At the foot of Ruyun Tower, the crowd had gathered so densely that not even water could trickle through. The customers had all been driven out, with soldiers blocking the entrance tightly. The courtesans stood nervously on both sides, anxiously watching the man in charge.

He wore an elaborate dark green robe embroidered with gold patterns. Though his clothing was exceptionally refined and luxurious, the more splendid his attire, the more it emphasized his unsightly face. He was extremely tall and burly, with dark skin, eyes that were barely slits, and an oily complexion. Standing there, he appeared both fierce and brutish, his expression tyrannical.

This was the Provincial Governor’s wife’s younger brother, Young Master Tong Qiushi.

Tong Qiushi cursed, “Go and arrest them!”

A voice immediately responded, “Using the word ‘arrest’ seems rather impolite, Young Master.”

Tong Qiushi looked up to see a group of people gracefully descending from upstairs. The speaker was a fifteen or sixteen-year-old youth, elegant in bearing, holding a folding fan, with a refined smile on his face—though that smile was piercingly sharp.

Accompanying him were several other young men of similar age, all handsome and distinguished in appearance. Hua Youxian and Madame Ding walked behind these youths, appearing as though they were being protected by them.

“You little beasts, were you the ones who took away that Wang person? And caused havoc at my estate?” Tong Qiushi asked viciously.

He had been entertaining himself outside when he suddenly received news that thieves had entered his mansion. Before he could even be surprised, he got another message that Wang Sheng from his estate had been taken away. Tong Qiushi immediately ordered someone to check Hua Youxian’s contract kept in his study, and sure enough, it was gone. He was both shocked and enraged—shocked that someone dared to challenge his authority, and angered that a mere merchant would dare to be so brazen.

Without another word, Tong Qiushi hadn’t even changed his clothes before rushing to Ruyun Tower with his men.

“Ah? One may eat carelessly, but one shouldn’t speak carelessly,” Lin Shuanghe smiled at him. “What evidence do you have that we did it?”

Evidence? Of course, it was because these people had brazenly left word before leaving, telling others to find them at Ruyun Tower. Tong Qiushi had never encountered such fearless people before.

“Which family’s little beast are you?” Tong Qiushi narrowed his eyes. “Acting like this, are you tired of living? And you,” he looked at Hua Youxian, “You worthless woman, it was your good fortune that this young master took a liking to you, yet you repeatedly challenge my patience and even collude with outsiders to commit such shameless acts. Today, this young master will capture you all and throw you in prison, making you beg for death but find no release, letting you know the consequences of offending those you shouldn’t!”

At these words, one of the youths behind Lin Shuanghe couldn’t help but burst out laughing with a “pfft.” When he noticed everyone looking at him, he waved his hand sheepishly, “Sorry, sorry, I just found it amusing.”

Yan He spoke with disinterest, “Can’t these thugs come up with different threats? It’s always the same old lines, quite tiresome to hear.”

Seeing himself so disregarded, Tong Qiushi flew into a rage, “Seize them all!”

The soldiers behind him immediately advanced. Madame Ding was startled, but at that moment, dozens of black-clad guards suddenly emerged from all sides of Ruyun Tower like ghosts, uniformly positioning themselves in front of the youths. Silently drawing their waist swords, the cold steel gleamed brilliantly, instantly filling the air with killing intent.

The courtesans in the tower screamed in fright. Hua Youxian couldn’t help but clutch her skirt, looking in astonishment at the youths before her.

Yan He turned his head, playing with the horsetail that hung to his chest, and said, “How boring.”

No one knew where these guards had come from or when they had infiltrated Ruyun Tower. Except for Xiao Jue, these guards had returned from the estate under his orders, and now it appeared they had been hiding here on his command.

“How-how dare you!” Tong Qiushi was also startled. He was used to throwing his weight around in Jinling, and even the great households wouldn’t dare to cross him due to his brother-in-law being the Provincial Governor. He hadn’t expected to encounter such resistance this time—not only had they kidnapped someone right under his nose, but even now, with soldiers at the door, they dared to meet force with force.

