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After a few more words, Gao Feng looked at her and said softly, "Let's go back and rest early. You must be tired too."
Qin Yaru hesitated a bit.
Seeing the worry on his sister's face, Qin Wenyuan smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry, this is a good thing. It means those people are starting to feel anxious. Even if I am stuck in prison, I am still happy knowing they are on edge."
With the light illuminating their faces, Qin Wenyuan's expression turned serious as he said, "Aman, you must remember not to be afraid. With your elder brother and the general here, our Qin Family will definitely clear our names. Your elder brother does not want Da Lang to be associated with a criminal grandfather or an uncle who has committed crimes."
"Our Qin Family has been innocent for decades, and we will continue to be so in the future."
The pain reflected in Qin Wenyuan's eyes left Qin Yaru speechless. She thought to herself that she was still weak and far less strong than her elder brother.
Outside, the Yamen Runners were restless and anxious. If it weren't for the high-ranking general visiting the prison, these Yamen Runners would never dare to let anyone talk to the prisoners for such a long time.
Gao Feng took Qin Yaru's hand and led her away. The prison was cold and damp, and Qin Yaru wrapped herself in General Gao's cloak, which was large enough to cover her head and face, so she didn't have to worry about being recognized.
As they left the prison, although it was late at night, the nightlife was just beginning outside. General Gao initially wanted to escort his beloved back personally, but as soon as they stepped out of the prison gate, they encountered a messenger from his troops with urgent news that required him to return immediately. Unable to do otherwise, Gao Feng had no choice but to send two guards to escort Consort Qin back.
When Qin Yaru returned from Kaifeng Prefecture to Nangyun Study, she saw the beautiful Marquis Pang Yuanying waiting for her at the Tea House in front of the door. This was not unexpected. According to typical storylines, it was time for him to use threats or temptations to win over a beautiful woman.
Today, Lord Pang appeared exceptionally handsome and courteous, elegantly presenting an invitation for Consort Qin to attend the annual Hundred Flowers Festival organized by the Brothel Management Office.
It was unclear whether he did this intentionally or genuinely did not understand social norms; he seemed completely unaware that it was inappropriate for a man of his stature to invite a young woman to an event organized by the Brothel Management Office.
Every spring around the Flower Festival on February 12th, the Brothel Management Office would organize singing and dancing performances. Sometimes officials would also attend. As an institution created by the emperor for financial gain, the Brothel Management Office frequently held various events throughout the year to showcase courtesans and increase their visibility.
Pang Yuanying did not give Qin Yaru a chance to refuse; he dropped off the invitation and left with his strikingly beautiful yet spirited Lady-in-Waiting who looked nothing like an ordinary attendant.
Holding the gilded invitation in her hands, Qin Yaru furrowed her brows in thought. Although she had little interest in attending any Hundred Flowers Festival, she had nothing to fear from Pang Yuanying now. Things were different than before; could he really forcefully take a woman in Kaifeng City?
Perhaps it would be wise to have a conversation with him since he was the son of the authority over Kaifeng Prefecture.
Although Qin Yaru did not think that someone like Lord Pang—who was merely favored within the Pang Family without having accomplished anything significant—could wield much influence, for her elder brother's sake, even if there was only a slim chance of success, it was worth trying.
Thinking of her brother still in prison, her emotions were always somewhat difficult to calm.
Now she had completely lost faith in her own memories. Although in her past life her elder brother did not achieve the same prominence in the military as he did now, at least he did not face a second imprisonment. However, in this life, while he was indeed flourishing, the difficulties and dangers he encountered were evidently far greater than in his previous life.
Qin Yaru sighed. Although these dangers might be because they were getting closer to the truth, and perhaps because the enemies had begun to worry and fear, becoming cautious and impatient, which might be a good thing for their side, she secretly wished she could remain ignorant of the truth for a lifetime. She would rather the Qin Family remain shrouded in infamy than see her brother in danger.
But she could understand her brother's thoughts. As a man, he valued reputation more than she did. In his past life, he remained unmarried throughout his life, likely unwilling to leave behind any offspring. Unlike him, she, Qin Yaru, was a married woman; any children she bore would belong to her husband's family and would not be implicated by the Qin Family. However, her brother's son would be a descendant of the Qin Family. Even if born, he would suffer throughout his life because his grandfather and father were criminals.
Her brother had died a lonely death in his past life; in this life, she must ensure he finds peace.
The Bianhe River flowed clear as jade, with several luxurious or simple pleasure boats drifting on its surface. The flower boat from the Brothel Management Office had not yet arrived, but the riverside tavern was already filled with guests.
Before long, a three-story high and exquisitely spacious pleasure boat floated over at a leisurely pace. It was adorned with bright red lanterns, and several young gentlemen dressed elegantly sat by the window. From afar, it was evident that they were all noble sons from Kaifeng City.
