Chapter 77 With the help of the Heart-Piercing Pavilion Master
A barrage of probing questions about Liang Shao's private life rained down on Shanhe, catching her completely off guard. What shocked her even more were the titles of "Commander" and "Protective County Magistrate." Months had passed since she last saw Liang Shao, and he was no longer the same person he once was.
very nice.
Shanhe pretended not to know him very well, answered a few simple questions, and then hurriedly got up to leave under the pretext of changing clothes.
On the stage, the tale of the Palace of Eternal Life was still being rehearsed, and the song was playing out the lines, "May I grow old in gentle comfort, envying not even the immortal realm." Shanhe lowered his head, clutching his chest, and hurriedly left his seat. The ladies' words still echoed in his ears: he was doing well, he had earned his own fame and fortune, and no one dared to look down on him or ridicule him anymore. When he returned to the capital, he would surely be full of pride and high spirits.
Thinking of this, Shanhe hurriedly covered her face, leaned against the carved lattice screen in the back corridor, and slowly slid down. She couldn't help but shed tears.
Liang Shao is doing well, but what about her?
When she divorced him, she hoped that they would both be well. She still remembered the poem she left for Liang Shao before she left: "We lay together for two springs, and today I cut the silk thread that binds us. I will not allow even a speck of dust to obscure the path to heaven, for each of us will shine like a pearl in the vast ocean."
Liang Shao is now a shining pearl, but what about her? She has allowed the dust to block her path, leaving her unable to break free or escape. She even nearly killed someone!
"Young lady, standing here alone, are you longing for your beloved?"
A low voice sounded in front of me.
Shanhe hurriedly wiped away her tears.
A folding fan lifted Shanhe's chin.
She was a little annoyed, but when she looked up, she was immediately stunned.
"Master Wu?"
Wu Tianqi wore a round-necked robe of lotus-purple under a black brocade cloak, exuding an air of wealth and nobility. She closed her folding fan and teased, "Oh, not a stranger, but an old acquaintance."
Two streams of tears slid down her cheeks. Shanhe looked at her, both crying and laughing, "It really is you! Master, I... I thought..."
"What did you think? Did you think I'd forgotten you? Did you think I wouldn't help you escape?" Wu Tianqi's lips curled into a smile. "Forgetting you is one thing, but my Miao'er is still in your hands. She's a clever girl; I can't bear to leave her with you!"
Wu Tianqi handed over a folding fan, letting Shanhe hold one end of the handle while he held the other, thus leading Shanhe into the private room one after the other.
The private room was filled with women in red and green dresses, adorned with gold and silver ornaments, while Wu Tianqi, dressed as a man, stood out conspicuously. Wu Tianqi casually took the seat of honor, pointed to a seat for Shanhe, and said with a smile, "Why haven't you served tea to Madam Xue yet!"
So they served tea and fruit plates, treating Shanhe like a lady from a wealthy family.
"You may all leave now." After the maids had left, Wu Tianqi tossed a letter in front of Shanhe and raised an eyebrow, saying, "Open it and take a look."
Shanhe pulled out the letter from the envelope, and saw that the first three words "Xue Shanhe" were clearly written. Looking further down, she found a brand new and complete official document! Shanhe suddenly looked up, her eyes already brimming with tears.
Seeing this, Wu Tianqi laughed and said, "It's not easy to create a document; it took more than two months from start to finish."
Shanhe bit her lip, trying her best to hold back the urge to cry: "Master, you have done me such a great favor, I... I really don't know how to repay you."
"When you get out, how about you draw a few books for me for free?" Wu Tianqi said calmly, fanning himself with his fan. "However, don't be careless. After all, it's fake and can't withstand scrutiny. Once you're out, it's best to be cautious."
Shanhe nodded hurriedly, causing the hair ornaments in her hair to sway back and forth.
Wu Tianqi spotted the pearl and jade hairpin at a glance and curled his lips: "Can you wear a hairpin now?" He was asking her what her status was now with Liang Ye.
