Lin Wanrong deftly resolved the matter involving the foreigner through cajoling and deception, pleasing both parties and gaining a significant advantage for himself, resulting in universal joy.
Upon descending from the Qingyu Tower, a fine drizzle unexpectedly descended from the sky. The rain threads of early winter, accompanied by a hint of chill, gently touched the faces of everyone, cool and penetrating to the bones. In the faint drizzle, West Lake seemed like a shy maiden, donning a veil of mist, becoming even more mysteriously alluring.
The young lady delicately lifted an oiled-paper umbrella, holding her long skirt, taking small steps as she walked forward. Lin Wanrong, observing her cautious steps to prevent the skirt from splattering mud, couldn't help but smile and say, "Miss, walk slowly. It matters little if your clothes get mud-stained, but the true concern is not letting your heart be tainted."
The young lady turned around, annoyed, "Don't speak such playful words that I can't understand. You have plenty of confidantes, speaking with them is the right way." While she spoke, a hint of a red thread peeked out from her sleeve. Lin Wanrong glanced at it and chuckled, "Miss, a visible red thread foretells a destined union. It seems your good fortune is approaching."
The young lady was startled, looked down, only to find a red thread, left from last night's needlework, and two embroidered needles had accidentally been revealed. Blushing, she huffed, "Nonsensical gossip."
Accustomed to teasing, Lin Wanrong paid no mind, but Xu Wei listened with relish, "Lin, when I was your age, I didn't live as carefreely. Watching you live so leisurely, although I'm quite aged, I can't help but yearn for it."
Lin Wanrong laughed, "Mr. Xu, I'm just a commoner, living carefreely is but a simple pleasure. There's nothing worth envying. If we talk about hardship, being used as a pawn and still having to be grateful, it's not easy. If I were ignorant, it would be fine, but being a clever person makes it uncomfortable."
Xu Wei said, "Lin, today, using the Xiao family's help against Tao Dongcheng, I have my reasons. I hope you can understand."
Lin Wanrong shook his head, smiling, "Mr. Xu, I don't quite understand your words. Today, in the rain by West Lake, is quite beautiful. If I find a few sisters to go out and have some fun, it would be delightful."
The young lady, walking ahead, overheard every word and turned back angrily, "Lin San, why don't you repent?"
Repent? Is that about me? I thought I had the most changeable personality. When did I become so persistent? "Miss, where did I not repent?"
The young lady blushed and said, "In Jinling, you associated with the courtesans of Miaoyu Pavilion, and it was acceptable with your cousin by your side, discussing scholarly matters. But now, in Hangzhou, why harbor such vulgar thoughts again? Have you forgotten Miss Qingxuan and Little Qiao?"
Sweat, my wife isn't questioning me, but you are. Seeing the young lady's angry expression, it seemed like going to a brothel for a man was a heinous crime.
In front of the young lady, Lin Wanrong said to Xu Wei, "Mr. Xu, do you consider visiting a brothel a wrongdoing?"
Even the top scholar Xu Wei couldn't help but break into a sweat. This Lin guy dared to say anything. Going to a brothel sounds so unpleasant. Everyone here is educated; we should call it a brothel. Xu Wei was a famous playboy in his youth, but as he aged, he became more reserved. In addition, with Miss Xiao present, he didn't know how to respond and had to say, "This, Lin, I'm not good at discussing brothel matters."
This old man, still pretending to be innocent. Lin Wanrong laughed, "Mr. Xu is mistaken. What I mentioned about brothels is about the matter, not the people involved. The existence of brothels has its reasons. Consider, some women need money, and some men have such needs. Both buying and selling sides exist; this business can't be unprosperous. As long as it's not forced, it solves the needs of both parties, pays taxes, and benefits everyone. The flourishing of courtesans can coexist without contradiction."
Sweat beads formed on Xu Wei's forehead. Talking to Lin was always thought-provoking, but these words, though somewhat shocking, also made sense, and he couldn't find a reason to refute.
