Blossom

"Ji Jianming!" Gu Yu muttered. "When we ran into each other, Wang Dahai wanted to get closer to him. We couldn't possibly drink at the same table as those clerks, could we? Coincidentally, the young master He who was with Ji Jianming was quite familiar with Zhao Zishu, so we all went to Qianfo Temple Lane."

Wang Qinghuai, courtesy name Dahai.

Song Mo was somewhat surprised.

Since the person accompanying Ji Jianming was close to Zhao Zishu, it was clear Ji Jianming knew Zhao Zishu's background. Most people who frequent pleasure quarters visit brothels, yet he did the opposite by going to Zhao Zishu's place.

What exactly was his intention?

Did he think that since Zhao Zishu was an entertainer, it wouldn't matter how much they fooled around?

But did he realize that if rumors spread about Wei Tingyu having a penchant for men, it would also hurt Dou Zhao?

Song Mo pondered and asked, "What kind of person is Ji Jianming?"

Gu Yu replied, "Very clever, witty, erudite, can take a joke, and knows how to have fun..."

In Song Mo's mind, an image gradually formed of a carefree young master who had achieved early success due to his extensive reading.

Such people usually aren't very meticulous in their actions.

He couldn't help but ask, "Did Wang Dahai go too?"

Among these people, only Wang Qinghuai was relatively composed and mindful of the bigger picture.

"He did!" Gu Yu said. "Not only did Wang Dahai go, but he was also very familiar with Zhao Zishu. As soon as Zhao Zishu saw Wang Dahai, he called two pretty maids to attend to him, showing that Zhao Zishu knew Wang Dahai's preferences." He teased Wang Qinghuai, "Wang Dahai is probably so happy he's forgotten his home and can't tell east from west by now!" He added, "It seems that Zhao Zishu is also a smart one, knowing how to cater to all tastes in business. Now, people who go there can play however they like! But I'm not too fond of that style—clearly in the flesh trade, yet trying to imitate those scholarly families from the south, decorating the place with pavilions and towers, winding paths leading to secluded spots, and displaying plum blossoms, orchids, bamboos, and chrysanthemums, striving for elegance and refinement everywhere, making it just like my own backyard. I mean, I go there for pleasure, but it feels like I'm just sitting at home, looking at the same scenery, with the same people around—utterly boring. If it weren't for Wang Dahai's sake, I definitely wouldn't have gone..."

Gu Yu had visited nearly all the famous pleasure quarters, taverns, and teahouses in the Capital.

Song Mo listened silently to his rambling, but his expression grew increasingly grave.

※※※※※

At that moment, in Qianfo Temple Lane, the music had stopped. Zhao Zishu sat accompanying them in the Waterside Pavilion.

Wang Qinghuai watched Ji Yong and Wei Tingyu clinking cups and drinking heartily, then shook his head with a smile and said to He Yu sitting beside him, "I'm only five or six years older than you, yet I don't dare drink like this anymore... Time truly spares no one."

He Yu, though he drank less, had a low tolerance and was already light-headed. He chuckled in response, though it was unclear whether he had even heard what Wang Qinghuai said.Zhao Zishu smiled faintly and said, "Young Lord, you have more pressing matters on your mind than drinking. Naturally, you can't fully focus on the wine." His hoarse voice was gentle as he stood up to brew tea for Wang Qinghuai with the Purple Clay Pot. "I heard that this year you've not only taken on the dredging of the canal but also the renovation of the old Yellow River course? In the entire Capital, who else could make such grand moves?! Let me congratulate you in advance!" With that, he cupped his hands toward Wang Qinghuai. "Lord Ji is the newly appointed Third Scholar, riding high on his success; the Marquis of Jining has just completed his mourning period and doesn't yet understand the hardships of farming. They are both carefree men—how could they compare to you, Young Lord? The entire Yan'an Marquisate relies on you. When the Capital's high officials and nobles mention you, who doesn't sing your praises? Even that Gu Yu, known as the Little Tyrant of the Capital, has to show you some respect, doesn't he? I think a certain poem fits the occasion." He chuckled softly and recited, "In my youth, I knew not the taste of sorrow, loved to climb towers. Loved to climb towers, forcing myself to write new verses about sorrow. Now I know well the taste of sorrow, wish to speak but stop. Wish to speak but stop, only to say, 'What a fine autumn day!'" Then he pointed at Wang Qinghuai, Ji Yong, and Wei Tingyu in turn. "This perfectly describes you, Young Lord, Lord Ji, and the Marquis."

Wang Qinghuai burst into laughter.

The emotions in his heart felt as though they had been smoothed out by an iron, all neatly settled.

Zhao Zishu signaled to the maid attending Wang Qinghuai.

Understanding his meaning, the maid whispered coquettishly into Wang Qinghuai's ear, prompting another round of laughter from him. Supported by the maid, he left the Waterside Pavilion.

Zhao Zishu breathed a sigh of relief.

Ji Yong had visited once before with He Yu, but this was his first time meeting Wei Tingyu. He Yu and Wang Qinghuai, however, would drop by his place every few days, though their visits differed. He Yu usually came with friends, choosing this spot for gatherings where Zhao Zishu only needed to serve tea, wine, and music—the rest was up to the guests. Wang Qinghuai, on the other hand, always invited others here for entertainment but never indulged himself, only paying the bills. Neither was an easy client to serve, yet both were lavish spenders who didn't bat an eye at throwing money around—his favorite kind of patrons.

Having placated Wang Qinghuai, Zhao Zishu turned to exchange a few words with He Yu, only to find himself face-to-face with Ji Yong's handsome features.

Zhao Zishu was startled but quickly put on a smile and greeted, "Lord Ji." However, Ji Yong winked at him, grabbed his sleeve, and pulled him outside the Waterside Pavilion.

