[Hetu] [Heavenly Demon] [Episode 1] Chapter 6

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Chapter Six: The Flowers and Moon over the Qinhuai River

When they left the mansion, Yang Shu was already waiting at the gate. Two luxurious and spacious carriages were waiting outside

. The two of them got into the carriages one after the other, while Di Nu, being too large, followed behind on foot without even riding a horse

. The day passed, and Di Nu still snorted fiercely whenever he saw Yang Cun, never giving him a kind look.

It seemed this guy had a strong sense of pride; just one prank and he acted like Yang Cun's father's killer!

As the lanterns were lit, the chaos of the previous night seemed as if it had never happened. The government quickly cleaned up the mess.

The people were unaware of the drama that unfolded the previous night; whitewashing seemed to be a common tactic of the officials. Now

that Zhang Baocheng's case had caused such a stir, if there were any more zombie-related panics, or if the people saw

the dismembered bodies scattered everywhere that night, then the Tianjin governor would be in deep trouble. The entire city would be

filled with fear . The court wasn't afraid of anything else, but it feared the unrest among the people; this was the most difficult problem to handle.

The carriage slowly drove out of the city gate. The guards at the gate were still strict, but there were significantly fewer than yesterday.

Yang Cun noticed that the Yang family's personal guards who were originally stationed at various locations were nowhere to be seen. It seemed that the few

bandits they had captured were enough to satisfy their demands, but there were definitely more than just those few perpetrators. He wondered what

the governor was thinking, relaxing the guard now. Didn't he know that Zhang Baocheng's remains were still in the city and hadn't

been buried yet?

Night gradually fell. In ancient times, there were no streetlights. A lantern plus moonlight was the only illumination.

The two carriages moved slowly forward, and to Yang Cun's bewilderment, they soon arrived at the canal south of the city.

Even before they got close enough to round the corner, they could already see a brightly lit area in the distance. Yang Cun was puzzled. He pulled back

the curtain—and was immediately startled by the sight before him.

The canal should normally be bustling with pleasure boats and revelry, but today, this scene of decadent indulgence

was nowhere be seen. Many guests, in fact, returned to the city in their carriages, filled with doubt and fear. This was because the canal was now

almost completely surrounded by soldiers in gleaming armor. Although their numbers were unclear,

the countless flickering torches along the canal indicated that there were at least ten thousand soldiers on guard. The dense, shimmering

silver light was enough to terrify any ordinary person.

Yang Cun, observing this scene, felt a complex mix of emotions. His lips moved, and he couldn't help but hum a light, unrestrained tune:

"Walk, walk, walk, stroll, stroll, stroll, I'm not worried about being ignorant, I never speak the truth to anyone, I rely solely on my silver tongue,

flattering them until their legs cramp, sucking a little oil from a tiger's mouth, making a living from all directions, my forte is swindling and cheating!"

"Uncle, is there something you want to say?" Yang Shu, in the carriage ahead, seemed to have heard something and immediately asked

.

"Nothing!" Yang Cun finally snapped out of his daze, realizing he should be serious now, and quickly

shut his mouth. However, he couldn't suppress his frivolous nature and continued to sway his head lazily, humming:

"Eating, drinking, whoring, gambling, and smoking, all by cheating, deceiving, and stealing. Aspiring to be a superior man, only because of the fragrant wine and meat in the city, the extravagant nights

, the ripples of dreams in the depths of drunkenness, lustful scenes are nothing new, money in hand, beauties in the arms, upright gentlemen are condemned by heaven and earth

, scoundrels are eternally loyal, life is short, only a few decades, all for sex and money..."

"Who's in the carriage!" The soldiers were all tall and healthy, clearly not ordinary local troops.

The guards spoke with great authority, their faces serious, giving off a very oppressive feeling.

"The Prince of Zhen has arrived!" The slave remained silent behind them, but his towering figure and

the large sword he carried on his back were truly intimidating. The guards immediately became alert. The personal guard leading the way quickly produced his official seal to prove his identity;

after all, the slave was too conspicuous. Who would attend a banquet carrying such a large sword so openly? It

was certainly improper.

"Welcome, Your Highness." The soldiers carefully checked the seal, and after confirming its authenticity, they quickly knelt and

performed a grand salute. Although he was a prince of a different surname, he was still a prince, and they could not afford to be negligent.

"Rise." Yang Shu's voice slowly rang out, returning to its usual cold, emotionless tone.

"This sir." Two carriages arrived, and naturally, no one dared to question the guests who had come with Yang Shu! But when the soldiers

saw the earth slave's mountain-like body and the gleaming broadsword behind him, they had no choice but to bow and say,

"Please disarm yourselves. Attendees are not allowed to carry weapons. Please understand."

