Третий учёный династии Сун

Глава 19

Where is the scenery amidst the clouds, seen through drunken eyes?

I alone cannot stop sighing.

He traced the texture of the escalator inch by inch, gently running his hand over it. "Back then, I felt a surge of joy at finally finding a kindred spirit. But now, I'd rather not have this kindred spirit..." His words were spoken so softly, as if he were talking to himself, yet they made Lin Suyang below involuntarily clench his slightly trembling hand resting on the table.

"You can stay here for the next few days. I'll be going back to the palace tomorrow to take care of some things." Han Yufeng came down from upstairs. "If you need anything, just ask Lianxiang."

Following his gaze, Lin Suyang turned around and saw a woman in green standing in front of the door. She was meek and obedient.

"Are you tired? Let Lianxiang take you to rest, okay?" The master's unusual gentleness made the people outside slightly raise their heads.

Lin Suyang said, "Okay."

Han Yufeng stared blankly at her retreating figure until his vision blurred. He turned back and looked out the window. A wind had picked up sometime earlier.

Having been on the road for a long time, Lin Suyang hadn't slept in such a warm and comfortable bed in a long time. Ignoring the chill that still clung to her body, she fell into a deep sleep as soon as her head hit the pillow, unaware that someone had entered the room in the middle of the night.

Ever since learning that Lin Suyang felt cold every night, Han Yufeng had been holding her like Si Junxing used to, using his body heat and inner strength to warm her up. However, he only dared to do this after she was completely asleep. For some reason, whenever Lin Suyang spoke coldly to him, Han Yufeng felt a sharp pain in his heart, as if he were being constantly struck.

Every time Han Yufeng warmed Lin Suyang's face, he would carefully kiss her cheek, then sit properly to the side, watching her with open eyes. If they were in a carriage, he would sit upright in a corner of the soft couch, occasionally tucking the blankets around Lin Suyang and reaching out to check her temperature to see if it had dropped. When they stayed at an inn, he would also sneak into Lin Suyang's room late at night, not emerging until dawn, exhausted.

As the cold intensified, Lin Suyang always felt exhausted. She was constantly drowsy during her travels and didn't notice Han Yufeng's actions at all. However, she felt a different sensation each time she woke up, much like the time she spent with Si Junxing, when she was unbearably cold in the first half of the night but gradually warmed up later. She assumed it was because her injuries were healing and paid even less attention.

When I woke up the next day, the room was still empty. I couldn't help but think of the morning after Si Junxing left, when I felt the same way. I felt a strange unease in my heart, like the dark clouds on a rainy day, heavy and with a faint sense of oppression.

After getting dressed and washing up, she went out and saw Lianxiang standing at the door.

"Is there something you need, Lianxiang?" Lin Suyang asked.

"Master said that if Miss wants to go out, she can tell Lianxiang, as Lianxiang knows the way." The little maid's weak voice was like that of an abandoned kitten, whimpering softly.

Miss? Lin Suyang looked down at her attire; there were no flaws. "How did you know..."

"Master only told Lianxiang. Master also said that if Miss is unwilling, Lianxiang should immediately change her mind." Lianxiang quickly raised her head, afraid that the ethereal person in front of her would be angry.

"Well, from now on, just call me Young Master. But you must remember, never tell anyone about this." Lin Suyang stopped beside her. "The weather is lovely today, let's go for a walk together."

Hearing Lin Suyang say "we," the little girl paused for a moment, then realized he had already walked away and quickly chased after him.

I have never been to Yanliao before, so I don't know what the local customs and culture are like. I have only heard from ministers who have been sent to Yanliao that the people of Yanliao are peaceful and very patient, and you rarely see people arguing on the street.

Yesterday, when she entered the city, Lin Suyang was in a carriage and didn't have a chance to see the sights of Ji'ao City. Today, as soon as she stepped onto the street, she felt as if she hadn't seen the sun in a long time. It was almost July, and the sun had become quite strong. The wide streets were lined with all sorts of stalls, and even though only a few people were passing by, the vendors were still calling out their wares enthusiastically.

Lin Suyang didn't like shopping. He only came out this time to inquire about information. He saw a teahouse next door and walked in.

