Chapter 609: Scholar and Beauty, Greetings, Young Master!

One corner of the Ding District's Group of Beauties Banquet.

A table stood there.

On the table were fruits, pastries, and several flasks of fine wine.

Six or seven people gathered here: three women and four men.

They laughed and chatted while watching the Sifang stage of the Group of Beauties Banquet.

He Xiao was among them; he had once tutored Xie Guan.

Today He Xiao's face was flushed—he'd had a few drinks, and he slowly set down his cup.

He was slender, his hair tied and crowned, his features quite refined, dressed in a pale moon-colored robe.

Today he had specially dressed up, powdered his face, drunk a bit, and two rosy patches had bloomed on his cheeks.

Especially when facing several beauties from Yuehua Pavilion, whose grace was like silk winding around the finger, his expression grew particularly smug.

He had no silver to attend the Group of Beauties Banquet—this opportunity came only thanks to "Yaya's" help.

That was why he was here.

With beautiful women beside him, drinking and enjoying himself—he was truly a cultured scholar.

Yet the several Confucian scholars near the top courtesans of Yuehua Pavilion were somewhat annoying.

He Xiao watched as several scholars clustered around a woman in golden robes, elegant and noble.

These men who claimed to be students of Chongshan Academy were, in truth, merely those who failed to gain entry and instead relied on family wealth to slip into such academies.

He Xiao silently thought: What's so impressive about them?

At this moment!

One young woman in white, aged about twenty, composed and gentle, seemed to sense He Xiao's discomfort, and smiled as she raised her cup:

"Mr. He, please drink."

"Thank you, Miss Yaya."

He Xiao politely responded, lifting his cup for a small sip.

He knew this Miss Feng Yaya was the beloved of his friend Zhang Yuanlai, and the patron of this gathering, so he dared not be reckless.

Zhang Yuanlai was one of his few true friends.

One does not covet a friend's wife—that was moral conduct.

Aside from Yaya, the other two women drew particular attention—the one surrounded by scholars in golden robes.

Yet!

She rested her chin on one hand, a trace of listlessness in her brow.

It was said this woman had once been the top courtesan of Yuehua Pavilion, nearly winning the title of Flower Queen in her day.

Now, she could only watch the new Flower Queens of Yuehua Pavilion compete for glory at the Group of Beauties Banquet—her inner bitterness was surely beyond words.

He Xiao held the greatest fondness for her, yet the woman paid him no mind.

Besides Yaya and the woman in golden robes, there was another woman dressed in an open-fronted bodice, revealing glimpses of pale skin.

Her eyes and brows radiated allure, and a black mole beside her lip added further charm.

She chatted merrily with the scholars, occasionally flicking her finger in laughter, her figure swaying as the dazzling sight of her chest stirred the imagination—leaving He Xiao and the others "daring not to look directly."

This woman was a dancer of Yuehua Pavilion, especially skilled in the Hu Xuan dance, and the second top courtesan beneath the Flower Queen—her name was Zhou Yuner.

The three women were of similar age, close as sisters; today's gathering was to bid farewell to Yaya, and to attend the Group of Beauties Banquet together.

Zhou Yuner gazed at Feng Yaya and teased: "Sister Yaya, where's your man? Why hasn't he returned?"

Feng Yaya, the eldest of the three, had always looked after the other two.

"Has he run off to meet an old lover, seeking some quiet place to burn like dry wood and blazing fire?"

Zhou Yuner's words were bold, her voice soft and coquettish, drawing the attention of every man present.

Feng Yaya knew this sister was straightforward—though she loved to tease, she meant no harm.

Seeing this, He Xiao quickly took up the thread: "Miss Yuner, you don't know—Brother Zhang is upright, a true gentleman. Among all the scholars in the Xie household, he is the most honest, earnest, and proper."

Zhou Yuner, upon hearing this, covered her mouth and giggled, her eyes flickering as she stared straight at He Xiao, her breath sweet as orchid:

"Honest… earnest? Then, Mr. He, are you equally honest?"

He Xiao, under her gaze, felt his throat dry, and thought to himself.

Though he had long frequented the West Wing Pavilion and was no stranger to romance, his meager silver had never allowed him to approach a top courtesan like Zhou Yuner.

He Xiao steadied himself, and spoke seriously: "I, He, naturally uphold the gentleman's way—never acting improperly even in private, always upright in conduct."

Zhou Yuner smiled like a blooming flower: "Honest men are good, but what do they know of charm?"

Hearing this, He Xiao looked at Zhou Yuner's figure—"seen from the side, a ridge; seen head-on, a peak"—and his heart skipped a beat, his expression dazed.

Feng Yaya, seeing this, shook her head gently.

Though still young, Yuner's extraordinary figure had long made countless men yearn for her.

Over the years, she had preserved her purity, developing her own unique way of dealing with men, thoroughly familiar with all their tricks.