"Hmph, who cares!" the earth slave snorted unhappily, glaring at them fiercely, which startled the soldiers

into taking a step back. However, he sat down cross-legged and said to Yang Shu with some displeasure, "Your Highness, I'll

just sit here. Your banquet is so boring, I don't want to go. Have them bring me my food."

"Alright!" Yang Shu seemed used to his rudeness and agreed with a smile.

The soldiers in front immediately made way for the two carriages to continue.

Guided by the soldiers, the carriage slowly came to a stop at the dock. Yang Shu alighted first and approached Yang Cun

's carriage, respectfully saying, "Uncle, we've arrived."

"What a bumpy ride!" Yang Cun stretched his limbs as he alighted, noticing

the puzzled . He understood that it was indeed strange for someone of Yang Shu's status to be so respectful.

However, these soldiers looked unfamiliar, both in their armor and appearance, so he couldn't help but ask, "Shu'er,

are these your personal guards?"

Yang Shu slowly shook his head: "Shu'er's troops are stationed outside the city. After last night's patrol, they are all

resting today."

"Tell me the truth, what exactly happened?" Taking advantage of a moment when no one was looking, Yang Cun leaned close to Yang Shu's

ear whispered a question.

"Uncle is indeed exceptionally intelligent." Yang Shu smiled somewhat awkwardly, pointed to the enormous pleasure boat ahead, and

said softly, "To be honest, Uncle, if it were the Governor of Tianjin inviting me, I might not have paid him any attention. But

today the invitation came from His Highness Prince Ding. Although we are both princes, His Highness Prince Ding is a member of the imperial family,

and I had to give him face no matter what. He also knows that you are here, and under such a warm invitation, I couldn't refuse

. I've disturbed your peace and quiet, Uncle."

Prince Ding, Zhao Yuanming, is the fourth son of the current emperor. Unlike other princes who have lost their official positions and are now idle,

this prince has been exceptionally intelligent since childhood, excelling in both literature and martial arts, and has always led troops to suppress the northeast. Although...

Born into an imperial family, yet humble and unassuming, he was not only approachable but also courteous to scholars, earning him the reputation of a wise prince.

Unlike typical spoiled brats, he was a typical well-mannered rich second-generation, enjoying exceptionally high prestige among the people—

definitely not the kind of good-for-nothing who benefits from his family's wealth.

"Why is he here?" Yang Cun muttered in confusion. Although he didn't

know , he knew that this Prince Ding was a prince on horseback, guarding the frontier for many years, a

veritable tiger on the frontier. He hadn't returned to the capital for several years; why was he suddenly in Tianjin?

"It's said he just returned to the capital, and the Emperor sent him to investigate the case of the Imperial Preceptor!" Yang Shu deliberately

lowered his voice , not daring to let others hear. After all, openly discussing a high-ranking royal prince was quite

gossipy. The other's surname was Zhao, his was Yang; although both held the title of prince, in terms of lineage

, the other's birth was less fortunate—a disadvantage from the start.

At the dock, a massive pleasure boat stood, two stories high, over twenty meters long and ten meters high,

more than twice the size of other pleasure boats. Even on the banks of the Qinhuai River, its extravagance was unparalleled. The boat was adorned

with lanterns of various colors, their flickering light creating a beautiful and dreamlike scene. Red-lacquered pillars and

emerald-green roof tiles—the bold combination of red and green didn't appear vulgar but rather remarkably harmonious. Phoenixes were carved on the eaves, and

a phoenix on the bow—though subtle, it was still quite ostentatious for that era.

"Your Highness, we have been waiting for you." At the bow, a tall figure stood quietly in the

gentle . He wore a simple blue silk robe, yet it couldn't conceal his strong physique and imposing presence.

Nearly forty, with sharp, piercing eyes, a face like jade, and a flowing beard, he was a handsome man. A slight smile played on his lips,

exuding calm and composed air, giving off an aura of unparalleled nobility.

"It's been years, but Prince Ding's demeanor remains as dashing as ever!" Yang Shu paused slightly upon seeing the newcomer,

then immediately burst into hearty laughter, cupping his hands in greeting.

"This must be the Duke of Jingguo." Zhao Yuanming greeted him, his sharp eyes glancing at the rather elegant Yang Cun

behind him immediately cupped his hands and laughed heartily, "Your Highness Zhao Yuanming,

it's a pleasure to meet you!"

"Yang Cun greets Your Highness!" Yang Cun said, making a move to kneel down!

Damn it, there's no way around it. Sometimes, a higher rank really does crush you. Don't be fooled by the fact that the Duke of Jingguo is a first-class duke,

a figure who can walk sideways in the capital. But he's the emperor's son, and the proper etiquette must be observed.

