Third Wei said: “Listening to lotus leaves curling jade flowers, the one pouring green tea is from the immortal realm herself. What wonderful hands!”

What did this mean? It meant that while listening to the music, before his eyes appeared curling leaf-edged white lotus flowers, and the person pouring tea had descended from the immortals.

Although Mo Zi couldn’t remember many ancient poems from her previous life, she had read extensively in the military, and her consciousness itself was familiar with poetry, so she could understand it.

This was a little tune praising her beautiful hands, but Mo Zi was completely unhappy hearing it.

In ancient times, there were many rules for wives and concubines in inner chambers, but somewhat prominent men loved elegance outside, especially scholars who would compose poetry on the spot about pleasing scenery and events to display their learning. Using poetry to praise a woman was not only not disrespectful, but the highest realm of compliment. However, such women were mostly from the world of courtesans or singing and dancing girls kept in great households, who had no choice but to be judged and commented upon by men.

Mo Zi was unhappy, naturally not because she felt her status was being lowered, but because Third Wei’s half-tune made the protective coloring she had carefully applied lose its effect.

She was astonished, surprised, annoyed, and embarrassed. To continue pouring tea was wrong, but to withdraw her hand was even more wrong.

Still, Second Wei was bold and hearty. After laughing heartily, he said, “Third brother, you’re the busiest among us. Listening to music and composing verses. A maid pouring tea and water has become an immortal fairy.”

Everyone was amused.

Third Wei was refined and scholarly, and felt somewhat embarrassed. He glared at Second Wei, then said to Qiu Si, “The music is good and the tea is good, so I had poetic inspiration for a moment. If I was disrespectful to your household’s maid, I hope you’ll forgive me.”

Qiu Si’s gaze slowly moved away from those jade-like hands. No wonder Third Wei had composed a little tune. Snowy white and smooth-skinned, watery shadowed and beautiful-boned. One always thought boneless softness was beautiful, but seeing this pair of hands today, they were unforgettable.

“Your Honor, why do you say this? That you praised her with such fine verse is her good fortune.” He smiled humbly at Third Wei, his next words directed at Mo Zi, “Little maid, why don’t you quickly thank His Honor?”

Ever since becoming the protagonist of the verse, Mo Zi’s head had been lowered, unwilling to raise it. She still had to thank the person who caused her trouble? She was truly holding back until she nearly suffered internal injuries.

“Thank you for the verse, Your Honor.” It was only half a little tune, not even a stunning masterpiece. Mo Zi first complained inwardly, then curtsied and took advantage of the moment to retreat two steps.

That Third Wei originally wanted to see the owner of these wonderful hands, but who knew the maid had already retreated behind him, so naturally it would be inappropriate to turn back.

Qiu Si was satisfied with Mo Zi’s well-measured attitude of advancing and retreating, but because he couldn’t see her face clearly, somehow his inner curiosity grew increasingly stronger.

Just when this small matter seemed about to pass, someone had to stir up trouble.

“This slave does not accept.”

Who? What was there not to accept! Mo Zi whipped up her head, her bright eyes reflecting full indignation.

Qiu Si caught her perfectly. It turned out her hands were beautiful, but her eyes were even more beautiful. But he showed no reaction and, like everyone else, turned to look at the person who didn’t accept.

That person was the singing girl who had just been singing the ditty, the one with the most outstanding appearance.

“If Miss Xiuzhu admires Master Wei’s talent and learning, how about I redeem your bond for you and send you to His Honor’s side? Would that be acceptable?” Qiu Si said casually.

Although he had just been talking with Elder Wei and Second Wei, he had noticed Third Wei’s expression looking at Xiuzhu seemed somewhat moved.

When Qiu Si said this, everyone was stunned again.

Xiuzhu’s face turned deathly pale. She was Qiu Si’s paramour. Relying on his doting favor, she had been arrogant, never expecting that when Qiu Si opened his mouth, he would give her away. Thinking of how she had begged and pleaded with Qiu Si countless times in the past and he was unwilling to redeem her bond—now, to curry favor with others, he spoke the words “redeem her bond” so easily. It was indeed as Mother said: don’t become emotionally attached to clients, for clients are all fickle lovers.

Third Wei repeatedly shook his head and waved his hands, “Dear nephew, absolutely not. I still have mourning obligations—how can I take a concubine?”

Mo Zi thought: So if he didn’t have mourning obligations, he would take her?

