Volume One, Chapter Six: Meng Wanqiu, the Talented Lady of the Meng Family

As soon as Shen Yi arrived at Shui Xiangjian, a water town ten miles away, his name spread through every street and alley. Everyone hurried to share the news.

Breathless, Shen Yi ran all the way to the bustling street entrance, his body warm, steam rising from his head, his face ruddy. He was training to hone his body; having just come to the capital, his strength was still second-rate. Yet, deep down, influenced by the wealthy and powerful families of Mu Prefecture, he enjoyed mingling with civil officials and longed for a free-spirited life.

Upon arriving in the capital, under the emperor’s heavy emphasis on culture over martial prowess, he completely let himself go. Over the past year, he frequented brothels listening to music, drank and made friends, appreciated books and incense, sought pleasures—his body drained greatly.

“The body is the capital of revolution,” Shen Yi murmured, gazing at the bustling street with carts and horses nearby. In the wind and snow, many raggedly dressed children shivered as they begged. Along the roadside, frozen bodies curled up like stiff corpses lay, while soldiers cleared snow to make way for passing carriages. This was the busiest part of the southern city.

His personal guards had long been left far behind.

“Congratulations on your marriage, son-in-law! Please, son-in-law, spare some reward…” “Please have mercy, son-in-law…”

Just as he was about to enter the alley, Shen Yi was stopped by a dozen or so children, some eleven or twelve years old, others as young as five or six, their faces dirty and grimy. The older ones trembled with fear but still held up broken bowls, while the younger ones looked pitifully at him.

Shen Yi quickly scanned the area and noticed a few indifferent gazes fixed on them, reminding him of the “life harvesting and ear clipping” cases. Clearly, in ancient times—especially in chaotic eras—such acts were brazen. After all, most were illiterate, and such people were no longer protected by law. Ancient law did not protect vagrants.

He silently memorized the appearances of several of them.

Then, after searching his pockets for a long time, Shen Yi suddenly realized he had no silver on him! His eyes widened as he hesitated, surrounded by the hopeful faces of the small beggars. He fumbled for a while but found no valuables left! Where was the money?

“Young master, you really run fast… I’m almost out of breath…”

At that moment, Shen Liang and eight guards finally arrived, their throats nearly hoarse from the ten-mile journey that almost cost them their lives.

“You’ve arrived just in time!” Shen Yi said. “Did you bring money?”

Shen Liang, honest-faced, stared blankly at the beggars. “Young master, all the money is with you. We have none on us.”

“Then where’s my money?”

Shen Liang gave a strange, bitter smile. “Young master, you forgot that last night at the Qingliu Pavilion you rewarded Qian Yue, one of the capital’s four top courtesans, with five thousand taels. Early this morning, when Her Highness the princess found out,I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.