Do you know: I am Xu Jiazi

Chapter 752 I'm too old to compare with my sister [Thank you! Bow again! 32k words owed]

The inclement weather during the imperial examinations seemed to have exhausted the last bit of cold air after the start of spring.

In the days that followed, the biting north wind turned into a south wind carrying moisture and warmth, and each day became warmer than the last.

Around November last year, the silt dredged from the Jingzhong Canal and piled up on the banks began to thaw gradually after being frozen for two months.

Not far from the canal, you can smell the silt from time to time.

It is common to see passersby covering their mouths and noses as they walk by.

At this time, the major exam had just passed.

The candidates from all over the Great Zhou Dynasty still had to wait in Bianjing City for the results of the imperial examination to be released.

It's another beautiful spring day, with a warm breeze blowing. It's perfect weather for going out of the city to enjoy the spring scenery, have a picnic, drink wine, and compose poetry.

In recent days, the streets of Bianjing have often seen groups of pedestrians and carriages heading out of the city.

If it's all men going out of town for leisure, there's really not much fun to be had.
However, if one or two courtesans accompany you, the atmosphere becomes completely different.

Therefore, during these days, the top courtesans of famous brothels such as Qiyunlou and Feiyuntai in Bianjing City are very busy.

Although busy, the courtesans enjoyed themselves.
Not to mention being able to leave the brothel and enjoy the scenery and broaden one's mind during outings outside the city;
Not to mention the young scholars accompanying him, who were generous with their money, requiring neither flattery nor excessive drinking and revelry;

It's just that, in the unlikely event that a scholar might be inspired by a beautiful courtesan and compose a poem that becomes widely known and recited,

Therefore, the price of this top courtesan, including her tea and wine service, would be several times higher.

If she were chosen by a wealthy young master who was willing to pay to redeem her from her bondage, she could escape her misery and live happily ever after.

The other girls in the brothel also cherished this once-every-three-years opportunity.

She always goes to great lengths to dress up carefully.

But during these days,

The most famous courtesan in the capital is still Shishi, who has been in the industry for just over a year.

On this day in mid-February,

Cloudy in the morning.

In the west of the city, on the third floor of Wu Lou, a warm southerly breeze blew through the window, lifted the curtains, and entered the private room before landing on Xu Zaijing's face.

Smelling the scent of spring, Xu Zaijing, who was looking down at the polo field, let out a comfortable sigh.

At the polo field, it was a time when "the grass looked green from afar but was barely visible up close."

Although the grass surrounding the fence was not yet fully grown, it did not prevent the noble ladies of the capital from strolling and flying kites in the polo field.

In several places, Madam Wu had set up a row of sturdy swings, and many noble ladies were swinging leisurely on them.

"Ugh!"

A sigh came from the side.

Xu Zaijing turned his head to look: "Feng-ge'er, what's wrong?"

Changfeng, whose complexion was much rosier, said with a hint of regret, "Brother Jing, you are a young master of the Marquis's mansion, do you know what Miss Shishi looks like?"

Xu Zaijing was taken aback, then shook his head and said, "I have rarely seen this popular head of the industry."

"If Feng-ge'er wants to know, you can ask Liu Lang and Jiu Lang when they arrive. They've both seen it."

Changfeng nodded upon hearing this: "Then I'll listen to Brother Jing!"

Xu Zaijing smiled and asked, "Why did you suddenly think of asking this?"

Changfeng scratched his temples sheepishly and said, "Hehe, Brother Jing, I've met Li Du and Li Yu these past few days."

"Oh?"

Changfeng nodded: "These two brothers, along with the sons of several wealthy families in the capital, have met Miss Shishi twice."

"Twice?" Xu Zaijing asked, somewhat puzzled.

“Yes, the two brothers each met her once,” Changfeng explained. “But Li Du said that Miss Shishi has a very heroic appearance, a free and easy manner, and speaks frankly.”

"Li Yu said that the girl Shishi was beautiful, had a charming and innocent personality, and had a dazed yet alluring look in her eyes. She often spoke in the manner of a young girl."

"I thought they had been fooled and had found someone with the same name but a different surname."