Otherwise , if investigated, it could be considered a crime of disrespect.

"Your Excellency, you are flattering me!" Zhao Yuanming quickly helped Yang Cun up, his face filled with gratitude and

a touch of reminiscence. "Back when I was just a naive young man, I followed the old master for many years. He was both my teacher and

my friend. Under his guidance, I gradually learned the ways of the battlefield, transforming from a sheltered child into someone who understood

the ways . Thinking back now, those were the happiest times of my life. Although the old master has passed away,

I have still received his teachings. How can I accept such a grand gesture from Your Excellency?"

"Your Highness is too modest," Yang Cun smiled modestly. To be honest, he and this Prince Ding were not familiar with

each other , and there was nothing to say. He would simply be polite to him and

play along. It would be better if they had a better understanding when they were acting.

They exchanged polite greetings and flowery words, outwardly appearing to be enjoying each other's company and

feeling like they had known each other for a long time. Yang Cun certainly did feel nauseous, though he didn't know if they wanted to vomit. No matter the era,

politics was synonymous with hypocrisy and shamelessness! Look at Yang Shu, usually so cold and aloof, yet he handled this

with such ease! And Zhao Yuanming? That so-called "Wise Prince," he was like a savior of suffering bodhisattvas. Just

looking at that harmless smile, he could probably run for president.

After a few polite exchanges, Zhao Yuanming led them into the pleasure boat.

Several guards stood quietly on the first floor. Though they didn't speak, Yang Cun knew from his sixth sense

that none of them were weaker than him. They were all physically strong, clearly not ordinary people.

No wonder he was the emperor's son; he not only traveled with a large army but also with so many powerful bodyguards. Sometimes, good fortune

can't compare to being born into the right family. His own time travel was already ridiculous enough, but this guy's birth was hundreds

of times better than his.

Ascending the stairs, the second floor of the pleasure boat was a simple pavilion. "Simple" in the sense that, to these

wealthy young men , the enormous pavilion, with its flowing gauze curtains, exuded an air of ambiguity. The floor was covered with a rare Mongolian

carpet, and the spacious interior, cooled by the river breeze, was incredibly comfortable. In the center of the pavilion stood only a large round

table already laden with various exquisite dishes and wines, including a considerable amount of seafood. In those days, seafood was a very expensive

food, only available in coastal areas like this, as transportation was the biggest hurdle. Therefore, even the most

powerful in the capital couldn't necessarily enjoy fresh seafood.

Although Tianjin was near the sea and had many fishermen who made their living from the ocean, fishing techniques were

far . The sea provided nature's bounty but also angered human greed. Emerald corals and

lobsters were luxuries; countless fishermen had perished at sea, resulting in the luxurious seafood displayed on

the tables . Behind every dish, every beautiful piece of coral, lay countless

innocent people who had died trying to make a living.

"This humble official, Xiao Jiu, pays respects to Your Highness and Your Excellency!" At the table, a man so fat he was almost a lump of flesh

rushed forward and bowed deeply upon seeing the three approach. He seemed to be panting heavily with each step, clearly finding

his bulk a heavy burden. His

body was like a meatball, his face lewd, and his eyes were almost invisible when he smiled. Yang Cun couldn't help but feel

disgusted. What was this? Such a huge lump of fat, truly ruining the scenery of this riverside place, and he was even wearing official robes!

At first glance, one would think it was a fat pig that had come to life and put on clothes! Alas, there is indeed no such thing as

perfection in this world. Such a beautiful night, such a beautiful setting, why did such a disgraceful scene have to occur?

"This is the Governor of Tianjin, Xiao Jiu!" A hint of disdain flashed in Zhao Yuanming's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and

warmly invited the two to sit down.

With all the guests and hosts present, everyone sipped their drinks lightly, barely touching the dishes on the table. They all maintained an impeccably polite

demeanor, exchanging small wine glasses and pleasantries, as if they had already eaten.

Their chopsticks were merely gestures.

Indeed, no one touched the food. After a few drinks, Yang Cun was starting to feel uneasy. Not only was he hungry, but

listening to their polite exchanges, their flattery so skillful it was

almost infuriating, made him feel nauseous, even without food in his stomach. The conversation

ranged from astronomy and geography to anecdotes from the capital, from battlefield exploits to expressions of

loyalty to the court and the emperor. The topics were so dull they were almost unbearable. Yang Cun, like the Tianjin

governor , had nothing to say except for a few laughs.

Speaking of Xiao Jiu, this fat man was quite clever. Knowing his low status, he didn't dare say anything, only

offering constant flattery and thanks. Yang Cun's situation was much different. The two rich kids' topics were far too

highbrow , discussing sophisticated national affairs, flattering people in ways the common folk wouldn't understand. There was no

way for them to interject. Alas, there really is a generation gap!

