After paying the entrance fee for the tea party, they entered the courtyard. Inside the room warmed by burning charcoal, seven or eight guests were seated, drinking tea and chatting, their spirits high.
Six colorfully dressed dancing girls wearing thin gauze skirts swayed gracefully, twirling their slender waists and full hips.
Xu Qi An scanned the room but didn’t see the flower of the brothel – the lady who was a proper young miss in public but seductive in private.
Tea parties weren’t just for drinking games; there were also performances like music and dance. The top courtesan didn’t always appear to entertain guests.
Similarly, guests needed some “free space.” While drinking games were fun, they weren’t conducive to private conversations.
Some guests came in groups to drink and socialize. At such times, they needed some freedom to interact on their own.
The three of them took their seats. Song Tingfeng shrugged and smiled with narrowed eyes, “It seems Miss Fuxiang doesn’t plan to entertain guests tonight.”
Xu Qi An asked, “Why do you say that?”
Song Tingfeng explained, “Tea parties have limited time. Usually, a group of guests stays for at most an hour, then either books the next session or leaves. And to fully enjoy drinking games, you need about an hour too.”
“So this batch of guests won’t be playing drinking games, which means Fuxiang won’t appear…” Xu Qi An nodded, indicating he had learned something new.
As one dance ended, the dancers took a short break.
A young man in a light cyan scholar’s robe stood up, raising his cup and looking around, “Is Yang Ling here? Yang Gongzi?”
He asked three times, but no one responded. Disappointed, he sat down.
At a nearby table, a middle-aged man dressed like a wealthy merchant asked curiously, “Brother, who is this Yang Ling?”
“‘Slanting shadows cross the shallow, clear water; A subtle fragrance floats in the air as the moon rises at dusk.'” The young scholar in cyan slightly raised his chin, “Have you heard of it?”
“It sounds familiar,” the wealthy-looking middle-aged man recalled after a moment.
“Of course, when this poem came out, it was hailed by contemporary scholars as the greatest quatrain about plum blossoms in history. Even people like you must have heard of it,” the young scholar proudly raised his head. “Only we scholars can compose such exquisite lines.”
The wealthy-looking middle-aged man asked, puzzled, “Then why is the young master looking for someone here?”
As they conversed, nearby guests stopped their chatter to listen.
“Because this immortal verse was born right here in the Yingmei Pavilion. The poem was gifted by Yang Gongzi to Miss Fuxiang, comparing her to a plum blossom. Their beauty complemented each other – truly a brilliant thought.”
“No wonder Yingmei Pavilion has been so crowded with guests lately. No wonder Miss Fuxiang rarely appears.”
“Indeed, I heard Miss Fuxiang hardly entertains guests anymore.”
“‘Slanting shadows cross the shallow, clear water; A subtle fragrance floats in the air as the moon rises at dusk’… What a beautiful poem. I’d love to meet Miss Fuxiang and that talented scholar.”
Hearing this, the young man in cyan sighed with regret, “That Yang Gongzi only appeared once in the entertainment district, then vanished without a trace. The Imperial College sent people to look for him at the Changle County School, but they found no such person.”
“How strange!” everyone exclaimed in surprise.
The young scholar in cyan said helplessly, “I come to Yingmei Pavilion every day just to wait for him. Not just me, scholars all over the capital want to meet him.”
Song Tingfeng clicked his tongue, “Well, it seems Miss Fuxiang is no longer someone we can aspire to.”
Zhu Guangxiao also sighed.
Did I inadvertently drive up the price? Xu Qi An lowered his head to drink tea, feeling guilty.
Song Tingfeng looked at his new colleague and said, “Too bad you’re good at solving cases but not at writing poetry. If you could write an immortal verse like Yang Ling, Miss Fuxiang would throw herself at you.”
“Throw herself at me?!” Xu Qi An caught the key point.
“Haven’t you heard the romantic stories circulating about courtesans and poor scholars? When a poor scholar occasionally composes a fine verse for a courtesan, her value skyrockets. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement. Those young scholars who become famous are pursued and flattered by courtesans.
“Not only do they not have to pay, but the courtesans are even willing to pay them. The Purple Yang Resident of Yunlu Academy was quite talented in poetry back then. After becoming the top scorer in the imperial exams, he lingered in the entertainment district for three months without spending a single coin,” Song Tingfeng explained.
Zhu Guangxiao nodded in agreement.
Song Tingfeng noticed his new colleague staring wide-eyed, as if greatly shocked or hearing incredibly exciting news. His breathing even quickened.
A serving girl who had been attending to guests suddenly left her post, stared at Xu Qi An for a few seconds, then ran out of the room, unable to contain her excitement.
Soon after, the elaborately dressed top courtesan made her entrance, her long skirt trailing behind her, the exquisite ornaments in her black hair complementing her beautiful face.
Her dress was just the right thickness, neither bulky nor revealing, accentuating her mature, shapely figure without appearing overly seductive.
Compared to when Xu Qi An first met her, her attire was noticeably more refined. She looked less like a courtesan from the entertainment district and more like a socialite of some status and renown.
