Chapter 405: Leisure in the 391 small courtyard, the Scholar in White, the invitation of the Crown Prince of Great Sui

【You make tea for everyone.】

【The small courtyard does not have that many tea sets, so you go to borrow some.】

【The bed in the room is narrow and cannot accommodate everyone. Hu Yunniang and the others do not enter the room and find stone chairs in the courtyard to sit on.】

【In the small courtyard, a parasol tree stands tall, and curling smoke rises from the roof behind it.】

【Su Yun finds it interesting, shaking his head and chanting: "This is a humble room, but my virtue makes it fragrant."】

【"In the house are great scholars, and those who come and go are not uneducated people."】

【Yun Wan and the others are all head courtesans of the West Chamber Building and have long been accustomed to being sociable; facing this scene, they do not let the conversation fall to the ground.】

【Yun Wan laughs: "The small courtyard is full of life and fragrance, having its own world."】

【Xie Xuan stands to the side with his hands behind his back, his expression indifferent. At last night's banquet, it was already decided when Xie Guan would marry into the family; the clan would notify him in a few days. Marrying into a family is always shameful!】

【This ninth brother, Xie Guan, is a pity!】

【Hu Yunniang sees you busy making tea and adding firewood to the stove from time to time. For a moment, she is somewhat dazed, unable to connect the "young man who can work in the kitchen" before her eyes with the talented scholar who was poetic and romantic at the Qunfang Banquet yesterday, praised by the old master Jin Zitan as the "Scholar in White."】

【Zhou Yuner hurriedly goes up to help and brings tea.】

【"Young Master Guan, let Yuner do it."】

【Chen Xiang also seems not to have expected that coming to see Xie Guan today would be such a scene.】

【She originally thought that the Xie Guan she saw yesterday was a person who was arrogant about his talent; now, it has been overturned by everything in the courtyard.】

【Sure enough, according to the rumors in the West Chamber Building, this Xie Guan was born into a poor background, his mother left when he was young, and he cried until he went blind, and he was not favored in the Xie Fu.】

【The two outstanding women following the crowd are also seeing Xie Guan for the first time, and they cannot help but reveal a strange look in their eyes.】

【Hearing of a name is not as good as meeting the person!】

【The two carefully examine the small courtyard, but in their hearts, they are somewhat puzzled: even if Xie Guan is an illegitimate son, he shouldn't live like this; the Xie family's way of doing things is truly losing face.】

【Chen Xiang's gaze falls on the scrolls placed on the stone chair. She picks up that book, "Holy Words," which was written by the disciples of the first generation Master based on his words and deeds; almost every household in Above Bianjing has a copy.】

【She opens it and sees the pages densely packed with annotations, the handwriting neat, the brushwork vigorous.】

【Chen Xiang reads softly: "A gentleman wants to be quick in speech and agile in action; a gentleman can be restrained but not weak; if something is unfair, one can rise and discuss it."】

【After reading, her eyes light up, and she cannot help but continue to flip through it.】

【The next page is written again: "If one is too rigid, one will break; if one is too soft, one will curl; the Dao lies exactly between rigidity and softness."】

【Between the lines, the brush and ink are upright and meticulous, as if through these traces, one can glimpse the character and bearing of the writer.】

【Chen Xiang's heart is shaken, and she cannot help but look up at the young man who is still busy, not showing the slightest weakness in front of everyone because of his poor family background.】

【The stuffiness in Chen Xiang's heart has dissipated for the most part. Recalling the previous events, it seems that the young man before her eyes has always been calm and composed, regardless of honor or disgrace.】

【It was she who spoke too harshly!】

【Your Primordial Spirit stirs slightly, and you cannot help but look outside the courtyard, feeling a trace of helplessness. Today's small courtyard is truly too crowded; I fear that even the courtyard cannot stand anyone else.】

【Not long after!】

【Su Yun and the others also notice that another group of people seems to have arrived outside the courtyard gate.】

【Looking closely, it is actually the Sixth Young Master Xie Yuan of the Xie family's main courtyard, Zhang Yunzhi who is staying at the Xie family, and Xie Qiyue of the Xie family's second courtyard.】

【What is even more unexpected is that the eldest daughter of the Li family, Li Shuwan, and the head courtesan Lady Gongsun Niangzi are also among them.】

【This group of people walking over attracts the attention of the passing servants, their eyes full of amazement and curiosity.】

【It is truly because this group of people is too outstanding; whether it is their status or appearance, it is enough to attract attention.】

【You have already walked to the entrance to welcome them.】

【Su Yun sees Li Shuwan, and a flash of joy passes through his eyes; clearly, being able to meet her here, he is naturally happy in his heart.】

【Several head courtesans also stand up to welcome them, their behavior appropriate.】

【Xie Yuan walks over with big strides, tilting his head to look into the courtyard: "Brother Guan, why are there so many people today? Your home is truly lively!"】

【After he finishes speaking, he leans close to you mysteriously and whispers: "Wait a moment, I will show you; I have brought you something good."】

【After saying this, he quietly pulls open the lapel of his chest, revealing a blue-covered book, with the four words "Grass Lamp and Kindness" written on the cover.】

