Silk carriages and horses, pear blossom bride, spring swallows cut through water. Four happiness patterns, teardrops sink, shallow waves leave no trace.
Before the gates of Zuo Mansion, Mo Zi waited quietly in the carriage for a response to their calling card, and a song reached her ears.
Though the voice was beautiful, the woman singing seemed unhappy—a wedding song devoid of any joy. But the listeners paid no mind; no one cared about the singer’s sorrow or happiness. Carriages and horses flowed like water, and the arriving guests were in high spirits.
A steward-like person came running over. Whether awed by Xiao Wei’s imposing bearing on horseback or because Old Lady Zuo’s letter had effect, his manner and words were extremely respectful.
“The master says that Young Master Bai is his honored guest and should properly be welcomed in person, but there is a banquet at the mansion today and he cannot leave for the moment. However, the master invites the young master to join the banquet, and when there is time during the feast, he will converse with you further.
We have followed instructions to add a seat for the honored guest. Please, young master.”
Mo Zi lowered her eyes and smiled secretly. Just as she wished—to slip into this boisterous scene. With Old Lady’s letter, the famously cautious Zuo Gu might lower his guard, making it easier to achieve her purpose.
“Our timing is unfortunate. Since Uncle extends such warm hospitality, Bai Yu would be disrespectful to refuse.” Having said this, Xiao Wei turned to address Mo Zi in the carriage. “Second Brother, alight from the carriage. Even if you’re too lazy to ride, you can’t very well ride in a carriage all the way into Uncle’s home.”
The steward quickly waved his hands. “Young master need not ask Second Young Master to dismount. The grounds inside are quite spacious, and the banquet is set up in the southwest corner. I’ll have the servants open the carriage path and lead you directly in.”
“We appreciate your trouble. After traveling such a long way, Second Brother is somewhat fatigued.” Though Xiao Wei spoke courteously, the noble pride between his brows was plainly displayed, his airs carried with supreme confidence.
Mo Zi thought to herself—had she inadvertently discovered Xiao Wei’s talent for acting? His lines came one after another, and his lies were accepted as perfectly natural. Then again, right now he was actually just playing himself. However, thanks to him, Zan Jin and Ding Gou could even bring their two swords inside. Earlier she’d noticed that the other guests brought at most one attendant inside, and all had surrendered their weapons at the gate beforehand. This courteous treatment was indeed Old Lady’s achievement.
The carriage traveled for two quarters of an hour when suddenly the sounds of bells, drums, zithers and flutes could be heard. Mo Zi looked out the carriage window to see a stretch of water reflections. Glass lamps floated on the water’s surface, outlining a building’s contours. With no walls on four sides, twelve great red pillars rose from the water to support a magnificent and imposing pavilion. Within the pavilion, flames danced in clusters—not large, but appearing warm.
Mo Zi alighted from the carriage. Today she wore long-absent men’s clothing—fine and beautiful garments. The cloud-white spring robe of brocade silk had hems that shaded from pale ink to deep purple from top to bottom in lotus flower dye. If someone with a sharp eye stared closely, they would discover the silk brocade wasn’t plain white, but woven from various shades of white thread forming flying willow leaves in a thousand different poses. Around the waist was tied a filigree silver belt with beautiful jade set in the center. The wide, long sleeves had hems adorned with small, small pearls that complemented her tall hairpin pearl crown.
This outfit had been purchased by the official surnamed Yuan and placed in her luggage.
The steward looked and couldn’t tear his eyes away, immediately praising in his heart. The older brother had dignified bearing, the younger brother extraordinary handsomeness—truly an excellent pair of brothers.
Mo Zi entered the pavilion on the water and finally understood just how extravagant it truly was.
The main roof beam was a whole purple sandalwood tree, the floor was huanghuali wood, and the lamps were ancient bronze vessels. The floor had waterways that not only separated the guests’ seating but also allowed maidservants to scoop water directly from them to brew tea and warm wine. The steward said this was the sweetest spring water, able to dispel the harsh heat of flames, and one could also hear the sound of gurgling water and even drink it directly. This water was continuously cycled in and out by specially-made water wheels, completely replaced every half hour.
