In the heart of Qinrong, the royal city of the Qin Dynasty, stood a beautiful brothel called Red Pavilion. It was the home and livelihood of hundreds of exquisite courtesans. Each and every one of them was not only stunning but also a highly talented artist.
The Red Pavilion of the royal city had always been a subject of endless discussion, for it was famous for its excellence in music, dance, poetry, calligraphy, makeup, cooking, tea ceremonies, painting, and Weiqi the game of Go. Every courtesan was a master of several arts, constantly striving to perfect her skills.
Yet the true reason behind the pavilion's legendary fame was something far greater.
There was one courtesan whose beauty went beyond imagination. Even heavenly fairies were said to be nothing compared to her. No man could even dare to dream of being with her.
No one knew whether she was a real person or merely a myth, for there were only stories about this mysterious beauty of the Red Pavilion.
She was called Yuehua— the Moon Flower, the Light of the Moon.
No man had ever truly met Yuehua, for she rarely appeared in the Red Pavilion. Rumors claimed that she only emerged on the nights of the full moon and the new moon. On those nights, she would visit her third palace within the Red Pavilion, known as Yuexi Palace, or the Moonlight Palace.
On full-moon nights, she wore the most luxurious red silk adorned with golden ornaments. She would step into her garden and play a sorrowful, mysterious melody on her white jade guqin. On new-moon nights, the same haunting tune would be heard, but this time played on a flute.
None of the people had ever been lucky enough to see her face. They had only glimpsed her silhouette and heard her music.
Yet every man in the royal city was willing to die for her.
Still, Yuehua never accepted any customer. She refused all gifts, even those sent by the Prime Minister's son.
No man was allowed to enter her Yuexi Palace for the punishment was fatal.
Present Day
(Hour of Maoshi — the Hour of the Rabbit)
A young man was running through the corridors of the Red Pavilion. Evening had fallen, and the sky was slowly darkening.
He quietly slipped into a back courtyard and soundlessly climbed a wooden staircase, planning to sneak out.
Just as he reached the edge of the wall, he suddenly realized that someone else was standing there.
He flinched and gasped.
In front of him stood a tall, handsome man dressed in a flowing white silk robe. Both of them froze, equally shocked by the unexpected encounter.
Judging by the man's refined appearance, the young boy immediately realized that this stranger was from a noble family.
Instinctively, he clutched his sky-blue silk robe and pulled out a white jade flute, gripping it as if it were a sword. Though trembling, he forced himself to speak.
"Gongzi… Young Master, who are you? And why are you sneaking into the Red Pavilion?"
The handsome man was startled for a moment, then suddenly began to chuckle when he saw the boy's frightened yet determined expression.
He burst out laughing, amused by the sight of the boy holding a flute like a weapon.
He took a step forward.
The boy flinched and hurriedly stepped back in panic but he tripped and began to fall.
Seeing this, the man leapt forward, grabbed his waist, and pulled him into his arms.
For a brief moment in midair, their eyes met the young boy's filled with fear, and the handsome man's curved in a playful smile.
When their feet finally touched the ground, the boy quickly stumbled away from him, his face burning red. The man laughed and said teasingly,
"Didi, what were you doing up there? Were you trying to kill me with a flute? Judging by your stance, I doubt you've even held a knife before."
The young boy shuddered and snapped back,
"First, you still haven't answered my question who are you?
Second, who are you calling didi? I'm not a child! I'm seventeen! And what were you doing up there?"
The handsome man blinked in surprise. It was the first time someone had thrown so many questions at him in a single breath. Then he smiled and bowed slightly.
"Nihao, Xiao Didi. My name is Ming Yuyan, and I am twenty-three years old. I come from a merchant family.
"As for why I was up there… I came to see someone. I have heard many stories about the beautiful courtesan Yuehua, so I came here hoping to catch a glimpse of her."
Hearing that name, the young boy felt a sudden unease in his chest and wiped the sweat from his brow.
The handsome man continued, smiling,
"And since I'm older than you, you should call me Gege"
The young boy introduced himself as Xie Yuehuang.
"If you want," he said softly, "you can call me didi. I live in this brothel, where I play the flute to earn some money."
Ming Yuyan's eyes lit up. "Xiao Didi, if you live here, could you arrange a meeting for me? I truly want to see Lady Yuehua."
Yuehuang stiffened. He hesitated, then replied carefully,
"Yuehua-jie… Sister Yuehua never meets anyone. She doesn't even allow people to enter her Yuexi Palace. So, in short, I can't help you with something that impossible."
Yuyan smiled teasingly. "Xiao Didi, help me just a little. I did save your life, remember?"
Yuehuang shook his head. "Yuyan Gege, I'm sorry, but I really can't help you with this. It's completely out of my reach. And I'm busy right now I need to go to the market."
He bowed politely and turned to leave, but Yuyan kept walking behind him.
