Returning to the Zhou residence, Feng Wenyu finally had someone to vent her grievances to when she saw Feng Wenzhou.
She had always been doted on, and even in Jingcheng, few people had ever treated her poorly.
Sitting on a stool in Wenmo Hall, Feng Wenyu complained about the day’s events. She and Feng Wenzhou were born of the same mother and shared almost no secrets between them.
Feng Wenzhou had always been tight-lipped and was the most obedient to Feng Wenyu in the family. Even their mother couldn’t pry Feng Wenyu’s secrets from him.
After finishing her rant, Feng Wenyu looked puzzled:
“I really don’t understand what they’re thinking. Are they worried I’ll use this favor to cling to the Pei family?”
Feng Wenyu genuinely couldn’t comprehend it—there was nothing about the Pei residence worth her attention.
She wouldn’t be staying long in Yangzhou City anyway; her connection with the Pei residence was merely transient.
And since Prefect Pei would eventually return to Jingcheng, what difference was there between offending her and offending the Feng family?
After all, her father served in the Ministry of Personnel, where all official appointments and transfers were processed.
Feng Wenzhou frowned deeply. Being more knowledgeable about court affairs than Feng Wenyu, the moment she mentioned Prefect Pei, Pei Xuzhu’s background came to his mind. Before their departure for Yangzhou, he had memorized such information.
With the Provincial Examination approaching and his preparation taking place in Yangzhou, it was impossible to avoid dealing with Pei Xuzhu, the local magistrate.
Yet, after carefully considering Prefect Pei’s background, he still couldn’t fathom the reason behind the Pei residence’s actions. His tone grew somewhat somber:
“Prefect Pei has no factional allegiance in court. There’s no reason for the Pei family to act this way.”
If it were due to factional conflicts, it would be easily explainable. But Prefect Pei had no affiliations, making it even less sensible for him to offend others in official circles.
The Pei residence’s behavior was clearly peculiar.
Feng Wenyu straightened up slightly. Delving deeper into the matter, she couldn’t help but frown:
“The Provincial Examination rankings require the local prefect’s approval.”
Feng Wenzhou wasn’t concerned about that. He said, “The list of examiners for this Provincial Examination won’t be announced for another month. They are the chief examiners; the local prefect only assists.”
Moreover, if Prefect Pei were to tamper with his exam papers or deliberately alter his ranking, it would equate to forming a deadly feud with the Feng family.
Prefect Pei likely lacked the courage for that.
What he suspected now was whether some change had occurred in Yangzhou City.
At this thought, Feng Wenzhou looked up at Feng Wenyu and shared his speculation. Feng Wenyu immediately sat upright, setting aside her thoughts about Madam Pei’s attitude. Pressing her lips together, she said:
“In the coming days, I’ll frequently go out with Aunt. You focus on your exam preparation.”
If there were any changes in Yangzhou’s official circles, they would inevitably reach those closest to the officials. The womenfolk would be her best source of information.
But Feng Wenyu hadn’t expected that merely visiting the main courtyard would lead Madam Lu to reveal the reason:
“Changes?”
“When it comes to changes in Yangzhou City, there’s only the matter of the Imperial Envoy.”
Feng Wenyu nearly thought she had misheard. Unable to restrain herself, she asked, “Aunt, did you just say Imperial Envoy?”
Madam Lu was surprised by her astonishment:
“Does A-Yu not know?”
“The Imperial Envoy’s party came from Jingcheng, arriving only half a month before you.”
Feng Wenyu wished she hadn’t known.
The Imperial Envoy, Yangzhou, arriving only half a month earlier than her—all these clues pointed unmistakably to Gu Yushi and his party.
Because of her broken engagement with Gu Yushi, she had deliberately avoided inquiring about his specific destination in Jiangnan. Who could have imagined they would end up in the same place?
Had she known this earlier, she would have preferred to remain in Jingcheng.
