Qian Jiaoniang had never heard such a melodious and haunting performance. The tune was captivating—she was completely entranced. When the song ended, she took a moment to come back to herself.
“Bravo! Beautifully sung!” Zhen Hao’s third brother suddenly shouted, unable to hold back, startling Qian Jiaoniang. She looked down the hall and saw Zhen Hao’s father and brothers all enchanted, praising enthusiastically, while Zhen Hao’s wives and sisters-in-law all looked tense and awkward, clapping only half-heartedly.
Old Master Zhen nodded at Zhen Hao, who clapped loudly twice. A line of flower-adorned performers entered from either side of the hall, each holding a treasure and halting before Xing Muzheng and Qian Jiaoniang.
At this, Old Master Zhen stood. His sons and daughters-in-law rose with him. He stepped forward to stand below Xing Muzheng’s platform and smiled:
“Lord Marquis Xing, this old man has long admired your name. To finally meet you today is truly a blessing of three lifetimes. And for my unworthy son to be sworn brothers with you—why, I’ve heard you even saved his life on the battlefield. You are truly a great benefactor to the Zhen family. Thus, I’ve prepared a few humble gifts, and hope the Marquis will accept them with a smile.”
He gestured, and a performer stepped forward holding a sword above her head.
“This is the famed sword, Taiyuan.”
She withdrew, and another performer in red stepped forward. Old Master Zhen pointed to a box of identical white pearls.
“These are Phoenix-Eye Pearls.”
She stepped back, and another in purple stepped forward.
“This is the imperial Ningqin zither.”
Aside from these three priceless items, there were also rare teas, fine wines, and luxurious silks—every item lavish and precious.
Xing Muzheng replied, “Old Master Zhen, you are too generous.”
“Sworn Brother, it’s just a small token from my father. Please accept it,” Zhen Hao said.
“Such a life-saving debt is like being reborn. I only fear the gifts are too meager for the Marquis to value,” Old Master Zhen said with a smile, gesturing for the performers to step aside. “There’s also a local specialty from Minghu I’d like the Marquis to accept.”
At this, the Zhen daughters-in-law all seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
Minghu’s local specialties were, of course, its famed beauties and courtesans. Minghu’s courtesans were known far and wide, with royals and scholars alike losing themselves in their charms. The Zhen family especially loved to buy—and gift—them.
The twin beauties with pipas stepped forward and bowed gracefully before Xing Muzheng.
“My Lord Marquis, these two beauties are named Yanluo and Yuluo. They are this year’s top courtesans of Minghu. Yanluo excels at poetry, calligraphy, and zither; Yuluo at tea arts, chess, and dance. It is rare enough for Minghu to produce one courtesan every three years—but this year brought two, and twin sisters at that! The old man thought it must be fate—these two unmatched flowers were surely born to serve the Marquis… and the Madam.”
In the Liuxian Hall, the music had already ceased. Xing Muzheng let his gaze rest on the twin beauties for a moment—one blushed and lowered her head shyly, while the other smiled gracefully and openly. Xing Muzheng said, “Then I shall thank Old Master Zhen for your generosity. I’ll respectfully accept.”
Madam Song glanced at Qian Jiaoniang’s expression, only to find that there wasn’t the slightest ripple on her face—in fact, there was even a faint smile at the corners of her lips.
Old Master Zhen beamed with joy. “If the Marquis is pleased, then this old man can be at ease.”
Becoming a guest and leaving with two stunning beauties as concubines—what was there to be displeased about? Qian Jiaoniang said with a bright smile, “Old Master Zhen might not know—what the Marquis likes best are women of both talent and beauty. Now he’s gained two at once. Who knows how delighted he must be.”
Zhen Hao’s wife and sisters-in-law all turned surprised eyes toward the beaming Qian Jiaoniang. Judging by her tone and expression, she didn’t seem to be pretending. To be so magnanimous—it was no wonder she, a common-born woman, could firmly hold the position of Marchioness.
Old Master Zhen was briefly stunned, then laughed heartily. “That’s wonderful! Wonderful!”
Zhen Hao added, “Sister-in-law, Yanluo and Yuluo are skilled in music. The journey to Yongan may be dull—let them accompany you to ease the boredom.”
Qian Jiaoniang gave a half-smile. “Oh, I wouldn’t dare. I wouldn’t dare.”
Xing Muzheng turned his head slightly to look at her, a strange light flickering in his eyes. Old Master Zhen signaled for the performers and the two beauties to withdraw, and the music resumed. Xing Muzheng leaned in and asked lowly at her ear, “Your favorite?”
Qian Jiaoniang glanced sideways at him but only smiled without answering.
Once the chrysanthemum banquet ended, Xing Muzheng rested briefly. Liu Hongwen and the Minghu prefect had come personally to invite him. Feeling that the clothes he was wearing reeked of wine, he told Qian Jiaoniang to fetch a change of clothes for him. Zhen Hao quickly interjected, “No need to trouble Sister-in-law—I have a gift prepared for Brother as well.”
Qian Jiaoniang thought to herself: She really wasn’t troubled at all.
Zhen Hao summoned his servants, and two large trunks were carried in. When opened, they revealed layers of splendid robes, all tailored to fit Xing Muzheng’s measurements.
In the military camp, Zhen Hao not only had the nickname “Pretty Zhen” but was also called “The Helpful Housewife,” because he wasn’t just fond of dressing himself up—he couldn’t stand others looking shabby either. Most of the brothers in the camp had received clothes from him. Xing Muzheng’s everyday outfits were all his responsibility. Everyone joked that it was a shame Zhen Hao wasn’t a woman—if he were, he’d be Xing Muzheng’s best wife.
Xing Muzheng was used to this, but this time he said calmly, “There’s no need next time. My wife will take care of my clothing.”
Qian Jiaoniang didn’t even lift her eyelids. Who knew who this “wife” of his would be next year. One thing was sure—it wouldn’t be her.
Zhen Hao laughed, “The more the better! You, Brother, are handsome as a jade tree, yet you dress plain as water every day. It’s a waste of such a fine appearance.”
Xing Muzheng chuckled and scolded, “You want me to dress like a peacock like you?”
“That’s not right, Brother. As the saying goes, women dress to please those they admire—shouldn’t us men present ourselves with dignity in return?” Zhen Hao replied seriously, even winking at Qian Jiaoniang. “Don’t you agree, Sister-in-law?”
Qian Jiaoniang replied, “If someone had your looks, Lord Zhen, even wearing rags, women would still like him.”
Zhen Hao was most fond of being complimented for his looks. “Sister-in-law, you really know how to speak to the heart.”
But to Xing Muzheng, it sounded rather unpleasant. She praised the little brother instead of her husband—how was that “speaking to the heart”?
Zhen Hao invited Xing Muzheng into the inner room to change clothes. The twin courtesans had already changed into simple, plain dresses, though their beauty could not be concealed. Seeing Xing Muzheng enter the room, Yanluo hesitated, then bowed to Qian Jiaoniang and asked, “Madam, since the Marquis is changing, should we go in to assist him?”
Qian Jiaoniang smiled, “Miss Yanluo is thoughtful. If you’re willing, then go ahead.”
Yanluo bowed again, and she and Yuluo gracefully walked into the room. Qian Jiaoniang watched their figures disappear behind the curtain and shook her head with a smile. She said a few words to Madam Song and rose to leave the hall. Madam Song looked toward the inner room, then at Qian Jiaoniang, and quickly ordered the maids to follow.
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