Noticing this, Yuehuang stopped and asked,
"Gege, what are you doing? I already told you I can't help with that. Then why are you following me?"
Yuyan replied lightly, "Xiao Didi, I'm not following you because of that. The truth is, I've never roamed freely in the market before. I don't know anyone in this city, so it would be very kind of you to walk with me."
Yuehuang chuckled. "Yuyan Gege, didn't you say you're from a merchant family? What kind of merchant has never been to a market? Fine, fine walk with me."
"Hey, Xiao Didi, don't tease me like that," Yuyan laughed. "I'm just new to this capital city."
Together, they headed toward the market. It was already past evening, and the sky was darkening, but lanterns lined the streets, casting a warm glow.
A beautiful spring market had been set up at the foot of a mountain. Every corner was filled with lantern light and lively chatter. The place was bustling with people.
Suddenly, Yuehuang spotted a candy stall. In the blink of an eye, he rushed over.
"Laoban," he asked eagerly, "how much is this candy?"
The shopkeeper smiled. "Gongzi, you have great taste. These are our most popular sweets three copper coins each."
Yuehuang frowned slightly. "Laoban, that's too expensive. Can you give me a discount?"
The shopkeeper laughed. "Xiao Gongzi, you really are the same as ever. Your Aunt Lady Wen is one of my regular customers, so just for her, I'll sell them to you for two copper coins. Are you happy now?"
Yuehuang smiled brightly.
"Of course I'm happy, Laoban. Please give me three candies. And also, pack eight of these for my aunt I'll come back to pick them up later."
Yuyan stood nearby, watching with an amused smile as Yuehuang carefully chose his sweets. Soon, the two of them began walking again.
Yuyan leaned closer and teased,
"Xiao Didi, how do they taste? Can I try one?"
Yuehuang pouted. "They're all mine, Gege. If you want some, go buy them yourself."
Yuyan smirked. "Xiao Didi, you're so heartless. I saved your life, and you won't even give me a candy?"
Yuehuang sighed. "Hao'la, hao'la… I'll give you one but only one."
He handed a candy to Yuyan, who accepted it with a laugh. As they continued walking, Yuyan kept teasing him, making the night feel lively and warm.
Soon, they stopped in front of a flower shop.
Yuehuang's eyes lit up. "Uncle Xu, how much for these red peonies? They look so fresh, fragrant, and beautiful."
Uncle Xu laughed. "Xiao Yue, Xiao Yue, are you sneaking out again? Your aunts and Madam Qing will be worried."
Yuehuang blinked innocently. "Uncle Xu, I'll go back early they won't even notice. Just tell me the price first."
"One copper coin each," Uncle Xu replied.
Yuehuang handed over the money. "Give me one, and send the rest to the Red Pavilion for Aunt Yao."
Yuyan had been watching quietly and finally asked,
"Do you like peonies? Are you really so rich that you spend money like water?"
Yuehuang scoffed. "I do like peonies, but Aunt Yao loves them even more. That's why I always send them to her."
Yuyan smiled softly. "Then what flower does my Xiao Didi like?"
Yuehuang answered without hesitation,
"I like red plum blossoms. They're beautiful, their fragrance is enchanting, and best of all, we get delicious plums in the end."
He added shyly,
"And today I got my salary, so I sneaked out to buy some gifts for my aunts."
Yuyan was quietly shocked by how innocent and kind Yuehuang was. They continued walking, but suddenly Yuyan stopped.
"Xiao Didi, you go ahead," he said softly. "I'll meet you in a while."
Yuehuang gasped and turned back. "Yuyan Gege, what happened? Where are you going?"
Yuyan looked tense. "I have a little work to take care of. You go on first."
With that, he turned and walked away.
Yuehuang stood there, confused. Even though this stranger often annoyed him, he had begun to enjoy his company. Now, suddenly, he felt lonely. Slowly, he headed toward the mountain path.
At the top stood a magnificent plum tree, its branches heavy with blooming blossoms.
This was a place Yuehuang often visited a place of beauty and quiet comfort.
He leaned his back against the trunk and sat down on the ground. From there, he could see the entire imperial city. First, his eyes drifted to the royal palace, grand and majestic.
"That place sure is beautiful," Yuehuang murmured, "but my Red Pavilion is the best."
His gaze shifted to the Red Pavilion, glowing under countless lanterns. Every courtyard shone brilliantly, especially the third palace Yuexi, the Moonlight Palace.
Yuehuang closed his eyes and let the cool, gentle wind brush against his face. He took a deep breath, breathing in the soft fragrance of plum blossoms.
He pulled out his white jade flute and began to play.
The melody was gentle yet melancholic, so soothing that even the birds seemed to pause and listen. Crickets chirped along, and fireflies glowed softly in the air.
He became so lost in the music that he failed to notice someone silently watching him slowly, quietly moving closer.
TO BE CONTINUED.....