When Madam Lu mentioned the Imperial Envoy, a trace of wariness flickered in her eyes. She shook her head: “Though the Imperial Envoy’s party claims to be investigating salt merchants, they’ve been here for half a month without taking any action. If you hadn’t asked today, I’d nearly forgotten about it.”
Hearing this, Feng Wenyu’s heart sank.
Madam Lu continued: “But then again, I heard this Imperial Envoy only held a fifth-rank position in Jingcheng. How could someone of his stature intervene in salt merchant affairs? Most likely, he just wants to keep his head down, safely pass the time here, and return early to deliver his report.”
Feng Wenyu forced a faint smile. Based on her understanding of Gu Yushi, he was definitely not the type to prioritize self-preservation as Madam Lu described.
Just from his words during their broken engagement, she knew he had prepared for dangers on this journey.
Growing up in such a family, Feng Wenyu couldn’t possibly lack political awareness. She understood clearly that as an Imperial Envoy, Gu Yushi shouldn’t be maintaining such a low profile.
To remain so discreet that people forgot his existence—Feng Wenyu could only think of one reason: Gu Yushi was lowering certain people’s guard.
Then what role did the Pei Residence play in all this?
Noticing Feng Wenyu’s pale complexion, Madam Lu patted her own forehead and chuckled ruefully:
“Look at me, why am I discussing such matters? This has nothing to do with us anyway.”
Remembering today’s disappointing banquet, Madam Lu suggested: “You haven’t returned to Yangzhou for so long. How about having your cousin take you to see the Twenty-Four Bridges tomorrow?”
Feng Wenyu’s first instinct was to refuse:
“Cousin is preparing for examinations. How could we delay his studies because of me?”
Madam Lu disliked this response: “Just one day won’t make any difference. It’s settled then. Your mother entrusted you to my care, and I must return to her a happy daughter.”
Feng Wenyu’s objections were dismissed. Distractedly, she returned to Wen Shi Courtyard.
How could she possibly have the heart for sightseeing?
Yangzhou City had become involved in the salt merchant case, and no one knew how long this surface calm could last.
Feng Wenyu couldn’t help feeling anxious, wondering if this would affect this year’s Provincial Examination.
Yangzhou City had no curfew. As dusk fell, the city reached its liveliest moment. Painted boats lined the lakeshore, river lanterns covered the water’s surface, transforming the entire city into a sleepless realm of extravagance.
Yunyan Tower.
As Yangzhou’s largest red-light district, the place grew boisterous even before deep night fell.
Actresses drifted through sheer curtains and drapes, occasional strains of string music floating through the air. Upon entering, one could immediately sense the seductive atmosphere, becoming utterly captivated.
Mama Qiu, having finished her preparations, moved from the backyard to the entrance. Spotting a group of wealthy young masters approaching together, her eyes instantly lit up.
She particularly favored these young gentlemen—inexperienced, easily embarrassed, and concerned about face.
A single visit from them would always leave behind hundreds of taels of silver.
Especially when she noticed Young Master Li among the crowd, Mama Qiu’s smile became irrepressible. She hurried forward to greet them, raising her voice:
“Oh my, Young Master Li, it’s been quite some time since your last visit. Liu Yan has been asking about you repeatedly.”
The Young Master Li she referred to wore a long robe of Su Brocade, with a jade pendant hanging at his waist and his hair tied up with a jade crown. Judging by appearance alone, he cut quite a dashing figure. Hearing Mama Qiu’s words, he raised an eyebrow with a smile:
“In that case, have her accompany me today.”
Young Master Li was a regular at Yunyan Tower. He headed straight for the second floor, casually telling Mama Qiu along the way: “By the way, this brother of mine is here for the first time. Send for Wu Yu. If she can properly attend to our Young Master Zhou, she won’t lack for reward money.”
Only then did Mama Qiu notice the unfamiliar young master standing beside Young Master Li. He appeared not yet twenty, with the handsome features of a jade-faced gentleman. Although those who kept company with Young Master Li were seldom decent folk, this young master was clearly still green – while his eyes looked toward the courtesans, the tips of his ears were flushed red.
