“Brother, where are you going?” After a few steps, his sister’s voice called out to him. Zhong Li turned back helplessly, “It’s too crowded and noisy here, I’m going out for some fresh air.” “I’ll go too,” Zhong Ling said. Zhong Li immediately objected, “You should stay and help host the guests at the Xie residence; I’m just stepping out for some air and will be right back.” “I don’t want to, it’s too crowded here; I need some fresh air too.” Zhong Li then whispered to her, “I’m going to Yihong House, where women shouldn’t go.” “Brother, Gu Mingsheng said men shouldn’t go there either, don’t go,” Zhong Ling urged. Zhong Li was curious, “It must be quite lively and fun there, I have to check it out, or else my visit here would be in vain.” “Then I’ll go too,” Zhong Ling said, eager to see what kind of place Gu Mingsheng warned against. Zhong Li looked at her, “Gu Mingsheng said, women must never go there.” “That’s no problem; I’ll dress as a man, and that’ll be fine.” Saying this, Zhong Ling ran back to change into men’s attire, then came back and stood before her brother, “How do I look?” Zhong Li sized her up; his sister, now dressed as a young man, looked quite dashing and handsome. He couldn’t help but laugh, “You do look somewhat like a man.” “What do you mean somewhat? I am a man now. Let’s go, brother, before they notice us.” Zhong Ling said playfully. Zhong Li nodded, and they sneaked out through the back gate.
Today, with the wedding at the Xie residence, there weren’t enough servants, so they were all sent to the front yard to attend to the guests, leaving the back gate unguarded, and their departure went unnoticed by the Xie household. However, one person was immediately informed. “Master, Zhong Li and his sister have secretly left through the Xie residence’s back gate,” Changsheng hurriedly reported to Gu Jinghan. Gu Jinghan instructed, “Keep an eye on them, report any developments immediately.” “Yes, Master.” Changsheng left to carry out the order.
Shortly after, Gu Mingsheng entered, “Father, it’s time to head to the Xie residence.” “It’s still early, no rush. Besides, the Xie family will send a carriage to pick us up; we just wait,” Gu Jinghan leisurely sipped his tea. It’s customary for the bride’s family to be invited to the groom’s home for the wedding banquet, where they are treated as honored guests, and carriages would be sent to fetch and return them, showing respect. Gu Mingsheng agreed and sat down to drink tea, feeling inexplicably uneasy, as if something was about to happen. He attributed it to his sister’s wedding and his own sense of loss, trying not to think too much.
Meanwhile, Zhong Li and his sister arrived at Yihong House, immediately surrounded by enthusiastic girls. “Oh, what a handsome young man! Haven’t seen you around here before, not from our Yun City, are you?” “Are you brothers? You look quite alike!” “Is this your first time at a place like this? Don’t be shy; once you’re here, you’ll want to come back.” The madam recognized them, quickly stepped forward to wave away the girls, “Go, go, these are friends of Young Master Gu, don’t scare them off. Go about your business; I’ll take care of them.” The girls reluctantly dispersed, all wishing to catch the eye of these well-dressed, affluent-looking young men, hoping for a chance to leave this life of entertainment for a normal one.
“Upstairs, please, gentlemen,” the madam smiled at the two. Zhong Li and his sister, indeed startled by the enthusiastic reception, looked uncomfortable. They were well-brought-up children of a noble household, accustomed to respectable settings, and this was their first encounter with such a place, making them feel out of place. Though they initially wanted to leave, they decided not to let fear drive them away, feeling it would be too embarrassing, and followed the madam upstairs.
“Serve the best wine and dishes, and have Hong Niang come to entertain our esteemed guests,” the madam instructed after leading them into a private room, then she ordered someone outside to make the arrangements. Inside the room, Zhong Li and Zhong Ling admired the poetic and artistic decor, with red plum blossoms in white porcelain vases, a bronze incense burner wafting gentle smoke, and even the folding screen displaying a beautiful landscape painting. “This is where Young Master Gu often dines and entertains his friends; it’s the most suitable place for you two,” the madam explained with a smile. Assuming it was just like a tavern where friends meet, they felt slightly more at ease. As for the earlier crowd of women, Zhong Li thought they were just staff, as it was common for such places to employ women.
In an alley across from Yihong House, Wang Shuo instructed a man, “Go, if you succeed in this task, I’ll ensure you live a life of luxury.” “Yes, Young Master, I’ll make sure it’s done.” The man, after taking a swig of liquor, entered Yihong House. Soon, servants brought in a feast of delicious dishes, followed by a stunning girl in red, gracefully entering the room. The madam introduced her, “This is Hong Niang, a friend of Young Master Gu, our most famous here at Yihong House. She’s usually very hard to book, but today you two are in luck; she’s free to accompany you for a chat.” After giving Hong Niang a meaningful look, the madam left, closing the door behind her.
Hong Niang glanced at the two, her eyes briefly flickering, then curtsied, “Hong Niang greets the two young masters.” “Please rise,” Zhong Li said with great politeness. Hong Niang offered, “Shall I play a tune to enliven the atmosphere?” “Yes, please,” they agreed.
Zhong Li smiled and agreed. So he was a musician; this place was indeed unique, with a musician for entertainment. The siblings took their seats and began to eat and drink from the dishes on the table. Hong Niang sat down in front of the qin, her slender fingers plucking the strings, producing beautiful, enchanting notes. “Brother, she plays very well,” Zhong Ling, who understood music, couldn’t help but praise. Zhong Li nodded, “Indeed, she plays exceptionally well. I didn’t expect to find someone with such high skill in a common tavern. Yun City is truly a good place, full of surprises.” Zhong Ling nodded, enjoying the delicious food while appreciating the music, feeling quite pleased. However, just as the song was halfway through, the door of the private room was forcefully pushed open, and an angry man stormed in, pointing at Zhong Li and his sister, cursing, “Where did these brats come from, daring to steal my girl?”
“Master, Young Master.” Changshou hurried into the front hall, calling out to the father and son who were drinking. Gu Jinghan feigned ignorance, “Did someone from the Xie family come to fetch us?” Gu Mingsheng quickly got up, tidying his clothes to leave. Changshou, however, said, “Master, no one from the Xie family has come yet. A servant just saw the young master and young miss from the Xie family enter Yihong Courtyard, and he came to report.”