"But after asking around, I found out that they were all looking for Madam Ruan, so there was no possibility of them looking for the wrong person."

Upon hearing this, Xu Zaijing's eyes were full of doubt: "What? That Miss Shishi didn't enter Qiyun Tower or Feiyun Terrace?"

"No, I heard she's been staying with Madam Ruan the whole time! None of the major brothels in the capital have said anything. Judging from the influence Madam Ruan has, she's quite powerful."

After Changfeng finished speaking, Xu Zaijing nodded: "Her fame has not diminished over the past year, which shows that Miss Shishi is a woman of many styles. The difference that Brother Feng mentioned might be due to the different hosts who invited her?"

Changfeng pondered for a moment, then gave a thumbs up and said, "Brother Jing, you're right."

After saying that, Changfeng looked down at the polo field and pointed at the noble ladies strolling around, saying, "Wow! That kite is flying really high."

"Ah."

"What are those guys doing flying kites outside the polo field?" Changfeng asked, pointing to the area outside the field.

Behind the two, Liang Han leaned over and said, "What else can we do? We naturally want the kite to fly onto the court, and who knows, there might be some lewd lyrics on it."

"Huh?" Changfeng's eyes widened in surprise: "My younger sisters are still on the court."

Qiao Jiulang also came over and said with a smile, "Changfeng, don't worry! The old women in the arena will handle this situation. It won't implicate the girls."

At this time,

Han Niu walked in and bowed to everyone, saying, "Gentlemen, the heir of Marquis Gu and his second son have arrived."

“Alright! Let’s go out and greet them.” Changbai and Zaizhang exchanged a glance and stood up.

Shichiro Nagamaki, who had been sitting next to Changbai and Zaizhang, also stood up and followed.

After Changfeng and Qiao Jiulang left, Liang Han looked at Xu Zaijing's questioning gaze, smiled slightly, and whispered, "Brother Jing, don't worry! I've had a doctor check my pulse, I'm fine!"

After saying that, Liang Han raised an eyebrow smugly.

Xu Zaijing shook his head helplessly: "Sixth Brother, you'd better be careful! If Madam Wu finds out about this, I'm afraid she'll break all three of your legs."

Upon hearing this, Liang Han smiled and said, "Don't worry, Brother Jing, my mother can't bear to part with him."

Seeing Xu Zaijing's gaze, Liang Han quickly pleaded in a low voice, "Brother Jing, you're not thinking of telling my mother, are you?"

"That's exactly what I was thinking," Xu Zaijing said calmly.

"No, please don't! My brother swears that he will never touch her again before marrying his wife," Liang Han said urgently.

Seeing that Xu Zaijing showed no sign of backing down, Liang Han said, "Brother Jing, I keep my word!"

Xu Zaijing sighed and said, "We'll get married before the end of the year, or I'll tell my aunt."

"it is good!"

As they talked, the two walked to the outside of the private room.

After exchanging pleasantries with the Gu brothers, everyone headed towards the private room.

"Uncle!"

Gu Shixing held Xu Zaijing's hand with a smile on his face.

Xu Zaijing smiled and said, "Good nephew, what's wrong with you today? Why are you so happy?"

Gu Shixing looked up at Xu Zaijing and said, "Hehe, little uncle, I came here today riding the horse you gave me."

Xu Zaijing smiled and patted his nephew on the shoulder, saying, "Next time you have the chance, you and Dai-ge'er can race at the racetrack and see whose horse is faster."

Gu Tingyu, who was in front, glanced at Xu Zaijing with a helpless look in his eyes and said, "Xiao Wu, I just told him not to ride a fast horse, and you..."

"It's obviously not okay to go out on the street, but it'll be fine back at the Xu family home, right?"

"Yes." Gu Shixing nodded emphatically.

As they spoke,
The group entered the private room.

Near Wu Da Niangzi Polo Field
To the east is Jinming Pond.

To the south is Qionglin Garden.

There are small breeding farms to the west and north.

With its beautiful surroundings, it is one of the best places to go for a spring outing outside Beijing.

Today, many ladies from wealthy and noble families were enjoying themselves at the stadium, and naturally, many other tourists also gathered around.

