Chapter 188: Today’s Grand Banquet
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Cloud Pavilion, it had already been packed to the brim.
The guests had all been driven out, and the officials blocked the entrance tightly. The young ladies stood on both sides, anxiously looking towards the leading man.
He was a man wearing a dark green robe with gold embroidery, and his attire was extremely exquisite and luxurious. However, the more luxurious it was, the more it accentuated the unpleasantness of his face. He was tall and robust, with a dark complexion, almost slit-like eyes, and a greasy appearance. Standing here, he looked fierce and barbaric, his expression also ferocious.
This was the younger brother of the governor’s wife, Master Tong Qiushi.
Tong Qiushi cursed, “Go and capture those people for me!”
In the next moment, a voice rang out, “Using the word ‘capture’ seems a bit impolite, isn’t it, young master?”
Tong Qiushi raised his head and saw a group of people walking down slowly from upstairs. The one who spoke was a young man of fifteen or sixteen, elegant and refined, holding a folding fan in his hand. There was still a gentle and refined smile on his face, although the smile was quite dazzling.
Accompanying him were several young men of the same age, all of them handsome and extraordinary. Youhua Fairy and Ding Mama walked behind those young men, at a glance, it seemed like those young men were protecting her.
“Little beast, is it you guys who took away the one surnamed Wang? And you even dared to smash things at my estate?” Tong Qiushi asked viciously.
He was enjoying himself outside, but when he suddenly heard that there were thieves in his estate, he didn’t even have time to be surprised before receiving news that Wang Sheng from the estate had been taken away. Tong Qiushi immediately ordered someone to look for Youhua Fairy’s contract that was placed in the study, and sure enough, it was gone. For a moment, he was shocked and angry. He was shocked that someone would dare to provoke him, and angry that a small merchant would dare to be so arrogant.
Without saying a word, Tong Qiushi didn’t even have time to change his clothes. He led his men into the Cloud Pavilion.
“Oh? You can eat food recklessly, but you can’t speak recklessly.” Lin Shuanghe smiled as he looked at him, “Do you have any evidence that it was us who did it?”
What evidence? Of course, it was because this group of people dared to openly make threats when they left, telling people to come to Cloud Pavilion to find them. When did Tong Qiushi ever see such an audacious person?
“Which family’s little beast are you?” Tong Qiushi squinted his eyes, “Are you tired of living, doing things like this? And you, he looked towards Youhua Fairy, “Cheap woman, I took a fancy to you, it’s your blessing. You challenge my patience time and time again, and even collude with outsiders to do such shameless things. Today, I will capture all of you, lock you up in the dungeon, and let you experience what it’s like to offend someone you shouldn’t have offended!”
Once these words were spoken, with a “pu chi,” a young man behind Lin Shuanghe couldn’t help but burst out laughing. When he saw that everyone was looking at him, he smiled awkwardly and waved his hand, “Sorry, sorry, I just thought it was funny for a moment.”
Yan He was disinterested as he said, “Can these ruffians change the way they threaten people? It’s annoying to listen to this over and over again.”
Being treated with such contempt, Tong Qiushi was furious, “Take them down for me!”
The soldiers behind him immediately stepped forward. Ding Mama was shocked, and just as the soldiers were about to approach, suddenly, from all directions of the Cloud Pavilion, dozens of black-clothed guards emerged like ghosts, silently standing in front of the young men. They silently drew their daggers from their waists, the cold light shining in an instant, and the killing intent billowed.
The young ladies in the building were shocked, and they all screamed in unison. Youhua Fairy couldn’t help but clench the corners of her skirt, looking at the young men in front of her in amazement.
Yan He played with the ponytail hanging down to his chest and said, “Boring.”
No one knew where these guards came from or when they had sneaked into the Cloud Pavilion. Except for Xiao Jue, these guards had been ordered by him to hide here ever since they returned from the estate.
“Bold!” Tong Qiushi was also shocked. He was used to being overbearing in Jinling City. Even the big shots in Jinling didn’t dare to act recklessly in front of him because of his sister’s face. Unexpectedly, he had bitten into a hard bone this time. Not only did they abduct people right under his nose, but even now, when the soldiers had reached the entrance, he still dared to provoke them.
