Chapter 7: Fragrant Painting Boat

  I accompanied the King of Qi as we strolled down the main street, and he asked me about the surrounding scenery with great enthusiasm. Although I wasn't particularly familiar with these places, I could still describe them basically. However, to get to Qinhuai River, we had to pass through the most prosperous Qinhuai Street, where both sides were brightly lit, and all the brothels and taverns had their doors wide open. The doorkeepers stood at the entrance of each establishment, and many of them had beautifully dressed women standing in front, calling out to customers in sweet voices. Our group was quite presentable, especially the King of Qi, who wore a brocade robe and exuded an extraordinary air, just like a noble patron of the brothels. As a result, many doorkeepers and courtesans wanted to come over and entwine us, but I noticed that more than a dozen men in ordinary attire were surrounding us, intentionally or unintentionally pushing those people away and subtly protecting the three of us. These men looked ordinary, but they had sturdy physiques, and their thin clothes couldn't conceal the bulging muscles beneath. As we walked, the dust on the ground seemed to settle around them without dispersing. I realized that these men must be the King's bodyguards. After all, how could a prince venture out without any protection? Since he already had guards, I didn't need to worry about safety anymore. With this in mind, even the embarrassing scenes along the roadside couldn't make me tense up.

  Not long after, we arrived at the Qinhuai River. On this particularly wide river surface, more than a dozen large and small painted boats were moored. Among them, one was exceptionally grand, with bright lights shining, but unlike other painted boats, no sounds of silk, bamboo or string music, nor the sounds of guessing fists and drinking wine came from it. We walked to the riverside, where there were some small speedboats. I shouted at a slender boat girl: "Boatman, take us to the Fragrant Boat!" The boat girl looked up and smiled: "You gentlemen have come too late, I'm afraid the Fragrant Boat is already full of guests today. Don't you see that they've started hanging red lanterns on the boat? That means it's full, and it will set sail soon."

  The King of Qi glared at me in anger, but I calmly said: "We have already booked a room, thank you for the reminder, boatman." The King's expression softened. The three of us boarded the speedboat, and then over a dozen secretly guarding guards also boarded their respective speedboats. The speedboat zigzagged through the river and soon arrived at the front of the pleasure boat. After boarding the pleasure boat, a middle-aged woman with a stunning figure, dressed in bright and fiery colors, warmly welcomed us, smiling before speaking, and greeting us: "Ah, it's actually the champion scholar! I heard that the champion scholar had booked a cabin, but I thought someone was impersonating him. Who doesn't know that Lord Jiang dislikes these pleasure houses?"

  I shifted my gaze from the snowy white on her chest and smiled: "Yan Niang is joking, I'm just a small Hanlin, how can I afford gold and silver to come to this Fragrant Boat? Today, I'm accompanying noble guests to meet Miss Fragrance, Yan Niang should take good care of them." Yan Niang had already seen Li Xian, she was experienced in dealing with people, and as soon as she saw Li Xian, she knew that a rare big customer had arrived. She immediately smiled and welcomed him, curtsying in front of the Prince of Qi: "Noble guest has come from afar, Yan Niang welcomes you late, please forgive me... this is..." Her gaze drifted towards me, and I tactfully said: "This is Mr. Li, this is Mr. Qin." Yan Niang cooed: "Two noble guests, please come in quickly. Today, Miss Fragrance is in a good mood, if you're lucky, you might even get her favor."

  We three were led by Yanniang into a spacious and elegant cabin, while the other guards were led to nearby cabins, each with their own maid. This cabin was exquisitely decorated, with bright lights and a large round table placed near the window. The rest of the space was empty, seemingly for entertainment purposes. On the right side of the cabin, there was a small door with a beaded curtain, behind which appeared to be a bedroom. It seemed that this was indeed a high-end cabin.

  Eight maidens with delicate features stood on either side of the door, helping us remove our cloaks and outer garments. We sat down at the table, all facing the window. The maidens flitted about like butterflies, quickly arranging tea and fine wine on the table. Then, three of the most beautiful maidens sat beside us, with Yanniang originally leaving two empty seats on either side for everyone to enjoy. However, Qin Gongzi, who was stunningly handsome, declined her kindness and sat down beside Qi Wang instead.

  Yanniang, being worldly-wise, didn't show any unusual expression, but I felt a shiver in my heart - could this be real? That Qin Gongzi was a catamite; previously, it had only been speculation, but now I truly felt a chill run down my spine. Qin Gongzi seemed to notice my abnormality and gave me a cold glance, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

  When he turned back around, I finally breathed a sigh of relief and made up my mind that I would definitely find some skilled guards to be by my side in the future. Xiao Shunzi was not free, after all. But where could I find loyal and dedicated bodyguards? Even if such people existed, they wouldn't come to follow the orders of a lowly Hanlin like me.

