Chapter 228 - 144: Gambling on Stones (1)
A full moon hung in the sky above the Pingjiang River, shrouded in a faint mist as if veiled by a layer of moon-white gauze. Lanterns with delicate bamboo frames dotted the banks on either side of the river, their various colors shining through, some painted with landscapes and serving maidens. There were also vendors selling blank lanterns in various colors; poets and literary men, struck by inspiration, could at any time take up a brush and leave their prized calligraphy on a lantern.
Painted pleasure boats shuttled back and forth on the water, carrying the scent of rouge and powder, and the clamor of voices mingled with the laughter of courtesans, their delicate voices dispersing through the thin fog.
Stores lined both banks of the Pingjiang River, their eaves touching one another like scales on a fish, with awnings grandly displayed, bustling with even more activity than during the Qixi festival.
Ran Yan and her companions dismounted their carriage in the market and walked toward the docks. To avoid a repeat of a prior incident, they did not board any boats but instead reserved a private room in a nearby tavern.
The name of this tavern was quite interesting, called "Riverside Immortal," a song title from the music bureau, surprisingly fitting for this occasion. The location of the private room was excellent, seated by a window overlooking the river, it offered a view of its most bustling section. The Riverside Immortal’s structure extended over the water, the river breeze making it feel as if one were on board a ship, while the inner windows gave a view of the tavern’s main hall. On such a special occasion, the tavern would invite the most famous courtesans to perform.
Ran Yunsheng had secured this spot not only with a handsome sum of money but also with considerable effort.
"Ah Yan, take a look at the calligraphy and paintings in this room," Ran Yunsheng winked.
"I’ve seen them, Sang Suiyuan," Ran Yan took a sip of water and looked up at the large character hanging in the center; it was refined and elegant, its strength hidden yet revealed, creating a style of its own.
After speaking, Ran Yan suddenly felt she was being too indifferent, especially considering Ran Yunsheng had gone to great lengths to secure the room, so she added, "It doesn’t matter whose calligraphy or paintings hang in this room; what matters is that you went to great lengths to arrange this for us."
"Ah Yan really knows how to speak!" Ran Yunsheng laughed, then paused before adding, "Master Sang’s calligraphy is priceless; I heard that the owner of Riverside Immortal caught Master Sang’s eye and was thus able to obtain this piece."