Chapter 105: Igniting the Entire Venue (Please Subscribe)

The vast majority of the courtesans sang with tears streaming down their faces; their emotions were deeply complex, yet without exception, they were moved by the content of this poem. All previous thoughts and concerns vanished in an instant. At this moment, they only wished to accompany the song, ponder their own thoughts, gaze upon the bright moon, and remember old friends.

However, there was a group who remained unmoved by the melody—Shi Hongchang and some other scholars who had previously mocked the Music Bureau. The chorus of hundreds, even thousands, echoed throughout Wudu, their voices ringing loud and clear, making their faces flush with embarrassment.

“This is impossible. How can there be such a transcendent work?” Though reluctant to admit it, Shi Hongchang, a man of letters, had to acknowledge that this poem far surpassed his own “Autumn Night Moon.”

In fact, his “Autumn Night Moon” and this “Prelude to the Water Melody” were worlds apart, utterly incomparable—like the bright moon in the sky compared to a firefly on the earth—leaving him utterly ashamed of his earlier arrogance.

Especially now, all the courtesans around him were completely absorbed in the song, singing the final lines with heartfelt emotion alongside the Music Bureau’s leading courtesans, no longer paying him any heed.

No one knew how much time passed before the singing finally ceased outside. Yet, for a long while, no one spoke, still lost in the unique atmosphere that had been created.

“Let’s go,” Fang Xian whispered gently, taking Wu Qingluan’s hand. The two quietly slipped away without disturbing anyone in the Music Bureau.

At this point, anyone could imagine that “Prelude to the Water Melody” would spread like wildfire across the land—not only within Wuguo but also among the other four nations. Countless scholars would bow before this masterpiece, and for a long time to come, few would dare attempt to compose similar poetry.

“May I ask if Young Master Fang Xian is present in the Music Bureau? Please come out to meet us.” After some time, a clear voice broke the silence, calling into the Music Bureau.

“We wish to see Young Master Fang Xian.”

“Please, Young Master, come out.”

“Mother Qingmei, please bring out Young Master Fang Xian at once.”

Soon, waves of clamorous voices arose, all demanding to see Fang Xian. Among those calling were candidates attending the imperial examination, officials, literati, and even more courtesans from various brothels.

Even on the largest pleasure boat, Shi Hongchang remained present, but the courtesans around him shouted just as loudly, disregarding his feelings entirely and oblivious to the recent intimacy they had shared.

“All whores are heartless, as their reputation suggests,” Shi Hongchang muttered to himself. After downing a cup of wine, he staggered toward the bow of the boat, boarded the shore via the gangplank, and slipped away quietly.

Although some recognized him, Shi no longer held the exalted status he once did. He had been cast down from his pedestal and become just another passerby, fading into the crowd.

Upon hearing the calls outside, Steward Li hastened to the number one private room on the third floor, feeling both excited and anxious. Excited because Young Master Fang Xian was about to become famous across the land, and the Music Bureau’s prestige would rise accordingly; anxious because the Princess Dowager was present—would Fang Xian dare to show himself?

“Steward, steward!” Below the stairs, Qingmei rushed over excitedly. “It’s a success! We’ve succeeded!”

“Yes, but trouble has also come,” Li replied with a headache.

“What’s wrong? Surely Young Master Fang Xian hasn’t failed to appear today? This is his moment to shine—how could he not come? Which inn is he staying at? Send a carriage immediately to fetch him!” Qingmei urged.

“Fang Xian did come, but he wouldn’t force the issue. He arrived with the Princess Dowager and remains inside the number one private room,” Li explained.

“Then let’s go congratulate him. Perhaps he will be pleased and come out to meet everyone,” Qingmei said eagerly.

The two approached the door of the number one private room with very different feelings—Li worried the Princess Dowager might be displeased, while Qingmei pondered whether to have the Music Bureau’s courtesans try to persuade Fang Xian to stay.

“Your humble servant requests an audience with Your Highness,” Li whispered at the door. He tried three times, but no answer came, not even a sound.

“Steward Li, it seems no one is inside,” Qingmei boldly listened at the door and then pointed inside.

“Your Highness, are you still here?” Li asked again and gently pushed the door open. Inside, the room was indeed empty.

“Did either of you see the distinguished guests leave the number one private room?” Qingmei hurried to the stairwell and asked two servants.

“Mother, they have already left. The two gentlemen said not to inform Steward Li—they took a carriage home on their own,” the servants quickly replied.

“You two fools! If the gentlemen told you not to say anything, shouldn’t you have secretly informed me anyway?” Li scolded furiously, pointing at them.

“Forget it, Steward. Surely the Princess Dowager and Young Master Fang Xian preferred not to appear publicly and chose to leave quietly. We shouldn’t blame them. If the guests inside and those outside knew Fang Xian had been here earlier, there would be chaos,” Qingmei advised.

“Hmm. Go tell everyone that Young Master Fang only sent his poem by messenger. He himself is not in the Music Bureau,” Li decided after some thought.

At this moment, guests and onlookers both inside and outside the Music Bureau were clamoring for Young Master Fang’s appearance. People poured into the Music Bureau, already crowded with guests, filling every table in the main hall, with some willing to stand.

“Please, Young Master, come out and meet us.”

“We want to see Young Master Fang Xian.”

“Come out and have a drink with us, Young Master.”

Amid the shouts, Mother Qingmei hurried to the center of the stage, her face radiant as a chrysanthemum in full bloom. She continually bowed to the guests and then proclaimed loudly:

“Esteemed guests, thank you all for coming to the Music Bureau to witness the birth of a divine masterpiece.

I know everyone’s hearts are stirred, as is mine. I believe that centuries from now, when people speak of Young Master Fang Xian’s ‘Prelude to the Water Melody,’ they will remember tonight’s grand gathering here in the Music Bureau and all who attended.

I too am very eager to meet Young Master Fang Xian, to toast him, and even to cast aside all propriety for a night of passion. Yet, regrettably, he did not come to the Music Bureau tonight.

Young Master Fang is a man who cherishes quiet. He sent us this poem and entrusted the Music Bureau to spread his fame. He asked us to tell you all that he will appear at the imperial examination.”