Chapter 169: The Painted Barge

Although Chen Xin had never fought on a battlefield, he still had to train his body in the military camp and had personally killed before. Beating up that pampered fatty was no problem at all, and with the giant dumb monk helping, they had the fatty and one of his attendants rolling on the floor, which let him vent a great deal of frustration. Song Wenxian naturally cheered loudly too, occasionally stepping in for a kick, fearing the world wasn't chaotic enough, while Liu Minyou kept urging them to stop.

The hall was in complete chaos. The wealthy merchant and his servants were shouting inside, and two hired guards from the courtyard ran over. Zuo Changhao blocked them while calmly explaining the situation. Chen Xin, having beaten enough, didn't even glance at the fatty on the floor. He went straight to a small pond outside and washed off the fatty's nose blood that had gotten on him.

Fights and brawls were common in the pleasure quarter. Although the Qinhuai riverside was mostly frequented by refined scholars, crude men like Chen Xin who only pretended to be cultured were not few either. The madam named Li Lihua came over to look and was not flustered at all. She knew Zuo Changhao's side leaned more toward the underworld, and her few hired guards dared not provoke these people. She merely urged the wealthy merchant to calm down, called two pretty maids to help him to a small building, and sent a servant to fetch a physician to treat his injuries. Then a few helpers cleaned up the mess inside, rearranged the tables and chairs, and it looked neat and tidy again.

Only after the madam had settled the wealthy merchant did she come to apologize to Chen Xin and his group, inviting them to rest temporarily on a painted barge by the river. She also repeatedly sent people to hurry her daughter, who loved to sleep in.

Having vented his anger, Chen Xin arrived beside a painted barge outside the door. Granny Li eagerly led the way. Zuo Changhao apologized profusely to Chen Xin and added, "General Chen, please wait a moment on the painted barge. Lord Xu should be free soon. I'll send someone to check again."

Chen Xin nodded and led his group onto the painted barge. The deck had two levels: the lower was a main hall, and the upper held sleeping quarters and a terrace. The main hall was very spacious, furnished with several tea tables and a round table in the center. The interior was decorated very elegantly, but he was in no mood to appreciate it. He chose a seat in the hall, sat down, and passed the time drinking tea. Song Wenxian recounted the beating of the fatty with great delight.

The madam hurried in, panting, and said, "Young masters, please wait a moment. My daughter is still putting on her makeup..."

"Let her put on makeup on the boat and come immediately. Young Master Chen is an honored guest of Lord Xu. How can she be allowed to slight him?" Zuo Changhao was also somewhat annoyed. He was originally supposed to take good care of Chen Xin and his group, but now he had lost considerable face.

As soon as Li Lihua heard "Lord Xu," she said nothing more and hurried off to urge her daughter herself. It seemed Xu Xinsu had some reputation in both the underworld and legitimate circles.

This wait lasted quite a while. During this time, Nie Hong and the others all arrived. Chen Xin had Nie Hong and Pu Zhuang board the boat, while everyone else remained on alert below deck. Hai Gouzi also brought over his flintlock pistol. Although he figured the wealthy merchant had no real influence, it was always better to be safe. Only after he had tucked the gun and a few paper cartridges into his coat's inner pocket did he feel somewhat at ease. Chen Xin felt he had already developed some kind of battlefield syndrome.

After waiting another cup of tea's worth of time, Granny Li finally dragged in a plainly dressed woman. She was another fifteen or sixteen-year-old, with delicate arched brows and beautiful eyes that held a flirtatious glint. Her makeup was light and elegant, and she looked quite pretty. However, she was a bit too young. Behind her, one maid carried a pipa, and another maid carried a xiao flute.

Li Lihua came over and said to the two, "Young masters, thank you for waiting. This is Yan'er, most skilled in pipa and purple jade flute."

The young woman looked somewhat displeased. Li Lihua nudged her from behind, and only then did she say flatly, "What would the young masters like to hear?" Her voice, crisp yet gentle with the Wu region accent, was like singing even when just speaking.

