Liu Dan, moneybag
“You said you were here to buy silver needles, didn’t you?” The scholar’s face turned red with embarrassment and annoyance.
Meng Qi brushed his sleeve, stepping ahead of Mo Li to say, “The doctor is here to buy silver needles. I just happened to buy a few fan faces at Fengxing Pavilion and overheard the sir’s muttering. I couldn’t help but blurt out. If there’s any offense to the sir, please forgive us.”
The scholar wanted to refuse them entry but, due to previous experiences, dared not get angry.
Looking at Mo Li again, seeing no trace of disdain or scorn in his demeanor, the scholar felt somewhat better.
“You all… fine, come in,” the scholar said, annoyed.
After all, it wasn’t suitable to argue at the doorstep, risking being overheard and inviting bigger trouble.
This was a very simple courtyard, poorly oriented, not a neat square but a narrow strip, requiring one to sidestep upon entering.
The walls were covered with moss, the surface mottled.
Next to the main house was a ladder, beside which lay a stack of tiles.
“It rained a few days ago, and the house hasn’t been fixed yet.”
The scholar stepped over a puddle in the courtyard, speaking in an unfriendly tone, “There’s no paint at home. With the drizzling rain in spring, if the house isn’t fixed, I’m not in the mood to paint.”
“Sir, do not be annoyed, we are not here to request paintings.”
Mo Li, seeing the scholar cared much, could only speak up to explain.
—Scholars writing storybooks wouldn’t dare use their real names, let alone paint erotic pictures.
Somehow the name had slipped out, and Mo Li was somewhat regretful, as it wasn’t gentlemanly. Since the other party didn’t wish to admit it, and it wasn’t a matter to be openly discussed, it shouldn’t have been mentioned.
As for their actual appreciation of the unique painting techniques and the spirited strokes, regardless of what was depicted in the paintings, there was no need to explain further, as it could make matters worse.
Mo Li knew how to use the right tone to soothe and how to make others believe his words.
This was something Meng Qi couldn’t do.
Or rather, Meng Qi couldn’t dispel someone’s wariness in just a sentence or two.
The scholar’s expression softened a bit, thinking it was all Fengxing Pavilion’s fault. That bunch, greedy for money, willing to sell any information for a price, was utterly unreliable.
The scholar went inside to fetch the silver needles.
Mo Li didn’t follow, as etiquette dictated that even if invited into a home, one should wait outside on the stone steps unless specifically gestured to enter.
—Seeking trouble wasn’t an exception.
Thus, regardless of whether it was a dilapidated house with nothing to see or a wealthy compound with many sections, one should not enter uninvited.
Meng Qi had planned to wait with Mo Li in the courtyard but, thinking of Lu Min at the alley’s entrance, had to go check on him to prevent the Second Prince from getting lost among the old houses and ruins.
So, when the scholar came out, he only saw Mo Li waiting outside.
He wasn’t interested in asking more, just wanted to finish the business quickly and send them away.
The scholar brought out two crude wooden cases, each wrapped in cloth. Opening them revealed two rows of silver needles neatly arranged inside each case, making four rows in total, a considerable quantity.
The needles varied in length and thickness.
The upper end of each needle had a handle, slightly rounded, with a different sheen than the needle point.
Besides, there were six polished stone needles and bone needles in the case.
Mo Li could tell at a glance that the craftsman who cast these needles was skilled; the needles were smooth, the finest among them as thin as a hair.
Physicians generally call all acupuncture needles “silver needles,” but not every set is made of silver, though their sharpness and brightness might suggest so. In reality, both gold and silver needles cannot be made too thin, as they would be too soft and easily break.
Mo Li was skilled in martial arts and acupuncture, preferring finer needles for his practice.
However, the silver needles available in the market seldom met his standards.
“Are these needles made by you, sir?”
“My ancestors and my father were both physicians. I learned acupuncture from a young age, but my skills were not proficient enough to practice medicine. After our family fell on hard times, I hid my name and learned some skills from a goldsmith in Yuegui Alley. I can’t make delicate jewelry, but making silver needles is no problem,” the scholar sighed.