A scholar like He Xiao was surely already completely under her control.

This sister Yuner had high aspirations—ordinary men rarely even registered in her eyes.

She held a firm belief: "If there is no phoenix branch, no true love, then let all men in the world perish."

Zhou Yuner laughed: "Your man said he seeks a young lord of dazzling charm."

"But he certainly wouldn't want someone less charming than Mr. He."

Feng Yaya paused thoughtfully before speaking: "Zhang Lang is no braggart. He has mentioned this Xie Young Master many times to me, always with admiration—he is truly extraordinary."

"The verse 'The roc flies north over the sea, the phoenix greets the morning sun, carrying books and sword on a boundless road'—that was his."

The woman in golden robes slowly lifted her head, thoughtful.

He Xiao was about to speak—he held complex feelings toward Xie Guan, yet could not deny the man's talent and extraordinary youthful bearing.

At this moment!

A voice tinged with mockery rang out.

"The Xie Young Master!"

"You mean that bastard son of the Xie household? Unloved at home, they say he hasn't even begun his studies—he doesn't even have the status of a Tongsheng, let alone a Licentiate."

Feng Yaya turned toward the voice and saw a white-robed Confucian scholar standing beside the woman in golden robes, a sneer on his lips.

"I have a friend who teaches at the Xie household's school—this Xie Guan can't even enter the school gate, and was sent off to study with the Li family. And yet…"

The white-robed scholar deliberately dragged out his words, leaving them unfinished, yet his mockery and base assumptions were plain.

His sneer deepened: "As the saying goes, a fallen phoenix is worth less than a chicken. This bastard son of a great household is less free than an ordinary family's child."

The white-robed scholar was Jia Yu; his father was Commander of the Jinwu Guard in Bianjing, and he himself was a student of Chongshan Academy.

Chongshan Academy was renowned in Bianjing, second only to the Imperial Academy; upon graduation, one could directly enter the Imperial College for further study, then enter government service.

Even!

The most outstanding among them had the chance to meet the Son of Heaven, offer counsel on state affairs, and were hailed as "Disciples of the Emperor."

Zhou Yuner smiled faintly: "It seems, Master Jia Yu, you hold a grudge against this Xie Guan."

Jia Yu stood straight, his features refined, his eyes gleaming with pride—he seemed unfazed by Zhou Yuner's teasing.

Jia Yu spoke coolly: "I merely despise those who pretend to merit they do not possess, who seek fame without true talent."

Zhou Yuner smiled: "Master Jia Yu, how exactly do you determine that this Xie Guan is a fraud without true talent?"

"Did you ever compose essays with him? Or debate scholarship?"

Zhou Yuner asked slowly:

"Or, Master Jia Yu, have you ever even met Xie Guan? Do you know his true abilities?"

Jia Yu, hearing this, fell momentarily silent, then swept his sleeve aside.

"I have never met this man."

His resentment toward Xie Guan stemmed mainly from Xie Guan's status—a bastard son of the Xie household who had gained such fame in the West Wing Pavilion.

In Jia Yu's eyes, this man had never entered an academy, unlike them, the scholars who had endured years of hard study.

He was not a proper graduate.

The two Confucian scholars beside Jia Yu, his fellow students from Chongshan Academy, seeing him cornered, quickly chimed in: "Indeed, we've never heard of him—he's never written any notable essays, nor even has a master."

"Moreover, Xie Guan is a member of the Thatched Hut Poetry Society—that alone proves he's unworthy! Any scholar with even a modicum of talent would have joined one of the poetry gatherings backed by the princes or academies."

One of them added.

"That's right—Master Jia is a member of the Inkstone Poetry Society."

The Inkstone Poetry Society was founded by the Second Prince; its members were all rising stars. To join, one needed three recommendations from existing members, the title of Licentiate, and must have written a famous poem.

Whether for official advancement or connections, it was firmly aligned with the Second Prince's faction.

The Second Prince was among the most likely candidates to succeed the throne; joining the Inkstone Poetry Society meant becoming his retainer.

Of the three, only Jia Yu had the fortune to enter.

Hearing this, Jia Yu straightened his chest and lifted his head further; though his face showed modesty, his eyes could not help but glance toward the woman in golden robes, who sat on the imperial chair, chin resting on her hand, watching the stage.

The woman in golden robes seemed not to hear.

He Xiao opened his mouth to speak, but fell silent.

Feng Yaya frowned slightly—these men clearly disliked this Xie Guan.

If later!

Zhang Yuanlai brings Xie Guan and these three harass him, Zhang Yuanlai's nature will compel him to defend him.

It will surely turn unpleasant.

Feng Yayu thought for a moment and said, "This Xie Guan, though we do not yet know his scholarly talent, is a rare filial son. When his mother died, he was overcome with grief and wept until he went blind; it took him a full year to recover."

"The Great Qi governs the realm through Confucian filial piety—this alone reveals his moral character."

