MLMD -Chapter 314 Doing a Good Deed

“Bang!”

A light thud sounded as the black-sailed boat bumped against the painted pleasure boat, then was secured with a thick rope. Only then did Yue Yang step up from the black-sailed boat onto the painted boat’s gangway.

“Old man, you’ve worked hard. Here, take this!”

Yue Yang pulled out a silver coin and handed it to the boat captain, who was sweating profusely from rowing so hard, smiling as he said, “Consider the extra as your hard-earned pay!”

The old man weighed the silver coin in his hand, examining it carefully. Once he confirmed it was genuine, he joyfully tucked it into his chest. He had never seen such a strangely shaped coin before, but for someone like him who often worked all night only to earn a hundred or so copper coins, getting silver felt like a windfall from heaven.

After putting the coin in his pocket, the old man politely asked Yue Yang, “Young master, would you like me to wait here for you?”

Yue Yang considered for a moment, then nodded. “Very well, wait here. When I come out, you can take me back, and I’ll give you another silver coin then.”

“Alrighty!” The old man grinned, showing a missing tooth. He had already assessed the coin given by the young master—it wasn’t a full tael, but at least eight or nine qian. If Yue Yang gave another coin later, that would total about one tael and seven or eight qian. Normally, it would take him over a month to earn that much—today, he felt he had encountered a truly generous person.

Yue Yang boarded the painted boat and was immediately greeted by a twelve- or thirteen-year-old maid, delicate and cute. Her large, sparkling eyes scanned Yue Yang, Chen Dazhi behind him, and a few personal guards before she cupped her hands and said, “Greetings, young master. May I ask your surname and given name so I can inform my mistress?”

“Thank you, young lady,” Yue Yang smiled at the maid. “My surname is Yue, given name Yang. I have long heard of Miss Wang’s reputation, and today I have come to pay my respects. Please inform her of my visit.”

The maid gave Yue Yang another careful glance, then said, “Young master, please follow me to the front hall.” With that, she led the way.

“Many thanks, young lady!” Yue Yang nodded and followed her to the central guest room of the painted boat.

Though called a guest room, it was really just a slightly larger room of about ten square meters. Compared to Li Xiangjun’s quarters, it was quite small, and the furnishings were simpler—clearly, this Miss Wang did not have much business success.

The maid invited Yue Yang to sit, quickly brought over fragrant tea, and said, “Please sit, young master. My mistress will be here shortly to see you.”

She was not lying. Soon, a slender, swaying figure appeared before Yue Yang.

It was the same woman Yue Yang had glimpsed on the black-sailed boat—a breathtakingly beautiful young lady. Her delicate face, flushed with a hint of pink, was framed by a straight, high nose and plump, cherry-red lips. Her full breasts rose and fell with her breath, and her fair, smooth skin was both soft and sensual. Wearing a pale green skirt, her curves were subtly visible. But what drew Yue Yang’s attention most were her clear, sparkling eyes, which seemed to hold a flicker of fire, captivating anyone who looked into them.

Yet the first thing Yue Yang noticed was her height.

He could swear this was his initial impression. Yue Yang was not particularly tall himself—only about 1.7 meters—but in the Ming Dynasty, where malnutrition was common, this was considered tall. And this young lady clearly surpassed him by at least half a head. In modern terms, her long legs, slim figure, and ample chest would make her a perfect model—an angelic face with a devilish figure.

“Ah, now I understand why this girl is so beautiful yet never became famous!” Yue Yang thought. Ordinary men would feel immense pressure being with a woman taller than themselves, especially in an era when men were generally shorter.

Sensing Yue Yang’s gaze of surprise, the young lady’s lips briefly twitched with a fleeting sadness, but it quickly vanished, replaced by a hint of quiet stubbornness. She bowed gracefully to Yue Yang and said, “I am Wang Yue. Greetings, young master!”

Her voice surprised Yue Yang further—not the high-pitched clarity of most women, but a low, slightly husky tone with an inexplicable magnetic quality.

Yue Yang did not act arrogantly. He stood, clasped his hands, and smiled wryly. “Miss Wang, there is no need for formalities. I came to pay my respects out of admiration for your talents. The truth, however, is that I happened to see you on the river and was immediately struck by your beauty, so I hurried over. I hope you will forgive my rashness and not think ill of me as a lecher.”

“Pfft!”

Wang Yue laughed, pleased with his honesty. Though she had been in the brothel for less than a year, she had met many men. Usually, men would either look at her with admiration mixed with regret or act overawed, pretending to discuss literature with her. But Yue Yang’s words were direct and sincere: “I came because I was captivated by your beauty, not to harass you.”

Wang Yue’s gaze softened. “You flatter me, young master. How could someone like me deserve your praise?”

“Indeed, indeed!” Yue Yang said earnestly. “If you are so humble, then no one along the Qinhuai River deserves to be called beautiful.”

Yue Yang’s sincerity pleased her greatly. Though she had only been in the brothel for a short time, she was well-educated and perceptive. She could tell he was not lying or flattering her.

