allonlinenovel Chapter 412: Please follow me, you two.
Chapter 412: Please follow me, you two.
Zhu Jinxiu smiled with delight upon hearing their agreement and said, "That's wonderful, please come with me."
They arrived at a spacious theater, which was already packed with audience members. On the stage, the actors were dressed in gorgeous costumes and had exquisite makeup on their faces.
Zhu Jinxiu found good seats for Fang Xiaoxiao and the princess, and soon the opera began.
The actors danced gracefully to the sound of gongs and drums, their songs melodious and enchanting. The story tells of a loyal minister who was framed by a treacherous official and forced to live among the common people. Ultimately, with the help of many, he was exonerated and returned to the court.
Fang Xiaoxiao was initially distracted, but gradually became captivated by the wonderful performance. The princess, on the other hand, watched with rapt attention, frequently applauding and cheering for the actors' brilliant performances.
However, just as the plot reached its climax, some unexpected events occurred. The performance, which should have proceeded smoothly, was thrown off track due to an actor's mistake.
The audience below the stage began to stir, expressing their dissatisfaction.
Fang Xiaoxin secretly thought to herself that this was bad, worried that the princess would be disappointed.
Upon seeing this, Zhu Jinxiu quickly stood up to comfort the audience and communicated and coordinated with the backstage staff.
After some effort, the performance finally got back on track, and the audience's emotions gradually stabilized.
Fang Xiao breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look at the princess, only to see that the princess was still immersed in the plot, her face beaming with excitement.
After the opera ended, the princess said with lingering satisfaction, "This opera was truly wonderful; today's trip was definitely worthwhile."
Fang Xiao smiled and said, "I'm glad the princess likes it."
Zhu Jinxiu also said, "It is my honor to make the two young ladies happy."
As they left the theater, night had fallen. Zhu Jinxiu escorted Fang Xiaoxiao and the princess back to their inn, the three chatting and laughing all the way.
Upon arriving at the inn's entrance, Zhu Jinxiu cupped her hands in farewell: "Ladies, it's time to say goodbye for today. I look forward to seeing you again next time."
The princess smiled and said, "Thank you, Young Master Zhu, for your hospitality today."
Fang Xiaoxiao also said, "Young Master Zhu, farewell."
Watching Zhu Jinxiu's departing figure, a trace of reluctance flashed in the princess's eyes.
Fang Xiaoxiao noticed the princess's unusual behavior and teased, "Princess, could it be that you've fallen for Young Master Zhu?"
The princess blushed instantly and said coquettishly, "You're just talking nonsense."
Fang Xiaoxiao said with a smile, "Princess, I'm not talking nonsense. I think Young Master Zhu is a handsome and talented man, and he is a good match for you."
The princess gently punched Fang Xiaoxiao and said, "Don't say anymore."
The two chatted and laughed as they entered the inn, ending a day full of surprises and unexpected events.
However, what they didn't know was that this seemingly accidental encounter was actually arranged by someone...
Over the next few days, Fang Xiaoxiao and the princess traveled around Junxian County and did not encounter the barbarians again, but Zhu Jinxiu would come to the inn to look for them from time to time.
Ever since she saw Junxian's unique Junxi Opera, Li Wan'er had been thinking about seeing it again.
Fang Xiaoxiao sat helplessly to the side, watching Li Wan'er.
Just then, Zhu Jinxiu approached the two again, saying that there was a Junxi opera performance that day.
This opera performance is not held all the time; it is only performed once every ten days, and only on an auspicious day.
Upon hearing that she could watch Junxi again, Li Wan'er was overjoyed and expressed her approval.
Fang Xiaoxiao and the princess arrived at the theater, led by Zhu Jinxiu. The theater was brightly lit and decorated, bustling with activity, and filled with the laughter and cheers of the crowd.
They found a spot with a great view and sat down. Fang Xiaoxiao looked around curiously, while the princess eagerly awaited the start of the play.
Before long, the opera began. On stage, the actors appeared in their gorgeous costumes, captivating audiences with their beautiful singing and graceful movements. The princess was mesmerized, and Fang Xiaoxiao was gradually drawn in by the unique performance.
Just as they were engrossed in their performance, a shrill voice suddenly rang out: "Hey, isn't this Brother Jinxiu? What are you doing hanging out with these two wild girls from who-knows-where?"
Everyone turned to look, and saw a woman dressed in brightly colored silk and adorned with pearls and jade walking gracefully towards them. She had a pretty face, but carried an air of arrogance, and was followed by several maids.
When Zhu Jinxiu saw her, her face instantly turned ugly. She forced a smile and said, "Rongrong, don't talk nonsense."
It turns out that the woman was Ma Rongrong, the only daughter of the Ma family, a local gentry family in Junxian County. The Ma family's ancestors were the chief ministers of the previous dynasty, and they were very wealthy and had a lot of land in Junxian County. Even the government had to give them some respect.
Ma Rongrong walked up to Zhu Jinxiu, glanced at Fang Xiaoxiao and the princess, and said contemptuously, "Brother Jinxiu, you're getting worse and worse at judging people. These two look like country bumpkins. Do they even deserve to watch the show with you?"
Upon hearing this, Fang Xiaoxiao felt a surge of anger. She stood up, looked directly at Ma Rongrong, and said, "Miss, please watch your words!"
Ma Rongrong crossed her arms and sneered, "Hmph, you ignorant brat, how dare you talk to me like that? Do you know who I am?"
The princess couldn't help but say, "No matter who you are, you can't be so rude!"
People around started whispering and gathered around to watch the spectacle.
Zhu Jinxiu quickly said, "Rongrong, stop fooling around, they are my guests."
Ma Rongrong persisted, "Guest? Brother Jinxiu, when did you become friends with such a lowly person?"
Fang Xiaoxiao clenched her fists tightly and said, "Don't go too far! We may not be high-ranking officials or nobles, but we will not tolerate such insults from you."
Ma Rongrong tilted her head back and said, "Insult? I'm just stating the facts. Looking at your poor appearance, you probably can't even afford a ticket to this theater."
At this moment, Zhu Jinxiu's face was so gloomy it seemed like it could drip water. He said, "Rongrong, if you keep doing this, I'm going to get angry."
Seeing that Zhu Jinxiu was angry, Ma Rongrong restrained herself a little, but still glared fiercely at Fang Xiaoxiao and the princess.
Fang Xiaoxiao took a deep breath, suppressing her anger, and said, "Princess, we don't need to bother with this kind of person. Let's continue watching the show."
The princess nodded and sat down again.
Zhu Jinxiu said to Fang Xiaoxiao and the princess with a guilty look on her face, "I'm so sorry to have made you suffer."
Fang Xiaoxiao said, "Young Master Zhu, this is not your fault."
Although they continued watching the play, Fang Xiaoxiao and the princess's mood had been completely ruined by Ma Rongrong. Zhu Jinxiu was also absent-minded, glancing at Fang Xiaoxiao and the princess from time to time, her eyes full of apology.
Zhu Jinxiu watched Fang Xiaoxiao's resolute departing figure, a cloud of regret and helplessness enveloping him. He stood there blankly, as if frozen in place.