The three of them made no reply, showing no interest.

Zhou Yuner, however, praised, "Of all virtues, filial piety comes first."

She then shifted the topic to another matter.

"It is said that Hu Yunniang and Chen Xiang did not go to prepare for the Qunfang Banquet this afternoon, but instead went to..."

The golden-robed woman's lowered eyes flickered slightly.

Zhou Yuner said slowly, "These two went to see this Xie family's illegitimate son, Xie Guan."

"In the end, they parted on bad terms!"

Jia Yu was somewhat surprised—Chen Xiang and Hu Yunniang were both among the eight top courtesans of Yuehua Xuan.

Why would they go to see Xie Guan?

As everyone was pondering this—

A cheerful voice came from behind.

"Young Master Guan, this way, please."

All eyes turned instinctively to the path left open between the seats.

Even Feng Yayu turned around, curious about the man Zhang Yuanlai had praised so highly.

The golden-robed woman removed her hand from her cheek, her expression serious as she regarded the man following Zhang Yuanlai.

Jia Yu frowned slightly.

The area behind the Qunfang Banquet was merely an open space, with long tables set out and a few people gathered together.

The cold moonlight spilled down like fine gauze, mingling with the brilliant lanterns on the stage.

The place glowed with luminous clarity.

Zhang Yuanlai walked ahead, his face beaming with joy.

Behind him came a young man, strolling leisurely.

The youth wore a simple, elegant robe, tall and slender.

He walked with Zhang Yuanlai, smiling gently, nodding slightly.

【You followed Zhang Yuanlai along the way.】

【Zhang Yuanlai told you many amusing stories—how he and Feng Yayu, the Yuehua Xuan singer, first met after a drunken incident: a male guest, after three rounds of wine, began to touch her inappropriately.】

【Zhang Yuanlai, usually fearful in such situations, had long grown cautious in Bianjing, a place where noble heirs constantly oppressed one another.】

【Zhang Yuanlai sighed and shook his head: "It was just because I drank too much—wine gives courage to cowards! I couldn't stand it and charged forward."】

【He fought for the beauty and got his head smashed.】

【The male guest, frightened, let the matter drop.】

【You smiled: "Hero rescues beauty—it's an old tale."】

【Zhang Yuanlai merely sighed: "It seems drinking isn't all bad—otherwise, I'd never have met Yayu."】

【Zhang Yuanlai also introduced the others present today: the two other women were both top courtesans of Yuehua Xuan; one had nearly become the Flower Queen last year, only to be overtaken by Hu Yunniang as a dark horse.】

【You nodded slowly—competition for the title of Flower Queen among courtesans was surely common.】

【Before you knew it, you had reached the seating area!】

【Zhang Yuanlai gestured warmly: "Young Master Guan, this way, please."】

【The two of you entered the seating area, facing Feng Yayu and the others.】

【Zhang Yuanlai quickly introduced: "This is Xie Guan, Young Master Guan."】

【You smiled and greeted: "Xie Guan, pleased to meet you all."】

【They finally snapped out of their daze.】

【Zhou Yuner's eyes lit up instantly: "Master Zhang, your words were no exaggeration."】

【"Young Master Guan, truly radiant in bearing."】

【Her gaze shifted, "I am Li Xiangjun. If you don't mind, call me Yuner."】

【You merely smiled and nodded.】

【Feng Yayu's eyes settled on Xie Guan, and she paused slightly. This Xie Guan, merely by his demeanor and appearance, stood out among all the male guests of Yuehua Xuan—an exceptional choice.】

【He bore none of the meekness of a Xie family illegitimate son, nor the vulgar wealth of the Nine Surnames' young lords; instead, his bearing was warm and refined as jade, instantly likable.】

【Zhang Yuanlai held him in high esteem: "Xie Guan is young but mature, his mind filled with the mountains and rivers of ink and brush—he is no ordinary man." Women valued appearance, and at least Feng Yayu had believed him six or seven parts.】

【He Xiao also greeted him, his expression awkward—he had long since forgotten the old bond from their days studying together in a small courtyard; now meeting again, it felt strange to court favor after neglect.】

【Several Confucian scholars at the table remained silent, their expressions hostile, clearly unwelcoming of Xie Guan's arrival. Zhang Yuanlai introduced them one by one; Xie Guan returned each greeting with proper decorum, never lacking in courtesy.】

【Finally, only one remained—the golden-robed woman seated on the concubine's chair.】

【Zhang Yuanlai was somewhat wary of this woman; she had never given him a kind look, and he had long grown used to it.】

【Today, she had spoken only to Feng Yayu and Zhou Yuner, treating everyone else with icy indifference.】

【Yet strangely—】

【The golden-robed woman rose slowly, bowed gracefully, and spoke first: "Li Xiangjun, greetings, Young Master."】

【Everyone was taken aback.】

(End of Chapter)