The air stilled for a moment.
The person beside her hesitated briefly.
“Mm,” he murmured softly.
A tautly strung chord, tense for years, unexpectedly slackens.
Thus with eyes shut she slowly leans into him. Her head comes to rest feather-light upon his shoulder, soft hair brushing his earlobe, stirring a gentle breeze.
A wisp of plum blossom fragrance wafts to her nose. She inhales deeply for a spell before swiftly falling asleep.
Aware of his chill he pulls over the brazier, placing it by her hand. Yet she drowsily pushes it away, keeping only to his shoulder as she forbids any separation.
“Miss Jiang Xiaoman,” he sounds both exasperated yet amused.
But she already slumbers. Peaceful as a napping kitten, cheeks contentedly smushed. Utterly helpless he obediently remains seated, permitting the young lady to doze pillowed against his shoulder.
Amidst the merrily crackling coal flames, cozy warmth slowly permeates inch by inch.
He turns to watch her, smiling wordlessly to himself.
“I’m tired too,” he whispers faintly.
Rain patters on the bookshop eaves in the early morn.
A flowering apricot abruptly blooms. Petals swirl down amidst the rainfall, floating atop the shallow flooded street.
The late autumn night turns unseasonably warm. Folk sayings term such weather the “October mini spring”. After autumn showers temperatures abruptly climb. Confused by this false spring the budding trees lining the roads burst into premature blossoms overnight, every bough suddenly cloaked white.
Jiang Kui pushes open the window only for a spray to splash her face.
She gets yanked back and forcibly sat upon the cushion. With a flick of his finger against her forehead he raps sharply, forcing her eyes shut. A amused voice sounds by her ear, “Get back here and sit properly.”
“Hurry it up.” She snaps impatiently.
Zhu Zi’an takes the seat opposite her. Unwinding the white hemp cloth from his hands, he gently grasps her face. Tilting it until meeting his eyes directly, he commences transforming her appearance.
After resting overnight they now embark towards Pingkang ward to rescue the kidnapped Cold White Junk. Their pleasure district destination requires disguising Jiang Kui as a handsome young nobleman about town.
His icy fingers swiftly dance across her features as if a passing breeze. When she opens her eyes again he has already re-wrapped both hands. Bowing his head with a smile he asks, “All done. Fetch a mirror to take a look?”
Jiang Kui examines her altered appearance in the bronze mirror. It is a boyish face — delicate featured with gently curving brows and eyes. Fair as white jade skin coupled with ink black eyes. Her innate looks still faintly discernible – proud beauty nestled amidst rich blossoms, akin to a keen sword sheathed among flowers.
She suddenly sighs wistfully, “If I was born male, no doubt able to become a general or minister, lead soldiers to slay enemies right?”
“You can still accomplish as much as woman.” Zhu Zi’an nods seriously before circling around to stand behind her. Casually he asks, “Help tie up your hair?”
“Go ahead.” She answers lazily, too incompetent and lazy at styling her own locks.
He sits down and gathers together her long tresses, piling them high atop her head to reveal a slender snow-white nape usually hidden. Slowing when removing the red jade pin amidst the dark strands, his eyes crinkle into a faint smile. “Still wearing this I see.”
“It’s so pretty, why wouldn’t I?” She retorts casually.
“Can’t argue with that logic.” He smiles lightly while finishing her hair. The red jade pin is reinserted at an angle, striking against the black. Steps back he looks her outfit up and down then remarks, “What a foppish young nobleman.”
“Must you tack on that ‘foppish’ descriptor?” She snorts.
He laughs once while clapping her shoulder. “Wait here.” Then swiftly descends to the lower floor. Soon he returns upstairs with a bundle of white clothes that he lobs towards her from the doorway. “Change into this.”
Jiang Kui frowns, discovering this male round-collared robe unexpectedly matches her measurements perfectly. Leveling him an accusing glare she demands, “No need for you to disguise?”
