As spring turned to summer, with the warming days of April, the outskirts of Jiangning city were entering the busy season for farming. For those who lived there, the entire world seemed to brim with vibrant energy. For people of this era, summer and autumn were perhaps the best times of the year—without the dreary dampness of spring or the biting cold of winter. The sun was bright, clouds like soft wisps, everything so clear and radiant it filled one with a sense of peace.
The Su family was also busy. The first batch of spring silks had been harvested, which was the most substantial yield of the year, and the Su family's workshops spread across various locations had already started running in full swing. Though common folk didn't pay much attention to seasonal updates, new inventory was still brought out, and old stock was shifted. Su Tan'er continued her tireless work that had begun at the start of spring, often working late into the night. Every few nights, when she felt she had a rare moment to relax, she would spot Ning Yi on the second floor across the way and quietly head over to chat or have a snack with him—treats she usually avoided. Sometimes she wanted to talk, but Ning Yi wouldn't be there, and a subtle disappointment would creep into her heart.
Since the Lunar New Year, she had started noticing certain things. Sometimes, while pondering the next steps in response to reports from various locations, or while sorting accounts and addressing issues raised from different regions, she'd work late into the night. Xing'er would come in to pour her a cup of tea, and Chan'er and Juan'er would play five-in-a-row outside or take a quick nap. But even when it was late, with her bedroom and living room lights still on, a light would always be on in a small window across the way. Li Heng would be there, reading or writing. Only after she finished and Xiao Chan had gone off to bed would that light go out, quietly and without a word.
At first, she thought it was a coincidence. But after a few days of deliberately observing, she confirmed it. One night, after finishing her work, she purposely stayed up a little longer, only extinguishing her lamp after a long wait. Shortly afterward, a shadow appeared in the window opposite, and his light went out as well.
She didn't speak of this discovery or question why he did it. Some things simply didn't need to be spoken or asked about. After that, each night before bed, she would glance across, only going to sleep after seeing the light across the way go dark. It warmed her heart.
For Ning Yi, it was likely something he did casually. He had no intentions of involving himself in numerous troublesome matters anymore, nor did he have grand ambitions—well, except to someday be the number one martial artist. But with his temperament, living in the same courtyard as someone who resembled his younger self in certain ways, he couldn't just sleep soundly while watching her work late every night. Waiting for her light to go out before sleeping was merely his own way of dealing with things. As for how Su Tan'er felt, that was her business; he hadn't thought of persuading her otherwise.
With summer's arrival, Elder Qin had once again started setting up his chess stall, playing games with various people. Most were older than Ning Yi, who, in this body, was only twenty-one. A few had some reputation, though most were casual enthusiasts. Ning Yi had already met several of them last year. This year, people often asked if he was the scholar who had written SHUI DIAO GE TOU and QING YU AN, to which Ning Yi would just smile and nod.
His relationship with Li Pin had grown closer. Occasionally, after classes, they would go to a restaurant for a bite to eat, partly because Ning Yi still owed him a favor from the century egg incident—though the later affair with Gu Yanzhen wasn't exactly Li Pin's fault.
Li Pin was a man of great discretion, and over the past few months, Ning Yi had come to understand his character and background. A few years back, Li Pin had gone to the capital to take the imperial exam and passed as a jinshi, but his essays had been too bold, offending a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Personnel, so he was unable to secure a post. He returned to Jiangning, appearing gentle on the surface but with ideals that could place him among the "angry youth" of later centuries. He didn't speak of them casually, but when it came to scholarly discussions, some of his views were unmistakably apparent.
To put it simply, Li Pin came from a well-off family, was well-versed in Confucian classics and mathematics, and had some skill in the noble arts of archery and horsemanship. He was quite accomplished by the standards of the time, and his conduct was graceful and dignified. However, as someone who thought deeply, he generally despised pedantic scholars and admired people who pursued practical action without straying from moral principles. He aspired to "establish order for heaven and earth, give purpose to the common people, preserve the teachings of the sages, and open up peace for all ages." Although he had lost his official career path for now, rather than sink into despair as many scholars might, he had picked himself up, now contemplating Confucianism and the Wu Dynasty, pondering the path ahead. After all, he was still young.
