APSIL -Chapter 151 Crowds Gather to Gaze Upon Zhang Lang

As night fell over the capital, most ordinary people, exhausted after a day’s work, climbed into their warm beds.

But in many streets and alleyways, the day was only just beginning.

Taverns and restaurants that had done mediocre business during the day were now packed with customers.

Gambling houses that had closed in daylight reopened their doors.

The entertainment quarters that had lain quiet all day once again came alive.

Officially, the imperial ban prohibiting officials from spending the night in brothels was still in force.

As a result, in the more famous establishments, gorgeously dressed women and musicians were often picked up by carriage and invited to perform privately at noble estates.

Only those refined venues that proudly claimed never to engage in the flesh trade remained gathering places for scholars and literati.

They liked to boast that nine out of every ten patrons were accomplished gentlemen.

When Zhang Shou got out of the carriage alongside Lu Sanlang and Zhu Er, the sight before him was surprisingly elegant.

A quiet entrance courtyard.

Whitewashed walls and black-tiled roofs.

A secluded garden with none of the tawdry atmosphere one might expect.

There were no gaudy red lanterns hanging outside.

Instead, two lanterns draped in green silk swayed gently above the gate.

From within came the clear, flowing melody of a guqin performing High Mountains and Flowing Water.

There was no shouting.

No noisy crowds.

It stood in stark contrast to the bustling streets they had just passed.

The moment Zhu Er stepped down from the carriage, he was completely dumbfounded.

His future brother-in-law… was actually visiting Tingyu Pavilion?

Was this some kind of joke?

This place never allowed men to stay overnight and proudly advertised itself as refined and cultured.

But everyone knew perfectly well what sort of establishment it really was beneath the elegant veneer.

More importantly…

Why had Zhang Shou come here…

And why had he dragged him along?

As two servants dressed in green approached carrying lotus-shaped lanterns, Zhang Shou watched Lu Sanlang quietly speak with them before casually asking Zhu Er, “Do you know where the name Tingyu Pavilion comes from?”

Given his former meager finances, Zhu Er had rarely—if ever—been able to afford such an expensive place.

Nor did he dare pretend to be a regular in front of Zhang Shou.

After all…

If Zhang Shou casually mentioned it to Zhu Ying later, he would certainly suffer for it.

So, instead of asking why Zhang Shou had come here, Zhu Er simply played the innocent.

“A pretentious place like this probably borrowed some line from an old poem to sound cultured.”

Lu Sanlang had just informed the gatekeeper that they were guests of the Marquis Weinan.

Turning back, he happened to hear Zhu Er’s dismissive remark.

Even though he owned only forty percent of this establishment, he couldn’t resist mocking him.

“Even Grand Secretaries have invited the ladies from this place to perform at their birthday banquets.”

“As for ministers and vice ministers, there’s no need to mention them.”

“If you’re so capable, why don’t you try acting refined yourself?”

Immediately reminded of old grudges, Zhu Er was just about to fire back.

Before he could, Zhang Shou thoughtfully said, “The bamboo grove is spotless, the waterside pavilion serene; longing stretches across distant cities. Autumn clouds linger as frost falls late, leaving withered lotus leaves to listen to the sound of rain.”

“Li Yishan’s poetry is famous for its obscure yet beautiful imagery.”

“I wonder if the words Tingyu came from this poem.”

Having once stayed in the Grand View Garden that lacked the House of Joyous Red, Zhang Shou’s first thought upon hearing Tingyu Pavilion had naturally been Lin Daiyu’s favorite verse: “Leaving the withered lotus to listen to the rain.”

He casually quoted the poem, neatly putting an end to the childish bickering between Zhu Er and Lu Sanlang.

Sure enough…

The two stared blankly at each other.

Neither knew how to continue.

Lu Sanlang could remember only Li Shangyin’s famous The Ornamented Zither.

As for Zhu Er…

He couldn’t recall a single poem by the man.

Just then, hearty laughter rang out from inside.

“Doctor Zhang understood the true meaning behind the name Tingyu with a single sentence. Splendid!”

“No wonder, once word spread that you were coming, all Twelve Rain Maidens insisted on performing a dance especially for you!”