"Your Excellency!" Zhao Yuanming and Yang Shu had been exchanging pleasantries for a long time, and seeing that Yang Cun was almost yawning,

Zhao Yuanming immediately laughed and said, "Is it a bit boring? It's all my fault for being negligent. My father sent me to investigate

the case of the Imperial Preceptor, but before my troops even arrived, Your Excellency had already captured the thief in a flash. I suppose Your Excellency must be tired after

a long night. I'll summon some singing and dancing to entertain Your Excellency!"

"Uncle is indeed tired after a long night and should rest well," Yang Shu nodded from the side.

"Then I'll gladly accept." Yang Cun was somewhat surprised, not expecting Yang Shu to give him such a huge

credit . Looking at Zhao Yuanming's smile, he understood that Zhao Yuanming had come with a mission. The

case was solved; although he wouldn't get the credit, at least he wouldn't be the scapegoat. It seemed he didn't care who got

the credit.

"Someone, please invite Miss Zixian!" Xiao Jiu smiled understandingly, clapping his hands and calling out.

A green jade screen, a curtain made of white jade beads, light footsteps, almost

silent—a pink dress slowly appeared, a hazy beauty, her face obscured, only her figure visible.

Even so, the beauty moved with graceful steps, each step swaying with captivating charm. Her beautiful figure

was so alluring beneath the flowing long dress; the feminine curves, even in a fleeting moment, exuded countless charms.

Although her face was not clearly visible, her swaying figure was already so captivating. One could only imagine how stunningly beautiful

the woman behind the screen must be.

"Miss Zixian is a courtesan of unparalleled beauty and talent on our Grand Canal!" Xiao Jiu said, gazing at the beauty as if he

were practically drooling. But she quickly regained her composure and introduced in a fawning manner, "Whether it's her musical skills,

singing voice, or literary talent, many of today's talented men are ashamed of themselves! Although she is a woman, she possesses the talent of a top scholar

, and even I, Xiao, have great respect for her."

Yang Cun thought to himself: You fat pig! What are you thinking about talent? You're

really . But speaking of which, this Zi Xian is truly quite charming. Even without seeing her face clearly, those few hazy steps

were full of femininity. Her reputation precedes her, so I'm sure her appearance is stunning!

"This humble woman, Zi Xian, greets all the esteemed gentlemen." The beauty behind the curtain slowly sat down before the zither platform. Her

melodious was already heavenly music. A gentle call, full of charm, that touching feeling

even made one's bones melt.

"Purple Fairy, please don't be so polite." Zhao Yuanming, accustomed to such occasions, immediately waved his hand and smiled,

"I came here to witness your talent, Miss. I have long admired you, and it is an honor to hear

your ethereal voice; indeed, it is gentle, delightful, and breathtakingly beautiful."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Purple Fairy's voice was very calm, as if she were addressing not a dignified prince, but

an ordinary visitor.

Yang Shu seemed to dislike this frivolous banquet; his usually icy face even showed a slight frown. Although Purple

Fairy's voice was so alluring, to maintain his image as a gentleman, Yang Shu sat upright, appearing

unusually calm, his expression extremely serious, deliberately crafting himself to be as serene as a deity.

"Miss Zixian, why don't you play a tune!" Seeing the indifferent expressions of the three, Xiao Jiu hurriedly

said , "Today we have distinguished guests, not only two princes but also the Duke of Jingguo. If you don't showcase

your musical skills and singing voice, wouldn't it be a waste of this beautiful spring night on the river?"

"I'm sorry," Zixian said politely, though her voice was gentle, "I am not in the mood to play the zither."

"What?" Upon hearing this, Xiao Jiu immediately lost face, his expression turning from pale to red. If it weren't for the fact that

the three officials present were all of higher rank than him, he would have slammed his fist on the table.

"The Purple Fairy's zither is played for a kindred spirit!" The Purple Fairy's voice remained as gentle and steady as ever, but as her

red lips parted slightly, a hint of resolute determination emerged: "The Purple Fairy has stated beforehand that I

am but a woman of humble origins, seeking only those with talent. I need not be exceptionally intelligent, but only those with whom I can find a kindred spirit through music. While you three are

truly one in a million, the Purple Fairy still hopes that you will connect with me on a heartfelt level, not through the guise of besieging the Grand Canal and abusing your power." Her

soft words carried an almost icy resistance. This disdainful, even contemptuous, attitude

not only darkened Xiao Jiu's face but also turned the faces of Prince Ding and Yang Shu ashen. In this era, even

a courtesan was still a courtesan. She was already a lowly person, and even those with exceptional talent would not wish to be subservient to the powerful

, escaping the fate of having their arms used by a thousand men and their lips tasted by ten thousand. The so-called courtesan before him

, though speaking softly, was incredibly blunt, even directly accusing Prince Ding of abusing his power. Her audacity was both

astonishing and utterly humiliating.

