Before nightfall, lanterns suddenly illuminated the city. The three of them arrived at the entrance of Manchun Pavilion, hesitating briefly before finally steeling themselves to answer the recruitment call.
The pavilion master couldn’t stop praising Yan Wuyou and Wang Chuan—such exceptionally handsome men could even make a fortune just by dusting chicken feathers! Turning to Lin Yao, she asked hopefully, “Miss, are you sure you won’t reconsider? We can offer more money!”
Yan Wuyou and Wang Chuan spoke in unison: “No!”
The pavilion master raised an eyebrow and sighed helplessly, then reminded them, “We’re running a business here, so customer satisfaction comes first. If the guests are pleased, tips will follow generously. You’re welcome to come entertain guests anytime in the future.” With that, she swayed gracefully, fan in hand, to greet other patrons.
Manchun Pavilion was second to none in Qiu City—no other entertainment house dared claim the top spot. Soon, the pavilion was packed with guests, all wealthy locals who spent money lavishly. While earning here was easy, the standards for performers were high. Besides exceptional looks, each had unique talents.
The leading entertainer Yingluo, with her flowing sleeves and alluring grace, glided in on red silk to enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
Yan Wuyou and Wang Chuan nodded to her in greeting. After receiving Yingluo’s approval, they sat opposite each other.
A clear, melodious zither note began—
From below the stage, the zither player could be seen dressed in black, his high nose bridge creating an exquisitely sculpted profile. His thick eyebrows swept perfectly past the corners of his eyes—neither too bold nor too delicate, but just right! His slender fingers plucked and strummed, sometimes lingering, sometimes urgent.
Then a flute joined in, adding a layer of lyrical softness to the originally serene melody. The tune “Ode to the Autumn Moon” felt both yearning and tender, like lovers whispering endless affection.
The crowd turned to the flutist—his gentle eyes, jade-like complexion, captivating peach-blossom gaze, handsome nose, and rosy lips made him a truly elegant young master.
As the music reached its climax, guests who had initially come for Yingluo shifted their attention to Yan Wuyou and Wang Chuan.
“The music is beautiful, but the musicians are even more so! What does Young Master Liu think of Lady Yingluo?”
Liu Xun narrowed his eyes. “I find those two gentlemen even more captivating.”
“Beauty truly knows no gender—how right that saying is! If Young Master Liu is interested, why not…”
“Of course!” Liu Xun summoned the pavilion master, handed her a handful of silver cakes, and whispered in her ear. The pavilion master’s eyes nearly sprouted golden lotuses at the sight of the silver, her face breaking into a fawning smile as she eagerly agreed.
As the song ended and the stage prepared for the next performance, the pavilion master called Yan Wuyou and Wang Chuan over.
“Your skills are truly divine! You’ve caught the eye of Young Master Liu, the wealthiest man in Qiu City. He invites you to play again in the upstairs private room.” She pressed a silver cake into their hands, adding obsequiously, “If Young Master Liu is satisfied, there will be another!”
Wang Chuan was overjoyed. In twenty years, this was his first time earning money through his craft—the thrill was priceless! Moreover, this silver was far more valuable than Wuzhu coins. It was enough not just to return to Yidu, but to cover the trip back and forth!
Exchanging a glance, the two ascended the stairs together.
Lin Yao was about to follow when the establishment owner stopped her: “Miss, Young Master Liu is no ordinary man. Since he didn’t invite you, I dare not let you go up.”
Hearing this, both men on the staircase turned back simultaneously.
The owner immediately offered an apologetic smile: “Young masters, don’t worry. This young lady may sit in the VIP section here. I’ll personally serve her with the finest tea and fruits. If so much as a single hair on her head is harmed, you may hold me accountable. Please proceed upstairs with peace of mind.”
With the owner having spoken, the three no longer protested. Lin Yao followed the owner to the VIP seating, enjoying the courtesan’s artistic performance.
