Volume One: Odd Jobs in Changshui County Chapter Ten: In Search of Flowers and Willows

The Jade Harmony Courtyard was considered a mid-tier establishment among the brothels of Changshui County, and there were several places of even higher status. However, those were reserved for the wealthy and powerful—places that common bailiffs like Wang Yunshan and his companions could only dream of. They, being at the lowest rung, could only visit spots like the Jade Harmony Courtyard.

The madam arranged an empty table for them on the second floor, then instructed a servant to bring wine and dishes.

“Seriously, Brother Wang, did we really come here just to listen to music and watch performances?” Lu Jiuzhang asked, unwilling to accept the answer.

“What else? Find you a girl? Only if I had the money. For a tael of silver, this is already a decent treat,” Wang Yunshan explained, though his eyes never strayed from the dancers below, watching them with rapt attention.

Hopeless—completely lost to beauty.

It was clear he’d been bewitched.

“I told you before, I could lend you more,” Lu Jiuzhang offered.

“Brother Lu, we’re bailiffs. We must mind our reputation,” Wang Yunshan muttered.

Now that they were here, pants nearly off, he was talking about reputation? Ridiculous!

Lu Jiuzhang felt like cursing.

“Well, Brother Wang, you stay here. I’ll go for a walk,” Lu Jiuzhang said, finding little interest in the proceedings and deciding to wander around the Jade Harmony Courtyard.

The establishment was quite large. The front building was for dining, drinking, and enjoying music and dance. Behind, there were guest rooms, and the famous courtesans and some girls had their own secluded courtyards.

“If you want to go, be sure to return soon. Later, Courtesan Muyun will make her appearance. She’s the most popular—only accepts guests once every cycle, and sometimes doesn’t even charge,” Wang Yunshan said.

Not charge? Free? Once per cycle?

How does she make money? Madness!

Lu Jiuzhang thought it pure marketing hype.

Seeing Lu Jiuzhang’s disbelief, Wang Yunshan continued, “It’s not always free; it depends on her mood. If she likes you, she waives the fee. Tonight, many are here just for Courtesan Muyun.”

“Several brothels in Anxi Prefecture have offered huge sums to lure her away, but she refused every time.”

That only confirmed for Lu Jiuzhang that it was all a clever scheme.

“So, who has ever won her favor without paying?” he asked.

“Who else? Your brother, Lu Huaigu!” Wang Yunshan grumbled. “I reckon Lu Huaigu isn’t even as handsome as me. Why does the courtesan always choose him?”

That was a bit exaggerated. Lu Huaigu wasn’t particularly handsome, but compared to Wang Yunshan, he was far better.

No wonder Lu Huaigu often spent nights away from home. Turns out, he was living it up here.

Even if spending the night with the courtesan was free, drinking here still cost money. At his age, he still hadn’t married, spending everything on such pleasures. No wonder he couldn’t afford a bride price.

And to think, he never brought his own brother along. That seemed unjust.

Perhaps his monthly salary only covered his own fun.

“Brother Wang, I’ll return soon,” Lu Jiuzhang replied.

Not for anything else, but to see what this courtesan looked like—why had his brother Lu Huaigu become so enamored?

…

He arrived in the rear courtyard.

A few plum trees grew there, blossoming even in the cold season.

Under the night sky, a small bridge crossed flowing water.

Not far away, the Jade Harmony Courtyard’s pavilion glowed with bright lights.

Through the windows, shadows of people could be seen mingling.

Here, unlike the bustling interior, it was tranquil.

Lu Jiuzhang stood beside the pond, gazing at the starry sky, feeling a sense of melancholy.

He wondered how his elder brother Lu Huaigu would react if he knew he was here.

This was a paradise for men, where countless people laughed and drank away their sorrows.

Yet Lu Jiuzhang recalled his brother who had died young.

Perhaps this was the so-called indifference of human joys and sorrows; he only found their revelry noisy.

Snowflakes drifted from the sky once more.

He wondered when spring would truly arrive.

“Sir, it’s so cold outside. Why not drink inside the pavilion and warm yourself?” a gentle voice sounded behind him.

A woman in white approached, her gown trailing to the ground, a fine silk cloak draped over her shoulders, and a thick shawl of exquisite white silk wrapped around her. Her features were delicate, her brows elegant, eyes bright and teeth white—a natural beauty. Silver butterfly earrings hung from her ears, her dark hair pinned up with a silver hairpin, adding a touch of tenderness and allure.

Such a beautiful woman—what a pity for her to be here.

Lu Jiuzhang couldn’t help but sigh.

“It’s too noisy inside. I wanted some quiet,” he replied.

“Why not come to my residence for a few drinks?” she invited.

“To your room for some peace?” Lu Jiuzhang looked her over again, thoroughly amazed. “I fear I might not find much peace once I’m there!”

“And—how much silver will it cost?”

He was genuinely afraid he wouldn’t be able to resist such temptation. Better to clarify the price now, lest he be embarrassed if she named something extravagant.

“Just a few drinks—no need for silver,” she laughed.

Her every smile seemed to outshine even the blooming plum blossoms.

“Then let’s go now,” he said.

Since it cost nothing, he’d be a fool not to take the offer. A few drinks couldn’t hurt.

Lu Jiuzhang boldly followed her to her residence.

To his surprise, it was a private courtyard—not what he expected.

But it made sense; a beauty like her would attract attention anywhere.

…

Inside the pavilion.

Wang Yunshan waited a long time, but Lu Jiuzhang didn’t return, growing anxious.

Just as Wang Yunshan was about to go looking for him, the madam came out.

“Gentlemen, Courtesan Muyun has chosen her guest for tonight,” she announced with a smile. “But don’t be in a hurry to leave—our Jade Harmony Courtyard has many other girls for you to select.”

“What’s the point? Without Courtesan Muyun, why stay?” someone grumbled.

“Exactly! I came here just for her, and now she’s chosen someone else? Are you kidding me?”

“Let’s go home, wash up, and sleep early.”

…

Hearing this, the crowd lost all interest.

Wang Yunshan and his group also prepared to leave; it was getting late.

“Do you think Lu Jiuzhang, who hasn’t returned, could be Courtesan Muyun’s chosen guest?” one of his colleagues asked.

“Impossible,” Wang Yunshan replied instinctively. “He wouldn’t do that. I trust his character!”

“I agree—it’s unlikely. If Courtesan Muyun really favored him, wouldn’t that be an old cow eating tender grass? Besides, his elder brother Lu Huaigu and Courtesan Muyun already have a complicated relationship. If his younger brother got involved, wouldn’t that make things messy?”

“Exactly! We’ve heard of brothers hunting tigers together, but never brothers sharing affairs—what a joke!”

…

Everyone looked skeptical, convinced Lu Jiuzhang couldn’t possibly be the one.