MLMD -Chapter 306 Pleasant Conversation

Qian Niang was in her thirties. In her youth, she had been the top courtesan on the Qinhuai River. But as age caught up with her, she could no longer continue in the flesh trade. She used her savings to buy a pleasure boat and became her own boss. Over more than ten years, her business grew steadily, and her judgment had naturally become sharper and sharper.

Qian Niang knew both Mao Xiang and Fang Yizhi. These two men were well-known in Jinling and regular visitors to the Qinhuai River. Though neither was particularly wealthy or influential, in the past they had often engaged in passionate debates with scholars, exuding a certain proud air that was impossible to hide. Yet now, they were both willingly standing beside a young man, their expressions entirely deferential to him. This immediately caught Qian Niang’s attention.

She gave the young man a closer look. Instantly, her heart thumped violently.

The young man was of medium build, with an unremarkable but decent-looking face. Yet there was an indescribable aura about him—a smell Qian Niang knew well. It was the unmistakable air of officialdom, the aura of someone accustomed to wielding life-and-death authority over others. Unlike the faint aura of authority ordinary officials possessed, the young man’s presence was strong, and when he looked at her just now, his smile carried a tone that brooked no refusal.

“This is someone important!” With over twenty years of experience, Qian Niang immediately came to this conclusion. She smiled warmly and coquettishly and called to the three men:

“Ah! Isn’t this Young Master Mao and Young Master Fang? You haven’t visited our Qinghe District for quite some time. Miss Xiang often mentions the two of you!”

Fang Yizhi, accustomed to such places, chuckled: “Really? Madam Qian, don’t tease us. If Miss Xiang thought of us so fondly, she wouldn’t have repeatedly refused our offers to redeem her freedom!”

Qian Niang’s momentary embarrassment quickly vanished. She waved her handkerchief with a laugh:

“You jest, Young Master Fang. Although Miss Xiang is the star of Qinghe District, if she truly wished to leave this life behind, I would not only not stop her but even contribute part of the silver as a congratulatory gift. But as for those who come only to play, neither I nor Miss Xiang would deign to entertain them.”

Yue Yang smiled. This experienced woman handled the earlier awkwardness with deft subtlety, hinting at men’s vices without provoking anger—a truly skilled madam. He said:

“Very well, Madam. I’ve long heard of Miss Xiang’s renown. Today, I have come with Young Master Mao and Young Master Fang specifically to witness the famed elegance of Miss Xiang. Madam must surely help us fulfill this wish!”

“Oh, this young master is unfamiliar to me. Is it your first visit to Qinghe District? Don’t worry, I shall immediately call Miss Xiang to join you for a chat. I promise you will be satisfied!” Qian Niang said as she led the three onto the pleasure boat and into a tastefully decorated room, where fragrant tea was soon served.

Once seated, Qian Niang smiled: “Gentlemen, please wait a moment. I shall summon Miss Xiang to play a few rounds of hand games with you.” With that, she hurried out.

“Hand games… what does that mean?” Yue Yang asked, looking at Mao Xiang and Fang Yizhi.

They exchanged a smile, knowing Yue Yang had never been to the Qinhuai River and was unaware of local customs. Mao Xiang explained:

“You may not know, sir. The courtesans here are unlike others. When a client meets a young woman for the first time, she will not meet him directly. They speak through a screen. Whether it’s composing poems or playing chess, only if the lady is pleased will she meet you personally. If displeased, no amount of silver will grant access.”

“Really… such rules exist?” Yue Yang was intrigued.

Honestly, whether in the modern world or ancient times, Yue Yang had never entered a place of pleasure. But growing up in the information age, he knew much about human behavior. In modern society, money could easily satisfy desires in minutes. Here, however, one had to converse, display refinement, and only then could things progress—so different from the modern world.

After Qian Niang left, she hurried to the young women’s room, knocking and saying anxiously:

“Miss Xiang, guests have arrived! Quickly go greet them!”