He went straight up to the second floor and found a table by the window. Noticing Lianxiang standing motionless to the side, he asked in confusion, "What's wrong?"

"Young master, they are all looking at you," Lianxiang whispered.

Lin Suyang was already used to this kind of situation. Without turning his head, he poured himself a cup of tea and drank it.

"Sit down, they won't watch it in a bit."

"Oh." Lianxiang obediently sat down beside her. Sure enough, before long, those who were still amazed by Lin Suyang's appearance returned to their previous conversation.

"Young master, you are amazing!" Lianxiang exclaimed, her eyes wide.

Lin Suyang smiled and said, "What would you like to eat? Go and ask the waiter to order."

Lianxiang shook her head: "Lianxiang isn't hungry yet."

"Then have a seat." Lin Suyang poured Lianxiang another cup of tea.

"Hey, you know what's been going on in Da Yang lately?" A conversation at the next table caught Lin Suyang's attention.

"I heard that the righteous path and the demonic sect fought in Mu Cuo, and there were many casualties on both sides. Many people from our side also went to participate, and it is said that the scene was unprecedentedly spectacular," another person said.

What was the result?

"The leader of the martial arts alliance is dead, the leader of the demonic sect is missing, and the two sides have signed a ceasefire agreement. That's it," the man said again.

Lin Suyang's hand holding the teacup suddenly trembled, spilling the tea. Lianxiang hurriedly asked, "Young Master, what's wrong?"

She replied casually, "It's nothing, I just got a little hot." She put down the cup and rubbed her rapidly beating heart. Had something bad happened? The Demonic Sect... she wondered how Si Junxing was doing.

Later, Lin Suyang lost interest in seeing Ji Aocheng and returned to the courtyard in a daze. Lianxiang noticed her strange expression but didn't dare to ask any questions, so she carefully followed behind her.

Volume Two, Chapter Forty-Eight: Yan and Liao Follow the Wind (Part Two)

Once inside, she turned to the person behind her and said, "Lianxiang, I'm tired. Don't call me for dinner." Then she closed the door.

Lin Suyang remained locked inside until dark, while Lianxiang waited anxiously outside. Just as she was about to push the door open, she saw her master enter the courtyard.

Han Yufeng waved for her to leave, then walked to Lin Suyang's door and knocked. After a long while, the door finally opened with a creak.

Lin Suyang stood in the shadows, watching Han Yufeng at the doorway. Han Yufeng walked in and said, "Why aren't you lighting the lamp?" A tinderbox flickered, and the room instantly brightened.

"I was a little tired, so I lay down for a while," Lin Suyang said. "Does His Majesty have this much free time every day?"

"Have you rested well? If you have, I'll take you somewhere, a place you used to love the most." Han Yufeng didn't answer her question, but sat down next to her and looked at her.

Lin Suyang lowered her eyes and replied, "Okay."

Yueyanglou is located next to the longest river in Ji'ao City and at the intersection of two major streets. It is also the largest brothel in Ji'ao, and its fame is no less than that of Quanyifang in Dayang Yundu. Yueyanglou is not open during the day, but it is brightly lit and bustling with people at night. The people who come here range from high-ranking officials to commoners, all of whom are attracted by the stunning beauties and the music and dance of Yueyanglou.

Yanliao is known as a land of beauties, and its capital, Ji'ao City, is naturally a gathering place for beauties. Therefore, the reason why Yueyanglou has been able to establish itself in this place for so long is not just because it relies on beauties and songs and dances to capture the hearts of its guests. The trump card that attracts many people to Yueyanglou is its courtesan, Yingru.

Yingru fell into prostitution at the age of twelve, yet she always maintained her purity. The madam of Yueyanglou, with her unparalleled talent and beauty, treated her like a treasure and never mistreated her. On the first and fifteenth of each month, Yingru would personally perform on stage. On the nights she performed, Yueyanglou was packed with people; the threshold might even be crushed. Some came to admire her talent, some for her fame, and some simply to catch a glimpse of her beauty. In short, Yingru's name was the pillar of Yueyanglou.

Today is the first day of the seventh lunar month, the day Yingru will perform. In front of Yueyang Tower, carriages and people come and go in an endless stream.