  We sipped our wine slowly in the company of the maids, waiting for the arrival of the Fragrant Girl. The maids seemed a bit uneasy, no wonder they were, as King Qi was indeed charming and flirtatious, occasionally casting affectionate glances at them. Meanwhile, Qin Gongzi's expression remained icy cold, completely ignoring the maids beside him, and from time to time, he would shoot menacing stares at the maids around King Qi. I simply maintained a polite distance, leaving them flustered and embarrassed. Just as things were getting awkward, the door was pushed open, and a stunningly beautiful woman walked in. The woman's face was as lovely as a landscape painting, with skin so fair and delicate it seemed to glow from within, as if she had just stepped out of a bath. Her raven-black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, and her eyes shone brightly like stars on a clear night. She wore a loose, flowing robe that accentuated her slender yet curvaceous figure, which was considered elegant even among the women of Southern Chu. While her beauty and demeanor were captivating, it was not uncommon to see such qualities in a woman. What was truly rare, however, was the innate, alluring charm that she possessed.

  The woman walked in gently and sat down opposite the three of us, her beautiful eyes shining as she said: "Three noble guests have come to see me for the first time, but I've kept you waiting so long." Her voice was so enchanting that it made our souls melt, and both I and Qin Gongzi couldn't help but blush. Even Qi Wang Li Xian's face showed an unusual expression. The woman's gaze lingered on Qi Wang for a moment before she smiled and said: "I've heard that Your Highness is a rare hero who loves and appreciates beauty, so why are you being so shy today?" I wasn't surprised that Liu Piaoxiang had guessed Li Xian's identity, but I wanted to see how he would react.

  Li Xian was initially surprised, but immediately burst out laughing: "Oh, you're a clever little girl, have you met me before?"

  Liu Piaoxiang saw Li Xian without concealment, and a look of admiration flashed in her eyes. She replied: "Although Your Highness is wearing the attire of Southern Chu, you probably don't like silk shoes, and your feet are still wearing the brocade boots that the noble people of Da Yong love to wear. Moreover, the demeanor and temperament of the king, this period of time, I have long heard that the King of Qi has arrived in Jianye, if Your Highness did not come, it would make Piaoxiang self-pity. It's just that this Jiang Hanlin is a rare sight, if not for accompanying Your Highness, I'm afraid Piaoxiang wouldn't have had the opportunity to see him until now."

  I felt a bit embarrassed, as I had previously received an invitation from Liu Piaoxiang to visit her at the Floating Fragrance Boat, but I had declined due to my empty pockets. Qin Gongzi, who was initially looking at Qi Wang with some annoyance, now smiled and looked at me, seemingly pleased that I had refused Liu Piaoxiang's invitation. I hastily said: "Miss Liu was just joking, how could a humble official like myself have the qualifications to come here?"

  Liu Piaoxiang stood up, elegantly standing up and sitting beside me, holding my arm and saying: "Really, does the Zhuangyuan think that we courtesans don't have a shred of true feelings? Can't I, Liu Piaoxiang, like his talent and devote myself to him?" I almost laughed out loud. If Liu Piaoxiang didn't love money, how would she become the number one courtesan in Jianye? I knew that many high-ranking officials in Jianye were her patrons, but I also heard that Liu Piaoxiang was a strange woman - without millions of wealth, you couldn't get her, and even with wealth and power, it wasn't necessarily possible to get her. The king's uncle, Zhao Delong, had once come to Liu Piaoxiang's boat, wanting to stay overnight, but Liu Piaoxiang didn't like him. No matter how hard he tried to please her, she wouldn't let him stay. In the end, Zhao Delong used his power to pressure her, but Liu Piaoxiang refused to yield, and Zhao Delong had no choice but to leave. Later, someone asked her why she hadn't submitted to Zhao Delong, who was still quite handsome and vigorous despite being over 50 years old. Liu Piaoxiang coldly smiled: "Although I'm a lowly courtesan, I understand what loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness are. That Zhao Delong led his army to defeat in battle because of his own cowardice, but his soldiers fought bravely to save his life. He then repaid their kindness by accusing them of disobeying orders and causing the loss, sentencing them to death. Everyone in South Chu knows about this, but they don't dare criticize him because of his status and power. A man like that is someone even a courtesan like me looks down on." This conversation spread, and everyone looked down on Zhao Delong while looking at Liu Piaoxiang with new eyes. Not long after, Zhao Delong died from depression. Because of this incident, Liu Piaoxiang became famous throughout the land, becoming the number one courtesan in Jianye. In reality, there might not have been anyone stronger than her, but it was just that she was so straightforward and chivalrous.

