LC chapter 39

 

The Seventh Princess’s marriage was quickly arranged, and the wedding was set for the end of the year. After years of spending, the palace had little left and couldn’t afford much for the princess. Concubine Li gave her her entire dowry, and Zhan Xi was generous, adding quite a bit more.

This was a considerable fortune—more than enough for the Seventh Princess to live comfortably for the rest of her life.

Meanwhile, the Fifth Princess chose to study abroad. She left the palace with a resolute attitude after settling all matters. She removed Concubine Fucha from the mental hospital and found her another place to live. She also collected Concubine Fucha’s dowry and asked Zhan Xi for a large sum of money.

Zhan Xi said he would give her the same amount he had given the Seventh Princess and that they would have nothing to do with each other from now on.

She looked as if she had no intention of returning.

Zhan Xi didn’t refuse her. He never shied away from giving people opportunities; after all, it came easily to him.

The weather was gradually warming, and by noon, a light sweat would sometimes form on one’s body. Lin Ruan picked some lilac flowers and placed them in a crystal ink bottle filled with water.

The phone suddenly rang. Lin Ruan wiped his hands and answered. It was Meng Zhen.

His voice sounded a little excited. “Lin Ruan?”

“It’s me.”

“Are you free now? I’ll treat you to a play!”

“Why are you suddenly inviting me to a play?” Lin Ruan asked.

Meng Zhen muttered, “Not to see a play, but to watch one!”

“What do you mean?”

Meng Zhen paused and explained, “My cousin, Bai Zhenzhu, is getting married. Boss Song from the Zhexian Tower heard about it and sent her an invitation, saying he wanted to give her a play. Do you remember? My cousin asked me to deliver something to Boss Song.”

How could he forget this? Lin Ruan always felt uneasy whenever he thought of the Zhexian Tower. “I don’t think the Zhexian Tower is a place you should take lightly. You said you were going to see a play, but you might end up being watched.”

Meng Zhen asked, “What do you mean?”

Lin Ruan said he didn’t know, then added, “Maybe Zhexian Tower is unlucky.”

After a moment of silence, Meng Zhen said, “Feudal superstitions are a bad thing, Lin Ruan. You have a problem with your thinking!”

Before Lin Ruan could respond, Meng Zhen continued, “Come on, come on. We won’t cause any trouble this time!”

Lin Ruan hesitated for a moment before agreeing.

Shortly after four in the afternoon, Lin Ruan arrived at the entrance of the Zhexian Tower. Meng Zhen was already waiting there. He wore a light, moon-white gown and held a folding fan.

When he saw Lin Ruan, Meng Zhen approached, and the two walked to the door together. Lin Ruan took out a red card with gold embellishments. Zhan Xi had given it to him, and it served as an ID.

After entering the theater, a receptionist led them upstairs. The Zhexian Hall appeared to have been renovated and looked even more refined than when Lin Ruan had last visited.

The theater was packed today, and it felt a bit stuffy when they entered. Lin Ruan looked around the second floor and saw that most seats were occupied.

Lin Ruan and Meng Zhen sat down. Before them was an embroidered screen. Lin Ruan examined it carefully. It depicted the “Goddess of the Luo River.”[mfn]“The Goddess of the Luo River” (洛神, Luòshén) refers to a famous figure from Chinese mythology and literature — the river goddess of the Luo River, symbolizes beauty, grace, and unattainable love.[/mfn] Most of the private rooms had their screens removed for the opera, though some female guests still used them for privacy.

“Today’s play is ‘The Drunken Concubine[mfn]《貴妃醉酒》(The Drunken Beauty) is a famous Peking opera. It tells the story of Yang Guifei (Yang Yuhuan), the beloved concubine of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang. One night, she is invited to a banquet with the Emperor, but he fails to show up — choosing to spend the night with another consort instead. Feeling heartbroken, jealous, and humiliated, Yang Guifei drinks alone in the imperial garden, expressing her emotions through graceful dance and song.[/mfn],'” Meng Zhen said. “It’s Boss Song’s specialty.”

Meng Zhen looked as if he had inquired about it. He peeled an orange and continued, “The last time I brought him something, as soon as I told him it was from my cousin, his face fell immediately. I thought he really hated my cousin.”

Lin Ruan picked up the teacup and took a sip. The tea was cold and had two waxberries in it. The berries neutralized the bitterness of the tea leaves and added a sweet and sour flavor. This is how people in the south drink tea.

“My cousin’s marriage to the Xu family was scheduled over a year ago, and the wedding is next month,” Meng Zhen said. “Plus, today is my cousin’s birthday. Boss Song personally sent a note offering to put on a play for my cousin. Don’t you think that’s interesting?”

Lin Ruan pondered for a moment and replied, “The Drunken Concubine tells the story of a concubine who has an appointment with His Majesty for a banquet at the Hundred Flowers Pavilion. After waiting a long time, she transitions from anticipation to disappointment and finally to resentment. Does the play hold any metaphors?”