Miss Fuxiang’s enchanting eyes swept over the guests, pausing briefly on Xu Qi An.
“Oh, Fuxiang just looked at me,” Song Tingfeng was slightly shocked.
Zhu Guangxiao glanced at him, straightened his back, and said competitively, “She was looking at me.”
After greeting the guests, Fuxiang said in a soft voice, “This humble one will dance to enhance the mood for our esteemed guests.”
The guests were delighted, not expecting the most popular courtesan in the entertainment district to make an appearance.
More perceptive guests thought deeper: Fuxiang was known for her mastery of both zither and poetry, not dance. Why was she choosing to dance today?
“With that figure, if only she could dance ‘Pure Land of Bliss’ for me…” Xu Qi An appreciated the graceful dance while letting his imagination run wild.
As the dance ended, Fuxiang drank a cup of wine, her cheeks flushed as she took her leave.
Song Tingfeng smiled, “It was worth it.”
Zhu Guangxiao nodded.
Song Tingfeng raised his cup, gesturing to Xu Qi An, “Miss Fuxiang rarely dances. She often plays the zither, but for you, a newcomer to the entertainment district, to see her dance – the money was well spent.”
Xu Qi An raised his cup in return, “If only I could spend the night in her room.”
Song Tingfeng laughed heartily.
Zhu Guangxiao shook his head slightly.
Just as Song Tingfeng finished laughing, a serving girl approached and said, “Yang Gongzi, my mistress invites you to her room for tea.”
Song Tingfeng and Zhu Guangxiao looked at Xu Qi An in bewilderment, their expressions gradually freezing.
Xu Qi An patted Song Tingfeng’s shoulder, “See you at the gate at dawn tomorrow.”
Bang… The young scholar in cyan suddenly stood up, his face showing shock and wild joy. He called out, “Yang Gongzi, are you Yang Ling? Are you Yang Ling? Brother Yang, Brother Yang… I am Du Ying…”
Xu Qi An stopped, cupped his hands towards him, then left with the serving girl.
Yang Ling… The guests in the room stared wide-eyed, and several scholars in robes were overjoyed.
Song Tingfeng and Zhu Guangxiao exchanged silent glances: “???”
…
In the warm bedroom, behind the screen was a bathtub.
Xu Qi An soaked in the hot water filled with flower petals, exhaling contentedly.
Wearing thin gauze, her skin fair and her figure outstanding, Fuxiang knelt beside the tub to serve him, her soft hands massaging his body.
“It’s been a few days, and the young master has become even more handsome,” the top courtesan admired Xu Qi An’s strong physique, her bright eyes unable to look away.
The previous Xu Qi An had been handsome, but today, though his appearance hadn’t changed, he exuded an indescribable aura.
“As long as you like it, my changes are worthwhile,” Xu Qi An raised an eyebrow.
Fuxiang’s pretty face flushed, showing shy delight.
She spoke with a resentful tone, “You just say nice things to deceive me. Young master doesn’t care for me.”
What man could hold her all night without doing anything?
The top courtesan woke up the next day with serious doubts about her charm.
“I was quite tired that day…” Xu Qi An thought to himself that this excuse sounded like something a man in his forties or fifties would say.
He immediately changed the subject, asking, “Are you cold?”
The courtesan nodded at once, pouting, “Cold~~”
“If you’re cold, let’s bathe together.” Xu Qi An pulled her into the tub.
Splash…
An unexpected shriek.
Fuxiang lay in Xu Qi An’s arms, coyly saying, “You’re naughty.”
She sat on Xu Qi An’s stomach, her arms around his neck, chatting idly and asking him about poetry.
Though Xu Qi An was a fraud, he had memorized many poems. Occasionally reciting a few lines made the courtesan flush with excitement.
“By the way, has Yang Gongzi heard about Minister Zhou’s dismissal and exile?” Her seemingly casual question put Xu Qi An on alert.
“I’ve heard. It seems he was impeached by the Marquis of Weiwo,” Xu Qi An replied.
The courtesan raised her alluring face, gazing at him, and chuckled lightly, “It seems it was because Zhou Gongzi couldn’t let go and abducted the Marquis of Weiwo’s concubine-born daughter.”
“So beauty is indeed a bone-scraping knife,” Xu Qi An said, half surprised and half sighing.
As an experienced criminal investigator, no one could easily extract information from him. However, Fuxiang might have become suspicious.
What a coincidence that right after talking about the old story, Zhou Li made a move on the Marquis of Weiwo’s concubine-born daughter… Well, it might not be suspicion, but she was certainly curious.
I need to increase this woman’s affection for me, make her wholeheartedly inclined towards me, in case she mentions me to some official one day…
“Watching you dance earlier, I was suddenly inspired and came up with a few lines…” Xu Qi An held the beauty’s fragrant shoulders and recited, “Jeweled hairpins and cloudy hair shatter to the beat, blood-colored silk gown stained with spilled wine. This year’s laughter continues to next year, autumn moons and spring winds pass carelessly by.”
This year’s laughter continues to next year, autumn moons and spring winds pass carelessly by… Tears welled up in the courtesan’s eyes as she sobbed softly, “Is the young master piercing my heart? How cruel you are.”
