The Wen brothers are all good-looking.
His face was partially covered, with only his mouth visible, giving him an inexplicably sinister and mysterious aura.
The premise is that he closes his eyes.
Wen Zongqi asked, "Why close your eyes?"
Chen Xiu read aloud, "Because you lack foresight."
He's actually just a simpleton.
Wen Zongqi: "..."
Wen Zongji interrupted, "Let's continue after we've finished shopping."
Pei Rujing was also somewhat interested in masks, but the masks on the stall were of average quality and didn't meet her standards.
……
They didn't rush to the riverside boats, but strolled around, stopping to look at interesting stalls whenever they came across one.
Most of the time, it's because the little ones stop and look around. They have little experience, and everything they see is new and exciting, so they easily get stuck.
By the time they reached the riverbank, it was already late at night, and the pleasure boat was quite lively; laughter could be heard from a distance.
A row of painted boats floated on the river; some were used for business, some for opera performances, and some for singing and dancing.
Of course, there were also brothels and pleasure boats; those with red lanterns hanging on them were easy to spot.
They were accompanying the princess to the opera, and their purpose was clear: they boarded a painted boat belonging to the opera troupe.
To be honest, it wasn't until he got here that Wen Zongji realized there were so many different kinds of pleasure boats, and that they even sold things on board.
This probably means that where there is demand, there is a market.
Wen Zongqi tilted his head and glanced at the painted boat outside, then leaned closer to Wen Zongji: "Third Brother, look, there's a row of red lanterns hanging over there."
Although the pleasure boats on this river do all sorts of things, the most numerous are those used for brothels.
Wen Zongji glanced at him: "You want to go?"
Wen Zongqi immediately shook his head: "No, Third Brother, please don't slander me."
"Then what did you say?"
Wen Zongqi remained silent.
He was genuinely curious; it was the first time he had ever seen brothel boats, and so many of them at that.
If they weren't married yet, he would definitely go and see for himself. But now, forget it. If he dared to go, Chen Xiu Nian would dare to kick him off the boat in public. She still has her pride.
At this moment, the opera troupe has already started their performance. The Jiangnan opera style, from the very first note, seems to carry deep emotion, quite different from that of the capital.
The eldest princess listened attentively, nodding from time to time.
Pei Rujing and Chen Xiunian listened along as well.
Wen Zongji had never been interested in opera. Seeing that the little ones couldn't sit still after a while, he picked up Lingjie and took Ruige and Zhouge out.
Wen Zongqi immediately followed.
The women were inside listening to the opera, while the Wen brothers were outside taking care of the children.
With maids watching over them, they didn't need to keep a constant eye on them.
Upon seeing the two men, the man with the mustache leaned closer and whispered, "Gentlemen, how about we go for a ride on the pleasure boat over there?"
This person is considered an outsider at the brothel; he can earn a reward as long as he can introduce business to the brothel.
They usually seek out men like Wen Zongji, who are dressed extravagantly and clearly have plenty of money.
Men, none of them are immune to infidelity.
The man with the mustache, confident in his understanding of men's inherent flaws, continued, "Gentlemen, you've come at the right time today. The most beautiful courtesan of Changyun Tower, Miss Qingxiang, is on the pleasure boat. For just ten taels of silver, you can catch a glimpse of her. I know a few people; if you gentlemen are interested, I can show you the way."
Wen Zongqi was stunned: "Third Brother, is he inviting us to go out and have fun?"
Does he seem like a very playful person?
Of course, he used to be very interested in these things, but now he's reformed.
Wen Zongqi then looked at Wen Zongji: "Third brother, he looks down on you, he thinks you are such a vulgar person."
The man with the mustache was dumbfounded.
He just wanted to get some customers and make some money. When did he start looking down on people?
Wen Zongji ignored the unreliable Wen Zongqi and waved his hand, saying, "We're not going to any other pleasure boats."
After hearing this, the man with the mustache left without lingering.
He noticed the guards slowly closing in, and his heart skipped a beat. He knew that these two men were far more powerful than he had imagined, and if he got too entangled with them and angered them, he would be the one to suffer in the end.
To succeed in this kind of peripheral work, you need to be shameless and have a keen eye; you need both to last.
After the man with the mustache left, Wen Zongji glared at Wen Zongqi and said, "Zhou Ge'er is already over two years old. You should at least set a good example for the child and be a little more serious."
He always seems so unreliable, no wonder Brother Zhou always complains about him.
Wen Zongqi shrugged: "I could pretend, but in time I'd be exposed. Brother Zhou would eventually find out what kind of person I really am. So it's better not to pretend at all, at least I can be sincere."
Wen Zongji: "...You're quite sharp-tongued now."
Wen Zongqi chuckled.
Wen Zongji didn't say anything more.
He never interfered in other people's business, and besides, Wen Zongqi's words made sense. Moreover, judging from their father-son relationship, it didn't seem like the traditional father-son relationship, but there was still some affection between them.
Wen Zongqi was much better than those who only cared about giving birth but not about raising their children.
It was half an hour later when the princess and her entourage came out after the performance.
Wen Zongji once again lamented the terrifying nature of traditional opera, and that those interested in it were truly remarkable.
After the opera, the group set off back to the inn for a good night's rest, as they would continue their adventure the next day.