CCWAD – Chapter 9

Chapter 9: A Startling Encounter at Fan Lou

Prologue:

“The moment I stepped into Fan Lou, the scent of perfume overpowered the stench of sweat, and the melodies of silk and bamboo replaced the shouts of battle. I thought I had arrived in paradise, until I discovered that the rules here were even more unforgiving than Liangshan, swallowing people whole without even spitting out the bones.”

—

A month later, dust-covered Yan Qing finally stood on the streets of Eastern Capital Bianliang.

The prosperity before her eyes made even someone accustomed to modern cities feel a moment of suffocation. The crowds flowed like a river, shoulder to shoulder, the cries of vendors, the rumble of carriages, and the sounds of storytelling and singing blending into a boisterous urban symphony. Buildings and shops lined the streets, their eaves and arches ornate, their windows adorned with embroidery and beaded curtains, all showcasing the wealth and extravagance of the imperial capital.

It was a stark contrast to the desolate villages and difficult lives she had witnessed on her journey, like two different worlds.

Following her plan, she first found a mid-range inn within the city, changed into a more refined moon-white scholar’s robe, donned a square cap, and carried a folding fan painted with gold. She styled herself as a handsome young scholar traveling for study. Facing the clear bronze mirror in her room, she examined herself carefully.

The person in the mirror had a face like a painting, with red lips and white teeth. She appeared slightly thinner due to the arduous journey, which paradoxically added a touch of delicate charm. As long as she didn’t deliberately adopt a bold demeanor or engage in close physical contact with others, this attire and demeanor were enough to deceive most people.

“First step, let’s probe the reality of this Fan Lou,” Yan Qing took a deep breath, flicked her fan open with a “swish,” masking a trace of nervousness in her eyes, and walked out of the inn.

Fan Lou was not a single building, but a massive complex of five three-story main structures connected by sky bridges and balustrades. Its carved beams and painted rafters exuded grandeur. Even before reaching it, a rich aroma mixed with high-quality perfume, incense, and food wafted towards her. The ethereal sounds of silk and bamboo strings reached her ears, isolating her from the street’s clamor and creating a gentle, affluent haven of its own.

As the lamps were lit, Fan Lou was a scene of bustling activity, with officials, dignitaries, scholars, and poets arriving in an endless stream. Yan Qing steadied herself, fanning herself nonchalantly as she ascended the steps.

Immediately, well-dressed and sharp-eyed attendants rushed forward. Seeing her extraordinary bearing, though unfamiliar, they dared not be negligent and greeted her with a smile, “This young master is new here, isn’t he? Would you like me to introduce you to some of our ladies?”

Yan Qing gently blocked the attendant’s overly close approach with her fan and, imitating the demeanor of noble sons from her memory, tilted her chin slightly and spoke with a hint of aloofness, “I have long heard of the esteemed Lady Li Shishi’s reputation and have come to pay my respects.”

The attendant’s smile froze for a moment, then became more obsequious, though tinged with difficulty. “Oh, young master, you have excellent taste! But… Lady Li… she doesn’t usually see guests easily, especially new ones. You see…”

Yan Qing was prepared. She took a small ingot of silver from her sleeve and discreetly slipped it into the attendant’s hand, lowering her voice with an undeniable tone, “I am a subordinate of the wealthy Mr. Lu from Hebei, who came here by reputation, just to have a chance to meet the esteemed lady and listen to her celestial music. Please be accommodating and pass on my message.”

“Mr. Lu?” The attendant felt the silver in his hand and, hearing it was from the household of the wealthy Lu Junyi, his attitude immediately became more respectful. Lu Junyi’s name was well-known among the elite circles in the capital. “So you are a distinguished guest from Mr. Lu’s estate! Forgive my lack of foresight! But…” he still looked troubled, “Lady Li’s rules…”

“I understand the rules,” Yan Qing interrupted him, adding another ingot of silver. “If it is truly inconvenient for the esteemed lady, I would not dare to force it. I only ask that my visiting card be delivered, and my intention explained.” She handed over a prepared visiting card, worded with humble elegance, signed “Yan Qing of Hebei.”

The attendant looked at the two heavy ingots of silver in his hand, then weighed the influence of “Mr. Lu.” Finally, he gritted his teeth, “Very well! Young master, please wait a moment. I will go and try! I cannot guarantee success or failure!”

“Thank you,” Yan Qing nodded slightly, feeling a bit relieved. Money can open doors, and in this den of extravagance, it was the ultimate truth.

She was led to a side hall to wait. The hall was exquisitely furnished, with an unknown incense burning in the censer, emitting a faint and distant fragrance. Famous calligraphy and paintings hung on the walls, and ancient zithers and zithers were placed on the tables. Unlike her imagination of the noisy revelry of a brothel, this place was more like a high-class cultural salon.

