Chapter Sixty-five: The Scenes of the Game

Chapter Sixty-Five: Scenes of the Game

“…It is said that in February of that year, during the Liao Kingdom’s 'Spring Nadab Festival', all tribal chiefs attended the 'First Fish Banquet' hosted by Yelü Yanxi. At that time, Wanyan Aguda stood up to demand the return of Ashu territory, but Yelü Yanxi ignored him. Later, as the banquet reached its climax, Yelü Yanxi ordered the chiefs to sing and dance for entertainment. Wanyan Aguda remained motionless, claiming he could not participate. Yelü Yanxi was furious and nearly drew his blade to kill Wanyan Aguda on the spot. Now, Wanyan Aguda is in the prime of his life, ambitious and fierce. The coming war between Jin and Liao will surely be a battle to the death, with no room for compromise. Our Great Wudang stands between them, weighing both sides and seeking advantage. In my view, once the war breaks out, our dynasty’s army should first feign weakness and then seize Yingzhou…”

It was midday during the Dragon Boat Festival, and on an upper floor of a riverside tavern, Gu Yanzhen was chatting with several companions. Below, festive scenes unfolded as people came and went, with the tavern bustling. The group arranged their bowls, chopsticks, and plates on the table, discussing strategy and tactics for a long while.

“I never imagined that Yanzhen had such expertise in military strategy—truly admirable,” remarked a minor officer among them, cupping his hands in salute. Another companion clapped his hands and added, “It’s not just strategy—Yanzhen is both clever and brave. I heard that on his journey to the capital, he encountered bandits. Through wit, he escaped their trap, then returned with reinforcements and captured the entire gang. I’ve heard of it and am truly inspired.”

“Is it true?” someone asked, eyes wide.

Gu Yanzhen smiled, “It was merely a lucky coincidence, nothing more. Yet I’ve always felt that both civil and military skills should be cultivated in balance, especially given the current state of the world. This time, I’m heading to Le Ping; if in a few years I achieve something, I might even lay down my pen and join the army, pursuing the aspirations of Ban Chao…”

His appointment in Le Ping was scheduled for July, so he would likely leave Jiangning in June. The group continued to chat and banter, with flattery exchanged. When the small gathering dispersed and everyone had left, Gu Yanzhen sat by the window, gazing at the scenery outside and contemplating various matters. Before long, his attendant, Xiao Si, approached.

“Have you found out?”

“Yes, young master. Since yesterday, I’ve gathered much information about Ning Liheng. However, I’m mainly here because there’s news from the workshop.”

“Oh?”

“The matter of the preserved eggs is ready.”

Gu Yanzhen frowned. “It’s no longer of much significance…but very well, let’s have a look. Tell me about Ning Yi along the way.”

“Yes, sir. Apparently, Ning Yi is always discreet, skilled at hiding his talents. I investigated his background yesterday, and those living nearby say…”

Chattering, the two crossed the market, turned down an alley, and entered a small, filthy workshop. Shortly after, Gu Yanzhen emerged, pinching his nose and frowning. “Fine, since preparations are complete, let’s start selling tomorrow. She charges twenty coins, we’ll sell at ten. I won’t come here again; it’s just a small matter—let Boss Hu handle it.”

“Yes, but…young master, you’re leaving for Le Ping next month. Boss Hu worries that even in a month, we might not defeat her business.”

“Who says we need to destroy her business? What good does that do? Don’t bother about it—just do your part.”

Gu Yanzhen frowned and strode ahead. His family was wealthy landlords, so making preserved eggs cost only a few silver coins; he had started this only to uncover the person behind Nie Yunzhu, but found no clues and assigned others to investigate. If there truly was a renowned elder backing Nie Yunzhu, the matter might have had some meaning, but by now it seemed pointless. Still, a bit of time would suffice to show her how fragile those unrealistic dreams of independence were.

Reflecting on what Xiao Si had said, he recalled that Ning Yi liked to dabble in odd projects—chalk, blackboards—things that deviated from convention. No wonder he mingled with people like Li Pin; likely, he fancied himself a free-spirited genius. Preserved eggs seemed to be his doing, and thinking back to the painting on Nie Yunzhu’s cart—it was full of craftsmanship, lacking elegance.

To promote the preserved eggs, they used nothing innovative, merely low-grade tactics like hiring shills. In his view, such methods were insignificant. He had devised several strategies, each far superior to shill-hiring. But now, it no longer mattered. He had assumed Yunzhu was a woman of refined character, only to find her swayed by such petty tricks—laughable indeed.

Passing through the bustling streets, he pondered these matters, thinking of those two—Yunzhu and Ning Liheng. He had believed them to be noble in character, that Yunzhu had chosen a good man, that there was some extraordinary story behind it all. Now, he realized—

Disappointing…

A brothel courtesan who fancied herself pure, and a merchant’s son-in-law relying on cheap tricks, both pretending to be refined—how much more absurd and pathetic than the crude affairs of common folk.

He regretted being entangled in these affairs.

With such thoughts, evening arrived, and he once again encountered those two.

Just as Su Tan’er had predicted that morning, following last night’s assassination attempt, the city gates were strictly guarded, making it impossible for large groups to enter or leave. The final night of the Courtesan Contest was moved to a grand arena by the eastern riverbank. Though the scenery was not as beautiful as outside the city, the temporary setup could accommodate three thousand spectators, and the riverside could host many pleasure boats. After all, the contest was a major source of revenue for Jiangning Prefecture and would not be canceled lightly.

