Chapter 116 Heir Xie and Princess Jiu Attend Class Together

Chapter 116: Heir Xie and Princess Jiu Take Lessons Together

If the Duke and Duchess found out, they would probably be furious!

Ji Yuntang came back to her senses and quickly refused, "Enough, enough. Five thousand taels is already enough for a year's tuition. Please take back this ten thousand taels, Heir Xie!"

Although she loved money, she understood that there were principles of acquiring it. She would never cheat her friends, nor would she stoop to such behavior.

Xie Liuzheng's eyes lit up as he suddenly looked at Ji Yuntang with delight.

"A year's tuition? Do you mean, Princess Ye, that you're willing to be my music teacher for a whole year?"

Ji Yuntang: "..."

She felt as though she had shot herself in the foot.

However, she knew plenty of the songs Xie Liuzheng liked. She could easily teach him one a day for a year and still not run out.

Ji Yuntang raised an eyebrow and grinned. "As long as Heir Xie is willing to learn, I, the Princess, can teach you. But remember, the master guides you, but practice depends on the individual. I can't teach too much at once, nor do I have the time."

"From now on, come see me on the fifth, twelfth, nineteenth, and twenty-sixth of each month. I'll teach you for two hours each time. What do you think?"

Since she had taken the money, she had to deliver the service—this was Ji Yuntang's principle. She only sought to earn the money with a clear conscience.

Xie Liuzheng had no objections and readily agreed. "No problem. This heir will come to see Princess Ye on those four days every month."

Luo Qingge pouted. She also wanted to visit her third sister-in-law!

But unlike Xie Liuzheng, she wasn't free to go wherever she pleased or leave the palace whenever she wanted.

In fact, the only reason she was able to leave the palace this time was because she had previously arranged it with Ji Yuntang at the inner palace banquet, and the Empress had specially permitted her.

Moreover, Luo Qingge also had something to discuss with Ji Yuntang. There was progress on the sachet case she had asked her to investigate last time.

If it weren't for that pest Xie Liuzheng hanging around and monopolizing her third sister-in-law, she would have already told her!

Thinking of this, Luo Qingge shot Xie Liuzheng a resentful look.

That look left Xie Liuzheng totally confused.

What had he done wrong now?

He hadn't upset this little princess, had he? Why was she giving him that look?

Xie Liuzheng furrowed his brow and chuckled, his gaze lingering on her as he said teasingly, "Princess Jiu, staring at me like this—have you fallen for me?"

"Not that I blame you. I'm dashing, handsome, and with no other women around. It's only natural that you've developed a crush on me. I'm a gentleman who pities fair maidens, so I'll give you a chance to pursue me."

Luo Qingge: "!!!"

He's so shameless!

What gave him the idea that she liked him?

Luo Qingge snorted, hands on her hips, and yelled angrily, "Xie! Liu! Zheng! Dream on!"

"I'd rather fall for a dog than like you! Stop flattering yourself!"

Xie Liuzheng, equally hot-tempered, felt his competitive streak ignite at her words.

"Fine! You said it yourself. Don't come crying to me when you turn into a dog!"

She said she wouldn't like him, but he would make her fall in love with him.

Then let's see her keep up that stubborn act!

Ji Yuntang watched from the side, massaging her temples. These two were so childish.

Yet, amidst the childishness, there was an odd chemistry between them. Was this what they called fate?

She wondered if Luo Qingge and Xie Liuzheng could spark a romance.

She would wait and see.

Ji Yuntang glanced at the sky; the sun had already passed its zenith. Remembering that she still had to prepare hotpot for them later, she urged,

"Qingge, Heir Xie, it's getting late. Since you're both here to learn music from me, let's not waste any more time, then. Let's start now!"

With her mediation, the two temporarily stopped bickering and sat on the stone benches at the center of the West Courtyard.

However, despite being on the same bench, they sat on opposite ends, as if a wide Milky Way separated them.

Ji Yuntang gave a helpless sigh. She went into her room and brought out two sheets of rice paper filled with writing, handing one to Luo Qingge and one to Xie Liuzheng.

"Here are the lyrics. Take a look first."

"Third sister-in-law, did you copy this out by hand just for me?"

"I love you so much!"

Luo Qingge's eyes sparkled. Without hesitation, she planted a kiss with a smack right on the paper.

Xie Liuzheng raised an eyebrow and glanced at Luo Qingge with amusement.

"Princess Jiu, you're mistaken. I also have a copy of the lyrics to 'The Peach Blossom Promise'. This isn't just your exclusive; it's ours."

Despite his laid-back demeanor, Xie Liuzheng was impressed by Ji Yuntang's calligraphy.

Her strokes were full and flowing, each line full of vitality, with a strong visual impact—the hand of a true master.

People at the Marquis of Yongning's manor were spreading rumors that the Princess of Ye was a rustic village girl who couldn't even read a single character.

But now, it was clear she wasn't illiterate. Her calligraphy was worth a thousand pieces of gold. Even scholars at the Royal Academy might not write half as well as Ji Yuntang.

Xie Liuzheng didn't hold back his praise. "I thought it was remarkable enough that Princess Ye knew medicine, music, and cooking, but to think her calligraphy is so outstanding—every stroke carved into the paper. I am truly impressed!"

Luo Qingge lifted her chin proudly. Hearing Xie Liuzheng praise Ji Yuntang felt sweeter than any compliment to herself.

In her eyes, Ji Yuntang was capable of anything.

She said with a smug grin, "Of course! Do you even know who my third sister-in-law is? I guarantee there's nothing my third sister-in-law can't do!"

"And if there is, she'll pick it up in a flash!"

Ji Yuntang: "..."

This little girl boasts without even thinking; even she herself wouldn’t dare say such things.

Unexpectedly, Xie Liuzheng rarely sided with Luo Qingge at this moment and didn’t contradict her.

“I, the Heir, also believe that Princess Ye is clever, generous, and capable of anything.”

Xie Liuzheng had never felt fortunate to have met someone before, but at this moment, he thought that meeting Ji Yuntang was the best decision he had ever made in his life.

If his parents knew he had made such a formidable friend, they would probably stop saying that all his acquaintances outside were just a bunch of worthless friends.

Ji Yuntang’s ears turned red from the praise. She cleared her throat, composed herself, and said in a deliberately stern tone, “Quiet!”

“From now on, none of you are allowed to speak. We’re starting the lesson now.”

Luo Qingge and Xie Liuzheng both knew the basics of music theory. The main reason they came today was that they thought the song Ji Yuntang sang at the palace banquet last time was beautiful, so they wanted to learn pop songs from her.

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