Chapter 111: Shared Joys (Part Two)

In the spring of the first year of the Tianshou era, the largest imperial examination in history was held at the Luocheng Palace. Two candidates stood out above the rest. The first was naturally the top scholar of the current class, Cui Shi. With his illustrious lineage, striking appearance, and overflowing talent, he was a favorite among the brothels of Yongfeng Ward. Moreover, rumors whispered in the streets that he had frequently visited the private residence of the female chancellor, Shangguan Wan'er, becoming the first guest to enter the inner circle of the brilliant woman who weighed the fate of the world—a fact that stirred envy in many.

The other was Ge Hui, who had abandoned the exam midway. Having already passed the preliminary examinations, the rank of presented scholar was all but in his grasp. Throughout history, he was the only one so capricious as to stand up the Emperor. When curious onlookers asked for the reason, Ge Hui smiled and replied with a popular Buddhist verse, claiming that in a dream late at night, a Buddha had descended from beyond the heavens to enlighten him: he was fit to be a teacher of children, but not a shepherd of states. Lacking the necessary cultivation, he dared not presume to plead for the common people, lest he bring disaster to the nation and its folk. Because of his magnanimous and detached nature, he was praised by officials and scholars alike.

Today, this carefree and celebrated man sat before Quan Ce.

"Brother Ge, you navigated the thousand perils of the imperial examinations only to give up at the final strike. It is truly a pity," Quan Ce sighed helplessly. The die was cast, and he could do nothing but lament.

Ge Hui, however, was unbothered, shaking his head. "Do not fret, Dalang. The imperial examination was merely a whim. I find drifting through the world of men far more free and easy than being ground down in the halls of government... Furthermore, the court is corrupt, clipping the wings of loyal men like you. That I can refrain from speaking ill of it is the limit of my lifelong cultivation; were I forced to wallow in its stench, I fear I would choke to death."

Quan Ce was slightly startled. Having been in the Tang Dynasty for a long time and accustomed to hearing constant praise for the prosperity of the realm, this was the first time he had heard someone declare the government corrupt. He smiled bitterly and waved his hand in caution. "Brother Ge, you are a man of free spirit; there is no need to dwell on such things, let alone voice them."

"Rest assured, Dalang. Though my nature is detached, I cherish my life dearly and lack the courage to sacrifice myself for righteousness. I am merely venting my frustrations to you," Ge Hui clearly understood the gravity of the situation.

Quan Ce pressed no further, instead asking, "What are your plans for the future?"

Ge Hui’s eyes lit up instantly. "Dalang, I have been assisting Prince Consort Wu with his porcelain kilns these past few days and have gained much. The way of commerce is infinitely marvelous. Especially the foreign merchants—the moment they stand before the Prince Consort, their stature shrinks by a third. Whatever price he sets, they accept; whatever he demands, they yield. It is truly exhilarating."

Quan Ce pondered for a moment. "If that is the case, would you be willing to come to my estate and assist me?"

"Does Dalang intend to start a new venture?" Ge Hui asked, puzzled.

"Not at all. It has nothing to do with the porcelain kilns. Have you heard of Jiannan Burning Spring? It is a spirit my steward sourced from the Jiannan Circuit. It is now being released in small quantities with excellent feedback. It is the perfect time to expand, but my estate lacks the manpower to operate it effectively. I am in dire need of your assistance." Quan Ce spoke the truth; the bulk of his assets were in candles and Luoyang real estate, and his other sporadic businesses were so vast that Quan Li could not manage everything alone.

Ge Hui smiled and agreed. "I have tasted Jiannan Burning Spring. It is a bit too pungent for my taste, but there must be many who enjoy it. I will take over this business and serve as your chief manager."

Quan Ce clapped his hands and laughed.

Ge Hui shared in his laughter for a moment, then straightened his sleeves with composure and said in a gentle voice, "Now that your wish is fulfilled, you should tell me your true intention, so I do not have to worry about it constantly and lose my peace of mind. Do not try to fob me off—have you ever truly cared about commerce and money?"

Quan Ce gave a wry smile. "My younger brother at home has turned six and is of age to begin his schooling. If Brother Ge has the time, I would like to trouble you with that as well."

