Chapter 158

"Marquis Wenguan..."

Huan'er stammered, unable to say anything but those three words for a long while, repeating them over and over—her expression suggested her mind was utterly blank.

"What about Wenguan Hou?"

Tong Wan'er asked in confusion.

Zhong Xin covered her mouth in shock: "Could it be that Wenguan Hou found out we're secretly performing his elegant prose, and has come to scold us?"

Huan'er paused, then hesitated: "Wenguan Hou has indeed arrived, but he doesn't seem to be here to reprimand us—he came with Young Master He Zixuan, and they were laughing and chatting as if they know each other."

"Really?"

Wang Huachu looked utterly incredulous.

Although they had lived here for some time and heard rumors that He Zixuan held a powerful status in the capital, the fact that he could speak with Wenguan Hou—and even bring him here—was far beyond what they had imagined.

Tong Wan'er blinked her large eyes, stunned: "If Wenguan Hou has really come, shouldn't we dress up? Maybe we can catch a glimpse of him."

"Would that be allowed?" Wang Huachu asked eagerly.

"Why not? We'll just pretend we're strolling around—maybe we'll bump into Wenguan Hou. I don't care what anyone says, I'm definitely going to take a look."

Zhong Xin declared boldly.

"No, no, no," Huan'er waved her hands frantically. "Young Master He Zixuan ordered everyone in the mansion to return to their quarters and not wander anywhere."

"Ah, what a shame."

Tong Wan'er pouted and shook her head.

Wang Huachu nodded slightly: "That makes sense. Everyone would want to see Wenguan Hou—if we didn't forbid it, they'd all rush over."

Zhong Xin sighed heavily: "Then we can't go out to see Wenguan Hou after all."

"We can see Wenguan Hou."

Huan'er nodded firmly. Seeing the three women turn to her, she explained: "Just now, Young Master He Zixuan said he'll be coming over here soon."

"What?"

"They're coming here?"

"Will Wenguan Hou come too?"

The three women looked at her with eager anticipation.

Huan'er tilted her head: "From what Young Master He Zixuan implied, he'll probably come—but whether he will or not, I'm not sure. He just said the three of you should prepare."

Zhong Xin raised an eyebrow and smiled: "If that's the case, Wenguan Hou will definitely come—otherwise, Young Master He Zixuan wouldn't have specifically told us three to get ready."

Tong Wan'er smiled gently: "Then what are we waiting for? Let's hurry and prepare."

Wang Huachu unconsciously smiled and blurted: "Huan'er, I want to braid two small pigtails—what do you think? Will this outfit be inappropriate to meet Wenguan Hou?"

In the spacious boudoir, three women sat before their dressing tables, carefully adorning themselves.

Zhong Xin asked curiously: "Do you think, since He Zixuan and Wenguan Hou are so close, that the elegant prose 'Dream of the Red Chamber' we're performing was suggested by Wenguan Hou himself?"

"Zhong Jiejie, now that you mention it, it might really be."

Tong Wan'er nodded vigorously in agreement.

Wang Huachu smiled: "I think so too. Without Wenguan Hou's permission, no one would dare perform his elegant prose."

As the three women hurriedly prepared, Huan'er glanced back and gasped: "Oh no—Wenguan Hou has arrived!"

"We're done—my hair isn't done yet!"

"Huan'er, quick, quick—forget the braids, there's no time!"

"Why did he come so fast? I'm not ready at all!"

Amid the frantic scramble of the four women, Lu Fang and He Zixuan had already entered the pavilion's side hall. He Zixuan frowned: "What's going on? Didn't I tell them ahead of time to prepare? Why aren't they out yet?"

Lu Fang picked up some fish food and tossed it in, murmuring: "Women."

He Zixuan joked: "Looks like you understand women well."

Not long after, Wang Huachu and the other three women approached with small, hurried steps. Tong Wan'er's large eyes never left Lu Fang's back.

Zhong Xin curtsied with a smile, her alluring, watery eyes boldly fixed on Lu Fang.

Wang Huachu, by nature reserved, merely cast a quick glance at Lu Fang before lowering her head.

"How are you all getting along here?"

Lu Fang turned and asked.

"Fine."

"Wenguan Hou, greetings."

"It's really Wenguan Hou!"

The three women reacted differently.

Zhong Xin gathered courage, stepped forward, and curtsied again, smiling: "Wenguan Hou, I read your elegant prose every single day—it's truly magnificent. We're so lucky to meet you in person."

Lu Fang smiled and nodded: "I'm glad to see you. Don't be nervous—we've actually met several times before."

"Huh? Wenguan Hou, are you mistaken? We've never met you before. But I do love your elegant prose—I read it almost every night before bed."

Tong Wan'er blinked her innocent, wide eyes.

Wang Huachu finally raised her head to study Lu Fang, curious: "I also don't remember ever meeting you, Wenguan Hou."

Lu Fang didn't answer, but smiled: "I've read all three of your analyses of the characters in 'Dream of the Red Chamber.' I can tell you've put real effort into them."

Zhong Xin nodded eagerly: "Wenguan Hou, you know we're performing your elegant prose 'Dream of the Red Chamber'?"

Lu Fang nodded: "Of course. I instructed Young Master He to find you three. Your appearances and demeanors are perfect—I've already assigned each of you your roles."

"Really?"

"That's wonderful!"

"Who are we playing?"

The three women stared at Lu Fang with eager anticipation.

Lu Fang smiled at Tong Wan'er: "After all these days analyzing 'Dream of the Red Chamber,' which character do you like the most?"

Tong Wan'er hesitated: "If I had to choose, I'd say Shi Xiangyun."

Lu Fang smiled and nodded: "Just as I thought. Starting today, you'll focus solely on analyzing and imitating Shi Xiangyun's mannerisms and speech."

"Wonderful!"

Tong Wan'er jumped up in delight.

Lu Fang turned to Zhong Xin: "And you? Which character do you like best?"

Zhong Xin swallowed, her gaze bold and unwavering as she looked at Lu Fang: "Wenguan Hou, may I play Wang Xifeng?"

"Of course." Lu Fang smiled and nodded.

In truth, he had already decided: Tong Wan'er's lively personality and appearance closely matched the description of Shi Xiangyun from his past life, so he approved of her for the role.

Zhong Xin's personality and looks were equally clear.

When he first saw her, he had intended her to portray You Erjie—her demeanor and appearance were undeniably alluring.

But then he realized her temperament didn't suit that role at all.

Instead, she was a perfect match for the sharp-tongued Wang Xifeng—and her age fit as well, so the decision was made.