Linxia

Chapter 127, Qixi Festival

'The moon is above the treetops, and we make appointments after dusk'. Because of this line of poetry, the Qixi Festival banquet at Yuehu Lake is not too late, and begins at dusk.

That evening, Fang Lin and his family changed into their best clothes and went to Yue Lake to attend the Qixi Festival banquet.

When we arrived at the Moon Lake, there was a boat waiting for us. We showed our invitation and a servant came to meet us and took us to the center of the lake. We also had snacks on the way. It was very thoughtful and considerate.

After getting on the ship, the family, led by a beautiful maid, sat down in a seat. Everything went smoothly, and there was no melodramatic scene that would cause others to look down on them.

At today's event, all the participants are either rich or noble, so the banquet is of course excellent. Chicken, duck, beef and mutton are just ordinary things, while tiger meat, venison, bear paws, bird's nests, seafood, oysters, roasted fish and mare's milk... these are worthy of the banquet level.

"Dad, Mom, Sister Xuan, everyone, eat. It's rare to see this on weekdays, so let's try it today." Fang Lin said as he picked up some food for everyone.

"I don't think they want to eat." Fang's mother said in a low voice.

"Yes!" Father Fang also nodded.

Tian Xuan looked at the other tables around her and saw that no one was eating. She felt that these people were dressed in fancy clothes but seemed a little reserved. She asked in a low voice, "Brother Lin, isn't it a bit inappropriate for us to eat alone?"

"They have eaten too much and are not interested anymore. It's okay, let's eat!" Fang Lin said with a smile.

After hearing this, Fang's father, Fang's mother, and Tian Xuan continued eating. They still looked a little embarrassed, but Fang Lin was open and composed.

"Is this what venison tastes like? It doesn't taste very good." Fang's mother lowered her voice and spoke to Fang Lin.

"Yes, many rare things may not taste good. They are put on display because they are hard to come by and they highlight one's status."

Fang Lin explained, and then said: "Mom, it's not delicious, just try it for fun, pick the delicious ones and eat more, Dad, Sister Xuan, you too."

"Uh-huh!"

The family ate casually.

This behavior was actually a bit rude. Some people looked at it with a hint of disrespect, but did not say anything. Especially since they knew that Fang Lin's family did not sneak in but came with the invitation from Prefect Pu, it was even less of a big deal.

Without being disturbed, Fang Lin and his family were quite comfortable, eating delicious food and looking at the beautiful scenery.

Last time I saw the Bieshan Lantern from afar, this time when I got closer, I was even more shocked. It was as huge as a rockery, more than five meters high, and when stacked together, it looked like an old turtle.

The upper part is clearly divided into different levels. At the top are the gods, the wind god, the fire god... In the lower area, among the pines and cypresses, there are mountain goblins, various birds and beasts; in the water area, there are fish, dragons, turtles and crabs...

When the music started, the God of Wind and the God of Fire roared into the sky, and everything below seemed to come alive: birds and beasts galloped in the pine and cypress forests, fish and dragons circled in the clouds and mist... Each area was independent, yet vaguely connected, like a whole.

All I can say is that this is a visual feast.

The family discussed in low voices.

"So lovely!"

"Ah."

"Brother Lin, that fish dragon can really spit out clouds and mist. I wonder how it does it?"

"It should be an internal mechanism... Dad, Mom, Sister Xuan, look, the green one above is the God of Wind, and the red one is the God of Fire... The Turtle Mountain Lantern is said to come from a story in the Classic of Mountains and Seas. It is said that in ancient times, there were five big mountains in the Bohai Sea, floating on the sea. The Jade Emperor ordered fifteen giant turtles to hold up the five mountains and prevent them from moving. People thanked the giant turtles and made lanterns in their memory..." Fang Lin explained like a tour guide.

He did a lot of homework in advance. If the family wants to have a good time, someone will inevitably have to give more. Call it sacrifice or preparation, he is willing to do it for the family and enjoy it.

