Chapter 24: Let Her Stay ‘Three Perfections, Three Obsessions, Three Libertines’

In Yan Qing’s dreams since returning to the capital, he had often heard of the capital’s ‘Three Perfections, Three Obsessions, Three Libertines’.

The ‘Three Libertines’ naturally referred to the imperial eldest grandson Murong Ji, Murong Zhuo, and Yan Jingquan. Their flamboyance and unrestrained nature had long become dinner table gossip in the capital. The ‘Three Obsessions’ were painting-obsessed Qian Luo, craftsman-obsessed Kong Qi, and love-obsessed Yu Qingluo – some praised, some criticized. As for the ‘Three Perfections’, they were zither perfection Yi Ruoqing, chess perfection Xie Yunmeng, and calligraphy perfection Yu Qingluo. All three were renowned for their talent and regarded as models of the capital.

Among these, aside from Murong Ji and others who became famous for causing trouble, Yu Qingluo’s reputation was particularly thunderous.

Though Yu Qingluo wasn’t favored by Duke Dingguo, her diligence had earned her exceptional calligraphy skills, especially in copying handwriting. Yet her fame primarily stemmed from matters of love.

It was said that after a certain banquet, Yu Qingluo was rescued by the imperial eldest grandson, and from then on devoted herself to following him. Whether cleaning up his messes or composing poems and writings to help him impress other girls, Yu Qingluo never uttered a single complaint. Later, she naturally became the imperial grandson consort. After marriage, she became even more dignified and generous, even actively selecting suitable young men and women for the imperial eldest grandson according to his preferences. For this, she was called the ‘love-obsessed’ by capital residents.

However, at this time, Yu Qingluo was still just a pitiful orphan who had lost both parents, bullied and oppressed.

Just then, numerous noble young ladies and gentlemen emerged from the Viewing Pavilion. When their gazes fell upon Yu Qingluo, most revealed looks of disdain.

The young girl who had earlier angrily scolded Yu Qingluo wore bright, luxurious robes with intricate peony patterns embroidered on the hem. Jewelry adorned her, making her appear charming and lovely. Her features somewhat resembled Yu Qingluo’s, but the arrogance between her brows made her seem aggressive.

Seeing everyone come out, Yu Qingfan shouted even more vigorously, directly pointing at Yu Qingluo’s nose and scolding: Did you secretly follow my carriage here! You’re completely disgracing our Yu family! Must you let everyone know you’re a Star of Solitude and Calamity!

Qingfan! Noticing the scrutinizing gazes of the noble young ladies, Fan Ruolin gently pulled her companion Yu Qingfan, then approached the silent Yu Qingluo, whispering, Yu Qingluo, you should go back first. You definitely won’t feel comfortable here.

Yu Qingluo looked up at them, her face expressionless, and calmly replied with two words: Not going.

Not going?! Yu Qingfan angrily grabbed Yu Qingluo’s arm, forcefully pulling her toward the staircase while pinching her harshly several times. Damn Star of Solitude and Calamity, can’t you understand human speech! Get lost and go back already!

Seeing this, Yan Qing frowned slightly and was about to speak up to stop them when he suddenly remembered the imperial eldest grandson.

But when he looked back, he discovered the previously enthusiastic white dumpling had disappeared without trace, and even Yan Jingquan was nowhere to be found.

—

Meanwhile, Murong Ji was crouching in a corner of the public viewing platform, intently watching a child solve a nine-linked puzzle.

Yan Jingquan, who disliked watching women’s troublesome affairs, had directly followed him over. But upon seeing the nine-linked puzzle in the child’s hands, his headache only worsened.

He tugged at Murong Ji’s sleeve. This worthless thing isn’t worth looking at. Let’s go back to watch the Dragon Boat race!

But Murong Ji paid no attention, squatting down directly to point at the nine-linked puzzle in the child’s hand, her tone certain: This part is wrong. You’ve gotten it stuck again.

The child’s squatting posture was quite similar to Murong Ji’s. Hearing her voice, the child looked up, blinking small bean-like eyes that shone with clear yet foolish innocence. The chubby cheeks looked very pinchable, but Murong Ji couldn’t bring herself to do it because two streams of unidentified fluid hung beneath the child’s nose.

Ugh! Snot-nosed brat!

The snot-nosed brat stared blankly at her for two seconds, then handed over the nine-linked puzzle: If you’re so good, you try.

Murong Ji snorted lightly, immediately taking the puzzle and beginning to solve it. Her small hands flew with such dexterity that Yan Jingquan stared in amazement.

Before long, it was completely solved.

Murong Ji stood up, striking a bossy pose with hands on hips: No need to thank me!