Ge Hui listened, nodding and shaking his head by turns. "Fine, I shall play along with this ruse. Erlang is bright and lovely; it would be a pleasure to be his tutor."

Quan Ce was overjoyed. "Brother Ge possesses great talent and an extraordinary character. For tutoring my second brother, the tuition must not be lacking. I shall gift you a twenty-percent stake in the Jiannan Burning Spring business. I hope you will not refuse."

"Away, away with you! Stop rattling on about such things," Ge Hui said with great displeasure, waving his hands repeatedly. He finished the fragrant tea before him and departed, sleeves fluttering.

With the tutor for Quan Zhu settled, the boy officially bid farewell to his happy childhood and embarked on the path of no return known as education. Quan Ce, however, could no longer stay at home. His aunt, Princess Gao'an, was searching heaven and earth for ingredients and medicinal herbs to nourish him. Fuqu, having been quite shaken by recent events and no longer occupied with the business of the Yi River pleasure boats, clung to him even more, tending to him with meticulous care. He was growing round at a speed visible to the naked eye; if this continued, he feared he would soon lose the ability to care for himself.

However, he could not yet return to his post, for Hou Sizi’s wedding was approaching.

The auspicious date was the sixteenth of the third month, held at the Yichuan County Guest House in the western suburbs of Luoyang. Hou Sizi had few social connections and a poor reputation. The Li clan of Zhaojun held deep resentment toward this marriage and did not put much effort into the arrangements. Consequently, the scale was modest, with only thirty-some tables, many of which remained empty.

The bride was escorted by her uncle, Li Zicai. Her father, Li Ziyi, had arrived in Luoyang but claimed illness to avoid attending the ceremony.

Quan Ce understood the situation well. The Li clan of Zhaojun was a powerful, long-standing family with its own dignity and backbone. This display was merely them maneuvering within narrow confines—respecting Empress Wu while making their own stance clear.

It was a pity for the bride. The most important event of her life had become a stage for the family to assert their political stance through a display of power. As the best man, Quan Ce went to urge the bride to emerge. Upon seeing her, he found her appearance not particularly striking, yet she was fresh and clean. More importantly, she possessed a calm and dignified demeanor, displaying the grace of a noble family without a hint of arrogance. Especially when she was alone with Hou Sizi, she was gentle, delicate, and deeply feminine, which was quite moving.

The Li clan of Zhaojun valued poetry and ritual. Although the various steps of the wedding had been reduced, everything was still in order. The "coaxing the bride" poem was unavoidable, so Quan Ce had no choice but to play the plagiarist: "I know not what night this is, urging the balcony closer to the mirror stand. Who says the lotus is planted in water? A single branch blooms within the bronze mirror."

When the elaborately dressed bride emerged and joined Hou Sizi, she specifically bowed to Quan Ce. "Thank you, Junior Inspector Quan."

Quan Ce bowed in return, wondering if the bride was thanking him for forcing the Li clan to agree to the marriage, or for praising her as a lotus blooming from the water. He suspected the latter was more likely.

While he was lost in thought, the wedding ceremony concluded and the banquet drew to a close. Hou Sizi, having realized his wish, was ecstatic and wandered about offering toasts. The wine at the banquet was entirely sponsored by Quan Ce—authentic Jiannan Burning Spring. It was smooth and soft on the palate but had a powerful kick. After a short round of toasts, Hou Sizi was swaying, his face flushed, his speech slurred and incoherent—a truly sorry sight.

Li Zicai’s face turned black with anger. Quan Ce hurried to support him and carried him back to the bridal chamber.

Two young maids greeted the bridegroom at the door, but Hou Sizi did not let go of Quan Ce, muttering, "Dalang... Sizi... it is Sizi... if one ponders a hundred times, how can one stop?"

"Brother Hou, you are drunk. Go inside and rest," Quan Ce said, acting as if he had not heard, and shoved him into the bridal chamber.

As the banquet drew to an end, the guests departed one by one, leaving only a few incorrigible drinkers who refused to put down their cups. This wine was a peerless vintage; how could they leave without drinking their fill?

How could they possibly leave?