Qian Wenze glanced at the painting and saw it was a depiction of the Goddess of the Luo River. The goddess on the scroll had slender brows and delicate eyes, her robes fluttering as if in flight, truly embodying the description "floating like a startled swan, graceful like a wandering dragon." She was elegant and ethereal, capturing both form and spirit—a truly fine painting. There was no signature at the bottom, only a vermilion seal stamped in place. Drawing closer for a better look, he saw the seal bore only a single character in seal script: "Lan." Qian Wenze couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. He handed the painting to Chunyan and praised it repeatedly, saying, "To be honest, the painting itself is nothing extraordinary, but the Goddess of the Luo River on it looks as if she were drawn from the same mold as you. In fact, she might even fall short in comparison." Chunyan was flattered and shot him a playful glare, but she still took out her silver to purchase the painting.
Upon returning to the Verdant Pavilion, they had just reached the main gate when they encountered a drunkard causing a ruckus, shouting and yelling. The madam, overjoyed to see Chunyan, quickly pulled her over and tried to mediate, saying, "Gentlemen, please don't be angry. Look, Lady Yan has returned. She'll 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 helped Han Guangye secure a low-ranking eighth-grade official post. Though Han Guangye was uneducated and incompetent, he was exceptionally skilled at social maneuvering, thick-skinned, and well-versed in the ways of officialdom. He was the type to dream big from the smallest opportunity. Through relentless scheming with his father, he managed to land a lucrative position in the Salt Administration. Though his rank wasn't high, the role was dripping with perks, and Han Guangye immediately began swaggering with newfound arrogance. This time, he had come to Yangzhou on official business and, to curry favor with his superiors, had spent lavishly to host a banquet with courtesans. But upon arrival, he discovered that Yan, the most famous courtesan of the Verdant Pavilion, was absent. His superior's expression soured, and Han Guangye, feeling he had failed to ingratiate himself properly, threw a fit.
Han Guangye shot a glance at Chunyan. Seeing her peach-blossom cheeks and almond-shaped face, his heart softened, but he sneered coldly, "Do you think your arrival settles everything? You've been stringing us along, saying you'd be back soon, and we've wasted a full hour waiting! The attendants sent to serve us were all mediocre and plain—are you looking down on us out-of-towners, or do you think we can't afford to pay?" He glared, slamming his hand on the table. "You haven't even bothered to find out who I am! In Jinling City, everyone addresses me as 'Grandpa.' Even Lord Wu of your Salt Administration has to show me some respect. And today, I have to put up with this nonsense here!" With that, he swept a cup of hot tea from the table, sending it crashing to the floor in a shattered mess. Chunyan shrieked in fright.Han Guangye repeatedly ordered his subordinates who had come with him to smash things. The madam and the brothel attendants 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 shrewd fellow. Upon hearing Han Guangye mention the "Salt Administration Office," his mind had already started working, eager to make a connection. Seeing the madam and others at a loss, he thought to himself, "This is the perfect moment for me to show what I can do." Intent on flaunting his social skills and ability to handle situations, he stepped forward, grabbed Han Guangye by the arm, and fanned him attentively with one hand while chattering warmly, "Oh, oh, oh, my dear brother! What's got you so worked up? Look how angry you are!" He pressed Han Guangye into a chair, his face all smiles. "These people here have no eyes or manners, they don't know how to speak properly. Please don't be angry, brother, just leave it to me, leave it to me!" He then shot Chunyan a glare and said, "What are you standing there for? Don't you know how to pour tea and offer it as an apology? What good are your hands if you don't use them?" He made a meaningful gesture with his eyes.
Chunyan gave Qian Wenze a sidelong glance, sulking, and reluctantly went to do as she was told.
Qian Wenze continued fanning Han Guangye and said with a laugh, "Brother, calm down. A noble official like you, why bother getting worked up over a few Rouge powders? We gentlemen come here for fun—no point in leaving with a bellyful of anger instead of a good time. In a moment, I'll have Miss Yan play a few fresh tunes for you, like 'Spring Dew Thick, Jade Buds Bloom,' and she'll have a couple of drinks with you. Tsk, tsk, I guarantee your anger will vanish. Just do it for my sake, brother..."
This was exactly the reaction Han Guangye had been aiming for. His orders to smash things were merely to assert his authority, and now that someone was offering him a way out, he had no desire to escalate the situation. He glanced sideways at Qian Wenze, noting his handsome, fair face, his perceptiveness, and his smooth talk. Recognizing him as a slick operator, Han Guangye was inclined to take the offered way out but didn't want to make it too easy. He kept a cold expression and said haughtily, "For your sake? Who do you think you are? What kind of pull do you have?"
