by Spring Trees
“Um, erm, aren’t you angry at me?” Typically, if a person’s job wasn’t of such nature, the person would probably get mad at being misunderstood as such. Alright, he finally knew; his misunderstanding was terribly huge all the while.
“Why would I?” Chun Jiao still couldn’t control her laughter. “Even if we are courtesans, we still weren’t looked down by you, not to mention that we aren’t.”
“Uhh…” Nan Ge Er twitched his lips, “What do you guys do for a living then?”
“We do business too.” Chun Jiao chuckled, “Selling information and whatnots. Information can be obtained much easily in such location, you know?”
“Bu-but…” Isn’t it dangerous? Customers are usually men with ulterior motives after all.
“In Guang Tian, everyone only comes over to buy information, so there aren’t any problems.” Chun Jiao laughed, “When we are outside…” she blinked, “Don’t you know, the best things are the ones unobtainable. All males and females in Guang Tian’s red light district are famous courtesans when outside, you know?”
Nan Ge Er was stumped as he pondered for a while. It was indeed so. In Guang Tian’s red light district, basically everyone he saw had outstanding looks. Finding people with such high-quality appearances outside was impossible.
“But what if others use force?”
Chun Jiao revealed a sinister grin, her finger brushed down, “Who dares to bully people from Guang Tian?”
…Scary.
Females really are the scariest beings in Guang Tian!
“…You know martial arts?” Nan Ge Er asked cautiously.
“Of course.” Chun Jiao smiled, “Everyone in the red-light district knows martial arts.”
What the heck?! “Erm, are you good at it?”
“It can be considered adequate in Guang Tian, but it is still incomparable to Mo Shu-xiansheng.” Chun Jiao smiled sweetly, “Since there is a frequent need to pry information from the outside world, it is a must to have some self-defense ability, you know.”
So everyone in the entire street is skilled in martial arts then?!
Most people in Guang Tian knew martial arts and seemed to be rather capable at it. Now, he was told by Chun Jiao, the people in the red-light district aced in martial arts…
He was completely unaware of that!
Sure enough, the lack of awareness is, indeed, due to the vast difference in skill then?
…As expected, I’m the weakest.
Such a truth dealt a severe blow on Nan Ge Er.
“So Nan Ge Er really had no idea at all, huh?” Chun Jiao laughed, “Didn’t Mo Shu-xiansheng tell you?”
“…Nope.” Or should I say, I didn’t think about it at all.
“Let Jie Jie tell you then.”Chun Jiao grinned, “It is basically related to Guang Tian’s defenses. All of us carry out our own businesses, before dealing with defense. There is a need to differentiate genuine and fake news when prying information. Some patrol, while some others travel to deliver goods. Oh, right, every year, there will be kids leaving Guang Tian, hmm? So, some located outside will help the kids. Sometimes, if they want to return to Guang Tian, Mo Shu-xiansheng will personally meet and get them back.”
“There’s a need for Mo Shu to go?” Nan Ge Er was stunned for a bit.
“Yup, if their identities are slightly problematic.” Chun Jiao chuckled.
Although her smile was still much more amorous than a flower, indescribable coldness and contempt were hidden in it, “Outside of Guang Tian, most of us are usually fought over by kings. If we are obtained, the kings fear that they can’t control us; if we aren’t obtained, kings fear that we will turn into the sword that kills them. Anyway, we are doomed to a tragic end, which is why everyone will return in the end. However, some have powerful statuses, so Mo Shu-xiansheng has to get them back personally.”
Chun Jiao’s words were quite imprecise, but being someone who had experience on it, Nan Ge Er understood it rather clearly. He nodded, “People in Guang Tian are truly amazing.” Almost everyone had outstanding talents. Thus they were both adored and feared.
Chun Jiao was a little astounded as she looked at Nan Ge Er, “Aren’t you a person from Guang Tian too?”
Nan Ge Er froze, before replying in a daze, “But I’m not as amazing as you all.”
“Huh?” Chun Jiao expressed her disapproval, “I feel that Nan Ge Er is the most marvelous of all. You can completely change the government office, and still be able to have a full meal every day, while also able to provide Mo Shu-xiansheng with sweet snacks.”
