Tang Dynasty Little Godfather

Chapter 218 That's how arrogant he is.
Although it turned out to be a false alarm, Li Longji and Zhang Shuo had no intention of continuing to discuss state affairs. Seeing that it was getting late, Li Longji suggested that they discuss it again in the afternoon.

After leaving the Zichen Palace, Li Longji habitually went to rest at Consort Wu's place.

"His Majesty."

Consort Wu nestled in Li Longji's arms, her eyes sparkling, and asked softly, "Why hasn't Que'er come lately?"

Li Longji was somewhat puzzled by the question. "It hasn't been long. Que'er came by just two days ago. Why did you suddenly bring up Que'er, my dear consort?"

But as soon as he said that, he realized what he had said and chuckled, "It seems my beloved concubine also knows about that face mask?"

Consort Wu pursed her lips and nodded, then tentatively asked, "Even His Majesty knows about this, so I suppose Que'er must have sent some to his Empress Aunt."

While it's all about competition, when it comes to beauty and skincare, one must never act impulsively.

She was not young anymore, and naturally she worried about aging and losing Li Longji's favor. Therefore, she was more eager than most people to maintain her appearance.

She didn't even care about her appearance; she just applied the mask first.

Li Longji hurriedly said, "That's really not the case. In fact, I only just found out about it myself, and I learned it from the ministers. Although Que'er's visit last time was somewhat related to this matter, he didn't mention face masks, nor did he send any to the Empress."

"Is it?"

Consort Wu asked curiously, "That's strange. Que'er has always been very close to his Empress Aunt. Why doesn't he send some of these fine items to his Empress Aunt?"

Li Longji thought for a moment and suddenly felt strange, but said, "Perhaps he has been too busy lately and forgot. But it's alright, I will have Que'er send some to the palace another day."

Zhang family.

"My father-in-law is back."

Zheng Yi stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"Ah."

Zhang nodded, then suddenly looked around and asked, "Isn't Ling'er home?"

Zheng Yi said awkwardly, "She's throwing a tantrum inside."

Zhang hurriedly asked, "Did you two have a fight?"

Zheng Yi shook his head and said, "It wasn't an argument. She just wanted to go to Qingyun Temple to burn incense, but I thought that we should wait for my father-in-law to come back and make the decision, so I stopped her from going."

"Oh, so that's what it was about!"

Zhang sat down and chuckled, "Has she heard about that face mask too?"

Zheng Yi nodded.

Zhang asked curiously, "Why do you need me to come back and make a decision on such a trivial matter?"

Zheng Yi hesitated for a moment, then said, "I've heard that Qingyun Temple has a close relationship with Wuming Academy, so..."

Zhang chuckled and said, "I'm too busy with my own affairs to have time to get into a fight with the nameless academy. Although I can't say I'm a close friend of that nameless gentleman, I have no grudges against him either. As for what happened before, I was just stating the facts and not targeting anyone. So you shouldn't take it to heart."

Zheng Yi nodded and said, "If that's the case, then I can rest assured."

Zhang chuckled and said, "You really are muddle-headed. How could I, a dignified Grand Secretary, get into a fight with a commoner? Wouldn't that make us a laughingstock? You two can decide this matter yourselves."

Zheng Yi replied, "Yes, I understand."

Zhang asked curiously, "Does that face mask really work?"

Zheng Yi said, "Sister Yuan went there yesterday and said it was very effective, at least keeping my skin moisturized and radiant for a day, which is why I am so interested."

The wife mentioned in this picture is Yuan Shi.

Zhang said, "In that case, let her take the child to play. If she can't get a seat, let her mention my name."

Wangfu.

"Young master, the princess is back."

After saying that, Sister Hua turned around, swaying her plump body, and walked towards the lobby.

Wang Xi immediately glanced at Ashina Mi, "Mi'er, did you offend her again?"

Ashina Mi hurriedly said, "I dare not offend Daiyu."

She now follows Wang Xi and always refers to Sister Hua as Hua Daiyu behind her back.

"That's probably her period. We need to be careful lately and make sure we don't upset her." After saying that, Wang Xi pulled Ashina Mi to the main hall. "Mother, your child is back."

Princess Xue smiled and nodded, then beckoned, "Mi'er, come sit here."

