Qinhuai, which is ten miles away, has been the place where fireworks have flourished since ancient times. The smoke and willow style on the Qinhuai River has been talked about by literati and celebrities since ancient times. That night, Shen Fang made elaborate arrangements. That night, the boats on the Qinhuai River were filled with colorful paintings and singing. Like clouds, the red streets along the coast and the brothels and singing are really magnificent.
However, there are many meddlesome people among the officials. Ai Gaoshi, the magistrate of Taiping Prefecture, suddenly asked in a drunken state: "The Yanliu Resort in Jiangning City, the ancients also said, 'The dream of Yangzhou after ten years has won the reputation of a brothel.' .In recent years, Hangzhou has been called the most prosperous city in the flower world in the southeast. But I don’t know who among Jiangning, Hangzhou, and Yangzhou is the most prosperous city in the southeast, and who is the most popular place for fireworks?"
As his name suggests, Aikoshi really likes to cause trouble. As soon as he said this, he was obviously going to provoke a debate. Naturally, Shen Fang did his part and boasted about the Jiangning Mansion. At the same time, in his words He was quite dissatisfied with the two prefectures of Yangzhou and Hangzhou. Liu Sheng, the prefect of Yangzhou, was not willing to show weakness, so he naturally retaliated with words, turning his Yangzhou Prefecture into a flower, and turning Jiangning and Hangzhou Prefectures into a pile of scum. Everyone was I was drunk, and it was not a business occasion, so I couldn't help but talk, foam at the mouth, and argue endlessly.
Yan Zhengsheng didn't take it seriously at first, thinking that these guys were boring. There was nothing to argue about. So he watched the fun in silence. Until Shen Fang and Liu Sheng became more and more outspoken and derogatory to each other, they never forgot to bring Hangzhou with them. They belittled Hangzhou. Yan Zhengsheng was not willing to let them slander him like this, so he said something while drinking.
"Jiangning and Yangzhou can only compete with each other, but the title of Hangzhou, the number one capital in the southeast, is not something you can compete with. Regardless of other aspects of strength, as far as the brothel and flower industry is concerned, Hangzhou's oiran competition held on August 15th every year can attract With all the eyes of the Zhou Dynasty, which of you can do this?"
Unexpectedly, this sentence stung a hornet's nest and aroused the common hatred of Shen Fang and Liu Sheng. Originally, as the prefect of Jiangning and Yangzhou, they were already very unconvinced by Hangzhou's name as the first prefecture in the southeast. These two states It is also a place where goods are distributed and the thoroughfare between the north and the south. Its level of development is not much worse than that of Hangzhou. However, people all over the Zhou Dynasty say that Hangzhou is the first capital in the southeast, which has long been dissatisfied. How can it be tolerated if you say this seriously now? Moreover, although there may be some gaps in terms of population, commerce and finance, in terms of strength in the flower industry, Jiangning and Yangzhou are both well-established fireworks destinations and are not inferior to Hangzhou. How can they admit defeat on this point?
So, under the cheers of many officials who were watching the excitement and not taking it too seriously, Shen Fang and Liu Sheng challenged Yan Zhengshu and proposed to participate in the Oiran Competition on August 15th this year in Hangzhou, threatening to take away the Oiran and let the world Let’s see who is the number one city in the southeast and who is the place with the most fireworks.
Yan Zhengsu originally thought this matter was boring, but as the prefect of Hangzhou, faced with the challenge from Shen Fang and Liu Sheng, and in front of many fellow officials, how could Yan Zhengsu, who already had a tough and stubborn personality, be willing to lose? So he immediately accepted the challenge, and the Oiran Competition in Hangzhou was officially upgraded to the Oiran Competition in the Three Southeast Prefectures. These three cities are the three most prosperous and affluent cities in the Southeast, and they represent the highest level in the Southeast. Therefore, although The three cities competing for hegemony can actually represent the strength of the entire southeastern roads.