In a few decades, he might well become someone like another Qin Shiyuan. Ning Yi appreciated intelligent people and didn't enjoy mingling with the usual flock of literary men, but he found common ground with Li Pin. Of course, friendship requires restraint; Li Pin was equally aware of this, and the two had become close colleagues at the academy. But it was still early to call them good friends or confidants.
Of course, as it happened, in Yushan Academy, only Ning Yi and Li Pin were the younger teachers. Since Li Pin joined, though there wasn't much publicity, the academy somehow managed to recruit over a dozen new students in the first half of the year… but that's beside the point.
Time gradually passed, and Ning Yi had now been in Jiangning for a full year. Reflecting on the year, he hadn't encountered much: writing a few poems and gaining some fame, meeting a few people, and growing familiar with the era. Life remained peaceful and relaxed. Occasionally, he overheard talk of friction between the Jin and Liao states in the north or news from merchants and guards about rampant banditry along remote roads, with some larger groups currently being suppressed by the court. Stories of rebellion didn't spread widely, and in prosperous Jiangning, they felt somewhat distant and unreal.
By late April, with the rice seedlings planted, a celebratory atmosphere quietly rose within and around Jiangning. It wasn't quite like the New Year, but this cheer was due to the approaching Dragon Boat Festival. Besides the dragon boat races on the Qinhuai River on the fifth of May, a six-day grand event was set to coincide with the holiday. During this time, the courtesan houses in the Jiangning area would host a competition, culminating in the selection of a new "Flower Queen."
If the annual literary gatherings for Jiangning's festivals like the Mid-Autumn and Lantern Festivals were the scholars' celebration, this early May Flower Queen competition belonged to the beautiful ladies. Of course, many of the well-bred young ladies from good families or the "real beauties" who were already married often found little joy in these days, a point that perhaps deserves reflection. But it was no cause for criticism—in this era, such tales of the pleasure quarters were often seen as refined, rather than lowly or filthy.
Considered one of the most elegant annual events, much like the festive atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn and Lantern Festivals, this event also received government backing. Poetry competitions weren't fierce battlegrounds for scholars, as art remained a subjective matter. Here, the government merely maintained order. But this competition had real stakes: the selection of the top four entertainers and the crowning of the Flower Queen, which demanded an impartial judge. The role of this fair judge would be filled by the government, to prevent cheating and disputes.
The contest's rules were fairly simple. A "Flower Queen" would ultimately bring in revenue, so attracting patrons and enticing them to spend was key. Yet, it wasn't without complexities. Over these six days, Jiangning's courtesan houses would open their doors to guests, waiving various fees or arranging performances on decorated stages. Patrons could show their support by purchasing flowers for their favorite performers—these flowers would then serve as symbols of popularity. There were countless strategies: sparking excitement among patrons, heightening the sense of competition, adding refined elements, and raising the status of the women, such as through poets' praises. In short, it depended entirely on the strategies of each courtesan house.
Jiangning's famous Qinhuai district had about sixty to seventy courtesan houses, and the first three days mainly served to build excitement. Each courtesan house would skillfully promote the event, but the most dedicated performers were typically those with lesser-known names. Some of these women only performed, while others sold both their art and company. Through their performances during these days, they managed to gather quite a bit of attention.
The patrons who supported them over these few days were duly remembered. Patrons who considered themselves less talented or wealthy, and thus unlikely to win the favor of the well-known beauties, naturally favored these less renowned women. For instance, Su Tan'er's cousins, who fancied themselves cultured and debonair, often spoke of their admiration for the likes of Lu Caicai and Yuan Jin'er, but in reality, their favorites in the courtesan houses were women of lesser fame. Over these days, they frequently pestered Su Tan'er for money, likely intending to use it to support their favorite performers, hoping to boost their visibility during the competition.
Then, the real excitement would unfold over the final three days. Though the daytime events remained similar to those of the previous days, a grand gathering was to be held at night near Bailuzhou. The city governor and numerous high-profile figures would attend to partake in the festivities. Based on the results from the earlier days, each courtesan house could send one or two representatives, with over a hundred women performing on the night of the third. From these, sixteen would be selected, and on the fourth night, this group would be narrowed down to the top four entertainers. The final night, the fifth, would mark the crowning of the Flower Queen. The patrons who attended these three nights were mostly wealthy, and it was ultimately through their support that the Flower Queen was chosen.
