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墨書 Inktalez
"What? You're calling so many people?" Li Jiancheng quickly waved his hand. "I’ll pass." He then quietly advised Li Yuanji, "Isn’t that enough? Why call so many?"
"Alright! I just wanted to make people envious tonight!" Li Yuanji whispered.
Li Jiancheng was speechless upon hearing this. Why did this fourth brother want to provoke envy? If their identities as princes were exposed, how would they explain themselves to Father? Did he want to drag me down and let Father dethrone me as the crown prince? But that wouldn’t benefit him either; it would only benefit Li Shimin! He shouldn’t be willing to make such a losing deal.
The madam was stunned for a moment before finally regaining her composure. She hurriedly asked Li Jiancheng, "This young master seems unfamiliar; how should I address you?"
"Just call me Young Master Wang," Li Jiancheng replied.
After all, he was the crown prince; he couldn’t reveal his true identity while visiting a brothel. Otherwise, it would scare the girls away! Of course, he wasn’t here for that; this was a secret visit! Li Jiancheng found a perfect excuse for himself.
The madam didn’t think too much about it and said apologetically, "Young Masters Zhang and Wang, I’m truly sorry. We are hosting a poetry gathering tonight, and the girls and rooms are a bit tight..."
Before she could finish her sentence, Li Yuanji took out four hundred taels of silver notes and slapped them onto her hand.
Four hundred taels?
The madam's eyes widened in shock.
Once she regained her senses, the madam excitedly shouted, "Girls, we have clients! Young Masters Zhang and Wang, please follow me to Room One on the second floor!"
"No need!" Li Yuanji quickly waved his hand. "Just find a prominent spot upstairs for me and let the girls come serve. As for Young Master Wang..."
"I'll just sit next to you," Li Jiancheng interrupted him, speaking seriously. "I’m here to enjoy the poetry gathering."
"Alright, let’s do it that way!" Li Yuanji nodded.
With the silver notes paving the way, everything became easy.
The madam soon arranged two large reclining chairs for them on the second floor loft, with four lovely girls bringing fruits and fine wine to serve them.
The two lay there like lords, not even needing to lift a finger to drink.
Life in ancient times was quite enjoyable! Li Jiancheng couldn’t help but feel this way.
However, wouldn’t this make him and Li Yuanji the center of attention today? What exactly was this fourth brother’s intention? Was it really just for fun?
Taking a sip of the fine wine offered by one of the girls, Li Jiancheng tilted his head towards Li Yuanji and asked, "Since tonight is a poetry gathering, what rewards are there for winning?"
Li Yuanji nodded. "Of course there are rewards, though they aren’t substantial. A prize of one hundred taels of silver, plus becoming an honored guest at Qunfang Garden's Oiran."
Most people came here for the latter reason; who really cares about a hundred taels of silver? Of course, some came purely to make an appearance and gain a reputation...
As he spoke, Li Yuanji pointed to several poems hanging on the corridor wall. "Those are the poems left by the Talented Scholars. Only the best poems from the monthly poetry gatherings are qualified to be displayed there."
"Oh, who judges the quality of those poems?" Li Jiancheng continued to ask.
Li Yuanji replied, "Qunfang Garden, Oiran, Dan Bingbing!"
"Ah?" Li Jiancheng was taken aback.
How could the quality of poetry be judged by Qunfang Garden's Oiran? Aren't Oiran usually just beautiful? Would she even understand poetry?
Li Yuanji naturally noticed his elder brother's confusion and quickly explained.
Although Dan Bingbing was a courtesan, she sold her art, not her body. Not only was she stunningly beautiful, but she was also skilled in singing and dancing, as well as in playing musical instruments and calligraphy. She excelled in poetry and literature, making her both a beauty and a talented woman.
Because of this, Dan Bingbing attracted countless scholars and gentlemen. Even though she sold her art and not her body, many took pride in being invited as her guests.
At each poetry gathering, it was Dan Bingbing who set the topics for everyone to compose their poems. In truth, everyone had some measure of literary skill, so Dan Bingbing wouldn't judge arbitrarily. After all, those who attended were all reasonably literate.
After hearing Li Yuanji's explanation, Li Jiancheng couldn't help but be astonished. Was Dan Bingbing truly a top celebrity of early Tang? Why was there no mention of her in historical records?
As the two spoke, attendees for the poetry gathering began to arrive one after another. Among them were not only young talents but also many middle-aged scholars.
Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji sat in the most prominent position on the second floor, surrounded by four of Qunfang Garden's top women serving them. They truly stood out; it would be hard for anyone not to notice them.
Most gazes directed their way were filled with envy and jealousy, though a few looked down on them. Fortunately, the people that the two princes usually interacted with would not come to such a place. Otherwise, if they recognized them, it would surely be shocking.
"Young Master Wang, look at those worthless Talented Scholars; they must be envious of us right now," Li Yuanji said with a smug smile. In this setting, he naturally couldn't call his brother 'big brother.'
"Be a bit more low-key! Do we really need to show off in front of them?" Li Jiancheng was genuinely perplexed today; as princes of the great Tang dynasty, why should they care about what these scholars thought?
Li Yuanji shrugged it off, one arm around a woman while playfully teasing her and enjoying the attentions of another. His demeanor was rather infuriating!
"Look over there; isn't that Prince Qi Li Yuanji? What an attitude he has!"
"Brother, have you mistaken the person? Would a prince really come to a place like this?"
"Indeed, that person’s surname is Zhang. Just think about it, in front of so many people, how could someone so frivolous and disrespectful possibly be a prince?"
Someone downstairs nearly recognized Li Yuanji. Fortunately, they were not acquaintances and dared not confirm. However, their words were laced with mockery and sarcasm directed at Li Yuanji.
Li Yuanji did not mind; he continued to enjoy himself as if nothing were amiss.
"Ding dong..."
At that moment, a clear sound of a guqin suddenly echoed through Qunfang Garden. With the music filling the air, the scene instantly fell silent.
The sound of the guqin was as pure as spring water, producing beautiful melodies that seemed to possess a kind of magic, causing everyone to involuntarily cease their chatter and focus on the enchanting tune. The music was both melodious and profound, sometimes soaring high and passionate, other times soft and gentle. Each note felt meticulously crafted, flowing like celestial sounds. This music was not just an auditory pleasure; it was a stirring of the soul. It seemed capable of penetrating deep within people's hearts, evoking a resonance from their innermost feelings.
In that moment, everyone in Qunfang Garden was captivated by the guqin's sound, immersed in its exquisite music. Their faces radiated joy and intoxication, as if they were transported to a dreamlike world. The melodies flowed like a refreshing spring, nourishing their hearts and allowing them to experience an unprecedented sense of tranquility and beauty.
As the music rose and fell, the atmosphere became increasingly rich. People felt as though they could see the stories and emotions behind the notes, sensing the passion and talent of the performer deep within. This wonderful experience made them forget the passage of time, lost in this eternal music.
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