“Me?” Zhu Zi’an blinks blankly. “Without costumes my frequent patronage is guaranteed.”
Her expression clouds over at his admission.
Sensing his blunder Zhu Zi’an swiftly explains solemnly, “I have proper business there. An information network exists in Pingkang ward. My presence relates to regular negotiations.”
Utterly seriously he emphasizes, “I am an upright gentleman.”
Jiang Kui’s look radiates skepticism. He heaves a faint sigh, removing a white fur cloak tucked in the crook of his arm. Approaching from behind he drapes it over her shoulders. She immediately tries shrugging it off while twisting around to glare poisonously at him. “What’s this? I’ll get too hot.”
“Best to stay bundled up.” Zhu Zi’an seems rather helpless. “Even with disguise some at Pingkang will identify your feminine figure. This wardrobe paired with exquisite makeup could lead many astray after all.”
“So you actually frequent this place.” She states flatly.
“Fine… I do.” He sighs and turns to face her. “But there is one last thing.”
Wariness enters her tone. “What is it?”
He holds up a finger before her brows. “Remember your promise to me—avoiding injury.”
“Hmph.” She looks away with a twist of her lips.
Outside the bookshop entrance he unfurls an oiled paper umbrella. Leading her into the misty morning drizzle along the street lined by flowering trees, petals spiral down from the swaying boughs, silently blanketing their heads.
To reach the brothels of Pingkang ward, take the third alley east from the northern entrance. The famed courtesans congregate at this spot.
Within Pingkang reside over a hundred pleasure houses alongside three thousand beauties. Among them ‘Gazing at the Moon’ tower reigns most prominent.
Despite its moniker ‘Gazing at the Moon’, what enthralls are not the celestial orbs but admired beauties as luminous as the moon. Deemed a ‘tower’, the premises are not housed within a single tower, instead an expansive manorial complex – comprising adjoining towers amidst an emerald lake and endless flowering pavilions. Myriad bewitching beauties peek from windows left tantalizingly ajar.
Outside the grounds extends a wide avenue densely lined with parasol trees. Stirred by winds, golden coins rain pattering down the yellowed path.
In delicate misting rain, a carriage with emerald canopy and snowy white steeds halts at the entrance.
The hemp-clothed attendant hastily hurries forward at the sight of two young noblemen disembarking – one in green, one in white.
The gentleman in green alights first, casually tucking his folded fan through his sash. Head craning back he surveys the adjoining towers overhead then turns and extends a hand. Bandages swathe his palm as it stretches up to catch the slim one peeking from within the carriage.
That proffered hand gleams smooth and fair as lustrous jade, the touch undoubtedly leaving one instinctively breathless.
The attendant instantly comprehends the prestigious status of his guests. Bowing and scraping obsequiously he then stands ready to one side. The gentleman in green amicably nods before guiding out the one dressed in white.
Garbed in pristine white round-collared robes topped with an snowy ermine cloak, this second youth appears even fairer than snow itself. Clear-cut facial features seem simultaneously beautiful yet sharp like an unsheathed blade. As if a luminous gemstone nestled amidst rich blossoms, with a mesmerizing androgynous allure.
The attendant’s gaze lingers but a heartbeat on that countenance before hastily shifting away, unable to withstand such compelling features. For he thinks even the most renowned beauty or accomplished temptress pales in comparison now.
Still oblivious towards others’ perspective on her transformed mien, Jiang Kui examines the surrounding extravagantly ornamented towers with keen interest. Fancying what exquisite stunners lie within reach. She comments sideways to Zhu Zian, “First time visiting somewhere like this.”
Zhu Zi’an’s back faces her as he murmurs softly, “Hopefully the last time too.”
The attendant lights his way with a small lantern. Guiding them into a shadowy corridor saturated by an indistinct floral fragrance at its end a dim light beckons.
