Chapter Fifty-Four: Awe (Part One)

Chapter Fifty-Four: Awe (Part One)

With a loud bang, fireworks bloomed over the sky near Egret Isle. Amid the crowd gathered below, Xiaochan tugged at Ning Yi’s sleeve as they walked forward, looking up at the spectacle. Occasionally, her foot would trip over a stone, causing her head to bump into Ning Yi’s back.

Although the venue for the courtesan contest was said to be at Egret Isle, in truth it was at a post station between Egret Isle and Jiangning. This spot, backed by mountains and bordered by water, boasted expansive green fields, and the enormous gathering area had already been enclosed. On the river nearby, pleasure boats and painted barges formed a continuous line. As the floral floats arrived one after another, the outer green fields were already thronged with people. Various snacks and entertainers were set up across the grasslands, and the lively sounds of drums and music echoed amid flickering lights.

It was simple enough to enter the venue and watch the performances: the price was a single flower. Once inside, if you saw a girl you liked, you could present a flower to her. A flower cost one tael of silver, equivalent to a thousand copper coins—a considerable sum for ordinary families, even in the affluent Jiangning region of the Wu Dynasty. Nearly ten thousand had come, but only around three thousand would be able to enter; the remainder would entertain themselves outside, waiting for the contests to end, or perhaps return home to sleep midway.

From Ning Yi’s perspective, this was a society with a vast disparity between rich and poor, even greater than a millennium later. Though some complained, most had grown accustomed to such realities, accepting them as natural. Families lounged together on the lively grasslands and riverbanks, spending dozens or hundreds of coins for a taste of luxury. Others with no money simply came to watch the entertainers and listen to the music drifting from the venue. When a girl was crowned the courtesan queen, everyone shared in the joy.

Even among the three thousand who entered, most were not wealthy. Poorer scholars, wishing to indulge their taste for elegance and make connections, often scraped together the fee, unwilling to miss such an event. The truly wealthy were the top few hundred, who would contribute over ninety percent of the event’s income—ranging from dozens to hundreds, even thousands of taels, sometimes breaking ten thousand, stories which would be recounted with relish for ages. In Yangzhou and the capital, the courtesan contests were said to be even more spectacular, surpassing Jiangning.

By the time Ning Yi and Xiaochan arrived, the floral floats had already entered. At the entrance, people were admitted with tickets, the crowd was dense and slow-moving. Ning Yi and Xiaochan darted to the side, found a slightly less crowded stall, and ordered a bowl of bean curd, watching the bustle from afar. Familiar voices called greetings amid the crowd, and sometimes those trying to sneak in were chased out, exchanging curses. It would be some time before they could enter. Xiaochan sat by the small table, bought bean curd but didn’t eat it; instead, she took some preserved plums from her pocket and decorated her bowl with them. Ning Yi could only sigh.

“Is this really edible?”

“It looks nice,” Xiaochan replied, scooping a mouthful of bean curd with plum into her mouth, savoring it slowly, seemingly intoxicated. Ning Yi admired her ability to stretch a single spoonful for so long, recalling, unintentionally, that long ago someone could make a single stick of cotton candy last an hour. He couldn’t help but smile at Xiaochan’s expression, laying down his spoon and gazing leisurely at the surroundings.

For him, leisure was mostly a kind of patience. Since arriving in the Wu Dynasty, he had cultivated the habit of calm endurance, a composure akin to standing firm before a collapsing mountain. Yet here, amid the noise, sitting with Xiaochan, perhaps he felt true leisure at last. After a while, Xiaochan pointed toward the crowd, “Look, Master, there’s Young Master Wendin and Young Master Wenfang.”

Indeed, among the throng were Su Wendin, Su Wenfang, and others from the Su family, along with several friends of some reputation as scholars. Seeing Ning Yi and Xiaochan, they seemed slightly embarrassed.

These men usually had little to say to Ning Yi, exchanging only a few words at Su Residence. Lately, whenever they came to wheedle money from Su Tan’er, Ning Yi was present. Their excuses ranged from various business ventures to ambitious aspirations, and Su Tan’er would always lecture them for a while, giving tips and advice about business. Though they surely realized their cousin saw through their schemes, encountering Ning Yi now left them awkward.