Under a tree on a gentle slope,
Except for the south side, the other three sides are surrounded by wide cloths that block the view.

In the rather large open space enclosed by a wide cloth, several chairs and two rows of tables were set up, with seven or eight young men dressed as scholars sitting or standing. Just by looking at their hairpins, belts, and clothing, one could tell that they were either rich or noble.

There were maids and servants around the group, busy boiling water and making tea in a copper stove.

A faint wisp of smoke drifted from the incense burner, releasing a refreshing and pleasant fragrance.

At the head of the two rows of tables sat a young woman with light and graceful makeup, bright eyes, and an air of scholarly refinement, wearing a veil.

Those who don't know this young lady's background would definitely assume she comes from a scholarly family.

Whenever a scholar looked at her, he could see a pair of eyes that were crinkled with laughter.

The scholar dared not look too long, and after only one glance, he quickly lowered his head and continued to ponder.

At this time,

A maid wearing a dress with words on it walked up to the girl and whispered in her ear, "Miss, I heard from the servant that we saw the carriage of Master Wei."

"Oh?" The scholarly-looking girl's eyes lit up instantly. "How did you know, servant?"

"Reporting to Miss, it is said that when Master Wei travels, he always rides in the Chai family's carriage, accompanied by guards and strong women."

"Hmm." With that, the girl stood up from her chair, curtsied to everyone, and said softly, "I'll be right back."

The scholars and young gentlemen nodded in agreement.

"Miss Shishi, please make yourself at home."

"it is good."

"If there is anything I can do to help, please feel free to speak up, Miss Shishi."

Li Shishi smiled and curtsied again, then walked with the maid and strong woman towards the outside of the wide cloth.

As she passed by several scholars and gentlemen, some looked at Li Shishi's eyebrows and eyes, some stared at her earlobes, and others looked at her waist and legs.

Soon, Li Shishi walked out of the open space enclosed by the wide cloth, and the shyness and smile in her eyes vanished instantly.

"call!"

The light veil covering her face fluttered slightly in the breeze from her breath.

Looking at the scattered picnickers around her, Li Shishi asked, "Where are we?"

The maid pointed to three carriages that had slowly come to a stop not far away: "Look, they're right there."

Li Shishi pondered for a moment: "Let's go and see! Let's find out which distinguished guest from the capital she's accompanying."

With that, Li Shishi walked towards the carriage.

After Li Shishi appeared, the tourists who were exploring the spring scenery a few dozen steps away, regardless of gender, couldn't help but glance at her.

Li Shishi, who was used to this, paid no attention to the gazes around her and quickly walked to the vicinity of the carriage.

Before even getting close,

"Madam, please stop here."

The guard, exuding a sharp and capable aura, perhaps assuming Li Shishi was a noble lady from some wealthy family, spoke in a kind tone.

Li Shishi smiled and said softly, "Brother, may I ask if Wei, the head of the guild, is among your group?"

The guard glanced at Li Shishi, then at the two strong women and maids behind her, and, sensing no threat, nodded: "Not bad."

"Please inform the guard that it is Master Wei's fellow disciple who requests an audience," Li Shishi said softly.

After a moment, the guard said, "Please wait a moment."

As he spoke, the guard took a few steps backward to create some distance before turning around and walking towards the carriage.

At this moment, the maidservants were busy moving down a wide cloth as tall as a person, tables and chairs, and other items to prepare for setting up the venue.

Upon hearing the guard's report, Wei, the head of the brothel, glanced in the direction of Li Shishi and then nodded to the guard.

Upon returning to Li Shishi, the guard gestured, "This lady, please."

"Thank you."

After giving a slight curtsy with her servants, Li Shishi walked towards Wei Xingshou.

As we get closer,

Li Shishi saw the look of amazement in Wei Xingshou's eyes.

"This humble servant greets elder sister," Li Shishi said, no longer hiding her true voice.

"Forgive my poor eyesight, but I don't know which noble family you are from?" Wei Fang asked with a puzzled look.

