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When Di Jiang returned to her room, she smelled an unfamiliar fragrance that didn’t belong to her quarters. Upon closer inspection, she saw a figure lying on her bed, sleeping soundly.
The person’s breathing was steady, and they were deep in slumber.
Di Jiang paused momentarily, then slowly approached and lifted the blanket covering his head. A breathtakingly beautiful face emerged.
Jiang Qionglin…?
Without makeup, he still appeared gentle and delicate, like polished jade. Even in deep sleep, his brows were slightly furrowed, giving him an air of quiet resilience that made him look even more pitiable. His presence tugged at one’s heartstrings, evoking both pity and admiration.
He was unlike ordinary courtesans or male consorts. At times, he resembled the soft glow of dawn; at others, the soothing warmth of autumn waters. With his eyes closed, he exuded understated elegance like a chrysanthemum; with them open, he transformed into a blooming peony.
People came in all forms, each unique in their own way.
What kind of experiences had shaped him into someone so extraordinary? What stories had he lived through to cultivate such an aloof and detached demeanor?
Not wanting to disturb his peaceful slumber, Di Jiang quietly retreated, closing the door behind her before rushing into Wen Yao’s bedroom.
“Why is Jiang Qionglin here?” Di Jiang dragged Wen Yao out of bed, asking urgently.
“Shopkeeper, you’re back?” Wen Yao was groggy, still half-asleep, and completely disoriented from being abruptly pulled up.
“I’m asking you—why is Jiang Qionglin sleeping in my bed? Did you bring him here?” Di Jiang pressed.
“No, last night he walked in himself,” Wen Yao mumbled sleepily, shaking her head in confusion.
Di Jiang sighed and released her shoulders. “I see.”
Wen Yao had been too excited the previous night, unable to stop thinking about having Jiang Qionglin nearby. By the time Di Jiang returned, it was still early, and Wen Yao was exhausted, collapsing back onto her pillow and falling into a deep sleep.
Di Jiang descended the stairs and sat alone in the courtyard.
The morning mist lingered lightly, and frost clung to the leaves of flowers. Dewdrops balanced precariously on the tips of petals, trembling as if reluctant to fall—a sight of fragile beauty.
Di Jiang remained seated for a long while in this tranquil setting, until the sky brightened and the sun rose high above the horizon. Only then did faint rustling sounds echo from the front hall.
Pushing aside the curtain, she saw Jiang Qionglin, fully dressed, preparing to open the clinic’s main gate.
“Master Jiang, you arrived gracefully but are leaving in haste. Won’t you bid your host farewell before departing?” Di Jiang stood behind him, speaking softly.
Jiang Qionglin froze mid-motion, his hand hovering over the door. He turned around and recognized the familiar smile on Di Jiang’s face.
“It’s you…” Jiang Qionglin realized who she was, marveling at how small the world truly was.
“Yes, it’s me.” Di Jiang nodded openly, showing no hint of awkwardness.
Noticing her weary expression, he surmised she might not have slept all night. With a look of apology, he said, “I’m sorry for disturbing you last night.”
“It’s fine. I returned late anyway.”
After Di Jiang spoke, a silence settled between them. Only then did Jiang Qionglin sense some unease in the air. After a long pause, he began, “That day, you…”
“That day, I didn’t leave intentionally. I was kidnapped and forced to break our appointment,” Di Jiang explained apologetically.
“Is that so? Thank goodness. I thought perhaps you despised me for being tainted,” Jiang Qionglin chuckled bitterly. Without waiting for her response, he hurriedly added, “But thanks to you, without you, I wouldn’t have met Yuehua.”
“Yuehua is…”
After Di Jiang asked, Jiang Qionglin lowered his head, hesitating for a moment before mumbling, “I don’t know who she is. I only know her name is Yuehua… She… is my patron.” Having said this, he dared not look up at her.
Di Jiang understood his discomfort and stepped forward to open the clinic’s main gate for him. “Master Jiang possesses celestial beauty. You won’t remain confined to the pleasure quarters forever. It’s my great fortune to know you, and an even greater honor to earn your favor. You’ve endured the hardest times; surely life won’t be harsher than it is now, right?”
Jiang Qionglin nodded. “Thank you for your guidance.”
Di Jiang shook her head, signaling there was no need for thanks. “Master, please hurry home. Your absence for a whole night will likely cause a stir.”
“Thank you…” Jiang Qionglin clasped his hands together in gratitude, said nothing more, and turned to leave the shop.
His overnight absence was indeed his greatest concern.
Sure enough, upon returning to Chang Le Fang, he spotted Madam Xu standing anxiously at the entrance, looking left and right.
As soon as Jiang Qionglin approached, she rushed toward him.
“How could you return so late! I was so worried!” Madam Xu inspected him thoroughly, confirming he was unharmed, before instructing those under her, “Go tell everyone else that Qionglin has returned.”
“Yes,” the doorman nodded and ran off.
Madam Xu then took Jiang Qionglin’s hand gently and asked, “Where did you go?”
