Today, the banks of Lixin Lake were crowded shoulder-to-shoulder, while Sunshi Street was so deserted that one could catch sparrows at the gates.
This street was usually a place where the city’s wealthy came for recreation, but today, most of the affluent folk had flocked to the wild lake to join the festivities. It was only as the high sun began its westward tilt that guests, exhausted from their revelry, started trickling back into the city, seeking the finest restaurants to spend their gold and soothe their stomachs.
The proprietors of various establishments had long since hung their welcoming lanterns high. Each lantern, emblazoned with bold characters, vied to be larger and higher than the next. Deep within this sea of crimson light and shadow, if one were to turn off the bustling main street into the seventh alleyway, they would find a winding path leading to a secluded hot spring villa hidden beneath green tiles and grey brick.
Unlike the public bathhouses used by commoners, this was a private estate built specifically for dignitaries who craved intimacy. It was not open to outsiders, nor was it a place one could enter simply by offering enough gold or silver.
Legend had it that an underground river once flowed where the villa now stood. Only after extensive excavation was a hot spring unearthed. Thanks to these unique conditions, the villa enjoyed a perpetual spring. Thermal waters flowed day and night, crashing against natural stone walls to send up plumes of white mist, creating a scene reminiscent of celestial pavilions amidst immortal ponds. The white jade basins were divided into nine sections, each containing different waters: some were infused with the essence of peony stamens, while others steamed medicinal herbs over smooth river stones—luxuries beyond the imagination of even the nobility.
Liang Shi’an, an official from the Directorate of Agriculture who had recently traveled south, was currently soaking in the largest of these pools. The sweat pouring from his forehead had already drenched eight or nine towels, and the smile on his face was beginning to warp from the heat.
This villa was truly wonderful in every respect, save for the season.
Rumor had it that the Second Young Master of the Qiu family in Ninegao was a profligate and absurd man. Seeing him today, "absurd" was an understatement; the man seemed to have something wrong with his head.
Who in their right mind would invite someone to soak in a hot spring during the height of summer?
Just as this thought crossed his mind, the culprit shifted positions amidst the water vapor. Despite being dressed in layer upon layer of clothing, he remained remarkably spirited.
"It is a rare opportunity for Brother Liang to visit Ninegao. I must present the very essence of this land’s bounty for your appreciation. When we are finished, I hope Brother Liang will tell me if the 'Four Excellences of Ninegao' truly live up to their name."
They were both human, so why was it that the more Liang soaked, the more dazed he became, while the other only grew more energetic?
Liang Shi’an forced himself to focus and managed a weak nod.
"You are too kind, Second Young Master. Truly, given our friendship, there is no need for such formality. A few cups of wine and some music at a tavern would have sufficed..."
"How could that be enough?!"
Xu Qiuchi gave him no chance to decline, waving his hand dismissively as he insisted on "playing the proper host."
A group of maidservants, who had been waiting outside the gauze curtains, entered with measured steps. They arranged exquisite items upon a small white jade table beside the pool.
"This is Ninegao’s unique Lianxiang Bai. The century-old Lianxiang Restaurant takes its name from this wine. It is only supplied for half a month during the height of summer. One must drink it from a lotus-leaf cup to truly taste its essence."
"These are 'Four-White' Gorgon fruits, harvested just half an hour ago. they grow in the purest waters where the current flows year-round. They must be processed within thirty minutes of leaving the water to retain their flavor."
"And this is the Lotus Scented Orchid, unique to the Longshu region. It hails from the southwestern hinterlands, deep within treacherous mountains. I hear that place is shrouded in toxic miasma and riddled with hidden cliffs; even herbalists are loath to set foot there. This particular specimen was obtained by chance years ago. I hired the most experienced gardener to tend it until today, and it has finally produced these few blooms. It was no easy feat..."
As Xu Qiuchi’s voice droned on at a leisurely pace, Liang Shi’an had already stopped responding, eager to begin "enjoying his fortune."
A massive lotus leaf had been rolled into the shape of a green tube, filled with the pale wine. It did indeed have a unique flavor. He raised it to his lips, only to spray it out the next moment, scalded.
"I forgot to warn Brother Liang—this wine is freshly boiled. It must be sipped slowly."
