Chang’an Small Restaurant Chapter 105 (Part 1)
Translated by Pure
Chapter 105.1 Ensnaring Sir Li Four
Even though the war against Prince of Zhao's army had commenced at the front, life in Chang'an continued as usual.
The willow trees have turned green, the grass has flourished, and the various birds chirp merrily, heralding the arrival of spring once more. The nobility hosted banquets to appreciate the season, filled with the sounds of reed-pipe wind instruments and vertical bamboo flute, while beautiful courtesans performed songs and dances. Meanwhile, the common folk forage for wild vegetables to mix with meat for fresh wontons, savoring spring delicacies through Spring Platters. Newly minted jinshis, flushed with success, ride through Chang'an on horseback, and on the streets while the young ladies dressed in light spring garments cast enchanting glances, leaving the young gentlemen across the way utterly captivated...
Yet this was not even the height of the festivities—things would become even livelier during the Double Third Festival.
The Imperial Guards were equally powerless; such was the nature of society and customs. In truth, the imperial guards, military officials, lane guards, were growing weary—perhaps that fugitive had already escaped?
In a private residence in Shengping Lane, several chamberlains blocked the courtyard gate, pleading with cup hands, "Sir Four, you should venture outside less often. Although the scrutiny has eased somewhat, your likeness is still posted at the street corners."
Li Yù pointed to his own face. "Looking like this, can anyone still recognize me?"
The chamberlains exchanged glances, observing the sickly scholar with a sallow complexion, eight-character (八) eyebrows, and unkempt beard. They found it difficult to say, considering how much Sir Four valued his appearance. His current disfigurement was indeed a significant challenge, but...
The chamberlains at the forefront suggested, "Sir Four, Adjutant Ren is about to return with news. Perhaps you should wait for him before going out?"
Li Yù grew increasingly displeased. "Is Ren Feng worthy of my time?"
Ren Feng had been laying low in Chang'an for many years and spoke with a certain unctuousness. However, Li Yù was no fool and could easily discern that Ren Feng was a subordinate of Qiao Hai. The way Ren flippantly and insincerely deflected was even more irksome than the stubbornness of Qiao Hai himself.
Before the assassination attempt on the emperor, Qiao Hai had assumed the part of a faithful official, bowing deeply and pleading for Li Yù to stay hidden. He lamented that Li Yù's status was too important, and any harm that came to him would make it impossible for him to atone for his sins, etc. Although Li Yù found the old man overly cautious, he was soft-hearted and agreed to temporarily take shelter in one of Ren Feng’s locations.
In the end, the assassination attempt truly failed, and Li Yù was not without his moments of fear; he found himself somewhat grateful to Qiao Hai. Fortunately, that old man was astute and cautious...
However, trapped like a caged beast in this small residence, unable to see the light of day and with no end in sight, Li Yù grew increasingly fretful. Ren Feng had mentioned that the war had already begun. Reflecting on the imperial garments already prepared at home, he couldn’t help but wonder: will Father ascend the throne? To stabilize the people's hearts, might he appoint his third brother as the crown prince? Perhaps even release his second child? After all, he used to care deeply for his second son…
Determined to go out, Li Yù could not be stopped by his chamberlains.
To avoid drawing attention, he took only two personal bodyguards with him, both from Prince of Zhao’s residence. They were skilled, taciturn, and utterly devoted to his safety. As he walked through the streets, Li Yù initially felt a pang of fear. Yet, upon leaving the Lane Gate, the Lane Guards merely gave them a courtesy glance, and he even encountered a few Imperial Guards along the way, yet nothing occurred. This only bolstered his confidence.
This was not Li Yù's first time venturing out, and he knew well where to gather information. There were two main places: taverns and brothels. After a few drinks and with a beautiful woman at their side, people tended to reveal all sorts of things. The thought of taverns brought Shen Indelible to mind, and with a slight pursing of his lips, Li Yù headed straight to Pingkang Lane.