Scholars could not engage in trade and could only earn a living by writing letters for others.
“I was lucky that at the age of twenty, the Chu Dynasty was open-minded and did not forbid scholars from learning skills considered to be unorthodox, as long as the items made were not sold publicly. If one insisted it was a personal hobby, forging swords, gardening, or brewing wine were all permissible without the need to sneak around. After the fall of the Chu Dynasty, one had to sell such items in secret.”
Being well-known previously helped, but now, without daring to draw attention, finding another source of income was necessary.
The scholar’s unfinished words were also a defense for “Sir Jinshui.”
Mo Li carefully thought about it and realized why those erotic paintings were so well-done, harmonizing the figures with the background and maintaining correct proportions of bodies and limbs. Even though they were erotic, they lacked a crude feel.
It turned out the painter had studied medicine and understood acupuncture.
Mo Li counted his money and reluctantly gave up the idea of ordering a set of gold needles from the scholar, finally choosing a set with fewer silver needles but finer in quality.
“This set is eight taels of silver, I can’t go any lower,” the scholar quoted cautiously, afraid Mo Li would find it too expensive.
Remembering the twenty taels of silver he had carelessly given to Fengxing Pavilion, Mo Li fell into silence.
Quality silver needles were hard to come by; if one was in a hurry and did not want to bother negotiating, a higher price was expected. The twenty taels included the fee for Fengxing Pavilion’s services, which was reasonable as everyone needed to make a profit for their efforts.
But ten taels for a map from Fengxing Pavilion was excessive—
Fortunately, Meng Qi had stolen a bunch of official robes in a fit of anger.
Mo Li silently took out a silver note and handed ten taels to the scholar.
“Don’t you have any change or copper coins? I can’t make change.”
“No need.”
As Mo Li was about to leave, he heard the scholar insist, “This isn’t right. It’s not proper to overcharge.”
“Your needle-making skill deserves this price,” Mo Li planned to practice medicine diligently with the silver needles to earn money, rather than relying on Meng Qi to rob or steal official robes.
“That’s not acceptable. I quoted eight taels of silver, how could I possibly ask for more?”
The scholar was stubborn. Seeing Mo Li about to leave and unable to catch up, he couldn’t help but follow and suggest, “Since your friend likes paintings, why not take a scroll as compensation?”
Mo Li: “…”
Moments later, Meng Qi saw the physician coming out with a small box and carrying a scroll.
“What’s this, an acupuncture chart?” Meng Qi asked curiously.
“A new map? What else are you buying?” Lu Min also joined in the inquiry.
Mo Li expressionlessly handed the scroll to Meng Qi.
“Don’t open it here.”
With those words, Meng Qi immediately understood what it was and couldn’t help but ask, “How did you get it? Didn’t the person say they weren’t selling?”
“An extra.”
“The physician truly shares my style…”
“Two taels of silver.”
“What?” Meng Qi quickly asked, “What kind of painting is it? Did you give it to Fengxing Pavilion?”
Mo Li shook his head.
Meng Qi pondered whether to go back and extort Fengxing Pavilion.
***
In Taijing, at the Lincheng Gate,
the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites looked anxiously at the tightly shut city gates. He had heard on his way that something had happened in the capital, and the gates had been locked for several days, with the capital’s military camp moving back and forth through the countryside.
In fact, they were escorted here after encountering the army from the capital’s camp.
Feeling the intense gaze behind him, Vice Minister He shivered with fear.
This trip to pay respects at the imperial tombs was fraught with difficulties, including the trouble caused by the Sixth Prince, who spoke without restraint and often sneaked out to play.
General Liu, who had come to the capital with them, was of no help, failing to offer any solutions and merely smoothing things over, letting the Sixth Prince run wild, proving himself utterly incompetent and useless!
