Chapter 107: The Grace of a Beauty

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Fuchun, Jiangwen Residence.
Two cups of clear water, a few small dishes laid out, Jiang Wen and Lu Xun knelt on the seat cushions.
Xiao Shu brought over the clear wine, and Jiang Wen said, “Is the lady feeling better?”
“The lady just went out to visit Madam Lü at the inn for some leisure.”
“Hmm, you may leave now.”
Lu Xun poured a cup of wine. “My lord.”
Jiang Wen raised his cup.
Lu Xun said, “After the Battle of Guandu, Cao Cao’s fame spreads across the land. The pacification of Hebei is imminent. When that time comes, his strength will rival the Chancellor’s without losing ground. After the Chancellor defeats Liu Bei, he will face Cao Cao in battle. What does my lord think the current Chancellor should do?”
Jiang Wen replied, “Pacify the south first; the position of overlord of the Central Plains can wait.”
“Why say so?”
“The struggle in the Central Plains is a contest among warlords—strong leaders like the Chancellor, Lü Bu, and Cao Cao; weaker ones like Liu Bei, Zhang Lu, Ma Teng, and Han Sui.” Jiang Wen looked at the steaming teapot beside him, wrapped it in burlap, and lifted it. “The forces in the Central Plains are entangled and complex. To bring peace is no easy feat.”
“The south is different. The only strong lord there is Liu Zhang, who, after failing to attack Zhang Lu, seeks only to guard his own territory. The rest of Jingzhou—Han Xuan and the like—were utterly defeated at Red Cliffs and have yet to recover. Wang Lang’s forces are insufficient to form a formidable threat.”
“Though the Shi family controls four commanderies, Shi Xie himself is devoted to his writings and cares for the people; he will not start a war.”
“From your lordship’s perspective, the south now mostly seeks self-preservation, while the north, though led by weaker lords, harbors great ambition.” Lu Xun said. “But, my lord, according to ancient warfare, no vassal ever succeeded in pacifying the north after establishing their base in the south. Even the mighty Chu could not withstand Qin’s iron cavalry.”
“The north has a dense population and vast cities, while the south is relatively barren. Though it lacks neither salt nor rations, resources such as iron ore and timber cannot compare to the north. Warfare depends not only on troops but also on equipment.”
“The current Chancellor does not only control the south; Jingzhou, a key strategic territory, and the fertile Yuzhou are also under his firm control. Once secured, he can deploy troops from Jingzhou or Yuzhou. With such strength, he will soon dominate the Central Plains.”
“My lord, you are wasted in this small county, not serving at court. Even without concern for the world, your insight into the situation remains profound. Moreover, you have established the Nine-rank System.” Lu Xun stood solemnly. “Please accept my bow, student to teacher.”
Jiang Wen returned the bow. “Seeing that dusk approaches, I shall send Boyan back to the inn today.”
The carriage rolled forward through bustling streets; passersby hurried along. Children wore bright red clothes, rosy-cheeked, happily clutching candy.
Many children carried lanterns, their lights reflecting by the river, laughing joyfully. Well-dressed scholars invited beautiful ladies to ride boats, composing poems and displaying literary talent.
Others invited friends to the inn for fine wine and a dish of delicious Dongpo pork.
“Come to think of it, it’s already New Year’s. The day is still a bit cold,” Jiang Wen rubbed his hands slightly, feeling the chill. Lu Xun said, “The streets are so peaceful; even this cold day feels warmer.”
Because of booming business, the Baiwei Inn had just opened a new branch.
At this moment, the inn was bustling. A waiter stood on a wooden platform, beating a drum and ringing a gong. “Everyone, the manager says if you can write a poem that pleases the young master, you will be treated for free for a whole day!”
“Ten days’ feast, can we have Dongpo pork?”
“Of course! Everything in the inn is free, and the wine flows freely!”
“The manager not only created the famous Dongpo pork but is also kind-hearted. I will write a poem on the theme of lanterns!”
The speaker exuded confidence in his expression and manner, revealing knowledge, although his clothes were somewhat shabby, showing he came from a humble background.
Jiang Wen and Lu Xun sat in the carriage, listening to his poem. Lu Xun shook his head, “Though the poem is good, its meaning exceeds its scope. It starts with lighting a lamp to express sorrow but ends with ambition in the heart. This stanza is only second-rate.”
Jiang Wen smiled lightly. “Boyan also critiques poetry?”
“Of course. I attend monthly poetry critiques. My father advised me to socialize more, though last time I was outdone and took second place.”
“Oh? Who was so talented as to best Boyan?” Jiang Wen chuckled.
“That would be Yang Xiu. Truly gifted but prideful. I spoke with him only three sentences.”