Under the lights of Bieshan Mountain, there are trees and flowers standing in rows, colorful lights are sparkling, flower petals are fluttering, and there is a dance music.

What impressed Fang Lin most were two people. One was a female dancer named Gu Yuyan, who was as light as a swallow and danced in the palm of her hand in a space of inch. She really looked like the legendary Zhao Feiyan. The other was Shi Wenjun, who had an oval face, fair skin, and a very three-dimensional mouth and nose. She was dressed in light gauze, walked lightly, and her silk stockings were covered with dust. Her dance was like the fairy Guanghan. The moon-worshiping movement in particular reminded him of Diao Chan in the recently written Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

"It looks good!" Tian Xuan, a woman, thought it looked good.

"Yeah, it's pretty." Fang Lin said, quietly pulling Tian Xuan's hand: "But in my heart, I still think Sister Xuan is the prettiest."

"Brother Lin!" Tian Xuan looked around hurriedly, as agile as a frightened deer. Seeing that no one was paying attention, she pursed her lips and turned her head away, her cheeks flushed.

The family was very relaxed, eating, drinking, enjoying the wonders, singing and dancing, and watching openly.

This is especially true for Fang Lin.

Recently, he has been writing Romance of the Three Kingdoms and has been feeling quite exhausted. The Qixi Festival banquet is a great opportunity to relax. He has not thought about making connections here. There are indeed important people here, but this is not the right time. If he tries to get close to them without any connection, he will only be looked down upon and even Prefect Pu will lose face.

……

At this time, Prefect Pu was sitting in the upper seat, surrounded by dignitaries.

"It is a rare honor for you to be invited to our banquet. Please drink this cup. This is a century-old wine from Du Kang Fang, a rare and fine wine."

"This is a crab from the East China Sea. This one is the best of the best, the largest and most delicious one."

"I will peel the crab for you, sir. This crab is very delicious. You can eat it with your wine."

……

Faced with such hospitality, Magistrate Pu was polite, tasted only a little and showed no obvious interest.

This is because once one reveals his likes and dislikes, valuable gifts will soon be sent to him, and they will hunt him down, corrupt him, and assimilate him, which will make things difficult for him.

Seeing that Prefect Pu had little interest in fine wine and delicious food, two beauties, Gu Yuyan and Shi Wenjun, came forward to toast him.

"Sir, Miss Yuyan and Miss Wenjun are from Qinghuan Residence."

Qinghuan House is the most upscale brothel in Huai'an city. The famous prostitutes here only sell their art but not their bodies. Instead, the more dignified they are, the more popular they are.

"In Qinghuan Residence, Miss Yuyan and Miss Wenjun are the most outstanding. They usually don't speak politely to others, but when they heard that you are toasting for your Excellency and admire your virtue and reputation, they are willing to come. It is really rare." This person is very skillful in flattering.

But this is indeed the fact. If Gu Yuyan and Shi Wenjun did not admire Magistrate Pu's reputation and were not sincere in their intentions, the dignitaries present would not have been able to force them to do things.

Upon hearing this, Prefect Pu frowned. This was the reason why he was unwilling to attend these banquets. These people were always trying to find ways to test him.

"I'm old, and I don't have much in common with you. You won't feel comfortable staying with an old man like me. Well, I have a nephew here, you young people can go and chat with him!" He thought for a moment and pointed at Fang Lin.

"Yes, sir." Gu Yuyan and Shi Wenjun were not in a position to refute Prefect Pu. However, this kind of "re-gift" behavior actually made them feel a little uncomfortable. On weekdays, when they interacted with dignitaries, they would always flatter and be polite to them. They were also reserved and proud.

Shi Wenjun couldn't tell anything, she still looked cold and independent; Gu Yuyan frowned, her big eyes, which seemed to be painted with lacquer, rolled around.