“Third brother, I think you’re henpecked is what it is.” Second Wei stroked his beard and teased again, “That sister-in-law of mine is formidable—she’s controlled him so that to this day he doesn’t dare have even one concubine.”

“Shuniang is magnanimous and generous, she’s my worthy helpmate.” Third Wei seemed to have deep affection with his wife and wouldn’t let Second Wei slander her.

“Then you try marrying one and bringing her home? I guarantee within three days, sister-in-law will have her driven out of the house.” Second Wei’s laughter rang out heartily.

He even pulled in Elder Wei for support, “Elder brother, am I speaking truly?”

By rights, such household affairs shouldn’t be discussed outside. However, men together discussing women, women together discussing men—this has never changed through the ages.

Elder Wei actually looked somewhat embarrassed and said repeatedly, “Family scandal, family scandal.”

Not taking concubines was a family scandal? Mo Zi’s heart burned with a third fire.

“If Your Honor won’t accept this slave, it must be that this slave’s plain appearance cannot compare to those curling lotus leaf immortal fairy hands.” Xiuzhu was originally hurt by Qiu Si’s heartlessness, but then lost face because of Third Wei’s rejection. She was considered the first singing girl of Hongliu Pavilion, talented and beautiful in both respects, and couldn’t bear men not treasuring her.

Third Wei actually fell silent at this moment.

How could it not be delicate?

Qiu Si’s thick brows drew together.

Mo Zi broke out in cold sweat, hoping Qiu Si wouldn’t be blinded by profit and give her away.

Seeing Third Wei speechless, Xiuzhu’s competitive spirit rose even more, “This slave will not accept it. This slave began learning arts at age ten, capable in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, proficient in poetry and verse—truly a gentleman’s fine companion. How could I not compare to a little maid who serves tea and water for others, who only has a pair of good hands? I request this maid perform a talent. If she can surpass this slave, this slave will have no more complaints.”

If she had complaints, she found someone to compete with. If she herself had complaints, what should she do? Mo Zi never looked down on courtesans, but this Xiuzhu was truly boring to the extreme.

Mo Zi couldn’t possibly know about Xiuzhu and Qiu Si’s relationship. She only took it that Xiuzhu, having been rejected by Third Wei, couldn’t save face, so she was taking it out on her, the lowest status person, to achieve the purpose of elevating herself.

“Oh? This is interesting!” Second Wei was enthusiastic, “One is a top-ranked singing girl, one is a great mansion’s maid—competing in talents, unheard of, truly interesting. Let me open a small wager, how about it? Come, come, esteemed spectators, please place your bets.”

Second Wei was a merchant, not like Elder Wei who was head of the family, nor like Third Wei who was an official through the imperial examinations. His words were like a great wind, his interest also multiplied.

Mo Zi had originally thought Second Wei was straightforward and was the only one among these people who appreciated Third Miss Qiu’s abilities, which was quite good. Who knew he liked to stir up excitement recklessly, leaving her at a loss.

If she could speak two equal sentences, she would definitely remind them that the Wei family’s old master was watching from heaven—don’t forget the mourning period, the mourning period! Listening to music and gambling, and Third Wei was even an official—shouldn’t he lead by example?

“One tael of silver minimum bet, five taels maximum. Left hand side bets on Xiuzhu winning, right hand side bets on that maid winning. Our family is still in mourning, we can’t gamble big.” Second Wei slapped the table and stood up, one foot on the chair, truly having the bearing of a gambling house proprietor.

Not knowing if these people’s daily lives were too boring, or if this era’s overall life was too boring, although Qiu Si, Elder Wei, and Third Wei didn’t move, the other people actually took out silver ingots of various sizes and placed them on Second Wei’s left side.

Xiuzhu’s face showed triumph.

“Master Wei Er, may we place bets?” The several singing girls behind Xiuzhu asked with giggles.

“Good, good, the more people the merrier.” Second Wei hastily invited them.

Pieces of broken silver of one or two taels were placed one by one at Second Wei’s left hand.

“Everyone’s betting on Xiuzhu? What’s the point of this wager?” A one-sided gambling situation meant the house would either lose big or win big.

Second Wei looked toward Mo Zi, pointing at her and asking, “Girl, what’s your name? Quickly give us your name for good luck, so my elder brother, third brother, and your Fourth Young Master can bet on you.”

Mo Zi didn’t answer.

Didn’t want to answer, couldn’t answer.

If she answered, her half year of peace would be broken.