Chapter 362: The Provincial Government's Places of Entertainment
Chapter 362: Chapter 193: The Provincial Government’s Places of Entertainment
At Tang Yuan’s mention of “places to relax,” the expressions of the few people in the hall varied.
Yang Wenqing picked up his teacup, his face impassive. Gao Zhen’s gaze sharpened, clearly interested. Yang Zhong, however, stared blankly ahead as if he hadn’t heard a thing.
The youngest, Yang Wenjian, lowered his head in embarrassment, the tips of his ears turning faintly red. Only Lan Ying, perched on the windowsill, tilted her head in curiosity, not understanding why the atmosphere had suddenly become so delicate.
Tang Yuan let out a hearty laugh and began his introduction. “Putting everything else aside for a moment, when it comes to houses of pleasure, there are three top-tier establishments, each with its own unique appeal.”
He held up a finger. “The first is Moon Embracing Pavilion. That place is all about elegance. It’s situated on the mountainside with a view of the lake. The ladies there aren’t just beautiful; they’re truly skilled in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. They can even debate the Dao and profound mysteries with you!”
Then, he raised a second finger. “The second, and my personal favorite, is Langtao House. This place is all about excitement and novelty. It’s built at Hekou, where merchants flock, and it’s opulently decorated. You can find all sorts of strange new things there, even performances by the tamed Water Race. It’s also got a massive gambling den inside, and the ladies are the most enthusiastic.”
Finally, he raised a third finger. “The third is Anxiang Pavilion. This place is all about privacy and personalization. Each room inside is its own independent grotto-heaven, the service is incredibly attentive, and whatever ambiance you desire, they can create it for you.”
Having introduced these three establishments, Tang Yuan changed his tune. “If all that noise isn’t to your liking, the Provincial Government also has a couple of spots with stunning scenery. Once the grand competition is over, you should check them out if you have the time, Junior Brother.”
“One is Yunhai Platform, near the summit of Dragon Ridge Mountain. The clouds there are a permanent fixture, a vast ocean of mist. When the mountain winds blow through the ancient pines, it sounds like crashing waves. Many of our fellow cultivators enjoy meditating there to comprehend the Dao and feel the might of the heavens and the earth.”
“The other is Jade Mirror Lake, on the shores of Bilan Lake. You can find exquisite painted barges there. You can sip tea, drink wine, admire the lotuses, and gaze at the stars. It’s the epitome of elegance and leisure.”
Tang Yuan’s descriptions were vivid, laying out the unique features and hidden details of both the Provincial Government’s dens of indulgence and its places of quiet elegance. Then, he smiled at Yang Wenqing and said:
“So, what do you say, Junior Brother? If you’re interested, I’ll be your host and show you the sights. Especially Anxiang Pavilion. I recently got my hands on a jar of hundred-year-old Bilan Spring and stored it there. This is the perfect chance to invite you and your brother for a tasting!”
Yang Wenqing smiled. “Thank you for the kind offer, Senior Brother, but we already have plans for tonight. Miss Wang is hosting a welcome banquet for us. It’s the first formal meeting between our two families, so it wouldn’t be right to be absent.”
“That’s no problem at all!”
Tang Yuan waved his hand dismissively and chuckled. “Banquets have to end sometime! By the time yours is over, things at Anxiang Pavilion will just be getting started. The nights in the Provincial Government are long!”
His gaze shifted teasingly to Yang Wenjian. “Although,” he ribbed, “I’m afraid Wenjian will have to miss out this time. After all, you’re here to meet your future wife.”
At Tang Yuan’s words, Yang Wenjian’s face instantly flushed red, and he stammered, unsure how to respond.
Tang Yuan laughed again. “But don’t be disappointed. After the grand competition is over, I’ll take you to Jade Mirror Lake. We’ll rent the finest painted barge, and if the timing is right, we’ll invite Miss Wang to join us.”
He gave Yang Wenjian a wink, his meaning unmistakable.
Yang Wenqing took the opportunity to look at his brother and ask him directly, “Wenjian, you just met Miss Wang. What was your impression of her? Don’t hold back, tell me what you think.”
Yang Wenjian looked up, the blush still on his cheeks, but his eyes grew serious. He replied solemnly, “I have no objections. I will leave the decision entirely to you, Big Brother, and to our parents.”
His words were simple, but sincere.
He knew he was far from his brother’s equal in cultivation and worldly experience, so he was willing to accept a marriage alliance that would benefit both his family and himself.
Yang Wenqing nodded, then turned to Tang Yuan. “Since you’re so insistent, Senior Brother, if the banquet ends early tonight, we’ll take you up on your offer and go taste that century-old vintage.”
“Excellent!” Tang Yuan laughed and clapped his hands.
After that, Tang Yuan continued to chat about interesting anecdotes from the Provincial Government and trivial matters of cultivation. Time slipped by amidst the fragrance of tea and cheerful conversation. The last wisp of sunset on the horizon gradually gave way to the azure curtain of night. Soft illumination runes lit up both inside and out, blanketing the small courtyard in a serene halo of light.
Just then, faint footsteps could be heard from outside the courtyard gate.
Right on cue, Wang Yufei appeared at the gate. She had changed into a more formal, pale lilac ensemble, and her hair had been neatly restyled.
“Director Yang, gentlemen, the family banquet is ready. Please follow me.” Her voice was crisp and clear. Her gaze swept over the group, lingering for a moment on Yang Wenjian before she gestured with a smile for them to proceed.
Yang Wenqing rose to his feet. With a flutter of wings, Lan Ying landed back on his shoulder, curiously sizing up the finely dressed Wang Yufei.
Tang Yuan also stood with a smile and casually moved to Yang Wenqing’s side, looking for all the world like a family escort. After all, this marriage alliance was, at least on the surface, more between the Wang family and the Xuanyue Lineage.
Yang Wenjian took a deep breath, straightened his robes, and followed behind his brother. Gao Zhen and Yang Zhong remained in the courtyard.
The three of them followed Wang Yufei along a path shaded by trees. About a quarter of an hour later, an exquisite and magnificent pavilion appeared before them. Glazed wind lanterns hung from the eaves, illuminating the plaque, which bore the two elegant words ‘Beauty Pavilion.’ From within, the faint sounds of laughter, conversation, and refined string and bamboo music could be heard.