After being silent for quite some time, Nan Ge Er answered bitterly, “…I was forced to do all that.”
Chun Jiao pet him with sympathy.
“Come to think of it, the reason why I invited Nan Ge Er over, is to ask Nan Ge Er to have a look at the wedding dress I made.” Chun Jiao recalled suddenly. She stood up and took a red outfit from a cabinet at her side.
“Why don’t you ask the opinions of everyone in the red-light district?” Nan Ge Er was a little puzzled. In any case, they are her sisters4; it is outrageous to let me, a guy, to admire your wedding gown.
“Those women, each and every one of them have no skills in needlework at all.” Chun Jiao displayed her disdain, “They are fiercer than guys and heavy-handed. I’m even afraid that they might tear my wedding gown by accident.”
Nan Ge Er looked speechlessly at the indistinguishable mess of golden threads on the crimson red wedding gown. He silently dissed in his heart, I don’t think you are good at needlework either, Chun Jiao-Jie.
“Ah Fang-Ge treats me so well.” Seeing that Nan Ge Er was ‘appreciating’ her dress, Chun Jiao smiled jubilantly, “He told me, when we are married, I don’t have to do any household chores or needlework. He’s worried that my hands might get rough.”
…I think Ah Fang-Ge simply doesn’t wish to wear such abstract looking clothing outside, Chun Jiao-Jie.
“I don’t have to cook.”
He’s afraid he might be poisoned by you!
“I don’t have to clean.”
He’s worried you might destroy the furniture!
“He doesn’t even want me to wash the dishes!”
He’s scared you might shatter every single bowl, Jie Jie!
Nan Ge Er dissed silently in his heart for quite some time, before finally commenting profoundly, “Chun Jiao-Jie, I think Ah Fang-Ge likes you very much, that’s why he invited Aunty Zhu to come over for the proposal of marriage.”
It must have been a truly profound love that gives him the courage to make such a huge sacrifice!
Ah Fang-Ge, you’ve suffered.
Chun Jiao was joyful, “Of course!” She smiled while petting Nan Ge Er’s head, “Oh right, Nan Ge Er, I’ve requested others to buy some new types of snacks from outside a few days ago. I’ll treat you; wait for a bit.” She sashayed out of the room with a smile. On her way out, she closed the door, so as to make it convenient for Nan Ge Er to ‘focus’ on ‘admiring’ her meticulously sewn gown…
* * *
1 Mandarin ducks: (From Wiki) In traditional Chinese culture, mandarin ducks are believed to be lifelong couples, unlike other species of ducks. Hence they are regarded as a symbol of conjugal affection and fidelity, and are frequently featured in Chinese art.
2 Traditional marriage proposals usually involves a match-maker. More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_marriage#Traditional_marriage_rituals (first point)
3 Chun Lou: the brothel Chun Jiao worked in
4 Sisters (recap from chp 17): Courtesans address their co-workers as sisters
Chapter 32
* * *
Nan Ge Er just couldn’t find any sort of design from the abstract threads. It only made him completely dizzy; coils could almost be seen in his eyes. He ended up deciding to put down the object in his hands, so as to not abuse his eyes. While giving his eyes a break, he rested his head on the table and gazed at the scenery outside.
The weathe
r was turning warm at present. Outside the window, a small bird was chirping incessantly on a tree branch. A few people could be seen chatting with the ladies at the opposite building—Ugh, sure enough, they don’t look like brothel-patrons at all!
How cross-eyed am I to assume these ferocious fellows as courtesans?!
Sounds of footsteps could be heard from the stairs all of a sudden.
Nan Ge Er simply presumed it was Chun Jiao getting back. As he listened carefully, he realized there were two sets of footsteps; neither of those were similar to Chun Jiao’s light and ladylike steps.
“…heard that…prepared to return…pick up…” A faint voice seeped over.
“…know… went?” And the voices belonged to two people he was familiar with.
Once Nan Ge Er heard the footsteps, he immediately knew that they were from Mo Shu. From the voice he heard, Zhu Xi seemed to be the one talking with Mo Shu.