"It’s the middle of summer! Why are you boiling wine?!"
"Does Brother Liang not understand the way of health? We are currently soaking in a hot spring; with heat on the outside and cold on the inside, the clash would agitate your internal organs. You could easily fall ill."
Liang Shi’an busied himself wiping his mouth with a towel. Once the pain subsided, he picked up his chopsticks to try the freshly harvested Gorgon fruit. Each seed was the size of a marble, coated in a slippery, starchy glaze. He struggled with a pair of heavy jade chopsticks, managing to get only one or two into his mouth after much effort.
The exertion brought another layer of hot sweat to his fingers. He irritably tossed the jade chopsticks back onto the plate and drained a glass of chilled honey nectar from a nearby glass chalice. Only then did he feel some relief.
The moment the cup was empty, a maidservant waiting nearby stepped forward to refill it. Liang Shi’an took another gulp, his face flushing slightly. Perhaps wanting to regain some dignity, he leaned in toward the orchid, adopting the air of a connoisseur.
"This orchid is indeed extraordinary. It would be difficult to maintain elsewhere, but the humid heat and abundant moisture of this villa are perfect for it. Your ingenious idea has enlightened me, Second Young Master. Once I return to the capital, I shall immediately commission a villa exactly like this one. In my leisure, I can invite a few friends to bathe and admire the flowers. Wouldn't that be marvelous?"
Among the noble youths of the capital, aside from floating wine cups down streams and composing poetry amidst falling blossoms, most enjoyed appraising orchids. If someone appeared ignorant or uninterested, they would immediately be labeled as unrefined, making it nearly impossible to re-enter those social circles.
However, Liang Shi’an was a mere agricultural official who dealt with grain daily. He naturally did not know that the Lotus Scented Orchid preferred cold over heat. If it were truly kept in this hot spring villa, it would dissolve into a puddle of mush within three days.
The smile on Xu Qiuchi’s face deepened as he nodded repeatedly.
"Brother Liang is absolutely right. Since you have come from so far, I must naturally offer the very best. As for the fourth excellence... it naturally concerns people."
With fine wine and delicacies in his belly and flowers admired, it was time for some "entertainment" to liven things up.
Liang Shi’an widened his eyes in anticipation, propping up his head, only to see the gauze curtains rustle as four burly men filed in, heading straight for him.
Terrified, Liang Shi’an splashed backward three steps in the pool, only to be held firmly from behind by Xu Qiuchi.
"They say that in ancient times, Ninegao was a place where masters of medicine wrote their treatises. Over time, even the common folk became versed in the arts of massage and acupuncture. These men are the most famous veterans in the city. Their techniques are exquisite, and they are skilled at clearing the kidney meridians. Brother Liang, you spend much time wandering among the flowers; your constitution must be somewhat depleted. Why not take this chance to regulate your body and build a foundation for the future?"
As Xu Qiuchi’s words fell, the four men swarmed forward without a word, hauling Liang Shi’an out of the water and pinning him firmly to the edge of the pool.
Liang Shi’an bitterly regretted not bringing his seven or eight guards to the poolside. Right now, he was like a chicken waiting for the slaughter. Suddenly, his right foot was seized. He looked up in panic, only to see a man’s protruding knuckles grind ruthlessly into the soft center of his sole.
After a single blood-curdling scream, the vast hot spring villa finally fell silent.
A moment later, the maidservants and the burly men filed out, lowering the outermost layer of gauze curtains as they left.
The air grew stiller as mist gathered by the pool. After a long while, Liang Shi’an, his face as dark as the bottom of a pot, finally reached the limit of his patience. He demanded in a low, heavy voice:
"Is the Second Young Master playing a joke on me with these actions?"
Xu Qiuchi’s brow twitched slightly, his phoenix eyes filled with surprise and grievance.
"Why would Brother Liang say such a thing? When I heard you were coming, I prepared three days in advance. Take this Lianxiang Bai, for instance—even if one offers several taels of gold, only one jar is sold per day. I saved for a long time to get this much, and I brought it all out today to entertain you. Does Brother Liang not like it?"
The other man’s face was so sincere that Liang Shi’an’s anger instantly lost its target.