Zhao Zishu's expression changed drastically.

Though he flaunted his charms, he wasn't the type to bed just anyone—otherwise, how would he differ from the common prostitutes in private brothels? And how could he command the admiration of noble patrons?

Ji Yong hushed him and stopped beside a Taihu Rock outside the pavilion.

"If you can keep the Marquis of Jining in your room tonight," he whispered, "I'll have someone deliver three thousand silver notes to you tomorrow."

Zhao Zishu's heart pounded wildly.

When did fortune ever fall from the sky like this?

Wei Tingyu was brought here by Gu Yu. Earning this three thousand taels might cost him his life!

But if he refused, would Ji Yong let him off?

For someone like him, even hearing certain words could be a mistake.

He stared at Ji Yong in horror, torn and uncertain.The bright moonlight shimmered on the lake, casting silvery ripples that reflected in Ji Yong's clear eyes, making his gaze as luminous and cold as the moonlight itself—utterly devoid of warmth.

Zhao Zishu couldn't help but shiver.

Was this man merely scheming to have him sleep with the Marquis of Jining?

He hesitated, offering an excuse: "I fear the Marquis might not take a liking to me..."

Ji Yong grinned. "That's precisely why it's worth three thousand taels of silver!"

His teeth gleamed stark white under the moonlight, almost predatory.

Zhao Zishu's scalp prickled, and he instinctively glanced toward the Waterside Pavilion.

At some point, He Yu had already collapsed drunkenly beside the low table. Only Wei Tingyu remained, sitting there in a daze, giggling foolishly—clearly too far gone.

In the silent night, the gentle murmur of flowing water could be heard.

What should he do?

This was undeniably a plot against Wei Tingyu.

Agreeing to Ji Yong's scheme would mean crossing Gu Yu.

But if he refused, would Ji Yong let him off so easily?

Zhao Zishu hesitated, his indecision met with Ji Yong's cold sneer.

For now, he had to deal with the immediate situation.

Steeling himself, Zhao Zishu strode over and helped the dazed Wei Tingyu up...

The Waterside Pavilion was now empty save for Ji Yong and the unconscious He Yu.

Ji Yong sprawled lazily across the felt rug.

The deep blue sky was dotted with sparse stars beneath the bright moon.

Tomorrow would surely be fine weather.

Once rumors spread in the Capital that Wei Tingyu had a penchant for male companionship, Dou Zhao would undoubtedly be furious.

Then, she’d surely cast Wei Tingyu aside without a second thought!

Let’s see how Wei Tingyu would dare imitate others in visiting brothels after that.

The thought lifted Ji Yong’s spirits.

A wave of exhaustion washed over him.

After a long night of maneuvering—though he’d succeeded in getting Wei Tingyu drunk—he’d also consumed quite a bit himself. Now that his scheme was set in motion, his body relaxed, and he yawned before curling up beside He Yu and drifting off.

In his drowsy state, Ji Yong was jolted awake by a clamor.

Perhaps still preoccupied with whether his plan had succeeded, he bolted upright.

The sky had lightened to pale dawn, and through the half-veiled greenery, the screen wall outside the Waterside Pavilion came into view.

A group of orderly guards in dark attire flanked two youths standing before the wall.

Too far to discern their features, Ji Yong nonetheless sensed their hostility.

Zhao Zishu’s steward was roughly shoved forward before the two youths. Trembling, he knelt, only to be yanked back up, then led the group toward Zhao Zishu’s quarters—clearly intending trouble.

Among yesterday’s guests were Gu Yu, Wang Qinghuai, himself, and He Yu. Who would dare disrupt their revelry?

A foreboding feeling gripped Ji Yong.

He patted He Yu’s cheek. "Wake up! Something’s gone wrong!"

※※※※※

Xia Lian pushed open the latticed door to Zhao Zishu’s inner chamber just before Song Mo could.

The dim room was thick with the scent of ambergris.

Zhao Zishu jolted upright in bed, alarmed.

"Who’s there?" he demanded in a low voice. His slender, jade-like frame, bare and delicate, exuded a pitiable fragility.

Xia Lian quickly averted his gaze.

Song Mo’s eyes immediately landed on Wei Tingyu, sound asleep beside Zhao Zishu.

His face darkened. "Fetch a basin of cold water," he ordered Xia Lian. "Wake the Marquis of Jining."

Xia Lian obeyed and left.

Behind Song Mo, Gu Yu’s striking face emerged.

Zhao Zishu paled in terror.

Gu Yu’s men. They’d come for him...He frantically tried to put on his clothes.

But his fingers were stiff and trembling, refusing to obey.

Xia Lian had already poured a basin of cold water over Wei Tingyu's head.

Wei Tingyu mumbled, turned over, licked his lips, and continued sleeping.

His hand, however, rested on Zhao Zishu's body.

Zhao Zishu felt like she wanted to die.

A sudden surge of anger flashed in Song Mo's eyes.

He called out to Xia Lian in a low voice, "Fetch more basins of cold water."

Xia Lian didn’t dare hesitate and poured several more basins of water over Wei Tingyu’s head.

Wei Tingyu let out a startled "Ah!" and sat up, blinking groggily before his eyes landed on Song Mo.

"Young Master Song!" He blinked in confusion and stammered, "What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here?" Song Mo laughed in exasperation. "I should be asking you—what are you doing here?"

Wei Tingyu instinctively glanced around.

He and that effeminate Zhao Zishu were sharing the same blanket... A scarlet handkerchief hung from the bedpost...

With a gasp, he threw off the covers.

And saw himself completely naked...

"Wh-what... What is going on?" Wei Tingyu stared at Song Mo, dumbfounded, his voice cracking.