Chapter 93 – The Flower Boat

Xu Chun rode his horse down the main street, his face still burning from the unexpected words he had heard from Ninth Brother. He had always thought himself the pursuer, with Ninth Brother high above him, whom he could only gaze at longingly, hoping for every moment when Ninth Brother would soften his heart towards him. Yet, he didn’t know that behind his back, Ninth Brother was so open and honest, feeling no qualms about having a romantic relationship with a subject. The future he casually painted out was breathtakingly shocking.

His heart swelled with emotion, yet he didn’t know how to face Ninth Brother. He knew that his flushed face and amorous thoughts would surely be noticed by his mother when he returned home. For the time being, he let his horse roam freely, riding along the Jinfen River outside the imperial city, silently lost in thought.

It was already afternoon, and the flower boats on the Jinfen River began to emit faint sounds of music. This was preparation for the evening’s revelry. The guests who had spent the night on the boats were still nursing their hangovers, leaning against the railings and enjoying the breeze while sipping tea, ready for another night of debauchery. A group of girls were by the railings, combing their hair and applying makeup, their robes fluttering in the wind. The boats were filled with red makeup, and the banks were dotted with greenery, making for a picturesque scene.

This place had once been Xu Chun’s frequent haunt for socializing, but he had long since ceased visiting. However, passing by now and hearing the gentle water sounds, he was reminded of the first time he met Ninth Brother.

He leisurely led his horse along, but suddenly, someone called out to him, “Little Duke.”

Xu Chun was startled and turned to see Li Meiyai standing by the riverbank, looking at him with a gaunt face and sharp eyes fixed on him. Xu Chun felt a chill down his back. After all, he was now a notorious seducer of the emperor, and he had just been shaken by Ninth Brother’s disregard for convention. Seeing Li Meiyai, who hated evil, made him feel somewhat guilty.

Li Meiyai approached and gave him a deep bow, which startled him. He hastily dismounted and returned the bow, saying, “Minister Li, there’s no need for such formality.”

Li Meiyai said, “Young Duke Xu, I offended you in the past, so please accept my apology. But I have an urgent matter now, something concerning the gratitude owed to an old friend. I’ve heard that Young Duke has a chivalrous spirit, so I hope Young Duke can lend me a hand.”

Xu Chun found himself suddenly elevated, and he became cautious. While returning the bow with a smile, he said, “Minister Li is too kind. I’m just a young man, always indulging in luxury and lacking ability. I’m afraid I can’t do anything for you. Others may praise me for righteousness, but it’s only because I’m willing to spend money. Minister Li, are you in need of a loan? I happen to have some funds with me. If you don’t mind, feel free to take what you need for your emergency.” He deliberately put on a crude and frivolous appearance, thinking that Li Meiyai would look down on him.

Unexpectedly, Li Meiyai tightly grabbed his wrist. “I need to borrow your reputation for elegance. There’s a former lover of an old friend of mine who has fallen into the world of pleasure. I need to ask her some detailed questions, but she refuses to see me. She teaches on a pleasure boat for a living and doesn’t easily receive visitors. If she sees me, she definitely won’t meet with me. Young Duke, this matter is very important. Please grant me this favor and arrange a meeting with her under your name. Rest assured, I’m not a man of wine and lust; I just need to clear up some past matters. With your good looks and wealth, you’ll certainly be able to arrange a meeting.”

Xu Chun was speechless.

Embarrassed, he struggled but found Li Meiyai’s grip firm. After all, Li Meiyai was a high-ranking official, and Xu Chun didn’t want to make a scene on the street. So, he whispered, “Minister, I’m still in mourning for my father, who is also in mourning. Asking me to visit a place of pleasure is truly impossible. If an imperial censor gets involved, it could ruin my future. I’ve just graduated from the Imperial Academy and am waiting for my appointment. Besides, I promised…an elder brother whom I greatly respect that I wouldn’t go to such places of pleasure anymore.”

Li Meiyai showed a pleading expression. “Young Duke, this matter is extremely important to me. It’s been over ten years since I received this news. The debt of gratitude I owe to my old friend haunts me. Surely your brother would understand that you’re helping someone in need and forgive you. As for the imperial censors, they have a history with me. If we go together, no one will dare to criticize us. The entire capital is filled with elegant gatherings of scholars and beauties. A scholar of elegance like you wouldn’t stand out. Please help me, Young Duke. It’s a small effort on your part, but it will resolve a lifelong doubt for me.”

