Chapter Thirty-Five: Heroes and Beauties
Qin Cheng and Le Yi had barely walked a few steps when two men with odd expressions approached from the opposite direction.
“Qin Lang,” greeted one of them, a man in his thirties with a smile—it was Ji Zhu.
“We met earlier in the street. General Ji heard you were nearby and came with me to look for you,” Le Yi explained to Qin Cheng at just the right moment.
Qin Cheng cupped his fists toward Ji Zhu, smiling. “General Ji, it’s been a few days since we last met. Why do you look so unwell? Is something troubling you?”
“No, nothing at all. Qin Lang, you needn’t mind it. Since we’ve met in the city today, it’s only right that we drink together,” Ji Zhu replied awkwardly, thinking to himself, ‘It’s not as if I’m not worried about you, seeing you almost at the point of writing a divorce letter.’ “Oh, by the way, this is Master Zhang, Assistant Clerk of the Ledger Department, and this is Qin Cheng, the Decurion who took the head of the Xiongnu Left Bone Commander with a single stroke.”
With that, Ji Zhu introduced the middle-aged man beside him to Qin Cheng. Qin Cheng looked at the man, who was also sizing him up. He had a scholarly appearance, an air of an old academic, and a general’s belly protruding, giving him a friendly look.
The Assistant Clerk of the Ledger Department—one of the high-ranking aides to the Inspector and the Colonel of the Secretariat, responsible for managing the finances, accounts, and supplies of a district.
“Qin Cheng greets Master Zhang.”
“So this is Qin Lang, whose fame shakes the Xiongnu? Indeed, you are spirited and heroic. If all the youths of Shanggu were like you, why would we ever fear the Xiongnu?” The assistant, named Zhang Du, laughed heartily. “Qin Lang, your talents are remarkable, and your prospects limitless!”
“Master Zhang overpraises me; Qin Cheng dares not accept such praise,” Qin Cheng replied humbly.
“Enough, Qin Lang, don’t be so modest! Master Zhang is an old friend of mine. We are all people of temperament—let us dispense with formalities and enjoy our closeness!” Ji Zhu laughed, then pulled Le Yi over. “Today, Master Zhang and I are both on leave, so we agreed to stroll together and find a place to drink a few bowls. Now that we’ve met you and Le Lang, let us find a good spot and drink heartily—wouldn’t that be delightful?”
“General Ji, that fits perfectly with my wishes! To meet with military heroes today is fate, a great fortune, and we should drink deeply!” Zhang Du said with gusto, looking at Qin Cheng and Le Yi. “Surely you two won’t refuse?”
“That would be excellent,” Qin Cheng and Le Yi agreed.
The four set off together, exchanging pleasantries. Finding that their personalities matched well, they soon relaxed and began to talk and laugh freely. Before long, they arrived before a two-story pavilion.
“Qin Lang, Le Lang, today let’s take our meal and drink at Linxiang Pavilion. What do you two say?” Zhang Du stopped in front of the building, smiling meaningfully at Qin Cheng and Le Yi.
“Is there something special about Linxiang Pavilion?” Le Yi asked, noticing the elaborate decoration.
“Well, why don’t you go in and see for yourselves?” Zhang Du chuckled, deliberately avoiding a direct answer.
Seeing Le Yi hesitate, Ji Zhu put his arm around his shoulder and laughed, “Master Zhang and I rarely come here—not because of the cost, but because we can’t handle such elegance. Today, since you and Qin Lang are joining us for the first time, this is the perfect spot for a hearty drink. Don’t hesitate, Le Lang!”
With that, Ji Zhu gave Qin Cheng a meaningful look. Le Yi, understanding the hint, recalled Qin Cheng’s troubles today and made up his mind. “Very well! Since that’s the case, I’ll follow your lead. Please!”
“Hahaha, that’s the spirit!”
Amid laughter, the four entered Linxiang Pavilion.
