Huangming

Chapter 469 Spying in the Flower Garden, Seeking Opportunity in the Brothel

September of the second year of the Tianqi reign.

Jinling.

The banks of the Qinhuai River are still damp with the lingering effects of the flood.

The river surface was a murky yellow, and half-dried silt remained on the stone steps along the bank. Occasionally, refugees would huddle under broken walls, carrying moldy bran cakes in their arms, staring blankly at the passing boats.

But this scene of utter devastation could not conceal the extravagance of the old town area.

In just three to five days, the taverns and teahouses that had been flooded were lit up again, and the signs embroidered with mandarin ducks were once again hanging in front of the doors with plaques that read "Xinghualou" and "Yihongyuan".

The sounds of string and wind instruments drifted from the flower boat, mingling with the fragrance of cosmetics, drowning out the sighs of the displaced people.

On the river, a decorated flower boat with carved beams and painted rafters is slowly drifting away. The window screen is half-closed, and you can vaguely see a lady inside playing the pipa.

On the stone path by the riverbank, two men in brocade robes stood side by side, seemingly out of place amidst the enchanting scenery.

Zhang Zhiji, who was in the lead, wore a moon-white brocade robe with dark cloud and crane patterns embroidered on the collar and cuffs. He held an ivory bone fan in his hand, on which were inscribed small portraits of the "Twelve Beauties of Jinling". When he fanned himself, he deliberately showed off the mutton fat jade bracelet on his wrist.

Even though it's already autumn and the weather is getting cooler, he insists on striking such a flamboyant pose, looking exactly like a spoiled nobleman.

His gaze swept over the lanterns on the pleasure boat, a smile playing on his lips, while his feet unconsciously tapped out the rhythm of the music.

Luo Yangxing, standing behind him, was not so at ease.

He was wearing a brocade robe, his brows furrowed so deeply they could trap a mosquito, his hands clenched into fists, and his eyes filled with reluctance.

Just now, as he passed the broken wall, he caught a glimpse of the bran cakes in the refugee's arms. Looking at the bright lights and bustling scene before him, he felt even more distressed. After holding back for a long time, he finally couldn't help but speak:
“Brother Zhang, we are here on the orders of Minister Yuan to investigate the collusion between the gentry of Jiangnan and cloth merchants, the delay of raw silk production, and the spread of rumors, not to enjoy the scenery!”
These past few days, you've been spending your days hiding in your brothel and your nights on the pleasure boat. If this continues, not only will we fail to uncover the truth, but when Minister Yuan comes to question us, neither of us will escape unscathed!

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhiji abruptly closed his fan, turned his head, and glanced sideways at Luo Yangxing, his tone full of disdain:
You don't know anything!
Young master, I call this 'infiltrating the enemy's ranks'!
Those gentry and merchants pretend to be honest and upright in the government office during the day, but they all go to these places at night. How can you get information out of them if you don't get to know them?

You think investigating cases is the kind of thing your father taught you?

Arresting people with driver's licenses and using torture to extract confessions?

"These old foxes in Jiangnan are incredibly stubborn. Without some tricks up their sleeves, would they tell the truth?"

Luo Yangxing was momentarily speechless. His lips moved, but in the end, he only muttered something under his breath:
"He's clearly just having sex with prostitutes for his own amusement, yet he talks about it in such a high-sounding way..."

"What did you say?"

Zhang Zhiji, with his sharp ears, immediately glared and slapped his fan into his palm.

"Luo Yangxing, say that to me again?"

Luo Yangxing's heart skipped a beat, and he had no choice but to bite the bullet and change his words, his tone stiff:
"I... I said the commander's opinion was brilliant, but I was foolish and did not understand Brother Zhang's profound meaning."

"Hmph, that's pretty much it."

Seeing that Luo Yangxing had backed down, Zhang Zhiji's anger faded, replaced by a mischievous grin. He moved closer to Luo Yangxing, lowered his voice, and spoke with a mocking tone.

"To be honest, I've noticed you haven't been giving those prostitutes a pleasant look these past few days, as if you have no interest in women."

Fortunately, in this old hall in Jinling, there is a private room that is different from the others.

There were no girls inside, only handsome young male prostitutes who catered to male-loving officials and gentry.

I think that place is more suitable for you.

"You guy!"

Luo Yangxing blushed instantly and reached out to push Zhang Zhiji, but the other party easily dodged him.

He was both angry and anxious, pointing at Zhang Zhiji's nose, unable to speak for a long time.

This bastard actually mistook me for a homosexual!
Seeing his exasperated expression, Zhang Zhiji laughed even harder and started waving his fan again:

Don't be shy!

