Chapter 90: White Crystal Inn
“Ah, it’s Young Master Fan, my apologies for not recognizing you earlier.”
Zhang Fei cupped his hands in greeting.
If Ma Xiaoyi hadn’t mentioned it, he wouldn’t have guessed that Fan Zheng was the son of Mogul Fan Yong. With his chubby face and ever-present smile, Mogul Fan Yong seemed harmless.
In contrast, his son Fan Zheng appeared calm, composed, and serious.
Fan Zheng cupped his hands and said, “Please, there’s no need for such formalities. I’m merely the son of a merchant and dare not claim the title of ‘Young Master.’ Brother Zhang, you can just call me Fan Zheng.”
Ma Xiaoyi added, “Brother San, my brother is serious about being casual. Just call him Fan Zheng!”
Zhang Fei nodded with a smile, “A more casual approach is fine; no need for such formalities.”
Fan Zheng continued, “Brother Zhang, your esteemed name is well-known. My father often speaks of you. I hope I can learn from you in the future.”
“Aiya!”
Cao Dongdong crossed his arms and bounced lightly, “Fan Zheng, are you done talking? I’m freezing out here!” Fan Zheng quickly responded, “Honored guests, please come inside.”
Upon entering the White Crystal Inn, they were greeted by the sight of the five interconnected buildings—east, west, south, north, and central—each three stories high. The structures were linked by bridges, with open and hidden spaces, creating a complex yet harmonious design. It was truly magnificent.
Even Zhang Fei, who was not easily impressed, was stunned by the grandeur of the design. No wonder it was hailed as the finest inn in the capital!
Strictly speaking, the White Crystal Inn was no longer just an inn; it was a comprehensive complex hosting various activities, including auctions and wholesale of goods such as wine and salt.
One could say that this single establishment allowed the Northern Song Dynasty to surpass other dynasties in terms of commerce.
Typically, in ancient Chinese dynasties, buildings had strict regulations, and no private establishment dared to construct an inn of this scale, especially in the capital.
Regular patrons like Cao Dongdong headed straight to the east building without needing Fan Zheng’s guidance.
Since it was Zhang Fei’s first visit, he followed proper etiquette and walked slowly behind Fan Zheng, his eyes wandering everywhere. Occasionally, when a young lady passed by, his heart would flutter.
Beside him, Li Si, though no longer a novice, had never been to such a place. He wanted to look but was shy. Every time he stole a glance at a young lady, his face turned as red as a baboon’s bottom.
Fortunately, Zhang Fei was too absorbed in his own observations to notice, otherwise, he would have certainly teased him.
“Brother Zhang! Brother Zhang!”
“Huh?”
Zhang Fei snapped back to reality and looked at Fan Zheng, “What did you say?”
Fan Zheng asked, “I was wondering if you had any suggestions for me?”
He had assumed Zhang Fei was admiring the White Crystal Inn, hence the question.
But Zhang Fei was actually admiring the young ladies.
“Very good! Very good!” Zhang Fei replied.
Fan Zheng continued, “Brother Zhang gave some pointers to the Ma Family, and they soared to new heights. I hope you can offer me some insights as well.”
Zhang Fei collected his thoughts and smiled, “Your father is truly remarkable for elevating the White Crystal Inn to new heights. If I were to say anything…”
Fan Zheng quickly responded, “I’m all ears.”
Zhang Fei said, “It’s about culture.”
“Culture?”
“Exactly!”
Zhang Fei explained, “The White Crystal Inn is no longer just an inn. As a guest today, I am amazed by everything here, but if you ask me for my specific impressions of the place, beyond its grandeur, I can’t pinpoint anything else.
However, to ensure its lasting legacy, I believe it needs its own culture, such as its approach to business and customer service.
For example, if respecting customers is a hallmark of the White Crystal Inn, then even in hosting events like auctions, this characteristic should be evident.
So, how to integrate these complex transactions into a unique feature of the White Crystal Inn is something you might need to consider.”
Fan Zheng fell into deep thought after hearing this. After a while, he suddenly lifted his head, his mature face showing unusual excitement, “Thank you for the guidance, Brother Zhang. I’ve gained much from this… Brother Zhang?”
As he spoke, he noticed Zhang Fei wasn’t paying attention, but staring into the distance. Following Zhang Fei’s gaze, he saw Cao Dongdong and his group already seated at a table in the main hall, surrounded by several singing girls either sitting or standing. Understanding the situation, he quickly said, “Brother Zhang, after you.”
“Huh? Oh, after you! After you”
As they approached, they heard Cao Dongdong bragging.
“Some lowly instructor dared to threaten me, not knowing his place. But I, for one, acted with integrity and never stooped to base tricks, unlike some people. One who has guts will not be afraid of arguing in open court.”
This was Cao Dongdong’s first appearance at the White Crystal Inn since the court case, and he immediately became the center of attention.
“I never expected the young master to face Instructor Lin in court. Just for that courage alone, we sisters toast to you,” said one of the singing girls, raising her cup towards Cao Dongdong.
“Good, good, good!” Cao Dongdong hurriedly raised his cup in response.
