Tang riddles

There is Pingkangfang in Chang'an, the place where prostitutes live, and there are few chivalrous men in Kyoto, so they gather here.At that time, people called this square a romantic sobu.

Just after noon, Pingkang Fang is quiet time.The ladies of Jiaofang Music Division sing and dance all night, and mostly sleep during the day.This is the first time for Shen Sui to enter Pingkangfang. In the past, she always avoided it if she could, and never came here. I heard that the ladies in Pingkangfang are quite powerful, and there are various aspects of their strength.

Pingkangfang enters the north gate and circles to the east. The north, middle and south three songs it passes are the places where many famous prostitutes live.Among the prostitutes, there are outstanding ones, who usually open houses alone in Nanqu and Zhongqu, and live alone with their servants.Beiqu, which is close to the wall of the square, is the residence of lowly prostitutes, which is quite frivolous and derogatory for the two songs of the south and middle.Nanqu Zhongqu, the front door leads to Shizi Street, and those who are new to the pavilion usually visit here.Those who live in the middle of the two songs are all spacious and quiet, and each has three halls.Flowers are planted in the front and back, or there are strange stone basins and pools, which are arranged on the left and right, with hanging curtains in the small hall, and elegant decorations such as curtains and curtains.

Cui Qian has many wine and meat friends who are frequent visitors here, and he himself has been here many times, so he knows the situation here like the back of his hand.And, of course, Qianyumen also has a branch here. The third one to the east along Nanqu Cross Street is the property of Qianyumen.Because the stage name of the false mother (that is, the bustard) is Lin Yan, she is also called "Lin Yan's family" for short. 【Note】

Linyan's house is the destination for Shen Sui and others to come to Pingkangfang.Entering Pingkang during the day is actually very eye-catching, and one has to find a place to hide from the eyes.

Fortunately, Lin Yan's house was not far away, and there was almost no one on the street. They soon came to the door, and their own turtle slaves welcomed them in.

Pass through the front hall, enter the veranda, pass through the backyard, and turn into the annex, which is the private residence of the madam and Mr. Da.In the side hall of the other hall, a group of people sat down one after another in addition to the feast, and the turtle servants served tea.

Shen Sui held up the tea cup, the blue jade cup, the slightly green tea soup was actually a rare pekoe.Take a sip, and suddenly the mouth is fragrant and refreshing.Shen Sui couldn't help but bend his lips, and after drinking the tea in the cup, he played with the jade cup in his palm and began to look at the furnishings in the house.

Although this is the site of Qianyumen, it is the first time for Shen Sui to come here.Shen Sui has never met Lin Yan, the bustard here.I only heard that when she was young, she was a well-known talented woman in Pingkangfang. She was originally from an official family, but she offended powerful officials and was framed, and the whole family was fined and confiscated as slaves.This kind of experience can be found everywhere among the women in Pingkangfang, and there is nothing special about it.As long as the ladies who made their way in Pingkangfang, most of them are the best with both talent and beauty.Pingkangfang is a place where talents gather, and prostitutes without talents cannot survive here.Therefore, Shen Sui found a few hanging paintings and inscriptions with just a glance at the past, not to mention, there was a simple and unpretentious piano in the corner, which attracted Shen Sui's attention.

Shen Sui recognized it. It was a famous piano in Empress Chen's palace back then. The name was lost, and later generations simply called it "Hou/Tinghua", which meant that this piano was played "Empress of Yushu/Tinghua". The harp of the sound of subjugation.The qin slave had mentioned this qin to her before, but he didn't expect to see it here.

After waiting for not long, the fragrant wind blew, and a woman in a mansau and a skirt came out. At first glance, she was only fourteen or fifteen years old. As soon as she came out, she knelt down by Shen Sui's side, bowed her head and prostrated herself voice sounded:

"I pay my respects to the sect master."

"My lady, please get up." Although Shen Sui didn't know who this woman was, he was really not used to receiving such a big gift from others, so he hurriedly leaned forward to help her.

Before she could help her up, footsteps came from the back hall, and another elderly woman came out. Seeing the scene in front of her, she hurriedly knelt down and bowed to Shen Sui:

"Linyan has seen the sect master. My family heard that the sect master is coming, and ran out suddenly. It is really rude."

