Qian Wenze glanced at the painting and saw it depicted the "Goddess of the Luo River." The goddess had slender brows and delicate eyes, her robes fluttering as if dancing, truly embodying the description "floating like a startled swan, graceful like a wandering dragon." The painting was elegant and refined, capturing both form and spirit—a truly fine piece. There was no signature at the bottom, only a cinnabar seal stamped with a single character "Lan" in seal script. Qian Wenze couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, handing the painting to Chunyan and praising it repeatedly: "Though the painting itself is ordinary, the Goddess of the Luo River on it looks as if she was drawn from the same mold as you—if anything, she might even fall short in comparison." Chunyan, pleased by the compliment, shot Qian Wenze a playful glare but still bought the painting with silver.
Upon returning to Yicui Pavilion, they had just reached the entrance when they encountered Kerren, who had drunk too much and was causing a scene with wild shouts and clamor. The brothel madam, overjoyed to see Chunyan, quickly pulled her over and tried to mediate: "Gentlemen, please don't be angry. Yan'er has returned now. Let her offer you a toast later to make amends."
The troublemaker was none other than Han Guangye, the son of Magistrate Han Yaozu. His family had successfully latched onto the Lin Family's coattails, and Lin Jinlou had secured Han Guangye a minor eighth-rank official post. Though Han Guangye was uneducated and untalented, he excelled at social maneuvering, had thick skin, and was well-versed in the ways of officialdom. Ambitious and opportunistic like his father, he had managed to secure a lucrative position in the Salt Administration. Though his rank was low, the role was rich in perks, and Han Guangye immediately began flaunting his newfound status. This time, while on official business in Yangzhou, he had spent silver to host a banquet with courtesans in an attempt to curry favor with his superior. However, upon arriving, he discovered that Yan'er, the most famous courtesan of Yicui Pavilion, was absent. His superior's displeasure was evident, and Han Guangye, feeling he had misjudged the situation, erupted in anger.
Han Guangye glanced at Chunyan, her peach-blossom cheeks and almond-shaped eyes stirring his desire, but he sneered coldly: "Did you think showing up would settle this? Earlier, you assured us she'd return soon, and we ended up waiting for nothing for over an hour! The substitutes you sent were all mediocre—are you looking down on us outsiders, or do you think we can't afford silver?" He glared, slamming the table. "Don't you know who I am? In Jinling, everyone addresses me as 'Grandfather' with respect—even Lord Wu from your Salt Administration shows me courtesy. Yet today, I have to endure this nonsense here!" With that, he swept a cup of hot tea from the table, smashing it to pieces with a crash. Chunyan shrieked in fright.Han Guangye repeatedly ordered his subordinates who had come with him to smash things. The brothel madam and brothel runners tried to pull them back but couldn't stop them. Having just heard Han Guangye's words, they knew he had some background and didn't dare to push things too far for the moment. Qian Wenze, however, was a clever fellow. Upon hearing Han Guangye mention the "Salt Affairs Office," his mind had already started working, wanting to make connections. Seeing the brothel madam and others at their wits' end, he thought to himself, "This is the perfect moment for me to show my skills." Eager to demonstrate his understanding of social situations and his ability to handle affairs, he stepped forward and grabbed Han Guangye, fanning him diligently with one hand while speaking warmly and repeatedly, "Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, my dear brother! What's got you so angry? Look how worked up you are!" As he spoke, he pressed Han Guangye into a chair, his face full of smiles. "The people here have no eyes or eyebrows, they don't know how to speak properly. Brother, please don't be angry, just look at me, look at me!" He then shot Chunyan a glare and said, "Still standing there! Don't you know how to pour tea and offer water to apologize to my brother? What are your hands for?" As he spoke, he made meaningful eye gestures.
Chunyan glanced sideways at Qian Wenze, feeling resentful and reluctant, but she went anyway.
Qian Wenze continued fanning Han Guangye while smiling, "Brother, calm your anger. A noble official like you, is it worth getting worked up over a few sing-song girls? We gentlemen come here for fun—don't end up with a bellyful of anger instead of enjoyment; that would be too unprofitable. In a moment, let Yan'er play a few fresh tunes for you, like 'Spring Dew Thick, Jade Buds Bloom,' and have a couple of drinks with you. Tsk tsk, I guarantee your anger will vanish. Brother, just look at my face..."
Han Guangye had been aiming for exactly this kind of reaction. His orders to smash things were merely to assert his dignity, and now that someone was offering him a way out, he naturally didn't want to cause a big scene. He glanced sideways at Qian Wenze, noting his handsome, fair face, his perceptiveness, and his smooth talk, and recognized him as a slick operator. Though inclined to take the offered way out, he couldn't make it too easy. Still wearing a cold expression and maintaining his air of importance, he said coldly, "Look at your face? What are you, and how much face do you have?"
Qian Wenze made a "tsk" sound and put on a stern face, but then smiled as warmly as spring breeze, "Look down on me? Brother, you probably haven't heard of my reputation yet. But ask around on these streets—everyone knows 'Qian the Fair-Faced.' Though I may be untalented, I'm a respectable person with a name in this area. I was just passing by and saw that you're a man of spirit, not some ordinary fellow. If not from a renowned family, you're surely a dragon among men. That's why I came in to chat with you. Later, I'll treat you to drinks, and we can become friends."