"Miss, may I ask what 'comfort with a kindred spirit' means?" Seeing the tense atmosphere, Yang Cun, intrigued by the

stubborn beauty, immediately asked.

"This humble woman, Zi Xian, greets Duke Jing." A glint flashed in Zi Xian's eyes. Unlike her

arrogance towards others, she rose gently, placing her hands on her waist in a graceful curtsy. Perhaps Yang Cun's

nonchalant , giving her an inexplicable sense of comfort.

"Greetings, young lady." Yang Cun scratched his head and said with a smile, "We were the ones who were presumptuous. Since

you have your own rules, we don't mind. After all, it's only natural to have some fun chatting and laughing. We just

wonder if you have any suggestions for us, so we can broaden our horizons."

These words greatly eased the awkward atmosphere. After all, everyone present was a person of importance, and to

be so bluntly rejected by a courtesan was almost humiliating. Yang Cun, however, acted quite

nonchalantly , changing the subject abruptly. He not only covered up the matter of Prince Ding leading troops to besiege the Grand Canal,

but also deliberately portrayed it as a way to find pleasure in romance and pleasure. This served two purposes: to save face for everyone and

to protect the dignity of Miss Zi Xian. Anyone can say things; it's just a matter of how they're said.

Zi Xian was silent for a moment, understanding and sensing the goodwill in Yang Cun's words. After all, no matter how principled she was, she was still just

a lowly courtesan. In the past, she might have been the center of attention, high and mighty, but before these people

, she was as lowly as an ant. Her momentary display of high moral character was indeed admirable, but offending them would make her life extremely difficult.

Even Xiao Jiu, the lowest-ranking official before her, could be a lifelong nightmare.

"That's right. Since Miss Zixian has this idea, why don't we exchange ideas through literature? What do you think?"

Seeing Yang Cun speak, Xiao Jiu softened his expression, not daring to be too openly coercive, only wanting to ease

the awkward atmosphere.

"Miss, please speak freely." Yang Shu nodded slightly, and Prince Ding, Zhao Yuanming,

smiled kindly beside him. After all, for someone of their status, getting angry with a courtesan seemed too undignified

. Even though many sons of high-ranking officials might resort to abducting women, given their status, they wouldn't

stoop to such a thing. A momentary thrill and arrogance were nothing compared to a good reputation and personal prestige.

"Since that's the case, I'll take the liberty!" Zi Xian hesitated for a moment. Although Xiao Jiu had been aggressive earlier,

the three guests sitting before her were, after all, people most people would never see in their entire lives, and they were all very polite

. Even though she was displeased, she had no reason to vent her anger.

"I'd like to hear the details." As Zhao Yuanming spoke, his gaze wasn't drawn to the beautiful figure behind the beaded curtain. Instead

, he raised his wine cup to the two of them, his face calm and composed, completely unaffected by Zi Xian's earlier rudeness.

"Good wine!" Seeing that he was giving him face, Yang Cun immediately raised his cup, clinked it with his, and

drank it all in one gulp. But inwardly, he couldn't help but ponder. It seemed this Prince Ding was no ordinary fool. As a high-ranking prince,

to be so rudely challenged by a courtesan, his reaction was so calm. Even with the best temperament, he couldn't remain

completely unmoved. This man was exceptionally patient and likely quite cunning; he was definitely not

a friend .

"This is top-grade Daughter's Red wine, a fine wine bestowed upon the Prince by His Majesty. The Prince usually hesitates to drink it;

if humble servant, could drink such a fine wine, I would truly be honored by the presence of the two Princes!" Xiao Jiu immediately

began to flatter, but his flattery skills were rather poor, and Zhao Yuanming's smile visibly faltered. Yang Shu remained

calm, while Yang Cun smiled emotionlessly. They exchanged a subtle glance,

both seeing disdain for this high-ranking official in each other's eyes.

"Gentlemen, I have made a fool of myself," said Zi Xian, who had been quietly watching the three men gather together, drinking

and laughing. Her beautiful eyes secretly glanced at Yang Cun. After a moment's hesitation, seeing that Xiao Jiu's expression seemed somewhat

displeased , she sighed softly, her flawless jade-like fingers gently caressing the ancient zither before her.

Her jade-like fingers plucked the strings, producing a soft sound like the arrival of spring, instantly drawing the attention of the three. When

all eyes turned to her, Zi Xian's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly composed

herself , slowly closing her eyes. Her fingers began to flow effortlessly across the strings!

