Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 410 - 409: Met with Rejection

The musicians must have seen all kinds of guests in their time, but today they encountered three exceptionally handsome and uniquely attractive guests, bringing them great joy. They each sat on low stools and began to play their instruments. One woman’s voice was enchanting as she sang a little tune from Lan Country.

Lan Country is different from Jin Country and Shuo Country; the customs are notably more gentle. Thus, whether it is the music played or the tunes sung, they are so soft, it feels as if they might melt into water.

Zhu Yu had never heard such melodies before, and he listened with great concentration, enjoying it thoroughly.

Lu Qing leaned lazily against the curved armrest, his head slightly raised, eyes closed; one couldn’t tell if he was listening to the music or taking a nap.

In contrast, Yan Daoxin seemed somewhat out of place. He had never approached such places before. Even if he passed by by chance, no one with sight would run over to bother him for business because of his Taoist robe. Sitting there now, trying hard to appear calm, he still looked particularly tense, as if the soft couch was covered in prickles, making it difficult for him to sit comfortably.

Whether it was because he was truly too good-looking or because his fidgety movements resembled a bashful shyness, the musicians couldn’t help but let their eyes wander toward Yan Daoxin. The more they did this, the more uncomfortable he became, and the musicians nearly burst out laughing.

Finally, just as Yan Daoxin was about to rise and leave, Lu Qing, who had been sitting with his eyes closed, suddenly changed his posture, sat up a little straighter, and opened his eyes to look at the musicians.

His eyes were already very beautiful, and usually, his sharp gaze was hidden behind a deep and captivating expression. The faint hint of a smile at the corner of his slightly upturned lips softened his facial features and added a gentle glow to his aura.

The musicians, who had previously been stifling their laughter at Yan Daoxin’s awkwardness, now felt a bit bashful under Lu Qing’s gaze. A faint blush appeared on their cheeks, and they quickly averted their eyes from secretly observing Yan Daoxin.

Yan Daoxin breathed a slight sigh of relief, then immediately gave Zhu Yu a look, signaling her to notice the musicians’ reaction to Lu Qing. He raised his eyebrows, as if silently saying, "Look at how audacious your husband is! If I were you, I’d give him a good thrashing later!"

Zhu Yu lowered her head to drink tea, to avoid bursting into laughter and ruining Lu Qing’s upcoming plan.

Except for this time, Yan Daoxin was somewhat ungrateful, as Lu Qing had helped him out of a bind, and yet he was swiftly trying to pull Zhu Yu into taking note against Lu Qing.

Lu Qing did not know that Yan Daoxin was exchanging looks with Zhu Yu. After observing the musicians, he lazily raised his hand to signal them to stop playing.

The musicians immediately stopped, staring wide-eyed at Lu Qing, wondering why he suddenly asked them to stop and if they had displeased him in some way.

Admittedly, they had encountered such situations before, but today, these three charming gentlemen were such rare and delightful patrons that if they were replaced out of disfavor, it would leave the musicians feeling quite disheartened.

"Tunes can be heard anywhere and sound much the same; it’s not much of a novelty," Lu Qing said as he picked up the wine jug on the table, unhurriedly pouring himself a cup, and speaking slowly, "Since we’re new here, passing through Lianxiang City, why don’t we just chat casually? Tell us about some interesting things in your Lianxiang City?"

Saying this, he pulled out a brocade pouch from his sleeve, opened it, and poured the silver melon seeds onto the low table with a clatter.

The musicians’ eyes immediately brightened.

To find such handsome gentlemen willing to spend so generously, who only wanted to chat... Such good fortune is rare in the world!

One musician with a melon-seed face and holding a bamboo flute was the first to speak boldly with a warm smile, "What interesting things do you gentlemen wish to hear?

Our Lianxiang City is not a grand place, nor do we have any earth-shattering events. I’m really unsure what you gentlemen want to hear; kindly give us some guidance."

"We’ve heard that there’s a Little Mountain Building in Lianxiang City, which is quite famous, yet we haven’t spotted it on our way here. Do you know where this Little Mountain Building is?" Lu Qing asked directly, without beating around the bush.

The musicians exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

"I thought the gentlemen were going to ask about something extraordinary, but you’re here for Little Mountain Building!" The musician giggled, hand over mouth, while still trying to feign coyness, "I advise you gentlemen not to make a futile visit.

If you enjoy music, there are plenty of talented musicians here with great skill.

But if you’re here for the beauties of the Little Mountain Building, then I must counsel you to abandon such hopes early."

"Oh? Why? Are we not worthy?" Lu Qing raised an eyebrow and asked.

The musician quickly covered her mouth with a light laugh, "I would not dare to belittle esteemed guests. However, the Little Mountain Building is not like other places. It is said that the beauties raised there are highly sought after, even among the nobles in the capital of Jin Country and in the Upper Country Capital!

To tell you gentlemen the truth, many have traveled to our Lianxiang City just to glimpse the fabled beauties of Little Mountain Building, hoping to persuade the owner to arrange a match. Offers for dowries are not even an issue, and some intended to take the ladies back as legitimate wives.

But... to our knowledge, not a single person has yet fulfilled their wish. All left here dejected, having been turned away.

You gentlemen, with your extraordinary appearances and generosity, surely could win almost any charming lady you desire!

If you are looking to marry well, a word spoken would surely have matchmakers flattening the threshold of your residences. There’s truly no need to court disappointment there."

"To be honest, we indeed came all the way from the Capital, drawn by reputation," Zhu Yu chimed in with an elegant flick of his folding fan, "We may not be from the most prestigious families, but in the Capital, our family could be considered quite well-off.

We’ve always heard that the ladies of the Little Mountain Building are stunningly beautiful. Such graceful ladies are adorned by perfect gentlemen. We’ve come from afar with great sincerity and will not haggle over the dowry. Surely, we won’t be unable to even step through Little Mountain Building’s door?"