Upon hearing this, Shanhe quickly pulled off the hairpin and held it in her palm: "He said that I often have to socialize with the wives of officials, and I can't be without jewelry to make an appearance, so he bought these for me. Logically speaking, I shouldn't wear them."
Is he good to you?
"Whether it's good or bad is hard to say. He keeps a parrot in the corridor of his study, feeding and caring for it well, but a beast is still a beast, and he knows that in his heart."
Wu Tianqi thought for a moment, and finally said, "Shanhe, listen to me. After you've listened, go back and think it over carefully for three days. After three days, if you're still here, give me your answer."
Shanhe's heart sank slightly: "Please speak, Master."
"I haven't been able to contact you these days not because I've forgotten you, but because Danxia Painting Studio encountered some trouble some time ago, but fortunately it has been resolved now."
"What trouble?" Shanhe asked anxiously.
Wu Tianqi smiled: "The imperial court strictly prohibits the sale of banned books. Shanhe, do you still remember the book you illustrated, 'The Newly Compiled Illustrated Palace of Eternal Life'? It has become a banned book. Because of this, the government confiscated all the small painting studios we had in Mizhou."
Shanhe frowned: "How could this be? Clearly..."
"Yes, clearly your paintings have artistic conception and are not vulgar. They don't show any parts that shouldn't be shown, yet they are banned. On the contrary, Mi Xiaoxiao's crude and vulgar books escaped punishment."
Shanhe slowly lowered her eyes.
"However, I've already taken care of those matters. I didn't want those painting studios anyway, so it's good that they're closed now. While I was in Jinling working on your paperwork, I discovered that the calligraphy and painting industry in Jinling, Suzhou, and Hangzhou is booming, and there are many more people buying calligraphy and paintings in these places than in Mizhou. Mi Xiaoxiao and I both intend to revitalize Danxia here, and he's already preparing to open another painting studio in Jinling. If you could come, that would be wonderful."
"Thank you for your kindness, Master. If you need a painter, just call me."
Wu Tianqi nodded: "That's one reason. Secondly, since you were injured a few days ago, and Liang Ye is also injured at home, right? Was my intelligence wrong?"
Shanhe nodded: "Not a single point wrong."
"That's right. He's at home every day, so I figured it wouldn't be convenient for him to contact you. That's why we haven't sent anyone to look for you these days, and we haven't even met with Miao'er. It's not that we've forgotten about you, but we're really afraid that if we were exposed, it would be bad for you."
Shanhe's eyes were already full of gratitude: "Thank you so much, Master, for planning this for me."
"Alright, that's why I haven't come to see you for a while. It's not important, but I still need to make things clear with you. Now, that's the important part." Wu Tianqi paused. "Shanhe, are you really sure? Is your mind still the same as it was a few months ago? Do you really want to leave Liangye?"
Shanhe was taken aback. She lowered her head and thought for a moment, then slowly raised her head and said firmly, "Yes, I must leave."
Wu Tianqi took a sip of tea, moistening his lips and teeth: "You don't need to rush to answer me. I know that he has been very considerate and attentive to you these past few days since you two were injured, hasn't he? Just like today, you were able to attend the banquet of the officials' wives, you were able to wear hairpins, and you have gold earrings and bracelets on your ears and wrists. Just these things are enough to show that he is generous to you, and he must really care about you. If you go out, you will no longer be able to wear gold and silver, and you will no longer have the opportunity to go to such a theater to hear famous actors sing 'The Palace of Eternal Life.' More likely, you will live in poverty, after all, the sale of calligraphy and paintings is sometimes related to some inexplicable opportunities. Just like your calligraphy, which is clearly elegant, was banned by the government, while Mi Xiaoxiao's crude works are popular. These are all things that we cannot predict. Staying by Liang Ye's side, wealth and honor are foreseeable, something that can be seen and touched. Shanhe, have you thought about these things?"
After listening to her words, Shanhe lowered her eyes and slowly savored their meaning.