The young lady, angered by his words, pointed at Lin and said, "You shameless and vulgar person! Speaking nonsense, you're hopeless!" She turned around and ran, not caring if mud splashed on her long skirt.
Xu Wei sighed, "Lin, I consider myself quick-witted, but I can't keep up with your thoughts."
Lin Wanrong said, "No, no. My thinking is not broad enough, my thoughts not liberated enough. I need further refinement."
Xu Wei laughed, "Lin, you truly are the most interesting person in the world. Meeting you is a late blessing. If it were thirty years ago, when I was around your age, we might have become sworn brothers after a few words. Our encounters have been fateful. Today, let me play host. In the wind and rain, let's take a small boat and tour West Lake. What do you think?"
Lin Wanrong, a playboy at heart, found today's events extremely satisfying. He had won the argument, employed his tactics, and earned money. There were countless reasons to celebrate. Boating on West Lake in the rain was one of the favorite activities for a playboy. With Xu Wenchang and himself, the first and second in the world, they had the right to do so.
Xu Wei gestured, and a servant ran towards them. Seeing his skillful steps, he was likely a guard secretly protecting Xu Wei. Lin Wanrong wasn't surprised; Xu Wei gave some orders, and the guard hurried away.
Moving a few steps forward, they saw the young lady standing under a tree, gazing into the distance. Xu Wei chuckled, "Miss Xiao is still worried about Mr. Lin."
Lin Wanrong shook his head, "I'm afraid she's not worried about me but rather concerned that I might defile a courtesan from some brothel." Xu Wei burst into laughter. Listening to Lin's words was a form of enjoyment.
When the two approached, the young lady's face turned red. She politely bowed to Xu Wei, "Mr. Xu, Lin San has this personality. He usually likes to talk nonsense. Please don't blame him."
Sweat, the young lady is actually defending me. Lin Wanrong felt a tiny bit moved.
Xu Wei smiled, "Miss Xiao, where's the need for such words? Lin speaks in a way that matches his age. Talking to him is a great pleasure, and there's no need for blame."
So, it's not just me who enjoys hearing him talk??? The young lady thought but remained silent.
Xu Wei said
, "I just invited Mr. Lin for a rain-soaked tour of West Lake. If Miss doesn't mind, you can join us. The three of us, old and young, can have a chat." Xiao Yurou lightly agreed.
Lin Wanrong smiled bitterly. Isn't the young lady usually busy? Why is she so free today, wanting to go on a West Lake tour with us? Damn, aren't we going to drink and hire courtesans? How can we take you along?
Soon, the servant led the three onto a painted boat. The boat was spacious, with tables and chairs, extravagantly luxurious. Xu Wei nodded in satisfaction and turned to the two, saying, "Miss Xiao, Mr. Lin, please come in."
Entering the cabin, they saw a woman sitting there, playing a jade lute. She was around fifty, with white hair at the temples and wrinkles on her forehead, but her face still revealed traces of her past charm.
Who is this? Lin Wanrong wondered but heard Xu Wei walk up with delight, "Qinglian, is it really you?"
Seeing Xu Wei's joyful expression, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but wonder if this was his old lover.
The lady, Qinglian, introduced herself, saying, "I am Su Qinglian, a commoner. I have met Mr. Xu." Although she referred to herself as a commoner, she addressed Xu Wei as "Mr." This manner of address appeared somewhat irregular, but Xu Wei paid no mind.
"Su Qinglian?" the young lady exclaimed, "Are you the renowned West Lake courtesan, Su Qinglian?"
"The Su Qinglian of the past is no longer the person I am today. Miss, please refrain from mentioning it again," Su Qinglian coldly replied while casting a glance at Xu Wei, her eyes filled with resentment and melancholy.
"Miss, who is this Su Qinglian?" Lin Wanrong quietly inquired from Xiao Yurou.