Xiang Jun, speaking with Dong Xiaowan, was startled. “Mother, who are the guests?”

Qian Niang shook her head. “I do not know who leads the group, but judging by the accent, he seems from Shanxi. The two accompanying him are familiar: Young Master Mao and Young Master Fang.”

“Oh? Which guest commands the accompaniment of both Mao and Fang? Must be an important figure,” Dong Xiaowan remarked with a smile.

“Exactly!” Qian Niang agreed. “Although Young Masters Mao and Fang are not from wealthy families, they were renowned scholars in Jinling. That this guest has them willingly accompany him proves he is of notable status. And judging from the aura I sensed when I looked at him—though young—he is truly extraordinary. My heart raced at the mere glance.”

“Oh, if that is the case, we must see for ourselves,” Xiang Jun smiled, though she did not entirely trust Qian Niang’s words. Over the years on the Qinhuai River, she had seen all kinds of people.

“Let’s go, I also wish to see this ‘extraordinary’ guest,” Dong Xiaowan added cheerfully.

After a short while, soft footsteps approached. Two figures appeared behind the curtain, and a soft, glutinous voice spoke:

“Little Wan has just been visiting, and Xiang Jun enjoyed her company so much that she forgot to greet you, dear guests. Pray forgive this oversight. May I ask where you have come from and why to Jinling?”

Hearing this, Mao Xiang frowned slightly. “Miss Xiang, Miss Wan, we are old acquaintances. Today, Young Master Mao and Young Master Fang accompany Yue Gongzi to visit you, yet you show such formality. Isn’t that a bit too distant?”

A soft laugh followed: “Young Master Mao, you and Young Master Fang are indeed familiar to Little Wan and Xiang Jun, but this is Yue Gongzi’s first visit. We know neither his surname nor his given name. How could we act as if we are already acquainted? Naturally, we follow proper etiquette!”

Hearing the soft, southern accent stirred with a subtle allure, Yue Yang felt a pleasant warmth in his heart. He replied:

“There is no need for such secrecy. My surname is Yue, given name Yang, from Yingzhou Prefecture in Shanxi. May I ask the names of the two young ladies?”

Fang Yizhi introduced: “Sir, allow me. The lady on the right is Li Xiangjun, the current top courtesan of Qinghe District. The lady on the left is Dong Xiaowan, top courtesan of Tianxiang Pavilion. Both are famed along the Qinhuai River, and it is difficult for ordinary people to see them even once.”

Mao Xiang, eager to assist, looked nervous, while Xiang Jun and Dong Xiaowan exchanged a glance behind the curtain, equally surprised. They had met Fang and Mao before—they were proud men—but now, these men seemed almost anxious over a guest. Something seemed unusual.

Recalling the name Yue Yang had given, Li Xiangjun’s eyes lit up with an unusual sparkle. Excitedly, she exclaimed:

“Could it be… you are the now-famous Loyal and Brave Marquis Yue, renowned along the border?”

Yue Yang was slightly taken aback but smiled: “I am Yue Yang, newly titled Loyal and Brave Marquis. I do not dare claim fame along the frontier—that is merely others’ praise.”

The curtain was drawn back, and the two ladies emerged. Yue Yang saw a delicate, fair-skinned face, her lips curling with a playful smile. The sunlight reflected in her clear eyes like two stars. Her cheeks lightly brushed with rouge, she was radiant and elegant, shy yet charming.

Next to her, Dong Xiaowan was of medium height, around 1.62 meters, with an oval face, refined features, and bright, clear eyes that smiled like spring. Both were exquisite and elegant.

“Truly a pair of elegant beauties!” Yue Yang could not help but marvel. Knowing their names, he now understood why their stories had endured through the ages. Even by modern standards, their appearance was exceptional.

Upon hearing Yue Yang confirm his identity, both Xiangjun and Xiaowan showed respect. Xiangjun picked up a teacup, pouring fragrant tea, and said:

“Though I dwell in the worldly life, I have heard of your lordship’s renown. You led the army multiple times against the Jiannu, defending the people of the Ming. Today, Xiangjun offers tea in place of wine to honor you, Marquis.”