"...The Flower Queen selection is an event organized annually by the Jiangning government. Those flower tokens are also provided by the government—it's all just for show. Some years back, someone even sent ten thousand flowers at once! But where would they even find that many flowers to deliver? Still, they do a good job of it. The courtesan houses could never pull off such a spectacle alone; it's only through the government's involvement that it comes to life. The government takes a twenty percent cut from the sales of these flower tokens. Apart from the usual monthly taxes, this extra revenue is a considerable sum every year…"
By the Qinhuai River around noon, Ning Yi and Li Pin were just coming down from a restaurant, with Li Pin chatting animatedly about the lively Flower Queen selection event. Today was April 30th, the first day of the competition, and the courtesan houses across Jiangning had gone all out with decorations. From afar, strains of music floated through the air, and a decorated river barge glided slowly on the water. A small boat was drifting along the riverbank, with a beautifully dressed woman aboard, along with the boatman, who suddenly waved and called out, "Master Li, Master Li…" recognizing Li Pin from a distance.
"The midday heat is quite strong. If the two young gentlemen have no plans, would you care to board the boat for some tea and a bit of rest?"
Ning Yi glanced curiously at Li Pin, who, noticing his look, simply smiled and politely declined with a bow to the young lady on the boat. After a few more words, the lady ceased her invitations. As they walked away, Ning Yi chuckled, "Ha! Brother Li has quite the social circle."
"I visited before, and she remembered me." Li Pin grinned, looking a little pleased with himself. "If you'd been interested, Liheng, we could have gone aboard, and they would have treated us respectfully. We wouldn't have to pay a thing, and if you composed a poem for one of the girls, they'd even reward you for it. The more famous the poet, the more eagerly they offer... er, other forms of hospitality."
"With your talent, I imagine you've had plenty of offers?"
"Indeed, that has happened before. But if you, Liheng, revealed your name and reputation, getting into their good graces would be no trouble at all. Since the Lantern Festival, I've met with Lady Qilan a few times, and she's been quite taken with you, Liheng. If you wrote her a poem, you might get to meet her personally, haha."
In the past, Li Pin and Ning Yi rarely discussed such topics, but with the conversation started, they continued with light-hearted banter. The fame of a poet's verses rose in connection with a beautiful lady, while a lady's allure often depended on the accompaniment of a poet. Every year, the Flower Queen selection drew plenty of poetic admiration, and with Li Pin's status, composing a single poem for a girl could greatly raise her standing. Last year's top four entertainers had been Qilan, Lu Caicai, Yuan Jin'er, and Feng Xiaojing, who had ultimately won the title of Flower Queen. It was said that Li Pin had been among the poets cheering for Feng Xiaojing.
"It's all about rivalry, really," Li Pin chuckled and shook his head. "At the Lantern Festival last year and the year before, the Zhishui and Lichuan poetry gatherings were neck-and-neck, and there was some tension. Cao Guan emerged as the top poet for Zhishui, writing two poems for Yuan Jin'er, with others from Zhishui supporting her too. So… haha, the Lichuan group chose Feng Xiaojing instead. Though Lady Qilan, backed by the Wu family, was the strongest contender, the Wu family is in business and preferred to keep a low profile, so they didn't throw money around. It ended with Xiaojing gaining the upper hand—a surprising result. This year, there might be no such rivalry, especially with your sudden arrival, Liheng. But who knows, if you also had a lady you favored, haha, it might spark some competition!"
Ning Yi rarely visited courtesan houses, so Li Pin was well aware of his habits. After finishing his recount, Li Pin chuckled and asked, "Any plans for the next few days, Liheng?"
"I'll go to Bailuzhou on the night of the third to watch the performances."