Let me tell you, many officials and gentry in Nanjing are bisexual, drinking with prostitutes while keeping male prostitutes to relieve their boredom. Even if you like that, no one dares to gossip about you.

Besides, that male prostitute is even more handsome than the girls, with delicate skin and fair complexion. Isn't he better than those heavily made-up prostitutes?

"I bother!"

Luo Yangxing abruptly turned his head away, gritting his teeth as he said:

"Even if I were to visit a brothel, I wouldn't go to a place like that!"

Zhang Zhiji looked at his tense profile and chuckled inwardly.

Little brat, trying to play innocent with me?
Do you really think I don't know?

Last night on the "Drunken Spring Boat," who was it that was so engrossed in the company of that prostitute named "Su Xiaoxiao" that their face turned red and their heart raced, and who was so weak that their legs trembled when they were finally helped off the boat?
It's only been one night, and you're already trying to pull back your pants and deny everything, pretending to be high and mighty?

He deliberately leaned closer and said in a voice that only the two of them could hear:

"Oh? So you're willing to go to a brothel with me?"
"That's perfect! A new girl named Cui'er just arrived at 'Yihong Courtyard' tonight. I heard she plays the zither beautifully and can even sing 'The Peony Pavilion.' Shall we go and try her out tonight?"

Luo Yangxing's ears burned from his words. He glared at him fiercely but didn't refute him further.

Continuing to argue with Zhang Zhiji, this scoundrel, will only lead to more ridicule.

But he secretly made up his mind:

Once the case is solved, we must tell Zhang Zhiji's father, the Duke of Yingguo, about the shady things he's been up to these past few days!

The two were arguing when suddenly the sound of horses' hooves came from afar. Several young men dressed in silk were escorting a sedan chair, heading towards the "Yihong Courtyard". As the curtain of the sedan chair was lifted, a prostitute with red fingernails could be seen sitting inside.

Zhang Zhiji's gaze instantly darkened, his fan slowly came to a stop, and the previous mockery vanished, replaced by a sharp edge:
“See?

That was the second son of Wu Shengli, a cloth merchant from Xiuning, Huizhou.

Do you really think I'm here to patronize prostitutes?
Visiting prostitutes was just a side job; gathering information was the real purpose.

Luo Yangxing was skeptical, but he still followed Zhang Zhiji toward Yihong Courtyard.

Soon, they arrived at Yihong Courtyard.

As soon as the two entered the building, a warm breeze mixed with incense and cosmetics wafted towards them.

Three glass lamps hung in the hall, their light casting a soft glow on the calligraphy and painting on the wall that read "Drunk and reclining on a beauty's lap." Several pimps dressed in short blue clothes stood with their hands at their sides under the eaves. Upon seeing Zhang Zhiji and Luo Yangxing enter, the sharp-eyed ones immediately called out, "Distinguished guests have arrived."

The madam, Wang, dressed in a light purple silk dress with a gold hairpin tucked into her hair, strode towards them in her embroidered shoes. Her eyes swept over the two men, and she immediately beamed with joy.

Zhang Zhiji's moon-white brocade robe was embroidered with a subtle Suzhou pattern, and the jade bracelet peeking out from the cuffs was so lustrous it looked like water could be squeezed out of it, clearly indicating that he was either rich or noble.

"Oh my, these two distinguished guests look unfamiliar. May I ask where you are from?"

Zhang Zhiji chuckled, pointed to the rooftop, and said, "In the sky."

The only place with a height higher than Nanjing's can be Beijing.

"So you're an important guest from the capital! Please!"

Wang, the madam, had a sickeningly sweet voice and reached out to entice the two men.

"We've prepared private rooms. The 'Listening to the Pine Pavilion' upstairs is the quietest, with a view of the lights reflected on the Qinhuai River. Please come in!"

"let's go!"

Upon reaching the second floor, the private room was already filled with the fragrance of lilies, and fruit dishes were laid out on the octagonal table, with candied plums in a crystal plate.

The madam herself poured amber-colored Shaoxing wine for the two of them. As soon as the wine entered the glass, a sweet fruity aroma wafted out.

She put down the wine jug, moved closer to Zhang Zhiji, and lowered her voice:

"Is this your first time visiting Yihong Courtyard? Would you like something vegetarian or meat-based?"

The girls simply play instruments, sing songs, and chat with you.

Meat-based...

She blinked and smiled ambiguously.

"It means having the girls serve you as you rest, whatever makes you comfortable."

Zhang Zhiji toyed with his wine glass, his fingertips tracing the rim, a nonchalant smile playing on his lips.

"Since we're already here, we should naturally have some meat."