Qian Wenze made a "tsk" sound and put on a stern face, but soon his smile returned like a spring breeze. "Underestimate me? Brother, you probably haven't heard of my reputation yet. But ask around on these streets—everyone knows 'Fair-Faced Qian.' I may not be much, but I'm a respected name in these parts. I was just passing by and saw that you're a man of spirit, no ordinary fellow. If you're not from a distinguished family, you're surely a dragon among men. That's why I came in to chat with you. Later, I'll treat you to a drink, and we can become friends."
Han Guangye looked Qian Wenze up and down. He was indeed dressed in fine silks, 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 man, and Han Guangye began to believe him a little.Chunyan personally served tea and offered soft-spoken apologies, while Qian Wenze coaxed with sweet words, finally allowing Han Guangye to feel his dignity had been restored, and the matter was dropped. Soon after, Chunyan went to the front to attend to other duties, while Qian Wenze insisted on pulling Han Guangye to a nearby tea lounge for drinks, showering him with flattery. Han Guangye, feeling pleased, exchanged a few casual words with him. Upon learning that Han Guangye’s father was a county magistrate and that he himself held a lucrative post, Qian Wenze grew even more obsequious. After a couple of drinks, Han Guangye let his guard down and said, “No wonder this Yan girl is so alluring—it costs five taels of silver just to spend a night with her.”
Qian Wenze chuckled as he poured Han Guangye another drink. “She’s not even the top choice in Yangzhou. The famous ‘Eight Beauties of Yangzhou’ charge ten taels a night... But in my opinion, none of them compare to a young lady I saw today. She’s stunning—her eyes alone could captivate a man’s soul. The only pity is she’s a nun who hasn’t shaved her head.” He then picked up a scroll beside him, unrolled it, and showed it to Han Guangye. “Brother, see this? She painted this scroll. Isn’t she both talented and beautiful?” He went on and on praising Xianglan’s beauty. In truth, Qian Wenze had ill intentions—he coveted Xianglan but didn’t know her background. Since Xiansheng Temple was a renowned monastery, not some ordinary small convent, he dared not act recklessly. Instead, he schemed to persuade Han Guangye to make a move, hoping to benefit if things went well.
Han Guangye, stirred by Qian Wenze’s extravagant praise of the young nun and emboldened by the alcohol, allowed himself to be persuaded to go see this beauty. By the time they reached Xiansheng Temple, 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 to the back. You can step on my shoulders and peek inside. That young nun is bound to go recite scriptures, and you’ll get a glimpse of her.” Han Guangye climbed onto Qian Wenze’s shoulders and clung to the top of the wall, peering inside. Sure enough, he saw a few nuns carrying scriptures and heading toward the chanting hall. Before long, a slender young woman approached slowly, with dark hair and fair skin, though her face remained unclear.
Han Guangye’s curiosity burned fiercely. He strained his eyes, standing on tiptoe on Qian Wenze’s shoulders to get a better look. Qian Wenze, long weakened by indulgence in wine and women, couldn’t bear Han Guangye’s weight. His legs trembled, and beads of sweat dripped from his forehead. Gritting his teeth and tilting his head, he gasped, “Brother, oh brother… have you… have you seen her yet or not?”
Han Guangye replied, “Almost there, stop rushing me.”
Just then, the figure drew nearer, revealing a delicate, jade-like face with captivating eyes and an enchanting grace—truly a beauty. Suddenly, Han Guangye’s eyes widened in shock, as if he had seen something terrifying, and he stammered, “Th-this… this is…”
At that moment, Qian Wenze could no longer hold on. His legs gave way, and he collapsed, causing Han Guangye to lose his balance. After swaying unsteadily for a moment, Han Guangye let out a sharp cry and tumbled headfirst to the ground.Xianglan was startled by the noise and looked up toward the source, but saw nothing. She quickened her steps and entered the chanting hall. The truth was, seeing Chunyan today had left her deeply unsettled. She secretly regretted having taken off her hood as soon as she entered the room—what if someone recognized her? But then she reflected that she and Chunyan hadn’t seen each other in years, and back then she was just a young girl. Chunyan had likely long forgotten her. Besides, her entire family had been seized by the Lin Family and sold off—she was probably completely severed from the Lin Family 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 Han Guangye’s system turned into cold sweat.
