Chapter 33: Lovers

Despite pondering for a long time, Gu Qiulan still couldn’t make sense of it. She was absolutely certain she had never met this young scholar named Lou Yu before.

Meanwhile, Ji Yun—the son of the sacrificial wine of the Xuzhou Academy—was quick to introduce himself to Lou Yu as he noticed the familiar rapport between Lou Yu and Qin Muchuan. Upon seeing Qin Muchuan's credentials, Ji Yun offered a respectful salute and said, “So you’re the registrar, sir. I must apologize for causing alarm to you and your wife earlier. Why not return to the academy first? We can talk more once proper arrangements are made. This is not the best place for conversation.”

Just then, Leshan arrived in haste with Qiaoyun and several yamen runners. Seeing that Qin Muchuan and Gu Qiulan were unharmed, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The group returned to the academy together, and on the way, Qin Muchuan learned that Ji Yun and his companions were also scholars who had come to Jiangnan for this year's provincial exam. Even that Ma Shihong from before was among them.

When Qin Muchuan’s gaze lingered on Lou Yu’s injuries, Lou Yu hurriedly waved his hands. “I’m far from worthy. I only came to support Brother Ji this time.”

Ji Yun smiled gently. “It’s just an exam, not a battlefield. What’s the point of needing support?” Pausing, he then added with sincerity, “Brother Lou, with your wit and talent, you ought to dedicate yourself more. Next year, you could make a name for yourself, serve the Emperor loyally, and bring honor to the court. That is the true duty of a scholar. Don’t follow the likes of Ma Shihong, living recklessly just because he has a magistrate uncle. That’s no way to behave!”

Lou Yu scratched his head, a little embarrassed. “I don’t really want to be an official. I prefer a carefree life. My family doesn’t need another rank, so it matters little whether I take the exam.”

Ji Yun wanted to persuade him further, but they had already reached the academy gates, so he let it drop. Turning to Qin Muchuan, he said with courtesy, “Sir Qin, you must be weary from your travels. I won’t keep you any longer. Once the Jiangnan provincial exam concludes, let us drink together in celebration.”

Qin Muchuan recognized Ji Yun’s intention to avoid suspicion as he was a candidate and Qin Muchuan an examiner. He found himself rather impressed, thinking Ji Yun was upright and open-hearted—a stark contrast to Ma Shihong, like night and day. He replied amiably, “Very well, I must come and celebrate your top scholar’s feast some day!”

Sitting in another carriage, Gu Qiulan listened to the hearty laughter outside and couldn’t help but curve her lips slightly in amusement—it seemed she had worried for nothing.

This year, for the first time, the new examination system adopted anonymous marking at the Emperor’s behest, following the suggestions of the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Academy. Gu Qiulan cared little for these matters, but as Qin Muchuan was in charge of supervising the Jiangnan exam, he inevitably discussed them with her.

“Though His Majesty has decreed anonymous marking, there are still many ministers opposing it, especially the Right Chancellor,” he said.

“Why is that?” Gu Qiulan asked.

Qin Muchuan explained, “If the names are concealed, no one knows who the candidates are. Suppose a notorious character scores highly—should he be ranked or not?”

Gu Qiulan made a face of disgust. “Like that Ma fellow, for example?”

The words had barely left her lips when Qin Muchuan’s expression soured, as if he’d just stepped in something foul. After a moment’s silence, he jumped to his feet, hands clasped behind his back, pacing rapidly.

“That good-for-nothing…” Qin Muchuan’s eyes reddened with suppressed anger. Clearly, he bore a deep grudge. “That sort of fool wants his name on the lists? He can dream on!”

At Fragrant Pavilion, a circle of charming courtesans surrounded a man in the center, showering him with flirtatious laughter.

“Master Ma, it’s been ages since you last visited. Have you found a new favorite elsewhere?”

Ma Shihong, drunk and clutching a delicate jade hand draped over him, pressed a kiss to the woman beside him and declared loudly, “It’s only been a few days, and you’re missing me already? A day apart feels like three autumns, does it?”

The girls giggled, and one said, “Without you here, Master Ma, no one looks out for us.”

Ma Shihong gave a sidelong glare. “What, someone dares cause trouble at Fragrant Pavilion? Don’t they know this place is under my protection?”

The courtesans then began their lamentations.

“Lately, there’s been a new place called Drunken Fragrance Pavilion. They say the girls there are from the capital and already incredibly popular. I took a look, and honestly, their looks are nothing special. Just because they’re from the capital, do they really deserve all this attention?”

Hearing this, Ma Shihong burst out laughing. “Those little tramps are worth seeing?” As he spoke, he was suddenly reminded of the humiliating incident on the pleasure boat that night. His face fell, and he slammed his cup down in a fit of rage. The startled courtesans instantly quieted.

A vicious light glinted in Ma Shihong’s eyes. That pleasure boat belonged to Drunken Fragrance Pavilion, and the masked woman that night must have been one of their enforcers. No matter what, he had been humiliated on their boat—how could he swallow this bitterness without revenge? Especially that one named Yinyin, who claimed to sell art but not herself. Hah! A whore pretending to be pure!