For Su Wendin and Su Wenfang, Ning Yi was an in-law, but his genuine talent had spread through the Su family, and none dared underestimate him. Even without that, they needed to show respect for Su Tan’er. Now, they hesitated, wondering if they should greet him. Ning Yi merely nodded and smiled, freeing them from the dilemma, so they didn’t approach.

Soon after, they saw the retinue of Kang Xian’s family pass by. When the entrance finally cleared up and the crowd thinned, Ning Yi and the slow-eating Xiaochan finished their bean curd and headed over. They then met Li Pin, accompanied by two scholars. After introductions, Xiaochan greeted them politely, and together they entered.

The venue on the third day was quite spacious, since over a hundred girls would perform. If they went one by one on a single stage, it would take until dawn.

Participants entered through the designated gates, first seeing refurbished inns and taverns—mostly pre-existing buildings. Drinks and food were provided, along with various resting spots. The arrangement of rocks, water, round stages, and other areas made it seem like a theme park.

There were five stages: the pleasure boats, tea house dance floor, riverside pavilion, mountain lodge, and the central round drum stage. Each girl’s performance time and stage were scheduled. The order was usually by lottery, but some adjustments were made for the four leading courtesans or the more popular girls, ensuring their performances didn’t overlap so spectators wouldn’t be torn.

The pleasure boats served as resting places for the girls, and the surrounding area was filled with tents belonging to various brothels; only those invited could meet the performers inside. Nearby taverns were filled with literary atmosphere—good poems were hung up to bolster the girls’ reputation. Flowers weren’t thrown directly onto the stage; there was a registration process beside each.

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“It is an honor to have Brother Gu’s favor; with the four leading courtesans, Miss Miao Miao is sure to advance. Last time, Brother Gu composed the poem ‘Pity the Solitude’ for her—it was like a gourmet dish, lingering fragrance for days. Brother Gu’s talent is admirable—come, a toast to Brother Gu.”

Night had fallen, fireworks spent, and performances had already begun on each stage. The crowd dispersed, heading to their preferred stages. In Wenmo Tower, Gu Yanzhen rested with several companions. Gu Yanzhen was the leader, mostly because he admired a girl named Luo Miao Miao. She was newly debuted but already famous, pursued by many, a favorite for the top sixteen and a likely contender for the four leading courtesans. Gu Yanzhen had composed several poems for her in recent days to boost her reputation.

The group exchanged compliments, and after a while, a beautiful woman came to greet them. Gu Yanzhen had written poetry for her before, and her performance was done, so she came to thank him and shared two cups of wine. She clearly had some interest in Gu Yanzhen, but knowing he pursued Luo Miao Miao, she soon realized her chances were slim and left for other matters.

Occasionally, a madam would accompany girls to Wenmo Tower to thank patrons, adding to the lively atmosphere. After the initial bustle faded, Gu Yanzhen’s friend Shen Miao poured wine, “Enviable, Yanzhen—always admired by beauties.”

Gu Yanzhen laughed, “What does it matter if beauties admire me? The beauty I admire does not admire me.”

Those nearby thought he meant Luo Miao Miao and asked about it. Gu Yanzhen, open-hearted, told of how he had pursued a woman recently, wishing to take her as a concubine and go to Leping, but was slapped by her. He recounted it naturally, earning their admiration for his ability to let go. Shen Miao, knowing his character, later laughed, “You don’t really mean what you say.”

“What else can I do?” Gu Yanzhen replied calmly, clinking glasses and drinking.

“So, have you found out who Miss Nie really likes?”

“Nothing conclusive.”

“Perhaps she is truly indifferent and does not wish to marry?”

“That cannot be,” Gu Yanzhen frowned, lowering his voice and speaking faster, “During the preserved egg incident, someone was clearly manipulating things behind the scenes… Unfortunately, when I questioned Dexin, he protected that person, not revealing a word. Hmph, I simply want to know who this mysterious figure is. If he is truly brilliant, I would accept it…”

“Can’t you ask others?”