Upon entering Pingkang Lane, the melodious strains of music filled the air, and beautifully dressed women adorned the surroundings. Li Yù relaxed, realizing that this was truly the life one ought to enjoy. He chose a modest yet elegant establishment and took a seat in a corner of the hall. Ordering some beverages, cakes, and pastries, he settled in to listen as one of the courtesans played the pipa and sang a tune.
"…A peony’s sultry charm, with dew like lovers’ breath. Yet Wu’s mystic mountains stir a longing for your caress…" The song was Li Bai’s <Song of Serene Melody[1]>.
After the song, someone remarked, "Isn't there anything new? Listening to the same old tunes every day is getting tiresome."
The courtesan gave a slight bow and smiled, "With the new jinshis recently passing their exams, there are usually many new poems at this time of year. However, this year’s poetry seems—rather solemn and forceful. It might not be suitable for a pleasant drinking session."
Due to the recent conflict with Prince of Zhao and perhaps the presence of countless scholars at Shen Indelible Tavern during the assassination attempt and the subsequent ‘Sincere Heart Banquet’, the poetry written by this year’s jinshis leaned more towards grand and tragic themes, rather than the usual ornate and alluring verses. Such subjects were hardly fitting for the current atmosphere, and few performers could deliver them well.
The courtesan continued with a smile, "However, I do have a new piece here, said to be written by a renowned courtesan from the northern regions, dedicating it to a certain young nobleman."
The patrons laughed. "Beauty and nobleman; sounds wonderful! Let's hear it!"
The courtesan, still modest, replied that she hadn’t perfected the piece yet and hoped the guests wouldn’t mind any imperfections.
"No matter, no matter! Just sing for us! Even a hum from Ms Yun's lips would be delightful," one guest teased.
The courtesan laughed and gave a playful pout towards the man, then adjusted her strings and began to sing. "As the parasol leaves flutter and sway, when you embark on your distant way…"
Li Yù's heart jolted.
"...At the banquet in Xianyang, the night grows late; on painted screens, spring’s dreams softly delay. With fresh signs upon my arms from the night’s gentle thrall;
I yearn, keep past friendships close, their warmth encompassing all."
This was clearly the scene from the day he parted from Ms Feng! Because her name was Feng (phoenix), her residence was called Jade Tree Courtyard[2]. As he left the Northern Capital, the parasol tree leaves fell, and autumn was in full swing. After their lingering moments, she had advised him not to be swayed by the pleasures of Chang’an and forget his old friendships.
Li Yù’s heart raced. He feared he might be overthinking, as parasol trees and autumn were common themes in poetry, and it was not unusual for women to sing about new and old loves. But this seemed too coincidental. A famous courtesan from the northern regions...
If this song was indeed meant for him, who might be behind it? Certainly not Ms Feng. Was it perhaps someone from his family, who understood his disposition, sending a sensuous song in this venue to avoid drawing attention? The words overflowed with a desire for his return.
Could it be a trap set by the Imperial Guards? Yet, how could they have foreseen his arrival here, and how could they know of Ms. Feng and the Jade Tree Courtyard?
Li Yù's mind raced through these possibilities, his heart pounding. He was torn between taking a risk and fearing the consequences if he did.
.
.
.
Footnotes:
[1] A peony’s sultry charm, with dew like lovers’ breath. Yet Wu’s mystic mountains stir a longing for your caress (一枝红艳露凝香，云雨巫山枉断肠) - As the chapter had explained, this is from Li Bai’s <Song of Serene Melody>. It’s a pretty short poem, a pretty thirsty one if you ask me. I didn’t like the translations that's out there, so I did my own, but not for the full thing, so here ya go:
Sources:
https://chinesepoetryinenglishverse.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-rosy-peony-so-sensual-your-fragrance.html
[2] Phoenix, Parasol Tree, Jade Tree Courtyard - Ancient Chinese mythology says that phoenixes only rest on Chinese parasol trees—which is why they are also known as phoenix trees. So Ms Feng, being that her name is Phoenix, resides in a residence named after the chinese parasol tree. I know it sounds really stretched out, but that’s how the ancient chinese speak, they all beat around the bushes.