The music was low and slow, each rhythm exceptionally clear, the slow syllables forming a perfectly

beautiful melody. Every tremor of the guqin seemed

to resonate with the river breeze blowing by, the evening stars in the sky, and the ripples on the river. Every note possessed unparalleled dynamism, like the pure

white snow of early spring, drawing the listener into a tranquil and beautiful realm.

The three of them quietly closed their eyes, listening to this beautiful music. Even Yang Cun, who didn't understand music

, could feel the enchantment that music brought.

The most despicable of all was Xiao Jiu. While listening to the music, he swayed his head as if reciting poetry, his eyes

darting furtively towards the beauty behind the curtain. Especially when he saw the three of them completely absorbed in the music, a hint

of disdain flickered in his eyes, a pervasive, repulsive lust.

Zi Xian took in the expressions of the four, a sudden hesitation crossing her face. The beautiful

music trembled slightly, then instantly became incredibly somber. The same slender fingers, the same zither,

produced a sound that was suddenly filled with profound sorrow. The music abruptly shifted, seemingly transporting the listener

from the beauty of spring into the agony of hunger and cold. The music instantly became like screams

, wails, and helpless sobs, evoking a profound sense of despair.

Hunger, cold, despair, helplessness… the somber emotions were expressed vividly in this music!

Within this heavenly music, a scene of utter desolation, like a living hell, unfolded. There was no peace and prosperity, no

tranquility; only despair and bleakness. The music instantly conveyed the hell depicted by the notes

.

Suddenly, the music abruptly changed; the mournful wails caused the three to open their eyes simultaneously, plummeting from a beautiful paradise into hell.

Their faces showed surprise and bewilderment, but no one dared to question them. The music now carried a

pitiful helplessness, a poignant sorrow that made them reluctant to interrupt. Xiao Jiu

was the slowest to react, but he too noticed the change in the music. Turning around, he saw the three behind him suddenly looking

serious. Startled, he immediately shouted, "Stop! Stop! What is this music? It sounds like a funeral!"

The music abruptly ceased. Zi Xian froze, her jade-like fingers trembling, and

the string snapped! Xiao Jiu immediately slammed his hand on the table and stood up, his face ashen, and shouted, "Miss Zixian,

today the Prince is hosting a banquet for distinguished guests! He invited you here to chat and play music, but you're playing such a mournful tune. Are you

deliberately trying to embarrass me?"

"This humble woman dares not." The young lady Zixian took a deep breath, her answer to the question so

cold. Her usually gentle, heavenly voice was devoid of any tenderness, even carrying an almost

forceful disdain.

"Is the piece you played 'Wandering'?" Zhao Yuanming asked slowly after a long silence.

"Indeed." The young lady Zixian nodded immediately without hesitation.

Music, regardless of the instrument or the melody, always expresses mood and emotion.

"Wandering" is said to have been composed by a disabled musician during the reign of a tyrannical ruler in Western Chu. This piece

only became famous decades after the composer's death from starvation. Although it contains no lyrics, the melody

conveys a profound sorrow and the bitterness of a world in ruins, vividly portraying the composer's life of desolation under tyranny and the

helplessness and despair of being exploited by corrupt officials. It not only depicts the helplessness of an ordinary person under

tyranny , but also condemns the debauchery and tyranny of those in power!

Yang Cun pondered for a moment. Although this world cannot be measured by one's own memory, this song of wandering in the Great

Hua can be considered a rare masterpiece. Even though its melody is so desolate and somber, it best reveals the helplessness of

the common people . To be fair, Miss Zi Xian's piece is indeed a masterpiece,

perfect in both technique and melody. But playing it at this time seems somewhat inappropriate.

"What do you mean?" Xiao Jiu's face turned pale upon hearing this. Even the most muddle-headed person couldn't be unaware of a

famous contemporary piece. Hearing the famous courtesan in front of three imperial relatives actually playing such a piece, his heart

was pounding so fast he could hardly bear it.

"Miss Zixian, your musical skills are superb!" Seeing Zhao Yuanming remain silent, seemingly unwilling to interfere with Xiao Jiu

's outburst, Yang Cun quickly stood up, clapped his hands a few times, and smiled approvingly, "The 'Wandering Melody' is known throughout

the north and south . Whether it's a street performer or a refined gentleman in a brothel, everyone can play a few lines. I, Yang, am so old,

and today is the first time I've truly appreciated the charm of this piece. I suppose this is Miss Zixian's most skillful piece!"

"Thank you, Duke!" Zixian was slightly taken aback, her expression momentarily complicated. Her eyes slowly glanced

over, and seeing Yang Cun constantly giving her meaningful glances, she felt a slight sense of relief and immediately nodded gently.

