Chapter One, The Sound of Autumn (Volume Five)

The aunt at Jinhua Building, fearing to provoke him, leaned in closer and whispered in Wang Xun's ear: "Young Lord, please rest assured, Xingzhi knows her limits. I can guarantee with my life that apart from you, no one else has the chance to even approach her to speak!"

The surroundings erupted in thunderous applause, and amidst the cheers, the melody gradually became more impassioned. Bai Xingzhi's voice rose from low to high, overpowering all the surrounding clamor. "The Han soldiers emerge from Dunjinwei, their iron armor shining in the daylight. A hundred miles of fiery banners blaze, a thousand riders gallop like clouds. The Liao River is trampled until it runs dry, the drums echo as we soar over Yanshan. This is indeed a tribute from all directions, a testament to the emperor's majesty. The youthful spirit soars to the skies, pledging to stand out among the brave. A lone horse challenges in the south of the city, a single sword joins the army in the north of Ji. One drumbeat sends the Xianbei to pay tribute, five baits resolve the disputes with the Chanyu. This is indeed a tribute from all directions, a testament to the emperor's majesty. The youthful spirit soars to the skies, pledging to stand out among the brave. A lone horse challenges in the south of the city, a single sword joins the army in the north of Ji. One drumbeat sends the Xianbei to pay tribute, five baits resolve the disputes with the Chanyu. Sworn to achieve fame and serve the country, ashamed to speak of merits before action."

Note from the Drunkard: In Huang Yi's writings, the courtesan in the pleasure quarters is referred to as "So-and-So the Great". I am unsure whether this originates from a particular allusion or if it is an invention of his own. If anyone knows, please let me know. The Drunkard would be most grateful.

Apart from the a cappella piece "Chiklechuan," the other two songs were ones that Wang Xun had long grown tired of. However, at this moment, listening quietly through a bamboo grove, there was an entirely different flavor to it. Especially the line "People sit in the brothel at dusk, while the oriole sings among the hundred flowers." It seemed to be speaking directly of Bai Xingzhi herself, lonely and trapped in the Jin Hua Tower, waiting for her beloved to take her away from this place of fleeting pleasures.

"Let's go, you fool!" Wang Xun could hardly restrain himself from giving him a couple of slaps. He tugged at Ma Fang's collar and whispered, "Haven't you ever seen a beautiful woman? Even if your father is strict with you, it shouldn't be to the extent that he doesn't allow you to choose a concubine!"

Having said that, he ignored the downcast Ma Fang and hurriedly left through the side door of the fighting cock arena

After thinking about his worries in a disorganized manner for a while, he indeed felt somewhat weary. Not wanting to sleep during the day, he got off the bamboo bed and casually pushed open the window. With a barrier removed, the noise from the courtyard immediately rushed in. Wang Xun perked up his ears and listened; he faintly heard a familiar voice singing melodiously from a small building not far from his room, separated by a patch of bamboo forest: "As autumn arrives, the winds and sands are everywhere, the frontier traveler temporarily bids farewell to home. A thousand miles, undeterred by the long journey, time will eventually reach the ends of the earth..."

Er Lang, you are unaware of something! Ma Fang was left feeling wronged, saying, "It's not that I haven't seen women in books. However, my grandfather's primary requirement for the woman he chooses for me is that I must not become infatuated with her beauty and neglect my studies. Just think about it, if I choose according to this standard, am I not pitiful enough?"

Aunt Hong from Jinhua Tower smiled knowingly and called over two exceptionally beautiful and nimble young maidens from Silla, instructing them to attentively serve Wang Xun as he rested in the Cui Zhu Pavilion. Moments later, the Silla maidens brought in freshly brewed tea and arranged several trendy tea snacks. One of them sat in Wang Xun's lap, clumsily rubbing her chest against his, while the other set up a jade zither and began to play gently.

Having said that, he helplessly gestured to Xiangyin to follow him. They fled the cockfighting arena as if escaping for their lives.

