Chapter 45

In the warmth of spring and the fragrance of flowers, the years are bountiful and the times are peaceful. Truly, there is heaven above, and Suzhou and Hangzhou below.

If you do not come to Suzhou, you will never understand the essence of this saying. Walking through the streets of Suzhou, you see orderly courtyards, the gardens of Suzhou, and the scenic arrangements, which are always a major feature of the Jiangnan region.

Upon arriving in Suzhou, Zhao Yougong was invited by Zhu Mian to the Tongle Garden. This garden was built with great effort by the Zhu family, and of course, it also owed much to Emperor Huizong's contribution. If it weren't for the emperor's establishment of the Office of Contributions, which sought out rare flowers, exotic plants, and beautiful stones, how could the Zhu family have built such a grand estate in such a short time?

As he walked into the garden, Zhao Yougong couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. Before him, the water rippled, and a cluster of artificial mountains stood in the center of a small lake. Around it were covered walkways, adorned with various intricate carvings, giving it an ancient and elegant appearance. A small bridge over the water, serene and deep, was like a long corridor floating on the surface, supported by several large round pillars, with clear green water flowing slowly beneath. Beside the small lake was a cluster of flower beds, with orchids, roses, peonies, and any other flowers you could name, all present. Several water fir trees, seen through the windows, were reflected in the mirror-like clear water. Further ahead, a patch of ivy climbed up the green stone wall, winding its way into the lake, and beside the archway, several banyan trees were in full bloom.

One of the characteristics of Suzhou gardens is their well-arranged and harmonious combination of scenery and culture.

Lotus flowers are a major feature of the gardens, and the Tongle Garden is no exception. The ancients often sought the realm of "fish playing among the lotus leaves," so wherever there are lotus flowers, there are always red fish.

Several young women were leaning on the railing, chatting and occasionally bursting into laughter, a delightful scene of the harmony between people and nature.

"What a wonderful place! Zhu Manager, I envy you so much. If I stay here long enough, I might not want to leave!"

"Hehe, Your Highness, you flatter me. You can stay as long as you like. I'm just afraid that the emperor will miss you and call you back soon!"

Zhao Yougong had an injury on his right shoulder, but it didn't stop him from fanning himself with his left hand. He smiled at Zhu Mian, lightly fanned himself, and whistled to the women in the corridor, "Hey, ladies, what are you talking about?"

"Ladies?" Zhu Mian chuckled. The young prince had already started thinking about women as soon as he arrived in Suzhou.

The women looked at Zhao Yougong curiously, admiring his sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes, and most of them felt a liking for him. But when they saw Zhu Mian, they quickly lowered their heads, "Greetings, Manager Zhu!"

"No need for that. You girls, why don't you come and greet the Prince of Yongning?"

"Prince of Yongning? We have heard of your name, but we didn't expect you to be so handsome. But thinking about your character, we are a bit afraid," the maids said, "Greetings, Prince of Yongning!"

"No need for that, no need for that. Manager Zhu, shouldn't you get some food ready? I'm quite hungry!"

Hearing this, Zhu Mian slapped his forehead and laughed, "I forgot. I was so focused on showing you around. Don't worry, I'll have the servants bring it up right away!"

The maids, being quick-witted, immediately curtsied and ran off to prepare the feast. As they walked away, they chattered among themselves.

"Do you think the young prince is really that bad? He looked at us with such a lecherous gaze just now!"

"Of course, he is. He's known for it, but I didn't expect him to be so handsome!"

"So what if he's handsome? I heard he often visits brothels. We need to be careful and not fall for his tricks!"

Zhao Yougong's hearing was incredible, and he could hear everything. Zhu Mian also vaguely heard some of it, so he laughed awkwardly, "Your Highness, please don't be angry. I haven't been strict enough with my staff. They have offended you!"

"Hehe, no need for that. Don't you think the more challenging it is, the more fun it is? I like spirited women!"

Zhao Yougong's eyes gleamed with lust, making Zhu Mian inwardly curse. This bastard Zhao Yougong was really eyeing his maids. He had to find a way to divert his attention. These young women were carefully selected to serve the manager, and he couldn't let them be taken away.

Zhu Mian knew Zhao Yougong well. He was a man who didn't discriminate, from women in their late twenties to those in their mid-teens. Any woman he saw, he could find some charm in.

Sometimes Zhu Mian admired Zhao Yougong's ability to handle all types of beautiful women. It was a skill in itself.

The Tongle Garden was a place of enjoyment, and the speed of preparing the feast was naturally fast. In just a short while, a table full of delicious food was set up in the pavilion. Enjoying the elegant scenery and sipping wine, it was truly a delightful experience.

Zhu Mian, being a man of refined tastes and from a humble background, spoke straightforwardly, without the pretentiousness of scholars. During the feast, he encouraged Zhao Yougong to drink a few cups and chatted about the beauty and charm of Suzhou, as well as its culinary delights.

Zhao Yougong wasn't too interested in the beauty and charm, but the food was worth trying, "Manager Zhu, do you know any good places?"