"Your wife has granted you permission? In that case, you'll need to plan carefully…" Li Pin teased. He was now teaching at Yushan Academy, and in a sense could be considered a guest of the Su family, having dined with them a few times. He had met both the family's patriarch and Su Tan'er, who occasionally visited the academy. Li Pin was well aware that Su Tan'er wasn't the fierce wife that rumors suggested. However, a woman was still a woman, and his "plans" hinted at attending the celebratory gatherings held by the various ladies after their performances. Typically, the performer a poet supported would hold a small celebration in the evening as a show of gratitude, with additional performances. Such occasions would often inspire the poets, leading to verses that raised both their own and the ladies' reputations.
After hearing Li Pin's explanation, Ning Yi just smiled and shook his head, "I'm going with Tan'er."
Li Pin paused, then, realizing Ning Yi's point, responded, "True enough. During those days, the performances are bound to be spectacular. Even if we're just watching, it'll be quite a treat."
This event was the highest level of entertainment in Jiangning, and a few days earlier, while chatting with Ning Yi at the railing on the second floor, Su Tan'er had already mentioned wanting to make time to go with him to watch the performances. She knew that Ning Yi enjoyed being part of the lively atmosphere. Li Pin, on the other hand, felt a bit of regret. Although he had wives and concubines at home, he didn't intend to bring them. After all, the subsequent gatherings weren't just for mingling with the ladies; it was also about networking, building connections, and enhancing one's reputation, which was his main objective.
The two walked together for a while before parting ways at a crossroads. With no urgent matters to attend to, Ning Yi headed home, where he found Su Tan'er had also returned along with a few maidservants. Chan'er and Juan'er chattered excitedly, recounting the performances they'd seen on the road and things they'd heard, brimming with anticipation for the grand displays on the third, fourth, and fifth days of the event. However, come evening, a letter arrived, followed shortly by two shop managers who rushed into the estate. They conferred with Su Tan'er for quite a while in the adjoining courtyard, and by dinner time, Su Tan'er, somewhat apologetically, told Ning Yi she wouldn't be able to accompany him to the performances after all.
"A sudden matter came up, and I won't be able to go with you, my lord," she said with regret. "Why don't you go with Xiao Chan instead?" After a moment, as if remembering something, she whispered with a playful smile, "You know, Wen Ding and Wen Fang each have tens or hundreds of taels. I'll even give Xiao Chan my private savings, so if you see a girl performing particularly well, don't hesitate to buy her flowers and send them up! If you buy enough, there's even a celebratory banquet in the evening... My lord, if one of those girls favors you, don't say that I'm stingy..."
"Crafty merchant…" Sensing her subtle scheming, Ning Yi let out a sigh and chuckled.
Su Tan'er scrunched her nose with a playful huff, "Hmph!"
In Ning Yi's presence, she always exuded confidence, though certain things inevitably crossed her mind. On this final night of April, returning to her own room, Su Tan'er felt a tinge of melancholy. She gazed at the lit room across the courtyard, lost in thought for a while. Despite her youthful figure and appearance, she had developed a unique maturity, her brows often reflecting the poise and strength she'd cultivated over the years. But tonight, her expression bore none of that gravity; rather, she looked like a young girl contemplating a young girl's thoughts. She sat by the table, resting her chin in her hand, idly flipping through a book by lamplight, her face revealing nothing more than the worries of a young woman.
Later, she called Xiao Chan in, speaking with her cheerfully as usual about the performance on the third and setting aside some silver for her. Xiao Chan was a bit disappointed that Juan'er and Xing'er wouldn't be able to go, but still, the thought of attending herself made her happy. After some hesitation, she said, "Miss, why don't… you let Juan'er accompany Master? I can go with Xing'er to help you at the workshop... Juan'er has been wanting to see it for a long time…"
"We can all go together on the fifth, after everything's settled on the fourth," Su Tan'er said with a smile. Then she reached out, lightly touching Xiao Chan's cheek, admiring the girl's delicate features before glancing back toward the window that overlooked the courtyard. She thought for a moment, took a deep breath, and then finally made a decision.
"Xiao Chan, do you like the master?"
There was no response. Xiao Chan's body froze, her eyes darting about in a panic as her cheeks flushed a deep red. In an instant, she seemed to shrink in on herself, overcome with bashfulness…