Inside the door, Le Yi, with his rustic background, was genuinely astonished by the scene. Not to mention anything else, the grand layout and luxurious decorations were unlike anything he’d ever seen—not even imagined. This wasn’t just a tavern; it resembled a place for amusement, with a central stage clearly meant for singers and dancers. The tables and chairs were arranged with care, and the second floor was full of elegant private rooms.
“Gentlemen, do you have a reservation?” a brisk young attendant approached, smiling.
“No reservation, but are any private rooms still available?” Zhang Du inquired, obviously familiar with the place.
“There are many guests today, and the private rooms are all taken. But if you’re looking for a quiet spot, we do have some available,” replied the attendant.
“That will do. Lead the way,” Zhang Du said.
“Gentlemen, please follow me.”
The four followed the attendant to a secluded spot and took their seats. Zhang Du ordered some food and drink, then asked, “Who is performing today?”
“Gentlemen, you’ve come at just the right time. Today’s performer is Miss Xin’er!”
“Excellent!”
After the attendant left, Zhang Du said to Qin Cheng and Le Yi, “Miss Xin’er is the best singer and dancer at Linxiang Pavilion. She rarely performs, so we are lucky to see her today. It seems you two are truly blessed!”
Seeing Zhang Du so enthusiastic, Qin Cheng smiled, “Master Zhang, you seem to care deeply for her—perhaps you already know the taste of her silken skirts?”
“If that were the case, I’d have taken her home long ago, instead of letting her sing and dance here!” Zhang Du sighed deeply.
Qin Cheng was puzzled, surprised. “Master Zhang values this beauty so highly—I am impressed!”
“You are in the army, so it’s natural you don’t know about these matters,” Zhang Du said wistfully. “No matter. Let me tell you a bit. Linxiang Pavilion is a place for official entertainers. Though it’s become more worldly in recent years, most of the girls here are performers, not courtesans—a single word makes a world of difference! A star like Miss Xin’er is pure and virtuous; many seek her heart, wishing to hold her in their arms, but none have succeeded. Even we can only sigh in admiration!”
Qin Cheng was taken aback. In his view, a prostitute was just a prostitute; he hadn’t expected that, in ancient times, there were truly entertainers who sold their art, not their bodies. He didn’t know what to say.
Seeing Qin Cheng lost in thought, Ji Zhu laughed, “Could it be that Qin Lang is already smitten? Haha, no matter—someone like you, a young hero, has a much better chance with a beauty than we do. Master Zhang, isn’t that so?”
“Exactly,” Zhang Du replied, for once serious. “Qin Lang, a young hero with outstanding military achievement, surely the rank of general is within reach. For someone as handsome as you, if you truly win the beauty’s heart, I, Zhang Du, will be the first to cheer you on!”
“That’s right, Qin Cheng! I think you should conquer this beauty—you’d bring us all great joy!” Le Yi chimed in, laughing.
Qin Cheng shook his head with a smile, but he truly felt no interest.
“Miss Xin’er is accomplished in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—especially skilled in song and dance, and of refined character. If you harbor improper intentions, I won’t say much, but shouting so boldly as you do will only make things more difficult!” As they spoke, laughter sounded from nearby.
They turned to see three young men at a nearby table, smiling at them. All three were elegant, scholarly types, and the one speaking was gently waving a feather fan, even in late autumn.
Ji Zhu and the others all looked displeased at the sight of these men and were about to retort, but the attendant arrived, serving their food and wine and cheerfully introducing the delicacies.
Interrupted thus, the four temporarily ignored the three men and turned their attention to the feast.
Le Yi took the bronze wine pot shaped like a phoenix and was about to pour for everyone, but Zhang Du took it with a smile and filled everyone’s cups himself. “This bamboo-green wine is a specialty here. Unlike ordinary wines, which are yellow, this wine is green. Not only that, it is rich and fragrant, its aroma refreshing and rare.”
Qin Cheng was a lover of wine. Seeing the bamboo-green wine, he knew that ancient wines weren’t distilled and were only as strong as modern beer, but that didn’t bother him.
“Come, let us all drink together!” Zhang Du raised his cup.
The clear wine slid down his throat, and Qin Cheng felt instantly invigorated—indeed, it was fine wine.