"mother!"

Ashina Mi immediately went over and sat down next to Princess Xue.

Originally, Princess Xue only thought that this daughter-in-law was a good match in terms of social status and political benefits to the royal family. More importantly, she also put her mind at ease with Hongxiu. However, after spending these days together, she grew to like Ashina Mi more and more and treated her like her own daughter.

Wang Xi said dejectedly, "Mother, I also want to experience motherly love!"

"Interesting."

Sister Hua, standing to the side, shouted.

Wang Xi looked at Sister Hua speechlessly, "Hua Daiyu, what's wrong with you now? I didn't do anything to you."

"Oh, Princess, sometimes I really feel sorry for you!" Sister Hua sighed softly.

Princess Xue glanced at Hua Jie, a smile flashing in her eyes, and asked, "What do you mean?"

Sister Hua said, "Princess, you don't know this, but nowadays those ladies are really going to great lengths to go to the temple to burn incense, all for the sake of those beauty-enhancing face masks."

"I was going to go myself, to try and get some face masks for the princess, but I thought that since the young master was in charge of Qingyun Temple, he would bring some back. But who knew he hadn't even considered the princess? So, alas, I really don't know what to say."

That damned Hua Daiyu, she's at it again with her sarcastic remarks. Wang Xi suddenly realized what was going on.

Princess Xue sighed softly, "It's alright, it's alright. Sparrow hasn't caused any trouble lately, so I, as its mother, am quite content."

Sister Hua said, "That's true. Progress has to be made step by step. Perhaps in another ten years or so, the young master will understand filial piety. Fortunately, the princess is still young, so we can wait patiently."

Princess Xue smiled and nodded.

The two best friends were singing in unison, but even Ashina Mi, who was standing to the side, understood what they were saying. She tried her best to suppress her laughter, and her deep blue eyes secretly glanced at Wang Xi beside her.

Wang Xi was on the verge of tears. "Mother, you've been corrupted by Hua Daiyu. It's not that I haven't thought of you. If you want to try this face mask, you can go to the temple. Of course, you won't have to wait in line."

"Ouch!"

"Hua Daiyu, shut up."

Wang Xi glared at Hua Daiyu, then said to Princess Xue, "Mother, Qingyun Temple is saying that they don't sell face masks, and that the treatments can only be done at the temple. If I give you special treatment, it will be difficult for Qingyun Temple. After all, many of the people who come to the temple to burn incense are related to our family, so it will be hard to handle the situation."

Princess Xue asked, "Why can I only be cared for in the temple?"

It wasn't that she didn't want to go, but the problem was that she was a Buddhist. If she kept going to the temple, what would happen to her faith? She was also hoping that Wang Xi could bring some back so she could try it out.

Otherwise, Sister Hua wouldn't dare to be so sarcastic.

Wang Xi said, "First of all, it's to deal with my aunt. Didn't she want to cut off the supply of grapes to Wuming Academy? Now all her efforts have been in vain."

Furthermore, it's only polite to reciprocate. Many of my aunt's clients are wealthy women, and I'll be using the Taoist temple to influence her business. I'll let her experience what it's like to be arrogant.

"I see."

Princess Xue smiled and nodded.

It's clear that she didn't oppose Wang Xi doing this; in fact, she even seemed to support him to some extent.

After seeing this, Wang Xi understood the situation and decided to go all out. He continued, "Besides, this is a task assigned by His Majesty. I have to tell the Taoist stories well. If everyone stays at home and applies face masks, we won't be able to complete the task His Majesty entrusted to us."

"I see. Then let's just forget about it."

Princess Xue nodded and said, "Actually, Sister Hua meant well, but she didn't know there were so many hidden secrets involved."

"I know, and I dare not blame Hua Daiyu."

Wang Xi added, "However, Mother is naturally beautiful, and her skin is as tender as Mi'er's. When you go out, people will definitely think you are sisters, so you don't need face masks. Hua Daiyu could try it."

Princess Xue scolded, "Stop talking nonsense."

Sister Hua's face lit up with joy at first, but after a moment, she realized what was going on. She immediately put her hands on her hips and said angrily, "Young master, what do you mean by that? If you don't explain yourself clearly today, I'm not finished with you."

"Who made Sister Hua angry?"