【Xie Qiyue, seeing this, curiously stretches her head to look, wanting to find out.】

【You see Xie Yuan's winking appearance and know that this book is not suitable to be revealed in front of everyone, so you stuff the book back into his lapel.】

【Xie Qiyue pouts and mutters: "Why are you hiding it? This girl doesn't care!"】

【Li Shuwan walks forward and greets with a smile: "Young Master Guan, I have come to disturb you again."】

【Su Yun has already walked forward and said with a smile: "Shuwan, you have come too."】

【"Young Master Yun is also here; what a coincidence."】

【Except for Zhang Yunzhi, your gaze falls on the woman in red silk men's clothing behind the group, with a high ponytail and eyebrows like a painting, difficult to ignore in the crowd; it is indeed the head courtesan of the Zi Xiao Pavilion, Lady Gongsun Niangzi.】

【Lady Gongsun Niangzi cups her hands: "Young Master Guan, greetings."】

【The crowd at Yuehua Pavilion did not expect that this head of the Zi Xiao Pavilion courtesans, Lady Gongsun Niangzi, would come here.】

【You nod with a smile and lead everyone into the courtyard one by one; for a time, the small courtyard appears crowded.】

【Lady Gongsun Niangzi looks around the small courtyard, her face carrying a look of joy, and laughs: "My wish in the past was to have a courtyard of my own, not to plant flowers or raise grass, but to raise a few fast horses and have a few weapon racks."】

【Her thoughts are indeed different from ordinary women, and her words reveal a heroic spirit.】

【Zhou Yuner, hearing this, takes up the conversation: "I have different thoughts from Sister Lady Gongsun. I also want a courtyard, but I just want to be a wife and mother with the person I admire; that would be enough."】

【She says, her gaze glancing at you intentionally or unintentionally.】

【Yun Wan, seeing this, teases: "If you really have to wash dishes, cook, plant vegetables, and buy oil, can you really do it, Yuner? Dancing the Hu Xuan dance at home won't work; you will be poked in the spine by your mother-in-law."】

【Chen Xiang also laughs and takes up the conversation: "Sister can dance while cooking; killing two birds with one stone."】

【Zhou Yuner walks to Yun Wan's side, deliberately putting on a straight face, and says coquettishly: "Sister Wan, look at them! They only know how to bully people."】

【Yun Wan and the others originally had some conflicts with Chen Xiang and Hu Yunniang, but after this round of jokes, the barriers between them seem to have vanished.】

【The feelings and hatred between women are just like this; they come inexplicably and go just the same.】

【Hu Yunniang looks around and suddenly asks: "Where is Sister Xiangjun? Why don't I see her?"】

【Li Xiangjun, Yun Wan, and Feng Yaya have always come and gone in pairs; coming to the Xie Fu today, they shouldn't be without company.】

【Yun Wan explains: "Xiangjun is accompanying Yaya to the main courtyard to change the guarantee for her redemption; she will come in a moment."】

【She says, her gaze turning to you: "Mr. Zhang has also gone together."】

【You nod gently. Zhang Yuanlai has also come. The redemption of these brothel women is not an easy matter; besides the silver for redemption, it also requires the official document from the clan, as well as the guarantee from the Nine Great Surnames; all three are indispensable. Otherwise, Yuehua Pavilion would never let them go.】

【Zhang Yuanlai is a guest of the Xie Fu; going this time, he must have invited Madam Zhuge of the main courtyard to guarantee it.】

【Chen Xiang, hearing Feng Yaya's name, cannot help but think of her redemption. After Feng Yaya was redeemed, she actually wanted to follow a poor scholar to Longxi Road; this matter once caused a stir in Yuehua Pavilion.】

【A man who only has the title of a Licentiate and is penniless, how can he be entrusted with a lifetime?】

【This matter was ridiculed by many, even becoming a topic of conversation after tea and dinner.】

【Yun Wan and other good sisters once advised Feng Yaya to think twice; after all, Longxi Road is located in a remote area, life is hard, and the future is uncertain. However, Feng Yaya was determined, even causing unhappiness with several sisters because of this; although everyone felt reluctant, they were helpless.】

【At yesterday's Qunfang Banquet, Zhang Yuanlai became a disciple of the Academy in one fell swoop and finally had the opportunity to rise; it can be said to be a turn of events.】

【This change not only allowed him to get rid of his original predicament but also meant he no longer needed to go to Longxi Road, but could live in Above Bianjing and study with peace of mind.】

【The status of an Academy student is naturally enough to be worthy of Feng Yaya.】

【The women of Yuehua Pavilion changed from ridicule to envy.】

【At this time!】

【Sister Wu Tong's face flushes red, and she walks back angrily: "Young Master, the stewards nearby refuse to lend chairs or stools."】

【The West Garden of the Xie Fu is a place where servants live, and there are no young ladies or young masters opening a courtyard here. Most of the nearby households are stewards of various courtyards in the mansion; although they are not considered noble on weekdays, they think highly of themselves.】