Xu Chun spoke hesitantly, “As a high-ranking official in the cabinet, Minister Li, your integrity is known throughout the world. If you order the Bureau of Music to send a message, which girl would dare not comply?”

He was shy and not good at refusing people. Dinghai, standing behind him, had already stepped forward with his sword drawn. “Master, is this minister overstepping his bounds?” His imposing figure was intimidating enough to make most people back off.

But Li Meiyai was someone who dared to confront the emperor in front of the throne, and his expression didn’t change. He held onto Xu Chun’s arm and said, “We can’t force her to come. We must approach her slowly and ask her questions gently. If we scare her away, we won’t be able to see her again after she leaves. Young Duke, I only need to borrow your name. Once you see her, you can leave. How about it?”

Xu Chun replied, “…What should I do? Should I give Minister Li a calling card?”

Seeing that he was relenting, Li Meiyai smiled and said, “Young Duke, follow me.”

Xu Chun felt helpless as Li Meiyai produced two straw hats from somewhere, putting one on Dinghai and the other on him. He said, “Later, just say that this gentleman and I are your bodyguards.”

Xu Chun thought, “…” It looked like they were planning something nefarious.

Li Meiyai led Xu Chun through the streets until they reached a small building on Flower Street. Xu Chun looked up and saw the sign “Sui Xi Lou” written in large characters. Li Meiyai whispered, “They select their guests at Sui Xi Lou. Young Duke, you’re young, handsome, and wealthy – exactly the type of patron courtesans adore. You’ll certainly be chosen as a favored guest. When you board the flower boat, you’ll be able to see her. Remember, the woman I want to see is named Chu Wei. She’s now a female Daoist priestess, known as Xuanyi Yu Ke. If you get the chance to board the boat, ask to see her specifically.”

Xu Chun knew that many famous courtesans dressed as Daoist priestesses, often possessing great talent, but they were also very picky about their patrons, only seeing scholars of renown. At least with his previous reputation for extravagance, he wouldn’t have been able to meet them. He entered the building with trepidation, thinking that if he was rejected, it would provide a convenient excuse.

However, he didn’t realize that he was vastly different from the way he was a year ago. As soon as he entered the building, the madam of Sui Xi Lou looked down from upstairs and saw a handsome young man enter and look around with sparkling eyes. His face was like powdered snow, his lips like vermilion, and his eyes as clear as jade. Her bones felt lighter, and she couldn’t help but greet him with a smile, “Welcome, honored guest! Young Master, is this your first time at our establishment? Do you have a favorite girl?”

She threw her handkerchief and tried to flirt with Xu Chun, but Dinghai stepped forward and blocked her. Li Meiyai, speaking in a hoarse voice, said, “Our master is here for the Sui Xi Gathering.”

The madam was taken aback. “Ah? But the Sui Xi Gathering has already started.”

Li Meiyai said coldly, “Tsk! You blind old crone, step aside quickly. How dare you refuse our master, with his noble background and graceful demeanor? Is he unworthy of your girls or not allowed to board your boat?”

The madam couldn’t help but smile apologetically. “Young Master, your presence brings honor to our humble abode.”

Not knowing what the Sui Xi Gathering was, Xu Chun looked at the madam curiously and smiled. “Madam, this is my first time here. I don’t know the rules, so please bear with me.”

The madam, seeing his gentle manner and noble appearance, was more than willing to accommodate him. She laughed and said, “Don’t mention it, Master. Please come upstairs. The gentlemen are already composing poems.”

Poetry…

Xu Chun glanced awkwardly at Li Meiyai. However, Li Meiyai acted as if no one else existed. “Hurry up and lead the way!” His demeanor was stern. Surprisingly, the brothel was accustomed to this behavior and didn’t dare neglect them. They quickly escorted Xu Chun upstairs, carefully asking, “May I ask for the young master’s surname?”

Li Meiyai replied, “My master’s surname is Xu, and he’s the second son.”

The madam immediately smiled. “So it’s Second Master Xu. Please follow me.”

