Chapter Thirteen: The River Cannot Wash Away a Single Moment of Shame

Yang Lin sat at the head of the table, pouring his own tea and sipping it leisurely, occasionally exchanging playful words with the beauty nestled in his arms. Watching a group of impassioned scholars debating with a still-flourishing courtesan, he shook his head with a resigned smile.

The harsh struggles of his past life had tempered his spirit early on. Our ancestors taught us to fight for our dignity, but they never meant for it to be wasted bickering in a brothel.

At that moment, a cold-faced youth entered from outside. His handsome features bore a hint of youthful innocence, and he held a bone fan that stood out starkly against the chill of late autumn.

“Silence! Didn’t you hear me speak?” he called out from the doorway.

He had expected the noisy crowd inside to pause at his summons, allowing him to make a grand entrance. Instead, no one paid him any attention. Embarrassed, he stood with two pale-faced retainers behind him, both striking imposing poses with hands on hips and glaring eyes, trying to bolster his authority.

Amid the raucous scene, it was clear that no one regarded him as significant. Qin Hui and a group of scholars were ganging up on Li Yunnian, a seasoned courtesan, volleying a barrage of solemn, righteous words peppered with classical quotations and Confucian maxims, so much so that the pimps and madams hung their heads in shame.

Seeing them back down, the scholars grew even more impassioned, relentlessly berating their fallen foe.

The youth, ignored and at a loss, tried desperately to draw attention but to no avail.

Yang Lin noticed the embarrassed young man and smiled, beckoning him over. “Brother, why not join us for a cup of tea? They should be finishing up soon...”

Finally acknowledged, the youth fixed his gaze on Yang Lin, took a seat nearby, snorted coldly, and said, “So you lot are the ones trying to snatch women from me?”

Since this youth had forcibly taken a girl promised to others in the Clear Sound Pavilion, his boasting upon hearing the commotion suggested he sought either the woman’s favor or to make a spectacle.

Yang Lin considered carefully: such a character was likely a wealthy or noble scion, with little reason to make enemies over a mere courtesan.

Besides, their petty jealousy would only cause the young lady Ning’er to secretly chuckle. Word of such rivalries would enhance her reputation, attracting many admirers eager to see the beauty who stirred so much contention.

Smiling, Yang Lin said, “Brother, you misunderstand. We are here merely to drink and share camaraderie. As for Ning’er or any other lady, they are but companions — not brides-to-be arranged by matchmakers. There is no question of snatching beauties. My companions’ dispute concerns only principles. Once we have agreed on Ning’er, she belongs to us for this time slot. If you seize her by force, it’s like walking into a tavern and taking food and drink from another’s table.

“Think about it: no matter how fragrant the food, it’s just leftovers. I believe you are a man of dignity — wouldn’t that be shameful? If you do such a thing, best to quietly enjoy the lady’s warmth and not cause a city-wide scandal, lest you expose your shame.

“I won’t say more; just consider this carefully. Isn’t it so?”

The youth froze, unable to retort, his face reddening. Angry and embarrassed, he slammed the table and shouted, “What right do you have to scold me?”

His sudden outburst, combined with the scholars' fatigue from their tirade, made the scene dull as the pimps and madams lowered their heads, unwilling to respond.

Hearing the commotion, everyone gathered around. Yang Lin smiled and explained, “This is the fellow who took your Ning’er.”

Yang Lin hoped to divert attention elsewhere, but Qin Hui, who had been boisterous moments before, now examined the youth carefully and dared not speak rashly.

The youth wore a brocade robe, jade accessories at his waist, and a silk headband; his attire was costly, and his bearing noble. His background was undoubtedly distinguished.

Yang Lin inwardly sneered. Truly, Qin Hui’s knack for reading the situation was lifelong.

Still resentful of being silenced earlier, the youth pointed at Yang Lin and said, “Stop stirring trouble with your words, sitting there like a spectator. I thought you were lofty, but you’re just sly. You preach grand principles, but do you have any real skill?”

Yang Lin saw he was losing his temper and deflecting. He raised his tea, took a sip, and leisurely replied, “If you’re dissatisfied, then allow me to show you my skills.”

Qin Hui exhaled in relief. This way, he would not risk offending a powerful figure and could save face.

He was truly fearful of poverty. The mischievous boy from the mountain village annoyed him daily, and his meager earnings barely covered simple meals. This time, his willingness to pay was mainly to win over Yang Lin so that when he took the capital’s imperial exams, he could ride comfortably on Yang’s prestigious coattails.

Seeing the youth nearing a boil, Yang Lin proposed, “Since you’re so unyielding, let’s set three contests. The loser, regardless of age, must respectfully address the winner as ‘big brother’ whenever they meet.”

Before the youth could respond, his two retainers behind him shrieked as if their ancestors’ graves had been disturbed: “How dare you!” “Impudent!” “Slap him!”

Yang Lin ignored them, grinning at the youth. “If you don’t dare, then never mind. I’m not forcing you.”

He had gauged correctly: this youth only responded to provocation. As soon as he finished speaking, the youth tucked his fan behind his collar and asked, “What are the bets?”

Looking at this somewhat inexperienced-looking youth wandering in a brothel, Yang Lin felt no pressure. This was clearly just a boy newly escaped from his family’s strict confines.

At that moment, Li Yunnian stepped forward, eyes glinting, and said, “Since our quarrel is over Ning’er, why not make the three contests one of wit, one of strength, and let Ning’er have the deciding vote?”

Yang Lin nodded. Li Yunnian beamed and quickly turned to the youth in brocade.

“Hmph, I’m not afraid of what you bet. Decide as you wish.”