The wait was not long, but it was enough to make Yan Qing’s palms sweat. She constantly rehearsed in her mind how she would deal with Li Shishi when she met her.

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the attendant returned, his face carrying a peculiar expression, and said respectfully, “Young Master Yan, Lady Li… requests your presence in an elegant private room upstairs.”

She succeeded! A heavy stone fell from Yan Qing’s heart, accompanied by an indescribable surge of excitement. She tidied her clothes and followed the attendant through winding corridors, stepping onto a carpeted staircase.

The higher they went, the more serene the environment became, the noise gradually fading away. Finally, the attendant stopped before a beautifully carved door and bowed, “Lady Li is inside. Young master, please.”

Yan Qing took a deep breath, pushed open the door, and entered.

The room was softly lit and furnished like a noble young lady’s embroidery room, with a stronger scholarly air than a worldly one. Leaning on a soft couch by the window was a woman.

At first glance, Yan Qing felt her breath catch.

She was wearing a simple, elegant light green long dress, with minimal makeup. Her ink-black hair was loosely tied up, with a simple jade hairpin. Her eyebrows were naturally dark, her lips naturally red, her skin as smooth and radiant as jade, and her demeanor as cool and aloof as a moonlit orchid. She was holding a book and looked up as she heard the sound.

What kind of eyes were those? Clear as a mountain stream’s cold pool, yet unfathomably deep, as if containing countless thoughts and the wisdom of worldly understanding. There was no flirtatiousness of an ordinary woman of the world, only a distant, condescending scrutiny.

This was Li Shishi. The extraordinary woman who could make Emperor Huizong of Song linger and Zhou Bangyan compose immortal lyrics.

“Yan Qing of Hebei?” Li Shishi spoke, her voice like pearls falling on a jade plate, clear and pleasant, yet with a subtle hint of indifference. “I have heard of Mr. Lu’s subordinates. But I wonder, why are you seeking me?”

Her gaze lingered on Yan Qing’s face for a moment, a barely perceptible surprise flashing across her eyes. This young man was so handsome, but… there seemed to be a lack of masculine spirit in this handsomeness, and an indescribable femininity.

Yan Qing steadied her nerves, cupped her hands in a salute, her posture neither humble nor arrogant, “I have long admired your esteemed reputation, which echoes like thunder. It is my great fortune to meet you today. I have taken the liberty of seeking an audience, firstly to convey my elder brother Mr. Lu’s regards to you; and secondly…” she paused, meeting Li Shishi’s probing gaze, and said frankly, “I suffer from a hidden ailment. I have long heard that you have extensive connections and might know some divine hands of the medical profession, so I have come to seek your advice, with no other intention.”

She used “seeking medical treatment” as her primary excuse, which was reasonable and could lower the other party’s guard.

Upon hearing this, Li Shishi’s eyes widened with surprise, but she did not immediately respond. She put down her book, picked up the celadon teacup beside her with her slender fingers, and gently stirred the foam, her posture extremely elegant.

“Young Master Yan is quite forthright,” she said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. “However, this Fan Lou of mine is not a medical clinic. If you are seeking medical treatment, you may have come to the wrong place.”

Her refusal was within Yan Qing’s expectations. Undeterred, she stepped forward, her gaze sincere, “You have misunderstood, esteemed lady. I am not asking you to personally diagnose and treat me. I have long heard of your extensive knowledge and thought you might be able to offer some guidance. Moreover,” she changed her tone, her voice tinged with an appropriate touch of melancholy, “my injury is quite peculiar, and ordinary doctors cannot cure it. I have traveled far and wide, feeling weary in body and mind. I heard that you are understanding and compassionate, so I have taken the liberty of coming here. If I can hear your wise words and unburden my heart, I will be content.”

Her words were eloquently spoken, both stating her original intention of “seeking medical treatment” and subtly praising Li Shishi’s talent and compassion, while also revealing a sense of loneliness, like a “wanderer who has fallen on hard times.”

Li Shishi’s gaze shifted, and she looked at Yan Qing again. This young man’s words were proper, unlike the usual frivolous young masters. His eyes were clear, filled with sincere earnestness, and there was a lingering melancholy in his brows that subtly resonated with her own state of mind at times…

She pondered for a moment, not immediately showing him the door, but pointing to the seat opposite her. “Young master, please sit.”

Yan Qing secretly rejoiced, knowing that the first step was successful. She sat down as instructed, maintaining her elegant posture.

“May I ask what ailment the young master suffers from? That even the famous doctors of Hebei are helpless?” Li Shishi asked seemingly casually, but in reality, she was beginning her probing.

The real confrontation had just begun.

—

(End of Chapter 9)