Reaching behind her ear, Li Shishi removed her veil: "I also studied pipa for a few days under Master Tang, and it is truly presumptuous of me to call myself a fellow disciple of the same school as the head of the troupe."

Looking at the girl's outstanding beauty, Wei Fangzhi's eyes showed a look of understanding, and she said with a little uncertainty, "Is your name Li Shishi, sister?"

"Sister has a good eye."

As she spoke, Li Shishi glanced at Wei Fangzhi, who exuded an air of grandeur and extraordinary temperament, her gaze lingering on Wei Fangzhi's jewelry, skin, and clothes for a few breaths.

Wei Fangzhi smiled warmly and said, "My master once said that she taught a girl whose face was as beautiful as a fairy. It turns out that it was you, little sister."

Li Shishi curtsied and said in a calm tone, "Master Tang, you flatter me! My mother said that if you weren't busy, I might be calling you Master now!"

As she spoke, Li Shishi emphasized the word "no time".

"Moreover, if we're talking about beauty that rivals even the most celestial beings, it should be the elder sister."

Wei Fangzhi seemed oblivious to the barbed words in Li Shishi's speech, and simply shook his head with a smile: "I'm too old to compare with my younger sister."

Upon hearing this, Li Shishi exchanged a surprised glance with Wei Fangzhi.

With just one glance, Li Shishi was stunned on the spot.

The reason for her stunned silence was that Li Shishi, who was good at reading people, noticed that Wei Fangzhi's tone was indifferent, and his eyes were equally indifferent.

In Wei Fangzhi's eyes, there was neither the smugness of escaping his misery nor the unfriendly mockery directed at her.

Wei Fangzhi's eyes seemed to hold only appreciation, liking, understanding, and encouragement.

Li Shishi, who had accumulated a lot of negative emotions over the past few days, felt that her appearance and thoughts were really ugly and ridiculous when she saw this look.

Without a target, Li Shishi was momentarily at a loss.

Li Shishi, who enjoyed a great reputation in the most virtuous place in the world, lived up to her name. She quickly adjusted her mindset and said sincerely, "Sister Wei, what brings you here today?"

Wei Fang smiled and said, "There's nothing much going on, so I brought some people to the outskirts to enjoy the spring scenery, hoping that some inspiration might strike me so I can compose a piece of music."

"Oh," Li Shishi nodded.

She thought this senior was someone who was living under someone else's roof and had no choice but to leave the city to entertain guests.

But he had nothing better to do, so he leisurely went out of the city to relax and find inspiration.

"Shall we take a walk?" Li Shishi gestured.

Wei Fang nodded.

After keeping the maid at a distance, the two walked around the Chai family's carriage.

"Your master treats you so well, I'm truly envious," Li Shishi said enviously.

Wei Fang looked at the guards and servants around her, smiled and nodded: "Yes, the master is kind-hearted."

In reality, Wei Fangzhi had a substantial annual income. When the Chai family guards and servants came out with her, Chai Zhengzheng insisted on settling accounts with her, and she had to pay a portion of the money herself.

"Sister Wei, are you now a free person?" Li Shishi asked in a low voice.

"Ah."

“Sister, you can earn your own money, and you have the Chai family as your powerful backing. It’s only natural that you have such a good mood and demeanor,” Li Shishi sighed softly.

Wei Fang smiled faintly and shook her head, saying, "I just had a stroke of good luck by chance, which is why I am who I am today."

Li Shishi turned her head and stared straight at Wei Fangzhi, who was a little taller than her, and sighed inwardly: Her skin is so good.

Noticing the gaze, Wei Fang turned her head and exchanged a glance with Li Shishi: "What's wrong?"

Li Shishi asked in a very low voice, "Sister Wei, is the great fortune you mentioned the Fifth Young Master Xu of the Marquis of Yongyi's mansion?"

Looking into Wei Fangzhi's eyes and pupils, Li Shishi said firmly, "I understand."

Wei Fangzhi, who was about to deny it, was taken aback, and then said solemnly, "Sister, listen to me! There are many things involved, so don't do anything rash, or you'll get yourself into trouble!"

“I know! I will stay far away from him,” Li Shishi said with certainty.

(End of this chapter)