Moonlit Reunion

Mei Zhuyu had no idea about the complex thoughts running through Mei Si's mind. He simply corrected his cousin's mistaken address: "I believe I am your elder cousin."

Mei Si could only force a dry laugh. "I, I also remembered you're my elder cousin."

Fortunately, Mei Zhuyu didn't dwell on this issue and directly asked, "What brings you to me, Fourth Brother?"

Mei Si continued with his awkward laughter, "Hahaha, actually, it's nothing much. It's just that I have some friends who want to invite you to join us for drinks."

Upon hearing the word "drinks," Mei Zhuyu was about to refuse without hesitation, but then he heard Mei Si's next words—"They usually hang out with Sister Zhen. Since you're going to marry... I mean, since you'll be marrying Sister Zhen, you'll definitely be seeing them often. It's necessary to get familiar with Sister Zhen's friends beforehand."

Mei Zhuyu couldn't bring himself to refuse. He hesitated for a moment before finally nodding under Mei Si's hopeful gaze.

Having successfully invited his elder cousin out, Mei Si received approving looks from the others. The group then quickly made their way to one of their usual music houses.

This particular music house was located in the East Market, very close to Mei Zhuyu's residence in Changle Ward, yet he had never been there before. It was his first time stepping into such a place. Although he had long heard of Wu Zhen's reputation for frequenting music houses and brothels, he had never set foot in these establishments himself and only had a vague idea of what they were like.

It might seem unbelievable, but in those days, men of status and position often gathered in brothels to drink and chat. Many times, it wasn't for pleasure-seeking but simply because it was a common social activity, much like nobles going on hunts or outings together. Whether one liked it or not, gathering in such places to chat and socialize was a way to fit into certain circles.

Mei Zhuyu was the exception. Having been in Chang'an for a year and serving as a Director in one of the ministries, he still remained aloof from the city's bustling crowds and festive gatherings. Because he rarely participated in such activities, he had poor rapport with his colleagues and was almost ostracized. Mei Zhuyu had never cared about this. It wasn't, as his colleagues claimed, that he was putting on airs—he simply didn't like or feel comfortable with such gatherings, so he avoided them. That was all.

Today, led by a group of unfamiliar young men, he set foot in a music house for the first time. His immediate thought was that this opulent, dazzling place was even livelier than he had imagined. Was this the kind of place she liked?

"Come, come, have a seat. Don't stand on ceremony. Today, let us properly entertain our elder cousin," Cui Jiu said cheerfully, making room for Mei Zhuyu.

These fellows were a rowdy, informal bunch, and their forms of address were equally casual. Some followed Mei Si in calling him "elder cousin," others simply called him "First Brother," and some even called him "brother-in-law"—a chaotic mix of titles.

The courtesans familiar with them soon filed in, carrying musical instruments, and took their seats to begin playing a piece called "Spring Gauze Curtain." Graceful dancers twirled in, spinning on the intricately patterned carpets, casting flirtatious glances at the young men seated around, earning a chorus of appreciative cheers.Mei Zhuyu was unaccustomed to such a lavish and indulgent setting. Even seated upon the soft brocade cushions, he remained rigidly upright. In contrast, those who had melted into the plush pillows and backrests beside him appeared like puddles of mud in comparison. Mei Si, being his younger cousin, kept a watchful eye on his elder cousin's demeanor. Seeing him sit so solemnly straight, he instinctively straightened his own posture as well.

Gradually, almost everyone present found themselves sitting a little more upright—though with noticeable discomfort.

Once the dance concluded, it was customary for the dancers to sit beside the young masters and serve them wine. As today's banquet was held in Mei Zhuyu's honor, the lead dancer naturally took her place beside him. These women, seasoned in such environments, possessed sharp discernment. Recognizing that the regular patrons wished to entertain this aloof stranger, she deliberately leaned closer, softening her voice in an attempt to ease his demeanor and liven the atmosphere.

Yet before she could fully approach, Mei Zhuyu raised a hand to block her, lowering his head slightly as he spoke: "My apologies. Please sit further away from me."

The dancer stiffened. She was one of the more renowned performers in the establishment—a gentle, understanding flower beloved by many young masters—and had never faced such blunt rejection before. Still, she recovered quickly, feigning playful indignation as she cooed, "How cold you are, young master! Could it be that our dance failed to please you~"

She attempted to draw nearer again, but upon meeting his gaze, her voice faltered. Silently, she retreated and sat properly beside him, not daring to approach further. Though his tone had been ordinary and his expression far from fierce, the unyielding refusal in his eyes was impossible to defy. In that brief moment, she had even felt a flicker of danger—her back breaking into a cold sweat—yet upon reflection, it made no sense. He was just an unremarkable young master, after all.

The others had all been observing Mei Zhuyu to some degree. Seeing him dismiss the serving girl, the group unconsciously quieted, the atmosphere chilling instantly. Though they had hoped to enliven the gathering, something about Mei Zhuyu's detached presence—so starkly different from their own—made revelry feel impossible.

As the awkward silence stretched, one young master finally rose to his feet.