He had associated with the profligates of the capital for years; he had some discernment. That Lianxiang Bai was indeed hard to come by for any price. He had coveted it for a long time and had finally satisfied his craving today. Thinking of this, his displeasure dissipated slightly.
Fine. Perhaps it wasn't his imagination; this Second Young Master of the Qiu family really was a bit touched in the head. Since the man was hosting him with such hospitality, he must want something. Why would he intentionally offend him? In that case, he would offer the boy a bit of guidance.
His mind made up, Liang Shi’an limped back to the edge of the pool and pulled Xu Qiuchi close for a whisper.
"I heard the Second Young Master is a man of great romance. How could you not know the saying that orchids should be paired with beauties? Ninegao is a fine place of mountains and rivers; I hear the women raised by this land are exceptionally soft and beautiful, with skin like congealed fat and bones as supple as water. They are said to love poetry, music, and dance. I wonder when the Second Young Master will take me to see them? Perhaps if I am in high spirits, I might recall many interesting things from the capital."
Xu Qiuchi’s eyes flickered. When he spoke again, his tone was incredibly serious.
"Does Brother Liang actually believe those false rumors? The women of our Ninegao are like stones in a latrine—smelly and hard. Their skin is sallow and dark, with nothing but hard bone beneath thin skin. If you try to handle them, they will surely bruise you. Poetry, music, and dance? they know nothing of those. They only know gold and silver."
Liang Shi’an felt a breath catch in his throat, nearly choking him to death. It took him a long while to recover. Just as he was about to speak with difficulty, he saw Xu Qiuchi smiling as he began to fan himself.
"It was but a joke. Do not worry, Brother Liang. Tomorrow, I shall arrange a boat trip for you. Shimmering lake waters accompanied by beauties—that is the true delight."
Liang Shi’an, who had been irritable from the heat since the start, finally relaxed his brow. He picked up his wine cup and leaned closer to Xu Qiuchi again.
"I knew the Second Young Master would not disappoint. When I saw that beautiful woman in green following you earlier, I knew you were a man who appreciates flowers. It’s a pity she seems a bit up in years, otherwise we could have called her in to join us..."
Liang Shi’an’s tone grew increasingly lewd. He lowered his voice, leaning in even closer, when suddenly, the purple silk of the other man’s gold-embroidered collar began to squirm. After a moment, a snow-white fluff-ball poked its head out. The ball stretched its neck, opened its large beak, and let out a loud cry.
"Quack!"
Liang Shi’an jumped, his lustful thoughts shattered. Once he regained his composure and looked closer, he realized the "white fluff" was actually a duck.
The duck had snow-white feathers and a glossy orange beak, looking quite plump and well-fed. But other than that, it was just an ordinary duck.
Liang Shi’an stared with his mouth open for a long time, unable to make sense of it. He finally asked hesitantly:
"Second Young Master, this... this is...?"
Hearing someone ask about the duck, Xu Qiuchi beamed. He introduced it in the same tone he had used for the Lotus Scented Orchid.
"This is Manager Qin, a dear friend I recently acquired. I’ve been busy with social engagements lately and neglected him, so he’s been throwing a bit of a tantrum. I had to bring him out for some fresh air and find an opportunity to mend our friendship."
They said the capital produced the greatest profligates, men who trained hawks and tamed tigers. But looking at it now, how could any of them compare to the absurdity of the Qiu family’s Second Young Master raising a duck?
Liang Shi’an remained silent for a full half-minute before managing a strained smile.
"I see. The Second Young Master is truly a unique individual, to favor such... rustic interests."
"Is that not so?" Xu Qiuchi’s tone shifted, his expression becoming more mysterious. "Not only that, but I am also quite interested in the path of Daoism and alchemy. As they say, the Dao follows nature. How can one achieve the Dao without going into nature?"
Liang Shi’an was stunned for a moment, but then a meaningful smile appeared on his face.
He raised the chilled honey nectar from the white jade table and drained it. When he spoke again, his voice was as sweet as the honey.
"Speaking of which, I have heard of something that the Second Young Master will surely find interesting."
Xu Qiuchi’s eyes moved slightly.
"Oh? Do tell."
