Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Jincui Tower had music and dancing, fine wine and excellent food. It was every bit the equal of the famed pleasure houses along the Qinhuai River.

Chu Lingfeng had no interest in watching the performances, but I certainly did.

Once we were seated in a private room, I ignored the handsome young waiter and ordered two vegetarian dishes for myself.

The waiter had clearly seen his share of distinguished guests, so he just barely managed to keep smiling. Even so, his eyes kept darting toward Chu Lingfeng as if to say that Grand Tutor Yu was being awfully stingy.

Lord Chu took a sip of spring Pu’er tea and asked unhurriedly, “The King of Chu favored slender waists. Do you favor them as well, Grand Tutor Yu?”

He was mocking me for ordering such a meager meal.

I gave a soft snort. “There’s no need to ridicule me, Lord Chu. I only got married this month, and I do so love putting on airs. I spent my entire salary preparing my own dowry, so money is rather tight at the moment.”

He had not expected me to bring it up myself. Lowering his head, he chuckled and teased, “Though your robes grow loose, you have no regrets. Very well. I failed to attend your wedding and offer my congratulations, Grand Tutor Yu. Let this be my apology banquet to make amends for that lapse in courtesy.”

So he was treating.

“You should have said so earlier, Lord Chu.” I did not care how he teased me. I had chosen to do what I did, and whatever consequences came of it, I would bear them. “We’ll have West Lake Vinegar Fish, and slice the crystal pork knuckle thin so it’s easier to eat. Oh, and an Almond Buddha’s Hand-not a single bitter almond, mind you. Add an order of Small Heavenly Crisps. That will be all.”

Once I finished, the waiter cautiously reminded me, “Grand Tutor Yu, there are only two of you. Will you be able to finish all that?”

I smiled and beckoned him closer. “I’m in a good mood today, so I’ll teach you a lesson not even His Majesty has ever learned.”

The waiter bent down respectfully. “Please enlighten me, Grand Tutor Yu.”

Cupping a pale hand to my lips, I whispered into his ear, “Only a damn fool turns down a freebie.”

The waiter was left speechless. After repeating our order back to us, he withdrew, and Chu Lingfeng stared at me.

“Is that enough, Grand Tutor Yu?”

“It is. Thank you for your generosity, Lord Chu.”

“Think nothing of it, Grand Tutor Yu.”

Another round of tea was brought. The waiter was quick on his feet, racing up and down the stairs until all the dishes had soon arrived.

“My lords, all your dishes have been served.”

I picked up a translucent slice of pork knuckle, perfectly marbled with fat, and placed it in my mouth. After chewing carefully, I pronounced, “Greasy.”

The waiter immediately offered, “Shall I bring you a refreshing side dish?”

I shook my head without speaking. Chu Lingfeng understood and instructed him, “Warm us a pot of good wine.”

That was more to my liking. I gave a quiet “Mm” and nodded.

Chu Lingfeng picked a piece of flesh from the fish’s back, placed it on his plate, and carefully removed every bone before eating it. “You ordered an entire table of rich meat and fish. Who else would find it greasy?”

I beamed at him. “I entered the imperial court precisely so I could eat and drink well. What about you, Lord Chu?”

He tilted his head back and drained his cup before answering, “Three wives and four concubines.”

I was shameless, and he was even worse. I clinked cups with him, then picked up a piece of fish-only to get a bone caught in my throat.

I covered my mouth with a handkerchief, frowned slightly, and lowered my head without a word.

“A fish bone?” he asked.

I nodded and slowly worked it loose with my tongue until I managed to spit out the tiny bone.

He watched quietly from the side. After a long while, he said, “So much for being surnamed Yu-‘fish.'”

I smiled. “Indeed. Why must one fish be so eager to torment another?”

After three rounds of wine, he suddenly asked, “How much dowry did you take to the Xuan Family?”

I waved a hand. “Don’t bring that up. Never mind the gold and silver. Aside from His Majesty’s gifts, there was also a pixiu carved from creamy Hetian jade, a string of turquoise and agate beads, and a precious zither made of agarwood.”

“You certainly spared no expense.”

“Exactly. I have to get it all back.”

He laughed. “You truly do act on every passing whim, Grand Tutor Yu.”

I laughed as well. “And you believe every word I say, Lord Chu.”

Down in the banquet hall, a young woman was still singing, drawing out each note. I had drunk too much and could not make out what she was singing at all.

“Ah, my eyes were bigger than my stomach. And I can’t hold my liquor.”

“Nonsense. You can drink like a fish, Grand Tutor Yu.”

“Lord Chu,” I said, knowing I could not drink any more, “you’ve finally gotten your chance to watch me make a fool of myself.”

He gave a soft snort and countered, “Yu’er, are you asking me to watch you make a fool of yourself, or inviting me to take advantage of you?”

Drunk though I was, I still understood that. Forcing my bleary eyes open, I glared at him. “Lord Chu, I will most certainly submit a memorial impeaching you for that.”

“You may impeach me if you like, Grand Tutor Yu, but first, pay me back for half the wine.”

I decided I might as well remain thoroughly drunk and simply waited for the servants from my estate to carry me home.

As for that man surnamed Chu, he paid the bill and left on his own without waiting for me.