“I got lost last night and couldn’t make it back because of the curfew. I stayed at an inn for the night…”
“I see. I thought you had run away,” Madam Xu laughed, though her tone was teasing, her expression betrayed lingering worry—and perhaps a trace of reproach.
Jiang Qionglin shrugged and smiled wryly. “Madam Xu, you worry too much. Apart from Huan Yi Pavilion, where else could I possibly go?”
“You’d better remember that.” Madam Xu flicked her handkerchief and pushed him upstairs. “As punishment, you’re confined to your room for three days. No going out.”
“Yes, Qionglin understands,” Jiang Qionglin replied humbly, bowing his head respectfully before ascending the stairs.
Madam Xu was already the most lenient madam he’d ever encountered. If this incident had occurred under previous owners, he would have been beaten to a pulp by now…
Having been sold repeatedly over the years, enduring countless hardships, he found himself easily content. Compared to everywhere else, Huan Yi Pavilion was truly the most comfortable place…
Meanwhile, in the imperial court, the ministers stood formally attired, holding their breaths in anticipation.
When Empress Chen Zhao ascended the throne and the customary cries of “Long live” echoed, the female official Su Yun announced, “Speak if you have matters to report; otherwise, the court session is adjourned.”
“I have something to report!” Prince Wu Rui’an stepped forward first, presenting his petition.
“What matter does Prince Wu wish to address?” Empress Chen Zhao’s tone was indifferent, indicating her mood wasn’t particularly good.
Everyone could sense her impatience, but Wu Rui’an paid it no heed, bluntly stating, “Recently, there’s been a notorious establishment called Huan Yi Pavilion in Chang Le Fang. The pavilion is filled with men who shamelessly offer themselves as male companions, each painted and powdered, serving others with their beauty. Their masculinity is gone, replaced by excessive femininity—it is a disgrace to the proud men of our nation. I propose we close this establishment permanently!”
As soon as Wu Rui’an finished speaking, the assembled ministers frowned collectively.
Such practices indeed should not be encouraged, but they had existed for centuries. If they needed abolishing, it would have happened long ago. There was no need for a prince to make a fuss about it during a formal court session—it was an embarrassment to the assembly.
“So this trivial matter is what you choose to report during your first appearance since returning to court?” Empress Chen Zhao’s voice turned icy. Everyone bowed their heads, fearing they might get caught in the crossfire.
The next moment, Wu Rui’an still showed no signs of backing down and declared loudly, “This concerns the dignity of our nation’s men—how can it be considered a trivial matter?”
“Nonsense!” Empress Chen Zhao slammed her dragon throne, her imperial countenance dark with fury.
Wu Rui’an felt a chill run down his spine. The next moment, he heard her continue, “Do not bring up such meaningless trifles before me again. If you’re truly so idle, go spend more time in the library reading scriptures instead of parading around with an empty head!”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Wu Rui’an had not expected the empress to be this angry. Realizing that anything he said now would be futile, he fell silent and retreated back into line, listening as other ministers discussed major issues concerning the people’s welfare, such as the Yellow River floods and famine in Jiangnan.
As he listened, he realized how insignificant his own issue was compared to these pressing matters. No wonder the empress was furious at him for making such a fuss over something so inconsequential.
Clutching his fists tightly, Wu Rui’an wished he could beat his chest in frustration right there in court. He cursed himself for being too impulsive and blamed Jiang Qionglin for pushing him to this point. In short, every mistake—big or small—was Jiang Qionglin’s fault. This feud was now firmly set between them.
In the days that followed, the results of the spring imperial examinations were announced. When the name of the top-ranking scholar was revealed on the wall outside the examination hall, everyone was shocked—even the eunuchs stationed nearby to deliver congratulatory messages were momentarily at a loss.
Jiang Qionglin… Could it be the Jiang Qionglin from Huan Yi Pavilion?!
“It’s him! I saw him on the day of the exam. As far as looks go, no one could compare!”
“And it’s not just his appearance! His talent has surpassed all of us students as well! What a humiliation!”
Among the failed candidates, there was envy, resentment, and a mix of emotions swirling through the examination hall. Some rejoiced while others grieved.
The eunuchs went around delivering congratulations and handing out official documents to the successful scholars. When they arrived at Huan Yi Pavilion, their grand procession drew curious glances from bystanders.
Chang Le Fang was known as the red-light district, where people rarely woke up before noon. But today, firecrackers exploded, and music filled the air. Practically everyone on the street stuck their heads out to watch the jubilant scene unfold, with continuous bursts of fireworks echoing through the area.
When the congratulatory entourage reached Huan Yi Pavilion, Madam Xu rushed out nervously, smiling and asking, “What brings you esteemed officials here?”
“Is Jiang Qionglin present?”
“He’s here, yes. May I ask what this is about?” Madam Xu smiled politely but inwardly trembled. She had never seen such a spectacle before. From the looks of the eunuchs, however, they didn’t seem to be here for trouble.