Yang Xiu? Jiang Wen smiled, suspecting he was now overwhelmed by his father’s affairs. “Does Boyan want to try now?”
“No, I hurt my tongue eating roadside Dongpo pork when I arrived, and yesterday’s chicken made by you was unforgettable. I’m not much satisfied with other food now.”
“What’s going on ahead with Xiao Shu, so noisy?” Diao Chan stepped lightly, lips parted slightly, her melodious voice drawing attention. Others couldn’t help but glance at her, swallowing involuntarily despite having seen such beauty before.
Diao Chan wore a wrapped hat and took candy from Xiao Shu, who spoke irritably, “There’s a poetry contest ahead, held at that tavern run by the foul-mouthed rogue. They’ve made a lot of money off our lord’s creation of Dongpo pork and now come to show off!”
Diao Chan smiled softly, patting Xiao Shu’s head. “Today is a day of celebration; dwelling on such trifles only brings displeasure. Let’s go take a look.”
Lu Xun approached the inn and knocked on the door. “Sister, are you asleep?”
“Not yet, chatting with Lady Jiang. Boyan, what’s the matter?”
“Oh, there’s a poetry contest downstairs. Are you watching?”

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“Nothing remarkable. Watched a while and found it dull.”
“Then please tell the lady that my lord wishes to compose a poem for her.”
Inside the room, Lu Min held a child, teasing, “Looks like the dear wife hasn’t returned, and the husband is a bit worried.”
Beside her, Tao’er’s face flushed deeply. “No, sister. The young master wouldn’t do that.”
“If you don’t watch, you might miss it.” Lu Min smiled gently, and Tao’er immediately became alert.
She got up and opened the window, curiosity shared with Lu Min as they looked down below.
Jiang Wen squinted, watching from the window, and he also saw Tao’er. The waiter came to Jiang Wen’s side. “Sir, will you participate?”
“Yes.”
“Here is your number.”
Jiang Wen looked at the bamboo slip in his hand. “Number thirteen.”
“Miss, that’s our lord. Let’s go greet him!”
Diao Chan followed Xiao Shu, about to step forward to greet, but Jiang Wen had already taken the stage.
Inside the inn, the guests raised their eyes in anticipation. The wine was warm, the food cooked, women lightly drew up their sleeves to cover their faces, all noting the man on stage was quite handsome.
Scholars jostled each other, while distant music drifted from a pavilion—light dancing, pleasing to the eye.
Along the road, carriages came and went; some nobles raised their curtains to glance, then quickly lowered them without leaving messages.
The moonlight drifted softly, stirring tender feelings.
Jiang Wen withdrew his focus and smiled as he began:
“The east wind at night blossoms a thousand trees,
Blowing down stars like rain.”
The noisy scholars on the street fell silent—not because Jiang Wen’s words stunned them, but out of respect for the poet.
Diao Chan stepped forward, her gaze flickering as she watched the lord on stage.
“Noble steeds, carved chariots, scent fills the road,
The phoenix flute sounds, jade pot lights spin, a night of fish and dragon dances.”
Scholars and talented women listened attentively, touched by the alluring melody, serene and calming.
“Moth brows, snowy willows, golden threads,
Laughter and whispers fade with a subtle fragrance.”
“Searched for him thousands of times,
Suddenly turning, he is there.”
Jiang Wen abruptly turned, catching sight of Xiao Shu and Diao Chan behind her. The soft lamplight illuminated Xiao Shu’s delicate face and Diao Chan’s graceful figure, yet under the light, they seemed fragile.
“There he is, where the lamplight dwindles.”
Diao Chan’s eyes glistened with tears, unsure and overwhelmed, her gaze full of adoration.
The crowd’s eyes shifted to Diao Chan, but seeing her hooded face, none recognized the poem’s meaning.
“Well done!”
Applause erupted endlessly. Lu Xun stood inside the inn, moved, clapping with a faint smile and shaking his head, “For the first time, there is a target.”
Inside the inn, a young man held a wine cup before a brazier, with a steward respectfully behind him, whispering, “So beautiful…”
The youth toyed with the cup, his expression intoxicated.
Jiang Wen glanced toward the inn’s location. The once hopeful beauty had closed her window. Since Jiang Wen saw Diao Chan, Tao’er must have seen her too.
Nearby scholars wrote on bamboo slips by lamplight. The waiter approached with respect. Though uneducated, he was moved by the poem. “Sir, will you give this poem to our manager? You could easily win first prize.”
“No, I will leave it for someone else.” Jiang Wen stepped down from the stage. Just as the scholars prepared to swarm him for conversation, he vanished.
Diao Chan’s slender hand was caught by a warm, large palm. For a moment, she was lost in confusion and desire.