After bathing, the two lay on the luxurious couch. Xu Qi An flipped through an album placed by the pillow.
The courtesan’s brown eyes were as dark and moist as a fawn’s in the forest. Her face flushed a beautiful peach color, shy yet willing to be plucked like a ripe fruit.
Her exquisite features, voluptuous figure, and flawless skin made her like a jade beauty.
“What does this mean?” Xu Qi An glanced at her, raising the album in his hand.
Fuxiang bit her lip, not daring to answer.
Do you think I’m a virgin who needs education? Xu Qi An sneered and tossed the album aside.
That night, the courtesan’s bed shook until midnight.
…
The next morning at dawn, Xu Qi An, dressed by the slightly haggard beauty, had breakfast and bid farewell to the affectionate Fuxiang.
The head maid serving Fuxiang looked at him this morning with adoring eyes, making Xu Qi An feel proud and elated.
Leaving Yingmei Pavilion’s courtyard, he saw his two spirited colleagues at the gate.
They didn’t ask me for money… Ah, I don’t want to freeload, but the beauty’s favor is too heavy… Xu Qi An said in a light tone, “Good morning, you two.”
As the three walked side by side out of the entertainment district’s alley, Song Tingfeng narrowed his eyes and couldn’t help asking at parting, “Miss Fuxiang… how was she?”
Even the usually quiet Zhu Guangxiao looked over.
Xu Qi An gazed ahead, with three parts arrogance and three parts roguishness, the corner of his mouth curling up: “That girl… was very moist!”
…
After buying several bolts of silk in the inner city, Xu Qi An rented a carriage to rush back to the Xu residence.
Second Uncle Xu had taken the day off to stay home and await his news. Xu Xinnian also hadn’t gone to study, lacking the mood.
Only when Xu Qi An had servants bring in the silk did the family feel relieved.
Xu Qi An didn’t explain much, just pointed at the silk and smiled, “For making clothes for aunt and the girls.”
His aunt was still holding a grudge. She raised her sharp, snow-white chin and snorted.
The little bean tugged at his trousers, trying to climb up, shouting, “Big brother, big brother, I saw sister crying secretly yesterday.”
The oval-faced Xu Lingyue blushed deeply.
In front of the family, it wasn’t appropriate to show too much intimacy. Xu Qi An just smiled at the beautiful young girl, then kicked the little bean into the air like a shuttlecock and caught him in his arms.
His aunt was startled, while the little bean laughed heartily without a care.
Second Uncle was stunned, “You’ve entered the Qi Refining realm.”
After getting Xu Qi An’s confirmation, Second Uncle smiled with fatherly pride.
In the study, Xu Qi An briefly explained to Second Uncle and Erlang what had happened.
Father and son were both frightened in retrospect.
Xu Xinnian scrutinized his cousin, “Why would the Princess Royal have someone follow you?”
I’d like to know too… Xu Qi An offered a guess: “Maybe because I was the only outsider at the academy that day?”
The Princess Royal was also at the academy when the anomaly occurred at the Sage’s School. She couldn’t ignore this matter, so monitoring the only outsider present that day seemed reasonable.
Xu Xinnian said gravely, “The Princess Royal is very deep. Not only has she studied at Yunlu Academy for years, but she also has a half-master-disciple relationship with Wei Yuan. Her chess skills are superb. Recommending you as a night watchman was certainly not a casual move.
“If the Princess summons you in the future, don’t be surprised. Remember to be cautious in dealing with her.”
Xu Qi An nodded.
Able to be so valued and feared by the proud Xu Cifu, this Princess Royal must not be a simple character.
Having finished speaking, Xu Xinnian suddenly raised his chin and said, “I’ve entered the Body Cultivation realm.”
I’ve also become an 8th-rank expert in Confucianism!
Xu Qi An was pleasantly surprised for a moment. “What mystical abilities do Confucian scholars in the Body Cultivation realm have?”
Xu Xinnian’s mouth curled up: “Where righteousness lies, I go, even against ten million.”
At that moment, Xu Qi An felt a surge of passion in his heart, bursting with the courage to face thousands of troops alone.
This inexplicable courage lasted for a quarter of an hour before slowly dissipating.
“Self-cultivation is the process of honing one’s literary courage. In this realm, a Confucian scholar commands respect with every word and action. For instance, just now, my elder brother found my words reasonable and unconsciously chose to act accordingly. When I eventually take office in court, my judgment will be no worse than yours.”
“No, I rely on true ability; you only cheat!” Xu Qi An thought to himself.
This was akin to a courage buff, a preliminary form of authoritative speech… Xu Qi An’s eyes lit up as he exchanged a glance with his Second Uncle. The latter spoke first, “Zixiang, your elder brother treats you well…”
“Get lost!” Xu Xinnian interrupted, brushing off his sleeves and leaving.
A crude martial brute.
…
Xu Qi An returned to his small courtyard and caught up on some sleep.
Suddenly, he was inexplicably jolted awake. The source of the disturbance was a small jade mirror hidden beneath his pillow.
The jade surface displayed a line of small characters:
[Jiu: Where are you?]