It seems they returned from the four towns of Anxi. Oh dear, Erlang, you have no idea how formidable this military lord is. Miss Bai originally did not intend to make an appearance, but they said that if she did not come out to perform, they would tear down this Jinhua Building. For the livelihood of the other sisters in the building, Xingzhi had no choice but to compromise. Looking at Wang Xun's expression, the aunt waved her handkerchief to explain for Bai Xingzhi. For the livelihood of the other sisters in the building, Xingzhi had no choice but to compromise. Looking at Wang Xun's expression, the aunt waved her handkerchief to explain for Bai Xingzhi.

Note 1: Pingkangli is a famous place for entertainment in Chang'an City. It is said that in ancient times, if a courtesan happened to entertain a young man, it was considered an auspicious sign. Typically, they would not accept payment from the young man; instead, they would give him a small red envelope.

Note 2: "Auntie," referring to a brothel keeper. In Bai Juyi's poem "My Brother Joins the Army, Auntie Dies," the term "Auntie" refers to women engaged in this line of work.

Aunt Hong, from Jinhua Building, was once the top courtesan in the pleasure quarters. Without needing to look at Wang Xun's expression, she could tell he was feeling jealous. She quickly approached him with a smile, gently tugging at his sleeve, "Er Lang, don't be angry, okay? Those soldiers from out of town can't compare to you. They can only steal a moment to relax with Miss Bai every ten days or half a month! These men are going crazy in the barracks; they see a mosquito and think it's a double eyelid. They are just waiting eagerly for Jinhua Building to open early in the morning. They would spend any amount of money just to hear Miss Bai sing a song! You shouldn't take them too seriously; their money is earned with their lives, and they spend it quickly. At this rate, they won't last long before they find themselves broke and back where they started!"

Yes, indeed, let's have something with a hint of makeup. All day long, fighting back and forth, the men are actually quite tired of it!

"Look at your behavior!" Wang Xun interrupted angrily, "As if you've never seen a woman in your life!"

His commotion turned a trivial matter into a significant one. Lei Wanchun's face, beneath his bushy beard, flushed red as he clasped his hands and said in a deep voice: "If the young lady has something to say, please do. These gentlemen are all my good brothers, so there is no need for any avoidance"

Do not be deceived by Lei Wanchun's ability to knock down a startled horse with his fists; such a spectacle has rarely been encountered in my lifetime. My face immediately turned a shade of red mixed with purple. I glanced back at Wang Xun and the others, who had already slipped away, and shouted loudly: "Brothers, I shall take my leave first. Tomorrow at Linfeng Tower, let us have a good drink together."

"You didn't receive the two small red envelopes, did you? Silly boy!" Wang Xun joked with him, shrugging his shoulders, "It's up to you. Anyway, Brother Lei won't be back for a while, so I'm leaving first!" (Note 1)

He felt that he had arrived early, but to his surprise, the Jin Hua Building was already bustling with guests. Unfortunately, as the top performer of the Jin Hua Building, Bai Xingzhi was also booked by a group of patrons with a hefty sum, making it impossible for her to come and meet him. Having not yet reached a redemption agreement with Bai Xingzhi, he certainly had no right to disrupt the business of the Jin Hua Building at this moment. He could only curl his lip and disdainfully mutter, "What time is it, and they are already running to the Jin Hua Building to drink and fool around. In broad daylight, do they have nothing serious to do?"

This time, however, it was the song that ceased first. The melody played on, intermittently, like a thread of longing, slowly enveloping a person, holding them tight, gradually seeping into the heart, slowly binding a piece of flesh at the heart, tying it securely. It cannot be untied, nor can it be severed.

The singer is oblivious, while the listener is attentive; separated by a cluster of serene green bamboo, one has already become infatuated.

What a fine thing it is to laugh at the guests from Jiangnan, as the plum blossoms fall and do not return home! The crowd erupted in loud cheers. After the admiration, someone suddenly proposed loudly, "Let’s have something more 'melodious', for we come and go in the wind and rain every day, and it has been a long time since we have heard a more tender tune!"