Swords were drawn, and tension was high.

Tong Qiushi stepped back. Though he was tyrannical and fierce, he was nothing but a useless person who couldn’t do anything, and he feared these guards might harm him. He said, “This is defying government officials! Arrest them now, dead or alive!”

Yang Mingzhi stepped forward and spoke gently, “Young Master, you hold no official position yourself. Which government official exactly are we defying?”

“You kidnapped my person!”

“Let’s put aside whether we kidnapped Young Master Wang or not. He’s a citizen of Yangzhou, not your servant. How can you call him ‘your person’? Could it be that Young Master has set up his court and is imprisoning citizens without cause? If we’re talking about breaking the law, it seems Young Master is the one at fault.”

Yang Mingzhi was naturally skilled in debate, and how could Tong Qiushi possibly match him? Unable to argue back, he simply became enraged from embarrassment and said, “Stop wasting words with them, kill them!”

“Kill?” someone spoke up, his voice clear and light, as if finding it amusing. He turned his head to look, “Are you sure?”

This youth was very tall, so even though he wasn’t standing at the front, he was easily visible. Moreover, his appearance was particularly striking and charming, making him impossible to ignore. He stood lazily and said softly, “If you say the word ‘kill’ first, and we then take action, even if we kill you, it would only be self-defense, not murder.”

“Shall we see who dies first, you or us?” he looked at Tong Qiushi with a half-smile.

Meeting those clear autumn-water eyes, Tong Qiushi felt an unstoppable chill run through his entire body. He didn’t know where these people came from or what their status was, and he began to hesitate. However, one glance at Hua Youxian standing among the crowd rekindled his evil courage.

No matter who they were, Jinling was his territory—how could he be made a laughing stock by a bunch of inexperienced youngsters? Everyone in the city knew he wanted to take Hua Youxian as his concubine. If he didn’t settle this matter today, and Hua Youxian later appeared safely at Ruyun Tower or ended up living happily with Wang Sheng, wouldn’t he become the laughingstock of Jinling?

When had Tong Qiushi ever suffered such humiliation?

He darkened his face and gritted out, “Kill—”

Before he could finish, another voice called from outside, “Stop! Everyone stop!”

Everyone turned to look and saw a middle-aged man in official robes striding in. Upon seeing him, the courtesans in the tower and Madame Ding quickly bowed, respectfully saying, “Lord Liu.”

This was Liu Rui, the Provincial Governor of Jinling.

Seeing Liu Rui, Tong Qiushi immediately went forward. Despite his tall and brutish build, he adopted a childish demeanor before Liu Rui: “Brother-in-law! You’ve finally arrived! These little beasts kidnapped my person, and now they’re being extremely arrogant, even daring to raise their hands against government soldiers. Brother-in-law, they have no respect for you!”

Liu Rui angrily said, “Shut up!”

Tong Qiushi was stunned into silence.

He Yan looked at Liu Rui. Unlike his thuggish brother-in-law, this Provincial Governor of Jinling appeared to be a refined and cultured scholar, even showing some righteous dignity. However, judging by how he typically indulged his relative, he was someone whose actions didn’t match his appearance.

Liu Rui cupped his hands toward everyone in the hall and said, “My apologies, Qiushi is young and rash in his actions. This is all a misunderstanding. Miss Youxian, are you unharmed?”

Hua Youxian hadn’t expected this usually proud and aloof Provincial Governor to speak to her so kindly today and was momentarily confused, responding, “Thank you for your concern, Lord. Youxian is fine.”

Tong Qiushi was indignant—these people had come to cause trouble at his place, yet his brother-in-law not only didn’t take his side but was even being pleasant to that worthless woman. However, Madame Ding on the side understood the situation, her gaze sweeping across the group of youths as she inwardly sighed that her girl had the good fortune to meet such noble personages.

“That’s good.” Liu Rui smiled and turned his gaze to the others, asking, “Young masters are not from Jinling, I presume? May I ask where you’re from and what brings you here?”