For commoners, the assassination of a government official was not a matter of concern—most would discuss it over tea and even applaud it. Thus, even after such an event, the crowd’s enthusiasm for the show was undiminished, perhaps even heightened.

That afternoon, Su Tan’er and others toured the city in a carriage, sampling snacks and listening to tales of the female assassin. Chan’er and Juan’er staged a dramatic battle of “pillar versus block” with two boxes in the carriage, each boasting a height and waist circumference of eight feet.

Su Tan’er had regained her spirits, occasionally lowering her head to chat and laugh with Ning Yi. In the past, when they played the model couple at home, she never mentioned business, but now she often discussed it—how closing the city gates delayed shop business, how much revenue would be lost, sighing lightly. In truth, it was mostly banter; she did not take such matters to heart.

Ning Yi, meanwhile, offered whimsical ideas—like printing the text of the Four Books and Five Classics onto fabrics, then making clothes from them, so one could walk around with words all over, a novel and imposing style. Su Tan’er laughed and promised to make one for him next time, though only embroidered, which would be troublesome: “You must really wear it out, husband.” Ning Yi, unbothered, agreed.

By the riverside as they ate, Ning Yi took out brush and ink to sketch simple, caricatured portraits of the group. On rice paper, the four women’s exaggerated expressions each had their own charm. Su Tan’er and her attendants laughed and then criticized Ning Yi, as such drawings were still uncommon. Ning Yi and Su Tan’er debated, and amid protests from Chan’er, Juan’er, and Xing’er, they decided to make a bet: Ning Yi would set up a stall by the roadside to seek kindred spirits. Su Tan’er agreed, “Fine, go ahead,” but when Ning Yi actually moved a stool to draw, she and the others laughed and dragged him back.

Ning Yi laughed heartily, “Does that mean I win?” Su Tan’er blushed, “I couldn’t bear the embarrassment, husband.” Chan’er whispered, “Chan’er couldn’t bear it either…” Juan’er nodded vigorously, and both were playfully knocked on the head by Ning Yi. Everyone knew Ning Yi’s easygoing nature, so such jokes were taken lightly.

Since the assassination last night, officials had realized that the Courtesan Contest could not be held outside the city. Preparations for the new venue began at dawn. By dusk, Ning Yi, Su Tan’er, and the others rode to the arena. As the sun set, the streets and buildings around the site were decorated with lanterns and silk, creating a festive atmosphere. Pleasure boats lined up opposite the arena, bustling with people even before the lanterns were lit.

Inside a room on the Jin Feng Tower’s pleasure boat, Yuan Jin’er was preparing for the night’s performance. This evening, four leading courtesans would compete for the title, each performing three times. The period from dusk to the start was meant for quiet rest, so few people disturbed them. Of course, the performers could arrange their own company, and if they had a lover, perhaps he would be brought in for a brief moment together. In Yuan Jin’er’s room, another was present—not her maid, but Nie Yunzhu, disguised as a man. The two stood by the window, watching the crowd arrive at the arena and chatting.

“Tonight is important, isn’t it?” Yuan Jin’er asked Nie Yunzhu.

Nie Yunzhu nodded, seemingly more nervous than Yuan Jin’er. “Yes. If all goes well tonight, there will be much to do from tomorrow onward.”

“I’m not nervous,” Yuan Jin’er said, sneaking a bite of mung bean cake. Nie Yunzhu glared at her, took the remaining half, and ate it aggressively, washing it down with water. “I told you not to keep eating these things.”

“But I’m not nervous. I don’t care about winning the courtesan title. Let Feng Xiaojing, Qilan, and Luo Miaomiao fight for it. You’re strange, Yunzhu. If you were competing, you wouldn’t care at all, but now you’re nervous over this little matter…”

“It’s the first time I’ve come this far; of course I’m nervous. If nothing unexpected happens tonight, the preserved eggs might truly become popular. As for previous performances, you never cared, so naturally you weren’t nervous.”

“Don’t worry, Jin’er will help you, Yunzhu,” Yuan Jin’er smiled, then suddenly frowned, her eyes narrowing. “By the way, Yunzhu, a few days ago I heard there are fake preserved eggs on the market—someone’s trying to steal your business. What will you do?”

“Huh?” Nie Yunzhu frowned in confusion. “Already?”

“Seriously, Jin’er is worried, asking around everywhere. You, the boss, didn’t even know. So what was the point of me cursing the person stealing your business every night…makes me so mad!”

“No, he anticipated it,” Nie Yunzhu replied, smiling. “He said he would handle it if it happened, told me not to worry, so I haven’t investigated and have just focused on tonight.”

“So impressive?” Yuan Jin’er snorted, looking at her. “Hmph, I’d like to see what he can really do…”

She turned and glanced outside, scanning the crowd. Suddenly, her spirits lifted and she blinked. “Ah, speak of the devil! Yunzhu, look, look—your sweetheart…ah…oops, Yunzhu, I’m sorry…”

Turning back, the second league leader of "The Son-in-Law" had appeared; thanks to reader 091012223056421 for your support ^_^

Last night’s sleep was poor, but I managed to finish the chapter before midnight. However, I couldn’t hold out this morning and slept in, only to rush to finish writing in the afternoon. The chapter, meant for the morning, is finally done. I hope to post another one before midnight. Everyone, Banana is working so hard—please continue to support with votes and subscriptions. Let’s keep pushing forward. Thank you all.