Chapter 10: One Arrow, Four Eagles

This comparison clearly reveals the differences, and she couldn't help but let out a silent sigh in her heart

Qin Mu only wanted the news to reach Hou Fangyu's ears afterward, to add to his annoyance. Unexpectedly, he actually bumped into him. Well, this face-to-face encounter is even more interesting than a drum beating in front and a gong sounding behind.

A more important point is that his grandfather, Hou Zhipu, passed away in the fourteenth year of the Chongzhen era. Before the mourning period had ended, he spent a fortune to acquire a concubine, which would undoubtedly be scorned by society

Hou Fangyu was still shouting indiscriminately for four young ladies. Qin Mu lifted the curtain of the carriage and once again said to the young servant, "Did you hear that? Your young master wants four young ladies to attend to him this time"

Otherwise, if these Manchu lackeys were to gain the upper hand, it would be truly astonishing if anyone were not driven to despair

Hearing his young master shouting incessantly, the servant found himself in a bit of a dilemma. The Hou family was not in a very affluent situation at the moment, and the amount of silver they had brought with them this time was limited. Once again, his young master wanted four young ladies, but the silver on hand was insufficient for those high-end brothels. With no other choice, he had to steer the carriage into a narrow alley.

Brother Chaozong, your words are incorrect!" Qin Mu appeared extremely generous, interrupting Hou Fangyu, "As Confucius said, 'When three people walk together, there must be a teacher among them.' Brother Chaozong, with your renowned reputation, could it be that my humble abilities are unworthy of your guidance?"

Hmm, it seems that your young master is somewhat unhappy today, having consumed quite a bit of alcohol. Be careful and do not provoke him further. I am unable to keep up with the expenses and the literary discussions, so please let me off at the intersection ahead.

Where, where, it is I who should seek guidance from Brother Wenzhi

Li Xiangjun had someone bring two bowls of hangover soup, but for some reason did not invite the guest to stay. Perhaps it was due to a certain disappointment in Hou Fangyu's performance today

Although Hou Fangyu occasionally drunkenly shouted "I won't leave," how could Qin Mu allow him to stay? It is said that alcohol can disrupt one's nature; if you wish to be unruly, fine, but not here

He merely took advantage of Hou Fangyu's drunken stupor to try his luck, not expecting that this young servant would be so obedient and compliant, truly a blessing from heaven! Wahaha

After Qin Mu finished speaking and left, the young servant inquired through the curtain of the carriage: "Young Master, which place shall we go to?"

Qin Mu slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Four? My goodness! Brother Zhao Zong, your magnificent spirit is truly enviable!"

I heard it. This fellow is very honest; the Hou family has a strict hierarchy. Whatever the master instructs, he follows accordingly, and it has always been this way

Qin Mu saved Li Xiangjun's life, and given that the two of them had a very engaging conversation today, Li Xiangjun found it difficult to refuse and thus played this piece.

Li Xiangjun was originally a clever and delicate heart. She initially thought that Qin Mu was doing this on purpose, but upon seeing the genuine warmth between Hou Fangyu and him, she became momentarily confused.

Li Xiangjun is a person who appears gentle on the outside but is strong on the inside. When such matters reach her, there is certainly a good show to watch ... ! ... Wahaha !

Alright. Qin Mu lifted the curtain of the carriage and instructed the young servant driving the carriage: "Did you hear that? Your young master said he still wants to visit a brothel"

From the situation where Hou Fangyu confronted her with great anger that day, it is evident that the two are fundamentally incompatible. Having encountered countless people, she could easily discern that the demeanor of Qin Mu was one of clarity and tranquility, while Hou Fangyu's smile appeared somewhat forced, suggesting an underlying tension.

What? Does Brother Zhao still want to visit a brothel? Isn't that inappropriate?

He forced a faint smile and replied: "Brother Wenzhi, you flatter me. Brother Wenzhi is a remarkable talent, renowned among the nobility. How could I dare to speak of teaching..."

A drunken person has the impulse to mimic, and indeed, Qin Mu repeated a few phrases, prompting Hou Fangyu to shout along: "I want... four... I want... four girls"

Green... ... Building... ... On the Green Building!

Hou Fangyu had emptied his cup of wine, and Qin Mu was also intent on getting him drunk. After half an hour, Hou Fangyu was already rolling his eyes and speaking incoherently. Qin Mu pretended to be tipsy as well and took the initiative to offer to escort Hou Fangyu back.

In the car, Hou Fangyu kept mumbling the few phrases that Qin Mu had instilled in him, "Go to the brothel, go to... the brothel, need four... four girls..."