Zuo Changhao glanced at Chen Xin. Chen Xin knew nothing of these things and could only smile and shake his head. Over on the other side, Song Wenxian, still embracing the maid, loudly declared, "In that case, let's have a piece from The Peony Pavilion. This unworthy one wishes to hear how moving authentic southern opera singing can be."

Tang Yan asked, "Which vocal style does the guest prefer?"...

"The Kunshan style will do."

Tang Yan performed a curtsy, then found a chair and sat down. The maid handed her the pipa. Once Tang Yan took it and assumed her posture, she was completely different from her initially cold demeanor. Her dewy eyes swept across the room, and every man felt she had cast a flirtatious glance his way. Chen Xin also watched with interest, waiting for her to begin.

A few crisp notes from the pipa rang out, and Tang Yan parted her red lips and began to sing. Her voice was very beautiful, like pearls and jade falling onto a plate, but none of them, including Chen Xin, understood her Kunshan style. They had no idea what she was singing. Once the novelty wore off, Chen Xin began to feel bored again and started sipping his tea. Zuo Changhao, noticing his and Liu Minyou's expressions, said to Tang Yan, "Switch to Haiyan style."

Haiyan style used the official language for singing, so Chen Xin and the others could understand a bit more. This time they made it out: "By the lakeside hills, by the lakeside hills, clouds blaze and mist glows. Beyond the carved railings, beyond the carved railings, red unfurls and green clusters. Stirring the bees' sorrow and butterflies' longing, a fate on the Three-Life Stone..."

The lyrics and melody were exquisite, and Tang Yan performed them beautifully. Chen Xin finally began to get into the mood somewhat. Seeing his expression, Zuo Changhao leaned in and whispered, "This Tang Yan can spend the night. She usually ignores most guests. To win her favor, one must first please her heart. However, this humble one has some face on the streets. If my lord finds her pleasing, you may stay here overnight."

Chen Xin looked at this middle-school-aged girl, thin and small, looking as if a breeze could blow her over, and truly had no interest. His eyes kept drifting toward Li Lihua; that mature woman had more appeal. But he didn't know if there was a rule in the pleasure quarter about the madam accompanying guests, so he didn't mention it for now and merely politely declined Zuo Changhao's offer.

When the piece from The Peony Pavilion ended, Chen Xin and Liu Minyou habitually applauded. Tang Yan and Li Lihua both looked over at them strangely, wondering what they meant. Chen Xin only then realized and gave a dry cough.

Just as he was about to explain, a hearty male voice came from outside: "Tang Yan's playing and singing are both peerless, enough to make the fish swim up to listen. Li Lihua, you've trained her well. I wonder if it has helped Lord Chen calm his anger?"

Before the voice had faded, a middle-aged man walked into the cabin. He was very tall, dressed in a brocade Daoist robe and wearing a scholar's cap. His bearing was refined and elegant, with a beautiful beard that reached his chest, and his demeanor carried a natural ease and pride.

Zuo Changhao called out "My lord," stood up, and went to greet him. Chen Xin guessed this was Xu Xinsu. This sea bandit, who should have died at Zhongzuosuo in the first year of Chongzhen, was still alive and well in the third year of Chongzhen because of his butterfly wings, and had even been promoted from Squad Commander to Mobile Corps Commander. The change in Xu Xinsu's fate had, in turn, affected the situation off the coast of Fujian. Li Kuiqi, who should have been defeated and killed last year, was also still alive and was even pressing Zheng Yiguan hard.

Chen Xin hurriedly stood up, but before he could speak, Xu Xinsu ignored Zuo Changhao and came directly up to Chen Xin, bowing deeply. "Xu Xinsu, Mobile Corps Commander of the Fujian Naval Force, greets Lord Chen. My subordinate's poor hospitality caused my lord alarm. A grave offense, a grave offense. I had just returned to my lodgings from visiting several lords when I heard of this matter and rushed over immediately. I will have the troublemaker brought here at once and handed over to my lord for punishment."