"Hehe, is the prince hungry?"

"Manager Zhu knows me well, hehe!" Zhao Yougong admitted frankly, with a hint of anticipation, "Good food is always welcome, and if there are beautiful women to accompany it, it would be even better!"

Zhu Mian laughed awkwardly. The young prince was always thinking about women, even while eating.

"This... Your Highness, I do know a good place!" He took a sip of wine and explained slowly, "Do you know where the most beautiful women in Lake Tai are?"

"Uh, aren't you making it difficult for me, Manager Zhu?"

"Your Highness, don't worry. Let me explain. In our Suzhou Prefecture, the most beautiful women are from Lake Tai. But the best place to go is the Tingxiang Pavilion in Yanziwu. Ah Zhu, the young lady there, not only cooks well but is also very beautiful, just the type you like!"

"Beautiful women?" Zhao Yougong's eyes lit up, but he was a bit surprised. Would Murong Fu be angry if he went to Tingxiang Pavilion to see Ah Zhu, since Yanziwu was Murong's property?

"Of course, there are beautiful women. I can't describe them, but if you see Ah Zhu, you'll know I'm not lying!"

"Alright, let's go to Tingxiang Pavilion tomorrow!"

"Whatever you say, Your Highness!" Zhu Mian wouldn't refuse. He had no real business in Suzhou, and his duties were mostly about exploiting the people.

After a day of rest, Zhu Mian accompanied Zhao Yougong and left the Tongle Garden early. They arrived at the western part of Suzhou and boarded a boat Zhu Mian had prepared in advance. The journey to Yanziwu involved a water route, and a boat was essential.

The water of Lake Tai was clear and elegant, perhaps only the water of Lake Tai could nurture the pure and genuine water village girls. On the shore, you could see the lush bamboo forests, with birds occasionally flying through, leaving a beautiful arc on the water.

Zhao Yougong was enjoying the scenery of Lake Tai, and at the same time, a letter was delivered to Emperor Huizong.

At that moment, Gao Qiu, Yang Jian, Liang Shicheng, and others were waiting beside him. Emperor Huizong read the letter carefully, and before he finished, a relaxed smile appeared on his face.

Although he had been attacked, Zhao Yougong was still Zhao Yougong, lecherous, greedy, and cowardly. This was good, and there was no need to worry.

After some thought, Emperor Huizong smiled at Liang Shicheng, "In a few days, you should go to Suzhou Prefecture and check on him for me. Bring him back. A prince shouldn't be wandering around outside for too long!"

Liang Shicheng understood. The emperor wanted to keep the Prince of Yongning as a caged bird. Although the bird was obedient, it was more reassuring to keep it in a cage.

"Your Majesty, once I finish the work on the Genyue Garden, I will immediately go to Suzhou Prefecture!"

"Alright, no rush. Take care of your business first!"

After dismissing the others, Emperor Huizong turned to Yang Jian, who was standing beside him, "Where is Master Zhang? Why hasn't he come yet?"

Master Zhang, as Emperor Huizong called him, was a remarkable person. His name was Zhang Xubai, the master of Longde Palace, with extraordinary skills in alchemy and excellent oratory. Most enviable of all, Zhang Xubai, as a Taoist, held the position of Grand Doctor of the Void. It must be said that Emperor Huizong was extremely foolish, treating Zhang Xubai as if he were the Grand Master of the Song Dynasty. The treatment Zhang Xubai received, with his jade pass, was something even his equally famous contemporaries, Lin Ling-su and Wang Yun-cheng, could not compare to.

Emperor Huizong was a man of many vices, yet he also revered the Taoist methods of longevity. Despite his devotion to Taoism, he often indulged in the pleasures of life. Such a Taoist emperor was indeed rare.

Yang Jian knew that Emperor Huizong was eager to discuss the Tao with Master Zhang, so he bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, don't worry. Master Zhang went to visit Master Lin earlier, so he might be a bit late!"

"I see, let's wait a bit longer then!"

Emperor Huizong was sufficiently absurd, and his nephew Zhao Yougong was not about to be outdone. The boat had already stopped at Tingxiang Pavilion, and he went up to the pavilion, looking around carefully.

"Manager Zhu, where is Ah Zhu? Why haven't I seen her?"

"..." Zhu Mian was speechless. He knew you were eager, but you didn't have to be so eager.

Before he could answer, a pleasant song echoed from outside the pavilion. The voice was clear and melodious, like pearls falling on a jade plate, making one feel refreshed.

The water of Lake Tai is beautiful, the breeze is gentle on the lake.

Who has a small boat, the sister gently rows.

Ask where the flowers are fragrant, here the lotus flowers sway.

In the sunset, the water reflects the waves, in the bamboo forest, fish circle the boat.

They say the bamboo is green, when will the gentleman return?

The sister wraps the flower wine, to see the beauty of Lake Tai, the beauty of Lake Tai...

The voice grew closer, and a small boat gently drifted by. The woman, holding a bamboo pole, was dressed in red, like a burning flame in the mist.

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