“I don’t know about that.” Suddenly, Meng Zhen patted Lin Ruan and pointed to a private room across the street. “My cousin is here.”

Lin Ruan nodded and looked at Meng Zhen. “Why are you so concerned about your cousin?” he asked.

“Curiosity,” Meng Zhen said. “The last time I saw Song Shuangqi, I thought it was strange, but my brother wouldn’t let me ask any more questions. My sister-in-law thought something was going on with my cousin, so she’s been keeping an eye on her and asked me to take a look.”

Lin Ruan nodded. Noticing his lack of interest, Meng Zhen said, “Don’t worry. We won’t leave this box today. There can’t be any more trouble.”

Lin Ruan said it wasn’t certain, but he didn’t want to dampen Meng Zhen’s spirits.

Downstairs, the play began. Song Shuangqi, portraying Concubine Yang, was elegant and graceful with a slender figure. The makeup on eyes exuded a noble and cold air. Yet, after drinking, the character became even more charming and captivating.

Cheers erupted upstairs and downstairs, and many people threw objects onto the stage, including silver bracelets, gold rings, silver dollars, and bills, creating a chaotic clamor.

Meng Zhen and Lin Ruan simply removed the screen and leaned over the railing to watch the spectacle unfold.

“As expected of a famous actor,” Lin Ruan exclaimed.

The second floor had its own reception area. No matter how much a guest in the private room donated, the waiter would bring it out on a tray and announce the amount. This led to a flurry of donations from guests in various private rooms and a kind of competitive spirit.

As they approached Lin Ruan’s private room, Meng Zhen asked, “Should we pay, too? It would be inappropriate not to.”

Lin Ruan pulled some money from his pocket: a few dozen yuan in notes. Meng Zhen had some money on him, too. He had just received spending money and had been planning to go out to dinner and do some shopping after the show.

The two of them pooled a hundred yuan and gave it to the man.

Meng Zhen watched the waiter eagerly as he took the money away. “You’re right,” he said. “The Zhexian Tower is truly unlucky. I got beaten last time, and now I’ve lost my money. I’m never coming here again.”

Lin Ruan leaned against the railing and listened to the opera. He had a basic understanding and could discern good from bad. Meng Zhen walked over to him and stood there for a moment. Then, he suddenly said, “Don’t you think everyone’s looking at us?”

Lin Ruan was startled. He looked around and noticed that everyone in the private room on the second floor was indeed looking in their direction. Lin Ruan stood up straight, feeling a bit confused.

Meng Zhen approached him and asked, “Did we pay too little?”

Lin Ruan whispered, “I don’t think so.”

He took a deep breath, gathered his composure, and looked back at the group, calmly scanning their surroundings. None of them met his gaze; most had turned away. Lin Ruan told the waiter to put the screen back up.

The screen blocked everyone’s view, and Lin Ruan and Meng Zhen both breathed a sigh of relief. Meng Zhen took a sip of his tea, looked at the waiter beside him, and asked, “Why are they all looking at us?”

The waiter poured tea and replied, “Those guests are probably curious about who’s in this private room.”

Lin Ruan realized that seating arrangements in the opera industry have their own rules. He asked the waiter, “Is our box special?”

“Of course,” the waiter replied. “It’s number one because it faces the stage, and it’s the best seat in the theater.” The waiter pointed to the screen and said, “That’s why only ours is embroidered with the Goddess of Luo River.”

The opera industry is full of powerful figures. They can easily spend thousands of dollars to promote a star. However, if they haven’t secured a spot in Box Number One, then clearly, the owner of Box Number One is more powerful and influential than they are.

Lin Ruan and Meng Zhen exchanged a glance and said, “All right, let’s go.”

Meng Zhen nodded. Although he had never seen Song Shuangqi and Bai Zhenzhu interact, he was afraid that something might happen if they stayed any longer. They gave the waiter two two-yuan notes, and he thanked them profusely. Before they could leave, there was a sudden knock on the private room door. The waiter went to check it out and returned, telling them, “It’s the guest from private room eight. They say it’s Manager Hu from the Swedish Bank, and he wants to see the two of you.”

Meng Zhen asked Lin Ruan, “Does he think we’re important?”

“Probably.” Lin Ruan looked at the waiter and said, “Please tell him we’re not receiving guests.”

The waiter went outside the private room and saw a middle-aged man in a suit standing there. Beside him stood a young man who appeared to be his son.

The waiter said the people inside weren’t receiving guests. The middle-aged man rummaged through his pockets and pulled out a handful of coins. Cash was clearly more tempting than banknotes.

“Please give us another chance,” the man said.

The waiter happily pocketed the money and left. The young man asked somewhat impatiently, “Dad, why do you have to meet the guests in this private room?”

