Chapter Thirty-Four: Xiaoxiang Pavilion

"Young Master Lin, Young Master Yang, tonight is the day Zeng Yiling of the Xiao Xiang Pavilion leaves the stage. I suppose you are both here to listen to her ethereal music as well," Li Congjia said, having finished making introductions. He invited the two to join him at the pavilion, his manner easy and familiar.

Though Yang Lian’s curiosity was piqued, he found it rather pointless—a woman who performed but did not sell herself was no different to him than a celebrity from later times. What was so special about that? He declined, "I have matters to attend to and must take my leave. I hope you will forgive me, Young Master Li." He glanced at Lin Renzhao, who seemed equally inclined to return home.

Li Congjia hurriedly interjected, "Young Master Lin, Zeng Yiling only performs once every half month—tonight is a rare opportunity not to be missed! With your literary talent, you could easily win the lady’s favor."

Lin Renzhao hesitated, looking to Yang Lian. "Perhaps we should go and have a look, Brother Yang."

Yang Lian considered it. If he returned, he would only sleep. Besides, what kind of charm did this Zeng Yiling possess to drive so many into a frenzy? His curiosity awakened, he relented, "Very well, let’s go and see."

The group made for Xiao Xiang Pavilion. Along the way, they passed many hurrying in the same direction. From their conversations, it was clear they too were headed to the pavilion. Some even carried bouquets, approaching with a reverence that left Yang Lian speechless. The decadent habits of Southern Tang had apparently reached such extremes—a mere courtesan or performer could drive so many people mad with devotion. It was unfathomable.

They soon drew near the pavilion—it had taken only the time to burn half a stick of incense. From afar, the pavilion shone brilliantly, lit by more candles than Yang Lian could count. The sounds of strings and pipes drifted out, easing the mind.

Xiao Xiang Pavilion spanned a vast area, nearly a tenth of the entire ward. Clearly, its proprietor was exceedingly wealthy. As they approached, Yang Lian saw two lanterns hanging by the entrance, their candlelight illuminating the surroundings as if it were daylight. Two men in blue stood at the door, checking those who entered. Yang Lian observed someone hand something to them; after inspection, the men returned it and let the guest in.

Yang Lian thought, isn’t this much like an admission ticket in later times? He and Lin Renzhao had none, so surely they’d be denied entry.

Li Congjia seemed to read his mind. With a chuckle and a wave, the boy behind him produced several exquisitely printed invitations, adorned with the words "Xiao Xiang Pavilion" and an image of a dancing woman. Clearly, great care had gone into their design.

Li Congjia drew out two invitations and handed them to Lin Renzhao. "Here are two more."

The boy sighed. "Alas, I can’t go in."

Li Congjia tapped him on the head with his fan, "What do you know of music? Just stay out here quietly tonight."

The boy covered his head in silent grievance, casting a resentful look at Yang Lian.

Young Master Zhou reached out with a fair hand, took an invitation, and signaled for his own attendant to remain outside, then walked ahead.

Yang Lian accepted his invitation without ceremony. Lin Renzhao took one as well, and the four approached the entrance. The men in blue carefully examined their invitations, returned them respectfully, and allowed the group inside.

The interior was packed. On stage, several women were dancing, their movements dazzling to the eye.

Li Congjia had reserved a small private box on the second floor, affording a clear view of the first floor’s festivities. Zeng Yiling had not yet appeared, and the whole place was crowded—corridors and stairwells so packed that each step was a struggle.

"There are more people here than at the market," Yang Lian muttered inwardly.

At that moment, a young man with several attendants strode over. He was burly, barging through the crowd. Had Yang Lian not dodged quickly, he would have been knocked aside. The man stopped before Li Congjia and demanded, "Sixth Brother, what are you doing here?"

Li Congjia, previously calm as he conversed with Young Master Zhou, jumped in fright at the sight of the newcomer. "B-big brother, what brings you here?" As soon as he spoke, realization dawned—who in Jinling did not know his elder brother pined for Zeng Yiling? Yet the affection of the prince was unrequited, his deep feelings flowing away like water. His brother’s presence here carried its own significance. Li Congjia had only wanted a glimpse of Zeng Yiling himself, forgetting his brother might also appear, and now felt rather awkward.

His brother’s face darkened. "Who brought you here? This is not a place for you."

Li Congjia, gentle by nature, looked helplessly at Young Master Zhou as his brother pressed him.

Young Master Zhou blushed, lowering his head and saying nothing.

The man’s suspicion grew. He scrutinized Zhou, his face falling. "You? You have even less reason to be here."