"Your Highness, Shu'er." Yang Cun chuckled, raised his wine cup, and said with a face full of emotion, "Such a heavenly

melody deserves a toast. I am rather ignorant, so this 'Wandering' is the best I have ever seen played.

Isn't such a fine piece much more interesting than those affected, sentimental erotic songs?"

"The

Duke Although I have heard a lot about court music, looking across the entire country,

only Miss Zixian can play this famous piece so beautifully!"

"Uncle is indeed a man of true character." Yang Shu smiled, said nothing more, and raised his wine cup.

"This..." Xiao Jiu looked quite embarrassed. He had originally wanted to get angry, but he didn't expect the

Duke of Jingguo to suddenly step in to smooth things over, and Zhao Yuanming even agreed with him. Now he really felt ashamed.

But facing officials who were all several ranks higher than him, despite a moment of annoyance, he

quickly bowed and smiled obsequiously, "Your Excellency, the Duke, is indeed a connoisseur, appreciating the celestial music within these strings.

I, Xiao Jiu, was indeed rash!"

The four joked for a moment, then drank their wine and sat down again.

Watching this scene from behind the curtain, Zi Xian felt a pang of indescribable bitterness, especially

seeing Yang Cun's relieved expression after finishing his wine. Her feelings were a jumbled mess.

She had already been quite presumptuous tonight, yet this young Duke had repeatedly come to her rescue. She didn't understand

why Yang Cun would protect a mere courtesan like her.

The drinking continued, the conversation rambling on about incoherent matters. During this time, Zi Xian

remained quietly behind the beaded curtain, saying little and ignoring the commotion outside. By this time, everyone

was somewhat tipsy. Although Xiao Jiu had been flattering Shangguan, he was still

annoyed After chatting and laughing for a while, he suddenly scratched his head and laughed behind the curtain, "By the way, Miss Zixian, I heard that you're almost

at the age to get married." " This humble

woman doesn't understand what you mean, sir?" Miss Zixian trembled. Facing his frivolous gaze, she

felt a surge of disgust, but also an indescribable bitterness. For courtesans, getting

married meant selling their virginity and living a life of sharing a bed with many. Although the name sounded nice,

for every young woman, it was an unimaginable nightmare.

"This has been rumored for a while now," Xiao Jiu chuckled, his tone laced with disdain. "I've heard that

Miss won a night of passion with her literary talent. But this brothel is a place of extravagance and debauchery. I wonder if there will be

admirers willing to spend lavishly, determined to have a one-night stand and pluck her virginity.

Will you find your ideal husband then? If so, I wonder what you would think.

Talented men and beautiful women, tsk tsk..." Upon hearing this, Xiao Jiu's smile instantly turned smug. After all, in this era, the best

outcome for a courtesan was to be taken home as a concubine by a wealthy man. And concubines were basically just tools for sexual gratification,

even given away as gifts to friends or to curry favor with the upper class. Even the most popular

courtesans couldn't escape this fate. If no wealthy and powerful man took a liking to her, she might spend

her entire life selling sex in a brothel. This was cruel, but it was the unchanging fate throughout history.

"No need for your concern, sir!" Zi Xian's face drained of color, but seeing the smug

and , she took a deep breath and coldly snorted, "Zi Xian is merely a lowly

courtesan; my forced smiles are not my own choice. Even if I were to be ridden by a thousand men and slept with by ten thousand, I would not dare trouble you with your

worries. However, for now, Zi Xian is still a virgin, and the husband she seeks must be a man of talent. Otherwise, her wedding night

might be the end of her beauty."

This response was extremely forceful, even utterly disrespectful. Zi Xian's meaning was

clear : Xiao Jiu could kill her, but she would not tolerate such contempt. As a regional governor, Xiao Jiu

was accustomed to wielding power in this land; he could not bear such sarcasm. His anger flared, and he began to lose control...

Losing his temper, he slammed his fist on the table and roared, "Zi Xian, a mere courtesan, what right do you have to talk about

modesty and integrity! Shameless! Ignorant! Utterly nonsensical!"

"My lord, are you just angry out of embarrassment?" Zi Xian remained calm and composed, giving a cold snort—her short

sentence was the strongest statement she could muster.

"Hey, how did you arrange this?" Zhao Yuanming watched this farce unfold, then glanced at the

bewildered , and his face darkened with displeasure

. He glanced at Xiao Jiu, a hint of anger flashing across his eyes for the first time.

