Chapter 17

Chapter 17: The Seventeenth Chapter

Lian Cheng needed to know their names to match them with the barely mentioned characters in the book, but Lian Xiusheng didn’t give him a chance to fish for information. Instead, he led him away from the crowd of spoiled rich kids, moving behind several folding screens. In this part of the chamber, the young gentlemen were playing pitch-pot blindfolded. Not a single arrow hit the mark, yet they laughed raucously.

These scenes were all new to Lian Cheng. Finding them novel and amusing, he looked around and then asked Lian Xiusheng, "Xiusheng, how skilled are you at pitch-pot?"

"Not particularly adept—merely average."

Lian Cheng wished these ancient people would speak plainly; his meager literary knowledge couldn't handle such fancy talk. But he didn’t believe Lian Xiusheng’s claim. According to the book, Lian Xiusheng was skilled in archery and horsemanship, able to pierce a target from a hundred paces away. This indicated he had mastered many arts, merely keeping his talents concealed.

The people in this room were also familiar with the original Lian Cheng. Upon seeing him, they greeted him with bows and asked when he’d come to compete with them.

"Wait a moment," Lian Cheng replied, then followed Lian Xiusheng through several more rooms, each with different games and amusements, until they reached the innermost chamber.

"Master Ye," Lian Xiusheng said coolly.

Ye Xin, who had been scratching his head over a chess game on the couch, stopped and immediately got up, stepping down from the couch. "Finally, Sixth Lang, you're here—come take a look at this chess game."

The others on the couch immediately shouted in protest, "No, no! If you bring in Sixth Lang, what’s the point of playing? Might as well go home and sleep!"

Ye Xin waved dismissively and turned his gaze to Lian Cheng.

Lian Cheng, sensing the scrutiny, felt a surge of alertness. This was the son of a current Grand Secretary.

He appeared slightly older than Lian Xiusheng and the original him—perhaps around Second Brother’s age. His features were unremarkable, but his bearing was lofty and clear. He dressed without ostentation, in a plain moon-white silk robe and a small cap, giving the impression of a low-key yet principled man.

However, this character’s fate in the book was not good. Because Lian Cheng’s younger brother had become a student under the man’s father, using that connection to gather talented allies, amass power and influence, and ultimately drive the teacher out of the cabinet. The old man ended up kneeling before the throne, begging permission to retire and return to his hometown. The emperor granted it, but on the way home, the family was ambushed and killed by bandits, leaving Ye Xin alone in court, drifting through his days without any of his former spirit.

Lian Cheng spoke first, making a formal bow. "Master Ye."

Ye Xin immediately said, "Outside, just call me Huaiyun. No need for such formality."

So Lian Cheng called him, "Brother Huaiyun."

As he spoke, footsteps sounded from behind Ye Xin. A young man wrapped his arm around Ye Xin’s neck, shaking him, while another raised a wine cup and pointed at Lian Cheng. "So you’re the one who angered Master Mei into illness—Lian Cheng."

Not knowing what the man was up to, Lian Cheng replied, "That’s right."

The wine cup was silently pressed to his lips. "Master Mei is my teacher. Drink this wine as an apology, or I won’t let you off tonight."

That sounds so suggestive, Lian Cheng thought. He pushed the cup away. "I don’t share drinking vessels."

The man went to pour another cup. Lian Cheng took it, then poured the wine on the ground.

"Hey, Lian Cheng, what’s the meaning of this?"

"Why should I apologize to you? What crime have I committed against you? You're putting yourself on the same level as your teacher—a grave disrespect. If word gets out, how does your offense compare to mine?" Lian Cheng smiled faintly. "By pouring this wine, I’m letting this matter pass like a floating cloud, not reporting you. Now, you should thank me."

The young man turned red with rage, snatched back the cup, and returned to his seat, huffing and puffing like an ox.

Ye Xin, the host, finally spoke up. He clapped Lian Cheng on the shoulder. "Minzi, go have some fun outside. Your little buddies are probably sick of waiting."

Lian Cheng looked at Lian Xiusheng.

"I'll play some chess here. If Third Brother needs anything, just have someone come tell me," Lian Xiusheng said.

Lian Cheng felt a twinge of disappointment. Although Lian Xiusheng wasn't exactly a good guy, he was the one he got along with best right now. They were kinsmen of the same clan, but not like-minded; they couldn't even have fun together.

But that just showed how refined people like Lian Xiusheng had blind spots. The original Lian Cheng could hang out with those idiots, but he couldn't.

Fifteen minutes later, blindfolded, Lian Cheng threw his arrow while surrounded by the other young gentlemen.

The rule in pitch-pot was you had to take turns—no back-to-back shots. So after throwing one arrow, Lian Cheng pulled off his blindfold and was startled by the gaping mouths all around him.

The only thing that could make these game-crazy guys gape like that was probably the game itself. Lian Cheng looked at the double-eared pot at the center of the hall—the arrow he'd just thrown was stuck in one of the pot's ears, but the tip hadn’t touched the ground; it was leaning perfectly against the pot's body.