The tension was palpable, and it could erupt at any moment.
Tong Qiushi took a step back. Although he was domineering and fierce, he himself was essentially a useless person who couldn’t handle anything. He feared that these guards might implicate him. He said, “This is contempt for the imperial officials. Now, capture them for me, regardless of life or death!”
Yang Mingzhi stepped forward and spoke gently, “Young master, you don’t hold any official position. What we are doing is not contempt for any imperial official.”
“You abducted my people!”
“Leaving aside whether Young Master Wang was taken by us or not, he is a resident of Yangzhou and not a servant of the young master. Where does the saying ‘your people’ come from? Does the young master privately establish a prison, unreasonably imprisoning commoners? If we were to discuss it, it seems like it’s the young master who violated the law.”
Yang Mingzhi was naturally eloquent, and Tong Qiushi couldn’t compete with him. Frustrated and angry, Tong Qiushi said, “Stop wasting time with them, kill them!”
“Kill?” Someone spoke, their voice calm, as if finding it amusing. He turned his head and said, “Are you sure?”
This young man was quite tall, so even if he wasn’t at the very front, he could still be seen at a glance. Coupled with his outstanding and elegant appearance, it was hard to ignore him. He stood lazily, saying lightly, “If you utter the word ‘kill’ first, and then we act, even if we kill you, it’s just self-defense, not considered murder, you know.”
“Shall we compare who dies first, you or us?” He looked at Tong Qiushi with a smile that wasn’t a smile.
Under the gaze of those autumn-water-like clear eyes, Tong Qiushi couldn’t help but shiver. He didn’t know who these people were or what their identities were. Just now, he hesitated a bit, but after looking at Youhua Fairy standing in the crowd, he became even more resentful.
Regardless of who they were, Jinling was his territory. How could he let a group of inexperienced kids laugh at him? The entire city knew that he wanted to take Youhua Fairy. If he didn’t settle this matter today, and Youhua Fairy appeared unharmed Cloud Pavilion in the future or flew with Wang Sheng, wouldn’t he become the joke of Jinling?
When had Tong Qiushi suffered such a loss?
He frowned, gritted his teeth, and said, “Kill—”
Before he could finish his sentence, another voice came from outside the door, “Stop! Stop all of you!”
Everyone turned to see a middle-aged man in official robes striding in. As soon as this person was seen, the girls in the building, along with Ding Mama, quickly bowed down and respectfully said, “Lord Liu.”
This was Liu Rui, the governor of Jinling.
As soon as Tong Qiushi saw Liu Rui, he immediately stepped forward. He, who was already tall and fierce, acted like a child in front of Liu Rui, “Brother-in-law! You finally came. These little beasts abducted my people, and they are still so arrogant. Now they even dare to resist the soldiers. Brother-in-law, they simply don’t put you in their eyes!”
Liu Rui angrily said, “Shut up!”
Tong Qiushi was stunned, unable to speak for a moment.
He Yan looked at Liu Rui, the governor of Jinling. Unlike his wicked little nephew, this governor appeared to be different. He had the refined and scholarly appearance of a literati, even with a touch of righteousness. However, judging by his leniency towards his own relatives, it was evident that he was a person with a dual nature.
Liu Rui nodded to the people in the hall and said, “I’m sorry, Qiushi is young and impulsive. This is all a misunderstanding. Miss Youhua hasn’t been harmed, has she?”
Youhua Fairy did not expect the usually arrogant governor to ask her so kindly. She was inexplicably puzzled and replied, “Thank you for your concern, Lord Liu. Everything is fine with Youhua.”
Tong Qiushi felt resentful. These people came to disrupt his establishment, and his brother-in-law not only didn’t support him, but also showed such kindness to that woman. However, Ding Mama, on the side, saw through the situation. Her gaze swept over the group of young men, feeling emotional. Her daughter was fortunate to encounter such benefactors.
“That’s good.” Liu Rui smiled and turned his gaze to the others, asking, “Young gentlemen, you are not locals of Jinling, right? May I ask where you come from and what brings you to Jinling?”
