Chapter 67: Anticipation and Wager

Chapter Sixty-Seven: Anticipation, Wager (Seeking Monthly Votes)

Some things, if left unnoticed, simply fade away. But the more attention one gives, the more thoughts arise, and certain impressions grow deeper still.

She was a formidable woman.

The flickering lights and shifting shadows, music flowing on the stage, misty silhouettes dancing. Gu Yanzhen watched the scene, and, regarding the woman named Su Tan’er, he formed an evaluation.

Having previously inquired about Ning Liheng, he naturally learned that Ning was a son-in-law, married into a merchant family. He hadn’t given much thought to Ning’s wife before, but now, seeing her, a clear outline took shape in his mind. The impression she created was indeed profound.

At first glance, it might seem like nothing more than a beautiful, dignified wife sitting with her husband watching a performance—a scene not uncommon among well-bred ladies of prominent families, those with good upbringing and broad experience. Yet, what captured Gu Yanzhen’s attention was not merely this, but rather how the couple interacted with others.

Everyone who approached them first addressed Ning’s wife. The previously seen, uneducated Su brothers, as well as others coming and going, all began their conversations with her before paying any heed to the husband. Though Ning Liheng had stood up for the Su brothers at Wenmo Tower the previous day, when they came over, their primary concern was still Su Tan’er. One could see, from these details, just how remarkable this woman was.

Gu Yanzhen had confidence in his ability to judge character; his past experiences had proven his discernment. In this world, it is difficult for a woman to be formidable, and even harder to conceal such strength beneath a gentle demeanor, blending softness and authority so seamlessly that it commands admiration. Observing the harmonious atmosphere surrounding her, it was clear she orchestrated everything—maintaining her own presence and the respect of others while deftly ensuring her husband was not reduced to a mere ornament. Her skill was truly extraordinary.

Such a woman... Gu Yanzhen mused. If it were a man of this caliber who won Yunzhu’s heart, he might have no choice but to admit defeat. Yet, to see such a strong and outstanding woman with a husband who seemed little more than a supporting role...

He couldn’t dwell on these thoughts for long, instead exchanging words with those around him and applauding from time to time. The first round of performances saw the four leading dancers each showcasing their strengths and unique styles: Luo Miaomiao’s colorful silk dance dazzled with its splendor; Yuan Jiner’s dance was lively and spirited; Feng Xiaojing's “Phoenixes Gathering” remained stately and grand; and finally, Qilan’s ancient-style dance, reenacting Confucius and Laozi’s philosophical encounter, flowed with wide-sleeved garments and ethereal grace, exuding the refined aura of scholarly elegance.

Of the four, Gu Yanzhen actually did not favor Luo Miaomiao. Her dazzling dances provided immediate visual impact, but lacked the depth and composure of the others. His initial choice of her was, in truth, due to matters concerning Yunzhu—such colorful performances were easier to inspire poetry, but for him, it was merely a perfunctory gesture. Tonight, after her dance, he intended to write a poem, but for reasons unknown, after glancing at Ning Yi’s side, he refrained. Instead, he called the person in charge of recording flower counts and bought five hundred flowers for Luo Miaomiao.

Five hundred flowers meant five hundred taels of silver—a considerable expense for him. Without writing a poem, he decided to simply make the gesture. Soon after came the time for acknowledgments, with a few girls performing for extra entertainment. When the announcer called out, “Gu Yanzhen, Young Master Gu, sends five hundred flowers to Miaomiao,” he exchanged polite words with those nearby. On the other side, Su Tan’er also waved to someone, and the numbers on the stage’s flower board kept updating. Every gift over a hundred flowers was announced aloud, and then came the voice:

“Ning Liheng, Young Master Ning, sends two thousand flowers to Qilan.”

The crowd erupted anew at this announcement. Two thousand flowers—a lavish display, usually reserved for the end of all three dances. The name Ning Liheng, the mysterious “first scholar,” talented and wealthy, became the talk of the night. Gu Yanzhen recognized this as the handiwork of that woman; in such an arena, to make such a gesture for her married husband, Su Tan’er’s confidence and strength beneath her gentle exterior were truly astonishing.

He recalled the matter of the preserved egg business—he himself had invested less than a hundred taels, trivial in comparison to the spectacle before him. What Ning Liheng had done seemed almost childish.

Just as these thoughts lingered, Shen Miao approached, also glancing that way. “That’s quite the gesture… Yanzhen, you’ve been watching them for a while; are you genuinely interested in Ning Yi’s talents? If so, tonight’s courtesan banquet will surely be a clash of dragons and tigers—a spectacle worth seeing.”

Gu Yanzhen was silent for a moment before smiling. “Brother Zishan, do you know who the man behind Yunzhu truly is?”

“Didn’t we investigate… wait, could it be… Ning Yi?”

“Yes, it is him.”

“He… but he’s merely a son-in-law.”

Gu Yanzhen smiled with ambiguous silence. Shen Miao chuckled and shook his head.

“In that case, if this matter is exposed, wouldn’t it make for an entertaining show? What do you think, Yanzhen?”

Gu Yanzhen regarded him for a long while before sighing. “Brother Zishan, if this were revealed, what would happen next?”