Chen Xin quickly replied, "I thank Lord Xu for his concern, but this matter is unrelated to Brother Zuo. It happened suddenly. I have already taught that man a lesson; there is no need to bother with him further. Please do not blame Brother Zuo."

Xu Xinsu bowed again, then straightened and said to Zuo Changhao behind him, "Since Lord Chen intercedes, I will spare you this time. Since I assigned you to attend to Lord Chen and his party, you should know your duty. Even if it happened suddenly, you still should not have allowed Lord Chen to act personally. If there is a next time, cut off your own left hand."

Zuo Changhao, sweating, acknowledged from behind. Li Lihua spoke up to plead for Zuo Changhao, "Lord Xu, Brother Zuo was also..."

Xu Xinsu cut her off with a wave of his hand and said flatly, "Since Lord Chen does not pursue this matter, it is settled. First, serve the wine and dishes. I wish to invite Lord Chen to tour the Qinhuai together." His words carried an authority that brooked no disobedience. Even Li Lihua, who gambled thousands in a single throw, dared not say more in his presence and hurried off personally to urge the wine and dishes.

Xu Xinsu turned back, put on a smiling face, and extended his hand to invite Chen Xin to sit first. He was a Mobile Corps Commander, a rank lower than Chen Xin's. Chen Xin demurred politely a few times but ultimately followed official protocol and took the seat of honor on the left.

Chen Xin introduced Liu Minyou and Song Wenxian to Xu Xinsu. Xu Xinsu, without the slightest airs, greeted each of them in turn. He also introduced his own attendants to Chen Xin: a young man surnamed Zhan, dark-skinned and fierce-looking, and the other was Shinyuemon, whom they had met on the Five Islands. He had changed into Central Plains clothing and followed Xu Xinsu like a shadow. Upon seeing Chen Xin and Song Wenxian, he nodded in greeting, which was rare for him.

Chen Xin glanced out the painted barge's window. The sky was almost dark. Besides Nie Hong and Pu Zhuang, there were several other figures standing at the bow, likely Xu Xinsu's bodyguards. It seemed Xu Xinsu was very cautious. Logically, a boat was the hardest place to be attacked, yet his men still maintained such vigilance.

Xu Xinsu sat down and said to Chen Xin, "Just now, I heard Tang Yan singing outside the cabin and feared disturbing my lord's refined mood, so I waited until she finished before entering. I wonder if my lord is pleased with this southern opera singing?"

Chen Xin sighed, "I am a crude man. I don't quite understand the accent either. To judge Miss Tang's heavenly music would be like burning a qin and cooking a crane—a sacrilege. Only a connoisseur like Lord Xu can truly appreciate its flavor."

Xu Xinsu said to Tang Yan, "Lord Chen is accomplished in both civil and martial arts. He has just greatly praised Yan'er. You must drink a few more cups with Lord Chen later. As long as Lord Chen is happy, your gratuity will be doubled."

Tang Yan, usually spoiled by her patrons and always the center of attention, found herself completely ignored by this group. Displeased, she merely gave a soft "Mm."

Xu Xinsu said impassively, "Some southern courtesans, once they gain a little fame, put on great airs and inflate their own worth. Fortunately, Li Lihua is a straightforward person, and the daughters she raises also disdain such antics. Isn't that right, Yan'er?"

Hearing this, Tang Yan had no choice but to force a smile and give a reply.

Chen Xin found this amusing. Still, this Tang Yan did put on too many airs, sleeping in when guests were waiting. He added, "A concubine is not as good as a stolen affair, and a stolen affair is not as good as one you can't steal. With anything, the more you keep them in suspense, the higher the price these romantic seeds are willing to pay."

Xu Xinsu laughed heartily, "Lord Chen speaks amusingly. Having survived bloody battles, Lord Chen has likely long seen through these matters of love and romance."

"Lord Xu flatters me. We are both military officers. What we deal with are either the Jianzhou bandits or the great pirates of the sea, all utterly vicious and desperate men. We don't know what tomorrow holds, so how could we have the heart for love and romance?"