Back when Lin Jinlou had pulled Chen Wanquan out of prison, he and his father, Magistrate Han, had frequently visited the Chen Family, delivering medicine, silver, and gifts. On one occasion, he had caught a glimpse of Chen Xianglan and was instantly captivated. Though he kept his expression neutral, inwardly he envied Lin Jinlou’s good fortune. Later, he watched as Chen Wanquan’s status skyrocketed because of this daughter, transforming almost overnight into a wealthy man. At first, the father and son had been obsequiously respectful, 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 upstarts drunk on their newfound power.
Outwardly, the two families maintained a facade of warmth, but behind closed doors, Han and his father would smash cups and curse, “Those lowborn scoundrels, parading around like they’re somebody just because their daughter is someone’s concubine! Just wait until Eldest Master Lin tires of her—we’ll grind their smug faces into the mud!” But when they heard that Chen Xianglan had truly won Lin Jinlou’s favor and become the sole favorite in the inner household, Han Guangye’s resentment lessened somewhat, and he began visiting the Chen Family even more eagerly.
If a favored concubine could whisper a few words in the right ear, Han Guangye might rise beyond his lowly eighth-rank official position! He might even surpass his father, who had only attained the seventh rank after passing the imperial examinations!
Earlier this year during the New Year celebrations, he had visited the Chen Family. Chen Wanquan had proudly shown off the gifts sent by the Lin Family—so many that the house couldn’t contain them all, with four jars of wine and a crate 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 here in a temple in Yangzhou?
Just then, Qian Wenze rubbed his arm and stood up, hurrying over to help Han Guangye. “Dear brother, can you get up? Are you hurt anywhere?” he asked.
Han Guangye frowned as he stood, thinking to himself, “Since before last New Year, the Lin Family Army has been restless, searching everywhere. They even came to my father, ordering the local authorities to send constables to find beautiful teenage girls of unknown origin. Over twenty were arrested, but all were later released. The whole affair has stirred up panic—some say they’re searching for a runaway concubine from a powerful family, others claim a young lady from some household is missing. But the Lin Family Army has kept tight-lipped, not a word leaked. They’re still searching in Jinling… Could it be… they’re looking for her?”Han Guangye jolted with a shock, first breaking out in a cold sweat, then overcome by wild excitement. So agitated that his entire body trembled slightly, he thought to himself: "Heaven helps me! It's fated for me, Han Guangye, to glorify my family's legacy. With this great achievement, what worry can't be resolved?" At this thought, he couldn't help but throw back his head and laugh heartily, hands on his hips. The force was too vigorous, tugging at the sore spot on his waist, and he grimaced, clutching his waist while groaning repeatedly. Yet unable to contain his joy, he laughed again, though the pain in his waist was unbearable, causing him to shed a couple of tears.
This alternating laughter and weeping startled Qian Wenze into a daze. He stammered, "I say... I say, brother, you haven't been knocked silly by the fall, have you?"
Han Guangye waved his hand, patting Qian Wenze's 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, then simply pulled out two taels of silver and said, "Come, let's go have another drink. Don't breathe a word about that girl to anyone. I've got a plan in mind, and you'll get your share of benefits later." With that, he dragged Qian Wenze away, and for now, we'll leave them be.
Now, although Young Master Han could barely recognize a handful of characters, he was shrewd in such matters and absolutely unwilling to let others steal his credit. He immediately devised a plan, summoning a trusted servant to keep watch outside the temple and guard Xianglan. That night, he applied a plaster to his waist, took the "Goddess of the Luo River" painting he'd bought from Qian Wenze at double the price, and hurried back to Jinling. Of this, no more need be said.
As for Xianglan, after completing her evening prayers that night, Dingyi Shitai suddenly called her over and said, "I once told you that if fate allowed, you would return to see me off at my death. Now my time has come. Our bond runs deep, which is why we've had these days together. I have a few words for you. Though the nunnery is tranquil, it is not your final destination. In the future, you will face many ups and downs—follow fate's course and don't be too hard on yourself. You have always been kind, generous, and good to others. Good days lie ahead, and you will ultimately find yourself among wealth and nobility." Having spoken, she sat cross-legged and peacefully passed away.
Xianglan was heartbroken and couldn't hold back her sobs. The temple conducted sutra recitations and a funeral ceremony according to tradition. Dingyi Shitai had long been held in high esteem, having helped many people in the past, so a steady stream of villagers came to pay their respects, and even the prefect and other officials personally visited to offer condolences. Thus, Xiansheng Nunnery became temporarily bustling and chaotic. Fearing she might be recognized, Xianglan retreated to the vegetable garden at the back for some quiet. Remembering her master, she couldn't help but shed another wave of tears.
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