Upon entering Wanxiang Pavilion, Yan Ning was stunned by the sight before her.
A light, flowing veil cascaded down from the circular roof. The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers, and clusters of green leaves intertwined around the eaves, adorned with a thousand different colors.
Yan Ning's every step felt like walking through a flower field. A gentle breeze blew through the room, causing the light gauze curtains embroidered with purple velvet flowers to flutter. Legend has it that purple velvet is the beautiful name for purple calamus, which is said to have "nine joints per inch, and consuming it grants longevity." Wanxiang Pavilion's name evokes the idea of floating on air to become an immortal, a state of blissful existence.
The sounds of various musical instruments drifted from the incense pavilion on the second floor. Wisps of white smoke rising from the golden incense burner mingled with petals falling from the air, making Yan Ning's eyes crinkle with excitement.
Zhao Xing was already dumbfounded when he saw this, and he clicked his tongue in amazement, "No wonder this is a place where wealthy people in the capital throw away their gold."
Snapping out of her reverie, Yan Ning grabbed Zhao Xing's ear and threatened, "If you dare to look at those women even once, I'll tell Zhu Xiang!"
Zhao Xing immediately covered his eyes and stumbled along after Yan Ning. A woman of extraordinary bearing emerged from behind a light gauze embroidered with purple flowers. The purple gauze clung to her fair and smooth skin, and the hairpins in her hair dangled beside her ears. Every smile and gesture was full of charm, making it impossible to discern her true age. She gave Yan Ning a slight bow, "May I ask what kind of girl this gentleman is looking for as a companion?"
Yan Ning originally wanted to go directly to Fukang'an, but when she thought of the four gleaming gold ingots she had given to the guards at the gate, she felt it was a waste. With a mischievous grin, she pulled Zhao Xing down to sit and asked in a low voice, "What kind of girls do you have here?"
The woman smiled, her figure moving through the light gauze. "Music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, songs, and the beauty of women, whether plump or slender, whatever you can name, I can find it for you."
Just as Yan Ning was about to speak, Zhao Xing, fearing that staying too long would really anger Zhu Xiang, quickly handed the woman a silver note before Yan Ning could speak. "Where is General Fukang'an?"
The woman accepted the silver note and glanced at Yan Ning. A knowing smile appeared on her face. "The names of the masters are listed in each boudoir. Madam, please go and find them." With that, her graceful figure disappeared into the floating gauze curtains.
Yan Ning looked herself over. "Can you tell I'm a woman?"
Zhao Xing's eyes widened, and he nodded and then shook his head.
Upon reaching the second floor, Yan Ning noticed a giant palm-leaf fan at each vent, swirling the flower petals the woman had tossed from her basket. She sighed inwardly, "No wonder the entrance fee is so expensive; it's all so complicated." Thinking this, Yan Ning glanced with pity at the little boy fanning the flowers inside, large beads of sweat dripping from his forehead.
“Li Shiyao, Chai Daji, He Lin, Fu Chang’an, Fu Long’an, He Shen…” Yan Ning read out the names one by one, and some officials’ names even appeared in several different pavilions.
Finally finding Fukang'an's name, Yan Ning's breathing quickened. She reached out and pulled her hand back several times. Urged by Zhao Xing, she closed her eyes and knocked on the door.
A moment later, a delicate-looking woman opened the door. "What can I do for you, sir?" Wu Chun looked at Yan Ning, who had knocked on the door so abruptly, and knew she was new. Everyone here knew that once you entered Wanxiang Pavilion, you wouldn't know each other anymore, and there was no precedent for entering someone else's private chamber, unless it was between very close officials.
Yan Ning breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that her clothes were neat. "I've come to see General Fukang'an!" she said, pushing aside Wu Chun and entering the pavilion. She walked around a huge lily screen that stretched across the pavilion, like a painting of a lily field.
Fukang'an's eyes were slightly drunk, and he wasn't surprised to see Yan Ning. He took Yan Ning's hand and pulled her into his arms.
Wu Chun, shielded by Zhao Xing behind Yan Ning, walked up to Fu Kang'an. Seeing Fu Kang'an's actions, he began to speculate about Yan Ning's identity.
A pink veil flew in from afar, obscuring Yan Ning's eyes. Unable to move while being held in Fukang'an's arms, she could only shake her head to remove the veil and meet Fukang'an's deep and solemn gaze.
Seeing his master gazing at him so affectionately, Zhao Xing quickly turned away, no longer looking. Wu Chun's frail body was like a flower struggling to its death in a storm; he believed Fukang'an would see her, would even glance at her.
For a long time, Fukang'an and Yan Ning both stared at her like this. Wu Chun could no longer stand and fell heavily onto the wooden attic floorboards.
When Yan Ning saw Wu Chun, she remembered the purpose of her trip. She broke free from Fu Kang An's embrace and stared at Wu Chun with wide eyes.
Fukang'an ignored Yan Ning and Wu Chun, drinking alone. Yan Ning was shocked by the aura emanating from Fukang'an that seemed to control her destiny.
Yan Ning turned to leave, but was stopped by Wu Chun. "I know you are the General's wife, please have mercy and let me serve the General! The girls of Wanxiang Pavilion only accept one guest after leaving the house. If the General does not accept me, I will have no face to live the rest of my life." She began to sob.
"Zhao Xing!" Fukang'an placed his wine glass slightly too heavily, spilling many drops of wine onto his fingers.
Zhao Xing pulled Wu Chun away from Yan Ning's side. Yan Ning looked at Fukang'an's profile and felt that regardless of whether they had been intimate, he should explain things to her clearly. But now, Fukang'an remained silent.
Frustrated and angry, Yan Ning abandoned Zhao Xing and ran out of Wanxiang Pavilion. Crushed petals stained her light blue brocade shoes, creating a colorful and elegant effect.
Yan Ning, who was only focused on walking, bumped into someone's arms. Looking up, she saw it was Heshen, with Fu Chang'an beside him, both wearing smiles. Yan Ning glanced at Wanxiang Pavilion behind her, knowing they were also there for entertainment. Lowering her voice, she said, "Men are all the same!" and walked past the two blocking her way.
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