Do you know: I am Qi Heng

Many people have a misconception that brothels are places for seeking pleasure.

This perception is not wrong, but it is not entirely correct either.

The most popular places for literati and scholars were brothels, and many famous poets wrote poems for the women in those brothels.

For example, a certain lyricist surnamed Su.

The reason they were willing to write about courtesans was not entirely out of sympathy for their plight.

Most literati enjoy the ideal of having a beautiful woman by their side, a scene reminiscent of a talented scholar and a beautiful woman.

This is something that those daughters of wealthy families cannot satisfy.

In fact, similar phenomena have occurred in later generations. Many people are very close when they are dating, but after marriage, the couple no longer has the same feeling as when they were dating.

The root cause is that people don't consider the future when they're in love; they're content with love and can indulge in romantic moments under the moon and flowers.

But after marriage, more time is spent on daily necessities and household chores.

The same was true in ancient times. Women from wealthy families were actually quite talented, but the idea that "a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent" was deeply ingrained in people's minds.

This statement does not mean that women cannot be talented, but rather that women should not deliberately show off their talents.

In addition, daughters of respectable families would become principal wives after marriage, busy every day with managing the household, handling accounts, entertaining guests, and raising children.

Naturally, she had no time to think about poetry and songs, let alone talk about these things with her husband.

Unlike courtesans, the more upscale the brothel, the more carefully the women there are trained from a young age to be proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

They learn these things to please men.

The more upscale the brothel, the more distinguished the guests it served.

These men are not short of money; they have beautiful wives and concubines, and countless maids. If they are only seeking pleasure, what attraction do courtesans have for them?

Could it be that the courtesan was experienced?

Ultimately, it was the courtesans who could discuss poetry and lyrics with them.

Therefore, visiting brothels was not considered shameful in the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Those who are particularly good at writing lyrics especially prefer to visit brothels.

Because the earliest lyrics originated from the Jiaofangsi (a government-run educational institution), which in later generations would be considered song lyrics.

When courtesans sing songs, what they're really singing are the lyrics.

The so-called "ci title" is actually a fixed-format melody.

After the two got into the carriage, just as the driver was about to drive off, the gatekeeper rushed out.

"Distinguished guests, please wait! My master invites you in!"

Qi Heng and Su Shi exchanged a glance, somewhat surprised, but they still got out of the carriage and followed the gatekeeper into the house.

The house is a bit old, but it's kept very clean.

Judging from the width of the house, it's not even as big as the house the Su family bought.

On the way here, Su Shi mentioned that Wang Anshi's residence was rented.

The gatekeeper led the two to the main hall, bowed, and withdrew.

"Su Shi greets Wang Duzhi." Su Shi bowed in greeting.

"Zizhan, there's no need for such formalities."

Wang Anshi smiled and waved his hand, then looked at Qi Heng and asked, "And who is this?"

"This is Qi Heng, Qi Yuanruo, son of the Duke of Qi!" Su Shi introduced.

"Qi Heng greets Wang Duzhi!"

Qi Heng bowed deeply.

"So it was Young Master Qi in person!"

Although Wang Anshi was somewhat surprised to hear this, he did not show much enthusiasm.

Lords and civil officials belong to two separate circles. They usually keep to themselves and do not interfere with each other. Although they may have some interactions, they do not have deep relationships.

"Please sit down."

Wang Anshi invited the two men to sit down and inquired about the purpose of Su Shi's visit.

He had a high opinion of Su Shi. When Su Shi was in Bianjing, the two had met several times at Ouyang Xiu's residence and had even had private conversations.

Su Shi once asked him for his views on reform and agreed with his strategies.

Wang Anshi also knew that reforms needed someone's support; even if the emperor adopted his advice, it would be difficult to achieve anything significant on his own.

This is when he had this idea, so he visited Ouyang Xiu and brought up the matter of reform.

In his view, Ouyang Xiu and others were supporters of the new laws in the past, so they would naturally support his reforms now.

However, reality was harsh; Ouyang Xiu did not approve of the new laws he had formulated and never agreed to support them.

However, Su Shi was already very famous, and he was preparing to petition for reforms at the next morning court session. If he could persuade Su Shi to support him, it would be a great help to him.

"It was Yuanruo who wanted to visit, but felt it was a bit presumptuous, so he asked me to accompany him," Su Shi said.

Upon hearing this, Wang Anshi frowned slightly and looked at Qi Heng, asking, "May I ask what brings Young Master Qi to visit?"

"Zizhan and I are good friends. I heard that Wang Duzhi intends to submit a memorial to the throne requesting reform. I came to visit you to ask Wang Duzhi if you really think the current situation is suitable for reform?" Qi Heng said.

Wang Anshi's face darkened, and he retorted, "Did the Emperor send you?"

It's no secret that the Duke of Qi's mansion has a close relationship with the royal family.

When Wang Anshi heard Qi Heng's question, his first reaction was that the Emperor had heard some rumors and therefore sent Qi Heng to persuade him.

"No!"

Qi Heng shook his head slightly and said, "Actually, I also support the reform, but I feel that the timing is not right now, which is why I wanted to consult with Wang Duzhi."

"opportunity?"

Wang Anshi countered, "When will the time be right? The court has long suffered from deep-seated problems, which are common knowledge. But have these problems been resolved?"

It's not that the deep-seated problems are hard to solve, but that many people are unwilling to change. However, since the failure of Fan Zhongyan's reforms, who has ever mentioned reform again?

I'm afraid if I wait any longer, I'll lose the courage to even mention reform!

Wang Anshi's tone was filled with bitterness, helplessness, and resentment.

The bitterness and helplessness stemmed from the fact that, despite knowing the deep-seated problems facing the court, so many people were obstructing the reforms, leading to the failure of Prime Minister Fan's new laws.

The resentment stemmed from his feelings towards the reformers, as Wang Anshi felt that their spirits had been worn down by their demotions years ago.

Otherwise, why did no one mention reform again after these people returned to the court?

He advocated for reform, but the reformists did not support him.

He was like a lone hero, opposed by both the conservatives and the reformers.

"Some things always have to be done by someone. I never thought the emperor would adopt my suggestion, let alone that anyone would support me. But I want the world to know that the court still has deep-seated problems, and there are still people in the court who are determined to solve them."

Otherwise, if this continues, no one will dare to mention reform, treating it as a taboo. What future will the Great Zhou have then?

Because of his emotional state, Wang Anshi spoke with less restraint.

Qi Heng sighed. He now understood why Wang Anshi was so stubborn when he implemented his reforms.

That was his ideal, and later the emperor entrusted him with this task.

This not only gave him the opportunity to realize his ideals and ambitions, but it may also be the only chance for the Great Zhou to solve its long-standing problems.

If he fails, his own ideals and ambitions are small, but the future of the Great Zhou is great.

Wang Anshi may not have been unaware of the chaos in the regions, but what he wanted was to forcefully push things forward despite the growing pains.

If he himself had questioned the reform at that time, then the reform might have truly failed.

Although Qi Heng didn't quite agree with it, he greatly admired such a person.