Chapter Forty-Five: The Peony Pavilion

In the front hall.

"Reporting to you, sir, Madam Chun, the procuress of Peony Pavilion, claims that none of her girls have gone missing recently. I questioned all the girls and stewards, and they all gave the same answer," said Constable Nie.

"This makes things more complicated," Wen Qiran replied in a low voice. If it was a case of murder and body disposal, the procuress would hardly confess so easily. Yet, it was also possible that the dead woman was not one of the Peony Pavilion's girls at all. It seemed he would have to go there himself.

"Constable Nie, go make inquiries in the neighboring counties as well," instructed Su Mu.

"Yes, sir."

"Sir, I will go to the Peony Pavilion," Wen Qiran said.

"Hold on, Lord Wen. It would be better if I went instead. If you go, you’ll only receive the same answer. Let me go in disguise as a merchant," Ji Changghe suggested.

Wen Qiran pondered briefly and said, "That would be best. The people at the Peony Pavilion are unlikely to recognize Lord Ji. Unprepared, they may let something slip."

"Lord Su, would you care to accompany me?" Ji Changghe suddenly turned to Su Mu.

"Ah?" Su Mu was taken aback, then smiled. "You are too polite, Lord Ji. This is within my jurisdiction. Of course, I am willing; I should be the one thanking you for your assistance."

Wen Qiran watched the two exchange formalities, puzzled as to why Ji Changghe would not let him go but instead insisted Su Mu accompany him. As he watched them leave the county office together, he wondered if there was something unspeakable at play.

Ji Changghe and Su Mu boarded the carriage.

"Lord Ji..." Su Mu began, but was cut off by Ji Changghe.

"There are no outsiders here. Formalities are unnecessary."

Su Mu’s gaze shifted, and after a pause, he continued, "Dear cousin Feiran, why didn't you let Lord Wen join the investigation?"

Ji Changghe replied with a playful smile, "I hear the Peony Pavilion boasts two peerless beauties. I have long heard their names but never had the pleasure of meeting them. Why bring that old fellow along? Let's enjoy ourselves, just the two of us. Investigating the case can wait; it's not something to be solved overnight. Tomorrow I must leave, and I may not get another chance to visit the Peony Pavilion."

Catching Ji Changghe’s suggestive look, Su Mu chuckled. "So, cousin, you’ve had your eye on Peony Pavilion for some time. Those two top courtesans are famed for their beauty, but even sharing a cup of wine with them is no easy feat, let alone anything more intimate. As the saying goes, good things are always hard to come by."

"Oh? Even a charming talent like you has failed to capture their attentions?" Ji Changghe asked with genuine curiosity.

"Indeed. Matters of the boudoir lose all grace when forced; the joy lies more in the pursuit than in the catch."

Su Mu’s eyes glittered with self-assured light as the conversation turned to women.

"Well said, cousin," Ji Changghe agreed.

As they spoke, the carriage stopped at the entrance of Peony Pavilion. A steward nimbly took the reins.

Su Mu gestured for Ji Changghe to go ahead. As he turned, his smile faded, and he shot a suspicious glance at Ji Changghe’s back, a shadow passing through his eyes.

They entered. Inside, the hall was brightly lit, alive with laughter and flirtatious voices—a stark contrast to the dark, narrow alley outside. The two men immediately drew everyone's attention.

"My, my, whose handsome young gentlemen are these? Girls, come and attend to our guests!"

Ji Changghe, seeing a plump woman approach, guessed that she must be Madam Chun, the procuress, her attire exuding an air of wealth.

"Naturally, we are the young ladies’ guests," he said.

Madam Chun, spotting Su Mu behind Ji Changghe, hurried forward. "What wind blows you here today, Lord Su? Please, take the honored seat!"

"This is my cousin, Master Ji. Make sure he is well attended," Su Mu replied coolly.

"Of course, you needn't have said so. Bao, fetch Cuiyan, Hanfei, and Liumo," Madam Chun called out.

"Madam, are you looking down on me?" Ji Changghe said coldly.

"Oh heavens, why would you say that? Cuiyan and Liumo are our most popular girls," Madam Chun protested.

As she spoke, three lavishly dressed women emerged. Their eyes brightened at the sight of Ji Changghe and Su Mu. Used to ugly patrons, the sudden appearance of two handsome gentlemen delighted them; they would likely have paid for the privilege themselves.

Ji Changghe looked the three up and down, then sneered, "Uncle Quan."

Uncle Quan produced a stack of silver notes from his sleeve and placed them on the table.

Madam Chun’s heart leapt at the sight. That amount could probably buy the entire Peony Pavilion, house and all. She quickly waved the three women away, and with disappointment, they withdrew.

Ji Changghe noted her composure—only a momentary flicker of surprise before she collected herself. Clearly, this procuress was no ordinary woman.

"If I wanted to see common beauties, why come all this way? Madam, don’t waste my time," Ji Changghe said, placing a note in her hand and signaling Uncle Quan to put the rest away.

Madam Chun cast a quick glance at Su Mu, then said, "Gentlemen, please follow me."

Ji Changghe exchanged a look with Su Mu, who understood perfectly. This procuress was motivated solely by greed; it all depended on whether they could meet her price.

They climbed the stairs to a quiet private chamber.

Madam Chun opened the door and ushered them in.

From the inner room, the sound of a zither drifted out, clear and enchanting.

Ji Changghe paused, then softly recited, "A beauty fair, once glimpsed, is ne’er forgot. One day apart, and longing grows near mad. The phoenix soars, seeking its mate in distant lands. Yet, alas, my beloved is not beyond the eastern wall. Through music, I speak my heart; when shall you accept, and ease my wandering soul? If only we might join virtues and hands, to fly together; if not, let me fall, forlorn."

As the last words fell, the zither fell abruptly silent.

Madam Chun quietly slipped away.

Ji Changghe clapped lightly and said, "Miss, you play beautifully."

A cold voice replied from within, "You are the first gentleman to match my tune. May I ask your name?"

"Through all seasons, I sing my song—my name is Ji Changghe."

Su Mu watched Ji Changghe’s solemn demeanor and thought, No wonder he’s the most sought-after man among the young ladies of the capital. Even visiting a brothel, he does it with unmatched elegance.

"I am Leng Yijun. An honor to meet you, Master Ji," said a woman, stepping out gracefully and bowing.

A hint of amazement flickered in Su Mu’s eyes. Though half her face was veiled, revealing only her eyes—clear and aloof—her beauty was unmistakable.

At the sight of Ji Changghe, Leng Yijun’s heart gave a slight tremor. The coldness in her gaze warmed, then quickly faded. She saw in this gentleman’s eyes none of the familiar adoration she was used to—from men like the one at his side, for example.

Ji Changghe smiled at her, his eyes full of sincere appreciation. Perhaps he had seen too many beauties—his mother, the Princess Royal, and his sister, the county princess, were both exceptional—so outer beauty no longer moved him much. Yet, the earlier melody, "Seeking the Phoenix," had touched him deeply. Who would have thought that in a remote county brothel, he would hear such a heavenly tune? The music spoke softly of a woman’s longing for love, sorrowful but not despairing, revealing a heart that still held hope, though buried in the dust of the world.