The martial artists were even worse, fighting among themselves and invading the imperial tombs, damaging the military camp stationed there, and injuring many. It was utterly despicable. When the news reached Taijing, the Emperor was furious, and it was uncertain whether this would affect him as well.
As if that weren’t bad enough, upon reaching Taijing, he was hit with even worse news.
The Second Prince had plotted rebellion!
It was unclear whether the Sixth Prince, who was with him, was involved or not.
Truly, the dynasty was unstable, and chaos was everywhere.
Vice Minister He was extremely anxious, worried not only about whether the senior officials of his faction were implicated in the treason but also about the situation inside Taijing. He looked at the heavily guarded and militarized city walls and dared not even breathe too loudly.
“The verification is correct, open the gates.”
“Welcome the Sixth Prince back to the palace.”
Hearing these shouts and seeing the city gates slowly opening, Vice Minister He finally breathed a sigh of relief.
“Achoo!”
General Liu instinctively covered his nose, but his throat itched, and he sneezed a second time.
Those around him were startled, and the soldiers escorting them quickly pointed their spears at Liu Dan, his personal guards, and the Jinyiwei tasked with protecting the Sixth Prince.
Vice Minister He nearly fell off his horse, scared out of his wits.
The Sixth Prince lifted the curtain of the carriage, looking at the overly cautious crowd with a mocking smile, as if watching a monkey show.
“General Liu, what are you doing?” Vice Minister He couldn’t save face, and scolded in a low voice.
“Perhaps it’s because of the dust…”
Liu Dan mumbled, not because he was backing down, but because the situation was unclear, and he didn’t even know if the throne had changed hands.
The crowd put away their weapons, and the convoy slowly entered the city.
Liu Dan frowned deeply, and under the cover of the sound of horse hooves, he said to his personal guards, “This may be a sign, be very careful.”
The personal guards became serious upon hearing this.
After a while, one of them couldn’t help but ask, “General, is this ominous sign related to us, or is it related to the money bag?”
Liu Dan, moneybag
“You said you were here to buy silver needles, didn’t you?” The scholar’s face turned red with embarrassment and annoyance.
Meng Qi brushed his sleeve, stepping ahead of Mo Li to say, “The doctor is here to buy silver needles. I just happened to buy a few fan faces at Fengxing Pavilion and overheard the sir’s muttering. I couldn’t help but blurt out. If there’s any offense to the sir, please forgive us.”
The scholar wanted to refuse them entry but, due to previous experiences, dared not get angry.
Looking at Mo Li again, seeing no trace of disdain or scorn in his demeanor, the scholar felt somewhat better.
“You all… fine, come in,” the scholar said, annoyed.
After all, it wasn’t suitable to argue at the doorstep, risking being overheard and inviting bigger trouble.
This was a very simple courtyard, poorly oriented, not a neat square but a narrow strip, requiring one to sidestep upon entering.
The walls were covered with moss, the surface mottled.
Next to the main house was a ladder, beside which lay a stack of tiles.
“It rained a few days ago, and the house hasn’t been fixed yet.”
The scholar stepped over a puddle in the courtyard, speaking in an unfriendly tone, “There’s no paint at home. With the drizzling rain in spring, if the house isn’t fixed, I’m not in the mood to paint.”
“Sir, do not be annoyed, we are not here to request paintings.”
Mo Li, seeing the scholar cared much, could only speak up to explain.
—Scholars writing storybooks wouldn’t dare use their real names, let alone paint erotic pictures.
Somehow the name had slipped out, and Mo Li was somewhat regretful, as it wasn’t gentlemanly. Since the other party didn’t wish to admit it, and it wasn’t a matter to be openly discussed, it shouldn’t have been mentioned.
As for their actual appreciation of the unique painting techniques and the spirited strokes, regardless of what was depicted in the paintings, there was no need to explain further, as it could make matters worse.
Mo Li knew how to use the right tone to soothe and how to make others believe his words.
This was something Meng Qi couldn’t do.
Or rather, Meng Qi couldn’t dispel someone’s wariness in just a sentence or two.