Wang Shouyi walked in.

Wang Xi asked dejectedly, "Father, why are you still home?"

"Shut up."

Upon hearing this, Wang Shouyi felt a surge of heat throughout his body and glared fiercely at the brat.

Actually, Wang Xi had misunderstood him. He had originally planned to leave a couple of days earlier, but Zhang Jiazhen's departure had caused some instability in the Wang family's power in the court. The key issue was whether the Anye Bureau would investigate them and whether they would betray their own family for the greater good. Therefore, Wang Shouyi stayed a few more days, mainly to stabilize relations in the court, not to slack off. In fact, he was living a carefree and pleasure-seeking life outside, having several lovers in Luoyang alone.

Wang Xi pouted, "And all that effort I put in!"

"You little rascal, you're really something..."

"Father is back."

Just as Wang Shouyi was about to lose his temper, Ashina Mi suddenly stood up and bowed to Wang Shouyi.

Wang Shouyi quickly put on a smiling face and nodded kindly, but still glared at Wang Xi out of the corner of his eye. After sitting down, he said, "By the way, did you make those face masks at Qingyun Temple?"

Wang Xi nodded.

Wang Shouyi said, "My father's several friends!"

Wang Xi immediately replied, "Father, I didn't even send Mother off."

"You unfilial son, how dare you say that?" Wang Shouyi glared at him.

"It's not his fault."

Princess Xue quickly stopped Wang Shouyi, saying, "He is doing this to complete the task His Majesty has ordered."

Wang Xi, seemingly unfazed, added, "Unlike Father, I don't act on impulse. I have a strong sense of the bigger picture."

"You little brat, you're really asking for a beating today." Wang Shouyi was so angry that he was blowing his beard and glaring.

Princess Xue said, "Husband, you really should learn from Que'er in this respect."

Wang Shouyi looked at Princess Xue with a sullen expression.

Please give me some face.

Princess Xue quickly fell silent.

Wang Xi said, "Father, there is something else I need to tell you first."

Wang Shouyi said, "Spit it out if you have something to say."

Wang Xi said, "Our winery has enough grapes this year. If we can't sell our grapes, please don't ask me for help. I will definitely not take them."

"Why would I beg you?"

Wang Shouyi shouted, "Even if all those grapes rot on the ground, I won't beg you for anything."

He added in his mind, "I'll only go after my little sister. You two fight it out, whoever wins, I'll get my revenge. Neither of you are good people, hahaha!"
I'm angry!

Just like the thick smoke billowing from Qingyun Temple, it was a real fire!
But it wasn't because of the opera, it was because of the face mask.

Amazing face mask.

It is clear that women's love of beauty is something that has existed since ancient times and is ingrained in their very bones.

The news spread like wildfire, and soon everyone knew that the face mask really could nourish the skin and make it instantly moisturized. So everyone rushed to Qingyun Temple, as if being even a second late would be disrespectful to women.

This had never happened before.

This phenomenon immediately caused a great sensation.

However, this is something most people would not want to see.

After Wang Xi and his group's series of capricious actions last time, such as suddenly severing cooperation with all restaurants, Wuming Academy has recently become very unpopular. Many people who previously supported Wuming Academy now dislike it very much because of the sudden interruption of the charity performance.

Before this, everyone worked hard to support the Jiaofang (a music and dance academy), or Pingkangfang (another music and dance academy), in preparing for the opera performance.

That truly shows that everyone is united in their efforts.

Just when it seemed that the nameless academy was on its last legs, it suddenly unleashed a powerful attack.

A face mask became a favorite among all the noblewomen of Chang'an, who vied to collaborate with the Nameless Academy and sell grapes to them.

This made everyone very unhappy.

But the face mask was something they couldn't refute, because the effect was too obvious. Although it didn't completely change the skin, the moisturization was definitely visible to the naked eye after applying it.

We can't just do nothing and let the nameless academy continue to be so arrogant.

However, they quickly found a point of contention: the TV series "100,000 Whys". Qingyun Temple stated that the face mask was based on Taoist knowledge, which specifically studies the laws governing the changes of all things, and the TV series "100,000 Whys" tells about this knowledge.

Based on all this, as long as gravity is refuted, then face masks can be refuted.