Lin Suyang and Han Yufeng alighted from the carriage. Upon seeing the distinguished guests, the pimp at the entrance immediately bowed and scraped as he greeted them. "Gentlemen, please come in."

While in Yundu, Lin Suyang only occasionally visited Zui Lou Fang. She had never been to any other vulgar places. Today, entering Yueyang Lou, she felt it was no different from Zui Lou Fang. It was equally filled with the strong scent of rouge, and bold words of love could be heard everywhere.

A high platform stood in the center of the spacious hall. A screen adorned the platform. Colorful silks lined the corridor. Tables and chairs were scattered around the platform. A staircase to the left of the entrance led directly to the VIP seating area on the second floor.

Perhaps they arrived early. There were still quite a few empty seats inside. The madam, dressed in her finest attire, flirted with the wealthy young men she knew, her face heavily made up. The women, dressed in vibrant colors, fluttered like butterflies, searching for their targets amidst the dazzling lights.

The stunning beauty of Lin Suyang and Han Yufeng immediately drew the attention of everyone inside. The madam followed their gaze and looked over. When she saw Han Yufeng, her eyes lit up. With a mixture of trepidation and obsequiousness, she hurried over. "Oh my! It's Young Master Feng! Today is Ying Ru's debut performance. I knew you would come to support her. Come, come, please come upstairs. Please come upstairs." As she spoke, she couldn't help but steal a glance at Lin Suyang beside him.

Lin Suyang ignored the beautiful girls around her who wanted to chat her up. She followed Han Yufeng up to the second floor. The VIP section on the second floor consisted almost entirely of private rooms. The madam pushed open the door in the middle of the corridor and said to Han Yufeng, "Young Master Feng, this is the best room. It's quiet and has a wide view. It's perfect for listening to music and watching dances."

The wall facing the door wasn't painted white; instead, there was a row of half-person-high carved and openwork ancient wooden railings. Standing here, you could see at a glance the crowds of people bustling and playing in the hall below, and you could also clearly see the servants on the high platform who were busy adding lanterns and putting up couplets.

"Hmm, not bad." Han Yufeng tapped the long wooden table with fruits placed on the side of the railing with his folding fan.

"I'm glad you're satisfied, young master. Tonight, we'll stick to the usual rules. I'm sure you'll remain Yingru's most favored guest."

"Alright. There's nothing else here, you may leave." Han Yufeng tossed a gold ingot into the madam's arms, eliciting an even more ingratiating smile from her. "Yes, yes, sir, please feel free to give any orders, I'll be going right away." With that, she swayed away.

Han Yufeng pulled out a chair and said to Lin Suyang, "Sit down, let's wait a little longer before it starts."

Lin Suyang hadn't said a word since she left the house. Han Yufeng wanted to know what she was thinking, but he kept telling himself not to ask, because if he knew, he would only be troubled.

Before long, the seats below were packed. Lin Suyang ran his hand along the rim of his glass and then heard a clear, melodious piano tune coming from the high platform, followed by thunderous applause that drowned out the previously annoying noise.

She couldn't help but turn her head and saw a woman in white sitting on the stage. In front of the woman was a finely crafted seven-stringed zither. The body was made of paulownia wood, the bottom of catalpa wood, the strings were translucent and shiny, the thirteen frets were made of jade, and the lacquer had crackle patterns, which showed that the zither was very precious.

Looking at the woman's appearance, she was indeed as stunningly beautiful as rumored. Her phoenix eyes, brimming with water, could captivate even the most resilient with a single glance. However, her slightly pursed cherry lips and icy gaze, along with her graceful movements, exuded the air of a refined lady from a noble family. She possessed none of the frivolity or coquettishness often associated with courtesans, instead displaying a cool and taciturn demeanor—a quality somewhat similar to Lin Suyang.

Without uttering a word, her slender fingers gently plucked the strings, and the delicate sound of a mountain stream flowed forth, sometimes slow, sometimes rapid, sometimes heavy, clear and simple, with a lingering resonance. Everyone in the audience was captivated by her graceful movements and enchanting music.