"Pick the best-looking one out here. I may not have much else, but I'm not short of money."

As he spoke, he pulled a silver note from his pocket and slammed it on the table.

The banknote, valued at five hundred taels, gleamed under the lamp.

Wang the brothel madam's eyes lit up instantly, and she reached out to take it. Then, as if remembering something, she paused on the banknote, confirming it wasn't counterfeit, before carefully tucking it into her sleeve, her wrinkles crinkling into a smile.
"Oh my!"

Our esteemed guest is truly generous!
"Please wait a moment, I'll call over the best girls in the courtyard right away, I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"

Before fifteen minutes had passed, the door to the private room was gently pushed open.

A dozen or so women filed in, all around sixteen or seventeen years old.

Some wore pink skirts, others green jackets, their necks plunging low to reveal their snow-white necks; embroidered handkerchiefs were tied around their waists, and their skirts fluttered as they walked, revealing glimpses of their figures beneath.

The most eye-catching girl was wearing a red dress with a red velvet flower in her hair and a silk handkerchief in her hand. She timidly looked up at Zhang Zhiji and then quickly lowered her head.

Zhang Zhiji and Luo Yangxing subconsciously looked up, their eyes both carrying a hint of "criticism".

However, Luo Yangxing seemed somewhat flustered in his criticism.

He intended to keep a straight face, but when his gaze swept over the waist of the girl in the red dress and then caught sight of the exposed wrist of the girl in the green coat, his Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily, and his eyes became somewhat fixed.

"Distinguished guest, look at these girls. They are all rising stars in our courtyard. Their figures and looks are top-notch."

Wang the madam pointed at the girls and introduced them one by one.

"The one in the red dress is called Xiao Taohong, she's best at singing 'Gathering Pigweed'; the one in the green jacket is Xiao Cui, she's very skillful, she can weave love knots..."

"Yes, she is indeed beautiful."

Luo Yangxing couldn't help but blurt out a compliment, and as soon as he finished speaking, he heard a soft cough from beside him.

He snapped back to his senses and turned to meet Zhang Zhiji's ambiguous, half-smiling gaze.

That look seemed to say, "You just said I wasn't doing anything productive, but now you're the one who's fallen for me."

Luo Yangxing's face flushed red. He quickly lowered his head, picked up his wine glass, and took a big gulp, inwardly regretting his actions.

Damn!

How could you forget the important matter?

This is a case investigation, not a girl-selection contest!

Zhang Zhiji didn't expose him, but simply waved his hand at the madam, his tone carrying a hint of disdain:

"These are all ordinary women, dressed in flashy clothes, but without a trace of spirit."

Isn't your Yihong Courtyard a famous troupe on the Qinhuai River?
What about the top star?
Why don't you call him out so I can see him?

The madam's smile froze for a moment, then she forced a smile again and explained:
"Distinguished guest, you may not know this, but the top courtesan in our brothel is Miss Wang Wei, the most talented woman in Qinhuai, the Grass-Clothed Taoist."

Miss Wang is no ordinary girl; you have to follow the rules to see her.

Officials and gentry who wanted to have their first encounter with her had to prepare a "combing and purifying ceremony" and pay for it; otherwise, the girl would refuse to come out.

"Comb?" Zhang Zhiji raised an eyebrow, pretending not to understand.

"It's just spending money, right? I have plenty of money."

He picked up the empty wine glass on the table and pointed to the silver notes that Wang the madam had just received from her sleeve.

"Was that five hundred taels enough to comb the comb?"

"Enough! Enough!"

Wang the madam's eyes crinkled with laughter as she nodded hastily.

“Normally, three hundred taels would be enough to do Miss Wang’s hair and makeup. With five hundred taels, you can not only see the girl, but also have her drink with you all night and play a few new songs!”

She felt happy.

This distinguished guest from the capital is so generous, much better than those stingy salt merchants. Looks like I'll make a good profit tonight.

"Then why are you still standing there?"

Zhang Zhiji stood up and straightened the hem of his brocade robe.

"Take me to see Miss Wang Wei."

Seeing this, Luo Yangxing quickly got up, wanting to go with them, but Zhang Zhiji raised his hand and pressed down on his shoulder.

"You just wait here." Zhang Zhiji leaned close to his ear, his voice low and teasing.

“Wang the madam, pick three of the best servants for my brother, make sure he can’t get out of bed tonight.”

"okay!"

Wang the madam immediately agreed, pointing to Xiao Taohong in the red dress, Xiao Cui in the green jacket, and a girl in a white dress.

"You three, serve this distinguished guest well. If he's not satisfied, you'll be in for a beating!"