The one at the forefront wore a brocade robe and a white jade crown on his head. With a delicate face and red lips, he appeared charming yet somewhat frivolous and indifferent. This was Pang Yuanying, Lord Pang of Kaifeng City—someone both loved and feared by many, with a reputation that was quite complex.
Next to him sat another elegantly dressed young man holding a wine cup in one hand and an ornate folding fan in the other. He gently opened it amidst the chilly spring air of the Bianhe River and sighed, "Ah, the singing and dancing at the Brothel Management Office gets worse every year. It has no flavor at all; there are only a few performers holding up the scene."
"Indeed, I've heard those same few songs so much that my ears are about to develop calluses," another young man laughed. "Yan Xixi is already twenty-seven this year; she's nearing that age where women start to wither. Why don't they bring in more newcomers? I wonder which family will get into trouble this year so we can have something to look forward to."
As he spoke, his voice was kept very low amidst the surrounding chuckles; however, no one dared to agree with him. After all, hoping for other officials to fall from grace was too sordid of a thought. These young men came from distinguished families; if their elders knew their descendants spoke such nonsense, they would surely face punishment when they returned home.
Pang Yuanying did not interject but continued drinking cup after cup.
His status was the highest among them; since he remained silent, others also refrained from excluding him from their circle. The young man who hoped for an official's downfall leaned closer and gently poked Pang Yuanying's arm, whispering, "I heard you and Gao Feng have both taken a liking to the same beauty—is that true?"
Pang Yuanying's expression changed suddenly but quickly returned to calmness as he smiled slightly. "What about you?"
The other man squinted lewdly: "Hehe, we're all brothers here; there's nothing to hide. Don't be fooled by Gao Feng's current prestige; when it comes to women, he's hopeless. That guy has never had any luck with women or means; he's still a virgin at sixteen or seventeen! I see he's been hanging out with rough men for too long; he doesn't know how to cherish beauty. If I were a woman, I'd only want to be with our Lord Pang."
His words were truly shameless; the other young men around rolled their eyes disdainfully—currently in Kaifeng City, the most sought-after bachelor was undoubtedly Gao Feng. It was said that officials originally intended to betroth the Eldest Princess to him due to fierce competition among suitors—this prince or that marquis all sought favors from the emperor for their daughters.
The Emperor was not a hard-hearted person. Seeing the elderly relatives with sorrowful faces begging, he felt embarrassed. My sister hasn't married yet; please don't compete with me for a brother-in-law. This matter dragged on day by day.
As for why Gao Feng was so popular, aside from his high position and the Emperor's trust in him, it likely had a lot to do with his integrity and understanding of the situation, as well as his compassion for Beauty.
In fact, women in the Song Dynasty were not all like those in the stories, who would easily fall for a poor scholar who could recite a few verses. They were quite intelligent, especially those born into more open families. From a young age, they could accompany their brothers on outings and had seen many men. They were educated and had grown accustomed to the behavior of noblemen who indulged in multiple wives and concubines. They were all capable of critical thinking.
A man who truly respects them or merely pretends to be refined while harboring base desires—many Wives, especially those from noble families, could see through this at a glance. Although Gao Feng did not have many opportunities to show his face, he kept good company and did not associate with those lewd individuals. He lived well and enjoyed visiting entertainment quarters, but which official did not enjoy such places?
Compared to marrying someone just to become a mother, marrying Gao Feng was clearly an excellent choice.
"Don't be so sour. Let's be honest; Gao Feng is not the same as before. Now he is a serious general. If any filthy words reach his ears, even if he doesn't mind, we will still get scolded when we go back. I am quite curious about what kind of unparalleled beauty could attract both Lord Pang and General Gao. I've heard that General Gao has been visiting Consort Qin every day lately and hasn't even returned home. It makes me anxious with curiosity, yet I dare not go over to take a look."
One young man shook his head regretfully. As he spoke, several people around him wore amused expressions.
However, their casual chatter clearly showed they did not take the rumors seriously. They probably thought this woman was merely an excuse for Pang Yuanying and Gao Feng to compete against each other. After all, these two had never gotten along since childhood. They all knew that despite Gao Feng's achievements seemingly surpassing Pang Yuanying's by a large margin now, in terms of status, Pang Yuanying was a Marquis favored by the Empress Dowager and was also the Emperor's uncle; he had not fallen too far behind. If they truly competed against each other, it was uncertain who would win.
Pang Yuanying remained silent, his expression inscrutable as his gaze quietly fell upon Bianhe. A gust of wind blew through the window of a rather simple boat on the river, and he suddenly stood up abruptly. (To be continued)
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