In fact, this incident has already caused a sensation in the capitals of the southeastern states. Everyone is very interested and eagerly looking forward to this fight. The public opinion in Hangzhou has long been aroused, but Lin Jue has been busy with various internal and business affairs of the Lin family.
He didn't pay attention to this matter. If Yan Zhengsheng and Prince Liang hadn't sent the invitation letter, he wouldn't have even known that this year's Oiran Competition was causing such a fuss.
After learning the whole story, Lin Jue was speechless. It turned out that officials would use such things to compete with each other. It was really like child's play.
However, Lin Jue can actually see the hidden essence behind this boring thing. It seems to be a so-called oiran dispute that is a bit childish, but in fact it is a show of strength between the status of the state capital and the prefectural officials.
This is a competition for ability and political performance.
Comparing the officials of the important big state capitals with those of the inconsequential small state capitals, although they have the same rank, their futures are absolutely different. For example, in large state capitals such as Hangzhou Prefecture, Jiangning Prefecture, Yangzhou Prefecture, Yingtian Prefecture, etc.
The chief officials can be directly transferred to the central court to hold important positions. It is impossible for officials in small states to rise to the top in one fell swoop. Even if they are transferred to the imperial court, they can only serve as officials in some insignificant departments. Entering the central government is extremely difficult. This time
It seems like a competition for the Oiran, but it is actually about showing off one's strength and showing off one's governance talents and political achievements.
Although the dispute over fireworks is not a measure of political performance, during the century-old peace and prosperity of the Great Zhou Dynasty, people tended to pay attention to these eye-catching things. The strength of the flower world is also part of its strength today. It has taken the name of Southeast Oiran and suppressed the other party.
At the same time, it will also greatly increase the reputation and exposure of the state government, attracting celebrities and officials from the Zhou Dynasty to come. Why not?
This is actually one of the reasons why the Hangzhou Oiran Competition has been held for many years, and even old-fashioned people like Yan Zhengsu strongly support it. It is an attractive business card of a city and a manifestation of soft power. Yan Zhengsu is about to step down.
The governor of Hangzhou is a perfectionist. He doesn't want to lose the oiran to Jiangning Prefecture and Yangzhou Prefecture in the last oiran competition. Wouldn't that become an imperfection before he leaves office?
After Lin Jue figured out all the ins and outs, he understood Yan Zhengsheng's mood very well. However, Yan Zhengsheng asked for help, but Lin Jue didn't know where to help. This kind of thing was arranged by the government, and it was not his turn.
Participate in the arrangement and organization of some trivial matters. Yan Zhengshen actually doesn’t know what Lin Jue can help. He just thinks that Lin Jue should be invited to participate. As for how to participate, he has no idea. Lin Jue told Yan Zhengsu that he is always at his disposal.
As long as the prefect needs it, he will do his best.
On the morning of August 13th, someone from Prince Liang’s Mansion invited Lin Jue to go to the Prince’s Mansion, saying that Prince Liang wanted to see Lin Jue. Lin Jue knew very well that this must be about the Oiran Competition. In desperation, he had to leave.
.Originally, this matter had nothing to do with me, but now it seems to have become a piece of cake.
When Lin Jue arrived at the palace hall, he was surprised to find that there were already several people sitting in the hall. Lin Jue knew all of these people, one of them was Li Youyuan, who acted on behalf of the palace to handle brothel affairs, and the other two were Wanhualou and Qunfang.
The two top names in the pavilion, Chu Xiangxiang and Gu Panpan, had already dealt with each other last year. There was also a girl with picturesque features, but Lin Jue didn't recognize him. Lin Jue immediately understood that what he thought was true, today
It was precisely because of the Oiran Competition that I was called here to discuss it.
