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墨書 Inktalez
Meeting Gao Feng is truly not easy.
Gao Feng is well-known in the Song Dynasty, so she could easily recognize him. However, the name Qin Yaru is her given name, known only to her family, husband, and perhaps a few others.
Her family sometimes calls her Aman, other times they refer to her as Second Sister. Later, Chen Wenyue called her Aru, and after marriage, any letters would simply address her as Mrs. Qin.
Gao Feng is a man of integrity; he wouldn’t pry into others’ affairs. Even if he accidentally overheard someone mention her name, he would likely turn a deaf ear. How could he possibly recognize her?
Moreover, that man rarely leaves his home, and when he does, he is likely surrounded by attendants. As a mere weak woman, she probably wouldn’t be able to approach him at all.
Qin Yaru sat at home for three days, thinking of ways to meet him but found none. Eventually, she grew impatient with waiting and decided to do something out of the ordinary.
She had waited too long; if there were no news from him, her life might just pass by like this. She could ignore it and forget about it, but knowing he was nearby and within reach made even someone as composed as Qin Yaru feel anxious.
The main gate of the General's Residence was naturally closed tight, but the side gate on the east was wide open.
Carriages from the Brothel Management Office stopped in front of the gate. One by one, beautiful courtesans—some delicate like willows, some charmingly alluring, and others full of vigor—helped the Lady-in-Waiting down from the carriages.
Nearby, someone counted and mentioned names like Yan Xixi, Liu Shishi, Gao Chengcheng among others. Even those ranked as first-class or second-class courtesans added up to at least fifty or sixty.
A bystander loitering outside the General's Residence couldn’t help but whisper to his companion: “There are so many beauties arriving; could it be that all the famous courtesans from the teaching house are here?”
His companion gave him a disdainful glance: “What’s so surprising? General Gao has been in the Borderlands for five years; even a sow could compete with Diao Chan. Now that he’s finally back in the capital’s glamorous world, shouldn’t he think about women? The courtesans are meant for officials to enjoy; it’s only natural for them to come when summoned by the general.”
The bystander nodded in agreement, unable to hide a lewd smile: “If it were me, those courtesans wouldn’t refuse. With General Gao’s character and looks, they’d probably be willing to pay him attention.”
Nearby, a scholar overheard their conversation and snorted dismissively: “Nonsense! A bunch of rough soldiers who can barely read; how would they understand what it means to cherish beauty? If it weren’t for power and influence forcing them into it, would Yan Xing and the others willingly submit?”
Two idle men glanced at him and, seeing that he was a bookish scholar, did not engage further. They cast one last envious look at the General's residence, imagining the music and dance within, and then walked away.
The General's residence was not as indulgent as outsiders imagined.
The courtesans were merely sitting to the side, accompanying the guests with drinks. A few courtesans were singing and dancing, but it was just dancing.
The group present consisted of warriors who had just achieved merit and were either promoted or waiting for promotion. Unlike the gatherings of scholars, no one here was serious, discussing state affairs or composing poetry. Instead, it was a group of comrades with deep bonds, casually sitting together and drinking.
Their armor had long been removed, and they all wore light clothing. After several rounds of drinks, they were feeling tipsy, their clothes disheveled. Two of them, having drunk too much, were lamenting about their wives who had run off with others, crying with red eyes and wiping their noses with their sleeves.
Disgusted, his colleague swayed away from him: "I, Zhao Laosan, what are you making a fuss about? At least you once had a beautiful wife who bore you two chubby sons. But me? I, Li Changlin, am thirty-eight this year. When I saw Cuihua from Guojia Village in Dingzhou, I wished I could marry her right away to warm my bed. I'm worse off than you—much worse!"
As soon as he said this, the crowd burst into laughter.
"You're going to marry Cuihua? Who knows who will be on top when it comes to bed? But bringing her home to ward off evil spirits isn't a bad idea; ghosts would surely be scared out of their wits upon seeing her," Zhao Laosan said, forgetting his sorrow and laughing through his tears.
Sitting at the head of the table drinking was Gao Feng, who shot a sharp glance over and snorted lightly.
Zhao Laosan immediately shut up. Li Changlin coughed while laughing and said, "Serves you right! Who would tease someone like that? Cuihua is just a bit dark and sturdy; how can she compare to your ugliness?"
In fact, Cuihua was simply tall and strong—a proper farmer's daughter. While she wasn't considered beautiful, her robust physique made her quite popular in the Borderlands; most men wouldn't even have a chance to marry someone like her.
After a round of laughter, Li Changlin turned his head to look at Gao Feng, who was whispering with Qin Wenyuan and Gu Chunya on either side. He approached with his cup raised: "General, now we brothers can at least return home in fine clothes. But still, half of us are bachelors. You promised that when we return to the capital, you'd help each brother marry a gentle and caring wife who is as beautiful as a flower—don't let your words be empty."
Gao Feng smiled slightly and nodded: "Alright, you can all marry. Which one do you fancy? I'll act as your matchmaker."
With one sentence, the room full of rough men burst into laughter. Zhao Laosan couldn't help but mutter, "General, you too, hurry up and find a new wife who understands warmth and coldness. Life is unbearable without a woman at home."
Gao Feng smiled faintly, just about to say something when he suddenly stood up from his chair, his gaze fixed intently on the Courtesan playing the piano and singing in front of him.
Accompanied by the bold and passionate sound of the piano, Yan Xixi sang: "Anger rises to the crown, leaning against the railing, the rain has stopped. Looking up, I let out a long howl, filled with fervor. Thirty years of fame are but dust and dirt, eight thousand miles of road are clouds and moon. Do not wait idly, as youth turns gray, leaving only sorrow..."
The tune was rough yet carried an inexplicable sadness.
The room full of men fell silent. Zhao Laosan was taken aback: "Although I don't understand these flowery words, this tune is beautiful, better than the others."
Gao Feng took a deep breath; the song was not new, and the singing wasn't particularly good. However, this Man Jiang Hong should not have appeared at this moment.
What caught his attention was a peculiar rap-like tone within it. Although it was different from what he remembered—more melodious and lacking some of its previous sharpness—this style of rap belonged to only one person. He clenched his teeth and suddenly felt his body tremble slightly.
The storm of blades had arrived as well; he had never been afraid before, but at this moment, he felt a nervous fear. After a while, Gao Feng took large strides toward Yan Xixi, standing in front of her and looking up in astonishment at her. He spoke slowly and deliberately: "Yan Xing, who wrote this song?"
Yan Xixi was startled for a moment before her silver bell-like laughter rang out: "I didn't expect the general would really ask?"
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