Liang Shi’an looked around ostentatiously to ensure no one else was near the pool. Then he pulled the other man close and whispered:
"It is a secret medicine from the underworld. Take it, and you will have the spirit of a hundred men and be immune to all diseases. Would the Second Young Master like to try?"
Xu Qiuchi’s phoenix eyes darted about, narrowing with feigned indifference.
"How could there be something in this world that makes one immune to all diseases? Surely Brother Liang is jesting with me?"
Liang Shi’an had spent years navigating the circles of noble profligates in the capital. To have survived this long, he relied on his sharp memory and genuine knowledge. Being questioned to his face by a duck-raising playboy made his recently improved mood sour again.
"Do you take me for a man of empty words? Or are you looking down on me?"
Seeing this, Xu Qiuchi immediately adopted a worried expression.
"How could I? Brother Liang does not know, but recently a major medicinal merchant in this city met with disaster—they say there was a problem with their shipping. I am now twelve-thousand percent wary of anyone selling medicine. After all, it is something one consumes; I cannot risk my health."
"Are you speaking of the Su family?" A hint of mockery appeared on Liang Shi’an’s face, but no surprise; he clearly already knew something. "That was the Su family’s own carelessness; they can blame no one else. To tell you the truth, what I have is far more pure than anything the Su family possessed."
Having said this, Liang Shi’an scanned the surroundings once more. Confirming that the maidservants and the burly men had indeed left, he whispered into Xu Qiuchi’s ear.
The vast pool fell silent, save for the sound of flowing spring water.
After an unknown amount of time, the duck in the man’s arms seemed to grow restless from being held. It flapped its wings, broke free, and paddled through the warm thermal water toward the outdoors.
Liang Shi’an finally straightened up, casting an inquiring look at Xu Qiuchi.
"What does the Second Young Master think?"
Xu Qiuchi narrowed his eyes and smiled smoothly.
"In that case, I shall trouble Brother Liang."
****** ****** ******
By the time the cleaning maids began their work with light footsteps, the mist-shrouded white jade pool was empty.
The young master from the capital had already been carried to a private room in the front courtyard to sleep off his wine. His generous, profligate friend who had played the host was nowhere to be seen. Beside the white jade steps, nothing remained but a mess of cups and plates, and the faint echoes of whispers lingering deep within the mist.
The head maid was finishing the cleanup. For some reason, she couldn't find the final piece of velvet cloth used to pad the small table. She had to finish up hastily, but in the bushes a few steps away from the bathhouse, she discovered a familiar gold-threaded brocade robe.
If she remembered correctly, this was the outer robe of the Qiu family’s Second Young Master.
Looking down, she saw that the flowers and grass in the bushes had been trampled. Not far away, a row of wet footprints was faintly visible on the veranda.
The head maid stared expressionlessly at the wine-stained garment. She picked it up, stuffed it into the basket on her arm, and then picked up the unwashed dishes and cups to continue on her way.
She didn't even look around guiltily as she did this. She knew the owner of the robe had certainly "abandoned" it, and she was long since used to such things.
Who didn't know that the Second Young Master of the Qiu family was a man of eccentric tastes? While his aesthetic was top-tier, his conduct and breeding were bottom-tier; once the wine hit his head, he wouldn't even wear his clothes or shoes properly. Or perhaps all young masters of wealthy families were like this—clothes and shoes worn once, whether embroidered with gold or silver thread, could be discarded at will.
The head maid shook her head, cursing the unrefined profligate in her heart while wondering if she could get a good price for the gold thread after washing the robe.
In the garden during the height of summer, even the wind was warm. The wet footprints vanished quickly under the sun, leaving not a trace of moisture behind.
The owner of those footprints was currently heading toward the back courtyard.
Passing through this short, shaded stretch of the veranda led directly to the deepest part of the villa.
Compared to the meticulous and elaborate furnishings of the front courtyard, this place was significantly more austere. The stone bricks of the courtyard were covered in a thick layer of moss. There was only a single stone table in the yard, upon which sat a game of Go. It looked half-finished but was covered in a thick layer of dust.
Beside the stone table, the woman in green had already turned around at the sound of his approach. Seeing the man draped in a piece of purple velvet, she showed no surprise. She turned and handed him a copper basin and a cloth she had prepared earlier.
"How is the one named Liang?"
