MLMD -Chapter 309 A Daughter’s Thoughts

The sun slowly climbed to the top of the mountain, and with a casual sweep of its light, it kicked aside the night that had blanketed the land all evening, driving away the storm that had raged through the night without a trace. A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of spring fields and the fresh scent of post-rain air, drifting softly into the room.

Yue Yang slowly opened his eyes. The first thing that caught his attention was a pink silk mosquito net draped elegantly around the bed. Almost immediately, a faint, delicate fragrance wafted into his nose. Stretching lazily, he felt the subtle “crackling” of his bones, followed by a wave of relaxation washing over him—sure signs that he had slept well last night.

Glancing out the window, he noticed another stream of sunlight spilling into the room. Checking his wristwatch, he saw it was already the hour of Si, precisely nine o’clock in the morning.

Yue Yang sat up, dressed, and pushed open the door, intending to step out and find someone. At that moment, he heard the sound of approaching footsteps. A young maid dressed in blue entered, carrying a basin of water and a tray.

The little maid gave Yue Yang a sweet smile. “Young master, you’re awake. First, rinse your mouth and wash your face, then you can go outside for breakfast.” She then handed him a small willow branch and a little dish.

Yue Yang took them and glanced at the contents. The dish held a pinch of green salt, and the willow branch had just been stripped, still fresh and green. He looked at the branch and then at it again in disbelief—he had never used one of these before!

Seeing Yue Yang holding green salt in one hand and the willow branch in the other, looking utterly helpless, the maid was momentarily taken aback. Tentatively, she asked, “Young master… you’ve never brushed your teeth with a willow branch before, have you?”

Yue Yang could only nod helplessly. Looking at the branch in his hand, he felt his good mood for the morning instantly collapse.

“You don’t brush your teeth? Then they must be terribly dirty and black!”

The maid stared at him in astonishment. She thought to herself: This young master seems quite talented and handsome… how could he have never used a simple willow branch? How could the young lady of the house even allow someone like him to stay on the boat overnight?

She peeked at Yue Yang’s face and said timidly, “Young master, would you like me to show you how to use the willow branch?”

With that, she took the branch, bit lightly to peel off the bark, revealing the tiny comb-like fibers inside. She then dipped it in the green salt, brushed gently, took a sip of water, and spat it into a nearby wooden bucket. Finally, she turned to Yue Yang and asked, “Young master, do you understand?”

Yue Yang almost wanted to cry. In his entire life, he had never been looked down upon by a little maid, and now she had even personally demonstrated how to brush his teeth! He felt like he had suffered some huge misfortune.

“Forget it, no need!” Yue Yang quickly waved her off. “Go to the back of the painting boat immediately and tell the people there to bring my toothpaste, toothbrush, and other daily necessities. I really can’t get used to this willow branch!”

“Young master, you really don’t want to use it to clean your teeth?” the maid asked again.

“No, I really don’t. Go exactly as I said—go to the back of the cabin and have my toiletries brought over!” Yue Yang repeated firmly.

“Oh… alright… alright, I’ll get them right away!” The maid, being sharp and perceptive, noticed Yue Yang’s expression was less than pleasant and didn’t dare waste any time. She quickly ran off.

Watching her leave, Yue Yang shook his head helplessly. Although toothbrushes made from bone, horn, bamboo, wood, and horsehair already existed in the Southern Song period, they were still very primitive. Because of their construction, the bristles often fell out, leaving one with a mouthful of horsehair while brushing. At this point, most people still preferred using willow branches for oral hygiene. Yue Yang also hadn’t planned to distribute toothpaste and toothbrushes to improve oral health in this time, so these items were only used on a small scale within the residence of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage.

Soon, the little maid returned, carrying a small package. She handed it to Yue Yang. He opened it, took out the toothpaste, applied it skillfully to his toothbrush, and began brushing his teeth.

After finishing, the maid blushed as she led Yue Yang to the central room of the painting boat. Dong Xiaowan and Li Xiangjun were already seated there, with a table set with a dish of white porridge, a few buns, and a stack of pickles. Seeing Yue Yang arrive, they both rose and bowed respectfully.

“Young Master Yue, you’re awake. Did you sleep well last night?”

“Yes, of course!” Yue Yang laughed heartily, though in his mind he added, It would have been even better if you two girls had slept with me.