Wu Tianqi paused for a moment, then continued, "I don't know what your true feelings are for him now. Perhaps you still want to escape his cage as before, or perhaps after spending time together, your hatred for him has slowly melted away. Whether you stay or not is your own decision, and I can't control it. But what I want to say is, Shanhe, you are a person of deep affection. Perhaps after spending time together, you have developed feelings for him, and you are hesitant and don't want to leave anymore. This is only human nature, and I am happy to see it happen. You don't need to be embarrassed to say it."
"Furthermore, if you still don't like him, you need to think it through yourself. Can you live like this? Can Qingyue live like this? Without money, without status, it's really difficult for anyone, regardless of gender. It's not that I'm unwilling to help you, but you need to think it through yourself. Shanhe, I often think that when making a living is a problem, money is often more important than love. Selling your dignity and soul is certainly painful, but it's definitely better than being destitute."
After saying all this, Wu Tianqi finally stopped. She downed her tea in one gulp, silently watching Shanhe's pensive gaze, and sighed inwardly. She rose to escort Shanhe home, but Shanhe suddenly looked up, her eyes fixed on her with a bright gaze. Shanhe's voice was soft, but firm: "Master, what you said is truly insightful and reasonable; I cannot help but admire you. I cannot help but be grateful for your consideration for me. If there is ever any need for Shanhe in the future, I will do everything in my power, even at the cost of my life. Of course, I wish you a lifetime of peace and prosperity."
Shanhe stood up and curtsied to Wu Tianqi: "If you want me to answer, I can do so now. I must leave, I really must leave. I must take Qingyue with me, and I must take Miao'er with me. You're right, money is the most important thing; without money, a person cannot survive. But I think that as long as a person has two hands, there's always a way to live. Even if I can't paint, I can always find other ways to make a living. I can wash dirty clothes, mend old shirts, sew shoes and socks... I don't have that much strength, that respectable status, or a position that guarantees a peaceful and worry-free later life, but I'm meticulous, I can cook, I'm educated, I have some knowledge, and I can take care of elderly people without children by their side. I can always earn money. Of course, if possible, I want to keep painting, to keep painting nonstop."
She slowly walked to the window and gazed out: "Master, I don't know how to explain this to you. If I had toiled for a living since birth, struggling for a few taels of silver, I would undoubtedly stay by Liang Ye's side now, as a concubine or maid. As long as I have his protection, as long as he gives me a peaceful life, I might actually live a quiet life with him as he wishes. But I have seen the world depicted in books and paintings, I have seen my father calmly face death for the greater good, I have seen Old Master Liang resign from his official post and return home for the sake of righteousness, and I have also seen true love for someone, which should be met with respect and understanding..."
Shanhe lowered her eyes, and Liang Shao's smiling face gradually appeared before her.
She continued, "There are probably many people in this world who value their soul more than their body. Perhaps I am one of them. Some people live for 'wealth and status,' some for 'peace,' some for 'joy,' and what I seek is perhaps 'peace of mind.' I will never forget how ruthless Liang Ye was to Qingyue in the past, all for the sake of... to take me away. Not to mention how he disregards human life now. Master, I am a stubborn person, and once I've made up my mind, it's hard to change it. The principle I believe in is that we cannot hurt innocent people, we cannot kill innocent people, and we certainly cannot torture and kill!"
Wu Tianqi's heart tightened, and he hurriedly asked, "Liang Ye killed someone?"
Shanhe shook her head: "I don't know. Perhaps I'm wrong..." She paused, "There's a punishment for every mistake. My father was charged with treason, and His Majesty wanted him dead, and I accepted it. Liang Shao killed enemies in Beichuan and received a title, but he killed the enemy. If he didn't kill people, people would kill him, and I would accept that too. But how innocent was Qingyue! He knew how important Qingyue was to me, yet he almost beat her to death. He didn't care about human life at all!" At this point, Shanhe was deeply moved and couldn't help but burst into tears.
