Chapter 6

***

Fame and fortune, these two words are often linked together because, no matter when, once you become famous, fortune will follow. The quickest way to become famous is to cultivate a good relationship with the mainstream media. In ancient times, without television, radio, or the internet, the most convenient way to make your work widely known was to have it sung by courtesans in brothels. This is one reason why ancient literati were so fond of visiting brothels; one could say that brothels were the mainstream media of the ancient world.

Courtesans were not only experienced in the ways of the world but also well-versed in literature. If you were a newcomer, and a famous courtesan told you that she had read more poems than you knew characters, don't think she was mocking you. If the courtesans found your new work unoriginal, they would just pay you a few compliments and get you to drink a couple of cups of wine. But if they found it truly inspired, they would decide to include your poetry in their performances when they met influential officials or during artistic shows. Just as a good song can make a singer famous, a good poem could also bring a courtesan great renown. So if your poetry was truly excellent, the courtesans would not only treat you warmly but might even offer you a reward, or even more. The Song Dynasty poet Liu Yong made a living this way, spending many years in brothels.

Qin Mu did not object to courtesans offering themselves, but he insisted on getting his writing fees. He was here for the money, which he needed to run away.

The pleasure quarters along the Qinhuai River were filled with brothels and famous courtesans. After eating two pancakes, Young Master Qin set out from the pancake stand, determined to visit all the high-end brothels along the Qinhuai River today. If he was going to do something, he would do it on a grand scale.

The common people were still discussing the day the giant stone fell from the sky. Although the Minister of War in Nanjing, Shi Kefa, had ordered the crater to be filled and forbidden further discussion, the more he tried to suppress it, the more people talked about it in private. It was like a pile of dog feces on the street; no one would normally pay it much attention, but if you surrounded it, people would come to look, and some might even pick it up to see if it was different from other dog feces.

Besides the falling stone, the most talked-about person on the streets was Young Master Qin. He was now a celebrity, having been linked to the famous courtesan Li Xiangjun and then divorcing his domineering wife. His divorce further confirmed the public's belief that he and Li Xiangjun were involved. The story of a former prodigy divorcing his wife for a famous courtesan, involving one of the Four Gentlemen of the Fusha Society, Hou Fangyu, was perfect tabloid material.

Fortunately, although Qin Mu was famous, few people actually recognized him, so he didn't have to worry about being chased by paparazzi. He smoothly arrived at his first stop: Lichun Courtyard.

It's unclear if this Lichun Courtyard was the same one run by Wei Xiaobao, but Young Master Qin arrived, and after some effort, he was seated in the fragrant boudoir of the top courtesan, Qingqing.

Qingqing's beauty was not much less than Li Xiangjun's, but her reputation was slightly lower due to her lack of talent. In those days, grooming a famous courtesan was no less rigorous than grooming a princess. They had to be proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, dance, etiquette, makeup, bedroom arts, tea ceremony, and even current events and gossip. This was their core competitiveness.

Qingqing was slightly lacking in this core competitiveness, so when Qin Mu explained his purpose, she was very enthusiastic. After some polite exchanges, they got down to business.

Qin Mu had many more brothels to visit, so he couldn't spend too much time here. He stood up and wrote quickly:

In the dark of night, a fishing light appears,

A single glow like a firefly in the air.

A gentle breeze stirs the waves,

Scattering stars across the river.

One poem wasn't enough; he needed the money to run away, so he wrote another:

With a vast sorrow, the sun sets in the west,

My whip points east, and I'm off to the distant land.

The fallen petals are not heartless things,

They turn to spring mud to protect the flowers.

Upon seeing these two poems, Qingqing's eyes sparkled like stars, and she showered him with praise. Qin Mu modestly declined the compliments and fell silent. Being a famous courtesan required understanding, and Qingqing smiled and generously offered him a hundred taels of silver, earnestly inviting him to return.

Qin Mu left Lichun Courtyard with the silver, feeling invigorated. While the two poems were good, they might not have been worth a hundred taels, but Qingqing clearly wanted to cultivate a relationship with him, hoping he would return with more poems.

Unfortunately, she would likely be disappointed. Young Master Qin had other plans and continued to the next brothel.

By the end of the day, Qin Mu had a bountiful harvest, with six hundred and eighty taels of silver in his pocket. A single "Mu Lan Hua Ling" had earned him a hundred and fifty taels.

By the time he returned to the pancake stand, the sun was setting. The little beggar, thin and listless, was squatting by the roadside, her eyes dull as she watched the passersby. The moment she saw Qin Mu, she came to life, leaping up and running a few steps toward him before stopping, a smile on her lips, and tears silently streaming down her face.

Qin Mu walked over and gave her a light tap on the head. "Daring to doubt my integrity, you little brat!"

The little beggar wiped away her tears, revealing a colorful smile. "Auntie, do you have any more pancakes?"

"Of course, of course! Take as many as you want, young master. I'm about to close up shop."

Qin Mu turned to the little beggar and asked, "How many do you want?"

The little beggar held up three fingers, then, remembering that Qin Mu had complained about her eating too much the night before, quickly retracted two. Qin Mu laughed and gave her another tap on the head.

