"…It is said that back in February, during the Liao Kingdom's 'Spring Nadun' festival, where all the tribal leaders participated in the 'First Fish Feast' hosted by Yelü Yanxi, Wanyan Aguda boldly demanded the return of the Ashu region. Yelü Yanxi ignored his request, and when the feast reached its climax, he ordered the leaders to sing and dance. Wanyan Aguda, however, remained still and replied that he did not know how. This enraged Yelü Yanxi to the point that he nearly drew his blade to kill Aguda on the spot. Now, with Aguda in his prime and filled with ambition, a bloody war between the Jin and Liao kingdoms seems inevitable. My great Wu Kingdom stands to benefit by weighing the situation carefully. In my opinion, once war breaks out, our forces should first show weakness and then capture Yingzhou…"
It was noon on Dragon Boat Festival, and on the second floor of a riverside tavern, Gu Yanzhen was chatting with a few companions. Below, the festivities continued in full swing as people came and went. Several men gathered around their table, discussing strategies with chopsticks and plates, engaged in conversation for quite a while.
"I never thought you'd have such a grasp on military strategy, Yanzhen. I'm impressed," one of his companions, a minor officer in the army, complimented him, cupping his hands in admiration. Another companion clapped his hands, adding, "Not only strategy—Yanzhen is both wise and brave! I heard he encountered bandits on his way to the capital, but with his clever tactics, he escaped and then brought reinforcements to capture the whole gang. I must say, I am truly in awe."
"Is that true?" someone asked, eyes wide.
"Heh, it was just a coincidence," Gu Yanzhen laughed. "Still, I've always believed in a balance of both civil and military skills. Considering today's state of affairs, we should cultivate both. This time, I'm off to take my post in Le Ping, and if I achieve something in a few years, I might even trade my pen for a sword, like Ban Chao, and serve in the military…"
He was set to leave for Le Ping in July and would likely depart Jiangning in June. They continued their banter, and after a round of praises, the small gathering eventually dispersed. Gu Yanzhen remained by the window, looking out thoughtfully, until a servant named Xiao Si approached.
"Have you found out anything?"
"Yes, Master. Since yesterday, I've uncovered quite a bit about Ning Liheng. But I'm mainly here because we received news from the workshop."
"Oh?"
"The century egg matter is ready."
"This…" Gu Yanzhen frowned slightly. "It hardly matters now… but fine, let's go and have a look. Fill me in on Ning Yi's background along the way."
"Yes, sir. They say Ning Yi is low-key and skilled at hiding his strengths. Yesterday, I looked into his family origins, and people in his old neighborhood said…"
Chattering away, the two wound through the market and alleys until they reached a grimy workshop. Moments later, Gu Yanzhen stepped out, holding his nose in disgust. "Fine, if it's ready, launch it tomorrow. She sells it for twenty wen; we'll sell it for ten. I won't be back here—this is just a trivial matter. Let Master Hu oversee it."
"Yes, Master. But… since you're leaving for Le Ping next month, Master Hu is concerned. With only a month, we might not drive her out of business."
"Who said anything about driving her out? What's the point? Just focus on your task."
With a slight frown, Gu Yanzhen walked forward. His family, being landlords, had the money to make century eggs; this little scheme cost only a few silver coins. Initially, he wanted to see who stood behind Nie Yunzhu, but that effort had been fruitless. Now, knowing there was no prominent benefactor involved, it all seemed pointless. Still, he figured a little time would be enough to shatter any unrealistic dreams she had about self-reliance.
Recalling what Xiao Si had reported, Ning Yi was known for dabbling in odd things, often unconventional and even eccentric. He was said to have created chalkboards and other such trivial items. Hmph, no wonder he mingled with people like Li Pin—probably another arrogant type who fancied himself unconventional. Century eggs must have been his idea, and thinking of the drawings on Nie Yunzhu's cart… crude and far from tasteful.
To promote the century eggs, they'd even resorted to common tricks like hiring shills. In Gu Yanzhen's view, such tactics were beneath him, far inferior to the better methods he had considered… But now it hardly mattered. He once thought that Nie Yunzhu had a noble heart and that there was some compelling reason for her choice. Looking back now, it all seemed…
Disappointing.
A courtesan with a self-righteous air and a son-in-law using laughable tricks while thinking himself a man of sophistication—compared to common liaisons, their delusions were even more absurd and pathetic…
How foolish he'd been to get caught up in such things.
With these thoughts in mind, he walked on. That evening, he would encounter the two of them once again.
Just as Su Tan'er predicted that morning, the assassination attempt the previous night led to strict searches at the city gates, preventing large groups from leaving or entering. The final night of the courtesan competition was moved to a large performance field by the river on the east side of the city. Though it wasn't as scenic as the location outside the city, the temporary arrangement allowed room for three thousand spectators, with additional boats docked along the river for viewing. This event brought in significant revenue for Jiangning, so canceling it was out of the question.
The assassination of a government official was of little concern to the common folk, who often gossiped about such events over meals with more amusement than fear. Thus, despite the incident, people's enthusiasm for the show only grew.