He raised his wine cup toward Mei Zhuyu. "Come now, it's your first time out with us—loosen up a little. Let me toast you."

Mei Zhuyu lifted his eyes to meet the man's gaze and replied, "My apologies. I do not drink."

His response was earnest, but the young master's expression darkened instantly. This Zhao Langjun had always been the most disdainful of Mei Zhuyu among them. In his eyes, such a dull man—neither skilled in combat nor in leisure—was utterly unworthy of their sister Zhen. He had only tolerated his presence out of respect for Mei Si. Now, having his toast publicly rejected, his simmering resentment boiled over. Never one for patience, he slammed his cup down with a sneer. "Won't drink? Of course not. A lofty man like you must look down on us wastrels, after all.""What, is drinking so hard for you? Sitting there with such a reluctant face—if you're that unwilling, then why come at all? Showing up just to give everyone attitude? You only got your measly fifth-rank position through connections, and we’re being polite enough to humor you!"

Mei Zhuyu was taken aback by the scolding, unsure how to respond. He hadn’t thought much before answering—he truly didn’t drink. Having grown up in a Taoist temple with his master and senior brothers, though he didn’t practice the same path as them, the ascetic lifestyle there meant no alcohol or women. He’d grown accustomed to such abstinence, and after years of this, he simply couldn’t adapt to situations like this.

He hadn’t meant to reject their goodwill, nor did he want to sour relations. He’d come here precisely to get along with them—with Wu Zhen’s friends—but his nature made it difficult to do so well.

Pressing his lips together, Mei Zhuyu picked up the wine cup and poured himself a drink. The amber liquid was clear, likely fine wine, though he couldn’t tell. Without a word, he raised it and drank.

For someone who’d never touched alcohol, the first sip was naturally harsh. The taste caught him off guard, and he coughed violently.

Zhao Langjun, arms crossed, sneered. "Can’t even hold your liquor? What kind of man are you?"

Mei Si frowned and stood. "Enough. Can’t you lay off?"

Zhao Langjun scoffed. "He’s the one who disrespected me first. Should I be the one to bow my head? It’s just a toast—am I bullying him now?"

The atmosphere turned icy.

Just then, a servant at the door ushered someone in. The newcomer carried a riding crop, dressed in a dark blue brocade robe, with lips red and teeth white, a smile playing on their face—it was Wu Zhen.

The moment she entered, she spotted Mei Jia Dalang, whom she hadn’t seen in days, seated at the table, his face flushed from coughing. The others stood or sat stiffly, all eyes on her. Zhao Langjun’s guilty look told her everything.

She walked to Mei Zhuyu’s table and casually perched on the edge where food was laid out. Picking up a silver pitcher, she poured him a cup of water and handed it over. "Choked on the wine? Drink some water to settle it."

Then she scanned the room and grinned. "So this is where you all vanished to today—sneaking off to play with Dalang behind my back."

Zhao Langjun, who’d been arrogantly looking down his nose earlier, now shrank like a scolded kitten, retreating to the side without a word, terrified Wu Zhen might ask about the incident and lose her temper.

But Wu Zhen didn’t ask. Instead, she turned to Mei Zhuyu with a smile. "Feeling better?"

Mei Zhuyu’s heart clenched. The earlier scene had been awkward, but he’d only felt resigned, as if he’d ruined something—nothing more. Yet now that Wu Zhen was here, unease flooded him.

Like Zhao Langjun and so many others had said these past days, the two of them were worlds apart. Forcing themselves together only created discord, just as his presence here had displeased Wu Zhen’s friends. She… probably didn’t want to see this.

Wu Zhen stood and tapped the table with her crop. "Come on, I’ll take you home."Cui Jiu quickly stepped in to mediate, "Sister Zhen, why leave in such a hurry? You just got here. Let’s all have some fun and get to know each other. We’ll be friends from now on, no need to be so formal."

Wu Zhen replied, "Enough. You all think Da Lang is like you, idling around all day? He works hard and finally gets a day off, and you drag him here. What kind of nonsense is this?"

"Alright, no more talk. You all enjoy yourselves. I’ll take Da Lang back to rest."

In the end, he still couldn’t fit into her world. Mei Zhuyu silently stood up and followed her out. As they reached the door, Wu Zhen lingered a few steps behind and said to the group inside, "Listen up, all of you. Don’t disturb Da Lang from now on. He’s introverted and prefers peace and quiet. If you dare to trouble him like this again, I’ll be angry."

Zhao Langjun looked particularly aggrieved and was about to say something when Sister Zhen suddenly smiled again. She pointed at them one by one with her riding crop and said helplessly, "You little rascals, don’t cause trouble for Sister Zhen, alright? Be good, hmm?"

The young men immediately obeyed, mewing like a bunch of kittens.

Wu Zhen left the music house with Mei Zhuyu, leading her horse as they walked side by side down the street.

"I’m sorry. Let me apologize on their behalf. Please forgive them if they offended you in any way. Some might have bad tempers, but they mean no harm. I’ll scold them later."

Mei Zhuyu paused in surprise and asked, "You’re not blaming me?"

Wu Zhen was also taken aback and looked at him strangely. "Why would I blame you?"