Mama Qiu quickly assessed the situation, her smile broadening: “So this is Young Master Zhou. Rest assured, Young Master Zhou, Wu Yu is the star performer of our Yunyan Tower. She certainly won’t disappoint you.”
Upon entering the private room, Zhou Chiyu couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief. Li Fengqing exchanged a subtle glance with someone nearby, prompting immediate teasing:
“Young Master Zhou looks like he’s never seen such sights before?”
Zhou Chiyu felt somewhat displeased, thinking he was being looked down upon. He shot the speaker a cold glance: “Not as lax as your family’s upbringing.”
This was a veiled insult about poor parenting. The man’s face momentarily turned pale.
Li Fengqing tapped the speaker with his fan:
“Look at you, can’t even speak properly.”
Li Fengqing smiled at Zhou Chiyu: “Pay him no mind. Later you’ll get to properly experience things, making this trip worthwhile.”
As they spoke, the door knocked open. Courtesans in thin dresses entered with charming laughter, seating themselves around each guest. Zhou Chiyu also saw the one called Wu Yu – in terms of appearance alone, none of the courtesans in the room could compare to her.
Truly worthy of being Yunyan Tower’s star performer.
She sat down beside him, a subtle fragrance wafting from her person. Wu Yu gently lowered her eyes, her voice carrying a suggestive hook: “Young master, let this humble one propose a toast to you.”
After two cups of wine, with a beauty in his embrace, Zhou Chiyu momentarily forgot himself in the indulgence.
It wasn’t until he glimpsed Li Fengqing slipping banknotes to Liu Yan from the corner of his eye, and saw Wu Yu looking at him with barely concealed expectation, that Zhou Chiyu abruptly sobered up. A cold sweat broke out on his back.
Though he was raised by his legal mother, his monthly allowance was strictly limited.
Watching Li Fengqing casually give away a hundred taels just as tips, Zhou Chiyu couldn’t help cursing inwardly – was Li Fengqing insane?!
He had only brought a little over a hundred taels with him total – this represented six months of saved allowance plus usual subsidies from his grandmother.
As they drank more and more wine, glancing at the empty wine bottles on the floor, Zhou Chiyu didn’t dare imagine how much this drinking session would cost.
The moment he showed signs of stopping, Wu Yu gently bit her lip, her delicate Dai Mei eyebrows slightly furrowed, asking in a pitiful manner: “Has this humble one failed to serve you well?”
All eyes turned toward him. Zhou Chiyu, concerned about face, found it impossible to call for an end.
Li Fengqing seemed to sense something, chuckling lightly: “Today I invited Brother Zhou for drinks. All expenses are on me. Brother Zhou, please don’t stand on ceremony.”
Exposed by Li Fengqing about his lack of money, Zhou Chiyu couldn’t help feeling somewhat embarrassed, but he had to admit that deep down, he felt relieved.
After three rounds of drinks, when Zhou Chiyu was already somewhat muddled, Li Fengqing leaned close to him and deliberately lowered his voice:
“Brother Zhou, do you know how I came to have so much silver?”
Before Zhou Chiyu could respond, Li Fengqing pulled out something from his chest. When Zhou Chiyu clearly saw what was in Li Fengqing’s hand, he couldn’t help but widen his eyes in astonishment.
A Salt License?
Currently, one jin of official salt cost three hundred wen. The value of this single Salt License alone was equivalent to his father’s entire year’s salary.
Li Fengqing continued: “What can you really do with the meager silver given by the household? If it weren’t for some people showing their respect, how could I live so comfortably?”
As he spoke, he pressed the Salt License into Zhou Chiyu’s hand: “Brother Zhou, take good care of it. Consider this Salt License my gift to you.”
Holding the Salt License in his hand, Zhou Chiyu felt his heart pounding uncontrollably.