Chapter Thirty-Three: Encountering Wanxiang Again

There was a particular comfort in staying in this new home, as if he had returned to his own era. For the first time, Gou Ye allowed himself such a languid, indulgent sleep, not rising until the sun was high and Yun Niang knocked on his door.

Today, he donned the checkered shirt Yun Niang had sewn specifically for him. Gazing into the bronze mirror, he thought he cut a rather fine figure. As he left the house, he asked Yun Niang, “Yun Niang, I plan to go to the market today and buy a few things. Why don’t you come with me?”

“Brother Gou Ye, I can’t go with you this time. I promised Aunt Wang I’d make two skirts for her family. They’re due today.”

Gou Ye pouted, “Can’t you just ask Aunt Wang if you can deliver them tomorrow?”

“That won’t do, Brother Gou Ye. They’re for her daughter, who’s leaving for work in town tomorrow. She’ll need proper clothes.”

With a sigh, Gou Ye relented. “Alright then. I’ll ask Gu Shen to accompany me instead. I may not return tonight—there’s much to arrange—but I’ll be back before noon tomorrow. Just wait for me at home.” Outwardly, his words were reassuring, but inwardly he was thinking, With Yun Niang occupied, I can finally spend the day drinking with Gu Shen.

Gou Ye had already purchased a horse carriage for himself, and he rode along at his leisure. Yet, his thoughts were not on Gu Shen, but on the lingering image of Wanxiang. He resolved that, no matter what, he must avoid running into her at the shop today.

After meeting up with Gu Shen, the two of them wandered the market. Gou Ye, now flush with money, behaved like a nouveau riche, buying everything he thought might be useful at home. He even hired an ox cart to carry the growing pile of purchases.

Passing a shop selling rouge and powders, Gou Ye suddenly realized he hadn’t bought Yun Niang a proper gift yet. Though Yun Niang rarely used such things—her natural beauty needed little adornment—he still wanted to express his affection, certain she would be pleased.

Inside, a rich fragrance filled the air. Like a modern man clueless about lipstick, Gou Ye was equally lost before the powders and rouges. When he looked to Gu Shen for guidance, Gu Shen only shook his head, so Gou Ye had to ask the shopkeeper, “Excuse me, what kind of rouge is suitable for a girl about fifteen or sixteen?”

The shopkeeper replied, “May I ask, sir, what is the girl’s complexion? How does she usually dress? What kind of scent does she prefer?”

Gou Ye was stumped. What scent did she like? He truly didn’t know.

“Try this one.” As Gou Ye was wrestling with indecision, a slender hand offered a powder box. He looked up in surprise—what a coincidence! It was Wanxiang.

Wanxiang smiled, her eyes full of amusement. “Young Master Gou, we meet again.”

“Yes, we do. What a remarkable coincidence,” he laughed.

“I overheard you were buying rouge—surely for that lovely girl you brought before? I remember her face. I know something about these cosmetics—this one should suit her best. The color is subtle, the fragrance delicate—simple, yet refined.”

Gou Ye accepted the box from Wanxiang. “Thank you, Miss Wan, on behalf of Yun Niang.”

Gu Shen, finding the situation entertaining, interjected, “Ah, to meet Miss Wanxiang in person—truly a rare beauty, worthy of all praise. I am Gu Shen, and have often heard your name.”

Wanxiang returned his greeting with a respectful bow. “Young Master Gu of the Duke of Jing’s household, the eighth son. I have long known your fourth brother Gu Yu, and often heard him speak of you—your passion for hunting and archery, your martial prowess, the finest among your brothers.”

Gou Ye looked Gu Shen up and down in surprise. “Well, I knew you brought down that wild boar, but I didn’t realize you had such hidden talents, my friend.”

Gu Shen grinned broadly, and with a mischievous glint in his eye, he fanned the flames. “You flatter me! Since we’ve been so fortunate to meet Miss Wanxiang, and as it’s nearly noon, why don’t we all dine together?”

Gou Ye nudged Gu Shen, wondering at his intentions. Gu Shen only grinned foolishly, ignoring him. Wanxiang considered for a moment, then asked, “Will Young Master Gou join us? If he comes, so will I.”

Her meaning was clear—she was there for him; if he attended, she would, and if not, she would not dine with anyone else. Gou Ye was about to refuse, but Gu Shen clapped a hand over his mouth and laughed. “Of course he’ll come! If I’m there, he’ll be there. Let’s go to Drunken Immortal Pavilion—I’ll make the arrangements.”

All the way there, Gou Ye glared daggers at Gu Shen, even jabbing him a few times, but Gu Shen took it in stride, giving him a reassuring look and murmuring, “Don’t worry, I won’t let you cross any lines.”

Wanxiang’s expression didn’t change, though her maid behind her giggled, only stopping when Wanxiang tapped her twice.

They requested a private room at Drunken Immortal Pavilion, and, at Gou Ye’s insistence, even the maid was invited to sit. Once the dishes had been ordered, silence descended, and the atmosphere grew slightly awkward.

Unexpectedly, it was Gou Ye who broke the ice. “Miss Wanxiang, I truly had urgent matters that day and left abruptly. Forgive my rudeness.”

A soft breeze played with Wanxiang’s elegant hair, her large eyes sparkling with charm. Her lips curled slightly, revealing a natural allure that tugged at the hearts of men. Gou Ye, realizing he was staring, quickly turned away. He heard Wanxiang reply, “No need to apologize, Young Master Gou. I understand. It was an honor to have you visit the Pavilion. I am but a woman of the dust and dare not ask much of you.”

Gou Ye stood up immediately, waving his hands. “Miss Wanxiang, please don’t say such things. I have never cared about your status. Truly, I only left that day because of urgent business.”

“Oh? Then if I invite you next time, will you still find an excuse to leave?”

Momentarily at a loss, Gou Ye could only smile awkwardly. Sensing the tension, Gu Shen quickly summoned the waiter and had the wine and dishes brought in. As he looked at the wine on the table, Gou Ye suddenly felt uneasy.

He had forgotten Wanxiang’s background, and before he knew it, she was pouring him cup after cup. Soon, his vision blurred, his cheeks flushed crimson—he was unmistakably drunk.