Stepping forth they emerge onto a vista. An expanse of emerald waters fringed by towers and arched bridges stretches before them. Amidst the mist-wreathed midst soars a central waterside pavilion. Beauties both demure and bewitching fill the linked terraces and overhanging galleries, forsythia chatter drifting like a painting’s scrolling illustration.
This picturesque scenery intentionally built to overwhelm the senses through careful design. The dark claustrophobic approach first dampens hopes. Then subtly heady fragrances stroke yearnings. Spilling into such resplendent grandeur few remain unaffected without hearts pounding in captivation and delight.
Sneaking a peek, the attendant notes one guest’s indifferent composure while the other ogles the scene with undisguised curiosity.
This constitutes Jiang Kui’s inaugural glimpse of such daring feminine attire and lavish settings. Although current court ladies’ dresses seem revealing enough, these courtesans parade even more brazenly. Gossamer ribbons across barely-there silks hint at creamy translucent skin. Flamboyantly dissolute young men surround them in besotted stupors, floating through some decadent spell.
Zhu Zian presses both hands against her temples to twist her head forward. “Don’t look,” he admonishes severely.
“Why on earth not?” She exclaims loudly.
“We’ve proper business.” Zhu Zi’an snorts back curtly.
He slips the attendant a tip in broken silver. A smiling procuress soon bustles over, catching sight of him. Surprise stirs subtly within her gaze. “Well, quite some time since your last visit. Finally decided to grace us again Master Zhu?”
Overhearing, Jiang Kui resents Zhu Zi’an fiercely for restricting her observation yet boldly indulging himself.
He ignores her grumbling. Greeting the matron politely he requests, “The usual private chamber please.”
The procuress pauses at sight of Jiang Kui and asks, “This esteemed….?”
“A companion.” Zhu Zi’an smiles. “Please send up two servings of my regular fare.”
The matron guides them atop the lake towards the raised central pavilion. At the highest level she slides open the door to reveal a discrete chamber in unexpected tasteful elegance. Bamboo panels divide the walls. Woven straw mats cover the floor. A squat little bucket vase tilts in one corner, its single stately orchid cradling a dewdrop upon a pristine petal — the sole adornment.
After the attendant sets the refreshment tray down and exits on bended knees, stillness suffused only by the subtle fragrance of tea remains. Zhu Zi’an watches Jiang Kui heave a deep sigh. “Now do you believe my claims? Frequent visits truly only for business matters without… indulging in unsavory spectating?”
“Hmph.” Jiang Kui looks away stubbornly. “Your affairs fail to concern me.”
Zhu Zi’an chuckles once before striding up to yank the windows open. Below, the muted sounds of chatter drift upwards like tidal waves. From their vantage both survey the to and fro streams along terraces. Their previously easeful gazes gradually turn solemn and focused.
Seeking someone hidden amongst them.
Of the kidnappers holding Cold White Junk, one unwisely revealed himself long enough for Zhu Zi’an’s informants to tail him here. The man being a dissolute regular gambling addict and lech at this pleasure tower from some Beggars’ Sect branch.
After verification Jiang Kui and Zhu Zi’an determine Cold White Junk imprisoned within these pleasure grounds. Successfully locating then interrogating that playboy may unearth clues to her whereabouts.
“There.” After prolonged watching Jiang Kui singles out their mark.
Beneath a silken canopy a man in purple largely sprawls, guzzling wine flanked on both sides by a beauty. His loose robes part to reveal a saber — likely his weapon, with a hands-width thick long heavy build left bare dangerously.
“We must avoid stirring him to arms, or risk spooking our prey.” Zhu Zi’an scrutinizes the blade from afar.
“Let me try first.” Jiang Kui’s voice drops lower. “Wait here for me.”
Bundled within the fur coat she descends from the terrace towards the bank. Sashaying up the debauched man, a sudden tinkle of laughter drifts over. “Would milord spare a moment to talk?”
When her pleasant voice interrupts his besotment amidst feminine warmth, he turns to behold a vision of flawless white jade. Ebony tresses sweep up above an eye-catching red jade hairpin accentuating allure.