Xu Xinsu praised him, "My lord worries for the nation's affairs; no wonder you are so favored by the various lords at court. However, since you are at the Qinhuai today, set aside those troubling matters for now and tour Banqiao with me. Let us drink until we are drunk."

Chen Xin quickly said, "Lord Xu, please do not refer to yourself as 'subordinate' anymore. I am still in a time of hardship and have received much help from Young Master Li. Lord Xu is also an elder to Young Master Li, so it is I who should observe the courtesy of a junior."

Xu Xinsu said boldly, "We are all men who have walked the seas; there's no need for so many formalities. Back then, Young Master Li, having been warned by Lord Chen, sent Shinyuemon to Fujian to guard me. At Zhongzuosuo, he practically forced me to leave. Later, that man surnamed Zheng indeed conducted a city-wide search just to find me. Tracing it back to the source, it was still Lord Chen's warning. I have never had the chance to thank you in person. If Lord Chen does not mind, let us two address each other as brothers."

With this change in address, their relationship immediately grew much closer. Chen Xin talked with Xu Xinsu about the maritime trade of those years. Xu Xinsu's interest also soared, and he told Chen Xin about his various dealings with Li Dan, Li Guo's father, and some of Li Dan's legendary experiences. Everyone listened with rapt attention. Zuo Changhao and Song Wenxian also came over to join the fun, making the atmosphere even more harmonious. Only Liu Minyou couldn't get a word in. Over on the other side, Tang Yan was once again left out in the cold by them, hugging her pipa and biting her lip without speaking.

A moment later, the maids finished serving the wine and dishes, and the painted barge slowly began drifting downstream toward Wuding Bridge. By now, dusk was falling. The maids hung lanterns both inside the cabin and outside the boat, illuminating the main hall brightly.

Chen Xin looked out the window. Painted barges were leaving the shore one after another. On the Qinhuai River, boats moved beneath the moon's reflection, lantern light stretched in winding lines, and the sounds of string and bamboo instruments could be heard. The riverside buildings on both banks were also brilliantly lit, and many scholars and courtesans strolled in pairs along the shore.

Xu Xinsu introduced, "This place is Changban Bridge. The Jiongguang and Jiufeng Temples lie before and behind it, the East Garden of Zhongshan stretches before it, and the Zhuque Bridge of the Qinhuai winds behind it. It is the most flourishing spot for lantern boats on the Qinhuai. During festivals, there are even more pleasure boats, sometimes linked together in the hundreds, their lanterns blazing against the sky." Chen Xin gazed at the beautiful scenery outside the window. If his butterfly wings had no effect, this was merely the Qinhuai's twilight glory at the end of an era. By the early Qing, the old courtyards would become vegetable fields, just as a Ming loyalist wrote: "Now the bright moon shines empty on the water, no longer seeing the green stream and Changban Bridge."

Song Wenxian watched the other lantern boats with great interest and asked Xu Xinsu, "Lord Xu, why are the women on those boats all dressed so plainly? They're all heavily made-up like the northern pleasure quarters."

Xu Xinsu smiled, "Southern courtesans all dress with light elegance, which stirs the imagination even more than seductive allure. That is why the southern style and Suzhou lead the fashion, with all regions adopting them as the model. People call it the Suzhou style, but in truth, it mostly originates from the southern courtesans' style." Song Wenxian lowered his head and thought; indeed, light elegance stirred the imagination more.

Xu Xinsu raised his wine cup to toast Chen Xin and his group. After three rounds of wine, he had Tang Yan continue playing and singing, with two other female musicians dancing alongside. Inside the boat, amidst the clear songs and graceful dances, a gentle breeze blew outside. The moon was bright and the wind clear. The group chatted and talked while watching the river scenery on both banks; it truly felt like an immortal's existence.

At that moment, a loud shout suddenly came from behind, "It really is Ruan the Bearded! Get him!..."

Chen Xin stuck his head out the window and saw a painted barge behind them with over ten people standing on it, hurling teacups, bowls, and chopsticks at another painted barge. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to come to (.) to cast recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)