“And I too!” Dong Xiaowan quickly poured tea, raising it respectfully to Yue Yang.

“You flatter me, ladies,” Yue Yang said, lifting the cup and drinking it. He sighed, then smiled:

“Before coming, I often wondered what sort of ladies could command such respect from Mao Xiang and Fang Yizhi. Seeing you today, I understand—it is not mere reputation. Though I have not yet seen your talents, appearance reflects the heart. From your beauty, I can tell you must also be virtuous and suitable for family life.”

Hearing this, both ladies stood and bowed deeply, saying:

“Little Wan (Xiangjun) thanks the Marquis for the praise, but this humble girl is truly unworthy.”

Even Mao Xiang and Fang Yizhi looked at Yue Yang in surprise.

“Really? I just complimented them casually. No need for such formality,” Yue Yang thought.

What Yue Yang didn’t know was that in feudal times, “virtuous and suitable for family life” was the highest praise a man could give, especially to a courtesan. The phrase comes from the Book of Songs: “Peach trees flourish, all ablaze; the bride goes to her new home, virtuous and fit for the family.” In an era when women’s worth was measured by virtue, praising a woman this way meant she could bring harmony to a household—a dream for courtesans hoping for a stable life.

The two ladies were thus deeply moved. Yue Yang’s status as a marquis only amplified the effect. A street beggar saying the same would have been met with ridicule.

Seeing the warm atmosphere, Yue Yang called for Qian Niang and discreetly signaled Chen Dazhi, who handed Qian Niang two ingots of silver.

“Mother, is this enough for today?”

Qian Niang weighed the silver, realizing the two ingots were forty taels in total. She grinned widely:

“Enough, more than enough!”

Ordinary guests would pay twenty or thirty taels for tea, conversation, and games with Xiangjun. Forty taels—this was generous indeed. Yet this sum was merely for conversation. To redeem Xiangjun or take her virginity would require far more wealth, if she even consented.

With Qian Niang gone, the group began talking. Despite being raised in the care of a madam, skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, Xiangjun and Xiaowan spoke considerately, rarely touching on romance, and instead directed the conversation to state affairs and court politics.

Yue Yang was initially puzzled, thinking they naturally had such interests. Soon, he realized they were accommodating him, avoiding topics that might make him uncomfortable.

“Do you think I’m just an illiterate brute?” Yue Yang mused, both amused and touched by their thoughtfulness.

After a while, maids brought small dishes and a pot of aged wine. In China, conversation and drinking went hand in hand. Dong Xiaowan, slightly tipsy, blushed and addressed Yue Yang:

“Yue Gongzi, though I have been in this life, I’ve heard of your fame. You have fought at the borders and defended our country. Might you have a fine verse to share?”

“Ah! I just complimented you two, and now you reveal yourselves! Are we having a test?” Yue Yang laughed.

Mao Xiang and Fang Yizhi grew nervous. They had known Yue Yang for some time and knew he never discussed poetry or literature. Xiaowan’s request was like asking Zhang Fei to embroider!

Yue Yang waved them off:

“Little Wan, you’ve stumped me. I confess, poetry and literature are not my talent. My skill lies only in martial arts, handling spear and staff. I do not disdain poetry, as it cultivates the mind, but Ming is not short of poets. What it lacks are those willing to humble themselves to serve the people, to fight for the court and the borders. Thus, I do not indulge in poetry, fearing I might fail His Majesty and the people of the frontier!”

Hearing this, both ladies’ expressions changed. Xiangjun respectfully lifted her cup:

“Your words are like a wake-up call. In the past, when we talked with scholars here, we spoke of poetry to show refinement. Today, your words reveal how foolish those actions were. Truly, doing is better than merely speaking. Xiangjun apologizes for past ignorance.”

She drank the tea in one gulp.