The two men entered the private room to find Liu Xun seated while tasting wine. His face was flushed with intoxication, his turbid eyes half-squinted as he gazed at them with an ambiguous smirk.
Yan Wuyou and Wang Chuan immediately felt uncomfortable, uncertain how to begin.
“What would Young Master Liu like to hear?” Wang Chuan asked stiffly, nervously picking at his fingers.
Liu Xun wriggled his eyebrows: “Whatever you like. This lord knows nothing of music – I only appreciate beauties.”
“Ah?” Wang Chuan grew even more embarrassed at these words, scratching his head uncertainly how to respond. Yan Wuyou, however, calmly seated himself before the zither and lightly tested a few notes. Hearing the sound, Wang Chuan hurried to his side.
Yan Wuyou casually plucked the strings, gradually playing “Silent Empty Mountain”. What a pity – such fine music was wasted on an unappreciative audience.
Unexpectedly, halfway through the piece, Liu Xun suddenly called for a stop: “Such a cold melody suits a beauty like you, but this lord is a vulgar man. Do you have something like ‘Mandarin Ducks Sporting in Water’? Play one for me.”
Yan Wuyou frowned: Do you think this is embroidering handkerchiefs? Where would we get ‘Mandarin Ducks Sporting in Water’? He raised a hand to lightly cover his mouth, restraining his derisive laughter: “How about ‘Phoenix Seeks Phoenix’?”
This graceful gesture of covering his mouth utterly captivated Liu Xun, who repeatedly expressed approval. His drooling expression practically had “lecher” written across his face.
Wang Chuan also frowned. What was going on? Both men simply wanted to finish playing and collect their payment, couldn’t be bothered with Liu Xun’s ulterior motives, and focused on playing zither and flute.
After completing “Phoenix Seeks Phoenix”, as they prepared to rise and take their leave, Liu Xun beckoned them over to share a drink. Wang Chuan thought, fine, might as well give the patron some face – one drink wouldn’t hurt, then they could leave.
Just as he raised the cup to drink, Yan Wuyou knocked it from his hand.
“Brother Yan?”
“There’s drug in the wine. Can’t you smell it?”
While Wang Chuan stood stunned, Liu Xun grabbed his hand with blurred expression: “Beauties, this lord will treat you well…”
Wang Chuan yanked his hand back and leaped away. Endure? Absolutely not! Hadn’t they been longing for the chivalrous thrill of the jianghu? Well, the jianghu had just arrived!
He swung a fist into Liu Xun’s face, punching while cursing: “Damn you! How dare a dog like you call yourself ‘lord’? Today, this young master will show you what a real lord is!”
Yan Wuyou, thoroughly disgusted by Liu Xun, also delivered several kicks. Watching Wang Chun’s heroic stance as he swung his fists, he repeatedly gave thumbs-up! Liu Xun was beaten black and blue, howling in pain. The servants outside initially thought it was their young master’s peculiar amusement, but gradually realized something was wrong and rushed in—
How could they possibly be Yan Wuyou’s match? They were quickly beaten into disarray. Hearing the commotion upstairs, the establishment owner immediately sent guards to investigate.
After dealing with Liu Xun, Wang Chuan inwardly exclaimed “What a relief!” and spat again: “Remember this face—this is your master!” With that, he and Yan Wuyou rushed downstairs.
The crowd below watched the two sprinting down in confusion. Wang Chuan snatched the silver cake from Yan Wuyou’s hand and tossed it into the air: “Filthy money like this—I want none of it!” As everyone caught sight of the silver glittering midair, they scrambled to grab it.
Yan Wuyou dashed to Lin Yao’s side, grabbed her hand, and pulled her outside.
The three ran a long way without stopping until they were sure the Chunxiang Pavilion’s people couldn’t catch up.
“Finally… we shook them off… I’m exhausted…”
“Wang Gongzi, was it really necessary to be so principled? Throwing away silver that was already in your hands…”
Wang Chuan declared righteously, “Third Miss Shen didn’t see how disgusting that Liu Xun was. Brother Yan, isn’t that right?”
