Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 550 - 550 551 Whats Going On Here_1

Chapter 550: Chapter 551: What’s Going On Here?_1 Chapter 550: Chapter 551: What’s Going On Here?_1 Long Yi’s eyes were practically glued to the scene before him, and he almost stood up to crane his neck for a better view — after all, both the setting and effects of this play were top-notch. The light gauze in He Fangfei’s hands gently swept through the air as delicate petals cascaded down, a living fairy descending from the heavens!

Lady Rong watched the Emperor’s behavior, a slight frown creasing her brow, and her gaze toward Muniang grew colder; Muniang, however, was unafraid, provocatively arching her eyebrow.

As the play concluded, Long Yi finally came back to his senses and exclaimed repeatedly, “Good! Good! Good!”

At his side, Eunuch Li, extremely observant, guessed that this actress was likely the Emperor’s new favorite. He quickly signaled to a nearby servant to summon the actress.

Since Muniang had taken over Mei Garden, such formalities had vanished, but this time was clearly different, as it was a guest personally hosted by Lady Yu; it was bound to be no ordinary visit. The servant hesitated, unsure whether to refuse or not, until seeing Muniang give him a subtle nod. Understanding her intent, the servant immediately ran off with glee.

The actors on the stage had already retreated backstage, but Long Yi was still eagerly watching until that figure completely disappeared, his expression inevitably tinged with disappointment.

“A true fairy descent, I have not seen a woman like this before,” Long Yi murmured to himself, obviously reluctant to let the moment pass.

Eunuch Li immediately stepped forward as if to claim credit, saying, “This humble one has already sent someone to invite the Fairy over. If my lord wishes to reward her, now is the opportunity.”

Long Yi’s face lit up with pleasure, grateful that Eunuch Li understood his wishes, but keeping in mind his imperial dignity, he gave a light cough and retorted, “Since when is it your place to make decisions on my behalf?”

Eunuch Li, having served the Emperor for so long, knew exactly his temperament and naturally continued along the same vein, hastily saying, “Yes, yes, this servant was incautious. But the Fairy has already been invited over, and if my lord were to avoid meeting her, I fear it may hurt her feelings.”

Internally, Long Yi praised Eunuch Li’s savvy, but maintained a stoic exterior as he commanded, “In that case, bring her here.”

“Yes!”

Muniang found the back-and-forth between master and servant amusing; clearly, everyone present knew the score, so what was the point in this charade?

Lady Rong’s expression soured; it was the first time in a year since she had entered the palace that the Emperor showed interest in another woman, indicating her exclusive favor might be coming to an end. More importantly, this woman was clearly sent by Qiao Muniang, and Lady Rong was no fool. If Qiao Muniang brought a woman into the Emperor’s orbit, it was a strong disadvantage to her and to another.

The Empress, on the other hand, felt a measure of joy. She had suffered Lady Rong’s arrogance for a year and had been waiting for the day she fell from grace. Now that there was someone to share the Emperor’s favor, she naturally felt relieved.

Everyone present had different thoughts but all were eagerly awaiting the arrival of that woman, needing to ascertain her character first and foremost.

As He Fangfei gracefully entered the room, Long Yi’s eyes brightened immediately; her every move seemed imbued with a spirited aura. Dressed in pure white, her simplicity added to her innocence. Her waist-length black hair mostly draped over her shoulders, save for a few strands held up by two simple jade hairpins, and she wore not a single piece of jewelry — a far cry from Lady Rong’s usual ornate appearance.

Yet suddenly, Muniang said sharply, “Why is it you? Where is Miss Chen?”

The moment she spoke, everyone in the room jumped, bewildered by this turn of events.

He Fangfei quickly replied with obvious embarrassment, “Lady Yu, I, I, I didn’t know you would come today so suddenly; all I did was, was just…”

Lady Rong immediately seized the opportunity to stir up trouble, “Such audacity, a substitute no less! My lord, this kind of woman cannot be kept!”

Muniang chuckled quietly, then said, “Bring Miss Chen here! What exactly is going on?”

He Fangfei hurriedly said, “It has nothing to do with Yuhua. It was I who insisted on performing onstage. I was just being playful. My mother has always forbidden me from indulging in such things, yet I am impulsive by nature and cannot stay confined at home. That’s why…”

Long Yi, looking into He Fangfei’s eyes which still showed no reduction in warmth, spoke up, “You’re not a performer, only went onstage because you were playful?”

Knowing full well this man was the Emperor, He Fangfei still put on an air of ignorance, “Today was merely my first time onstage.”

Interest sparked in Long Yi’s eyes. He had seen too many proper sheltered young ladies; it was his first time encountering such a girl and naturally found it intriguing.

“Which family do you belong to?”

Muniang glared at He Fangfei before addressing Long Yi, “Your Majesty, it was my oversight. She is from the He Family in the eastern city, a true daughter of the family. She always found watching the actors perform quite amusing and has been wanting to try it herself, but her mother prevented her. What kind of daughter of a family does such things? I just never expected such an incident to happen today. It was my fault.”

Yet Long Yi simply waved his hand and said, “What of it? It’s just a bit of playfulness.”

But Muniang spoke out, “Nonetheless, this matter ultimately is a deception against the…”

He Fangfei shuddered in fear, turning pale, and Long Yi looking at her, felt a pang of compassion, “What deception is there to speak of? Today, I am but an ordinary master.”

Soon, Chen Yuhua was brought forth. She walked somewhat unsteadily and was dressed in an especially garish and vulgar manner. She was not normally one to follow such a garish path, and this attire only served to make her appear more unseemly.

The so-called contrast is what reveals the difference. Disdain was evident in Long Yi’s eyes as he thought to himself, it was fortunate that this woman did not perform onstage. Indeed, how could an ordinary performer radiate such a fairy-like aura?

Muniang shouted sternly, “Kneel!”

Chen Yuhua fell to her knees with a “thump” and pleaded, “Lady, spare my life, spare my life. It’s my fault. I came down with a chill last night and could barely walk, let alone perform onstage. Miss He and I are good friends, and it’s me who begged her. She only agreed to help me, thinking that you wouldn’t come, to get me through one day, but who knew…”

As these words were spoken, everyone was taken aback, as it completely contradicted what He Fangfei had said. He Fangfei quickly blurted out, “You’re such a fool to confess outright, do you have no regard for your life!”

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuhua was struck with fear, trembling as she looked at Muniang as if Muniang were a cannibal.

It was then Long Yi finally understood – He Fangfei, fearing that Muniang might dispose of the young performer in a fit of rage, had deliberately lied to protect her, showcasing her kind nature.

Muniang raised her hand to strike Chen Yuhua, “Look at you, good for nothing! I’ve raised and supported you, yet you dare to disobey me and not perform, letting Miss He of such high birth take your place. This act of deceiving the Emperor is a grave crime, and it’s not just you who can’t bear the consequences – even I cannot!”