After making up her mind, Jiang Ning climbed the mountain, just as she did before, but this time she felt a lot heavier hearted.
She came to the same chestnut tree as last time. Over ten days had passed, and the ground was once again full of spiky chestnuts.
This time, Jiang Ning had a dagger — one she nabbed from Huzi. She was able to peel the chestnuts at a much faster rate. All she had to do was step on the shell, angle the blade into the opening of the chestnut, and ease it open. The brown chestnut revealed itself in perfect condition.
It took Jiang Ning just over two hours to peel all the chestnuts on the ground, which she then stored in her dimension, neatly piling up in one corner. She then moved to the spot where she got her rabbit last time. Again, there were two new large rabbits in the hole, their fur a beautiful patchy blend.
Utilizing her dimension, Jiang Ning effortlessly caught them.
Subsequently, she picked mushrooms, plucked tree ears, and not long after discovered a small bamboo forest, fresh and tender bamboo shoots were sprouting from the ground. Without hesitation, she broke off a few and shoved them in her dimension.
By the time Jiang Ning descended from the mountain, the village was filled with cooking smoke — it was already time for dinner.
Liu Ming'an should be back.
Jiang Ning quickened her pace home, her mind filled with thoughts of what to cook for dinner.
However, there was no one in the house.
Even after having dinner on her own, getting into bed, Liu Ming'an was still not home.
Apparently, Liu Ming'an had grown fond of spending time with those two brothers, Jiang Ning thought, trying to ignore the feeling of loss in her heart.
Time slipped away, Jiang Ning lay in bed wide awake. Liu Ming'an usually slept curled around her arm, an occurrence so regular that it had become second nature. With the absence of Liu Ming'an, she found it difficult to sleep, her mind filled with various thoughts.
She closed her eyes, trying to clear her mind and fall asleep. However, after another half an hour, she was still wide awake.
Forget sleep!
In irritation, Jiang Ning opened her eyes, got out of bed, getting dressed while it was still dark, and opened the door to her room. The surroundings were incredibly quiet; it was already past midnight. She wandered out, sitting under the eaves of her house.
The night wind had picked up, scattering her hair. Gathering her hair and tucking it behind her ears, Jiang Ning tilted her head, looking up at the dark sky.
It was the end of the month, only a sliver of moon and a handful of stars were visible in the sky. Jiang Ning propped her chin with one hand, gazing at the moon, watching as it moved westwards with the passage of time.
Unbeknownst to her, while she was aimlessly staring at the sky, in a guest room at the Hong Family's residence on West Street of Lingshan Town, Liu Ming'an was also restless.
Deep into the night, laying on a strange bed, with soft and warm bedding underneath, covering himself with a smooth, lightweight silk quilt, the room subtly filled with incense. Everything was far more comfortable than the cotton and linen at his own home.
Regardless, Liu Ming'an just couldn't find sleep. Rolling over, he stared at the carved wooden window, reminiscing on the events of the day.
Liu Ming'an had previously arranged to meet Zhou Yi and Zhang Shun by the bridge at the third hour after noon. As soon as it was time, he arrived in town, greeted Aunt Hui first, and conveyed that he would not set up a stall that day. Then, following the instructions of Jiang Ning, he went to the bank to exchange a gold ingot for silver and copper coins, just as he did last time. He promised the shopkeeper that he would deliver a piece of pork, a rack of ribs, and two chickens to their home the next day.
By the time Liu Ming'an had completed these tasks and returned to the bridge, Zhou Yi and Zhang Shun were already waiting for him under a tree.
"Liu!" Zhou Yi was the first to spot Liu Ming'an in the crowd. He waved his fan and called out cheerfully.
"Brother Zhou, Brother Zhang," Liu Ming'an walked over briskly, greeting the two with a smile.
"Haha…you are very punctual, Ming'an!" Zhou Yi also laughed, then put an arm around Liu Ming'an's shoulder and led him forward: "Come, I've found a good place for us to have a few drinks."
Liu Ming'an naturally didn't decline and let them lead him.
Aunt Hui, who was busy greeting customers, looked up and saw this. She recalled the "two friends" Liu Ming'an had mentioned earlier and a hint of maternal smile appeared on her face.