Although Shen Sui didn't know much about the doorways in Fengyuechang, he had heard the names of several famous courtesans in Chang'an.She hadn't realized it before, but this time when Lin Yan called out the name "Juju", she suddenly remembered, could this woman be Zheng Juju?

"But that lady Zheng who said 'Don't drink a bottle of wine, there will be no date for the invitation.'?" Shen Sui asked with a smile.

Zheng Juju raised his head, his face was full of peach blossoms, Emei's almond eyes were drooping, tears welled up in his beautiful eyes, and he said:

"It's a great fortune for the sect master to know about Juju. You may not be aware of the fact that the sect master has reinvented Juju, but Juju has always been engraved in your heart."

Shen Sui was a little dazed, she didn't know that she had such great kindness to Zheng Juju.She couldn't help looking at Cui Qian who was sitting opposite her.Cui Qian smiled and said:

"Master, you are such a noble person who forgets things. Five years ago, I sent you a letter. At that time, Juju's family was in distress. I had friendship with her father and rescued her, but I didn't know how to deal with it. It was you Let me settle her in Linyan's house, and two years later, I will avenge her. Don't you forget it?"

It was embarrassing in Shen Sui's heart, and she finally realized it. Five years ago, when she had just joined the army as a judicial officer in Henan Province, in order to gain a foothold as soon as possible, she was busy with official duties every day, and had no time to take care of the affairs of the family.During that time, it was Qin Nu who handled things for her. At that time, Qin Nu had not officially taken over the affairs of the door, so it was all in her name.This matter did happen during that period of time, Qin Nu dealt with it directly, and briefly mentioned it to her afterwards, but she didn't take it seriously, and just threw it out of the sky.Thinking about it now, I was really grateful for nothing, so I hurriedly said:

"Miss, please don't thank the wrong person. The one who helped you is Erlang of a certain family, not a certain one. This big gift can't be tolerated by a certain one."

"You and the deputy sect master are of the same heart. Thank you. No matter whether it is you or the deputy sect master, this life is given by Qianyu sect, and you will serve Qianyu sect for the rest of your life." Zheng Juju is very good at talking, and immediately said Shen Sui rounded things up.

Shen Sui chuckled, mocking himself:

"I really can't live without Qin Nu. Without Qin Nu, wouldn't I never have the chance to meet Mrs. Zheng? That would be a lifelong regret."

Hutuo, who was sitting behind Shen Sui, said inwardly: Da Lang is the one who can smooth things over.

After some small twists and turns, the host and guest were seated, the greetings of all the people ended, and finally got to the point.Shen Sui took out an oiled paper bag from his sleeve pocket, unfolded it and put it on the case, saying:

"Linyan, Juju, look at this, do you know what it is?"

The second daughter smelled the fragrance and saw the color, and immediately blurted out without thinking:

"This thing is the Golden Drunken Workshop."

Lin Yan wondered:

"Why does the sect master ask such a question?"

"I want to know the specific origin of this thing, who brought it, and who is still using it now, the more specific the better." Shen Sui said.

Lin Yan and Zheng Juju looked at each other, thought for a while, and Lin Yan said first:

"It's really unclear who brought it. It's been too long. I only know that it became popular at least ten years ago. However, it's clear who is still using it. Jinzuifang is outdated. It has long been abandoned by the ladies of Nanqu and Zhongqu. Only the low-end halls of Beiqu are still in use, but only a few. It is mainly about Orchids, because this Golden Zuifang was originally used by Orchids to cover up For body odor."

Shen Sui nodded, she already knew this, from the merchants who sold spices in the West Market.Nowadays, it is almost impossible to buy Jinzuifang in Xishi. The bag on her body was finally found. This is the stock that the owner of the spice shop bought from a customer from the Western Regions a few years ago. It has never been sold. Sui bought them all.

Shen Sui wanted to know more specific information, so she looked at Zheng Juju again, wanting to listen to Juju's explanation.

Zheng Juju thought about it and said: "Juju knows the same as Aunt Lin Yan, but I also know that this incense can be prepared. Less or more, the effect will be different."