She smiled, filling his tea cup from the teapot, and asked, “I’ve been on the Qinhuai River for some time, but I’ve never met a man like you. May I ask your origins and purpose in Jinling?”

Yue Yang answered honestly. “I dare not conceal it, miss. I am Yue Yang, commander of the Northern Shanxi route. I came to Jinling at the invitation of Duke Wei for some personal matters.”

“Yue Yang, commander of Northern Shanxi…” Wang Yue’s eyes flickered with recognition. She recalled, then said with emotion, “Could you be the famous Yue Yang, the newly promoted Loyal and Brave Marquis who defeated the Jian Nu?”

“Indeed, that is I,” Yue Yang admitted. “I am honored by your praise. Though I have some fame in Shanxi, in Jinling my reputation is probably less than favorable.”

In Shanxi, Yue Yang had helped tens of thousands of people through land reclamation and factories, earning him respect. But in Jiangnan, controlled by the Donglin faction, his reputation was poor.

“Pfft!” Wang Yue laughed, casting him a coquettish glance. “You are an interesting man. I have never met anyone as candid as you, far more sincere than the usual young masters and scholars.”

“That is because I see no reason to lie to you,” Yue Yang replied, keeping his honesty intact.

The atmosphere grew quiet. Wang Yue bit her lips shyly, then looked at Yue Yang with downcast eyes. “Young master, I wish to play the zither for you. May I?”

“I would be honored!”

The maid brought an ancient zither and placed it before Wang Yue, along with a small incense burner. The gentle scent of sandalwood filled the room.

Wang Yue composed herself and began to play, her soft voice reciting:

“Dark brows arch, emerald hair flows, weary of love’s waves, yet dreams remain. Mountains float, waters drift, where do the wandering clouds stay? Someone at the edge of the sky…”

The low, melancholic melody lingered in the room. Though Yue Yang did not know the composer, he could grasp the emotions expressed.

“A fine poem, fine music, and a fine voice!” Yue Yang applauded gently. “Though I know little of poetry and music, I can tell your heart carries worries. I may not claim to be a connoisseur of beauty, but I am a faithful listener. Perhaps sharing your thoughts will ease your mind.”

He had noticed the faint sorrow beneath her composed exterior. Though it had only been less than two hours since they met, Yue Yang wanted to help within his capacity.

Wang Yue bit her lip, suddenly kneeling before him, tears streaming. “Young master Yue, I have a favor to ask. If you help me, I will serve you as your maid for life!”

“Eh… Miss, what are you doing? Stand up… and speak!” Yue Yang was startled and quickly tried to help her up, but she stubbornly stayed kneeling.

Seeing her insist, he sighed. “Miss, do not be so dramatic. I have not refused to help, but you must tell me what the matter is. And surely you can stand to speak?”

“Do you truly mean it, young master?” Wang Yue’s body trembled with excitement.

Yue Yang nodded. “Of course, though it depends on what the matter is. If it is beyond my ability, I cannot promise success.”

“You must have a way!” Wang Yue stood, tightly grasping his arm, as if afraid he might run away.

“Sit down and tell me slowly,” Yue Yang said, helpless. Truly, he had only wanted to enjoy a brothel and a bit of relief—he had not intended to play the good Samaritan.

Over half an hour later, Yue Yang finally understood. Wang Yue was a local of Jinling. Her mother had died early, and her father, a minor magistrate, had offended the city’s eunuch governor, Qian Neng. The eunuch’s office was powerful, and Wang Yue’s father had quickly fallen from grace. To save him, Wang Yue sold her family’s property and even entered the brothel to raise money. Desperate, she now clutched Yue Yang as her last hope.

Yue Yang sat quietly for some time. Wang Yue anxiously watched him, her palms sweaty on her handkerchief, fearful of hearing a “No.”

Finally, Yue Yang said, “Miss Wang, if your father served in Shanxi, this would be trivial. I could have him released with a single word. But here in Jinling, my influence is limited. Since you have come to me, I cannot turn a blind eye. I will try to help, though I cannot guarantee success. Do you understand?”

“Thank you, Young Master Yue! I will never forget your kindness!” Wang Yue was overjoyed. For months she had sought help, but many refused outright or were evasive. Today, Yue Yang had given her hope.

Yue Yang called Chen Dazhi. “Return immediately, find Yizhi and Bijiang, and inform them of Miss Wang’s situation. Let them investigate and report back tomorrow.”

“Yes, sir!” Chen Dazhi bowed and left.

Seeing this, Wang Yue tried to kneel again, but Yue Yang stopped her.

“Miss Wang, you are from a respectable family. To save your father, you entered the brothel—your filial devotion is admirable. I cannot ignore it. I will redeem you; regardless of the outcome, I will report back to you tomorrow.”

“Young master, you truly would redeem me?” Wang Yue’s body trembled, her eyes complexly reflecting gratitude and awe.

“Of course! You, a daughter of an official family, should be in the inner chambers, enjoying poetry with friends, not in such a place.”

“Thank you, young master!” Wang Yue knelt again. This time, Yue Yang did not stop her, having spent such a large sum for her. Such gratitude was understandable.