That evening, Qin Mu's poems were being sung wherever there was water to drink, at least along the Qinhuai River. His reputation soared, and Nanjing was abuzz with his name. People were discussing Qin Mu, who had been a prodigy since childhood, able to write poetry at seven, but had failed three imperial exams. His former glory had faded, and he had been seen as another Zhongyong. But that night, Qin Mu was once again hailed as a genius. Despite his exam failures, his brilliance remained undiminished. Li Bai and Du Fu's poems were known by millions, but did they pass the imperial exams?

The Four Gentlemen of the Fusha Society were always singing and lamenting at Taoye Ferry, but none of their works had become classics. In contrast, Qin Mu, after years of diligent study, had burst onto the scene with over twenty masterpieces, each one destined to be remembered. This was the mark of a true master!

Regardless of what people said, Qin Mu was satisfied with the six hundred and eighty taels in his pocket. This number was auspicious, a sign that he would prosper on his journey.

He took the little beggar to a tailor to buy some new clothes, then said with enthusiasm, "Let's go, we're sleeping in a bed tonight!"

The little beggar's eyes sparkled like diamonds. For her, sleeping in a bed might be the happiest thing in the world.

They found an inn inside Sanyan Gate. Qin Mu handed the little beggar a bundle and said, "Look at you, you're so dirty. No one will dare bully you anymore. Go clean yourself up, and remember, be thorough. I'll inspect you later, and if you're not clean, you'll be roasted and eaten."

The little beggar hugged the bundle, nodded vigorously, and smiled, her face a colorful mess. Qin Mu was momentarily dazzled.

Just as he was about to take a bath, there was a knock on the door.

"Who is it?"

"It's your brother Hou Fangyu and my friend Mao Biji, here to seek your guidance."

Qin Mu was taken aback. Wen Zhi... yes, that was his courtesy name, derived from a line in "Cheng Xiang" by Xunzi: "Please let the wise think about the foundation of governance." His courtesy name came from this.

But how did Hou Fangyu, a Qing collaborator, find him so quickly?

Damn, he had just checked into the inn, and they were already here. The speed at which they found him showed that the Fusha Society was more powerful in Jinling than the secret police.

Qin Mu opened the door and smiled in an Arnold Schwarzenegger-like manner. "Two distinguished gentlemen, it's an honor to have you visit me. Please, come in!"

Both sides smiled, but their smiles hid sharp knives. After some polite exchanges, they sat down.

The two gentlemen began to flatter Qin Mu, a skill they had honed. They criticized the current officials and praised Qin Mu, reciting his new poems that had earned him six hundred and eighty taels.

Qin Mu humbly accepted the praise, trying to understand their true intentions. When the time seemed right, and Qin Mu had been flattered to the heavens, Hou Fangyu said, "Brother Wen Zhi, your talent is unmatched, but the officials in the capital lack the discernment to recognize it. This is not only a loss for you but for the country as well."

"Brother Chaozong, you flatter me. Compared to you two, I am but a faint glow against the bright moon, truly ashamed."

Hou Fangyu replied solemnly, "Brother Wen Zhi, don't be modest. 'The vitality of the nine provinces depends on the wind and thunder, and the silence of ten thousand horses is truly sad. I urge the heavens to shake off their lethargy and send down talents without restraint.' Your poem not only reflects the current state of affairs but also reveals your lifelong aspirations. Only a true genius could write such a powerful piece!"

Mao Biji added, "Brother Chaozong is right. I heard that you have registered with the Ministry of Personnel. You should know that waiting for an official appointment is like waiting for a rabbit to run into a tree stump. With your talent and patriotic heart, why not go to the capital and recommend yourself? Secure a position and fulfill your ambitions sooner, rather than wasting your youth."

"Brother Biji, your advice is golden, and I should follow it. However, I am not skilled in socializing, and I have just divorced... well, let's not talk about it."

Hou Fangyu stood up, his face grave. "In these times of national crisis, a talent like Brother Wen Zhi cannot be buried. I understand your difficulties, but let us help. I will use my connections to recommend you to the capital as soon as possible."

Qin Mu was surprised and couldn't immediately understand Hou Fangyu's intentions. Was this Qing collaborator really trying to help him?

No way, that's like believing a chicken can pee.

Regardless, Qin Mu put on a grateful expression and thanked them repeatedly.

Hou and Mao stayed for about an hour, their conversation filled with lofty ideals. By the end, they seemed like long-lost brothers. They finally left, and Qin Mu escorted them downstairs.

After they got into the carriage, Hou Fangyu's smile vanished. He turned to Mao Biji and said, "Qin doesn't seem like a simple bookworm. Just flattering him won't be enough. Once he learns the truth about Huichang, he might refuse the position, and our efforts will be in vain. We need to build him up so high that he has no choice but to accept."

Hou Fangyu planned to use the Fusha Society's network to elevate Qin Mu, effectively forcing him into a corner. This was a form of flattery that would lead to his downfall. Mao Biji hesitated but, out of friendship, nodded.

***

PS: Dear readers, don't forget to add this book to your favorites. Also, please throw a few recommendation tickets to support the new book and Hao Yuan. May good people have a peaceful life!