HCB Chapter 290 The Visit from the United States
Chapter 290 The Visit from the United States
Chapter 290 Visit from the United States
"As you just mentioned, to stand out in this competition, one must be at the top level in every aspect, including music, chess, calligraphy, painting, appearance, and physique," Zhou Hanzhang analyzed in detail.
“Indeed, I have full confidence in the girls in our workshop, but I am not entirely confident if we were to face off against Qin Xin.” Qianmian frowned slightly, revealing a hint of worry in his words.
"What's so difficult about that? Let me explain in detail."
Zhou Hanzhang then gave Qianmian a detailed explanation of the program that Diewuxuan was preparing, and, in combination with the characteristics of Hongyanfang's program, put forward a series of targeted improvement suggestions.
These suggestions cleverly incorporate modern elements, and compared to the traditional stage design of the Great Zhou Dynasty, winning the title of the most beautiful courtesan is undoubtedly a sure thing.
"However, to achieve such a stage effect, some necessary items still need to be prepared," Zhou Hanzhang added.
Qianmian readily agreed, "That's not a problem. Just tell me what I need to prepare, and you don't need to worry about the rest. As for the stage effects you mentioned, I guess you'll have to take a closer look."
"That's not difficult, but I'm a little worried..."
Before Zhou Hanzhang could finish speaking, Qianmian eagerly asked, "What are you worried about?"
"To be honest, the courtesan competition is about music, chess, calligraphy, painting, appearance, and figure. You can't fall short in any of them. I'm afraid I won't meet your requirements," Zhou Hanzhang frankly expressed his concerns.
Upon hearing this, Qianmian couldn't help but chuckle, "You're being too modest. If you can't even beat the courtesan, I really can't think of anyone who could deserve this honor."
Zhou Hanzhang wanted to say a few more humble words, but Qianmian interrupted her decisively, "You don't need to say anything more. If I say you can do it, you definitely can. When has my judgment of people ever been wrong?"
"If I really don't win, don't blame me then." Zhou Hanzhang felt it was better to make things clear beforehand.
"Of course not. I asked you to help in the first place. If I were to blame you, what kind of person would I be?" Qianmian's tone was full of determination.
Since Qianmian said so, Zhou Hanzhang felt relieved.
Since she had agreed to Qianmian's request, she naturally wanted to give it her all.
Recalling the wonderful performances she had seen on television, she thought to herself that perhaps she could incorporate those elements into the competition.
Without further ado, Zhou Hanzhang devoted almost all his time to rehearsals for the Red Beauty Pavilion, except for the occasional visit to Jiang Xinyi’s residence to discuss the reception arrangements for the United States with her father, the Minister of Rites.
The date for the competition between Tianan Academy and other academies has also been set, just one week after the "Competition of Beauties" concludes.
Fortunately, she and Jiang Mingyun were just hitchhiking, but even so, she couldn't stand idly by.
Therefore, during the day, when she is not going to see Minister Jiang, she is busy at the Red Beauty Pavilion; at night, she buries herself in her studies at home, so as not to be completely ignorant when the time comes and lose face for Tianan Academy.
Everything is proceeding at a rapid pace, and although there are many tasks, they are being arranged in a relatively orderly manner.
In the blink of an eye, half a month has quietly passed.
This day happened to be the day the United States had agreed to arrive.
Zhou Hanzhang had already informed Qianmian that she might not have much time to participate in rehearsals at Hongyanfang these next few days, and Qianmian expressed her understanding.
Early in the morning, Zhou Hanzhang waited with Minister Jiang and other officials from the Ministry of Rites.
Zhou Hanzhang never expected that the King of the United States would come in person this time.
She thought he would send an envoy to communicate, as usual.
It seems that the King of the United States must have received some definite information that Lisa is in the Great Zhou.
When the two countries meet, there will naturally be some polite greetings.
After this process was completed, Minister Jiang arranged for them to stay at an inn and informed them that the emperor had prepared a banquet for them that evening.
The King of the United States appears gentle and refined, exuding an elegance and composure unique to aristocrats.
His blond hair was meticulously combed, his eyes were deep and gentle, and a faint smile always lingered on his lips.
However, Zhou Hanzhang knew that beneath his charming appearance lay a twisted and morbid heart, because he had once shown a perverse possessiveness towards Lisa.
As Zhou Hanzhang and Minister Jiang were about to leave, the King of the United States called out to her, "Little Princess."
Zhou Hanzhang paused, and seeing that Minister Jiang had also stopped, the King of the United States spoke to him first: "Minister Jiang, I have some private words I would like to say to the young prince, is that alright?"
He glanced outside the door, the meaning of which was self-evident.
Minister Jiang looked at Zhou Hanzhang, who nodded to him. Only then did Minister Jiang leave, saying, "Then I'll wait for you outside."
He had already heard about the various misdeeds of the King of the United States from his wife, and when he saw how much he doted on his "Empress," he even doubted the truth of the matter.
To everyone's surprise, Zhou Hanzhang later told him that this "Empress" bore a striking resemblance to Princess Lisa.
At that moment, the image of the King of the United States in his mind was greatly diminished.
After Minister Jiang left, the King of the United States invited Zhou Hanzhang to sit down, saying, "Young Prince, please sit down."
“There’s no need for a seat. I need to return to the palace to prepare for tonight’s banquet. Everything requires our attention. If the King of the United States has anything to say, please feel free to speak frankly,” Zhou Hanzhang replied calmly.
Seeing this, the King of the United States pondered for a moment before speaking, "Actually, this matter is a family affair of mine."
Zhou Hanzhang felt a chill run down his spine; they had indeed arrived.
The King of the United States continued, “I have a younger sister who was tricked into leaving her hometown by villains. Over the years, I have sent people to search for her, but there has been no news of her. Recently, I heard that she seemed to have appeared in the capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty, so even though I have important matters to attend to at home, I decided to come here.”
Zhou Hanzhang listened quietly, and the King of the United States also paid attention to the expression on her face, but found that he could not see any clues on her face at all.
Seeing that Zhou Hanzhang did not respond, he continued, "My younger sister is a bit stubborn, and she must have suffered a lot over the years. Just thinking about it makes my heart ache."
Zhou Hanzhang saw an indescribable pain on his face, as if he was truly immersed in grief over Lisa's disappearance.
However, she had already heard about his many misdeeds and knew that his true colors were just a facade.
"So?" Zhou Hanzhang asked calmly.
"I hope the young prince can assist us in finding her in the capital. If we can find her, our nation is willing to offer our national treasure—alchemy—to the Great Zhou."