“At best, there would be discord between the couple; at worst, that formidable merchant’s wife would confront Yunzhu. In the end… ah, it seems you are unwilling—perhaps a tender heart for the fairer sex. Such magnanimity is admirable.”

Gu Yanzhen laughed. “To tell the truth, Brother Zishan, my reasons are not so simple. You are right: it could cause discord or even confrontation, but even if it escalates to irreconcilable conflict, you and I would merely be spectators. But tell me, would I gain Yunzhu through such means?”

“Ah…”

“To achieve great things, one must not be distracted by petty matters. We should act true to our hearts, unclouded by trivialities. Even if I did such a thing, I would gain nothing in the end, and my reputation would suffer. I disdain such actions…”

Though his words were proud, his tone was gentle. Shen Miao pondered for a moment and bowed in acknowledgment. Gu Yanzhen smiled, shifted the topic, and discussed the performances on stage, glancing at Shen Miao through the haze of lights.

Shen Zishan—just another ordinary scholar, spirited but lacking the makings of greatness…

“Two thousand flowers, a grand gesture.”

When the announcer declared Ning Liheng’s gift, Ning Yi smiled wryly and shook his head. Amid the crowd’s buzz, he appeared indifferent, for few truly knew him. Turning aside, Puyang Yi approached, expressing gratitude.

“I know little of poetry, but since she gives face to her husband, I give her silver. That’s all there is to it.”

Su Tan’er bowed her head, her words gentle and serene, smiling sweetly. Ning Yi understood the true reason, and laughed along. Neither could have known that, across the hall, Gu Yanzhen was watching their every move. On the stage, hearing the news of two thousand flowers, Yuan Jiner was momentarily stunned, her eyes wide with indignation as she sought Nie Yunzhu.

“Yunzhu, he’s bullying us.”

“Ha, it was clearly his wife who sent the flowers; what does it have to do with him?”

“I don’t care—using money to bully people… I won’t help sell preserved eggs later.” She sulked for a moment, then dragged Su Tan’er to the dressing room. “Yunzhu, I need to dress up again—my dance must be even better to save face.”

Though she had no intention of competing for the title, pride was important, and she would not let it go unchallenged.

But since she hadn’t planned to vie for the courtesan’s title, her performance was fairly standard; no matter how much effort she put in now, the outcome would not change much. The competition continued, the dances splendid and varied. In the final round, Qilan’s performance titled “Book Mountain, Ink Sea” outshone all others—though the Puyang family backed her, their reputation mattered most, and Qilan’s efforts were evident. After her dance, Puyang Yi formally gifted fifteen thousand flowers, crowning the white-robed dancer as the courtesan of the night.

Some, like Su Tan’er, had predicted this outcome; the Puyang family had waited two years to make this move, showing great restraint and propriety. Those who foresaw it had little reason to object. Tonight’s performances were superb, albeit shorter than previous nights, and the grand courtesan banquet followed—a tradition hosted by the magistrate, attended by the four leading dancers, thanking all supporters of the contest. The four dancers would prepare exquisite performances for the banquet, and the gathering of scholars and merchants often became the stuff of legend.

Gu Yanzhen spent the evening unconsciously searching for Nie Yunzhu, but did not find her. Only when he and Shen Miao attended the banquet did he catch sight of a familiar figure on the side of the hall—dressed as a servant, hidden among the staff and behind the trees outside, seemingly waiting for something. The figure was so familiar that Gu Yanzhen recognized her instantly.

Upon entering the banquet, he suddenly understood what she was waiting for.

“Who would have thought… Yunzhu has already brought her business here…”

Shen Miao sighed softly. At the courtesan banquet, every table was adorned with peeled preserved eggs, their patterns vivid, crystalline and translucent. Though the preserved egg business had been expanding for two months, Nie Yunzhu had kept a low profile, hiring help to supply the restaurants but taking no further action. It seemed tonight marked her readiness to expand the business.

That woman, in the past, would have been an honored guest at such banquets, even without competing for the courtesan’s title, always surrounded by admirers. Now, for the sake of her business, she hid outside like a servant, watching the revelry within and hoping for her modest venture… Gu Yanzhen wondered if she had spotted him.

He recalled the afternoon’s events. He had never cared much for the preserved egg business—less than a hundred taels, trivial. But seeing her eager anticipation now, he couldn’t help but smile wryly. Fate played its part—after all her efforts, would her joy turn to disappointment when her work was appropriated by others tomorrow?

Gu Yanzhen told himself he didn’t care for such petty revenge… Yet, encountering it so coincidentally, he found it amusing.

So he said to Shen Miao, “This product is interesting, but the process is hardly complicated. After several months, I wager ten taels of silver with you, Brother Zishan: within half a month, imitations of these preserved eggs will appear on the market. All her hard work will end up benefiting others… Business is like war—it’s never so simple.”

In theory, the wager could be won by tomorrow, or lost only after half a month. They laughed and took their seats, soon putting the matter out of mind. Yet, as if some unseen force had long since put a stop to such things, barely a quarter of an hour later, Gu Yanzhen realized, with some gloom, that he had already lost the ten taels…

If the courtesan’s title is won, a banquet will be held for all ^_^

Alright… I’m just learning to act cute…

The goal lies just ahead—your monthly votes are needed. Let’s press onward together, and push through.