The prince and the young prince were not in the hall, but Li Youyuan, Gu Panpan, Chu Xiangxiang and others knew Lin Jue. Last year, the Oiran Competition was ruined by this person. Gu Panpan and Chu Xiangxiang were angry with Lin Jue for most of the year. Later,
Mr. Lin made a big splash again, and was awarded by the court for his great achievements. The two leading figures turned from being annoyed to becoming interested in Lin Jue. In addition, Wangyuelou withdrew from the flower world, and it was said that this Lin Jue was
With the young master's idea, no one in Hangzhou's flower world could challenge the status of Wanhua Tower and Qunfang Pavilion, so I felt a little relieved. However, because I didn't have the oiran, I always felt that this status was a bit unfair.
"Mr. Lin, I'm so polite to you."
"Chu Xiangxiang of the slave family is here to pay homage to Mr. Lin."
When the two glamorous top ladies saw Lin Jue, they stood up and bowed in a graceful manner, and Lin Jue hurriedly returned the salute. Although he had seen many beauties, but facing the two top brothel ladies, Lin Jue was still amazed by their beauty and beauty.
Temperament. Being able to become the top names of two famous buildings naturally has their own uniqueness. Gu Panpan's eyebrows are cold and heroic, and he has a capable and vigorous temperament, which is quite like a heroine among women. Chu Xiangxiang's
Her temperament is more gentle, with a sense of fragility between her eyebrows. If she hadn't been told that she was a red card in a brothel, you would have thought that she was a harem girl from a wealthy family, with gentle manners and polite manners.
However, the two women have one thing in common, which is the faintly seductive charm in their eyebrows. It is also difficult to hide the trace of aloofness in their eyes.
"Two sisters, is this Mr. Lin who made you lose your courtship?" The beautiful girl on the side looked at Lin Jue and said.
"Qianqian, don't be rude and refuse to show your courtesy to Master Lin?" Chu Xiangxiang stopped him hastily. He turned to Chu Xiangxiang and Lin Jue with a smile and said: "Master Lin, please don't laugh. This is Qianqian, it's me.
And Panpan’s little girl. Children can’t speak, so Mr. Lin shouldn’t care.”
Lin Jue smiled and nodded. It turned out that he was a rising star. The competition in the oiran industry is fierce, and youth is the only thing that can be eaten. A red card can only be popular for two or three years. After reaching the age of eighteen, it will go downhill. This girl is only about the same age as Lu Wu.
, I think he is the number one who will become famous when he debuts, and will replace Chu Xiangxiang and Gu Panpan in the future.
The girl Qianqian was scolded by Chu Xiangxiang, and she hurriedly came to salute Lin Jue with a red face. Lin Jue glanced at the girl's figure. He sighed in his heart: "What a beautiful little girl, from now on she will fall."
Into the dust."
"Qianqian is right. If Mr. Lin hadn't interfered last year, how could we have lost our reputation as oiran? This year, I have been grudges about it. Mr. Lin, which girl is your favorite Yingying this year?
If you don’t want to participate, you have to help us once, and then we’ll be even.” Gu Panpan said with a sweet smile.
Chu Xiangxiang's face turned pale and looked around, and turned to Lin Jue: "Master Lin, please don't listen to her nonsense. What happened last year is none of Master Lin's business. We had known that there was such a great talent like Master Lin in Hangzhou City, so why bother?"
We went far away and invited Sima Qingshan and Dongfang Weiming to come? In the end, we were defeated by Mr. Lin. It is only our own fault that we are short-sighted."
"Don't mention those two people. Their reputations are so frightening that they are so famous in the world of poetry in the Zhou Dynasty. The result is... the silver-like pewter spear head... hehe... looks good but is useless. Mr. Lin is also really so talented.
People who are capable are not showy. Visiting a brothel also has a unique taste, so I went to Wangyue Tower and got Xie Yingying a bargain. Don't you know the reputation of Wanhua Tower and Qunfang Pavilion? Why don't you go to our place?
That’s not that much trouble.” Gu Panpan said with a smile.
Lin Jue laughed and said: "Miss Panpan is really good at telling lies. Who said that when visiting a brothel, you have to go to Qunfang Pavilion and Wanhua Tower? Everyone has their own taste. Besides, you two girls are so popular.