“All you know is that he played a joke with his friends, made a bet, and asked Dexin to find someone as a stand-in, requiring that his reputation not be used for help. He’s likely a well-known scholar… With Yunzhu’s temperament, she would naturally be drawn to such a person. Her maid Hu Tao once hinted that I should pursue her mistress, and that her mistress had someone in mind—but at that time, things were not serious. The man was not suitable for her. After the incident, Hu Tao realized I had no chance and protected her mistress, no longer revealing his identity…” Gu Yanzhen shook his head, “I suspect Yunzhu has fallen for some elderly scholar, admiring his talent and wisdom, swept away in her feelings… Yunzhu is not a materialistic person, and with her tranquil nature, it’s not impossible.”

In Jiangning, there were many famous figures. If Nie Yunzhu really liked some renowned old man, even Gu Yanzhen—with money and now an official post—would have no recourse. Such elders had broad networks, and if Yunzhu was truly devoted, a young scholar like Gu Yanzhen could never compete. As they discussed, faint sounds of commotion drifted from the other side of the tavern.

Looking over, two groups of scholars were quarrelling and mocking each other. A girl who had come up to express thanks was flustered, unable to mediate. One young man, red-faced from ridicule, was quite embarrassed.

Someone from Gu Yanzhen’s group came over, holding a sheet of paper, explaining, “Ha! That girl is Tang Jing from Willow Leaf Pavilion. Her song and dance were well received. This young master presented her with a hundred flowers, so she came to thank him. Then he composed a poem, but it turned out poorly. Look—what kind of poem is this?”

Most with Gu Yanzhen were noted scholars, and upon reading the poem, they burst into laughter. The poem was truly mediocre—barely rhymed, with obvious forced construction, bordering on doggerel. Such poetry was common from merchants trying to appear cultured, but only acceptable in the right setting. If you lacked self-awareness and composed such work at a gathering of scholars and elders, ridicule was inevitable. The young man was mercilessly mocked. Gu Yanzhen commented, “Such poetry… He must be from a merchant family.”

In these times, many merchants fancied themselves poets, and doggerel was often praised in certain contexts. But if you overreached at a gathering of distinguished scholars, you could expect to be laughed at. The young man was thoroughly embarrassed. Someone else remarked, “Yanzhen’s insight is sharp—his family runs a cloth business, and his surname is Su. Those mocking him likely have a longstanding grudge, so they’re making him lose face.”

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“Ha!” Wendin and Yanzhen shook their heads, laughing as they watched, “Ignore it, let them be.”

The ones being mocked were Su Wenfang and Su Wendin. Wenfang admired Tang Jing and had saved up to support her, composing from the heart, but his talent was lacking. Now he was laughed at relentlessly. Still, someone with slightly more talent stood up, retorting, “Let’s see what bad poems you can write!”

Laughter answered, “Better than yours!”

The two sides began a poetry duel. After only two poems, Wenfang’s side was outmatched; the other group had one especially talented poet who wrote a verse praising Tang Jing that immediately won over the crowd. Tang Jing, though skilled, was not accustomed to such rivalry and struggled to handle the situation. Others came over, relaying Gu Yanzhen’s group’s harsh judgment and pointing toward them.

Though Gu Yanzhen didn’t want to get involved, their opinions inevitably reached the other group. This was commonplace; he watched the drama unfold. Su Wenfang and Su Wendin were even more embarrassed—their rivals openly pursued Tang Jing with poetry, while they, self-proclaimed scholars, could not retaliate.

Laughter rang out, “Brother Jiwen’s talent is beyond your reach—his poetry would earn praise at the Zhishui and Lichuan poetry gatherings. If you hadn’t boasted, this would be nothing, but to offer such poetry here! Let me teach you how to write a poem.”

He wrote one, proper enough, then another followed. Excitement grew. Chen Jiwen’s poetic talent was renowned; Gu Yanzhen had heard of him, watching the lively scene and wondering if a fight would break out. If so, they’d likely be thrown out. He shifted his gaze downstairs.

A familiar face was approaching the tavern.

It was Li Pin and Li Dexin. The two had known each other, but after Li Pin was slapped by Nie Yunzhu, he went to ask about the man behind her. Though he spoke lightly earlier, Li Pin refused to reveal the identity, even saying, “I know your character—do not press further.” In a sense, the two had parted ways.

Gu Yanzhen frowned.

Li Pin was accompanied by a young man Gu Yanzhen didn’t know. They were conversing, and behind them, a pretty maid in a white floral dress followed, likely arriving with the unfamiliar man.

Second chapter update, seeking votes.

Next chapter tomorrow morning.