Chapter 22: Sweeping Through the County

What an evocative word, “first love.” Once revealed, even a courtesan in the red-light district might feel her heart melt at the sound. And before the doors, all eyes brim with longing—for who among us has not experienced a first love, that person who awakens your affection for the first time, who makes you vow your heart for life?

At this moment, Gou Ye gestured for Caisheng to fetch a popsicle from the ice chest. Raising it high, he announced, “Here is the very first delicacy our humble shop presents, named ‘First Love.’ Today, it sells for only thirty copper coins, in limited quantity—first come, first served!”

Gou Ye’s fans could no longer contain themselves and surged forward, eagerly drawing out their silver coins. The moment one of them managed to grab a popsicle and took a tentative lick, his eyes narrowed in bliss, as though a wave of coolness surged through him from tongue to heart. Clutching his chest in wonder, tears welled up in his eyes, and he suddenly cried out, “Give me another! No—three more!”

With this first taste, the crowd rushed to the front of the shop. Caisheng, who had never witnessed such a scene, found himself juggling handing out popsicles and collecting money, busier than he’d ever been.

“There aren’t many ‘First Loves’ today—just one hundred! First come, first served!” Gou Ye called, laughing heartily at the lively spectacle.

Gu Shen had witnessed Gou Ye’s knack for stirring excitement before, but never imagined that opening day would be so wildly successful. The crowd stretched from one end of the street to the other, all eager for a chance to taste the flavor of first love.

Those who tasted it wore expressions of rapture. Among them, a young woman, seemingly reminded of something, suddenly sat down and began to weep uncontrollably. If Gou Ye guessed right, she must have just broken up with someone—the scene took on a touch of melancholy. But to the onlookers, it was simply proof of the magical power of this delicacy called First Love.

In no time, the ice chest was emptied, and many who had failed to obtain a “First Love” sighed in regret, cursing themselves for not pushing forward sooner. Seeing the disappointment, Gou Ye quickly signaled Yun Niang to step out from the shop, carrying a dress, which she laid out before the entrance.

Many men, beholding Yun Niang in the dress, were wide-eyed at her exquisite beauty. Even the women could not help but softly exclaim, “How beautiful.”

Gou Ye chuckled, clapping his hands to draw all attention his way, then declared loudly, “Today’s ‘First Love’ sold out faster than expected. Those who tried it are welcome to return tomorrow; those who missed out, don’t be discouraged. For today, we are also releasing the second batch of our limited-edition garment: the Dress! How was it made? According to local legend, it was this very garment that Zhu Yingtai wore when she met Liang Shanbo. Just as a horse’s beauty lies in its mane, a woman’s beauty lies in her attire. It was because Zhu Yingtai wore this dress that Liang Shanbo fell in love at first sight!”

In the crowd, a young man in a checkered shirt called out, “No matter the price, give me one! Last time, I succeeded in matchmaking thanks to this very shirt. This time I want to buy one for my woman, too!” With his words, many others reached for their purses.

But Gou Ye was in no hurry. He continued, “Don’t rush, everyone. You see this beautiful lady beside me—Yun Niang—what say you, is she beautiful?”

“She is!” After a moment’s hush, one voice stammered, “Too… too… too beautiful!” The crowd burst into laughter, and Yun Niang’s shy, charming demeanor became even more enchanting.

“I know she is beautiful, which is why I must state clearly—this young lady is my future wife,” Gou Ye announced.

A playful uproar followed outside the shop.

“Beauty should be adorned. Today, I had her wear this dress to show that whether you buy it as a gift for a young beauty or for yourself, you’ll become, as I’ve said before, the most radiant one in the crowd!”

“So, how much is it?” someone asked.

“Beauty is priceless, but we can’t sell it for nothing. For the painstaking craftsmanship, each one is only ten taels of silver!”

Ten taels—Yun Niang hadn’t expected Gou Ye to start with such a high price, and worry flickered across her heart, for the crowd was momentarily silent.

But there is always someone to make the first move. From the upper floor of the brothel, a delicate voice called out, “I’ll take one!” All eyes turned to the source, recognizing the speaker as Wan Xiang, the number one courtesan of the house.

The yearning for beauty is universal among women. With the first purchase made, the crowd surged forward once again. Ten taels was a hefty sum, but still, more people reached for their purses than there were dresses on the shelf.

Gou Ye then implemented a limited-edition price increase, and in the end, except for the first, all others sold for fifteen taels each, every piece snatched up.

As the crowd dispersed, a woman with a lithe, graceful figure approached Gou Ye. Her beauty was breathtaking, her eyes bright and enchanting, as if they could steal a soul. Even Gu Shen shivered, deeply captivated.

“I am Wan Xiang. Greetings, Young Master Gou. I’ve come to collect the dress I just purchased.” She reached out a slender hand, and as Gou Ye handed her the dress, she teasingly brushed his hand with her fingers, sending a shiver through him. Yun Niang saw it all and turned away with a cold huff.

Wan Xiang, dress in hand, lingered for a moment, casting Gou Ye a meaningful glance. “If you’re ever free, Young Master Gou, do come for tea.” With that, she turned and left.

Yun Niang glared fiercely at Wan Xiang’s departing figure, as if she could devour her with her eyes. Gou Ye and Gu Shen, seeing this, dared not utter a word.

It was but a brief episode. Whether it was “Legend of the Archery Hero,” the First Love popsicle, the checkered shirt, or the dress, everything Gou Ye did caused a sensation in the county. In a short time, his name was on everyone’s lips. Rumor spread of a remarkable man, wise beyond his years, master of many skills, and possessor of a heroic spirit.

Now, as Gou Ye walked the streets, everyone—young and old, man and woman—greeted him with a call of “Hero Gou.” He had become the talk of the town.

On this very day, Gou Ye and Yun Niang, having just collected their manuscript fee from the bookstore—an impressive five hundred and forty taels of silver—were grinning from ear to ear as they carried the heavy sum. Suddenly, a group of constables appeared, surrounding them. One of them stepped forward and said sternly, “Young Master Gou, the county magistrate requests your presence.”