The water in the basin was bone-chillingly cold. Xu Qiuchi washed his face twice and felt completely awake. After a long moment, he spoke.
"He is doing well. For a while, he won't be opening his mouth to annoy anyone."
Knocking Liang Shi’an out was no easy task.
As an official responsible for grain and agriculture, he frequently traveled the country and dealt with local magistrates. He had attended hundreds, if not thousands, of banquets and had developed a legendary tolerance for alcohol. Ordinary wine wouldn't make him drunk; instead, he would likely drink his host under the table.
But drugging him was a different matter.
However, someone who spent his life in taverns and brothels was naturally wary of such underhanded tricks. Drugging the wine directly would likely be detected.
But if the drug were placed in the chilled honey nectar, and the man were invited to a hot spring, drinking several cups would be only natural. Xu didn't even have to urge him; the man had drunk it down willingly.
It was a pity about those fine glass chalices. Now that Liang Shi’an’s mouth had touched them, Xu didn't want them anymore. Along with that gold-threaded robe, they were a windfall for the woman managing this estate.
Xu Qiuchi wiped his face with a clean cloth and finally remembered to look around.
"Where is the one who was following him?"
Liu Caiwu pointed casually at a pile of wine jars in front of the flower beds.
"Doing well. I doubt he’ll wake up today."
So what if he was from the First Villa under Heaven? So what if he worked for Liang Shi’an? In her eyes, he was just a fledgling who had barely entered the martial world. She didn't think much of him, but she hadn't wanted to use force—partly because they couldn't openly break with his master, and partly because she didn't want to damage a single brick or tile of this villa.
The more she cherished this place, the more she hated the man before her for setting today’s trap here.
At this thought, Liu Caiwu looked up and, unsurprisingly, met Xu Qiuchi’s gaze.
"Congratulations, Second Young Master. Your confusion draught has finally found its use. I only hope Liang Shi’an didn't eat too much; it would be best if he doesn't wake up and start vomiting all over the room."
The profligate young master, who had soaked for half a day, didn't look flushed; instead, he was somewhat pale. He replied expressionlessly:
"Is that necessary, Manager Liu? Even without Liang Shi’an, who knows how many people have vomited here? Isn't it a bit late for you to start caring now?"
The courtyard fell silent. One in purple, one in green—they looked upon each other with mutual distaste.
A moment later, the young master draped in velvet couldn't hold it in any longer. He ran to a nearby flower bed and threw up.
"Mother is no longer here. This place is just a pile of bricks and tiles." Xu Qiuchi wiped the corner of his mouth. When he stood up again, he looked no different from his usual self. "Have his things been searched? Did you find anything?"
Liu Caiwu’s expression returned to cold indifference. She gestured toward the clothing and accessories Liang Shi’an had changed out of, now laid out on a wooden rack.
From the cap and boots to the belt hooks and jade buckles—even the drawstring of his undergarments—everything had been neatly separated and displayed. It looked eerily like a "corpse" that had been fully dissected.
"Aside from the invitation you sent him earlier, he had nothing with writing on his person. I’ve also had his attendant searched in secret; nothing was found."
Xu Qiuchi stood with his hands on his hips, scanning the items. Still unwilling to give up, he rolled up his sleeves and searched through them himself. Once he was certain that there was truly nothing he was looking for among the miscellaneous items, he sat back down at the stone table.
"On the surface, Liang Shi’an has been traveling frequently between provinces to collect grain. In reality, he has been in secret communication with Prince Xiaoning’s mansion in the capital. With something as big as the Su family’s downfall, there’s no way he hasn't heard a whisper of it. When I invited him, he followed the current and came. After all this effort, I finally got him dazed enough to pry a few words out of him. We can't let him go just like this; we must find another opportunity."
Liu Caiwu was silent for a moment before speaking coldly.
"Liang Shi’an is just an agricultural official. Even if he is close to Prince Xiaoning’s mansion, he is just one of many pawns. Even his father is only a member of the Ministry of Rites. He seems like a useless character. Instead of watching him, the Second Young Master should spend more effort on Miss Jiang’s side."
Xu Qiuchi shook his head, clearly disagreeing.
