lcionline Chapter 506 I have to bow my head
Chapter 506 I have to bow my head
These women, including Gu Hengbo herself, were all prominent figures in Qinhuai, accustomed to being fawned over by high-ranking officials and nobles. Each had their own stubbornness and temperament, and having never experienced such treatment, they were all thrown into disarray. He Dongjun glared resentfully at Gu Hengbo; she had really tricked them today, and they regretted not going to the appointment. But despite their anger, under the threat of several steel knives, the women could only obediently allow Shimazu Chiyo to thoroughly search them, ensuring there were no sharp blades, before removing their hair ornaments and other headdresses, and then taking them upstairs.
As Liu Ye and the others were chatting enthusiastically about all sorts of things, the door opened, and Gu Hengbo entered first, forcing a smile as she introduced the three women: "Today, to add to the festivities, I've specially invited three exceptionally beautiful and talented sisters, each surpassing Hengbo in both looks and skills..."
Liu Ye smiled at Xu Hongji and said, "Duke of Wei, is this the surprise you were talking about? Miss Gu is already such a wonderful person. If she were to surpass her in talent and beauty, I'm afraid there wouldn't be many like her on the entire Qinhuai River."
Xu Hongji chuckled and said, "Let them come in and take a look, and you'll see. Although they may not be as beautiful as Gu Hengbo, they are all equally good at plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums, each with its own strengths. Moreover, they each have their own talents. Some are good at Kunqu Opera, some are good at painting, and some are very learned and can compose poems. They have even published a collection of poems, and their talents are no less than those of well-read scholars."
Liu Ye understood. If the hostess who assassinated him that day was at the bronze level, then the one who came today was at the diamond or even king level. He couldn't help but wonder if she was one of the Eight Beauties of Qinhuai. Speaking of which, Gu Hengbo herself seemed to be one of the Eight Beauties of Qinhuai.
Gu Hengbo gently tugged at a person at the door and introduced, "This is Liu Rushi, the most talented woman of Qinhuai, also known as the Lady of Hedong." A woman dressed in Confucian robes and men's attire reluctantly entered the room under her tugging.
Liu Ye was taken aback; he had actually guessed correctly.
He sized up Liu Rushi, the woman described in the poem "I find the green hills charming, and I suppose the green hills find me equally so." She had beautiful features, and her men's clothing added a touch of heroic spirit. Her demeanor exuded a calm and composed air. While not as alluring and radiant as Gu Hengbo, she was certainly the kind of woman whose beauty grew on you. He turned to Liang Xiaoming and asked, "So, have you taken a liking to her? If you have, have her sit next to you and drink with you."
Liang Xiaoming hesitated for a moment, then whispered to him, "This aura is too strong, I can't quite handle it..."
Liu Ye thought about it and agreed: "This kind of intellectual and mature style doesn't suit you, so let's move on to the next one."
Liu Rushi never imagined that being forced to drink at knifepoint was worse than the most humiliating thing imaginable. Even more humiliating was standing here being picked over like merchandise, and not even being chosen! Since her debut, she had associated with the Fushe, Jishe, and Donglin Party members, discussing current affairs, composing poems and singing songs with them. She had always been a talented woman, cherished and pampered. She never imagined she would fall to such a state. How was she any different from those prostitutes who leaned against railings, selling their smiles, and soliciting customers on the streets?
She stood there, her fists clenched, her body trembling slightly with anger and humiliation.
Gu Hengbo sighed softly and then introduced the next person: "This is Dong Xiaowan, known as the 'Needlework Goddess and Music Saint,' who is proficient in poetry, embroidery, Southern opera, and cooking, and is both talented and beautiful..."
A woman stepped gently into the room, exuding an ethereal charm; it was Dong Xiaowan, who had crossed paths with Liu Ye in Suzhou.
Dong Xiaowan's gaze immediately fell on Liu Ye, and the two of them said in unison, "It's you?"
Gu Hengbo asked in surprise, "You two know each other?"
Dong Xiaowan lowered her head. She remembered the words Liu Ye had said to her when he left Suzhou. She felt deeply humiliated at the time and burst into tears. She never expected that, after all this time, she would fall into his hands again. Now, he looked even more spirited than before, with even the dignified Duke of Wei sitting to his left.
After his initial surprise, Liu Ye looked at her with amusement, not rushing to ask why she had returned to Nanjing from Suzhou. Times had changed. Before, their relationship was that of a proud courtesan and her admirer; now, she was a mere background figure and her superior—a vast difference. Liu Ye couldn't help but recall a saying from later years, which aptly described the current situation: "Yesterday you ignored me, today you can't afford to miss me."
Gu Hengbo glanced at Liu Ye, then at Dong Xiaowan, knowing that something must have happened between the two, though the ending didn't seem pleasant. Since the parties involved were unwilling to discuss it, she wisely kept quiet and didn't press further.
It seems that Liang Xiaoming will not choose Dong Xiaowan, whose relationship with Liu Ye is somewhat complicated. Gu Hengbo then introduces the third person.
"This is 'Fragrant Fan Pendant', Miss Li Xiangjun, who has been learning various arts from others since childhood and is proficient in music, poetry, and the pipa."
Isn't this the heroine of Hou Fangyu's famous love story? She became world-famous because it was adapted into the opera "The Peach Blossom Fan".
Liu Ye smiled slightly. It seemed things were getting more and more interesting. These women were all famous courtesans of their time, renowned in later generations, and in this era, countless powerful figures coveted their favors. Unexpectedly, they were all acting like novice entertainers, serving drinks. It seemed Gu Hengbo and the Duke of Wei had put considerable thought into arranging this dinner. In terms of market value, gathering four of the Eight Beauties of Qinhuai at a single banquet—not to mention whether they could even afford it—would be enough to bankrupt a middle-class family.
Liu Ye thought with a touch of wicked humor, if he could find the other beauties and gather all eight, would he be able to summon a dragon?
Li Xiangjun slowly walked in, but her style was completely different from the previous two. She was pretty and charming, petite, and had a kawaii vibe.
Liu Ye slowly savored the varying figures of the women, while Liang Xiaoming was dumbfounded.
This young lady, Li Xiangjun, apart from her hairstyle and clothing, is a spitting image of his beloved first love, from her eyes to her nose, from her forehead to her chin. Upon closer inspection, she is even more beautiful.
With a "clink," the wine glass in Liang Xiaoming's hand fell to the ground, but he was completely unaware, his eyes fixed on Li Xiangjun.
Li Xiangjun was already displeased at being forced upstairs, and seeing this person staring at her so brazenly only made her more disgusted, so she couldn't help but snort.
Liu Ye, who had been smiling faintly, slowly darkened his expression upon hearing the "humph."
Today's dinner party was specially arranged for Liang Xiaoming. Whether the girls were virgins or famous courtesans, they all had to let Liang Xiaoming choose the ones who suited his taste to accompany him. It was clear that Liang Xiaoming favored Li Xiangjun, so whether she liked it or not, Li Xiangjun had to accompany him. This was her profession, only she was more famous and commanded higher prices than ordinary courtesans. And now she was actually giving her guest the cold shoulder?