Han Guangye looked him up and down. Seeing that Qian Wenze was indeed dressed in fine silks and satins, with a gold-woven belt at his waist, a sandalwood-ribbed fan in his hand, and a gleaming gold ring on his finger, his entire demeanor truly resembled that of a respectable person. Han Guangye began to believe him a little.Chunyan personally served tea and offered soft words of apology, while Qian Wenze coaxed with flattery, finally making Han Guangye feel his dignity was restored, and the matter was dropped. Soon after, Chunyan went to attend to duties upfront, while Qian Wenze insistently pulled Han Guangye to a nearby tea room to drink. He lavished praise incessantly, and Han Guangye, feeling pleased, exchanged a few casual words with him. Upon learning that Han Guangye’s father was a county magistrate and that Han Guangye himself held a lucrative post, Qian Wenze grew even more obsequious. After two cups of alcohol, Han Guangye lost his inhibitions and said, “No wonder Yan’er is such a flirt—it costs five taels of silver to spend a night with her.”
Qian Wenze chuckled as he poured Han Guangye another drink. “She’s not even the top beauty in Yangzhou. The famous Eight Beauties of Yangzhou charge ten taels for a night… But if you ask me, none of them compare to a young lady I saw today. She’s stunning—her eyes alone could captivate a man’s soul. Pity she’s a nun with her hair grown out.” He then picked up a scroll beside him, unrolled it, and showed it to Han Guangye. “Brother, see this? She painted this. Isn’t she both talented and beautiful?” He went on praising Xianglan’s beauty incessantly. It turned out Qian Wenze had ill intentions—he coveted Xianglan but didn’t know her background. Since Xiansheng Nunnery was a renowned temple, not some ordinary shrine, he dared not act alone. Thus, he eagerly urged Han Guangye to make a move, hoping to share the spoils if successful.
Han Guangye, swayed by Qian Wenze’s extravagant praise of the young nun as peerless, grew deeply intrigued. After downing more alcohol, emboldened by drink, he let Qian Wenze coax him into going to see the beauty. By the time they reached Xiansheng Nunnery, the main gate was already closed. Qian Wenze said, “No matter. I just heard the bell—it’s time for evening prayers. Let’s go around back. You can step on my shoulders to peek inside. That young nun is bound to go recite scriptures, and you’ll catch a glimpse of her.” Han Guangye climbed onto Qian Wenze’s shoulders and clung to the wall to look inside. Sure enough, he saw nuns carrying scriptures in small groups heading to the chanting hall. Before long, a slender girl approached slowly, with dark hair and fair skin, though her face remained unclear.
Han Guangye’s heart itched with anticipation. He strained his eyes wide, standing on tiptoe on Qian Wenze’s shoulders to peer further in. Qian Wenze, long weakened by debauchery, couldn’t withstand such pressure. His legs trembled, and beads of sweat dripped from his forehead. Tilting his neck and gritting his teeth, he gasped, “Brother, oh brother… have you… have you seen her yet or not?”
Han Guangye replied, “Almost there. Stop fussing.”
Just then, the figure drew nearer—revealing a delicate, jade-like face with captivating eyes and an enchanting, graceful figure, truly a beauty. Suddenly, Han Guangye’s eyes widened in shock, as if he had seen something terrifying, and he exclaimed, “Th-this… this is…”
At that moment, Qian Wenze could hold on no longer. His legs gave way, and he collapsed, causing Han Guangye to lose his balance. After swaying unsteadily, Han Guangye let out a sharp cry and tumbled headfirst to the ground.Xianglan started at the noise and looked up toward the source, but saw nothing. She quickened her steps and entered the prayer hall. Seeing Chunyan today had left her deeply unsettled, and she regretted having taken off her hood upon entering the room. What if someone recognized her? But then she reflected that she and Chunyan hadn’t seen each other for a long time, and back then she was just a young girl. Chunyan had probably long forgotten her. Besides, Chunyan’s entire family had been dragged out and sold by the Lin Family, so she must have severed all ties with them by now. Comforted by this thought, she reminded herself to be even more cautious in the future.
Outside the wall, Han Guangye lay on the ground, clutching his waist and groaning, but his mind was racing with panic.
The person he had just seen was none other than Chen Xianglan, Lin Jinlou’s beloved concubine!
How… how could she be here?!
All the alcohol in his system turned into cold sweat.
Back when Lin Jinlou had arranged for Chen Wanquan’s release from prison, Han Guangye and his father, Magistrate Han, had frequently visited the Chen residence, delivering medicinal herbs, silver, and gifts. On one occasion, he had caught a glimpse of Chen Xianglan and was instantly captivated. Though he kept his composure outwardly, inwardly he envied Lin Jinlou’s good fortune. Later, he watched as Chen Wanquan’s status skyrocketed because of this daughter, transforming him almost overnight into a wealthy man. At first, the father and son had been deferential and cautious, but gradually, they began to look down on the Hans, addressing Han Guangye’s father as “brother” and calling Han Guangye “nephew” with an air of smug arrogance—the very picture of petty people gaining power.