Shen Sui's eyes lit up, and he hurriedly asked: "How do you say that?"

"I heard that if it is used for aphrodisiac, add deer testes and musk; if it is used for sleep, remove deer testes and musk, add agarwood and incense. But no matter how you change it, the color and fragrance of Jinzuifang will not be the same. It is very magical because the basic formula can be compatible with any medicine without conflicting. However, this basic formula is kept secret, and it is estimated that few people know about it now."

"So, this Jinzuifang is not necessarily an aphrodisiac?" Shen Sui grasped the key point.

Zheng Juju nodded: "Of course, Jinzuifang is not necessarily an aphrodisiac. In fact, it has many effects. In addition to aphrodisiac and calming effects, it can also prevent antiseptic and insect pests. I have seen people smear Jinzuifang on books and paper for use as an aphrodisiac. Very effective against moths."

Shocking thunder penetrated Shen Sui's mind, and he jumped up against the case, and rushed out the door regardless of other things.Everyone was so shocked that they hurriedly followed after him, wondering what this detective, who never cared about anything else once he investigated the case, was thinking about it.

In the alley diagonally opposite Linyan's house, Qianhe was embracing Dongying Knife, waiting quietly.Suddenly he heard the sound of the door opening, and the voice of everyone calling for Shen Sui.Her ears moved, she quietly chose her way, and followed.

***

Shen Zheng was approaching, and the party in Zhang's residence came to an end.

After saying goodbye three times, Li Jinyue didn't intend to get up.No matter how stupid the Zhang family's female family members are, they can see that the princess is implying that she wants to be alone with Zhang Ruohan.The old lady sighed in her heart, but she couldn't disobey the princess's wishes. In desperation, she could only make concessions. She believed that her granddaughter could handle this matter well.

"I will send the princess off." The old lady stood up first.

"Don't dare to bother the elders to see you off. You have bad legs and feet. If Jinyue disturbs you for a long time, just leave on your own." Li Jinyue said.

The old lady immediately followed the conversation and said: "In that case, maidservant lotus, you go see the princess off."

As soon as these words came out, it was regarded as giving Li Jinyue a chance to get along with Zhang Ruohan alone.The second daughter-in-law and concubine Sun stepped forward to help the old lady Lu, while Li Jinyue bid farewell to the old lady, stepped out of the inner hall first, and went outside.Her stride was not long, and the jingling chain of the long sword tied around her waist was like the ringing of a bell urging Zhang Ruohan.

Zhang Ruohan got up, sighed, glanced at his grandmother and second aunt, and saw the worry in their eyes.She showed a soothing smile, then calmly stepped out of the inner hall to meet Li Jinyue.The personal maid Wu Ya received the old lady's suggestion to follow her far away. Although she didn't dare to get close, she didn't dare to stay away either. If the princess did anything violent to her wife, she had to protect her.Although this possibility is unlikely, it can still be taken just in case.The princess has been marching and fighting for many years and has excellent martial arts skills. The lady has no martial arts skills, so she is no match at all when entangled.

When Zhang Ruohan walked out of the inner hall, she saw Li Jinyue standing in the front corridor, watching the koi in the pond in the courtyard, with her hands behind her back.The high bun is tied with a purple crown, and the tall and straight figure is the inheritance of the Li family, which is extremely heroic.Li Jinyue has been on the battlefield all year round, and she has long been accustomed to wearing military uniforms, even if she is dressed in men's clothing on weekdays.In the early years, her dress was more feminine, but in recent years, especially after the death of the dead son-in-law Xiao Balang and the birth mother Wang Huang, except for very solemn occasions, it is almost impossible to see her wearing women's clothes.

But Zhang Ruohan knew that she didn't wear women's clothes, and it had nothing to do with her preferences. In fact, she had a knot in her heart that couldn't be untied, a knot about herself.She couldn't get over it, even if she dressed like this, it would only add to the sadness.

Zhang Ruohan stepped forward slowly and came to her side.Li Jinyue glanced at her sideways, with tenderness in her brows and eyes, and said:

"Let's go." After finishing speaking, he stepped aside and asked Zhang Ruohan to go with her.