Mo Shu’s footsteps were light but steady. He strode with firm steps, as if having not a single hesitation. The walking speed of both of them couldn’t be considered fast. Similarly, their voices were lowered and unhurried.
Nan Ge Er shut his eyes while listening. He started to feel a little sleepy.
From what he heard absent-mindedly, the two appeared to have walked towards Chun Jiao’s door. However, instead of entering the room, they only conversed outside. Mo Shu seemingly wanted to find Ya Er for some matters. Zhu Xi was just discussing something with him, and had to go off to deal with other affairs soon. Thus, they had a small casual chat outside Chun Jiao’s room.
“…Xiao Nan…good?”
“Ah, not bad.”
Hmm? Did they bring me up?
Nan Ge Er tried to widen his eyes for a bit. With a hint of sleepiness, he listened to the conversation. Their conversation became increasingly evident to his ears gradually.
“The doctor said he still needs to recuperate slowly.” Mo Shu was the one talking.
“Is that so.” It was from Zhu Xi, “Well, it can’t be helped.”
Are they discussing about my body condition? Getting quite concerned about his own body recently, Nan Ge Er lifted his energy up slightly to listen to their conversation when he heard that.
“By the way,” Zhu Xi chuckled, “Don’t you have the courage to tell him?”
“What?”
What? A little curious, Nan Ge Er perked up his ears.
“Everyone in the district knows; I think only Xiao Nan don’t know about it.”
“Is it so obvious?” Mo Shu murmured, “I only realized it recently myself.”
Realise what?
“The onlooker sees more of the game.” Zhu Xi laughed teasingly, “Besides, you are different from others after all. How would you be able to understand the emotions and desires of a typical person?”
“How am I different from others?” Mo Shu chuckled lightly, “You are the only one who said that.”
“I know what kind of person you are, because I’m the only one that has a different standpoint.” Zhu Xi stated calmly, “Aren’t you going to tell him?”
“Hmm?”
“What are you playing dumb for?” Zhu Xi was annoyed, “Aren’t you fond of him?”
Nan Ge Er, situated inside the room, was stunned once he heard Zhu Xi’s words.
Fond of me? How is that possible?!
However, it seemed to be true too.
Nan Ge Er recalled the various actions of Mo Shu; they seemed to have a bit of truth in it.
But, what do I have that make Mo Shu like me?
…He just found it a little weird, yet he, seemingly, wasn’t really surprised. What in the world is going on?
After pondering for a long while in his heart, Nan Ge Er still couldn’t think up of an answer. Mo Shu and Zhu Xi’s chat was about to end when he returned to senses,
“Do as you please.” Zhu Xi snorted, “Watching a scandal involving you unfold is a rare opportunity; I have no interest in helping.”
“There’s no need,” Mo Shu chuckled, “There’s no need to do anything. Just let him take his time. No matter how long it takes; it will be worth it.”
“I didn’t know you had such patience.”
“It is for him, and only him.” Mo Shu stated calmly, “Even if others threw him away like a used rag, he is still a treasure in my eyes.” He paused, before continuing, “My Xiao Nan had suffered too much. I don’t have the heart to force him, nor am I willing to add any displeasure to him.”
“Who knew Mo Shu-xiansheng is actually such an infatuated person.” Zhu Xi laughed as he teased mercilessly.
“We have no future together.” Mo Shu replied with composure, “There’s no use complimenting me.”
Zhu Xi appeared to be choked breathless by Mo Shu’s words. He let out a low growl after a while, “Mo Shu, do you think I won’t push you down the stairs right now?”
“There’s no use growing hatred from your love.” Mo Shu continued on, his composure still shamelessly intact, “Forced love does not last; who knew Advisor is actually such an infatuated person.” He threw Zhu Xi’s words back untouched.
“Mo Shu!” With that, Advisor Zhu Xi couldn’t tolerate that moronic yet calm fellow any longer. He bellowed, “You little…! I’m going to strangle you to death!”
“I’ve said before, Advisor, we have no future together.” Unruffled, Mo Shu ‘rejected’ Zhu Xi again. The sound of the two of them punching and kicking accompanied their footsteps—they probably fought while walking away.