Madam Xu quickly sent someone to fetch Jiang Qionglin. Surprisingly, he appeared to have been prepared, already dressed impeccably in a white robe when he descended the stairs. His ethereal beauty left the crowd spellbound.
Upon seeing him, several of the congratulatory eunuchs blushed deeply, murmuring that this top-ranking scholar was undoubtedly the most handsome in history.
The lead eunuch immediately bowed deeply and presented a golden scroll, along with court robes and a jade crown, saying, “Master Jiang has achieved first place in the spring examinations and claimed the title of zhuangyuan (top scholar). Congratulations on behalf of His Majesty!”
“Zhuangyuan?!” Madam Xu’s eyes widened, and the surrounding onlookers were equally stunned.
Jiang Qionglin, however, remained unfazed. He accepted the court robes gracefully, replying, “Thank you.”
“Please change into your attire promptly. Her Majesty will personally conduct an audience with the newly appointed scholars in Luo Cheng Palace this afternoon. Please prepare accordingly.”
“Thank you. I’ll change right away.” Jiang Qionglin nodded, carrying the clothes inside.
Madam Xu trailed behind him in a daze, repeatedly asking, “What does this mean? How did you become the zhuangyuan?”
“I took leave those days to attend the spring examinations,” Jiang Qionglin replied calmly as he entered the room, signaling for Madam Xu to leave.
Unwilling to depart without answers, she clung to his hand and asked, “You’re registered as a slave—how could you participate in the imperial exams?”
Jiang Qionglin shook his head. “I don’t know either. The documents were delivered by Su Yun. It must be Yuehua’s doing.”
“So that’s how it is… So that’s how it is…” Madam Xu released his hand and walked out in a daze. Jiang Qionglin closed the door behind her and changed into his new attire.
When he emerged, Madam Xu stood motionless, her face blank. She grabbed his hand and asked, “Qionglin, tell me honestly—has Mother Xu treated you well?”
Jiang Qionglin’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Mother Xu has been very kind to me. I am deeply grateful, and I will never forget your kindness.”
“You’d better forget about us... As long as you don’t cause trouble for Huan Yi Pavilion, I’ll thank the heavens.” Madam Xu waved dismissively. “Go ahead; don’t keep them waiting.”
“Yes.” Jiang Qionglin bowed respectfully, clasped his hands, and bid farewell, “Qionglin bids farewell to Mother Xu.”
“Go ahead…” Madam Xu slumped weakly, collapsing to the ground after Jiang Qionglin left, her face expressionless.
She felt relieved—relieved that she had treated him like a son since buying him, rather than abusing him as other madams or pimps might have done. She shuddered to think what might have happened if she had mistreated Jiang Qionglin—how could she face herself now?
The mere thought sent chills down her spine.
Still, from the day she first met him, she knew he was destined for greatness. Who would have thought this golden fish would soar straight into Taiji Palace, leaping from the lowest rank of slavery to become the newly crowned zhuangyuan—a feat unheard of in history.
Surrounded by congratulatory eunuchs, Jiang Qionglin boarded a palanquin bound for the examination grounds. There, the second-place candidate (bangyan) and third-place candidate (tanhua) awaited. Together, the three would ride horses through the streets in a celebratory parade.
The tanhua was Zhou Hao, the bangyan Lin Shuyang—both hailed from illustrious families. Meanwhile, the zhuangyuan came from humble origins: though some called him an unknown nobody, others recognized his rising fame. This man was none other than Jiang Qionglin, the dazzling courtesan of Huan Yi Pavilion.
True to their names, the trio rode in formation—one leading, two trailing—on imperial horses parading through the main streets. Behind Jiang Qionglin, Zhou Hao and Lin Shuyang simmered with shame and indignation. How could scions of noble families fall short of a mere male courtesan? And yet, how dare a male courtesan ride ahead of them?
But Jiang Qionglin remained impassive throughout. He gazed calmly at the excited crowds lining the streets, though his own mind was a whirlwind of confusion.
Just days ago, he had been auctioned off in Huan Yi Pavilion. Today, he stood atop the imperial roster, parading proudly through the capital.
Was the world mad—or was the empress?
With a heart full of unease, Jiang Qionglin proceeded to the banquet at Qionglin Garden.
At Qionglin Garden, the newly minted jinshi scholars gathered, mingling and exchanging forced smiles tinged with bitterness.
They whispered among themselves that Jiang Qionglin shouldn’t have been allowed to take the spring examinations. In their conversations, it seemed as though any of them could have been the zhuangyuan if only Jiang Qionglin hadn’t been present. Envy filled the air.
At the banquet, Jiang Qionglin found himself isolated, while the bangyan and tanhua were showered with toasts and admiration.
But he had grown accustomed to disdainful stares. Though he should have been celebrated and envied, his status as a former slave branded him as lowly.
Others saw only his ignoble past, blind to the brilliance shining within him. Their eyes held nothing but jealousy and resentment.
But had he not faced such hatred countless times before?
It had never been scarce.
He cared little for others’ opinions now. All he wanted was to meet Yuehua—the woman whose power had transformed his life entirely—and uncover her true identity.
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