Wu Tianqi frowned, stood up and walked to Shanhe, put his arm around her shoulder, wiped her tears with a handkerchief, and said gently, "Alright, alright, I understand, I get it. In less than a month, I guarantee I'll teach you, teach Qingyue and Miao'er, to escape from that dog Liangye with you, how about it?" She changed the subject, "However, since you've received such a favor from me, I also have a request."
Shanhe raised her tearful eyes: "What? As long as the brothel owner is willing to help me, I'm willing to do anything."
Wu Tianqi smiled: "It's nothing to make things difficult for you. The new painting studio in Jinling will open for business soon, and I plan to set up a separate small studio, separate from Mi Xiaoxiao's books. Ostensibly, it will sell traditional calligraphy and paintings, but you will actually be in charge. You'll have to do the illustrations for the five books I want to make for me free of charge, how about that?"
Shanhe then said, "It's what I should do."
"Don't worry, I won't let you go hungry or cold. I will take good care of your and Qingyue's daily needs. But those five books, whether good or bad, will have nothing to do with you in the future."
Hearing her say this, Shanhe knew that she had considerable confidence in these books. Seeing this, Shanhe felt somewhat relieved. After all, she and Wu Tianqi were not related, and Wu Tianqi had offered his full support; it would be unreasonable for him not to have something in mind.
Wu Tianqi placed a handkerchief in her palm and smiled, "Alright, wipe your tears and hurry back. By the way, how do you feel about Liang Ye now?"
"Treat each other as usual."
"Did you get your slave status?"
"I only know which cage he locked me in, but unfortunately I don't have the key."
"Then you should be even more affectionate towards him these days, and secretly steal your slave status. I'll make you a fake one, and then you can put it back, so he won't become suspicious."
Shanhe nodded in agreement. She quickly wiped away her tears, tidied her hair, and neatly put on her hairpins and ornaments before returning to her seat. At that time, the ladies were engrossed in the opera and most of them did not notice Shanhe's movements. In fact, among the ladies at this table, Shanhe was the lowest in status, and if it weren't for Liang Ye, they would never have befriended her today.
Shanhe sullenly sat back down in her corner seat, only then realizing that the tea beside her had gone cold. Too lazy to change it, she casually sipped a few mouthfuls and turned her gaze to the stage, but her mind was already wandering, pondering how to trick Liang Ye into giving her the key.
Liang Ye was suspicious and cautious, wary of everyone. Shanhe had noticed this when they were in Mizhou. Liang Shao often forgot to lock his document box, leaving it wide open, not worried about theft, because Shanhe and Liang Ye would secretly keep track of it for him. Liang Ye, however, was different. His study, and the box of documents he kept there—not only did Shanhe, who had been close to him for so long, not know where the key was, but even Liang Shao had once joked with her when dividing his grandfather's belongings: "Even if you only give me 20%, I won't notice. You probably know more about Grandfather's things than he does." But looking at the final distribution list, Shanhe knew that he had secretly given Liang Shao 20% more land.
Just as she was pondering this, someone whispered in Shanhe's ear, "Madam Xue, Madam Xue."
Shanhe came to her senses and saw that it was a young maid. The maid smiled and curtsied to Shanhe: "Madam Xue, Lord Shaoqing has finished his duty and happened to pass by this place. He learned that you were here and is now waiting for you in the Shuiyun Pavilion on the second floor."
Upon hearing this, the ladies, who had been engrossed in the opera, all turned and smiled as they took their leave, reminding Shanhe not to forget their gifts. Shanhe thanked them all before following her maid to the second floor. Qingyue and Miao'er were waiting in the outer room, each carrying a large pile of gift boxes. Shanhe said, "The master is here too, why don't you take these to his carriage?" But then, she thought for a moment and called them back, "No, just take the gifts to the master's Shuiyun Pavilion, and you don't need to worry about the rest."
Having finished explaining, Shanhe continued towards Shuiyunjian, with Qingyue and Miao'er following behind. Upon reaching the entrance, they encountered Chengmin emerging from within. The two nodded to each other and passed by. Shanhe knocked on the door before entering.
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