This immediately sparked a great deal of discussion and controversy.

It's like how people in later generations only like to discuss Chinese literature and not math, physics, or chemistry.

Anchangfang.

Guang Sheng reported, "Madam, please rest assured, this is just a misunderstanding. It's mainly because of that Third Sister Yuan. She loves face masks. In order to curry favor with Qingyun Temple, she claimed that she wanted to cooperate with them and sell her family's grapes to Wuming Academy. However, Uncle Yuan stopped her. The Yuan family will not sell grapes to Wuming Academy."

Lady Zixia asked, "What about the other families?"

Guang Sheng hesitated for a moment, then sighed, "Some families that are not so close to us may be beyond our control."

Lady Zixia clenched her fists, her expression somewhat unpleasant.

Whether it's grapes or not is secondary; the key issue is that it's somewhat embarrassing. Just one face mask caused her siege plan to fail.

If she had known the situation was like this, she would never have done it.

This was a significant blow to her personally.

The large families, including the Yuan family, gave her so much support, but she got nothing in return. It will be very difficult to get their support in the future.

Just then, a servant came to the door and said, "Reporting to Madam, the young master of the Wang family has arrived."

Lady Zixia immediately said, "Tell me I'm not home."

At this moment, the last person she wanted to see was Wang Xi.

Before she could finish speaking, someone outside called out, "Auntie! Auntie! It's me, Que'er. I know you're home. I saw your carriage."

Lady Zixia had a headache and said, "Let him in."

After saying that, she instructed Guang Sheng, "No matter what that kid says later, don't take it to heart."

A moment later, Wang Xi rushed into the hall, bowed respectfully, and said breathlessly, "Que'er greets Aunt."

"How come the sparrow has time to come to her aunt's place?"

Lady Zixia sat gracefully on the couch and said with a smile.

Wang Xi hurriedly said, "Que'er has come to tell Auntie some very important news."

As expected. Lady Zixia, feigning curiosity, asked, "What news?"

Wang Xi said, "Right now, there are many people vying to send grapes to Wuming Academy, which is really troubling Que'er, as she doesn't know whose grapes to choose."

Madam Zixia laughed and said, "So, Que'er is here to annoy her aunt again."

Wang Xi nodded repeatedly, "That's right, that's right, but it seems that Auntie isn't very angry."

Madam Zixia laughed and said, "This little thing is not enough to make Auntie angry."

"Is it?"

Wang Xi scratched his chin, blinked, and chuckled, "Auntie, don't worry. Que'er will send someone to spread the word that next year, the Beauty Wine will be sold in various restaurants. Oh, except for Zhang Baishou's shop. Why am I doing this? It's simple. This year, I won't buy any grapes from any family related to you, including my own. That way, their grapes won't fetch a good price, and they'll come asking you what's going on."

What will Auntie say to them then? Oh dear, I'm really worried about Auntie!

Madam Zixia smiled slightly and said, "Sparrow, as the art of war says, an arrogant army is bound to be defeated. Your current smugness may lead you to repeat the mistake your aunt made back then."

The implication is that they are admitting their failure.

There's no way to besiege it. The noble ladies are all vying to curry favor with Qingyun Temple. If they could cooperate with Wuming Academy, they might be able to use this face mask every day.

That would be so awesome!

Wang Xi immediately said, "Que'er is different from your aunt. Your aunt was arrogant and conceited back then, but Que'er is confident now. This is just the beginning. It's rare that your aunt is willing to play with Que'er. Que'er will definitely cherish this opportunity and will never let your aunt fall down so easily. Let's take it slow, hahaha!"

As he finished speaking, he put his hands on his hips, looked up, and burst into laughter.

Arrogant!

Extremely arrogant!

P.S.: Taking leave during the Chinese New Year was purely out of necessity. It's not that I'm being lazy. If I had a choice, I would rather stay home and write than go out to visit relatives. For a homebody like me, these social obligations are really tiring, especially since I don't drink alcohol, which makes it even more tiring. But there's really no other way. I'm getting old, and I can't control my own life. From the second day of the Lunar New Year until today, I haven't finished visiting all my relatives. I also have invitations from my childhood friends and classmates. I'll just keep going with one update for now.

Please forgive me.

(End of this chapter)