The Guzheng of The Moon

I

“What's up?” ask Yue.

There was not much that Yue hated. But for what the man did to her arguably occupies the top ten of the things she hates the most. He didn't like it when someone ruffled his hair that Aunt Qing had worked so hard to tidy up for him. Slowly, Yue rejected the man's big hand.

“We just want to have a drink, can't we?”

Yue flicked his mouth and walked away. “The usual drink ‘kan?”

Yu Long answered him with a short nod accompanied by a smile. Yue retorted his peer over the man's attitude. Knowing that he should not give hope to Yu Long. Yes, the man had proposed to her several times. But Yue always refused on the grounds that she was not mature enough.

Plus, the man was even willing to wait for her until Yue felt ready. Adding to his guilt.

It would be a lie if Yue did not think about marriage. Especially when all his peers flock to the altar to say a pledge of loyalty. But for now Yue is quite satisfied with his life, his routine, his family.

Caring for Uncle and Aunt Hwang who had kindly raised herself as a princess. Although he already bears the name Hwang from his father and adoptive mother who has died.

Long story short, Uncle Luo felt responsible for the death of his younger brother that was Yue's foster father. And finally decided to take Yue as their child. His father's death was no one's fault. Destiny must speak.

“Wah, really?”

At first, the stitches between the customers Yue ignored. But over time he was curious. Retractable arm of Tang Ge's shirt.

Yue thrust his chin towards the stark customers. “Indeed, what's up?”

“Big news, Miss,” replied Tang.

Baffled. Yue increasingly dragged Tang to the edge. “No government bodyguard will nudge our store ‘kan?”

“It's more horrendous news than that. They said, the palace aide posted an announcement in the city.”

“For?” asked Yue again by raising her next to her eyebrows.

This time Tang brought his face closer and whispered softly in Yue's ear, spontaneously leaning his body. “Emperor is looking for concubines and any girl can follow him.”

Before long Yue straightened his body. “Oh.”

It is not new if there is such an announcement. What makes it strange is the part looking for his concubine.

As far as Yue was concerned, not just any girl could enter the palace. They must be of noble blood or girls who have a father with a fairly high position aka the daughter of officials.

But this time the Emperor wanted a concubine who came from all walks of life. Bizarrely.

“Maybe he is tired of girls from among the nobility,” muttered Yue.

“Is that?” ask the unsure Tang.

From the corner of his eyes, Yue saw a new customer coming. “It's still morning, but it's been very busy, isn't it?”

Yue's breath made Tang shake his head. “You should be home, miss. If the Great Lord finds out you're here, we'll get angry.”

Yue smiled fully and walked over to his new customer. He's never seen them. No, as long as he's been helping out at the store lately.

“You order what, gentlemen?”

“How about with two glasses of water and a plate of mantao,” reply one of them.

“Sure.”

Inadvertently Yue's hand nudged the edge of the table, until he dropped the sword that the hooded man had placed there. “I'm sorry.”

Very sure that Yue saw him while picking up the sword that had fallen on the floor, a faint smile from behind the transparent black veil. And somehow he became clumsy.

After handing the sword to the owner, Yue walked quickly and approached Tang. “You alone serve them.”

Just then too Aunt Qing came. “I've been looking for you everywhere. You should come with me. Fast!”

“Where?”

Not yet answered, Yue had already been dragged first out of the tavern. Right in front of the back door of the tavern, the horse carriage was already waiting.

“What we will travel?”

“Shopping.” only

Yue just according to when Aunt Qing said so. It was also common when he accompanied his aunt to shop for the needs of shops and palaces. And that was when Yue caught something unusual in the city.

Guards are scattered in the streets. There are more people in the city than usual. Remembering Tang's words. Sure enough, most people were still clustered in front of the palace notice board.

“Ckck, the young man turned out to be earnest with his words. Basic young man!”

“Who do you mean, Aunty?”

“Hm? Who?” ask Aunt Qing back.

Yue rounded his eyes looking at Aunt Qing. He had no idea who his aunt meant. Then how could his aunt ask him back.

“Do you not want to try it?”

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