【Sister Wu Tong does not hide it; although her voice is not loud, it is enough for everyone present to hear clearly.】

【The several head courtesans of Yuehua Pavilion, hearing this, have normal expressions, seemingly not surprised by this.】

【Xie Yuan, however, furrows his brows, a look of anger appearing on his face, and says coldly: "These damn slaves, they truly don't know life from death."】

【"Sister Wu Tong, go, I will back you up; I want to see which steward there is, I will break his leg today."】

【Sister Wu Tong, after speaking, realizes she has made a slip of the tongue; she didn't want to lose the Young Master's face in front of everyone, just that she was anxious for a moment.】

【In the past, although there were some stewards, it didn't reach this point. Especially in recent years, Young Master Guan's talent has gradually become apparent, and many stewards have had the intention to be on good terms.】

【If it weren't for this, I wouldn't have gone to borrow chairs. I didn't expect this kind of thing to happen today!】

【You have a normal expression, signaling Sister Wu Tong not to worry, and stop the impulsive Xie Yuan.】

【It is just strange in your heart; logically speaking, Wu Guanshi even personally sent gifts today. Wu Guanshi is Madam Yuan's confidant and manages this group of servants in the West Garden.】

【You look at Xie Xuan: "This matter still needs to trouble Seventh Brother."】

【Xie Xuan, standing to the side, nods gently. He brought a personal maid and gives orders.】

【Not long after!】

【Xie Yuan's personal maid quickly brings back enough chairs and places them in the small courtyard.】

【Xie Xuan just nods indifferently, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding head courtesans. He originally thought he would get their appreciation, but notices that the gazes of Yun Wan and the others always fall on you, with a bit of tenderness in their eyes, seemingly completely unaware of him.】

【Hu Yunniang speaks at the right time: "Tomorrow I will send someone to make a few high-quality chairs, so that Young Master Guan's place is not always lacking things."】

【Chen Xiang also nods in agreement: "I see that the Young Master is also a lover of flowers; there are a few Clivia and bamboo that I have been raising by my side, all elegant things, which match the Young Master."】

【"Consider it an apology for bumping into the Young Master last time."】

【For this kind of "embarrassing cold treatment" of not lending chairs, these women from the brothel have long been accustomed to it, but they are also particularly sensitive.】

【For this Young Master Guan, who is excellent in both character and appearance, there is not a bit of contempt in their eyes, but rather empathy and a trace of tenderness.】

【Zhou Yuner also takes out an exquisite object from her gift box and says softly: "This is a hairpin with green leaves and velvet flowers that Yuner made herself, and there is also a scholar's cap; I hope Young Master Guan likes them."】

【Lady Gongsun Niangzi also says: "That's perfect; I also have an item to gift Young Master Guan."】

【The maid behind her steps forward, holding an ancient wooden box, and slowly opens it; inside is a long sword. Lady Gongsun Niangzi takes out the long sword and gently draws it from its scabbard; but see the sword body is patterned with a dragon shape, and the blade is exceptionally sharp, with cold light flashing.】

【"This sword is named Dragon Shadow, and it comes from the hands of Master Ouyang, the sword caster of the Academy. By chance, it was obtained by me; I truly fear it will disgrace its name. Today I gift it to the Young Master, only then will its use be shown."】

【After speaking, she raises her beautiful eyes slightly: "A precious sword for a hero, it is just the right time!"】

【You take the sword and feel the weight is just right, neither light nor heavy. You wave it gently, and the sound of the sword's hum is crisp and pleasant, echoing in the air.】

【You do not refuse and nod with a smile: "Then I will accept everyone's kindness."】

【Everyone continues to chat, while you stand under the parasol tree, rarely interjecting, only occasionally smiling and nodding.】

【Xie Xuan talks eloquently; although he has been in and out of Yuehua Pavilion with Su Yun, he has never seen so many head courtesans gathered together, and he cannot help but feel a bit proud, his words also showing a bit of showing off.】

【However, no matter how he talks, everyone's gaze always falls on you intentionally or unintentionally, as if you are the center of this gathering.】

【You rarely take up the conversation, mostly listening, yet all the head courtesans are paying attention to you.】

【Xie Xuan feels a sense of loss in his heart, and he finally understands the deep meaning of Jin Zitan's words: "A romantic scholar sits in the poetry field, what a Scholar in White."】

【Although the white clothes have no status, in this romantic field, they are no less than dukes and generals.】

【Zhang Yunzhi looks at the head courtesans who are famous in Above Bianjing, sitting and gathered in this simple small courtyard, laughing and talking.】

【Although she knew of your talent and that you would eventually become famous in Above Bianjing, she did not expect it to be so fast.】

【Who in Above Bianjing does not know you.】

【It is already noon!】

【In the small courtyard, the parasol tree sways gently in the wind, and the sunlight spills through the branches and leaves, casting mottled light and shadows.】

【Su Yun talks about the main business at this time and says: "Coming to see Young Master Guan this time, there is an invitation."】

【After speaking, he takes out an invitation from his sleeve.】

【"An invitation from the Crown Prince of Great Sui!"】

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 406 =====