Liu Rui was also feeling uneasy. Tonight, while he was outside, he heard a report that the governor’s mansion was invaded. Liu Rui was surprised. Who would dare to take action at the governor’s mansion? Later, the servant brought back the news that Youhua Fairy’s body deed was lost. Liu Rui had long heard of Tong Qiushi’s affairs, but he always turned a blind eye to such matters and let Tong Qiushi behave arrogantly outside.
This time, Liu Rui originally thought it was someone sent by Wang Sheng seeking revenge. He was initially somewhat angry. A small merchant dared to be so bold. However, when the servant brought a note, saying it was found in the study, presumably dropped accidentally, Liu Rui was stunned upon seeing the note.
It was an invitation to a poetry gathering in Jinling, inviting a person named Yan He. From the commanding general’s mansion.
As a governor of Jinling, Liu Rui didn’t dare to compare himself with the second-rank high-ranking official in Shuojing. Liu Rui was a smart person, and he didn’t miss anything. The servant carelessly left this note, deliberately revealing the identity. How could he dare to interfere? Before he had a chance to inform Tong Qiushi not to act rashly, he heard that Tong Qiushi took the soldiers to block Cloud Pavilion.
Terrified, Liu Rui rushed over just in time to prevent any further action.
“Sir, you have a keen eye. Indeed, we are not from Jinling,” Yang Mingzhi smiled politely. “We came from Shuojing and specifically arrived in Jinling for the poetry gathering.”
Indeed, it was a poetry gathering!
Liu Rui had a clue in his heart, but he didn’t know which one among this group was the son of the commanding general’s mansion.
His heart was in turmoil, but he didn’t show it on his face, only smiling and saying, “It’s truly a great honor for Jinling to have young gentlemen like you.”
“Not necessarily,” Lin Shuanghe shook his fan, “Just now, this… relative of yours was shouting and yelling at us, frightening us to death. He even called us little beasts,” Lin Shuanghe pretended to ponder with an expression of distress. “I’ve grown up all these years, and it’s the first time someone has called me that. When I go back, I’ll tell my father and see if he gets angry. After all, I’m a little beast, so he’s…”
Liu Rui was sweating profusely. With a swift kick, he knocked Tong Qiushi to his knees, scolding, “Disrespectful! Hurry up and apologize to the young gentlemen!”
Caught off guard by the sudden kick, Tong Qiushi felt aggrieved. Unaware of Yan He’s identity, less nervous than Liu Rui, he struggled to explain, “They took away my people. Not to mention that Wang Sheng, they stole Youhua Fairy’s body deed…”
“The body deed you’re talking about, is it this one?” Yan He shook a paper out from his sleeve, and as soon as Tong Qiushi saw it, he exclaimed, “Yes, that’s it! It’s indeed stolen by you!”
“Young Master Tong, you’re mistaken. This body deed has always been Cloud Pavilion. After all, Ding Mama has raised Miss Youhua for so many years. If you claim it’s yours, may I ask how much silver you spent, and do you have any records?”
Tong Qiushi couldn’t find the words to respond.
Accustomed to doing business without capital, even when it came to women, he did the same. Once he set his sights on Youhua Fairy, he forced Ding Mama to give him the body deed without spending a single coin. Now, when asked about silver and records, of course, there was no trace.
Lin Shuanghe chuckled, “Could it be that Ding Mama willingly gave Miss Youhua to you for free, such a big living person, just handed over like that? In our Shuojing, even if it’s a cat or a dog, there should be some compensation. How could it be that in your Jinling things can be given away for free. Or…” He changed the topic, his smile even brighter, “Is it a common practice in the governor’s mansion?”
This was an accusation of corruption and bribery! Liu Rui’s face changed drastically. Without waiting for Tong Qiushi to retort, he immediately spoke, “This kid is probably confused, that’s why he speaks nonsense. The body deed is naturally in Miss Youhua’s hands. As for Miss Youhua being Tong Qiushi’s person… This is baseless! Miss Youhua belongs to Cloud Pavilion; the entire Jinling knows it, and she has no connection with our Liu family.”
Tong Qiushi wanted to say something, but the clever servant by Liu Rui’s side had already stepped forward, using a handkerchief to cover his mouth.
