Where was the loftiest tower of the literary world?
Shen Nuanyu choked slightly, silently explaining to herself—it was a metaphor…
“The most famous tower in the capital is Jingxin Tower, located in the center of Mirror Lake. The tower itself isn’t tall, but it holds the highest prestige in the literary world.”
Mu Qingbai scratched his head. “How do I get there?”
Shen Nuanyu looked at him suspiciously. “Lord Mu, you don’t know Mirror Lake?”
Mu Qingbai shook his head, utterly blank.
Shen Nuanyu chuckled. “You can’t get into Mirror Lake.”
“Then is there anywhere I can get into?”
She thought for a moment. “If you want to hear refined music, you could go to Fengming Tower. It’s very popular among the talented youths and beauties of the capital.”
Mu Qingbai placed twenty taels of silver on the table. “Many thanks.”
Shen Nuanyu silently accepted the silver note.
No wonder he was a Censorate Inspector. So rich!
Truth be told, it didn’t need twenty taels, but since Mu Qingbai had said earlier he’d pay more, she took it without guilt.
After bidding farewell, Mu Qingbai returned to the inn.
He asked the innkeeper for directions to Fengming Tower.
Just after he left, Yin Qiubai arrived at the inn.
Her expression was grim, her aura cold and terrifying.
Old Huang kept his head lowered, while Huzi looked like he wanted to bury his face in his chest.
“Where is he?”
“Who are you asking about, young lady?” the innkeeper asked, slightly unnerved.
“The Censor! Inspector Mu!”
There was only one official in the inn—it had to be the man who just left.
If someone came looking for a Censorate Inspector, it couldn’t be for anything good.
The innkeeper immediately grasped the situation and quickly responded, “Replying to the young lady, Lord Mu just went out!”
“Where to?”
“Fengming Pavilion.”
Yin Qiubai’s face grew even darker.
Old Huang cautiously asked, “Miss, shall we still go?”
“Go!” Yin Qiubai gritted her teeth.
“Miss, perhaps I should go in your place? That kind of place… it isn’t appropriate for you…”
Yin Qiubai snorted coldly and turned to leave.
…
Bathed in the setting sun.
By the time Mu Qingbai arrived, the last rays of sunset had vanished beyond the sky.
The moon hung above the treetops.
Covered bridges stretched across the lake, supporting one tall tower after another.
From within the buildings, light spilled through intricate lattice windows, reflecting on the lake’s surface.
Poetry and dreams took shape in such scenery.
Even when compared to the neon lights of modern skyscrapers, it held its own charm.
Amid the flattery of a servant on the shore, Mu Qingbai stepped onto a small boat.
The boat glided forward gently. Along both banks, songbirds and dancers entertained, the air rich with scents and delights of wine and beauty.
Soon, the boat reached the dock.
The servant looked on expectantly, but Mu Qingbai walked away without even glancing back.
The servant was dumbfounded.
Wait… where’s the tip?
Tipping was an unwritten rule at Fengming Pavilion.
It was also a way for the elite to show off their status.
Who would’ve thought someone wouldn’t give it?
The servant wanted to stop him, but seeing the dark blue official robe, the thought instantly shriveled.
Who would dare block an official?
Shameless officer! Tch!
So unlucky—did all that rowing for nothing!
After a few steps, Mu Qingbai couldn’t help but marvel.
One must never underestimate the craftsmanship of skilled artisans.
To construct such a flourishing paradise on water, comparable in scale to a resort complex from his previous life—what a feat.
His official attire caused quite a stir.
Everywhere he passed, heads turned. Practically a 100% rate.
They had seen plenty of high-ranking officials seeking pleasure, but never one in full official garb doing so!
Mu Qingbai stepped across the threshold.
“My lord, you are…” A welcoming lady, maintaining professional decorum, mustered her courage to approach.
“What’s with that tone? Can’t I come here to eat?”
Her expression stiffened slightly, then she forced a smile. “My lord has quite the sense of humor. May I ask if you already have a favored lady?”
Mu Qingbai waved his hand grandly. “Give me your 998 package!”
“Pa… package?”
“Don’t you understand? The best wine, the most beautiful girl, the most exquisite dishes!”
The lady covered her mouth with her fan and laughed. “So my lord also came for Lady Dancai. Then please wait a moment—she’s still applying her makeup.”
Mu Qingbai nodded. “Tell her to hurry. I might not have much time.”
“My lord, be patient. You’ve got quite a few rivals tonight. Most of tonight’s honored guests are here for Lady Dancai. Many have spent thousands of taels just for a glimpse of her.”
Mu Qingbai was stunned. “Thousands?”
“Indeed~ Our Lady Dancai is ethereal. Ordinary riches mean nothing to her. Thousands of taels is merely the threshold to meet her. To win her favor requires genuine talent and knowledge!”
Damn!
Impressive!
Mu Qingbai admitted he had spoken a bit loudly earlier…
Spending thousands just to see her face? Who would be such a fool? Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
“You seem refined and elegant, my lord, and carry yourself with such confidence tonight—you must be well prepared!”
Mu Qingbai instantly put on a solemn face and said, “Shallow! Lady Dancai and I have long been kindred spirits. Today I come only to hear one song from her qin to soothe my soul. How could I have such filthy thoughts?”
The woman froze, visibly shaken with shame.
At Fengming Tower, guests came and went—many were scholars.
They all claimed to be lofty gentlemen, yet none were truly above worldly desires.
It was rare to see someone sincerely drawn only by refined music.
“Then…”
“Bring me the twenty-tael option.”
Using his official robe to extort pawn money… that fifty-tael note didn’t last long.
Mu Qingbai was soon escorted to a small boat.
Not too big, not too small.
The cabin was a private chamber, with a lantern at the bow.
Many similar boats floated across the lake, each designed for private qin performances.
Mu Qingbai chuckled bitterly—turns out that lady had misunderstood.
She’d really arranged a solo qin session for him.
A young girl stepped onto the boat, holding a zither nearly as tall as she was. She entered the cabin and bowed.
“This humble girl, Silian, greets my lord.”
Mu Qingbai, still a bit unwilling, asked, “Are you a qin performer?”
Silian nodded nervously. “My lord, this humble girl will play for you.”
Mu Qingbai waved in disappointment. “As you wish.”
Silian sat and began to pluck the strings.
Mu Qingbai listened, bored out of his mind.
After the song ended—
Silian timidly said, “My sister mentioned that my lord came to hear Lady Dancai. My skills are lacking, please forgive me.”
Mu Qingbai said with disinterest, “If only there were other instruments to accompany the qin, it wouldn’t be so monotonous no matter how graceful the melody.”
Silian whispered, “That’s a privilege only courtesans receive.”
“Here, perhaps. But in my hometown, music is something both refined and common folk can enjoy.”
“…”
“You don’t believe me?”
“I don’t understand… If elegant music is enjoyed by commoners, is it still considered elegant?” Silian asked naively.
Mu Qingbai glanced out the window and noticed several lanterns swaying toward them.
He stepped out of the cabin, his expression calm.
Soon, several boats had surrounded his.
Silian clutched her zither and stood behind him, confused just like the boatman.
“The dew turns white tonight, the moon shines brightest over my hometown.”
Mu Qingbai looked up at the moon, then at the swaying lanterns in the dark, and said, “They have nothing to do with this. I’ll board your boat… and die.”