The two walked side by side, wandering in the exquisite Zhang family courtyard full of Lingnan style.The pines, stones and clear springs could not attract their attention, complex and unspeakable emotions permeated between the two, and for a while, neither of them spoke.

"Lotus maid...I haven't returned for three years, and finally came back, do you really have nothing to say to me?" When she was about to leave the inner courtyard, Li Jinyue walked into a water pavilion, and finally turned to look at Zhang Ruohan said.

"What I want to say to the princess has already been said three years ago. Now, the princess remains the same, and I have nothing new to say." Zhang Ruohan said lightly.

Li Jinyue frowned, and said angrily:

"What's the use of thinking about Chishi? She's already dead and left us long ago. Why don't you believe it?"

"The jade pendant that fell outside the ruins, the body that has not been found so far, how can a living person disappear without a trace? She is still alive, why doesn't the princess want to believe it?" Zhang Ruohan said softly.

Li Jinyue was dumb, paused for a long while, held back her breath and said:

"It's been 16 years, and it's been 17 years since the Chinese New Year. For such a long time, even if this person is still alive, he has no attachment to Chang'an, and no attachment to us old people. Such a tragedy happened to her. You will never be willing to step into the city of Chang'an again. Why do you bother to find such a broken man."

"Li Maomao, I said three years ago that ruthlessness and ignorance are common problems in your family. You and I are no longer fellow travelers. You have lived your life. Don't bother me again. There are some words that I don't like." May I say it clearly to show you mercy. If you say it, it will be embarrassing." Zhang Ruohan's cold voice was blunt, and he was obviously agitated in a rare way.

Hearing her calling her by her last and nickname, her tone was so cold that even her own family members were brought in, Li Jinyue only felt colic in her heart and couldn't catch her breath.How proud she is, the noble daughter of the Tian family, the only eldest son of the eldest son, who has been invincible in all battles up to now.But in front of this woman, he lowered his identity and humbled himself into the dust.Isn't her heart enough?Why doesn't Zhang Ruohan understand?

Could it be that she will never be as good as that person?Since she was a child, she has always been subservient to Chi Shi, studying and practicing martial arts, but she can't win.But Akashi is her best sister, her closest confidant, and she has never been jealous of her.She didn't know that one day, she would be so jealous, jealous of a friend who had passed away long ago.

"Lotus Maid...Your heart is so cruel..." She took a deep breath, and then sighed again, "I understand, I'm not speculating today, and I'll come to find you another day." After all, she still couldn't let her go. When she suddenly understood what the feelings in her heart were, too much concern was added to her chest, lingering for more than three years, and deeply penetrated into the marrow of her bones.Since she returned to Chang'an City, she has been thinking of looking for her all the time, but with the entanglement of mundane affairs and the outbreak of the Ci'en case, she has never had a chance.

So what if it's visible?But it only adds to the sadness.

Li Jinyue left, Zhang Ruohan stood alone in the water pavilion, looking at the three koi swimming happily in the water under his feet, feeling depressed.

Closing her eyes, she slowly moved the bead in her hand.

The author has something to say: Li Jinyue, courtesy name Jinyue, and baby name "Maomao", because she was born on the [-]th day of the eighth lunar month, she was given the baby name "Maomao", which means little rabbit, and some people refer to her as "Yutu".In the Tang Dynasty, the Mid-Autumn Festival was just born. It was not a particularly important or popular festival, and it was not as lively as the "Qianqiu Festival" on Tang Xuanzong's birthday.

The description about Pingkangfang intercepted individual sentences from "Kaiyuan Tianbao Legacy" and "Beilizhi".

[Note] Brothels in the Tang Dynasty did not have vulgar names such as "Wanhualou" and "Chunxiangyuan". They were generally named after the location of the street.For example, the third house on Nanqu Cross Street is called Nanqu Dong Sanjia for short, or it is called by the name of the bustard.Bustard, or "false mother".Prostitutes are divided into three grades from low to high: Mr. Xiao, Mr. Jian, and Mr. Big. They are generally distinguished by age and experience.

Zheng Juju, a famous prostitute in the Tang Dynasty, whose birth date is unknown, has a bold personality and is outstanding in eloquence.