Yang Mingzhi looked gentle, as if genuinely believing Liu Rui’s words. He kindly said, “I see. However, Lord Liu should properly educate his cousin. If Miss Youhua has no relation to him, yet he goes around declaring that she belongs to the Liu family and resorts to violence against us, then in the future, all the wrongdoings of Young Master Tong will be attributed to Lord Liu. As they say, ‘One prospers, all prosper; one suffers, all suffer.’ Others won’t distinguish between Lord Liu and Young Master Tong; they’ll hold Lord Liu accountable for the mistakes.”
This was a warning. Liu Rui broke into a cold sweat. Before he could come up with a proper response, the young man with the high ponytail glanced at him obliquely, speaking with a harsh tone, “Lady Youhua is our friend. Whoever bullies Lady Youhua is making trouble with us.” He turned to Youhua Fairy, eyes on the beautiful woman but words directed at Liu Rui and the others, “Lady Youhua, if anyone bothers you in the future, let the commanding general’s mansion in Shuojing find me. I will stand up for you.”
“And me,” Lin Shuanghe spoke with a smile. “Although our Lin family has no military power, we know a few people in the palace. My grandfather often sees the Empress Dowager. For such a trivial matter of yours, the Lin family can still offer protection.”
“My dad is the Chief Steward of the Imperial Household Department…”
“The Minister of Works…”
“The Minister of Revenue…”
With each name these young men uttered, Liu Rui’s heart trembled thrice. In a blink, inside and out, his clothes were soaked in sweat. Whether or not they were lying could easily be verified by inquiring at the Jinling Poetry Gathering. However, Liu Rui didn’t need to inquire; he now believed them eighty percent.
They all looked exceptionally spirited and proud. If they weren’t from high-ranking families, they wouldn’t dare to be so arrogant. One by one, they seemed to be addressing Youhua Fairy, but in fact, they were issuing a warning. Liu Rui felt bitter; who could have imagined that a courtesan could attract so many young masters from prestigious families to support her.
Liu Rui forced a smile and said, “Young gentlemen, you’re exaggerating. Miss Youhua Fairy is a native of Jinling. If anyone dares to bully her, Yingtian Mansion will be the first to disapprove. There’s no need to trouble the young gentlemen.”
Lin Shuanghe smiled faintly, “Lord Liu, remember the words you said today.”
“A man’s word is his bond,” Liu Rui said seriously, “The entire Cloud Pavilion can testify for me.”
“Very well,” Yan He raised an eyebrow, “You finally looked pleasing for once.”
Despite Liu Rui’s irritation at Yan He’s disrespectful attitude, he didn’t dare say much. Yang Mingzhi bowed to him, “So in the future, please take care of Cloud Pavilion and our friend Miss Youhua Fairy.”
“Of course, of course,” Liu Rui smiled apologetically.
After a few more exchanges of probing pleasantries, Liu Rui left with Tong Qiushi and the soldiers. When he returned to the Liu family tonight, it would be his responsibility to discipline Tong Qiushi. Inside Cloud Pavilion, the lotus-patterned door was closed, and bursts of cheers erupted.
The young ladies were extremely happy. Tong Qiushi had committed many wrongs in Jinling, but the ladies dared not speak out in anger. Because of Youhua Fairy’s situation, everyone was worried. Now that the dust had settled, Liu Rui had left in a disgruntled manner, and they felt a sense of satisfaction.
Youhua Fairy walked up to the young men, also excited. Tears welled up in her eyes. Suddenly, she knelt down, kowtowing to everyone, and said with a long voice, “For the great kindness you’ve shown, Youhua Fairy has no way to repay. If there is a next life, I will be a cow or a horse and never refuse.”
“Young Miss, please get up.” Everyone was startled, hurriedly pulling her up. They felt a bit pleased but also uncomfortable, speaking one after another, “This is what we should do.”
“A true man will draw his sword to help those in need. Our teachers in the academy have taught us so.”
“That Tong Qiushi is really hateful, but with us around, you won’t need to fear them in the future!”