Outwardly, the two families maintained a facade of warmth, but behind closed doors, Han Guangye and his father would smash cups and curse, “That good-for-nothing servant seed! His daughter is someone’s Concubine, and he struts around as if he’s somebody! Pah! Just wait until Master Lin tires of her—we’ll grind his dog-face into the mud!” But when they heard that Chen Xianglan had truly won Lin Jinlou’s favor and become the sole favorite of the Inner Chambers, Han Guangye’s resentment lessened somewhat, and he began visiting the Chen family even more frequently.
If a favored new concubine could whisper a few words in Lin Jinlou’s ear, Han Guangye might rise beyond his lowly eighth-rank official position! He might even surpass the Grandeur of his father, who had only become a seventh-rank official after passing the advanced scholar examinations!
Earlier this year, during the New Year celebrations, he had visited the Chen residence. Chen Wanquan had proudly shown off the gifts sent by the Lin Family—so many that the house could barely contain them, with four jars of wine and a case of furs left out in the courtyard. Han Guangye knew then that the Chen family was on the verge of great wealth and influence.
But why was Chen Xianglan in a temple in Yangzhou?
Just then, Qian Wenze rubbed his arm and stood up, hurrying to help Han Guangye to his feet. “Dear brother, can you stand? Are you hurt anywhere?” he asked.
Han Guangye frowned as he rose, thinking to himself, “Since before last New Year, the Lin Family Army has been restless, searching everywhere. They even came to my father, asking the Government Office to send constables to look for beautiful teenage girls of unknown origin. They arrested over twenty in a row but released them all. It caused quite a stir—some said they were searching for a runaway Concubine from a wealthy family, others claimed a young lady had gone missing. But the Lin Family Army kept their lips sealed, not letting a single detail slip. They’re still searching for someone in Jinling… Could it be… they’re looking for her?”Han Guangye jolted with a start, first breaking out in a cold sweat, then overcome by wild joy. So agitated was he that his entire body trembled slightly, and he thought to himself, "Heaven helps me! It is fated for me, Han Guangye, to expand my family's fortunes. With such a great achievement, what worry could remain?" At this thought, he couldn't help but throw back his head and laugh heartily, hands on his hips. But he exerted himself too forcefully, aggravating the pain in his waist, and he grimaced, clutching his side and groaning repeatedly. Yet, unable to suppress his delight, he laughed again, though the pain in his waist was unbearable, and a couple of tears escaped.
This alternating laughter and weeping left Qian Wenze utterly bewildered. He stammered, "I say... I say, brother, you haven't been addled by that fall, have you?"
Han Guangye waved his hand dismissively, patting Qian Wenze on the shoulder as he laughed. "No, no, I say, brother, you truly are my lucky star..." He trailed off mid-sentence, eyeing Qian Wenze's eager smile, and instead pulled out two taels of silver, saying, "Come, let's go have another drink. As for that girl, don't breathe a word to anyone. I have my plans, and you'll surely benefit in the future." With that, he dragged Qian Wenze away, and for now, we shall leave them.
Now, although Young Master Han could barely recognize a handful of characters, in matters like this, he was remarkably sharp. He was absolutely unwilling to let anyone else steal his credit and immediately devised a plan. He summoned his trusted servant boy and ordered him to keep watch outside the temple and keep an eye on Xianglan. That night, after applying a plaster to his waist, he hurriedly returned to Jinling, taking with him the "Goddess of the Luo River" painting he had bought from Qian Wenze at double the price. Of this, no more need be said.
As for Xianglan, after completing her evening prayers that night, Dingyi Shitai suddenly called her to her side and said, "I once told you that if fate willed it, you would return to see me off at my death. Now my time has come. Our bond runs deep, which is why we have had these days together. I have a few words for you. Though the nunnery is tranquil, it is not your final destination. In the days to come, you will face many ups and downs. Follow fate's course and do not be too hard on yourself. You have always been generous and kind, treating others with goodwill. Good days lie ahead, and you will ultimately find yourself in the world of wealth and honor." Having spoken, she sat cross-legged and passed away peacefully.
Xianglan was overcome with grief and could not help but weep bitterly. The nunnery conducted sutra recitations and held a memorial service according to their tradition. Dingyi Shitai had long been held in high esteem, and many who had benefited from her kindness came in an endless stream to pay their respects, including the local magistrate and other officials of various ranks. Thus, Xiansheng Nunnery became bustling and chaotic for a time. Fearing she might be recognized, Xianglan retreated to the vegetable garden at the back for some quiet. Remembering her master, she shed another wave of tears.
Apologies for not updating yesterday—I was visiting relatives and returned too late, so I forgot... Sorry, everyone. The extra words in this chapter don't count as a bonus update; consider it a New Year's gift for you all. Thank you to damima, 05111039283, Baby 1.7m, and Fat Wanghua001 for the sachets, and to Yin Zi, wqpaqm, and Fan Fan 2000513 for the Peace Talismans. Also, thanks to everyone for the pink votes^_^
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