"The Lu Mansion case involves many people. He was the one who brought Lu Sihai into the capital under the guise of returning from an inspection. Yet the Colonel Director of Retainers stopped their investigation halfway through. I cannot ease the suspicion in my heart. Keep a close eye on him these next few days. Tell me immediately if there is any movement."
Liu Caiwu nodded in agreement, then remembered something and spoke neutrally.
"The Eldest Young Master is on his way back to the city. He has sent people everywhere looking for you. If you return to the manor these next few days, I’m afraid you’ll inevitably run into him."
"We were bound to run into each other sooner or later." Xu Qiuchi sighed, though his face showed no sign of worry or fear. "Let him wander around the city and its outskirts for a while; consider it getting to know the roads."
After a pause, he finally asked:
"Where is Qin Jiuye?"
Liu Caiwu didn't answer immediately. She picked up the plate of half-peeled Gorgon fruit.
The freshly peeled seeds were so clean they looked like a plate of pearls. Not a single bamboo knife or copper blade could be seen near the plate. The woman in green reached out and casually moved her fingers, peeling three seeds by hand.
"Miss Qin is still near Lixin Lake. It seems she won't be returning to Guoran Ju anytime soon. She is intentionally wary of the Second Young Master and hasn't told her grandfather of her whereabouts. However, her pharmacy apprentice has already accepted all the ginseng and lingzhi we sent. As they say, one's mouth is softened by the food of others; Guoran Ju is still held firmly in the Second Young Master’s hand."
Xu Qiuchi watched the hard Gorgon fruit seeds "burst" instantly in the woman’s hands and couldn't help but shiver.
"To handle a village pharmacy, I actually had to offer three boxes of ginseng and lingzhi. Manager Liu, do you think it is because I am too incompetent, or because that physician is too difficult to deal with?"
Liu Caiwu paused, then spoke truthfully.
"It is simply the Second Young Master reaping what he sowed."
Xu Qiuchi laughed. He tightened the velvet cloth around himself and reached toward the plate of Gorgon fruit.
"Manager Liu, these hands of yours are not only exceptionally swift with an abacus, but they are also becoming quite adept at peeling these seeds. Why don't I..."
The "seed-stealing" hand was slapped away with a sharp *smack*. Liu Caiwu’s voice rang out coldly.
"These are for the Madam. If the Second Young Master wishes to eat, go ask Aunt Huaiyu for permission before coming to me."
With that, Liu Caiwu picked up the plate and left without looking back.
The young master wrapped in velvet leaned against the stone table, huddling his cold hands and feet. He blew the dust off the Go board and murmured to himself:
"Time truly flies. In the blink of an eye, that day is coming again."
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
璃心湖 | Lixin Lake | Lake of the Glazed Heart
笋石街 | Sunshi Street | Bamboo Shoot Stone Street
汤泉雅苑 | Tangquan Yanyuan | Hot Spring Elegant Villa; a private bathhouse
司农监 | Directorate of Agriculture | An imperial office managing agricultural affairs and grain
梁世安 | Liang Shi'an | An official from the Directorate of Agriculture
许秋迟 | Xu Qiuchi | The Second Young Master of the Qiu family (using a different surname)
莲香白 | Lianxiang Bai | Lotus Fragrance White; a rare seasonal wine
鸡头米 | Gorgon fruit | Euryale ferox seeds; a local delicacy
荷香兰 | Lotus Scented Orchid | A rare orchid species from the Longshu region
秦掌柜 | Manager Qin | A white duck kept by Xu Qiuchi
柳裁梧 | Liu Caiwu | A female manager/steward working with Xu Qiuchi
孝宁王 | Prince Xiaoning | A member of the imperial family
逯四海 | Lu Sihai | A person involved in the Lu Mansion case
司隶校尉 | Colonel Director of Retainers | High-ranking imperial investigators/police
怀玉婶 | Aunt Huaiyu | A staff member or elder in the Xu/Qiu household
果然居 | Guoran Ju | The pharmacy/clinic where Qin Jiuye works
九皋 | Ninegao | The city where the story is set
龙枢 | Longshu | A geographical region mentioned in the text
四白鸡头米 | Four-White Gorgon Fruit | A specific high-quality variety of Gorgon fruit
九皋四绝 | Ninegao's Four Excellences | Four famous local specialties of the city