Ding Mama smiled as she watched them, unable to hold back her laughter. She thought these young men were extraordinary. Although each had their own small temperaments, they didn’t display the arrogance typical of aristocratic youths. Even if common people admired and adored them, they often looked down on courtesans in their hearts. They wouldn’t voluntarily say things like “she’s our friend.”
However, these young men spoke candidly and naturally, without the slightest hesitation.
This time at the Jinling Poetry Gathering, inviting distinguished scholars from all over Great Wei, it was these young men from Shuojing Academy who won in the end.
…
The pleasure boat docked.
He Yan and his group disembarked, and Youhua Fairy smiled, saying, “Little young masters, please follow me.”
So much time had passed, and with Yan He, Xiao Jue, and others reaching the age where they could hardly be called “little young masters,” Youhua Fairy still used the old address, momentarily making He Yan feel as if this were the same summer day as back then when they secretly slipped into the flower pavilion with its enchanting melodies and dances, astonished by the splendid spring atmosphere inside.
Cloud Pavilion was still the same Cloud Pavilion, but it seemed to have aged considerably. The signboard at the entrance had been rewritten but lacked the liveliness of the past.
Pointing at the signboard, Lin Shuanghe said, “This writing…”
“Last year, there was a heavy rain,” Youhua Fairy said with a smile, “and I heard that the signboard at the entrance was blown away. Mama sent someone to rewrite it. However, I also feel that it’s not as good as before.”
The former grandeur was now replaced by a graceful elegance, but it was not as imposing as the old building.
As they walked inside with everyone, seeing Youhua Fairy leading the group in, the girls inside were all stunned. A slightly older one came forward, asking, “Youhua Fairy, who are these…”
“Look, who is this?” Youhua Fairy smiled.
The girl looked puzzled, and He Yan also looked at her, stunned. This girl turned out to be Cailian.
She had grown a bit older than before, and the innocent charm of the past was gone, replaced by a more mature charm. Cailian stared at them in confusion for a while before realizing, “Are they… the little young masters from back then?”
“Yes.”
Lin Shuanghe remembered Cailian, opened his fan, and said with a smile, “Miss Cailian, so many years have passed, and it seems everyone still remembers you.”
Cailian was also somewhat excited. Cloud Pavilion repeated day after day, and the days were indistinguishable. The incident where Tong Qiushi was embarrassed was probably the most thrilling experience they had in their lives. Those young masters from Shuojing, each from high-ranking families they didn’t dare to think about, did not look down on them like ordinary young masters. They even mentioned the term “friend.”
Occasionally, Cailian would wonder if it was just a dream. Now, suddenly meeting old friends, Cailian was too excited to speak.
“There are guests. Go tell the kitchen to prepare a table of good food,” Youhua Fairy smiled. “We won’t go back tonight without getting drunk.”
Cailian agreed and hurriedly instructed the kitchen.
The girls on the side looked at them curiously. Lin Shuanghe looked around and didn’t see Ding Mama, so he asked, “Where is Ding Mama? Since they are old friends, we should say hello to her.”
Youhua Fairy’s eyes dimmed at the mention, and after a while, she said, “Ding Mama is no longer here.”
It turned out that after Youhua Fairy went to Yangzhou with Wang Sheng for two years, Ding Mama caught a severe cold. Initially considered a minor illness, it worsened over time, and eventually, it seemed she was about to pass away. Ding Mama had no children under her knees, and in Cloud Pavilion, she had always loved Youhua Fairy the most. Hearing about Ding Mama’s condition, Youhua Fairy, originally planning to rush back to visit, had already been engaged to Wang Sheng at that time. However, the Wang family, despite being a business family, had strict rules. Not only was she not allowed to return to Jinling, even visiting Cloud Pavilion in the future was forbidden.
Youhua Fairy was trapped in Yangzhou, unable to take a step outside. She couldn’t rush back to Jinling, let alone Cloud Pavilion. Ding Mama left with regrets, and at the last moment, she simply gave Cloud Pavilion to Cailian.
Now, Cailian was the “Lian Mama” of Cloud Pavilion.
Hearing this, everyone couldn’t help but feel a bit melancholic. That shrewd and spirited woman, who also had a soft heart, was no longer here.
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