  At first, I was impressed when I heard about this matter. If I hadn't been short of money to make a gift, I wouldn't have dared to come see her. If I had known earlier that she wouldn't accept my silver, I might have come to visit her long ago. Probably seeing me in a daze, Qin Gongzi looked at me with disdain, and his icy gaze immediately sobered me up, reminding me that I was accompanying Prince Qi. So I lightly withdrew my arm and respectfully said, "Thank you, Fei Xiang, for your appreciation."

  Liu Piaoxiang shot me a furious glance, stood up in anger and walked to the side of Qi Wang Gong, her delicate features and shallow anger rendering us three people speechless. From then on, Liu Piaoxiang didn't look at me again, only chatting and laughing with Qi Wang Gong, occasionally speaking with Qin Gongzi as well. Her tactics were very clever, showing enthusiasm and closeness without being overly so, even the cold Qin Gongzi wore a faint smile.

  Liu Piaoxiang was truly a peerless beauty. After drinking several cups of wine, she stood up and shouted, and from outside came in a green-clad maid, holding various musical instruments, and began to dance amidst the music. Her demeanor was elegant and refined, and that passionate dance, as if burning with life, completely captivated me. And when I saw Liu Piaoxiang's lovely face, I knew she had poured her very soul into the dance. At this moment, I truly fell for her. When Liu Piaoxiang stopped dancing, I saw her looking at me too, our eyes meeting. Liu Piaoxiang suddenly revealed a joyful expression, then walked over to Prince Qi's side and sat down lazily beside him, her languid beauty making one want to immediately take her to bed.

  At this time, Yan Niang walked in and smiled: "It's late at night, please ask Lord Jiang and Master Qin to rest in the adjacent cabin. If you like any of the maids, feel free to invite them to accompany you."

  I felt a bit sour in my heart, so I quickly stood up and bid farewell, asking Prince Qi to rest well. Qin Gongzi was stunned for a moment, then suddenly got up and walked out. I also followed him out quickly.

  I sent the maid away and lay down on the bed in a comfortable but not large cabin, my mind wandering with thoughts of Liu Feixiang's lovely figure. As I listened to the sound of water outside the window, I slowly fell asleep. Just as I was half asleep and half awake, I suddenly felt someone unbuttoning my clothes. My heart skipped a beat - could it be Prince Qi sneaking up on me? I quickly opened my eyes, ready to shout, but instead saw Liu Feixiang's lovely face. My body went limp, and I couldn't call out anymore. When Liu Feixiang saw that I was awake, she smiled sweetly and quickly undressed herself, revealing her delicate and beautiful body. I slowly reached out and hugged her, but hesitated for a moment. "Prince Qi..." I stammered. Liu Feixiang giggled and said, "Don't you know? That Qin Gongzi is actually a woman! We hadn't even taken off our clothes when she couldn't wait any longer and rushed in. I gave the room to them. Chancellor, what are you waiting for?"

  Although I had learned about it, I had never actually been with a woman before, and for a moment I didn't know how to react. Liu Feixiang seemed to sense my hesitation and turned around to hug me. I felt like my head was spinning, and before I knew it, our clothes were gone, and I felt the soft, warm body of the woman wrapped around me. I was completely lost, fully immersed in the experience.

  After I fell asleep in exhaustion, Liu Piaoxiang closed her eyes and rested for a moment before getting up, picking up the clothes that had been thrown on the ground and putting them on. Before long, she summoned two maidservants to come in, who gently helped me bathe and change my clothes. Although I had woken up for a while, I was too lazy to move even half a finger. When I woke up again, I was already lying on a clean bed, wearing fragrant pajamas. Looking at Liu Piaoxiang sleeping beside me, my face turned red and I couldn't speak. Liu Piaoxiang opened her eyes, smiled lightly, and said: "Zhuangyuan Lang, why aren't you happy that this courtesan has taken your virginity?" My face grew even redder, and after a long while, I said: "Will you marry me?" Liu Piaoxiang first laughed mockingly, but seeing my serious expression, she sighed and said: "It's not possible."

  "How much silver is needed? I'll find a way." I asked anxiously.

  Liu Piaoxiang smiled and said: "No, I've already earned enough silver coins to redeem my freedom."

  I said gloomily: "So, you won't marry me, is it because I'm not qualified?"

  Liu Piaoxiang asked in surprise: "You are a Hanlin scholar, even if I marry you as a concubine, it will not affect your official career. Do you really want to take me as your wife?"

  I said calmly, "So what's the relationship, I can just resign from my official position anyway. I'm not very keen on being an official either. These few years, I've managed to save up a bit, buying a few hundred acres of land is still possible. It's just that... I'm afraid you won't like this simple and poor life."