Liu Rui was also anxious. Earlier that evening while he was out, someone from his mansion had reported that thieves had broken in. Liu Rui was very surprised—who would dare to attempt anything at the Provincial Governor’s mansion? Later, servants reported back that Hua Youxian’s contract had been stolen. Liu Rui had heard about Tong Qiushi’s affairs before, but he had always turned a blind eye, allowing Tong Qiushi to throw his weight around outside.

This time, Liu Rui had initially thought it was Wang Sheng seeking revenge through others, and was somewhat angry—how dare a mere merchant be so bold? But then a servant brought him an invitation card that had been found in the study, apparently left behind by the intruders. Liu Rui was stunned when he saw it.

It was an invitation to the Jinling Poetry Society, addressed to Yan He from the Left and Right Vanguard Commander’s mansion.

As a mere Provincial Governor of Jinling, he certainly wouldn’t dare to compare himself to a second-rank official from the capital. Liu Rui was a clever man—the intruders hadn’t left anything behind except this poetry society invitation, clearly intentionally revealing their identity. How could he dare to interfere? Before he could notify Tong Qiushi not to act rashly, he heard that Tong Qiushi had already led soldiers to Ruyun Tower to confront them.

Liu Rui rushed over in fear, fortunately stopping them before violence broke out.

“My lord is most perceptive. Indeed, we are not from Jinling,” Yang Mingzhi smiled modestly. “We’ve come from the capital specifically to attend the Jinling Poetry Society meeting.”

So it was about the poetry society!

Liu Rui was now certain, though he still didn’t know which one among them was the young master from the Vanguard Commander’s mansion.

Though his mind was racing, his face remained composed as he smiled and said, “It’s truly Jinling’s fortune to have such distinguished guests as yourselves.”

“Is it?” Lin Shuanghe waved his fan and said, “Just now, your… relative was shouting about killing us, which was quite frightening. And he kept calling us ‘little beasts,'” Lin Shuanghe pretended to ponder worriedly, “This is the first time in my life anyone has called me that. I wonder if my father would be angry when I tell him—after all, if I’m a little beast, then he must be…”

Liu Rui broke into a cold sweat and kicked Tong Qiushi beside him, making him fall to his knees, and scolded, “How disrespectful! Quickly apologize to the young masters!”

Tong Qiushi, caught off guard by the kick, felt indignant. Unlike Liu Rui, he didn’t know Yan He’s identity and wasn’t as nervous. He still protested, “They kidnapped my person, and not to mention Wang Sheng, they stole Hua Youxian’s contract…”

“The contract you’re talking about, is it this one?” Yan He shook out a piece of paper from his sleeve. Upon seeing it, Tong Qiushi exclaimed, “Yes, that’s it! So you did steal it!”

“Young Master Tong’s words are incorrect. This contract has always been at Ruyun Tower. After all, Madame Ding raised Miss Youxian for so many years. If you claim it’s yours, may I ask how much silver Young Master Tong paid? Is there any record in the accounts?”

Tong Qiushi was speechless.

He was used to doing business without capital, and it was the same with women. When he set his eyes on Hua Youxian, he forced Madame Ding to give him the contract without paying a single coin. Now when asked about money and accounts, naturally there was no trace of any transaction.

Lin Shuanghe laughed, “Could it be that Madame Ding voluntarily gave Miss Youxian to you? Such a person, just given away for free? In our capital, even when giving away a cat or dog, one offers some compensation. How is it that in your Jinling, things can be given away for free? Or perhaps…” his tone shifted, his smile growing brighter, “is this a common practice at the Provincial Governor’s mansion?”

This was an accusation of corruption and bribery! Liu Rui’s face changed dramatically. Before Tong Qiushi could retort, he quickly spoke up, “This fool must have lost his mind to speak such nonsense. The contract naturally belongs to Miss Youxian, and as for her being Tong Qiushi’s person… that’s absurd! Miss Youxian belongs to Ruyun Tower, everyone in Jinling knows this, and has nothing to do with our Liu family.”