Yan Wuyou nodded.
“He didn’t… harass both of you, did he?”
The two fell silent.
“Pfft—” Lin Yao couldn’t help but imagine the scene. That Liu Xun truly had no shame—daring to harass even Third Senior Brother!
“In that case, I take back what I said. Wang Gongzi, you were right to throw it!”
Hearing the little fairy’s praise, Wang Chuan was so flustered with joy he could only blush and grin foolishly.
“There was no need to be quite so vehement,” Yan Wuyou said, massaging his forehead. “What you threw was our payment for ‘Autumn Moon Melody.'”
Wang Chuan: “…”
Lin Yao: “…”
Wang Chuan quickly changed the subject: “Look at that long queue ahead! What are they doing?”
Lin Yao followed his gaze and saw, across the street corner, a Lin Family Grain Shop with a congee stall set up outside. A long line of people, all dressed in shabby clothing, waited in front of it.
“Perhaps some philanthropist is giving out congee. But I wonder if today is a special occasion?” Lin Yao mused.
“Winter Solstice,” Yan Wuyou replied, pulling his arm back from the wall. “Let’s go see.”
They moved along the queue until halfway, a lean old man hurried over and firmly grabbed Wang Chuan’s arm, scolding sternly, “Young man, no cutting in line!”
The old man’s voice drew the attention of passersby, all turning to stare at Wang Chuan.
Wang Chuan flushed with embarrassment, trying to pull his arm back but finding the old man’s grip surprisingly strong. He stammered anxiously, “I wasn’t… I didn’t…”
Yan Wuyou gently tapped the old man’s hand away with his scabbard. “Does he look like he has a bowl?”
The old man glanced over the three—though somewhat disheveled, their bearing was clearly unusual—and quickly cupped his hands in apology. “This old one was blind to offend. I beg the young master’s forgiveness.”
Wang Chuan sighed in relief, watching the steam rising from the stall. “Is this a congee distribution?”
“This humble one is Steward Li of the Lin residence. Every Winter Solstice, our young master sends people to set up this stall. It’s not congee, though—we give out tangyuan to the poor.”
“Your young master is truly kind-hearted,” Wang Chuan praised sincerely.
Steward Li sighed. “It’s to accumulate blessings for the master and young lady. Please excuse me, I must attend to my duties.”
Gurgle— The three clutched their stomachs and exchanged awkward glances.
“In previous years on Winter Solstice, even facing a table full of delicacies, I always found them tasteless. Never thought this year’s Winter Solstice would be so destitute – truly, one only appreciates things after losing them. If I could just have a bowl of steaming dumplings now, I’d be perfectly content!” Wang Chuan swallowed awkwardly.
“That’s no trouble at all.” Yan Wuyou spoke while taking out a black iron coin, tossing it up gracefully and catching it elegantly. He smiled at the two and said, “Come on, I’ll treat you to a fine meal at Autumn Moon Pavilion today to celebrate the solstice!”
“Can this be used as money?” Lin Yao and Wang Chuan pointed at the black iron coin in his hand and spoke in unison.
“Don’t worry.” After saying this, Yan Wuyou raised his hand in a beckoning gesture and headed toward the other side of the street.
Brother Yan possesses extraordinary grace and remarkable talents – if he says there’s food to be had, then there must be food! Thinking this, Wang Chuan straightened his back and followed closely behind.
Aside from his glib tongue, senior brother is reliable in every other aspect – if he says it’ll work, then it will work! Thinking this, Lin Yao lifted her skirt and happily followed along.
Meanwhile, the side window of the Lin Family Grain Shop quietly closed. A young woman with elongated eyes gently curled her lips and said to the man beside her: “I have a strange but strong feeling – it’s her.” The man smiled but his eyes turned cold: “We’ll test her and see. Though I wonder what intentions the message-sender had?”
The woman’s expression darkened: “Whatever their intentions, for me, this is the only opportunity.”