Ma Shihong caroused at Fragrant Pavilion all night, not knowing that walls have ears. While Drunken Fragrance Pavilion sought to make a name in Jiangnan, they had no intention of offending every girl at Fragrant Pavilion. After all, their madam was keen to lure away some talent from the rival house. At Drunken Fragrance Pavilion, a girl could sell her talents without selling her body; as long as she was clever enough to captivate those lecherous men, the madam would not force her into anything she didn’t want. This policy was quite attractive to the other houses’ girls.

At Fragrant Pavilion, Liao Liao was the daughter of a disgraced official. Though reduced to servitude, there was still hierarchy among the courtesans, and if she could avoid selling herself, she certainly would. So, after hearing about Drunken Fragrance Pavilion, she secretly made friends with some of their girls. Upon learning that Ma Shihong planned to target the establishment—especially Yinyin—she grew anxious. Though the courtesans had little freedom, they could still visit the cosmetics shop from time to time. Early the next day, Liao Liao found an excuse to go out and sent her loyal maid to warn Drunken Fragrance Pavilion.

When Yinyin heard of Liao Liao’s background, she felt a pang of sympathy. Once a noble lady, now reduced to selling smiles for survival—such was the cruelty of fate. Birds of a feather, though she herself was mired in filth, she would help if she could.

In the private room of the cosmetics shop, Liao Liao’s palms were slick with nervous sweat. Suddenly the door opened, and upon seeing who entered, she cried, “Sister Yinyin, you’re here!”

Yinyin locked the door behind her. “What’s got you so flustered? Did the madam at Fragrant Pavilion pressure you again?”

Liao Liao shook her head urgently. “No, it concerns you. Do you know the young master Ma Shihong of Xuzhou? He’s the magistrate’s nephew, and he’s after you! What should we do?”

Yinyin’s heart skipped a beat. She’d already suspected trouble after that night on the pleasure boat. Though new to Jiangnan, the madam at her establishment had thoroughly researched all the local powers. Ma Shihong was notorious and best avoided. The Ma family had ruled Jiangnan for nearly a hundred years, controlling the vital salt trade since the previous dynasty. Their influence stretched across the region, with marriage ties and protégés everywhere—they were not to be trifled with.

“Don’t panic. Tell me, is Master Ma targeting just me, or the whole Drunken Fragrance Pavilion?”

Liao Liao replied, “Last night Ma Shihong visited Fragrant Pavilion and heard the girls complaining about losing customers to Drunken Fragrance Pavilion. Since our house is funded by the Ma family, he flew into a rage and is sure to cause trouble in the next few days. And you, sister, are the star attraction. Some of the girls at our place are jealous and have egged him on to teach you a lesson!”

Yinyin let out a cold laugh. Even without those spiteful women, she and Ma Shihong had already crossed paths on the pleasure boat. Though she looked down on him, this was still his territory, and even her own madam had to bow her head, let alone a lowly courtesan like her.

She knew Ma Shihong would make a move, but couldn’t think of a countermeasure yet. Seeing Liao Liao’s anxious face, she comforted her, “Don’t worry. Ma Shihong may be powerful, but Drunken Fragrance Pavilion isn’t an easy target either. Our madam is a shrewd woman with connections everywhere. You’ve been out long enough—if you don’t return soon, it will arouse suspicion. Don’t worry about me. I’ve weathered many storms; I won’t trip in a ditch now.”

Liao Liao nodded and was about to leave when she caught a glimpse of a stunning figure passing by the window. She gasped, “Oh my, that’s the real person!”

“What is it?” Yinyin asked.

Liao Liao discreetly pointed outside. “Sister, look at that gentleman over there. Last night, Ma Shihong was drunk and kept raving about an unparalleled beauty. The girls with him didn’t believe it and insisted he sketch her portrait. I never thought I’d see the real person today!”

Following her gaze, Yinyin froze—it was Qin Muchuan!

Liao Liao sighed, “How pitiful, to be noticed by Ma Shihong. Whether man or woman, he won’t let them go. Sister, should I warn him? But… never mind, we’re all struggling to keep our own heads above water. Let’s hope that gentleman has good fortune.”

After chatting a little longer and seeing Yinyin lost in thought, Liao Liao took her leave, hurrying back to Fragrant Pavilion with her maid before the guards lost patience.

She had no inkling of the tempest raging in Yinyin’s heart.

Ma Shihong might be a local tyrant, but compared to Qin Muchuan, he was nothing. What were Jiangnan’s old families worth, when the young master of a founding noble house from the capital was a true scoundrel of the highest order?

But then Yinyin remembered how she’d cursed Qin Muchuan before, and her heart ached so much she nearly fainted. Now, with a grudge against Ma Shihong and likely no favor from Qin Muchuan, what if those two joined forces? Yinyin clutched her chest—the thought alone was terrifying!

“No, there must be another way!” The greater the crisis, the quicker her mind raced. Yinyin forced herself to calm down. The only reason she had cursed Qin Muchuan was because of that person’s orders—which meant, Qin Muchuan’s wife’s orders.

Perhaps she could seek help from Qin Muchuan’s wife.