“A fine wine, truly excellent!”
Everyone praised it joyfully.
After a few cups, a voice rang out from upstairs.
“Gentlemen, please quiet down for a moment. Today, at Linxiang Pavilion, most of you have come for Miss Xin’er. I won’t say more—let’s listen to her song and dance first!”
With that, the host withdrew from the stage.
“Qin Lang, Le Lang, listen carefully—Miss Xin’er’s performance is extraordinary,” Zhang Du cautioned, worried that Qin Cheng and Le Yi might not appreciate the music, though how much he himself understood was anyone’s guess.
Qin Cheng and Le Yi exchanged smiles, then joined everyone in watching the stage.
“If Miss Xin’er dances today and one of us wins her favor, perhaps we’ll have a chance to converse with the beauty,” the three elegant young men discussed.
“Yes, then our trip here will not have been in vain.”
Soon, a woman in red glided onto the stage, her long sleeves veiling her face. She did not greet the audience, but began to dance and sing immediately.
“Guan-guan, the ospreys call, on the river islet; graceful is the lady, a worthy mate for the gentleman…”
A song from the Wei wind—‘Jian Jia’—accompanied by ethereal dance, rising like mist.
The woman in red moved like a fiery phoenix, her voice heavenly, rising gently and then roaring like thunder, her sleeves swirling, myriad charms flowing with every movement.
At the sight of the dancing woman in red, even Qin Cheng, who knew nothing of music, was stunned. Song and dance are always able to stir the heart; even if one is not an expert, one can be intoxicated if they pay attention.
“Softly the melody flows, the song is calm, the music resounds, the chorus is bright. Grace in demeanor, lovely attire, fragrance fills the hall.” One of the three scholars murmured verses.
“Bathed in orchid scent, adorned in splendid clothes like blossoms. Graceful and lingering, shining bright without end.” Another continued.
“No one believes, but she comes without a word, riding the wind with a cloud banner. Saddest is parting, happiest is newfound love.”
Qin Cheng, of course, didn’t realize these were verses by Qu Yuan in praise of priestesses; his knowledge of classical literature was limited to school textbooks. Hearing them recite softly, he sensed the words were praise, but understood little else.
But Zhang Du, a learned man, recognized the verses and knew they described how enchanting the priestess’s singing and dancing were, how beautiful and beguiling. In essence: the priestess bathes, dresses splendidly like a flower, enters and leaves silently, floating alluringly; men are captivated, their greatest sorrow is leaving her, their greatest joy is starting a new affair.
Such was the heartfelt sentiment of those watching.
Zhang Du saw Qin Cheng completely entranced by the song and dance, laughed, raised his cup, and said, “Come, Qin Lang, let’s drink together!”
Qin Cheng snapped out of it, realizing he’d been mesmerized, but saw nothing amiss. He raised his cup and drank with Zhang Du.
“Qin Cheng, come, let me toast you!” Le Yi filled Qin Cheng’s cup.
Qin Cheng smiled, said nothing, and drank it down.
“Qin Lang, let me toast you as well!” Ji Zhu laughed, raising his cup. “In the battle against the Xiongnu, you first took the head of their commander, then beat the drums at the cliff to help us escape, then ambushed and shot down two or three thousand cavalry, and finally fought the Xiongnu Left Wise King to a draw! Such heroic feats—I may not say so often, but I admire you greatly. Today, let me toast you here at Linxiang Pavilion!”
“General Ji, there’s no need for such words; all our soldiers deserve credit for fighting on the battlefield. Let’s use this cup to toast the Han army!” Qin Cheng said with solemnity.
“Good, cheers!”
“Cheers!”
The two drank together, and only then realized that everyone in the pavilion was watching them.
Qin Cheng and Ji Zhu exchanged glances, unsure why.
“When Miss Xin’er finished her dance, General Ji Zhu shouted, and you both spoke loudly. Everyone heard you!” Le Yi explained quietly.
With this, Qin Cheng and Ji Zhu felt a bit embarrassed—they had disturbed the refined atmosphere, and both were ill at ease.