As Tong Qiushi tried to speak again, a quick-witted servant by Liu Rui’s side stepped forward and gagged his mouth with a handkerchief.

Yang Mingzhi maintained a gentle expression, as if truly believing Liu Rui’s words, and kindly said, “I see. However, Lord Liu should properly educate his cousin. If there’s no relationship with Miss Youxian, why does he go around claiming she belongs to the Liu mansion, and even threaten us with violence? In this way, wouldn’t all of Young Master Tong’s misdeeds be attributed to Lord Liu? As they say, glory and disgrace are shared – others won’t distinguish between Lord Liu and Young Master Tong, counting everything as Lord Liu’s fault.”

This was a warning, and Liu Rui broke into a cold sweat. Before he could think of how to respond, the youth with the high ponytail gave him a sidelong glance and said in an unfriendly tone, “Flower Fairy Youxian is our friend. Whoever bullies her is making an enemy of us.” He turned to Hua Youxian, though his eyes were on her, his words were directed at Liu Rui and the others: “Flower Fairy Youxian, if anyone troubles you in the future, just have them find me at the Yan family mansion of the Capital’s Vanguard Command. I will certainly stand up for you.”

“And me as well,” Lin Shuanghe smiled. “Though our Lin family has no military power, we know some people in the palace. My grandfather often sees the Empress Dowager – our family can certainly protect you in such small matters.”

“My father is the Imperial Household Department Director…”

“The Minister of the Imperial Stables…”

“The Minister of Revenue…”

With each title the youths mentioned, Liu Rui’s heart trembled three times. In just moments, his clothes were soaked with sweat inside and out. Whether they were lying or not could be verified with a simple inquiry at the Jinling Poetry Society. But there was no need to check – Liu Rui already believed eighty percent of it.

Each of them appeared distinguished and proud – if they weren’t from high-ranking official families, they wouldn’t dare to be so bold. Though they seemed to be speaking to Hua Youxian, they were warning him. Liu Rui felt bitter – who could have imagined that a courtesan could have so many young masters from powerful families supporting her?

Liu Rui forced a smile and said, “How can young masters say such things? Flower Fairy Youxian is from Jinling. If anyone dares to bully her, the Jinling Prefecture would be the first to object. Why trouble the young masters?”

Lin Shuanghe smiled slightly, “Lord Liu, remember what you said today.”

“A man of honor cannot take back his words once spoken,” Liu Rui said solemnly. “The entire Ruyun Tower can witness my words.”

“Very good,” Yan He raised an eyebrow, “You’ve finally done something pleasing to the eye.”

Despite his disrespectful attitude, Liu Rui didn’t dare say anything despite his irritation. Yang Mingzhi bowed to him: “Then in the future, we’ll trouble Lord Liu to look after Ruyun Tower and our friend Flower Fairy Youxian.”

“Of course, of course,” Liu Rui said with an ingratiating smile.

After some more probing pleasantries, Liu Rui finally left with Tong Qiushi and the soldiers. How he would discipline Tong Qiushi when they returned to the Liu residence was his own business. In Ruyun Tower, Cailian closed the door, and cheers erupted throughout the building.

The courtesans were overjoyed. Tong Qiushi had committed many evil deeds in Jinling, but they had only dared to be angry in silence. Everyone had been worried about Hua Youxian’s situation, but now that the matter was settled and Liu Rui had left in embarrassment, they could finally breathe easily.

Hua Youxian walked to the group of youths, deeply moved with tears in her eyes. She suddenly knelt and kowtowed to them, saying in a long voice, “Young masters’ great kindness, Youxian has no way to repay. If there is a next life, I will willingly serve as a horse or ox, without hesitation.”

“Please rise, Miss Youxian.” Everyone was startled and hurriedly helped her up, feeling both proud and somewhat uncomfortable, all speaking at once, “This was what we should have done.”

“A true man should draw his sword to help when seeing injustice – that’s what our academy teachers taught us.”

“That Tong Qiushi was truly detestable, but with us here, you need not fear them anymore!”