“Brother San, you’re here!” Ma Xiaoyi noticed Zhang Fei’s arrival and quickly shifted his seat. “Brother San, sit here.”
What’s wrong with Little Ma today? Now that I’ve come here, why would I sit next to him? Zhang Fei, who was ready to sit among the women, felt immediately frustrated.
But before Zhang Fei could sit down, Cao Dongdong stood up, placed a hand on Zhang Fei’s shoulder, and said to the singing girls, “Ladies, this is Zhang San, the man who helped me with my case.”
“A pleasure! A pleasure!” Zhang Fei suppressed his inner excitement and cupped his hands towards the singing girls, his eyes scanning them up and down. Although none of them matched Xu Zhiqian, they were still quite attractive to him.
“So, you are the famous pen-in-cap Zhang San! My apologies for not recognizing you sooner,” one of the singing girls said.
“Not at all! Not at all!” Zhang Fei replied with a smile. “In the future, if any of you ladies have disputes, you can find me at Fan’s Bookstore. I’ll give you a thirty percent discount.”
“Hopefully, we’ll never need to find you,” a slightly older singing girl, around twenty years old, said with a smile.
Zhang Fei was taken aback for a moment and then awkwardly replied, “That’s true.”
The other singing girls all giggled.
After sitting down, Cao Dongdong resumed his bragging. Gradually, some young gentlemen from nearby tables, along with their singing girls, began to join them.
As more people gathered, the atmosphere grew more lively.
However…!
Zhang Fei’s enthusiasm waned.
The main hall of the east building was very large, and instead of small round tables, it was filled with long tables. On the tables were wine, dishes, and also calligraphy and painting supplies, as well as musical instruments like the zither and the xiao flute.
Distracted, Zhang Fei had no interest in listening to Cao Dongdong’s boasting. He secretly observed how the entertainment of this era was conducted. However, he found that every table maintained a sense of decorum, with people either chatting or composing poetry. It was unlike the modern nightlife he was used to, filled with rampant hormones, the scent of alcohol in the air, and the silhouettes of gropy hands.
Even Cao Dongdong and his friends behaved properly, not even putting an arm around anyone.
Gradually, more guests arrived. Cao Dongdong had almost finished bragging and noticed Zhang Fei sitting quietly by himself. He dismissed the singing girls and said to Zhang Fei, “Zhang San, why are you so silent? Aren’t you usually quite talkative?”
“Why are they all reciting poetry and playing music?” Zhang Fei couldn’t help but ask.
Fu Shichun replied, “Isn’t that normal?”
“Normal?”
Zhang Fei retorted, “What’s normal about that? Everything’s prim and proper.”
Upon hearing the word “proper,” Ma Xiaoyi immediately caught on, “Brother San, you must prefer the Floating Fragrance Inn.”
Zhang Fei asked, “What’s the difference between Floating Fragrance Inn and White Crystal Inn?”
Ma Xiaoyi explained, “There are many courtesans there.”
It turned out that there was a significant difference between singing girls and courtesans. Singing girls were more like artists, focusing on their performance and not selling their bodies. They aimed to win the favor of guests through their songs and poetry, not through physical means.
Because they served a higher social class—those officials and scholars who had seen all kinds of beauties and had multiple wives and concubines at home—they sought more intellectual and spiritual connections here, rather than physical ones. Poetry and music were their main attractions.
That’s why a poet like Liu Yong could be so popular in the entertainment quarters—not because he was handsome, but because his poetry was widely appreciated. The singing girls naturally flocked to him.
It’s no exaggeration to say that a good poem could make a singing girl famous overnight.
Zhang Fei slapped his thigh, “Who the heck suggested coming to the White Crystal Inn?”
Cao Dongdong immediately pointed at Ma Xiaoyi, “Little Ma did.”
Ma Xiaoyi, feeling aggrieved, said, “I thought that since Brother San was a scholar and he prefer this place.”
Zhang Fei angrily retorted, “I’m just a pen-in-cap, how am I a scholar! Damn it!”
“…!”
Ma Xiaoyi looked crestfallen, realizing that Brother San preferred the more vulgar pleasures.
Fu Shichun, noticing Zhang Fei’s frustration, wondered aloud, “Zhang San, I heard from the young master that you’re still a virgin?”
Zhang Fei replied irritably, “I was planning to lose it tonight! How can I do that here? Writing poems and looking at the scenery aren’t my strengths.”
Cao Dongdong quickly reassured him, “Alright, alright, after the auction, we’ll go to Floating Fragrance Inn.”
Zhang Fei said gloomily, “By then, everyone will be tired. The best time for this is early. Let’s go tomorrow.”
Fu Shichun asked, puzzled, “Zhang San, are you really still a virgin?”
“Uh… sitting here doing nothing isn’t helping. When does the auction start?”
“It’ll take at least two hours. It’s still not dark yet.”
“We can’t just sit here!”
“What do you want to do then?” Cao Dongdong asked.
“Let’s play dice!”
Zhang Fei said thoughtfully, “Getting high on alcohol might improve the situation.”