Chapter Seventy-Nine: The Road Turns Toward the Brothel

Because of the unraveling of the Chess Puzzle, although Gu Bo was reluctant at heart, he kept his word and agreed to Gu Shen’s request. Now, only Fifth Sister and the eldest brother remained uninvolved. With the experience of previous attempts, Gou Ye couldn’t help but feel that persuading Gu Shen’s siblings required tailored strategies—each had their own temperament. Just as Gu Shen had said, years of such a life had smoothed their hearts; they were accustomed to living in peace, and as long as Duke Jing was still present, they could pursue their interests as they pleased, leaving the future in the hands of time.

Gu Shen set his sights on Fifth Sister as the next target. Beforehand, Gou Ye asked, “Brother Gu, what does your Fifth Sister like? We ought to think about how best to move her.”

“Painting.” Gu Shen replied with just two words, and Gou Ye’s face darkened. This was his weakest area—painting required precision, and his own attempts barely resembled anything at all; even street children would paint better than him. Most importantly, he had no knowledge or skill in this art. If Gu Shen relied only on his awkward eloquence, Gou Ye thought the prospects were dim. He grew curious—why had everyone else been mentioned except the eldest brother?

“Brother Gu, your Fifth Sister isn’t easy to win over. I know nothing about painting, so don’t count on me. But maybe we could start with your eldest brother?”

Gu Shen sighed, looking at Gou Ye with a slight frown. “Brother Gou, as the saying goes, start with the easy and move to the difficult. I’ve left the hardest for last. My eldest brother’s name is Gu Zhi, and he is as stubborn as his name suggests—once he makes up his mind, not even eight horses could pull him back. Among all my siblings, he’s the most outstanding, skilled in both literary and martial arts—and not just skilled, but truly exceptional. In martial prowess, he’s not below me. Most importantly, his thoughts are conservative, much like our father. Convincing him would be as hard as persuading the old man himself.”

“Your eldest brother’s quite a character, but still—as I always say, there’s no problem that can’t be solved, and no person who can’t be convinced. Since you want to start with the easier ones, let’s focus on your Fifth Sister now.” Gou Ye suddenly sat up as he spoke.

“Come, we’ve lingered here for days, and there’s no rush. The morning sun is just right—let’s go for a walk. Maybe we’ll find inspiration out there.” With that, Gou Ye and Gu Shen went out to the streets.

Wandering about, Gou Ye somehow found himself at his old shop. He gazed at the empty storefront and the bare signboard, feeling nostalgic for the days when everything was effortless and carefree.

Unconsciously, Gou Ye lifted his head and looked toward the brothel’s upper floors, wondering how Miss Wanxiang was after so long.

“A proper gentleman like you, Young Master Gou, is so fond of lingering by the roadside peeking into ladies’ chambers?”

At the sound of this voice, Gou Ye and Gu Shen turned to see Wanxiang, clad in a simple violet dress, standing behind them. Gou Ye was startled—so it was true that thoughts could summon reality.

Gu Shen grinned, glancing at Gou Ye and then at Wanxiang. “Ha! Looks like fate does bring people together. Whenever Gou Ye comes to town, Miss Wanxiang is sure to appear. Ha ha ha!”

Wanxiang laughed softly, casting a glance at Gu Shen before turning to Gou Ye. “Gou Ye, it’s been a long time.”

“It’s been a long time, Wanxiang.”

Hearing them address each other so familiarly, Gu Shen was immediately unsettled. “Oh, when did this start? Now you’re calling each other by name—Gou Ye, Wanxiang.” He deliberately stretched the last syllables.

Gou Ye nudged Gu Shen. “Quit teasing us. There’s nothing between Wanxiang and me—it’s just a friendship born of mutual admiration. Don’t try to make something out of nothing.”

“All right, all right. But since Brother Gou says Miss Wanxiang is his friend, she’s my friend too. May I call you Wanxiang from now on?”

Wanxiang was not offended, but laughed gently. “Certainly. It is an honor to be friends with Young Master Gu.”

Gu Shen laughed, and Wanxiang continued, “Let’s not stand here. Why don’t I prepare some wine and dishes, and we can enjoy a refined conversation in the parlor?” With that, the three entered the brothel. For Gou Ye, this was his “third visit,” so he felt perfectly at ease, walking with natural confidence. Gu Shen, despite his bravado, had never set foot in such a place; he shrank behind them, blushing, dutifully following Gou Ye’s lead—his manner making Gou Ye laugh for quite a while.

At the table, Wanxiang looked at Gou Ye with affectionate eyes, now tinged with a new softness. “Those who have left me, yesterday’s days cannot be kept; those who disturb my heart, today brings much anxiety. The long wind carries autumn geese ten thousand miles; facing this, one can drink deeply in a high tower…”—wasn’t this the verse Gou Ye had recited the other day? Both men looked at Wanxiang, wondering how she knew.

“A fine poem indeed, a masterpiece of this age. I never expected you, Gou Ye, to compose such lines and win the admiration of Young Master Gu Yu.”

Gou Ye bowed his head, a bit embarrassed. “You know I borrowed those words from elsewhere; they’re not my own creations. But in these impatient times, it was just an impromptu recitation. Wanxiang, how did you hear of it?”

“Yesterday, when you two were absent from the estate, I asked your Fourth Brother for books. He told me, and even wrote out a copy for me—it’s right there, on the table.” Wanxiang smiled at Gou Ye, ignoring Gu Shen. She then asked Gou Ye, “Judging by what Gu Yu said, you’ve already taken action. It seems you’ve made up your mind?”

“I had no choice. The Magistrate Qin and his wife pressed too hard—they cut off my livelihood. I had thought to leave the county, but then Magistrate Qin stirred up trouble in my village, leading to the tragic death of the village chief. Enough is enough. If I just run away without doing anything, it would be too cowardly. So I decided to face things head-on.”

Hearing this, Wanxiang’s eyes softened with sympathy, but she questioned, “Such a big thing as leaving the county, you didn’t tell me? If you truly intend to go, would you come here and let me know?”

Wanxiang looked into Gou Ye’s eyes, awaiting his answer.

“I would!” At that, Wanxiang smiled sweetly, clapped her hands in delight, and had the maid serve wine and dishes.