Chapter Twenty-Nine: What Is Love in This World?

"Young Master Gou, are you unwilling to come in?" Wanxiang spoke with a gentle laugh.

Gou Ye could hardly refuse any longer, so he stepped into the boudoir. On the table he saw all the books he had written: the complete series of "The Legend of the Eagle Shooting Hero," and the newly published "The Immortal Lovers," as well as a handwritten copy of "The Story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai."

Feeling somewhat ill at ease, Gou Ye sat down at the table, his manner extremely restrained. In a soft voice, he asked, "Miss Wan, may I ask why you have called me here today?"

Wanxiang was in no hurry to answer. She circled around Gou Ye, then slowly sat down opposite him, smiling lightly. "Young Master Gou, you are in such a rush. You, the celebrated scholar—are you really afraid I might eat you up? Please, be seated. Let me pour you some tea."

As she spoke, she came to his side. The closer she drew, the more flustered Gou Ye became, and when she nearly brushed against him, she stopped. She slowly set the teacup before him and carefully poured the tea.

Observing his nervousness, she let out a soft laugh, then turned and sat down again across from him.

"Young Master Gou, I am most fond of your books and greatly admire your talent—especially the story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. Every time I read it, I am moved to tears. Tell me, do you think such love truly exists in this world?"

Gou Ye had only just managed to steady his mind, but each time he looked at Wanxiang, he felt his composure slipping. Inwardly, he warned himself over and over: Gou Ye, you must hold yourself together! You must not lose your heart before this woman. He answered slowly, "Since ancient times, tales of love have been passed down through the ages. Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai are but one of many such stories. If such feelings did not exist, how could so many stories come to be? As the saying goes, 'Ask the world what love is, that it makes life and death a pledge.'"

He recited the ancient verse without much thought, but Wanxiang, upon hearing it, became quite agitated. She lost her composure and stepped in front of Gou Ye, seizing his hand with trembling words: "Young Master Gou, could you recite that verse again?"

Gou Ye quickly withdrew his hands, feeling her skin so soft and the scent she breathed out so fresh. Wanxiang realized her impropriety, laughed awkwardly, made a curtsey to him, and returned to the table.

"Forgive me, Young Master Gou. I have simply never heard such moving words before, and for a moment I lost myself. I hope you will not take offense."

Gou Ye waved his hand. "Miss Wan, think nothing of it. That verse just slipped out. I can repeat it for you."

"Wait, let me fetch pen and paper." With that, Wanxiang hurried to find writing materials, cleared the table, and spread out fine paper. With a look full of meaning, she gazed at Gou Ye. "Please, recite it."

"Ask the world what love is, that it makes life and death a pledge." As Gou Ye spoke, Wanxiang set brush to paper and carefully wrote down the verse. She unrolled the sheet, reading it over and over, clearly moved.

She then gently placed the paper on the bed curtain, walked over to Gou Ye, and said, "Young Master Gou, these are the most beautiful words I have ever heard. In this one line, I can feel the depth of love between men and women."

"Miss Wan, you flatter me. I merely came across the verse by chance—it is not my own."

"You are too modest. Even if you did not compose it, to hear such peerless words from your lips is enough to satisfy me. Tell me, is there a woman in this world for whom you would pledge life and death? The young lady who was with you the other day—was she the one?"

Gou Ye smiled, thinking of Yun Niang, and all discomfort vanished. He stood, walked to the window, and said, "Yun Niang and I grew up together—childhood friends. She knows me, and I know her. I do not know how many women in this world are more beautiful or clever than Yun Niang, but my heart is clear as day: I wish to share life and death with her, and I believe she feels the same."

Just then, someone knocked at the door. A maid entered, bringing wine and dishes, and set them on the table.

Gou Ye quickly bowed to Wanxiang. "Miss Wanxiang, you have honored me with your kindness. I am not worthy, but I have other urgent matters today and must not trouble you further. Thank you again for your hospitality." With that, he hurried out of the room.

Gou Ye was hardly a paragon of virtue. Presented with fine wine and dishes, he feared he might not restrain himself. After all, to take advantage would be to gain a windfall, and Wanxiang was so graceful and enchanting—what man would not be moved? Yet each time he neared the brink, the image of Yun Niang surfaced in his mind. He could not betray her trust. Thus, clinging to his last shred of clarity, he knew he must flee this place of temptation.

"Miss, what shall I do now?" the maid asked uncertainly.

"You may go," Wanxiang replied. She walked to the window and, watching Gou Ye’s hurried departure, could not help but laugh. Then she went to the bedside, picked up the freshly written verse, and murmured, "Ask the world what love is, that it makes life and death a pledge."

Gou Ye did not return to the bookshop, but instead went to the Duke of Jing's mansion. There, he told Gu Shen all that had happened in the past few days, including the events with Wanxiang.

Gu Shen burst out laughing. "Hahaha! This is too much—our great scholar, our valiant hero Gou, fleeing a brothel in panic! I wonder what those girls will think of you now, especially Wanxiang."

"Was I afraid? I was preserving my innocence! Imagine, in broad daylight, drinking with Wanxiang in a brothel—if Yun Niang were to hear of it, what would become of me?"

"Exactly, you mustn’t let Yun Niang know, or she’ll skin you alive."

Gou Ye strolled about, thoughtful. "But what really intrigues me is why Wanxiang, whose beauty could rival the fairest in the land, would choose to remain in such a place."

Gu Shen chuckled. "Let me tell you, Brother Gou. Wanxiang is no ordinary courtesan. Though she is the star of the brothel, she neither sells her body nor her voice."

"Oh? Then what does she sell?"

"She sells time—an hour's conversation with her. Even so, many scholars and gentlemen pay dearly just to speak with her. I once heard someone pay a fortune for her first night, but she refused outright. In fact, she already redeemed herself from the brothel long ago. She grew up there and is used to the place, so she never sought other employment. The madam treats her like a daughter. Anyone who tried to take liberties with her would be thrown out at once."