Looking up, Zhang Shou saw that the one coming to greet them wasn’t a glamorous beauty at all.

Instead…

It was an elderly man whose girth easily equaled two Lu Sanlangs put together.

Though enormously stout and clearly advanced in years, he didn’t appear clumsy in the slightest.

On the contrary, he walked with remarkable vigor.

Zhang Shou immediately concluded this couldn’t be Zhang Kang, the Marquis Weinan.

Even if the former frontier chieftain had become an earl, there was no way he would personally come outside to greet a guest.

Besides…

Zhang Kang was the true owner of Tingyu Pavilion, a fact very few people knew.

Even if he did come personally, he wouldn’t present himself like the establishment’s host.

That left only one possibility.

This cheerful, portly elder was the richest man in the capital…

Wan Yuanbao.

People often said that nicknames were more fitting than given names.

But in this man’s case…

Even his actual name glittered with wealth.

Sure enough, the rotund elder introduced himself as Wan Yuanbao before warmly clasping his hands.

“When Third Young Master Lu said he’d actually invited Doctor Zhang, I scarcely dared believe him.”

“Who would’ve thought it was true?”

“My humble establishment is greatly honored.”

“Please, come inside.”

Zhu Er had always believed Zhang Shou had simply stumbled into good fortune by attaching himself to the Duke Zhao Estate.

Even that supposed marriage agreement sounded absurd to him.

But now…

Seeing the notoriously smooth-talking Wan Yuanbao—who moved effortlessly among the capital’s highest officials—treat Zhang Shou with such courtesy…

Then remembering that he’d only managed to visit Tingyu Pavilion twice in his life, and each time only as someone else’s guest…

He suddenly felt the world was terribly unfair.

Could a handsome face really charm everyone, regardless of age or gender?

Otherwise…

Why had Zhu Ying fallen in love at first sight?

Why had Zhang Chen, Lu Sanlang, and so many noble youths all been won over?

Why did Ge Yong proudly tell everyone he’d accepted an extraordinarily gifted final disciple?

Why did even the Third and Fourth Princes constantly say, “Teacher said…”

And now…

Even Wan Yuanbao was busy flattering Zhang Shou.

There really was no justice in this world.

Faced with Wan Yuanbao’s enthusiasm, Zhang Shou remained perfectly composed.

“I’m merely accepting an invitation.”

“How could I deserve Master Wan personally coming out to receive me?”

“Most people come here to enjoy poetry and romance, leaving business aside.”

“I, however, have come only to discuss business.”

“I have no interest in romance.”

“A little music and dancing for entertainment is fine.”

“Otherwise…”

“I specifically invited Young Master Zhu to accompany us.”

“If anything improper happened…”

“He’d probably overturn the table.”

Zhu Er cursed inwardly.

I’ve finally made it to Tingyu Pavilion!

Of course I want the full experience!

I’m not my little sister! Why would I overturn any tables?

Yet when Wan Yuanbao smiled at him…

He immediately laughed awkwardly instead.

Wan Yuanbao also smiled.

“Naturally, naturally.”

“The Twelve Rain Maidens merely admire Doctor Zhang’s elegance.”

“How would they dare entertain improper thoughts?”

Following behind Zhang Shou, Lu Sanlang strolled leisurely as Wan Yuanbao led them deeper inside.

Passing through winding garden paths, he noticed small groups of women standing quietly at several corners.

Because of Zhang Kang, he had visited often enough to recognize many of them.

Some had yet to become famous.

Others were personal maids serving the celebrated Twelve Rain Maidens.

At first they merely peeked from hiding.

Gradually…

They simply stood openly by the roadside.

Every burning gaze focused entirely upon Zhang Shou’s face.

It was as though neither Lu Sanlang nor Zhu Er even existed.

Yet despite those unabashed stares, Zhang Shou remained calm throughout.

Although he occasionally glanced around, he spent most of the journey chatting and laughing with Wan Yuanbao.

Lu Sanlang couldn’t help remembering his own first visit after rescuing Zhang Kang years earlier.