Nan Ge Er was left behind with his face blushing red. He sat in Chun Jiao’s room while various complex emotions bubbled up.
Shocked, touched, black-lined, embarrassed…
He, from Bei Jun, drifted through the river. With his body filled with wounds and his heart packed with despair, he arrived at Guang Tian while nearing death. He initially thought the entire world had abandoned him, or that he was hated by everyone. However, unexpectedly, he met a world, completely different from what he knew, here with his own eyes.
A different life, scenery, and people. Bit by bit, his broken spirit was melted by the warmth slowly. After that, it congealed into a new shape and color gradually. It wasn’t intentional, nor was it unnatural. He was, truthfully, noisily, then gently, integrated here after starting afresh. And then, presently, a certain person said, it was worth it no matter how long it takes.
Regardless the substantial amount of time needed to heal those previous wounds, the person still thought it was worth it. The person stated, even if others threw him away like a used rag, he is still a treasure in the person’s eyes. Although he was an untrustworthy fellow and had problems with his personality, he still said that seriously.
Nan Ge Er just felt- joyful. Yet, he felt like crying for a bit.
I don’t know if I like him or not, but, I just feel delighted. There’s a person who treasures me as such. He protects me mindfully in places I’m unaware of, as he is fearful I might suffer any bit of wound again. He treats me as though I’m a rare treasure, guarding me carefully since he doesn’t have the heart to let me encounter any difficulties. And then, people all around me look at such a cherishment innocently; they smiled while considering it natural.
I… I don’t know.
But, I think, maybe, I will try to protect my body even harder, and live on. Nan Ge Er pondered in a daze. His face began getting hotter after that. He rested on the table, burying his head, as though afraid someone would notice it. His blushing red face was as bright and vividly colored as the wedding dress.
Chapter 33
* * *
During the middle of summer, Chun Jiao finally got married. Her fiery red wedding dress was just like the passionate season, seemingly bustling and lively.
Nan Ge Er attended Chun Jiao’s wedding banquet too.
Guang Tian was different from any other places. Its brides wore fancy beads on their heads, and donned on beautiful wedding gowns. With a smile, they held their cups and approached their guests to t
oast. Their movements were valiant, yet exceedingly dainty and alluring.
Nan Ge Er thought that Chun Jiao looked outstandingly gorgeous. She was as if a proud blooming cotton tree. No flowers were as brightly colored, stunning, or energetic as her. Of course, everything would be perfect if that abstract looking pattern on her wedding dress was ignored.
Only at Guang Tian, could the girls reveal a blissful smile in such brilliant and carefreely joyful manner. Nothing was able to dampen their radiance.
How stunning.
Nan Ge Er expressed his admiration to Ah Fang Ge, who was as blissful as his bride. After finishing his meal, Nan Ge Er went back with Mo Shu.
Since his state of mind was different from before, with the additional fact that it was summer, Nan Ge Er firmly opposed sleeping together with Mo Shu—he wasn’t certain if that fellow would grope him during his sleep.
As he thought deeply about it, he realised all of that was a complete contradiction!
Mo Shu has a uniquely handsome appearance. What appeal do my disfigured face and hideously messed up body have that made Mo Shu want to peep at it?
However, after pondering for a long while, due to the occasional groping behavior of Mo Shu, Nan Ge Er still made a wise decision to be away from Mo Shu temporarily.
He didn’t dislike Mo Shu, but he didn’t know if he liked Mo Shu either. To be specific, he had no idea if he still had the ability to fall in love with someone currently. Thus, in the midst of Mo Shu’s complaints, both summer and autumn passed.
During the start of winter, Mo Shu was particularly excited and restless.
After dealing with his work, Mo Shu almost hopped towards Nan Ge Er, who was arranging the root cellar, “Xiao Nan, the weather has started getting cold, the doctor said that it isn’t great for you to sleep alone.”
Nan Ge Er turned to look at Mo Shu. His face was as composed as ever. However, his eyes were sparkling and filled with expectation. Thinking about it, Mo Shu actually had some kind of facial paralysis.