“Killed the Xiongnu Left Bone Commander? Is that Qin Cheng?”
“Yes! I heard someone devised a clever plan, allowing our Han army to kill two or three thousand Xiongnu cavalry with only a thousand infantry. Isn’t that Qin Cheng?!”
“He’s so young!”
“Heroes truly emerge among the young!”
Unexpectedly, instead of criticizing Qin Cheng and Ji Zhu, the guests began discussing Qin Cheng, their words full of praise. Those who could drink and watch the dance here were wealthy or noble, many officials among them; it was only natural they knew of Qin Cheng’s deeds.
“This must be General Qin Cheng, who slew the Xiongnu commander and broke them with clever tactics?” A young man upstairs, in his twenties, cupped his fists toward Qin Cheng and asked loudly.
“I dare not claim such honor. I am Qin Cheng,” Qin Cheng rose and returned the gesture.
“Qin Jun, a young hero, fought the Xiongnu and brought glory to our Han—truly uplifting! No need to be so modest,” the young man replied, taking a cup from his companion. “If General Qin doesn’t mind, let me toast you!”
“To defend the country is the greatest merit for all our soldiers!” Qin Cheng took the cup Le Yi handed him. “Brother, your kindness is appreciated. I toast you in return!”
“Good, cheers!”
After they drank, praise echoed all around.
“In that case, why don’t we all toast General Qin together? With heroes like him, what have we to fear from the Xiongnu?” The elegant young man who had mocked Qin Cheng earlier now spoke loudly, prompting everyone to raise their cups to Qin Cheng. Ji Zhu and the others followed suit, while Zhang Du grinned broadly, as if the praise were for himself. The young man said, “I apologize for my earlier words, General Qin, please accept my apology!”
“Cheers!”
“Cheers!”
Everyone drank together, the scene grand and lively.
“General Qin,” as the calls of joy echoed, Miss Xin’er, dressed in red, appeared at Qin Cheng’s table, holding a cup of wine. Only then did everyone remember the woman who had just finished her dance.
When the woman in red appeared before him, Qin Cheng found himself momentarily dazed. Before, from a distance, her beauty was unclear; now, standing before him, he saw she was truly exquisite: like a lily blooming in the night, delicate brows, rosy cheeks, a gentle smile at her lips, unmatched beauty, with a touch of innocence that only enhanced her charm. Truly a rare beauty!
The woman’s name was Bai Xin Xin. Seeing Qin Cheng staring without answering, she felt no offense. She spoke softly, “General, your bravery in defeating the Xiongnu has inspired us all. Though I am but a woman, I understand a little of loyalty and righteousness. Your valor has protected our homes and slain our enemies, bringing great joy. May I toast you, General—please do not refuse.”
Qin Cheng regained his composure. Hearing Bai Xin Xin’s words, he could not refuse. He poured himself a full cup and said, “I am but a soldier, unworthy of your praise. Let us drink this cup together!”
With that, he drained the cup in one go.
Bai Xin Xin smiled gently, covered her face with her sleeve, and drank with Qin Cheng. Though she was a woman, her drinking was not slow, and she set down her cup at the same time as Qin Cheng.
“Since you have come to Linxiang Pavilion, you are my guest. I am honored to have danced for you, General. May I invite you to converse with me in a private room, to fulfill my admiration for a hero?” Bai Xin Xin handed her cup to her attendant, speaking softly, her eyes full of hope and anxiety as she looked at Qin Cheng.
At her invitation, Qin Cheng hesitated, but before he could decline, Zhang Du laughed, “A beauty invites you, Qin Lang—how can you refuse? Everyone’s watching; if you disappoint her, we won’t let you off! Haha!”
Qin Cheng smiled helplessly, about to reply, but Le Yi spoke first to Bai Xin Xin, “Miss Xin’er, my friend here is brave but reserved. If he doesn’t speak, it means he agrees! Please, lead the way.”
Qin Cheng shot Le Yi a look, then cupped his hands to Bai Xin Xin. “In that case, I’ll trouble you, miss.”