"Can it be the same?" Ma Fang protested softly while stepping backward, "My grandfather said that when selecting a woman, the first criterion must be that she should not be seductive and mislead the master, so that upon first sight, there should be no thought of desecration. Second, she must have a strong constitution..."

Upon guessing the identity of the master from the woman's words, the Qin brothers felt a slight warmth on their faces. They smiled at Lei Wanchun and said softly, "Brothers, please allow us to take our leave first. There are some other matters at home that require our urgent attention"

The two new maidservants from Silla were startled, staring blankly at Wang Xun, tears welling up in their eyes. "You must be new here, right?" Wang Xun finally understood the meaning behind Hong Gu's smile and couldn't help but gently shake his head. "It's alright. You two can go now. I will give you the rewards as promised. Tell Hong Gu that I am tired and would like to take a short nap here. Ask her not to send anyone to disturb me!"

Where?" Ma Fang immediately became excited and eagerly pressed for more information

The two newly arrived Silla maidens exchanged glances for quite some time before finally assuring themselves that they had not offended the guest. They bowed slightly and quietly withdrew.

At this moment, it has just passed the hour of Si in the morning, and there is still a long stretch of time left in the day. Wang Xun, accompanied by two strong servants, wandered aimlessly through the streets. After admiring the scenery for a while, he ultimately felt a sense of idleness and thus strolled freely towards the small building of Bai Xingzhi.

Good! The soldiers inside the Caijuxuan were thoroughly enjoying themselves, and the cheers grew even louder. Some were clapping vigorously, while others, savoring the moment, shouted, "Sing another song, please, Miss Bai, sing another song. We fight hard every day at the front, and what we long to hear the most is the familiar sounds of Chang'an."

Ma Fang kept staring at Lei Wanchun and Xiang Yin until their figures disappeared in the crowd, then reluctantly withdrew his gaze, shook his head, and murmured: "Brother Lei is really lacking in romantic sensibility. That young lady is clearly..."

Pingkangli! Seeing his impatient demeanor, Wang Xun cast him a glance and replied with irritation

"Stop playing, I am not in the mood to listen to music today!" Wang Xun pushed away the little maid in his arms, waving his arm with a sense of disinterest. "Go on, do what you need to do!"

As the last few words were sung, the melody abruptly ceased. Yet the song pierced through the clouds and tore apart the silence, gradually fading away, leaving lingering echoes that wrapped around the beams, endlessly resonating

Then let's go up and rest for a while. Hearing you say that, I actually feel a bit thirsty!" Wang Xun nodded with a smile, accepting Hong Gu's suggestion

Forget it! Ma Fang shrank his neck, his expression starting to wilt again. Last time, Yu Wenxiao took me there once, and in the end, I still couldn't figure out whether I was amusing the girls inside or if the girls were having fun at my expense

This group of rough fellows! Wang Xun scoffed disdainfully. Yet, he couldn't help but recall the scene from yesterday afternoon when Gao Xianzhi's generals paraded through the streets on horseback, and Bai Xingzhi peered down from the building, which made him feel even more stifled.

Recalling the coffin-like face of Ma Fang's father, which was perpetually tense, Wang Xun couldn't help but feel a deep sympathy. "I will take you to a place filled with beautiful women, would you like to go?"

Recalling the renowned beauty of the Lady of Guo State, Wang Xun felt somewhat embarrassed to continue listening to the young maid's fragrant verses about the message to be delivered to Lei Wanchun. He gently tugged at Ma Fang and said with a smile, "Since the event has already commenced, it would be best for us to inspect the situation. Just yesterday, Zeng Zida had a fight here with someone, and I fear that some reckless individuals might take advantage of the chaos to fish in troubled waters"

Lost in thought, the bamboo grove over there changed its tune again. Bai Xingzhi played the zither herself and sang softly: "I advise you not to cherish your golden-threaded garments, I advise you to treasure your youth. When flowers bloom, you must pick them; do not wait until there are no flowers to pick the branches..."