"It was my oversight." Seeing Zhao Yuanming's growing anger, Xiao Jiu remembered the distinguished guests he had hosted that night, and his drunkenness subsided

somewhat. The mere provocation from a courtesan had caused him to lose face, and he couldn't swallow this insult. So, despite his extremely fearful demeanor, he still secretly glared fiercely at Zi Xian. 　　"Since Miss Zixian had no intention of coming, why force her?" Zhao Yuanming shook his head and sighed, slowly waving his hand to indicate that the banquet could end tonight. 　　"Yes, yes, it's my fault for not handling things properly!" Xiao Jiu apologized to the three of them, his eyes darting around slyly . Even though his expression was obsequious, his eyes were already filled with hidden anger and murderous intent. 　　"Wait!" Yang Cun quickly spoke up upon seeing this. Although the Prince Ding was behaving politely, it was clear that he was very displeased, and Xiao Jiu didn't seem like a good person. Tonight 's banquet would at most be a disappointment, but both Miss Zixian and the flower boat she belonged to might face a great disaster. Although the two were not related, Yang Cun loathed this kind of superficial hypocrisy, which was why he couldn't help but blurt out. 　　"Is there anything else, Your Excellency?" Zhao Yuanming still wore a kind smile, his slight displeasure from before completely gone. It seemed he was magnanimous and didn't want to hold a grudge, but everyone knows that it's easier to deal with the devil than with his underlings. Even if he were truly magnanimous and forgot about tonight's disappointment, how could those in positions of power know the extent of the disaster this night would bring to Miss Zixian? 　　"Your Excellency, tonight was my fault. I apologize!" Xiao Jiu thought Yang Cun was just unhappy, so he didn't dare utter a word and immediately picked up a pot of wine and drank it all in one gulp. Before him stood a prince and a duke from the Yang family, a family with five hundred years of history, whom he, a mere governor, could not afford to offend. Moreover, with Zhang Baocheng's case just now, even if he didn't punish him now, just a few words spoken to him in the Ministry of Personnel would cause him immense headaches. 　　"Lord Xiao, you are overthinking it." Yang Cun slowly shook his head and smiled calmly. "I've just heard that Miss is exceptionally talented and even wishes to marry a man through literature. I've suddenly become interested, and I'm afraid I'll have to take up a bit of everyone 's time." 　　"I didn't expect the Duke to be such a pleasure-seeker." Zhao Yuanming laughed with interest. In those days , men going to brothels wasn't something to hide, especially for talented clients and courtesans. It was often considered a romantic tale, a topic of conversation. So, most men wouldn't care about such trivial matters. 　　"Uncle, you're a young hero, it's perfectly reasonable for you to take a beautiful concubine." Yang Shu nodded slightly, but judging from his expression, he was getting a little confused by Yang Cun's repeated attempts to smooth things over. He could understand a courtesan initially trying to create a pleasant atmosphere, but repeatedly offending a high-ranking official for the sake of such a woman of low birth was somewhat inappropriate. 　　"Since that's the case," Zhao Yuanming gestured for Xiao Jiu to calm down, then laughed heartily and smiled at Yu Lian, " Miss Zixian, since the Duke is in such high spirits tonight, I wonder if you will be able to fulfill your wish. Since it's a marriage proposal based on literary talent, then naturally we'll follow your rules. If the Duke's literary talent is outstanding, then that night's romance will be a legendary tale. If the Duke loses, then I, Zhao, can guarantee that we won't abuse our power; at most, it will just be a pastime for later . What do you think, Miss?" 　　Zixian hadn't expected Yang Cun to suddenly make such a request. For a moment, she felt embarrassed and her mind was in turmoil, unsure how to answer. 　　"Miss Zixian, please enlighten me," Yang Cun chuckled, not saying much more. But in his heart, he despised Prince Ding a thousand and eight hundred times over—truly an old fox! Although he spoke flawlessly, after a few cups of wine , his true nature had taken hold. 　　"That sounds nice, but if I lose, I'll lose face; if I win, you'll gain face too!" On the surface, it seems amicable, but upon closer inspection, you're definitely trying to save . It's so obvious; only a fool wouldn't see he's on your side. 　　"This humble woman, Liu Bo, possesses a beautiful face; I wonder why the Duke has shown her such favor?" Zi Xian's heart was momentarily thrown into turmoil. Facing Yang Cun 's smile, she lost her previous harshness and coldness, and her words became somewhat incoherent. 　　"A celestial melody, a true listener is hard to find!" As Yang Cun said this, although his face was smiling, his heart was also stirred! The hardships of his past life—hunger, despair, helplessness, and desolation! Zi Xian's song truly touched the most vulnerable part of his heart. In this life, Yang Cun had vowed that even if he were to sleep with a woman, he would sleep with the most exquisite woman, and he would never waste even a fraction of his semen. However, he couldn't bear to see Zi Xian suffer persecution in the future, so he could only say that he would help her as much as he could.

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