……

On this side, a group of children of powerful and wealthy families watched Gu Yuyan and Shi Wenjun go to Fang Lin's side. Most of them remained silent, but a few showed envy on their faces.

"Brother Ma, if I remember correctly, you spent thousands of taels of silver on Miss Yuyan, but you only met her twice and didn't even hold her hand. Why don't you go over and take a look?"

"Haha, I just admire Miss Yuyan and her reputation of 'dancing in the palm of your hand'. Didn't Brother Shao spend a lot of money on Miss Wenjun? I heard that he even submitted a few poems, but failed to impress her. If you don't go yourself, how can you ask me to go? By the way, Brother Duan, I heard that you married another beautiful concubine a few days ago. How does she compare to Miss Yuyan and Miss Wenjun? Why don't you go and take a look?"

"No! No!" Mr. Duan rolled his eyes and waved his hands: "You are not good people. You don't go and let me cause trouble."

……

In just a few words, a hidden confrontation was already revealed.

If the powerful and wealthy class do not have a good brain, they can easily be instigated to be used as guns. If they offend too many people, they may not even know how they died.

Fortunately, since these young men dared to let them out, they must be not stupid, especially in front of people, in front of people of the same level, they are all polite and well-educated. For example, Fang Lin's family eats and drinks casually, and there is no strange look at them. Knowing that Fang Lin's family is holding the invitation of Prefect Pu, they will not make friends with them, but they will not provoke them either.

Of course, I wouldn't do that myself, but I could encourage others to try. However, everyone present was smart, so I had to give up.

After a round of intrigue, these children of power and influence soon became harmonious again.

"I don't think that brother will be able to have a good time today."

"That's right, Miss Yuyan is not someone you can easily mess with, she has a quirky personality...Brother Ma, haven't you suffered before?"

"Why are you saying that? Brother Shao, you're talking as if you haven't been humiliated by Miss Wenjun."

……

As these sons of powerful families spoke, it was obvious that they did not think that Fang Lin could win the hearts of the two girls when he had failed to win over so many others present. They were vaguely interested in watching the fun and focused their attention there.

……

Having said that, Gu Yuyan and Shi Wenjun were indeed feeling uncomfortable because of Prefect Pu's "re-gift" behavior.

Shi Wenjun was still aloof and independent, with a calm expression, going about her business as usual; Gu Yuyan was different. When she heard Magistrate Pu say that Fang Lin was his nephew, she subconsciously thought he was a playboy. She came into contact with a lot of playboys, most of whom were ignorant of their proper conduct, saying sweet words but having ulterior motives. She instinctively repelled him and rolled her eyes, planning to play a little tease on him to prevent him from having any inappropriate thoughts.

"Lord Pu said that the young master is a man of talent and virtue. Wenjun is here to greet you." Master Wenjun's voice was crisp and cold, like pearls falling on a jade plate.

With just one sentence, he not only hinted at the reason for coming over, but also implicitly complimented Fang Lin. However, his behavior revealed a sense of distance.

"Yes, I'll offer a toast to you, young master!" Gu Yuyan's voice was as melodious as a lark. As she spoke, she lightly pressed the handle of the wine jug, triggering the mechanism. A cup of turbid wine poured out of the jug. She looked at Fang Lin teasingly and mischievously.

In the past, when this trick was used, the other party would either drink it down in order to show their graciousness, or they would change the cup for themselves just to make a joke. A very small number of people with a hot temper would feel insulted and walk away.

She stared into Fang Lin's eyes, observing his reaction, and also trying to know when to stop. If Fang Lin behaved excessively, she would immediately speak to comfort him. In the past, even if someone was angry, they would not be able to be cruel in the face of such a cute look.

Fang Lin glanced at her, raised his cup and drank calmly, and said in a clear voice: "If the young lady is unwilling, just go. I have no objection and I have no thoughts about the young lady. I already have a wife."