Yang Lian watched coldly, arms folded. He now knew the man’s identity. Lin Renzhao, however, was confused and asked, "My good man, even if this is a place of pleasure, if you can come, why can’t he?"

The man’s brows shot up, his eyes blazing. "And who are you to meddle in my family’s affairs?"

"In all things, reason prevails," Lin Renzhao replied, enunciating each word, refusing to back down.

"Hmph! You’d best keep your distance, or I’ll cut you down where you stand." The man was thoroughly arrogant. At his words, his attendants stepped forward, glaring menacingly at Lin Renzhao.

Lin Renzhao tensed, fists clenched, arms slightly raised, ready to fight at any moment.

"Brother, please—they are my guests," Li Congjia pleaded.

"Silence! I’ll deal with you later," his brother growled, eyes bulging with such ferocity that it was hard not to shrink away.

"Well, well," Yang Lian clapped sarcastically from the side. "So officials may set fires, but commoners may not light their lamps. At least now we have the perfect explanation."

Li Congjia’s brother and the others stared, not understanding Yang Lian’s meaning—he spoke out of habit, forgetting the saying did not yet exist.

The man’s gaze sharpened, murderous. "Anyone who utters another word will be thrown out."

"Today is Zeng Yiling’s coming-out performance. If anyone causes trouble, surely she will not allow it?" Yang Lian narrowed his eyes, fixing him with an unflinching gaze.

Their eyes met, sparks flying—each felt the other’s pressure, and if looks could kill, both would have died a hundred deaths. A mocking smile played on Yang Lian’s lips, further enraging his opponent.

"Seeking death!" the man growled, and with a wave, his men surged forward, surrounding Yang Lian and Lin Renzhao.

"Relying on numbers, are you?" Yang Lian’s smile remained mocking, as if saying, “You’re not up to it.”

Young Master Zhou shrank back in fear. Li Congjia, at a loss, could only plead, "Brother, please don’t cause trouble here."

"I’ll deal with you later. For now, keep your mouth shut!" his brother sneered, shoving Li Congjia so hard he nearly fell.

A fight seemed imminent, when suddenly a girl dressed as a maid hurried over. Her face was veiled, concealing her features. She coughed softly, then said, "Young Master Li, your status may be high, but in Xiao Xiang Pavilion, it is best not to stir up trouble."

Yang Lian was taken aback—the influence of Xiao Xiang Pavilion was not to be underestimated. He couldn’t help but look more closely at the girl. Sensing his gaze, she lowered her eyes and bowed slightly to him before continuing, "Miss Zeng says that if you cause trouble again, you will never be welcome in Xiao Xiang Pavilion." This, she directed at Li Congjia’s brother.

It was an effective maneuver. The man’s face changed at her words. He glared venomously at Yang Lian, then addressed the maid, "Very well, since tonight is Miss Zeng’s special night, I’ll let it go for her sake." With a snort, he stormed off, his entourage swaggering after him. Guests hastily made way, fearful of offending him.

Yang Lian watched his retreating figure, a flash of coldness in his eyes. This was his first encounter with the man since arriving in Jinling, and things had gone poorly indeed. If they met again, it would likely be as enemies. So be it. The man was no friend to Prince Qi, while Yang Lian was close to the prince. Should the man learn of this, he would surely harbor even greater enmity.

Lin Renzhao, still unaware of the man’s identity, simmered with indignation.

Li Congjia collected himself and, seeing Young Master Zhou still shaken, reassured him, "Don’t worry, Zhou. My brother was only trying to frighten us."

"But will we still get to see Miss Zeng perform tonight?" Zhou asked anxiously.

"Of course," Li Congjia laughed, feigning nonchalance, though inwardly he reflected, "At worst I’ll be punished, but if it pleases Zhou, it’s worth it."

At that moment, Chen Tie appeared out of nowhere, applauding with a hearty laugh, "So Lin and Yang, you two are here as well!"

The sudden appearance of the burly man startled Young Master Zhou, who turned pale, fearing the previous troublemaker had returned.

Yang Lian said coolly, "Chen Tie, are you looking to be beaten again?"

Chen Tie hastily waved his hands. "Tonight is Miss Zeng’s coming-out. I won’t fight you."

He caught sight of Young Master Zhou and wondered at his beauty—if not for the flatness of his chest, one could mistake him for a woman.

Li Congjia smiled, "Come, let’s go to the box and watch." He had made his peace—what was done was done, and hiding would do no good. At most, his brother might scold him later; he would not report it to their father.

Li Congjia led the way, Lin Renzhao following. Young Master Zhou hesitated slightly, pausing as Yang Lian passed. In a low voice, Zhou said, "Thank you for your help the other day, Young Master Yang."