But Yue Yang knew very well that trying to get two famous courtesans like Li Xiangjun and Dong Xiaowan to sleep with him wasn’t exactly easy. He had no desire to be a moralist; his attitude toward women was neither overly strict nor recklessly indulgent. He preferred to let things take their natural course. Last night, he had wanted to pull the two girls into his bed and enjoy their company, but though they liked him, it wasn’t to the point where they would let him do as he pleased, so he wouldn’t force them. After all, there were countless beautiful women in the world; no need to act like a villain.

Li Xiangjun had no idea what was running through Yue Yang’s mind. She spoke softly, “Young Master Yue, breakfast is ready. Please eat something first.”

“No!” Yue Yang waved his hand. “Miss Xiangjun, Miss Xiaowan, I have urgent matters today and cannot linger. We’ll have to part here.”

Li Xiangjun’s expression changed slightly. “What? Young Master Yue is leaving Jinling already?”

“That’s not it,” Yue Yang smiled and shook his head. “I’ve come to Jinling at the invitation of Duke Wei to discuss matters with him. But he happened to be away yesterday, so I spent time touring the Qinhuai River with Bi Jiang and Yizhi, which gave me the pleasure of meeting both of you. Now I have pressing business and must take my leave. I hope you won’t mind.”

Li Xiangjun and Dong Xiaowan exchanged a glance. Dong Xiaowan asked first, “Young Master Yue, will you visit Miss Xiaowan and Miss Xiangjun again?”

Yue Yang laughed heartily. “Of course. How could I leave when two such beautiful ladies are here? Rest assured, after I finish my business, I will come to see you. Just don’t chase me away when I do!”

Hearing this, the two women giggled. Dong Xiaowan pouted playfully, “You always joke, young master. You’re a marquis, yet if you come to visit Miss Xiangjun or Miss Xiaowan, or perhaps for something else, how could we possibly refuse? I just wonder—are you coming to Qinghe Fang to see Miss Xiangjun, or to the Meixiang Tower to see Miss Xiaowan?”

As Dong Xiaowan smiled, the rising sun streamed through the gauze window, highlighting her tender face and her coquettish, charming expression. Yue Yang’s heart stirred. What is she implying… does she mean I can be a bit bolder? he thought, momentarily dazed.

Seeing Yue Yang lost in thought, Li Xiangjun suddenly felt a twinge of jealousy. She whispered, “Since you have business, we won’t keep you any longer. Travel safely, Young Master!”

“Ah… very well, then. We’ll part here,” Yue Yang quickly recovered and cupped his hands toward the two ladies before turning to leave.

Outside the painting boat, Yue Yang saw Chen Dazhi, Mao Xiang, Fang Yizhi, and a few guards waiting by the black-sailed boat. Seeing him, they saluted in unison. Yue Yang nodded and boarded the boat. Soon, the black-sailed boat left the painting boat and headed toward the shore.

Li Xiangjun and Dong Xiaowan stood by the window, silently watching the boat disappear. After a while, Dong Xiaowan softly asked, “Sister Xiangjun, do you think Young Master Yue will visit us again?”

“How could I know?” Li Xiangjun replied with a faint, bitter smile. “Young Master Yue has so many important matters to attend to every day, while we are just two women fallen into this life. To have met him is already a great fortune. Who dares to hope for more?”

A trace of bitterness filled her heart as she spoke.

After a while, Dong Xiaowan suddenly asked, “Sister, if Young Master Yue were willing to redeem you, would you go with him?”

“Ah—!” The sudden question startled Li Xiangjun. She blushed, lightly punching Dong Xiaowan’s fragrant shoulder. “You little fool! How could you ask such a shameless question? If anyone overheard, would I even be able to face them?”

“It’s nothing,” Dong Xiaowan pouted. “Sister, don’t forget, you’re seventeen this year. If you don’t find a good match soon, in a couple of years Madam Qian will force you to start receiving clients. Then what will you do?”

She continued on her own, “People like us often cannot aim too high nor settle too low. Marry a commoner, and we’re dissatisfied. Marry a proper scholar as a principal wife, and it’s nearly impossible. Our only fate is to become a concubine. So I advise you to make your decision sooner rather than later…”

Li Xiangjun remained silent, her right hand unconsciously brushing the small object on her left wrist. Biting her lip lightly, she was momentarily lost in thought…