I don’t know how many people are queuing up to see you, but I am impatient and can’t wait.”
Gu Panpan chuckled and said: "It turns out that the young master is impatient. I didn't tell you that if the young master helps us win the Southeast Oiran this time, when you come to Wanhua Tower and Qunfang Pavilion from now on, we will chase everyone away and let you enter directly. Xiangxiang and I
Sister, whoever you want can accompany you. You don’t have to queue up, and you don’t need money. You can stay as long as you like, and you can live wherever you want.”
Chu Xiangxiang blushed and spat: "Die Panpan, what are you talking about?"
Lin Jue also blushed. He didn't expect Gu Panpan to speak so boldly and openly, so he couldn't answer the question for a moment. Gu Panpan smiled proudly, enjoying the pleasure of teasing the man. In fact, she is not such an explicit person. In fact,
She is more picky than Chu Xiangxiang in terms of sex. No matter how much money you spend on someone you don't like, it's hard to make her smile. It's just that her words are bolder and more frivolous.
While the flowers were trembling with laughter, several guards entered from behind the hall and quickly occupied positions in the four corners of the hall. Everyone immediately understood that the prince was coming. Before the prince arrived somewhere, the guards of the palace arrived in advance and stood there.
A vigilant one.
Sure enough, the guard's loud voice came from the back of the hall: "The prince is here!"
The bamboo curtain at the back of the hall was opened, and Guo Bing strode in with a full belly, followed by Guo Kun, Shen Tan and others. "See you, the prince, see the young prince, see the princess." Everyone in the hall hurriedly saluted loudly.
Lin Jue also bowed to greet him. Suddenly Lin Jue's eyes lit up because he saw the little princess Guo Caiwei walking in from behind. Guo Caiwei was wearing a lake-green dress and a moon-white shawl today, looking beautiful.
Her hair is like clouds and she wears jingle bells, and her whole body is filled with a scent.
The little princess had a smile on her lips, a picturesque face, bright eyes and white teeth. She was so beautiful that it was hard to look at her. As soon as she entered the house, the whole house seemed to light up, as if it was bathed in a spring light. Originally, there was Gu Panpan in the hall.
Together with Chu Xiangxiang and the girl named Qianqian, these three women were all of first-class appearance and figure. But at this moment, after the little princess came in, these three people suddenly paled in comparison.
The little princess also saw Lin Jue, and the smile on her lips became thicker. She winked secretly at Lin Jue and shook her white and tender hands as a greeting. Lin Jue was so excited that she turned around hurriedly, not daring to look. The prince and the little prince were here.
, he didn’t dare to flirt with the little princess.
"That's all, no courtesy at all." Guo Bing waved his hands and sat on the chair, saying loudly, obviously he didn't realize anything.
Everyone thanked them and stood up. Guo Bing turned his neck and said, "Where's Lin Jue? Didn't you say he's here?"
"Your Majesty, the common people are here." Lin Jue said hurriedly, cupping his hands.
Guo Bing chuckled and said, "Why are you standing so far away? Come, come, come and sit next to me."
"The common people don't dare." Lin Jue bowed and said.
"What are you being pretentious about? You dare to scold me, but now you say you don't dare? We are all our own people, there is no need to be polite. Come on, come on, sit here. Kun'er, sit next to me and let Lin Jue sit here.
"
Guo Kun rolled his eyes and agreed in a deep voice. Then he stood up and walked to a stool on the other side to sit down. Lin Jue was not polite, thanked him and walked over to sit down, but the seat happened to be next to the little princess.
Before. Originally, the little princess stood between her father and brother, but now she stands between Guo Bing and Lin Jue.
Lin Jue's nose only smelled a faint familiar fragrance, which was exactly the fragrance emanating from the little princess. He also heard the little princess's gentle breathing in his ears. For a moment, he felt like a spider crawling around, and his mind became wandering.