"Through the ear! Minzi!" Li Wan ran over to the double-eared pot, so excited he circled it three times. "Minzi, when did you become so skilled at throwing arrows?"

Others showered him with praise, saying they must compose a couplet to celebrate. Lian Cheng waited for a long time, but no poem came. So he had to modestly say, "Just luck."

Why couldn’t this luck have applied to buying lottery tickets before he transmigrated? Maybe because he’d never bought any?

If only I had a phone, Lian Cheng thought. He wanted to record this moment and post it in his friend circle. In the modern world, though he was an orphan, he had many beloved friends.

He wondered how they were doing.

Distracted, Lian Cheng handed the extra arrows to the guy next to him and walked out. Outside was a silver world blanketed in heavy snow, with lanterns lighting up the dark night like a bright courtyard.

Li Wan came over holding an umbrella. "Minzi, are you unhappy? I can call some courtesans to keep you company."

Lian Cheng wasn’t really unhappy; in fact, he enjoyed novelty. It was just a sudden bout of sadness. But as soon as he stepped out, the cold wind blew away all his worries. He tucked his hands into his sleeves and glanced at Li Wan. "From now on, don't talk that trash with me anymore. After the New Year, I might go find something to do."

-

Li Wan was taken aback. "Didn’t you tell me, 'Enjoy life while you can, don't wait till you're old and sad for nothing'?"

"Is having fun just about singing and dancing?"

Li Wan suddenly understood. "Minzi, you've seen the light!"

"Let’s go inside," Lian Cheng said, too cold to bear it. He turned and walked back inside, leaving Li Wan chasing after him with the umbrella.

Inside, it was warm. A group was still playing pitch-pot, while others drank. Li Wan found a corner where the two Brocade Guards couldn't see or hear them, had a table of fancy snacks brought in, and warmed a pot of wine.

Lian Cheng asked for two kinds of filled pastries, a sealed portion of red-fermented shad, and a bowl of lamb dumplings. He didn’t like drinking endlessly on an empty stomach.

"Minzi, you and I are inseparable brothers. Let’s each start with a bowl of hot wine!" Li Wan was full of bravado, tipping the wine vessel over his face and draining it in one go.

Lian Cheng drank too, then held a hand warmer, leaning back on the warm couch, lazy and drowsy, with all that noise.

Setting down his wine bowl, Li Wan asked earnestly what Lian Cheng had meant earlier.

Lian Cheng’s face was flushed like a peach blossom, as if possessed by a demon, but his words were serene and detached. "I just don't want my mom to keep worrying and feeling hurt over me."

He had to admit, playing the family card was a pretty good excuse in this ancient era steeped in Confucian values.

Li Wan indeed fell into thought, his expression showing a touch of empathy. After a moment, he sighed. "Minzi, your filial piety could move the heavens, but it’s not feasible. With my status, I can't even take the imperial exams or become an official. If I live like this, the current emperor will be more comfortable with that. If I become diligent and proactive, it'd only make trouble for my family."

The two drank again in unison, then sighed up at the heavens.

A few people from the other side, bored with their games, came looking for them. They gathered around, asking what they were worrying about.

Li Wan said simply.

A young man named Lu Zhen suddenly opened a fan, his eyes flickering, appearing refined yet frivolous. He said, "Minzi, you worry too much. For those of us with little ambition, as long as we don't bring disaster to our families, that's considered progress."

Lian Cheng knew that later, Lian Xiusheng would lead a confiscation of his family's property.

Another man called Zhang Xian poured himself a cup of wine, smacked his lips, and after drinking, said, "To be both wise and prudent, preserving oneself—Minzi, I must tell you something: sometimes, striving upward isn't necessarily a good thing."

Lian Cheng was unmoved, expressionless. "You just want me to play with you. Why say so much?"

Li Wan first cried out in protest, claiming injustice.

Lian Cheng said, "I want to find something to do, to let my mother rest easy and recover, and to set an example for my siblings. In short, I can't continue living like this."

"That's easier said than done," Lu Zhen said, waving his fan. "But what can we do? If we go into business like Du Heng's family, our families would beat us to death. If we take the imperial examinations, and end up like your second brother, I wouldn't want to live."

Li Wan said, "You talk about me, but why drag my family into this? If you have the skill, don't come begging me for money to buy wine."

"Du Heng, look at you—good advice is hard to swallow, don't you know?"

Zhang Xian raised a wine jug to block between the two. "Stop arguing, stop arguing. Focus on the matter at hand. I have an idea."

Lian Cheng and the other two looked at him, eyes lighting up.

"My elder brother now holds a key post in the Southern Court of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. As you know, these offices don't require scholarly honors. With some silver, you can buy your way in." Zhang Xian lifted his chin and finished, then began with "however": "This path of purchasing office is feasible, but it offers no hope of promotion, and you can only do menial tasks. I don't want it."