However, she couldn’t find a single pear blossom.
“May I ask why it’s called the Spring Pear Banquet?” Could it be the name of this pavilion? She quite wanted to know.
“Spring Pear is a singing and dancing girl the master newly purchased. Today is her first performance, and the master specially invited everyone to appreciate her together. If the two young masters take a liking to her, you can also make the master an offer to buy her.” The steward chuckled and said, “I’ll give you both a hint—Spring Pear’s beauty rivals a celestial fairy descending to earth.”
“Highest bidder wins?” So they were auctioning off a woman? Mo Zi couldn’t help feeling disgusted.
“If many people like Miss Spring Pear, naturally it depends on who offers the highest price.” The steward didn’t notice Mo Zi’s repulsed expression and continued enthusiastically. “This woman was originally a courtesan flower, her entire being so seductive it could melt men’s bones.”
“We came only to pay a visit, for nothing else.” Xiao Wei also disliked this banquet that was essentially selling a person.
The steward acknowledged this and didn’t mention it further, leading the two to their seats.
Zan Jin, Ding Gou, and Xiao Wei’s two personal attendants sat at the secondary table, right behind Mo Zi and the others.
“Quite a few Daqiu people.” Mo Zi swept her gaze lightly across them. “I only hope Miss Spring Pear won’t fall into their hands, or life will be worse than death.” No matter how beautiful or excellent a Han woman might be, to them she could only be a plaything.
“What I’m curious about is, if she’s truly as beautiful as a celestial fairy, why doesn’t Zuo Gu keep her for himself?” Ding Gou said in a low voice.
“Zuo Gu isn’t particularly fond of beautiful women.
I suspect this banquet has an ulterior motive. Inviting all these people, perhaps the target is only one person.” Mo Zi boldly speculated. “Zuo Gu probably wants to curry favor with someone but can’t send a gift openly, or the other party hasn’t shown interest, so he’s having Spring Pear appear to see if she can hook them.”
“In any case, it has nothing to do with us.” Xiao Wei suddenly looked at Mo Zi. “Don’t go stirring up compassion again. If you want to save someone from the sea of suffering, first consider our own situation. In front of all these people, remember to restrain yourself and don’t attract unnecessary attention.”
This morning when she went out, she’d hauled back a family of three.
“I know.” Her father and brother had a notorious reputation as spies in this city. Although not many high officials had seen her, it wasn’t as if there were none. And on the other hand, there might also be acquaintances from the Daqiu side. That’s why she wore men’s clothing—to avoid being recognized.
When the guests were mostly seated, Mo Zi didn’t see anyone she recognized. Judging by clothing and appearance, Daqiu people made up sixty percent and all carried themselves arrogantly. However, the fact they would accept Zuo Gu’s invitation showed how skilled Zuo Gu was at maneuvering.
The music stopped, and the host arrived.
Zuo Gu was around forty years old, with a square head and large ears, broad forehead and graying temples, tall and sturdy build, slightly plump with middle age. He wore a beaming smile, his face glowing red, appearing extremely affable, except for the occasional fierce glint in his narrowed eyes.
Mo Zi knew, because their gazes met directly and she even returned a smile. Indeed, someone like Zuo Gu was very sensitive to unfamiliar faces in the venue and most likely already knew who they were.
Zuo Gu nodded slightly, acknowledging them.
He first spoke a few opening remarks—nothing fresh. Just telling everyone to eat and drink well, that the fine wine, fine dishes, and fine entertainment would get better and better as the evening progressed. Then the dancing girls took the stage. He went table by table toasting and chatting with the guests. The Daqiu people were quite close to him, clapping his shoulders and urging drinks, with continuous loud laughter.
“Zuo Gu has great skill.” Mo Zi watched as he was about to toast at their table and said to Xiao Wei, “The Daqiu people don’t even give Han officials the time of day, yet they treat him like a brother.” Her father and brother, despite being valued by the royal family, were always excluded from social circles.