Xu Chun entered the spacious hall, which had large windows on all four sides, offering views of the Jinfen River outside. In the distance, he could see a magnificent pleasure boat, delicately adorned with luxurious curtains and surrounded by flowers. It was nestled beside a green tree and a flat bridge, basking in the sunlight. It was undoubtedly the pleasure boat they would board. Beauty like flowers in the clouds – it was just like that.

Several guests were already seated in the hall, mostly dressed as scholars, including an additional Daoist priest with a refined air.

As soon as Li Meiyai entered, he sneered. “These poor, sour scholars dare to come here and pretend to be refined in this land of tenderness and charm. How laughable!”

A younger scholar with a slightly dark complexion was the first to be stung by his words. He stood up and said coldly, “The Sui Xi Gathering judges people based on their talents, not their money! Just because you have a little filthy wealth doesn’t mean you can come here!”

Li Meiyai mocked, “Oh? Talent? Can talent be eaten? Don’t the Sui Xi Gatherings require money to buy flower tickets? I advise you all to save your money if you haven’t paid yet. My master has a fortune worth millions, and he possesses both beauty and talent. Tonight, he will definitely succeed. As the saying goes, ‘A courtesan loves beauty, and a madam loves money.’ Gentlemen, it’s not easy for you to save up ten taels of silver. Why waste your money?”

The scholar’s face flushed with embarrassment as the madam tried to smooth things over with a smile. “Second Master Xu is here for the first time. Gentlemen, please allow me to introduce you.” She introduced each person’s name and hometown, and they exchanged greetings. They were mostly scholars with names like Hou Sheng and Ma Sheng. Initially, the scholars were indignant at Li Meiyai’s mocking attitude, but when they saw Second Master Xu smiling kindly and appearing refined and courteous, they felt somewhat conflicted. How could such a master have such a mean-spirited servant?

Seeing Xu Chun’s luxurious attire, wearing a linen robe but adorned with white jade at his waist and feet, and his every gesture displaying the manners of an official, followed by a tall, muscular bodyguard carrying a sword, it was evident he was the son of a wealthy family. Not to mention his ethereal beauty, he was indeed the type of handsome and wealthy young master that courtesans adored. Everyone present began to feel uncertain.

When the servants of Sui Xi Lou brought out a stack of fine paper with a smile and said, “Please write your flower tickets, gentlemen,” several scholars suddenly stood up and bowed with a smile. “We suddenly remembered that we have urgent matters at home. Please excuse us.”

After a few left, the remaining ones looked at each other and seemed to lose interest. They also got up and left.

Li Meiyai mocked, “There are still plenty of people who know when to retreat. Master, I told you that girls can’t resist beauty. Those old, ugly, and poor scholars should have some self-awareness.”

A few more scholars shook their sleeves. “Unbearably vulgar! Despicable servant! We are ashamed to be associated with you!” They left angrily.

Li Meiyai laughed. “What a perfect opportunity to retreat gracefully. If you don’t leave now, when will you? Do you really want to waste ten taels of silver on flower tickets? And you call yourselves scholars? How many years have you been a scholar, yet you can’t even pass the exams? Do you have the nerve to call yourself a scholar?”

Several more people left hastily, all giving Xu Chun dirty looks. Only a few guests remained in the hall. They took the fine paper and wrote poetry, casting unfriendly and challenging glances at Xu Chun.

One of them sneered. “This young master only sent his wicked servant to ridicule others with his tongue. Does he even have any literary skills? Could it be that he’s relying on his vicious dog to drive away customers and monopolize the top courtesan?”

Xu Chun was speechless.

The madam looked embarrassed, constantly apologizing to Xu Chun. “Master…please have your servant restrain his words. The girls rely on customers buying flowers to support themselves.”

Xu Chun’s face turned red, but Li Meiyai chuckled. “Our master coming to your establishment has raised the status of your girls! Look at these common women. Do they even deserve our master? Hurry up and bring the fine paper! Our master excels in painting, and his poetry and paintings are unparalleled. He won’t disgrace your girls.”

Xu Chun looked at Li Meiyai, as if seeing the iron backbone of a man who fearlessly fought against all enemies in the court with his sharp tongue. However, when the fine paper was laid out, Li Meiyai turned to look at him with a dumbfounded expression and whispered, “Master, just draw a couple of lotus flowers.”

Xu Chun whispered back, “Sir, you’re my dear grandfather. I yield to you.”