Upon arriving at the intersection of the road and the bookstore, Qin Mu, after getting off the carriage, earnestly said to the young servant: "Your young master has had quite a bit to drink, so you must take good care of him. Remember, remember, take good care of your young master"

However, this period of filial piety is about to end. Hou Fangyu has a wide network of connections, so borrowing some money to redeem Li Xiangjun should not be too difficult. It seems that the action to cut off the dog's leg must be expedited!

The inebriated Hou Fangyu, after listening several times, began to shout along: "Up to the green... building... green building..."

He felt a myriad of emotions difficult to express, as if he were sharing his own woman with others, all the while having to wear a smile. The extreme anguish drove him to drink until his cup was empty, and before long, he began to feel a bit intoxicated

Such low-tier brothel workers, once they learn that their business is being patronized by Hou Fangyu, will undoubtedly seek ways to spread the news in order to elevate their own status

Since she became enamored with Hou Fangyu, Li Xiangjun's pipa compositions have largely ceased to be shared with others. Although not explicitly stated, her pipa pieces have evidently become the exclusive repertoire of Hou Fangyu

Qin Mu was also aware of this; he intentionally asked Li Xiangjun to perform the Pipa piece. Why should only the useless Hou Fangyu be able to listen to it

There is still a very important step to take, which is how to disseminate the glorious achievement of Young Master Hou, who hit four targets with one arrow in the small alley. This is not difficult; it suffices to reveal Young Master Hou's identity to the four courtesans attending to him.

Qin Mu frequently urged others to drink, insisting that unless this girl was completely incapacitated, we would not leave today

Qin Mu helped Hou Fangyu into the carriage, and after lowering the curtain, he began to softly repeat the words "go to the brothel" in his ear

I heard it," the young servant quickly replied

Yes

Regardless of whether they are a good teacher or a helpful friend, if the relationship becomes too distant, it is undesirable. Today, I have the fortune to meet Brother Chaozong, how fortunate indeed! Come, come, I shall toast Brother Chaozong with three more cups... Oh, why has Miss Xiangjun stopped her celestial music? Do not stop, do not stop, a feast without music is incomplete. I kindly request Miss Xiangjun to finish playing a piece of "Spring River, Flower Moon Night"

He has inquired thoroughly and confirmed that Hou Fangyu indeed intends to redeem Li Jun. However, their hometown in Shangqiu has been ravaged by war, and the family has migrated to Jiangnan. When his father, Hou Xun, served as the Minister of Revenue, he was impeached for misappropriating funds and causing harm to the country. Since being imprisoned in the ninth year of the Chongzhen reign, he has been incarcerated for seven years. Currently, the family is not well-off and cannot raise the money to redeem Li Xiangjun.

Upon Qin Mu's suggestion, Hou Fangyu recalled his own plan. As the saying goes, "A small forbearance can prevent great chaos." Thus, he decided to endure this time, waiting for this fellow to be torn apart by bandits and consumed, at which point he could finally vent his pent-up frustration.

Upon hearing the line "Where is the spring river without the bright moon?", Hou Fangyu felt an inexplicable sting in his heart. Later, Qin Mu rose to prominence, enjoying unparalleled popularity for a time. Is this not precisely what is meant by "Where is the spring river without the bright moon?"

Qin Mu secretly followed the carriage, watching as the young servant helped Hou Fangyu into a low-end brothel, nearly bursting with laughter.

Qin Mu took the initiative, completely controlling the situation, while Hou Fangyu was on the verge of exploding with anger, yet he still had to force a smile on his face

The elegant sound of the pipa once again resounds, as Li Xiangjun's skirt drags along the six folds of the Xiang River water, her hair styled like a segment of clouds from Wushan. Graceful and serene, she sings in a melodious tone: "The spring river's tide connects with the sea's level, the bright moon over the sea rises with the tide, shimmering along the waves for thousands of miles, where in the spring river is there no bright moon..."

"I am not very familiar with where he usually goes, so you can choose the route yourself," Qin Mu said, then lowered the curtain of the carriage and leaned close to Hou Fangyu's ear, softly repeating, "I need four young ladies"

Qin Mu immediately displayed a bright and cheerful smile, stepping forward to pull Hou Fangyu to the table. He handed a wine cup to him and said with great enthusiasm: "Brother Chaozong and Brother Bijiang graciously offered their guidance a few days ago, which has greatly benefited me. Brother Chaozong thinks of what others think and is anxious about what others are anxious about, displaying generosity and righteousness. I shall never forget this. Today, it is rare to meet Brother Chaozong, so come, come, let me first toast Brother Chaozong with three cups."

It was because Hou Fangyu heard the sound of the pipa from downstairs that he was filled with intense anger and rushed up.

Young Master Hou is indeed one of the Four Young Masters of the Revival Society, a truly prominent figure