The three girls immediately surrounded him. Xiao Taohong sat down next to Luo Yangxing and reached out to pour him wine.

Xiao Cui picked up a piece of candied fruit and held it to his lips.

The girl in the white dress stood behind him, gently massaging his shoulders.

Surrounded by soft, fragrant, and warm jade, Luo Yangxing's face flushed again, but he felt a little resentful:

You bastard Zhang Zhiji!

You get to meet the talented women of Qinhuai, but I'm stuck hanging out with these ordinary beauties. That's so unfair!

Before he could finish complaining, Xiao Taohong's fingers accidentally touched the back of his hand. The warm, soft touch made Luo Yangxing's heart skip a beat.

He stole a glance at the girl beside him.

His dissatisfaction gradually faded, and even a thought popped into his head:
like……

These girls aren't so bad either.

Zhang Zhiji only has one Wang Wei, but he has three. So, all things considered, he's still the one who's profited!
With this thought, Luo Yangxing relaxed. He opened his mouth and let Xiao Cui feed him the candied fruit. He then picked up the wine that Xiao Tao Hong had poured, took a sip, and the awkwardness in his eyes gradually turned into a bit of enjoyment.

Forget it.

They were all serving the Ming Dynasty.

I'll just have to make do with it.

For Your Majesty, I am willing to endure the attack of three vixens!
And the other side.

Zhang Zhiji followed Wang the madam up to the third floor. Just as they reached the entrance of "Shuyuxuan", they heard the sound of a guqin coming from inside. The sound was clear and melodious, like water hitting stones.

He stopped, the playfulness in his eyes fading, replaced by a more serious expression.

Wang Wei was a famous courtesan in Qinhuai and had close ties with the gentry and merchants of Jiangnan. Perhaps we could get information about the gentry of Jiangnan out of her.

"This trip can't be in vain."

Zhang Zhiji silently repeated the words to himself, his fingers already resting on the wooden door of Shuyuxuan.

The door hinges were wrapped in old cotton wadding, and when pushed open, they made only a very soft "yah" sound, as if afraid of disturbing the piano music inside the room.

A refreshing scent of agarwood wafted over, mingling with the moisture from the Qinhuai River outside the window, far more elegant than the incense burned in the private room downstairs.

A plain-colored gauze curtain hung in the room, blurring the figure of the person playing the zither into a hazy, moonlit white.

Zhang Zhiji slowed his pace, his gaze sweeping over the furnishings on the table:
The tea leaves in the Ru ware celadon teacup are still steaming.

Beside it lay an open scroll of "New Songs from the Jade Terrace," with a mutton-fat jade paperweight pressing down on its pages.

On the antique shelf in the corner, there are two Ge kiln porcelain vases with a few dried lotus pods inserted in them.

The room, with its elegant furnishings, resembled that of a Jiangnan gentry rather than a brothel.

"High mountains and flowing water seek a kindred spirit, but I never expected that although you are a prostitute, your zither skills are even better than those of the master musicians in the capital."

He deliberately dragged out his words, his tone carrying a hint of casual admiration, but his gaze remained fixed on the figure behind the gauze curtain.

The music stopped abruptly with a sharp "clang".

Behind the gauze curtain, the figure in moonlight paused, her slender fingers still resting on the strings, before slowly withdrawing them a moment later.

A soft, dewy voice drifted out, tinged with surprise:

"I never expected that our distinguished guest would also be knowledgeable in music?"

Ordinary young men who come here mostly prefer to listen to popular tunes like "Eighteen Touches," and few can recognize that this is "High Mountains and Flowing Water."

Zhang Zhiji's lips curled into a smile, and without stopping, he walked straight toward the gauze curtain:

"Music is just a minor thing, something to enjoy for fun."

"It is indeed Master Wang who, living on the banks of the Qinhuai River, possesses such refined tastes, which makes me look at him with new respect."

"Then, in your esteemed eyes, what is the Great Way?"

The voices from behind the gauze curtains rose again, this time with a hint of probing, as if trying to find out the background of this "distinguished guest from the capital."

Zhang Zhiji had already reached the curtain, his fingertips pinching a corner of the gauze curtain, but instead of immediately lifting it, he asked:
"Master Wang has lived in Jinling for a long time and is well-informed. He also frequently associates with officials, gentry, and merchants. He should know better than I do what the 'Great Way' of this world is?"

There was a moment of silence inside the tent, followed by a soft laugh:
"I am but a woman, only knowing how to play the zither and entertain guests. How could I possibly understand any 'great principles'? Your esteemed guest is too kind."

"is it?"

Zhang Zhiji raised an eyebrow, and with a slight force, gently lifted the plain-colored gauze curtain.