  Liu Piaoxiang revealed a faint, unintentional smile and said: "I know you're sincere, and without any hesitation. I've met countless people, and originally had the intention of settling down, but when I earned enough silver, I suddenly thought, who could I marry? Those self-proclaimed elegant rascals only make me disgusted with their faces, while honest good men are too dull and uninteresting. Although there were a few people who won my heart, whenever I think about marrying them and being abandoned like a worn-out shoe when I grow old and lose my beauty, it sends shivers down my spine. Sigh... Today, seeing you, you truly appreciate my dance skills, I can tell, you know how much effort I put into mastering the art of dance. So I'm offering myself to you, fortunately, you're a sincere gentleman who treats me with kindness, but it's not possible, Piaoxiang has a frivolous nature, unsuitable for being a wife and mother. I'm like a swallow from Jiangnan, fond of luxury, fond of freedom, and can't be locked up in a cage again. Jiang Lang, in the future, Piaoxiang may see all sorts of men, but remember, the one she loves most is you, don't despise Piaoxiang, occasionally come visit me, okay?"

  My heart ached, I could hear that Liu Piaoxiang was speaking from the bottom of her heart, without any deceit. Such an extraordinary woman, really no man can keep her. Holding her slender hand, he said: "Piaoxiang is famous in the capital, Jiang Zhe has a small official position, if we often meet, it's inevitable to cause trouble. Today we part ways, although not forever, it's also hard to see each other again. Piaoxiang, Piaoxiang, let's forget each other in the world, it's better than being together but apart. If we meet again in the future, don't think of me as a passerby."

  Liu Piaoxiang's slender body trembled, she knew the young man's intentions, he wouldn't be satisfied with secretly meeting her, if he couldn't marry her as his wife, he wouldn't come looking for her again in the future, but she was already content, in a life of fake emotions and pretenses, she finally received a true feeling.

  When I walked out of the cabin, I saw a satisfied King Qi and Qin Gongzi with a red face, who didn't dare to see me. He respectfully said: "Your Highness, let's go back to the station to rest early." King Qi looked at me and smiled: "How was it? Did you have a wonderful time last night?"

  I wondered if he knew that I was with Piaoxiang. I just smiled faintly, with a mysterious expression. The King of Qi looked at me suspiciously, it seemed that he had been busy picking flowers last night, and his guards should also be in the wind. As I stepped onto the riverbank, I couldn't help but look back, where Piaoxiang's painted boat was extremely quiet, and my first love was buried there.

  After sending off Qi Wang and the others, I hastily returned to my residence. On the table, there was a note that read: "Last night's wind was swift and lively, but I didn't know someone was watching from the side. Qi Wang is a person whose heart is unpredictable. The one who was monitoring him has already been taken care of."

  My hand trembled, Xiao Shunzi was indeed loyal and devoted, but I didn't know what virtue or ability I had to deserve such treatment from him.

  At this moment, inside the post house, Prince Qi's face was as cold as water, and a guard with a shameful expression stood under the steps. Prince Qi said coldly: "You said you didn't monitor Jiang Zhe, why?" The guard replied in a panic-stricken tone: "Your Highness, I beg for forgiveness, originally I was ordered to monitor Jiang Zhe from the opposite cabin, but somehow I suddenly fell asleep." Prince Qi's expression became even more severe, yet he didn't blame him and only told him to go down.

  The man sitting next to him, Qin Gongzi, said calmly: "I've already checked, he's been acupunctured. To be able to acupuncture his穴道 in such a small space without being detected, this person's martial arts skills are at least above mine." Qi Wang said doubtfully: "But I think Jiang Zhe doesn't know martial arts, could it be that he has already reached the state of reversing the jade and returning to reality?" Qin Gongzi slightly furrowed his brow, thinking for a long time before saying: "In today's world, only three people have reached that state: our family's master, Shaolin Temple's Ci Zhen elder, and Mo Men's sect leader Jing Wuji. Jiang Zhe is still so young, I absolutely don't believe he can reach that state." Qi Wang said thoughtfully: "Second brother and Liang Wan both told me to pay attention to this Jiang Zhe, at first I didn't think much of it, but after seeing him the other day, I felt that this person was unfathomable. Last night's events have made me even more puzzled... The talented young men of South Chu are indeed extraordinary, fortunately, fortunately, this person is hiding his light and nurturing his spirit, seemingly not yet becoming an obstacle for us."

  Qin Gongzi lowered his head and said: "If you think he's a nuisance, I can help you."

  Li Xian shook his head and said: "Such a person, how can we kill him easily? Moreover, we may not succeed." After that, dazzling light flashed in his eyes.