The middle-aged man glanced at his son and said, “You’re still young. Do you think the theater is just for watching plays? It’s a perfect place to make connections. Look down there—so many people fawning over that actor. Who is he really? Yet he knows plenty of powerful people.”

The young man was clearly accustomed to this kind of talk. He leaned against a pillar, standing awkwardly.

Lin Ruan and Meng Zhen didn’t want to see anyone or stay any longer. They stood up and tried to leave. When they opened the door, the father and son were still waiting outside, looking determined.

When they saw Lin Ruan and Meng Zhen emerge, the middle-aged man hurried over and handed them his business card. “My name is Hu, and I’m a manager at a Swedish bank.” He greeted them, saying, “You two are so young. You’re truly talented young men.”

The more enthusiastic he became, the more embarrassed Lin Ruan and Meng Zhen became. Manager Hu’s arguments were completely unconvincing, and he practically dragged them back to sit and have tea.

The young man next to him had been staring at Lin Ruan and Meng Zhen until he finally remembered who they were. He nudged his father and said, “They’re not important people.”

Manager Hu paused and looked at his son.

The young man looked at Lin Ruan, his eyes flashing with sarcasm. “He went to the same school as me. He’s a kept boy for rich men.”

Lin Ruan, Meng Zhen, and Manager Hu were all stunned. However, he quickly let go of Lin Ruan as if he had touched something dirty.

“I thought he was an important figure. Really…” Manager Hu wiped his hands with a handkerchief, feeling unlucky. His visit to Box One wasn’t that of a very respectable guest to begin with. So, if the man was truly important, the benefits would outweigh the loss of face, and that would be fine. But a kept boy? Manager Hu felt it wasn’t worth it, not to mention all the people around him who knew were watching him.

Lin Ruan grimaced. He didn’t argue unless he’d planned it out mentally. Otherwise, he wouldn’t know how to respond to an unexpected situation. Meng Zhen was different. He sneered, “Oh? Not calling us ‘talented young men’ anymore?”

Manager Hu glanced at them, his face stern, and scolded them: “Don’t you know what kind of trash you are? You don’t even belong in a place like this!”

Meng Zhen was about to retort when a deep voice suddenly rang out.

“What do you mean ‘don’t belong’? Where isn’t he allowed to go?”

Lin Ruan paused and followed his gaze. The sound of leather heels tapping against the wooden floor was pleasant and resonant, like stepping on a person’s heart.

Zhan Xi approached, accompanied by Shi Ning.

Manager Hu’s expression immediately turned fawning when he saw Zhan Xi. “Master Zhan!”

Zhan Xi glanced at him. “Isn’t this Deputy Manager Hu from the Swedish Bank?”

“Master Zhan, you recognize me?” Manager Hu smiled. “It’s truly an honor.”

Zhan Xi gave a vague laugh.

Manager Hu tried his best to strike up a conversation with Zhan. “Master Zhan, despite all his work, still has time to come to the opera?”

“I’m not here for the opera.” Zhan Xi turned and looked over there. Still confused, Manager Hu watched as Lin Ruan walked over to Zhan Xi and called him “Sir.”

Manager Hu’s expression changed slightly.

Zhan Xi looked at him and said, “This is Lin Ruan, my betrothed wife since childhood. He came here today to watch a play, and I came to take him home.”

Manager Hu’s smile faded. Zhan Xi looked at him and asked, “I just heard what Deputy Manager Hu said, but I didn’t quite catch it. Could you please repeat it?”

Manager Hu’s forehead was covered with sweat. His son, standing beside him, called out, “Dad,” nervously.

Manager Hu turned and slapped his son, saying, “I told you not to talk nonsense here. Don’t you realize who you are? Is this the right place for you?” ”

His son was caught off guard by the slap. Before he could react, Manager Hu smiled apologetically at Zhan Xi and said, “I’m disciplining my son. I’m sorry to have embarrassed you, Third Master.”

Zhan Xi looked at Manager Hu nonchalantly. “In my opinion, children should be educated through words and actions. Since Manager Hu knows who you are, your son will naturally know his own limitations.”

“Third Master, that’s right, that’s right.”

Shi Ning stepped forward and said, “Deputy Manager Hu, please come in.”

Manager Hu dragged his bewildered son away, his face covered in dust. Others stealthily glanced in their direction. Zhan Xi, unconcerned, dragged Lin Ruan into the private room.

Meng Zhen was terrified of people like Zhan Xi because he reminded him of his own father. They both had the air of a feudal patriarch.

So, Meng Zhen quietly gestured to Lin Ruan twice and politely left.

Zhan Xi pinched the back of Lin Ruan’s neck. “Young Master, why are you so clueless? You don’t even know how to talk back when you’re being scolded?”

Lin Ruan felt a little embarrassed. “He scolded me so suddenly. Give me some time, and I’ll know how to respond.”

Zhan Xi chuckled. “What? Do you need to rehearse in your head first? Do you expect people to wait until you’re ready to argue?”

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