The scene behind the tent was finally clearly revealed before my eyes.

Wang Wei sat behind the zither table, not wearing the revealing, brightly colored dresses of the girls downstairs, but a moon-white ramie robe with fine bamboo embroidery on the collar and cuffs. The hem of her skirt hung on the bamboo mat, making her figure even more graceful.

She wore no makeup, only a plain silver hairpin in her hair, her hair loosely tied into a bun, with a few stray strands hanging down her cheeks, swaying gently with her breath.

What's most remarkable is her temperament. There's not a trace of the vulgarity of a prostitute in her eyes; instead, she carries a scholarly coolness, like distant mountains after the rain has cleared—seemingly serene, yet captivating.

Zhang Zhiji's eyes lit up slightly.

Her appearance and demeanor are indeed far superior to those tacky women dressed in bright red and green downstairs.

He had originally only intended to use the "combing" as a pretext to elicit more information, but now he genuinely felt a sense of appreciation.

When Wang Wei saw him suddenly lift the curtain and barge in, she was slightly taken aback at first, then a faint blush rose to her cheeks. She raised her hand to adjust the collar of her wide robe, her voice carrying a hint of feigned reproach:
"Our distinguished guest is truly presumptuous!"
They barged in without my permission.

Even if you paid for the comb, there's no reason for such rudeness.

As the top courtesan of Qinhuai, she has plenty of confidence.

Even if a wealthy salt merchant paid a thousand taels of silver, she could still have someone "invite" her out if she didn't want to.

This is her "hunger marketing," and also a way for her to elevate her own image.

However, she wasn't really angry when she said that.

The young man before her, dressed in brocade robes and adorned with jade bracelets, possessed an extraordinary air about him. His speech carried the unique nobility of a nobleman from the capital, which piqued her curiosity, making her unwilling to offend him easily.

Zhang Zhiji laughed heartily, completely ignoring her scolding, and walked straight to the zither table, sitting down next to her on the embroidered stool.

"I'm not one of those pretentious, affected types."

If you spend five hundred taels of silver, you'll naturally get something worth five hundred taels back.

"Do you expect me to spend the whole night discussing 'the Great Dao' with you through a thin veil?"

Wang Wei's cheeks flushed even more, and her voice softened slightly:

"Then...what does this distinguished guest wish me to do?"

Although she had been in the world of pleasure for a long time, she had rarely encountered such a straightforward and imposing young man, and for a moment she was flustered.

Seeing this, Zhang Zhiji chuckled inwardly.

Even the most aloof and talented woman still has to make a living in a brothel. As long as you know how to keep things in check, you can get her to talk.

He leaned forward, gently lifting Wang Wei's chin with his index finger. His fingertip touched her delicate skin, and he could feel her slight trembling.

"Going to a brothel to find prostitutes, what do you think I'm going to do?"

His voice was lowered, with a slightly hoarse and magnetic quality, but his gaze was fixed on Wang Wei's eyes, observing her every subtle reaction.

If it were an ordinary guest, such rudeness would have been met with Wang Wei's orders to have the pimps outside come in and take the person away long ago.

She was the top courtesan of Yihong Courtyard, and a "grass-clad Taoist" cherished by the gentry of Jinling. Even if she didn't want to serve them, no one dared to force her.

But the young master before me did not have the usual sleazy look in his eyes; instead, there was a sharpness in them, as if he could see through people's hearts.

The fabric of his brocade robe was a type of cloud brocade specially supplied to the imperial court by the Suzhou Weaving Bureau, which even ordinary nobles might not be able to obtain.

The jade bracelet on her wrist was so clear that one could see their reflection in it; it was clearly an item from the imperial collection.

This is by no means an ordinary playboy from the capital.

Wang Wei suppressed her discomfort and forced herself not to dodge his fingers. Instead, she looked up to meet his gaze, her voice tinged with a hint of probing:

"With your distinguished appearance and demeanor, you must be surrounded by beautiful women. Why bother coming to my humble place for pleasure?"

She deliberately changed the subject, wanting to probe further into his background.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhiji's smile deepened.

He withdrew his fingers from Wang Wei's chin and instead gently placed them on the cuff of her wide robe. Through the thin ramie fabric, he could feel the warmth of her arm.

His hand moved slowly, sliding from the cuff to the wrist, and then to the center of his chest.
His movements were somewhat frivolous.

"You're absolutely right."

There are indeed quite a few beauties around me.

But I've rarely encountered a beauty like you, who can play the zither and possesses such refined tastes.

"Today, I, your humble servant, will taste the flavors of the most famous courtesans of Jianghuai!"

(End of this chapter)