On the other side, Yan Shian arrived at the agreed place — the Zuixian Pavilion, the best tavern in the capital.

“You’re the last one to arrive. Come, come, three penalty drinks for you.”

Yan Shian smiled gently, took the wine his friend handed over, then waved his hand: “You know my tolerance. If I had three of these, I wouldn’t even need to sit down — I’d just go straight home.”

“Finally got some free time, don’t just drink.”

Yan Shian glanced at the speaker. Today’s drinking session felt like there was something fishy going on.

The one who had handed him the wine chuckled: “Zhang Shijin, it’s rare to hear you speak like a normal person today. I owe you for that.”

Zhang Shijin’s expression darkened, and it looked like he was about to lose his temper.

Yan Shian, as usual, stepped in as the peacemaker: “Dou Yuancheng, cut it out.”

Dou Yuancheng laughed quietly, sat down without saying more, but the way he looked at Zhang Shijin was downright provocative.

There were six others at the table, all knowing these two didn’t get along, quietly watching the scene with their wine cups.

After a few rounds of drinks, the topic shifted from the two political factions in the court to matters about the academy. Suddenly, Dou Yuancheng turned his head and said, “I heard you’re going to take part in this year’s autumn imperial exam?”

“Yeah.” Yan Shian clinked his cup with Dou Yuancheng’s. “I want to give it a try.”

None of the others present needed to sit for the exams, so they were surprised to hear this. Considering Yan Shian came from a wealthy family but had no real foundation in the capital, they understood why.

Dou Yuancheng frowned: “That path’s not easy. Have you really thought it through?”

“I already talked to the master. He supports me.”

Even Master Qi Xin agreed, so Dou Yuancheng had no room to argue. He clinked his cup with his friend and said, “You’ve always been the best student in our academy. Even if you had to cross a plank bridge against thousands of enemies, you’d still walk across steadily.”

“Pfft…”

Dou Yuancheng glanced at Zhang Shijin. “Try snickering again. I’m generous today — this cup is for your face first.”

Zhang Shijin knew he could do it, but being openly challenged like this in public, if he backed down, he’d lose face forever in the academy. He was about to stand and confront Dou Yuancheng when the tavern owner’s voice came from outside: “Young Master Zhang, your guest has arrived.”

Zhang Shijin took the opportunity to cool down, snorted angrily and said in a less friendly tone, “Bring them in.”

Dou Yuancheng sneered and looked toward the entrance. “Isn’t that Miss Qiqi from the Qimeng Pleasure Boat? She actually came ashore today?”

Girls on the pleasure boats rarely disembarked. Even when guests boarded the boats, they were usually ferried by small boats.

The Qimeng Pleasure Boat was quite famous. The leading courtesan, Miss Qimeng, was dazzlingly beautiful — and Qiqi was second only to her, also a well-known courtesan.

“Miss Qiqi greets all the gentlemen.”

After Qiqi bowed, she lifted her head, and everyone noticed her eyes were red, like a rabbit’s.

Dou Yuancheng immediately lost patience, slamming his cup hard on the table: “Zhang Shijin, you didn’t force her here with some dirty trick, did you? Everything has to be consensual — don’t disgust people.”

“Don’t slander me.” Zhang Shijin slammed his cup down even heavier. “Miss Qiqi is unrivaled on the guzheng. I paid big money for her to play a few songs. How does that make her disgusting in your mouth?”

“Enough with the bickering.” Yan Shian still played the good guy and gently looked at the girl, asking, “Miss, if you’re not feeling well today, don’t force yourself. Young Master Zhang is generous and won’t hold it against you. You can sing another day.”

“Thanks to this good man, how can I say I’m not generous?” Zhang Shijin chuckled meaningfully. “Who in the capital doesn’t know that Master Yan’s face is like jade, but his heart is soft as cotton — he’d avoid even an ant if he saw one. If you have grievances, why not tell him quickly? After this village, there’s no more shop.”

Without hesitation, Qiqi knelt down, tears streaming down her face. Crawling to Yan Shian, she sobbed, “Miss Qiqi knows you’re kindhearted. I beg you to save me. I’m willing to be your beast of burden, your slave.”

The moment Qiqi raised her head upon entering, Yan Shian understood the trap — she was a courtesan about to be officially registered as such, as Dou Yuancheng had mentioned before. Being kindhearted, Yan Shian decided to play along.

“Miss Qiqi, there’s no need for such desperation. As long as I can help, I won’t hesitate.”

“Tomorrow is the day I’m to be registered.” The girl raised her head, her sorrow clear and real. “I’ve saved some silver over the past two years, but it’s nowhere near enough to redeem myself. I thought about just ending it all, but everyone on the boat can swim well — it’s impossible to die. I thought about asking for help, but the guests who come to hear me sing only want my body. Once they get it, they discard me like worn-out shoes. Then I’m sold off again — from lowly to even lower.”

Tears streamed down Qiqi’s face, but her words were clear: “I came from a good family, studied classics since childhood, and I know what will happen to me after tomorrow. Master, I don’t ask for luxury. I just want to get out of that mire. Afterward, I’d be willing to be a concubine, a servant — anything — just not…”

“Miss Qiqi isn’t entirely at fault,” Zhang Shijin took over the words. “If it weren’t for her father and brothers committing crimes and implicating her, she should be preparing for marriage now.”

Many girls ended up in brothels or pleasure boats for similar reasons, some worse off.

Yan Shian seemed touched; his expression softened with sympathy. “Miss Qimeng willing to release you?”

“Miss Qimeng is kind, but there are rules she can’t break. As long as the money’s enough, she’d release anyone.” Qiqi saw hope and spoke more eagerly: “Master, you don’t have to pay the full ransom — I can pay part of it. I still have some jewelry. If I pawn all of it, it’ll raise some money. Please, Master, save me!”

Qiqi collapsed to the ground, her ears ringing from nervousness. She concentrated on every sound, afraid of missing a single word.

Seeing Yan Shian hesitate, Zhang Shijin shouted, “You’re asking the right person — Master Yan loves meddling in this kind of thing.”

“Shut up.” Dou Yuancheng rolled his eyes. Everyone with eyes could see this was trouble. No matter how refined she seemed, she was still a prostitute.

“Shian, don’t be too soft-hearted. Don’t forget you’re about to take the exams. Don’t ruin your reputation.”

“My conscience is clear. I’m not afraid of gossip.” Yan Shian looked at Qiqi: “Stand up and speak.”

Qiqi suddenly raised her head, disbelief all over her face. She wanted to speak but was afraid she was imagining things.

Yan Shian opened his pouch and counted out some silver notes, handing them over: “There should still be some left. Keep it safe. Being a concubine isn’t a good life. Leave the capital far away and find a good family to marry into. With money, life won’t be too hard.”

Qiqi instinctively took the silver, staring blankly at the kind man smiling at her. On the way here, she had thought about many outcomes, about whether her wishes could be fulfilled — but never had she dared to imagine things could turn out so well.