In the afternoon, Su Tan'er and others took a carriage ride around the city, sampling interesting snacks and hearing all sorts of rumors about the female assassin. Chan'er and Juan'er amused themselves in the carriage with a game, pitting "a man eight feet tall and equally wide" against blocks and poles.
Su Tan'er had already regained her spirits and would occasionally smile and exchange a few words with Ning Yi. In the past, they had both been wary of speaking about business when playing the role of model husband and wife at home, but today was different. Most of her conversation centered around business—how much this lockdown had delayed the shop's operations, how much income they expected to lose, followed by a small sigh. But, truthfully, it was mostly playful; while she sighed, she didn't let these minor setbacks weigh on her.
Ning Yi, meanwhile, chimed in with his whimsical ideas, like suggesting they print the Four Books and Five Classics on fabric and make it into clothing. Imagine walking around covered in words—a bold, unique style! Su Tan'er laughed and said she'd make him one next time, with the text embroidered if necessary, "But only if you actually wear it outside, my lord." Ning Yi, without a care in the world, agreed with a grin.
As they snacked by the river, Ning Yi pulled out a brush and ink to sketch a few portraits, drawing simplified, Q-style caricatures of everyone. On the rice paper, the four women appeared with exaggerated expressions but each distinct. Su Tan'er and her maids burst into laughter, playfully criticizing Ning Yi afterward. His style was unconventional for the time, leading to a light-hearted debate between him and Su Tan'er. Amid Chan'er, Juan'er, and Xing'er's protests, they decided on a bet: Ning Yi would set up a street stall to seek out kindred spirits. Su Tan'er joked, "Go ahead, set it up!" But when Ning Yi actually dragged a stool to the roadside and prepared to start sketching, Su Tan'er and the others pulled him back, giggling.
Ning Yi laughed heartily, "Does this mean I win?" Su Tan'er's face flushed as she chuckled, "My lord, you're too much. I can't bear the embarrassment." Chan'er whispered nearby, "Chan'er can't bear it either…" Juan'er nodded vigorously, and both were playfully tapped on the head by Ning Yi. They knew his easygoing nature, so these little jokes were welcome and lighthearted.
From the moment of last night's assassination attempt, officials had realized that the Courtesan Competition couldn't be held outside the city. By dawn, preparations were underway to alter the venue. By evening, Ning Yi, Su Tan'er, and the others rode to the scene in a carriage. The sun was setting as the entire area around the venue was festooned with lanterns and silks, creating a lively, festive atmosphere. Across from the drill grounds, pleasure boats were lined up, and though the lights hadn't yet come on, the boats were already buzzing with people.
In a private room aboard Jin Feng Tower's boat, Yuan Jin'er was preparing for the evening's performance. Tonight, four courtesans would vie for the title, each performing three times. The evening leading up to showtime was typically quiet, allowing the performers to rest undisturbed. Of course, they could choose to allow a favorite guest to join them for a brief moment together. In Yuan Jin'er's room, however, the guest was not her maid, but rather Nie Yunzhu, dressed as a man. The two stood by the window, watching the crowd gather across the way at the drill grounds.
"Tonight is important, isn't it?" Yuan Jin'er asked Nie Yunzhu.
Nie Yunzhu nodded, visibly more nervous than Yuan Jin'er. "Yes, if things go smoothly tonight, there'll be a lot to do starting tomorrow."
"I'm not nervous," Yuan Jin'er replied, sneaking a piece of mung bean cake, only to receive a glare from Yunzhu, who promptly snatched the rest away. Yunzhu popped the remaining half into her mouth, chewing with vigor before gulping down water, "I told you not to keep eating that stuff!"
"But I'm not nervous. I don't even want the title of courtesan queen," Yuan Jin'er pouted. "Feng Xiaojing wants it, Qilan wants it, Luo Miaomiao wants it—they can have it. But you're funny, Sis Yunzhu. If you were competing, you wouldn't care a bit, but now you're so anxious about this."
"Well, it's the first time things have come this far, so of course I'm nervous. If tonight goes as planned, the name of the century egg might truly spread." She laughed. "But as for these performances, well, if you don't take it to heart like you, Jin'er, naturally there's nothing to worry about."
"Don't worry, Jin'er will help you out, Brother Yunzhu." Yuan Jin'er chuckled, then her expression suddenly changed, her eyes narrowing with mischief, "Oh, right, Sis Yunzhu, I heard there's already fake century eggs on the market. Someone's trying to steal your business—what are you going to do about that?"
"Really?" Yunzhu raised an eyebrow, frowning slightly. "Already?"
"Of course! I've been so worried that I've been asking around for you, and you, the big boss, didn't even know. Here I was, every night, cursing that scoundrel trying to steal your business… It's infuriating!"
"He already anticipated this." Yunzhu managed a slight smile, "He told me not to worry if this happened and that he'd handle it, so I haven't looked into it, focusing only on tonight."
"Impressive," Yuan Jin'er muttered, squinting at her in slight annoyance. "Hmph, I'd love to see how he handles it."
As she spoke, her gaze drifted outside, scanning the crowd until her eyes sparkled in recognition. She nudged Yunzhu, "Speak of the devil—there he is, Sis Yunzhu, look, your special someone…ah! No! Brother Yunzhu, forgive me!"