“Perhaps it’s because those Daqiu people’s status isn’t high enough.” Xiao Wei was also observing.
“Not necessarily. Daqiu has strict regulations about clothing—from fabric, color, patterns, and accessories to hair ornaments, one can judge status. And if one’s birth is illustrious, they’ll wear ornaments carved with family totems. Among them, three people have jade pendants at their waists with patterns belonging to the Ke Na and Ma’er families. You already know about Ke Na. Add Duan Ge, and if these three family powers combine, even the Daqiu royal family would have to be wary.
Fortunately, guarding their respective interests, they can’t unite.” If there really was someone from the Duan Ge family in Yuling, then she’d stumbled upon them by sheer luck.
“There’s still a distinction between branch lines and main lines. Though Yuling is under Daqiu control, the situation is still chaotic. True main line members might not be willing to come risk danger.” Apart from slightly neater clothing, Xiao Wei couldn’t see how noble they were.
“That’s true. However, branch members using the main line’s name can be completely arrogant and rude in front of their captives, yet they clearly have an attitude of currying favor toward Zuo Gu. It seems having money is still good.”
Zuo Gu approached.
“You also have to see if one has the ability to hold onto that wealth. One word from the emperor, and all assets are confiscated—heads will still roll just the same.” Xiao Wei saw it very clearly.
So one must hide their wealth. Mo Zi wanted to say this, but Zuo Gu was already before them.
Xiao Wei stood up, bowed slightly in greeting, and called out “Uncle.”
His appearance was outstanding, his physique impressive, with natural presence. With this stance, he immediately attracted everyone’s attention. Several Daqiu young ladies gathered together whispering, then giggling softly.
Daqiu women viewed handsome men quite seriously—once they took interest, they would make the first move.
Mo Zi hid halfway behind Xiao Wei, letting him “charge into battle.” Most likely, in a moment some woman would come over to strike up a conversation. She should keep a low profile? How about he first rein in his noble young master bearing?
Zuo Gu temporarily set aside his doubts, smiling as he invited them to sit down and drank the wine Xiao Wei offered. “My mother did have a younger sister who married far away. We haven’t been in contact for many years—I didn’t expect her offspring to be so outstanding. You should have restored contact earlier.”
Xiao Wei lowered his eyes in agreement, then said, “It’s not too late now.”
Zuo Gu laughed heartily, seemingly genuinely happy. “Not late, not late. Both nephews should stay tonight. After the banquet disperses, I’ll chat with you in detail.” Having said this, he turned to instruct preparations for guest rooms and so forth.
Mo Zi watched the steward hurry off. Zuo Gu returned to the main table, and she complained, “We still have to stay at his house?”
“We’ll play it by ear.” Xiao Wei also didn’t want to spend the night.
“General Duan Geshou has arrived!” A servant outside loudly announced.
Mo Zi looked toward Zuo Gu and noticed a relaxed expression of “finally arrived” appear on his face. Could this Spring Pear Banquet have been arranged for this Duan Geshou? With this thought, she saw someone stepping onto the water bridge.
Narrow willow eyes, heroic brows, thin lips pressed tight, black hair draped over shoulders, a wide silver-blue band tied across the forehead, each ear wearing a purple phoenix stone the size of a small fingernail, dressed in a gray-blue robe with large lion-playing-ball patterns, feet in cowhide boots—imposing and awe-inspiring.
He seemed to be in a bad mood. Upon entering he looked at no one, staring directly at Zuo Gu. “Where is Spring Pear?”
Zuo Gu wasn’t afraid of this Daqiu general and said, “I already have the Grand Marshal’s order. Whether Spring Pear is sold or gifted is for me as her master to decide. If the general is interested, please first take a seat.” Having finished speaking, he clapped his hands.
The music changed to the wedding song from earlier.
A woman in a green water-gauze dress, with a dejected expression, singing the lyrics, slowly walked to the center.
When she could be seen clearly, Mo Zi was greatly shocked!