"Li Youyuan, how are things going? Have all the people invited arrived?" Guo Bing said in a deep voice from the side.
Li Youyuan hurriedly came forward and bowed and said: "Your Majesty, this villain is incompetent and things have not been done well. Several celebrities and people who were good at composing and singing who originally agreed to come said they had family matters and could not come. Two of them were halfway there.
On the way, I suddenly ordered someone to deliver a message saying that something urgent had to be done, so I turned around and returned to Beijing."
"What? How did you do this? How could such a thing happen? Li Youyuan, you idiot, you are trying to ruin my life." Guo Bing said in shock and anger.
Li Youyuan knelt down on the ground, kowtowed repeatedly and said: "The villain is guilty, the villain is guilty, but the villain doesn't know what happened. We all agreed, why did we change our minds? I can't figure it out."
Guo Bing was about to scold Guo Kun, but he held his hands and said, "Father, someone is causing trouble, and you can't blame Li Youyuan. A few days ago, news came from the capital that several brothels from Yangzhou Prefecture and Jiangning Prefecture went to the capital to invite celebrities.
They offered a very high price for assistance in boxing. The Hanlin Academy was completely occupied by them. Even the slightly famous people in the capital were invited. These people who changed their minds must have also been invited by those from Yangzhou and Jiangning Prefecture.
I paid him a lot of money."
Guo Bing said angrily: "What? Are you trying to get into trouble with my palace? Are these guys so brave? For a few dollars, even my palace, Prince Liang, dares to let go?"
"Father, they don't know that Wanhua Tower and Qunfang Pavilion are our properties. They just thought it was Li Youyuan who invited them. If they knew that it was our palace who invited them, they probably wouldn't dare to make such a mistake. But this time it's
Shen Fang and Liu Sheng came forward and found connections in the capital. Otherwise, how could they have the ability to invite all the celebrities in the Hanlin Academy away? Someone showed them the way and nodded." Guo Kun.
said in a deep voice.
Guo Bing frowned and said, "Why didn't you tell me earlier? Why did you tell me now?"
Guo Kun said: "Didn't I just return home? As soon as I went to see my father, I heard that Lin Jue and the people from Qunfang Pavilion of Wanhua Tower were here. Didn't I have time?"
Guo Bing frowned and said: "Shen Fang and Liu Sheng are bound to win. They are competing with Yan Zhengsheng. But all the people we hired from Wanhua Tower and Qunfang Pavilion were wasted? None of them?"
Li Youyuan said with a sad face: "There are some, but they are all not famous. I thought it would be better than nothing, so I left them to prepare. Let them work together to write a few good lyrics, and the three cobblers will be like Zhuge Liang.
, maybe it will be useful.”
"It's useless. This is writing lyrics and music. Do you think it's a competition? What's the use of having so many people?" Guo Bing scolded.
"Yes, yes, the villain is stupid. He turned around and chased them all away. Your Majesty, didn't Sima Qingshan and Dongfang Weiming become guests of the king? It's time for them to come forward." Li Youyuan said hurriedly.
"What the hell, they're all dead." Guo Bing cursed.
"What?" Li Youyuan was startled.
"I mean, they said they went out to play, but now they don't know where they died. They can't be found anywhere. Maybe they were eaten by wild beasts in some deep mountain forest. It's hard to count on them.
Got it." Guo Bing realized he had made a mistake and hurriedly covered it up.
"Oh, then, Your Majesty, what should we do now?" Li Youyuan said.
Guo Bing glared at him, turned to look at Lin Jue and said, "What should we do? Fortunately we still have Lin Jue. Do you think I will be unprepared? Lin Jue, did you hear what we just said?"
Lin Jue lowered his head and didn't know what he was thinking. He didn't seem to hear what Guo Bing said. Guo Bing raised his voice and asked again. Lin Jue was startled and raised his head, with a panicked look on his face, which was a little strange.