Although well-versed in beauty able to discern the lithe form wrapped in those furs undoubtedly female…bizarrely yet exquisitely garbed as a young nobleman. Irresistible appeal ensnares his heart completely.
This peerless vision bends near, blooming smile faint yet intoxicating. Golden rays slant through her crimson parasol to softly illuminate blushing cheeks. Delicate soft words tempt beguilingly— “Does milord disdain my company?”
“Indeed! Indeed!” Finding former female companions suddenly bland and tasteless, the playboy can’t tear his riveted gaze from drinking in her sight. Convinced this constitutes the madam coercing money through some novel scheme, nevertheless for a smile from this ethereal vision he would readily squander fortunes without regret.
The exquisite creature titters once. A single raised finger presses down his straying hand towards that menacing weapon. Her murmured words ghost enticingly by his ear, “I fear such things… please refrain from drawing steel.”
“Your wish is my command!” Already uncaring of all else he brusquely shoves aside the two women to tail this ephemeral beauty along the bank towards the central waterside pavilion. Step by step they ascend until the highest peak.
The carved wooden panels slide open. A tense youth stands within to greet them both poker-faced. Startled, the debauched man stills blankly.
Just as Jiang Kui prepares flipping up the long robe’s hem for the Willow Leaf saber strapped against her calf, Zhu Zi’an abruptly wrenches her back. Even fussing by tugging her fur cloak tighter.
Right before her Zhu Zi’an forcefully drags their stunned captive inside. A resounding slam leaves her standing wordlessly behind the partition.
“I’ll handle interrogation.” His muffled yet steely voice states flatly through the doors.
Swaddled still in the cumbersome coat, Jiang Kui lingers bewilderedly outside. This marks the first inkling over Zhu Zi’an’s astonishing strength.
She waits awhile. Initially vague dull thuds sound within followed by lengthy silence. Pressing ears against the panels yield no clues over his methods.
After an age the carved doors slowly creak open. Zhu Zian’s stormy expression stalks out before obstructing her from peeking inside. He firmly pulls it shut again then swivels to inform her bluntly, “Got the intel, let’s go.”
His lips are clenched thin, chin lifted so sharply it appears on the verge of spearing the skies.
“Why do you look so cross?” She blinks up at him.
Another irate nasal grunt issues from him. “That Willow Leaf Green Snake sword of yours. Henceforth banned from using it.”
“You dare order me around?” Still fuming as she matches his footsteps Jiang Kui only recalls halfway through their descent — how did Zhu Zi’an even know about the saber concealed in her robes?!
That garrulous little rat… Internally cursing Zhu Zi’an for prying such private matters out of the physician.
Along lengthy winding cloisters they drift into eerie deserted hallways. Oddly unimpeded the entire way as if granted full run of the complex. Only the sconces’ crackling flames accompany their echoing footsteps throwing elongated dancing shadows.
Halting before an iron portal Jiang Kui unleashes a palm strike.
The rusted panel creaks open effortlessly.
Wan light reveals a darkened cellar. All that furnishes the desolate space — a single wooden chair. Tied securely atop sits an unconscious petite girl, complexion ashen from torpor.
“Cold White Junk!” Jiang Kui rushes over to unbind her.
Soon as both cross the threshold, furtive shuffling noises close in. The previously empty room abruptly swarms with black-clad figures sealing all exits tightly around them.
The muted twangs of bowstrings and metallic rasp of unsheathing blades resound hollowly within the barren cellar, akin to a dirge of encroaching ghosts seeking their next victims for recruitment…
Zhu Zi’an places himself squarely before the two girls. Flicking back wide sleeves he holds himself at the ready. With another nonchalant flick, the folded fan tucked in his waist sash falls into waiting fingers clutching its base. The gesture resembles less a casual courtier toying his accessory but more a lethal swordsman poised to draw sharp steel.
“Indeed, you are here to kill me.” He lightly said.
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