Xiao Shu followed for a few steps, then hummed a tune, going off to buy more food.
“My lord…” Diao Chan whispered softly, charmingly and gracefully. Jiang Wen brought her to the lakeside. Beneath the hood, her cheeks flushed, her lovely eyes flickering uncertainly.
Jiang Wen gently removed her hood—a glimpse as fleeting as a startled swan. Diao Chan lowered her head, fragrant tresses framing her face, breathtakingly beautiful.
Jiang Wen was momentarily at a loss for words. Was this a case of cleverness backfiring? He bowed his head slightly; Diao Chan closed her beautiful eyes, lips gently parted, a fragrant aura surrounding her.

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Inside the Jiang Residence.
By the lamp, fair skin and jade-like feet, graceful as spring peaches. Disheveled clouds of hair, breasts half concealed.
Near noon, after bathing and changing clothes, Jiang Wen stepped out of the mansion, feeling somewhat unsteady. He never imagined Diao Chan could be so clingy.
His mind hazy, he headed toward the kitchen carrying a teapot to brew tea.
“Greetings, my lord.”
Xiao Shu smiled brightly at Jiang Wen. Since their lady had not risen, she knew how wild yesterday had been.
“Where is the lady?”
“She stayed at the inn all day yesterday and just returned this morning. She is now in the kitchen.”
Jiang Wen remained where he was, raising his eyebrows toward the kitchen, then slowly turned. Nearby, many guards stood, and upon seeing him turn, quickly pretended to busy themselves.
Xiao Shu whistled casually but her eyes sparkled mischievously—clearly, she was scheming.
“What are you staring at?” Jiang Wen barked. “Go clean the courtyard!”
“Yes!”
Yang Wu led the men toward the backyard. Jiang Wen looked at Xiao Shu. “Go wash the clothes!”
“Yes, my lord!”
Carrying a basin, Xiao Shu headed toward the riverbank.
Jiang Wen held the teapot, pacing outside the kitchen for a long while. Li Er peeked out quietly, and a group of light guards did the same.
“I am my lord; what am I afraid of?!” Jiang Wen steeled himself and pushed open the door. Li Er and the others quickly climbed the wooden ladder and crouched outside the kitchen.
Tao’er sat alone on a wooden chair, dazed, with dark circles around her eyes. “Next time, tell sister to keep her voice down. The east room can’t hear, but I hear perfectly well.”
For the first time, Jiang Wen felt awkward. “There’s chicken broth simmering in the pot. Young master, after you drink, bring some for sister too.”
Tao’er yawned, and Jiang Wen scooped her up. Tao’er pouted and bit his shoulder. “Boyan said that poem was for me!”
“I didn’t know Diao Chan would appear then. I happened to see her and spoke the lines. I cannot disappoint her.”
Tao’er snorted. “Now that you and sister are truly husband and wife, if you ever hurt her heart again, I won’t forgive you!”
“Understood, my lady!”
After Tao’er fell asleep, Jiang Wen fed Diao Chan the chicken broth spoonful by spoonful.
Jiang Wen yawned and went to the courtyard, slowly practicing Tai Chi to calm his spirit and strength. A carriage stopped at the gate; Lu Xun stepped out, saluted the guards, and entered the Jiang Residence.
Seeing Jiang Wen’s demeanor, Lu Xun smiled lightly. “Looks like you had a triumphant night, my lord.”
“Boyan arrived, just as I was brewing tea.” Jiang Wen said, “You go wait in the study.”
In the study, Jiang Wen poured tea, soothing his lungs. He sighed deeply. Lu Xun set down his cup. “I came today to inform you of two matters. Someone attempted to assassinate you and reportedly injured your guard?”
“It’s true, but that person escaped.”
“I have already captured him. He said he was helping the pavilion chief of Xiaohe Village, Niu Mu, and was sent by Niu Mu’s son, Niu Yi.”
“How does Boyan know this?”
“It was the lady who wrote the letter. This time, we brought skilled men from my brother-in-law’s side and caught the man swiftly.”
“And what of that man?”
“Killed. After extracting the intelligence, he was useless. Assassinating a court official is a grave crime. Besides, he killed many others.”
“Do you need me to handle the Niu father and son? Though they have the protection of the Governor of Wu Commandery, my father could make a call, and they would become expendable.”
Jiang Wen sipped tea. “No, I will deal with them myself. Killing without any charge is unjust. Bringing them to justice is a debt I owe someone.”
“Very well. Also, my sister and I will depart for Lujiang this afternoon. I came to bid farewell.”
“Not staying a few more days?”
“No, there are matters at home that require my attention. Besides, it’s inconvenient with my sister and child.”