"You don't even know about this allusion?" the young lady was surprised. "It's amusing and infuriating at the same time. Seeing your keen interest in brothels, yet ignorant of such epic tales, one wonders about the nature of your thoughts."
"This Su Qinglian was once a renowned actress in the regions of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and she was also the leading courtesan in the West Lake Elegant Pavilion. Later, she became acquainted and fell in love with Mr. Xu Wenchang, a scholar. Their story became a well-known tale of that era."
Lin Wanrong was taken aback, "So, Su Qinglian is a singing entertainer. I asked old Xu to find a performer, and he ends up bringing his old lover. How amusing."
"After Mr. Wenchang left for his studies up north, he did not return for many years. Miss Su Qinglian, upon his departure, ceased playing the jade lute, closed her doors to guests, and even made a vow: if Mr. Wenchang did not return, she would not play the instrument, nor would she arrange her hair, allowing her beauty to age."
The young lady sighed at this point, expressing deep sympathy. "For a woman to let her most cherished beauty age, how dreadful and profound is such devotion? Observing Su Qinglian's current state, one can ascertain the sincerity of her vows; otherwise, she wouldn't present herself with hair turned white and face faded."
"Mr. Wenchang spent thirty years away, established a family in the capital, and his virtuous wife urged Mr. Xu to invite Miss Su to reunite with them. However, Miss Su replied with a brief letter, stating: 'I devote my heart to serving my lord. I hope you, too, will devote your heart to me.' With these few words, she declined the invitation," the young lady continued, casting a meaningful glance at Lin Wanrong.
Listening to Su Qinglian's story, Lin Wanrong, a thoroughgoing male chauvinist, felt a trace of emotion. Such determination and depth of feeling were truly admirable.
"Qinglian, after thirty years of parting, your appearance remains as beautiful and enchanting as it was in the past," Mr. Wenchang spoke, astonishing Lin Wanrong. It seemed this old man possessed impressive skills in charming women, comparable to Lin himself during his days of romantic exploits.
"Mr. Xu, I have come to fulfill the vow made in those bygone years. If I do not return for a day, I will not arrange my hair. After thirty years, I can finally play the lute again and arrange my hair," Su Qinglian said, tears streaming down her face. Her pale temples, in the gentle rain by West Lake, appeared exceptionally desolate. Looking at Mr. Wenchang, tears also welled up in his eyes, and he leaned against the table as if struggling to stand firm.
Feeling like an unwanted third wheel in this reunion of old lovers, Lin Wanrong pulled the young lady to leave. However, the young lady stood stubbornly in place, crying even more fiercely than Su Qinglian. It seemed she enjoyed watching romantic dramas.
Lin Wanrong whispered to her, "They are about to bid farewell; why are you standing here and disturbing them?"
The young lady made a soft sound of agreement and was about to leave when a faint "buzz" resonated. It turned out that the strings of the zither vibrated. Unnoticed, Su Qinglian had sat beside the jade lute sealed for thirty years, gently plucked the strings, and began to sing:
"Green willows and fragrant grass along the pavilion road,
Leaving one's youth is an easy matter.
Atop the tower, lingering dreams chime with the fifth watch,
Under the flowers, sorrows part with the March rain.
Heartless, unlike the myriad pains of love,
One inch becomes a myriad threads.
When the ends of the earth have limits,
Only thoughts of longing have no bounds."
Her voice was no longer the celestial melody of yesteryears; it carried a hint of hoarseness. Yet, in this song, sincerity and emotion permeated every note. Thirty years of waiting, thirty years of haunting dreams, all condensed into this small tune. The profound sorrow and bitterness in between were vividly expressed. It was a touching performance that could not leave one unaffected.
The young lady wept uncontrollably, and Lin Wanrong, unable to bear the melancholic atmosphere, sighed softly, "Since ancient times, beautiful women, like renowned generals, should not allow their white heads to be seen by the world—"
"Lin San—" the young lady looked at him with teary eyes, sobbing, "Will you also learn from Mr. Xu?"