As he spoke, he looked at Tian Xuan.

A blush like the sunset glow appeared on Tian Xuan's cheeks, and she followed her husband's lead and looked at the two girls.

Fang's father and mother were listening nearby with smiles on their faces. When they saw the two beautiful girls coming over, they were worried that their son would not be able to control himself. But now that they saw Fang Lin was so sensible and sober, they felt relieved.

The most embarrassed were the two girls, Gu Yuyan and Shi Wenjun.

Such an open-minded attitude and deep love between husband and wife seemed to be too sentimental. Gu Yuyan bit her lip and lowered her head subconsciously out of shame. Her charm in an instant charmed countless powerful young men over there.

"Young master is magnanimous. It was Yuyan Meng who was reckless just now. Wenjun apologizes on her behalf." Shi Wenjun said, wanting to pour a glass of wine to apologize.

She didn't stop it just now, and now she felt a little guilty.

"No need, one cup just now is enough for the job." Fang Lin stopped her and said, "The same goes for Miss Wenjun, you can come and go as you please."

At this point, Gu Yuyan and Shi Wenjun could leave, but Gu Yuyan held Shi Wenjun back and said, "Master, if we leave, we still have to deal with some chattering flies. If you have pity on us, please let us stay!"

As she said this, she blinked her big eyes and looked at Fang Lin. Her voice was gentle and contained a hint of flattery, and there was a little bit of charm in her youthfulness, which flowed out silently.

——This is quite sincere. In addition, because of what happened just now, the other party let go of his prejudices and grudges, his impression of him became better, and he even became a little curious about him.

"Well, both girls, please do as you please."

Fang Lin thought that if he drove away the two girls who had been invited by Prefect Pu, it would be a disgrace to Prefect Pu, so he said this and then said little. He put his family at the center, picking up the dishes and explaining, taking care of the explanations. He didn't expect that, out of respect for Tian Xuan, he didn't say a word to the two girls and didn't say another word.

Before, he only admired the singing and dancing of Gu Yuyan and Shi Wenjun, but he has admired many people in his life, and there are thousands of beautiful women in the world. After admiring them, should he take them all in?
'Compared to the desire of the body, I pay more attention to the harmony of the soul. There are three thousand rivers, but I only take one scoop. Now my status and wealth are not enough, I know myself and will not covet them. In the future, when my wealth and status change and there are more temptations, I will still demand the same of myself, restrain myself and keep my heart, and never forget my original intention.' Fang Lin thought to himself.

Shi Wenjun had met many people and could tell the difference between sincerity and insincerity. She knew whether the other party was acting, speaking insincerely, or was sincere. She knew that Fang Lin was telling the truth and had no other intentions.

Just for this reason, her impression of Fang Lin was better than that of those young men who spent a lot of money over there.

'From what I've seen so far, this man doesn't seem to be lustful. However, his wife is still a virgin, so is it not possible...' This thought suddenly popped up in Shi Wenjun's mind, and then she shook her head slightly to dispel it, not wanting to talk about others behind their backs.

"Hmph!" Gu Yuyan looked at the harmonious family and the couple's "eye contact" and felt a little envious and a little uncomfortable. This time, it was different from the discomfort of "transferring" before, but the slight discomfort of being ignored. You said you can do as you please, but you really don't talk to us? Even if you are taking care of your wife's mood, you shouldn't do this, right?

To be honest, wherever they went in the past, they were always pursued and praised. It was rare for them to be ignored like this. However, they had also seen many tactics of playing hard to get, so they would not rush to get close to others.

Time passed just like that. Gu Yuyan, Shi Wenjun and Fang Lin were sitting not far from each other. As the banquet was coming to an end, there was no more communication. Since there were no flies coming over and they didn't need to bother dealing with them, the two women felt at ease.

If nothing unexpected happened, this would have been the end of the matter, until...

……

(End of this chapter)