Though nothing had actually happened…

Simply facing so many breathtaking beauties had caused the young him to suffer a spectacular nosebleed.

Zhang Kang had laughed at him mercilessly.

Only after visiting many times did he gradually understand.

This wasn’t a place where anyone truly expected to find love.

People came here to discuss music…

Poetry…

Life…

Wine…

Songs…

Romance…

Whatever suited them.

But no one seriously believed genuine affection could be found here.

Yet this was clearly Zhang Shou’s first visit.

And he handled himself perfectly.

Perhaps he’d simply seen too much of the peerlessly beautiful Zhu Ying…

Compared to her, ordinary beauties naturally seemed insignificant.

But…

That’s only because the Twelve Rain Maidens haven’t appeared yet.

If they really came out…

If they smiled sweetly…

Cast flirtatious glances…

Or even threw themselves into his arms…

Would Zhang Shou still remain unmoved?

Zhang Shou had already noticed that the walk seemed unusually long.

More accurately…

Though he had no idea how large Tingyu Pavilion actually was…

Wan Yuanbao was quite obviously taking him on a deliberate detour.

All along the way, beautiful women watched without interruption.

Some flirted with their eyes.

Some softly sang.

Some coyly hid behind sleeves or fans.

To someone like Zhang Shou, who had witnessed countless spectacles in another life…

It all felt like watching a stage performance.

Only after entering a small central pavilion were those countless gazes finally blocked by hanging curtains.

Looking around, Zhang Shou’s eyes settled upon the man rising to greet them.

His temples had turned gray.

Yet most of his hair remained black.

His features were rugged and resolute.

His entire bearing projected unquestionable authority.

One instinctively overlooked the fact that he was already around sixty years old.

Wan Yuanbao bowed with a smile.

“My Lord.”

“I’ve brought your distinguished guest.”

“Along the way…”

“Everyone stopped to stare.”

“It truly was as if crowds lined both sides of the road just to admire Young Master Zhang.”

“If the Twelve Rain Maidens had possessed even a little less restraint…”

“They’d likely have rushed over as well.”

“Shall I have them prepare their finest performance?”

The Marquis Weinan, Zhang Kang, ignored the question.

Gesturing for Zhang Shou, Lu Sanlang, and Zhu Er to take their seats, he laughed.

“Let’s wait a little longer.”

“Otherwise…”

“If Miss Zhu bursts through the door while the singing and dancing are in full swing…”

“Everyone would be rather embarrassed.”

After sitting down, Zhang Shou smiled as Lu Sanlang eagerly poured him a cup of wine.

“So even an influential man like Your Lordship, who oversees the Imperial Armory Bureau…”

“Is as afraid of Yingying as one fears a tiger?”

Zhang Kang blinked before bursting into hearty laughter.

“Forget me.”

“Even several of the princes give her a wide berth.”

“How could I not be afraid?”

“She’s actually become much more restrained these past two years.”

“With her old temper…”

“If the censors criticized the Duke Zhao…”

“She would’ve marched straight to their doors carrying a whip to argue with them.”

As though completely ignoring Zhang Kang’s teasing gaze, Zhang Shou lightly touched the wine to his lips before replying calmly, “I think Yingying is impulsive…”

“But loyal.”

“Domineering…”

“But reasonable.”

“If she ever took up a whip to trouble someone…”

“They almost certainly deserved it.”

“And if she really stormed into Tingyu Pavilion today…”

“Perhaps that would simply prove there was something improper about this establishment.”

Even Zhu Er looked sideways in surprise.

You aren’t even married yet…

And you’re already defending her this fiercely?

Lu Sanlang burst out laughing.

The next moment…

His laughter died instantly.

A voice he knew all too well drifted from behind the folding screen.

“Marquis Weinan…”

“I told you A-Shou understands me better than anyone.”

“Even when I’m not here…”

“He’d never say anything bad about me.”

“Unlike my second brother…”

“One face in front of me…”

“Another behind my back.”

As Zhu Ying stepped out from behind the screen, radiant and smiling, Zhu Er nearly burst into tears.

I didn’t provoke you today!

Why am I the first person you attack the moment you appear?