"There's another path. I think we can all take it, but we need to swallow our pride."

Li Wan quickly asked what it was.

"Recommendation, or favor by inheritance," Zhang Xian said. "Du Heng, if you're too embarrassed to ask your father, you can directly seek an audience with His Majesty—that's the easiest."

"..."

"Ruozhu, your father's godfather is the venerable eunuch. As his eldest grandson, you can also petition."

"..."

"Minzi, it's even easier for you. Your grandfather enjoys a shrine in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. His Majesty still sheds tears when recalling him. If your father or elder brother is willing to use his merits and influence for a way out for you, it's sure to succeed." Zhang Xian's words were clearly not finished; he cast a meaningful glance toward the inner room, then looked back and said, "His Majesty now values your Sixth Brother most. I know you're not on good terms with him, but he is clearly the pillar of the nation. If the first path doesn't work, go to him and leverage your bond. You are his elder brother—how could he refuse you?"

After saying so much, Zhang Xian was thirsty and continued drinking, then went on, "Actually, I've long thought the same as Minzi. But I've been so idle that suddenly speaking it out would be laughable. So I have to force myself to keep playing with you rich idlers."

Lian Minzi had been listening while eating wontons, which were savory and piping hot. The shad was a unique flavor he had never tasted before.

He ate for a while, wiped his mouth, and said, "Brother Siqi's words just now have broadened my perspective."

Zhang Xian was stunned.

Lian Cheng looked at them. "I don't need anyone to accompany me. I'll go on my own. You don't need to worry about this."

Li Wan shouted, "No, no! If I don't go with you, what if someone bullies you?"

Zhang Xian nodded in agreement. "There are plenty of noble offspring in those offices. Better not go alone."

Lu Zhen hesitated, then said, "Then I'll go talk to my father. He doesn't have to ask the venerable eunuch; he can find a way."

Seeing that finding a job was settled, Zhang Xian sighed and waved his fan. "Alas, we young men in black, suffering outside and inside—what worry is there that we won't leave our names in history?"

Lian Cheng couldn't be bothered with him. In the book, Zhang Xian's family was the first to fall.

However, the book didn't mention exactly why the Zhang family withdrew from the political arena. The Zhang family was still honored now—the master of the house served as Left Vice Minister in the Ministry of Rites, siding with Grand Secretary Ye, riding the favorable wind. But the emperor's moods were unpredictable. When discarding a pawn, it didn't matter if you stood behind Grand Secretary Ye—even standing on top of his head wouldn't save you.

Lu Zhen's family was naturally also part of Grand Secretary Ye's faction, including Li Wan's later prince, and Lian Cheng's own Lian family. Old Master Lian had earned this posthumous honor precisely because he had taken the right side. Thus, even if Lian family descendants were utterly useless for a hundred years, as long as the dynasty remained the same, they would still bask in glory for a hundred years.

By that measure, they all had ties to Grand Secretary Ye, so no wonder they hung out together. And no wonder the emperor had the Embroidered Uniform Guard keep an eye on them.

Officially, it was to look after them; in fact, it was surveillance.

-

As New Year's Eve approached, the curfew was lifted. This was much longer than Lian Cheng remembered—usually it was for the Lantern Festival, when curfew is usually lifted, but here it was lifted three days before New Year's Eve and lasted until the seventeenth day of the first month before being reinstated.

At the Hai hour (9–11 PM), a famous courtesan named Ming Shu, praised as a fairy by the young men, arrived with her maidservant.

She wore her hair in a goose-egg bun, adorned with purple jade and white jade hairpins, a soft yellow gauze skirt trailing on the ground. With light makeup and a slender figure, she was naturally beautiful. As she entered, the whole room fell silent. She bowed deeply, her red lips slightly parted, and greeted the gentlemen, capturing many hearts.

Lian Cheng was also captivated, but not out of lust. He felt as if a classical painting of a lady had come to life before his eyes.

A crowd of young men surrounded Ming Shu. The poems they struggled to write earlier for Feihua Tongxue now came easily. They praised her hairpin and her dress. Lian Cheng didn't join the crowd; he just watched quietly from his original spot. "A thousand calls, and she comes at last, still half hiding her face behind her pipa"—this scene was truly beautiful.

Where Lian Cheng couldn't see, because the stage was outside, Lian Xiusheng came out with a few young men from the inner room. Two of the men had unbuttoned their collars. Although he had drunk wine, Lian Xiusheng's collar was still fastened tightly, only his hairnet removed, leaving a jade crown to cover his hair, making him look a bit less severe and more elegant.

His long brows pressed down over his eyes as he watched his third brother, who was nestled on the couch like a lazy cat. Like everyone else, his third brother was staring at the courtesan, even more spellbound, silly and infatuated. If the courtesan approached him with her pipa, he might actually drool.

How could anyone be such a besotted fool? Lian Xiusheng chatted and laughed with others, but his brows were knit in displeasure.