Chapter 102: The Flower Boat Blocks the Gate (Please Subscribe)

Fang Xian peered through the corner of the curtain that Wu Qingluan had lifted and gazed out at the bustling scene. Listening to the lively commotion, he smiled and said to Wu Qingluan, “As expected of Wudu, the capital of our Wu Kingdom—it is far livelier and more prosperous than the other prefectures. It seems there are even more people out at night than during the day.”

“During the day, most common folk are busy with their livelihoods. Only at night do they have time to take walks with their families or buy daily necessities. In the earlier years, Wudu enforced a curfew, and after dark, it was like a ghost town. It was only after the emperor ascended the throne that the curfew was lifted, allowing Wudu to flourish ever more,” Wu Qingluan nodded in explanation.

“I hope this era of peace and prosperity lasts a long time, so the people can enjoy a stable life. If the five kingdoms ever go to war, I fear such good days will come to an end,” Fang Xian sighed.

“Indeed. The more splendid things appear, the more likely they are to be on the verge of disaster, like oil on a raging fire. Signs of chaos are already evident; I fear the people of all five kingdoms will be affected. Our Wu Kingdom is especially vulnerable, caught among the other four, the most dangerous position of all. But even though everyone knows this, what can we do about it?” Wu Qingluan said with a hint of helplessness.

“Enough of such gloomy talk. Since you secretly brought me here, surely it isn’t just to visit a brothel and drink, is it?” Fang Xian joked, trying to shift the mood.

“We’re not going to a brothel to drink. We’re going to the Music Bureau to listen to some songs. I’ve already arranged for your ‘Shui Diao Ge Tou’ to be copied and sent to the Music Bureau. Tonight, their top courtesans will perform this piece. It has attracted all the literati and scholars in Wudu. How could we possibly miss such excitement?” Wu Qingluan finally revealed the reason for bringing Fang Xian out.

“Alright, let’s go listen then. I want to see if the literati here appreciate this work, and whether it can truly become famous throughout the land,” Fang Xian said with a smile. In truth, he wasn’t particularly interested, but since Wu Qingluan liked it, he would accompany her.

Fang Xian did not have to wonder long. This piece would surely spread far and wide, perhaps even throughout the country. However, no one would suspect it was his work, as he was currently using the name Fang Mingda at the medical clinic.

Their carriage stopped beside the side entrance of the Music Bureau. The short and stout steward Li, having received notice in advance, was already waiting respectfully to greet the princess: “Your humble servant pays respects to the two young gentlemen.”

Li had served in the palace for many years and naturally recognized Wu Qingluan. Seeing her dressed in men’s clothing, he understood she wished to conceal her identity and thus addressed her as “young gentleman.”

As for Fang Xian, who had come with the princess, Li did not inquire about his identity; anyone accompanying the princess was an honored guest at the Music Bureau.

“Steward Li, this is Young Master Fang,” Wu Qingluan introduced him. Li’s eyes lit up instantly, recalling the author of the poem, Fang Xian.

“Greetings, Young Master Fang,” Li said respectfully, even though he did not know Fang Xian’s background.

“Steward Li, you are too courteous. I am Fang Xian. Pardon the intrusion tonight,” Fang Xian returned the greeting with a slight bow.

“Master Wu, Master Fang, please follow me,” Li said as he personally led them to the reception hall of the Music Bureau, straight up to the third floor’s premier private room—Room Number One. It was the most luxurious suite in the entire establishment.

“This is the best seat. The courtesans’ performances are on the stage directly opposite, so the view here is perfect,” Wu Qingluan, clearly no stranger to the place, explained with a smile.

At that moment, Li excused himself to attend to other distinguished guests, while an unending stream of maidservants brought various pastries, fruits, and fine wines, then left the space to the two of them.

Fang Xian wandered a few steps within the room and realized the location was indeed excellent. Inside, they had a direct view of the stage where the courtesans performed; outside the window, one could see the Qingyue River and the scene outside the Music Bureau’s main gate.

Outside the bureau, carriages blocked several streets, and on the Qingyue River, various ornate pleasure boats floated by, creating a festive atmosphere.

“Is the Music Bureau always this lively every night? And what about the other brothels? Do most people in Wudu really come to the riverside at night?” Fang Xian asked, both amazed and puzzled.

“Tonight is the Music Bureau’s bi-monthly debut of new songs and the day they re-rank their top courtesans. People present flowers to each courtesan based on their interpretation and performance of the new pieces. The rankings are determined by who receives the most flowers.

“The other famous brothels along the Qingyue River also hold similar events, but their times are staggered, so there’s no conflict. Usually, only regular patrons or visitors come by; it’s not as lively as tonight,” Wu Qingluan explained.

“Throughout history, the relationship between literati and brothels has always been mutually beneficial. Many scholars gained fame through brothels; many courtesans became legends through their associations with poets. I wonder what romantic tales of this era will be passed down through the ages?” Fang Xian mused.

“You’re a scholar yourself, but why aren’t you interested in brothels? Normally, young scholars like to frequent them, weaving beautiful stories with the courtesans and making their names known far and wide,” Wu Qingluan asked with curiosity.

“I do wish to become famous, but not through the songs of courtesans. I prefer to spend my limited time healing the sick. One day, the name of the greatest divine doctor in the land will be written heavily in the annals of history,” Fang Xian replied with a smile.

At that moment, a sudden commotion erupted outside on the Qingyue River. Fang Xian caught someone shouting, “Young Master Shi is here! Young Master Shi has arrived!”

The two approached the window and peered out to see a grand, splendidly decorated pleasure boat slowly making its way forward, followed by seven or eight smaller boats. At each boat’s window stood several elaborately dressed courtesans.

Some extended their arms, their sleeves sliding down to reveal pale, slender arms; others held colorful scarves, waving them to the crowds along the riverbank and across the river, eliciting waves of cheers.

The magnificent large boat glided to a halt in front of the Music Bureau’s main gate on the river, with the other boats linking up behind it to gradually fill the entire river surface.

The Qingyue River was over thirty zhang wide, with shops lining both banks. Stone railings bordered the river, and a growing crowd of mostly men gathered along the shore.

After the boats docked, planks were placed between the riverbank and the boats. Young scholars, merchants, and officials began boarding the various pleasure boats.

The shops along the riverbank blazed with light, while lanterns on the boats flickered and swayed, their reflections shimmering on the Qingyue River. The entire scene was dazzling and vibrant, making the riverside extraordinarily lively.