Little Girl Washing Silk in Shanyang Creek

gurgling rocks

Floating grass and duckweed cling to my clothes

Playing in the water, unaware of hunger in their stomachs

You ask when I will return?

The concubine replied that the sun was setting in the west.

I can see the smoke rising from your house in the distance.

Picked up the basket

After crossing the small bridge, people went home.

The gentleman waits at the gate for the moon to shine at dusk.

I long for your arrival

Coarse tea and firewood are better than a grand feast

Like the melodious songs of a hundred orioles, like the gentle breeze, sweeping across the high mountains under the blue sky and white clouds, it brings the satisfied and contented smiles of the washerwoman to the heart of her husband who is waiting for her early return at the door.

This is a famous folk song from the Yan and Liao regions. The song roughly tells the story of a young woman washing clothes by a stream south of the mountain. The flowing water laps against the rocks on the bank, and floating grass and leaves from upstream cover her clothes soaking in the water. She is so engrossed in playing in the water that she forgets the time. When her husband asks when she will return, she replies that she saw the smoke rising from her house at sunset, knowing he had prepared dinner and was waiting for her. So she gathers her baskets, crosses the small bridge, and goes home. Her husband stands at the door until the moon rises, hoping to see his wife return early. Even a simple meal is better than a sumptuous feast.

When Yingru sang this song, which everyone knew, she added a touch of the carefree joy of living in the village. The familiar melody was enhanced with a strong rural atmosphere, making people imagine themselves as the wife or husband in the song, enjoying the carefree happiness of abandoning worldly disputes and forgetting that they were actually listening to music in a brothel.

As the music ended, another round of thunderous applause and cheers erupted. At this moment, the madam, swaying as she walked onto the stage, waving a silk handkerchief embroidered with several peonies, said, "Gentlemen, please be quiet, please be quiet."

Once the room fell silent, she continued, "Today is the fifteenth, the day our Miss Yingru will go on stage to select people. According to the rules, Miss Yingru will now set the questions, so everyone should be prepared. One of you will be the one to spend the night with Miss Yingru tonight."

These words caused an uproar among the crowd. Everyone was eager to try their luck, and all sorts of eyes were fixed on the beauty on the stage, afraid that she would be snatched away by someone else if they weren't careful.

Yingru stood up, glancing at the entire room with a hint of disgust, but quickly regained her previous indifference. She nodded to a maid beside her, who then unrolled a scroll on the table. Everyone's eyes widened; two lines of poetry were inscribed on the scroll:

Red ribbons and colorful wrists, songs sung every night;

The sheng and xiao play, but for whom do they harmonize?

"This is a poem written by my young lady. Gentlemen, please complete the last two lines. Those who match the young lady's lines can advance to the next round of the test," the maid announced loudly.

The spoiled young men and frivolous scholars below immediately began to rack their brains. A moment later, one of them shouted, "I've got it!"

The crowd looked at him with either envy or jealousy. The man looked at Yingru on the stage and bowed politely, saying, "I have two more lines of poetry to add. Please listen carefully, young lady."

"Fine wine is poured into a luminous cup, while a beautiful woman behind the curtain drinks under the moon."

After finishing reading, he glanced smugly at his companions who were still pondering. Then he waited expectantly for Yingru's reply.

Yingru frowned slightly, almost imperceptibly, upon hearing the poem composed by this person. Her maid, adept at reading between the lines, noticed her mistress's dissatisfaction and, instead of replying to the previous speaker, politely asked the audience, "One gentleman has already answered; is there anyone else who has come up with a poem?"

The man who had been chosen earlier realized he hadn't been selected and sat back down dejectedly. At that moment, many more people started shouting.

"A beautiful woman's smile captivated my heart; does she acknowledge my true feelings?"

"The beauty behind the curtain ponders deeply, and knows that your heart is more devoted to her."

"May your gaze make me lose my appetite, and may I be drunk and sober several times over."...

I wonder what kind of people they are. They are either frivolous and rude or spouting nonsense. They have wasted their time studying the classics. Are there no real scholars and writers in Yan and Liao, or do they simply disdain to come to such a place?

Volume Two, Chapter Forty-Nine: Yan and Liao Follow the Wind (Part Two)