All along, Liu Ming'an thought Zhou Yi's "place" was the Fusheng Restaurant, considering that the owner, Mr. Hong, was his uncle. But they led him past Fusheng Restaurant, through East Street, and stopped in front of a fragrant and elegant building.
"Here we are!" Zhou Yi said, unfolding his fan with the air of a stylish gentleman.
But Liu Ming'an looked up at the sign reading "Red Apricot Tower" in disbelief.
"B-Brother Zhou, is this...is this a brothel?" Liu Ming'an stuttered, as he watched Zhou Yi about to step into the door veiled with beaded curtains.
Zhou Yi and Zhang Shun turned around, and looked surprised at the blushing Liu Ming'an. They then exchanged a laugh.
"Ming'an," Zhang Shun chuckled before speaking. Catching onto Liu Ming'an's thoughts, he sighed, “You're naive, you scholarly man. That's very charming.”
"Brother Zhang, don't tease me," said Liu Ming'an earnestly, "This is not a good place to drink and chat. Let's go somewhere else."
"Hahaha…" Zhou Yi laughed, stepped forward, and explained: "Ming'an, you misunderstood. We are not wastrels. We don't indulge in the pleasures of the flesh nor will we lead you, a pure-hearted scholar, astray. You probably know little about this place. Once you come inside with us, you’ll understand.”
Seeing Liu Ming'an's uncertainty, Zhang Shun added: "Ming'an, to tell you the truth, I've been married for three years and have a lovely wife and young son at home. If the Red Apricot Tower was really a pleasure house, not to mention you, I wouldn't step a foot inside either.”
Zhang Shun was sincere, and Liu Ming'an nodded in acceptance. Finally, the three stepped into the Red Apricot Tower.
"Ah! Mr. Zhang, Mr. Zhou, both of you are here again, huh?"
Upon stepping into the entrance, Liu Ming’an immediately caught the sound of a piercing woman's voice. Looking towards the sound, he saw a woman dressed in vibrant clothes, standing by the door. She held a soft pink handkerchief in her hands and stood perfectly straight, facing the door.
“Oh my! Is this young man your friend? He appears quite handsome, cultured, and well-mannered; He looks like a scholar.” Even before Zhou Yi and Zhang Shun could respond, the woman directed her words at Liu Ming’an.
“Our boss Chì has a keen eye. This younger brother of mine indeed, is a scholar.” Zhou Yi stepped in before exchanging pleasantries with the woman.
While the two were engaged in their conversation, Liu Ming’an took a moment to assess the Red Apricot Tower where they were.
The Tower extended up to four floors, with the ground floor ornately decorated. In the center of the hall, there was a stage facing the main entrance, surrounded by chairs and stools. Yet, it was broad daylight, and the stage was deserted. A few waiters in grey clothes were busy cleaning the tables and chairs.
Liu Ming’an found it strange that there were staircases on both sides of the Red Apricot Tower, one with a wooden sign reading 'Clear Breeze' and the other side bearing a sign saying 'Bright Moon.'
Boss Chì then called out for ‘Baozhu,’ drawing Liu Ming'an's attention once again.
A young girl, about thirteen or fourteen years old, came running from the other side. She first bowed to Liu Ming'an and the others, then, in a low voice, said “Aunt Yan” to Boss Chì.
"Good girl, take these gentlemen to the room and serve well." Boss Chì instructed in a much softer voice.
Baozhu nodded, came to the men's side, lowered her eyes, barely daring to look at people, timidly said, "Gentlemen, please follow me."
After saying that, Baozhu led the three towards the staircase labeled 'Clear Breeze.'
Zhang Shun, who had noticed the confusion in Liu Ming'an's eyes, took this opportunity to explain, “From the outside, the Red Apricot Tower appears as a whole, but it's actually two symmetrical buildings called ‘Clear Breeze’ and ‘Bright Moon.’ Bright Moon Tower is what you'd assumed to be a brothel, while Clear Breeze Tower harbors no such seedy affairs. Here, the women earn their living through performing arts, not selling themselves; they earn tips by playing music and singing.”
“So that's how it is! Thanks for clearing that up, brother Zhang,” Liu Ming'an responded.