Madame Ding watched them and couldn’t help but smile, thinking to herself that these youths, though each had their temperaments, didn’t show the arrogance typical of noble children. Although ordinary people might admire and love them, they often looked down on courtesans with contempt, and would never actively say things like “she is our friend.”

Yet they said it naturally and frankly, without any hesitation.

This Jinling Poetry Society had invited talented individuals from all over the Great Wei, gathering scholars from the four seas. Each had its strengths, but this time, these youths from the capital’s academy had truly won.

…

The pleasure boat docked.

As He Yan’s group disembarked, Hua Youxian smiled and said, “Young masters, please follow me.”

Though much time had passed, and given Yan He and Xiao Jue’s current age, they could hardly be called “young masters” anymore. Yet Hua Youxian still used the old address, making He Yan momentarily dazed, as if they were back in that summer day when they had sailed together to Jinling, secretly sneaking into the musical revelry of the flower house, amazed by its splendid spring atmosphere.

Ruyun Tower was still Ruyun Tower, though it looked much older now. The signboard at the entrance had been rewritten, but it wasn’t as lively as before.

Lin Shuanghe pointed at the signboard: “These characters…”

“There was a big storm last year,” Hua Youxian explained with a smile, “I heard the entrance signboard was blown off, so Mama had someone write a new one. However, I also think it’s not as good as the old one.”

The former was magnificent, while the current one was proper and elegant, but it wasn’t the same as the old building.

As they followed her inside, the courtesans were surprised to see Hua Youxian leading a group. A slightly older woman came forward and asked, “Youxian, who is…”

“Guess who this is?” Hua Youxian smiled.

The woman looked at them puzzled. He Yan looked back at her and was startled – this woman was Cailian.

She had grown older than before, no longer showing her former delicate manner, appearing more coldly beautiful now. Cailian stared at them in confusion for a while before suddenly realizing, “Are they… the young masters from back then?”

“That’s right.”

Lin Shuanghe remembered Cailian and opened his fan, smiling, “Miss Cailian, after so many years, you can see we still remember you in our hearts.”

Cailian was also moved. Days at Ruyun Tower passed one after another, with little distinction between them. Perhaps making Tong Qiushi lose face back then was the most thrilling experience of their lives. Those young masters from the capital, each from families they didn’t dare even dream about, hadn’t looked down on them like ordinary young masters would, and had even called them “friends.”

Sometimes Cailian would wonder if it had all been a dream, and now seeing old acquaintances again, she was too moved to speak.

“Since guests have arrived, go tell the kitchen to prepare a good feast,” Hua Youxian smiled. “Today we won’t leave until we’re drunk.”

Cailian responded and hurried to instruct the kitchen.

The courtesans looked at them curiously, and Lin Shuanghe looked around, not seeing Madame Ding, so he asked, “Where is Madame Ding? Since we’re old friends, we should greet her too.”

Hearing this, Hua Youxian’s eyes dimmed, and after a while, she said, “Madame Ding is no longer with us.”

It turned out that two years after Hua Youxian had gone to Yangzhou with Wang Sheng, Madame Ding had caught a cold and become bedridden. At first, they thought it was just a minor illness, but it grew increasingly severe until finally, it became clear she wouldn’t survive. Madame Ding had no children, and in Ruyun Tower, she had always loved Hua Youxian the most. Cailian wrote to Hua Youxian, who wanted to rush back upon hearing the news. However, by then she had married into the Wang family, and though they were merchants, they strictly followed all the proper rules. Not only was she forbidden from making the long journey back to Jinling, but she was also not allowed any future connection with Ruyun Tower.

Trapped in Yangzhou, unable to leave, Hua Youxian couldn’t make it back in time to see Madame Ding one last time. Madame Ding passed away with regrets, and before her death, she simply gave Ruyun Tower to Cailian.

Now, Cailian was “Mama Lian” of Ruyun Tower.

Hearing this, everyone couldn’t help but sigh – that shrewd and capable woman with a soft heart was now gone.