Bai Xingzhi exchanged a glance, and the musician Xiao Ping immediately plucked the strings, transitioning to a melodious ancient tune of Chang'an. "The jade gate has long been a site of military service, while the empty boudoir is filled with solitary sorrow. The cold dew dampens the green moss, and since our parting, my hair has turned autumnal. One sits in the green tower at dusk, as the oriole sings amidst the blooming flowers. Those who are troubled grow old prematurely, and my heart aches, yet you remain unaware!"

These people are quite perceptive! Wang Xun lazily leaned against the wooden couch, silently contemplating. Although in Chang'an, raising a Silla woman to later take her as a concubine for the purpose of nourishing one's body is a fashionable trend for health, he found himself lacking any interest in the mute Silla girls. Moreover, during the day, if Bai Xingzhi happened to finish her event early and came looking for him, and he happened to be here entangled with the Silla women, it would likely be an awkward situation for both parties.

The bamboo pavilion in the backyard is still available; why not let the young lord go there for a cup of tea to soothe his throat. After all, those military officers have tasks at hand and never stay in the building for long

"Can anything be said?" Xiangyin covered her lips with her fingers, her almond-shaped eyes widening in astonishment. Her fingers were slender and her skin fair, creating a striking contrast with her crimson lips as they rested on her mouth. Many gamblers nearby caught a glimpse and could not tear their gaze away. A few curious onlookers, unaware of Lei Wanchun's reputation, slowly gathered around.

"Servant Xiangyin, I have met the valiant Lei! I have met all the esteemed benefactors!" The scholar, who appeared even more delicate than Ma Fang, was momentarily taken aback when his identity was revealed by Lei Wanchun. He slightly crouched and, with a gesture of respect, saluted Wang Xun and the others.

The young lady is being overly polite! Wang Xun and the others suddenly realized, simultaneously stepping aside and returning a half-bow with cupped hands. Ever since this woman in male attire appeared at the door, they had felt a sense of familiarity, and only at this moment did they finally discover that this woman was none other than the beautiful maid who had jumped down first yesterday to lay out the mat for the Lady of Guo.

There is still one song, but the melody has yet to be arranged, so I can only sing it a cappella! Bai Xingzhi is never one to shy away from the spotlight; she gracefully moves to the table, picks up a pair of ivory chopsticks, and gently taps the white jade wine cup in front of her. "The golden walls of the Chike are crumbling, and the Yin Mountains have no seasonal beauty. Outside the tent, the wind carries snow, and the moon shines on the sand in front of the camp. The Qiang people play their jade pipes, while the Hu women tread on brocade flowers. Yet they laugh at the guests from Jiangnan, for the plum blossoms fall and they do not return home."

Is that so! Wang Xun smiled helplessly. Bai Xingzhi made a living by selling her voice and beauty; he was not unaware of this for the first time. Logically speaking, his anger was indeed somewhat unwarranted. However, nothing that had happened in the past few days had gone smoothly. First, he was deceived by that Yu Wen kid, and then he got into a fight and collided with the carriage of the Lady of Guo. After finally managing to find some time to come to Jinhua Tower for some entertainment, Bai Xingzhi was once again preempted by someone else who booked the venue first. First, he was deceived by that Yu Wen kid, and then he got into a fight and collided with the carriage of the Lady of Guo. After finally managing to find some time to come to Jinhua Tower for some entertainment, Bai Xingzhi was once again preempted by someone else who booked the venue first

"A group of soldiers from outside? Where did they come from?" Hearing this from his aunt, Wang Xun felt his irritation lessen slightly, smiled, and quietly inquired.

"Are you looking for me?" Lei Wanchun furrowed his brows, appearing as perplexed as a monk who cannot comprehend. "I am Lei Wanchun, not worthy of being called a great hero. May I ask, young lady, what business does your master have with me?"

"How could that be? Looking across the entire East Market, who doesn't know the reputation of the young lord of the Wang family!" Ma Fangzheng stared at the young maid Xiangyin, who was dressed in male attire, and was caught off guard by Wang Xun, stumbling back a few steps and reluctantly protesting.