Yan Jingquan couldn’t help but exclaim: I never knew you had this skill!

The little snot-nosed brat’s eyes sparkled like stars: So amazing!

When confined to bedrest while accompanying her father in Prince Chu’s mansion, they would play with these toys to pass the time. Murong Ji had become so proficient she could solve them with her eyes closed.

Now whenever she saw a nine-linked puzzle, her hands itched to solve it, and this time she hadn’t been able to resist.

Murong Ji waved her hand, preparing to leave, but unexpectedly found herself grabbed by a hand.

The sticky sensation on her hand instantly froze Murong Ji in place.

The little snot-nosed brat’s voice was bursting with excitement: I’m Kong Qi! What’s your name? Can you teach me?

Kong Qi – the youngest legitimate grandson of the Kong family’s great scholar.

Barely suppressing the urge to beat the child black and blue, Murong Ji squeezed out words through gritted teeth: Yan, Jing, Quan, get, me, out, of, here.

Though unsure why, Yan Jingquan obediently hauled Murong Ji away.

Leaving Kong Qi behind wiping his nose, then squatting down again to reassemble the nine-linked puzzle.

Fortunately, Ziyun returned at that moment. Seeing her young master’s constipated expression and the despised chubby hand, Ziyun quickly took out a silk handkerchief and approached.

After thorough cleaning and wiping, Murong Ji finally felt much better.

Yan Jingquan couldn’t help laughing: Murong Ji, you’re too tolerant! If it were me, I’d have beaten him up long ago.

Murong Ji remained emotionally stable: That’s why you’re not me.

All cleaned up? Let’s hurry to watch the Dragon Boat race. This time I’ll definitely beat you!

Wait,

Murong Ji suddenly remembered her original purpose for coming out.

Earlier, she had been distracted by the little snot-nosed brat nearby. Fortunately, the noisy commotion outside the pavilion continued – she could still catch the excitement.

When they went out, they saw Lu Ningke blocking a girl dressed in plain white clothes, preventing her from entering the viewing platform. Though the young nobles from prominent families remained silent, they clearly shared the same intention. Xie Yunmeng stood nearby, both comforting an enraged young girl and instructing people to escort the plainly dressed girl away.

Murong Ji walked directly over: What’s happening, sisters?

Because of her connection with Murong Wan, Fan Ruolin felt closer to the imperial eldest grandson and thus explained what had happened earlier.

After listening, Murong Ji quickly understood the conflicts among these children.

In summary, Yu Qingluo had lost both parents, the old Duke Dingguo paid no attention to affairs, and the current Dingguogong heir’s lineage bullied the orphaned girl, even labeling her with the infamous title Star of Solitude and Calamity. This led the younger generation to follow suit and collectively mistreat Yu Qingluo.

How tragic.

But this had nothing to do with Murong Ji. She waved her hand and directly instructed the attendant, The Fifth Noble Consort has decreed that no disturbances are allowed within Bright Moon Tower. Since she has disrupted everyone’s enjoyment, escort her out properly.

Upon hearing this, Yan Qing frowned in confusion.

The other noble young ladies and gentlemen, however, nodded in agreement.

Exactly! With a Star of Solitude and Calamity here, how can we possibly enjoy ourselves?

Quickly take her out—who even let her in?

She must have shamelessly sneaked in following the nobles!

For someone who’s the legitimate granddaughter of Duke Dingguo, she’s utterly shameless—not even fit to compare to a single hair of Qingfan!

…

Yu Qingfan finally revealed a smile, casting a contemptuous look at Yu Qingluo, who was under attack from the crowd.

Did you hear that, Star of Solitude and Calamity? Hurry up and get out!

By then, the attendant had already approached, but just as they were about to grab Yu Qingluo’s arm, the young girl suddenly lifted her head.

Her voice was clear and her tone calm. Though her expression remained neutral, her words pierced like sharp swords straight to the heart.

His Majesty has explicitly stated that during the Dragon Boat Racing, all imperial relatives and nobles may enter Bright Moon Tower. As the legitimate granddaughter of Duke Dingguo, why should I not be allowed to enjoy the view here? Is it merely because you are displeased? Or do your words hold more weight than the Emperor’s?

Murong Ji’s heart trembled slightly.

The other noble young ladies retorted in frustration,

Don’t speak recklessly! We… we just fear you’ll disrupt the tranquility of Bright Moon Tower!

How dare you make such wild accusations! No wonder Duke Dingguo dislikes you! You deserve it!

Attendant! Hurry up and take her out!

The attendant also thought this young girl was troublesome and was about to drag her out when they heard the Crown Prince’s eldest son’s voice.

Let her stay.

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