The scholar’s expression softened a bit, thinking it was all Fengxing Pavilion’s fault. That bunch, greedy for money, willing to sell any information for a price, was utterly unreliable.
The scholar went inside to fetch the silver needles.
Mo Li didn’t follow, as etiquette dictated that even if invited into a home, one should wait outside on the stone steps unless specifically gestured to enter.
—Seeking trouble wasn’t an exception.
Thus, regardless of whether it was a dilapidated house with nothing to see or a wealthy compound with many sections, one should not enter uninvited.
Meng Qi had planned to wait with Mo Li in the courtyard but, thinking of Lu Min at the alley’s entrance, had to go check on him to prevent the Second Prince from getting lost among the old houses and ruins.
So, when the scholar came out, he only saw Mo Li waiting outside.
He wasn’t interested in asking more, just wanted to finish the business quickly and send them away.
The scholar brought out two crude wooden cases, each wrapped in cloth. Opening them revealed two rows of silver needles neatly arranged inside each case, making four rows in total, a considerable quantity.
The needles varied in length and thickness.
The upper end of each needle had a handle, slightly rounded, with a different sheen than the needle point.
Besides, there were six polished stone needles and bone needles in the case.
Mo Li could tell at a glance that the craftsman who cast these needles was skilled; the needles were smooth, the finest among them as thin as a hair.
Physicians generally call all acupuncture needles “silver needles,” but not every set is made of silver, though their sharpness and brightness might suggest so. In reality, both gold and silver needles cannot be made too thin, as they would be too soft and easily break.
Mo Li was skilled in martial arts and acupuncture, preferring finer needles for his practice.
However, the silver needles available in the market seldom met his standards.
“Are these needles made by you, sir?”
“My ancestors and my father were both physicians. I learned acupuncture from a young age, but my skills were not proficient enough to practice medicine. After our family fell on hard times, I hid my name and learned some skills from a goldsmith in Yuegui Alley. I can’t make delicate jewelry, but making silver needles is no problem,” the scholar sighed.
Scholars could not engage in trade and could only earn a living by writing letters for others.
“I was lucky that at the age of twenty, the Chu Dynasty was open-minded and did not forbid scholars from learning skills considered to be unorthodox, as long as the items made were not sold publicly. If one insisted it was a personal hobby, forging swords, gardening, or brewing wine were all permissible without the need to sneak around. After the fall of the Chu Dynasty, one had to sell such items in secret.”
Being well-known previously helped, but now, without daring to draw attention, finding another source of income was necessary.
The scholar’s unfinished words were also a defense for “Sir Jinshui.”
Mo Li carefully thought about it and realized why those erotic paintings were so well-done, harmonizing the figures with the background and maintaining correct proportions of bodies and limbs. Even though they were erotic, they lacked a crude feel.
It turned out the painter had studied medicine and understood acupuncture.
Mo Li counted his money and reluctantly gave up the idea of ordering a set of gold needles from the scholar, finally choosing a set with fewer silver needles but finer in quality.
“This set is eight taels of silver, I can’t go any lower,” the scholar quoted cautiously, afraid Mo Li would find it too expensive.
Remembering the twenty taels of silver he had carelessly given to Fengxing Pavilion, Mo Li fell into silence.
Quality silver needles were hard to come by; if one was in a hurry and did not want to bother negotiating, a higher price was expected. The twenty taels included the fee for Fengxing Pavilion’s services, which was reasonable as everyone needed to make a profit for their efforts.
But ten taels for a map from Fengxing Pavilion was excessive—
Fortunately, Meng Qi had stolen a bunch of official robes in a fit of anger.
Mo Li silently took out a silver note and handed ten taels to the scholar.
“Don’t you have any change or copper coins? I can’t make change.”
“No need.”
As Mo Li was about to leave, he heard the scholar insist, “This isn’t right. It’s not proper to overcharge.”
“Your needle-making skill deserves this price,” Mo Li planned to practice medicine diligently with the silver needles to earn money, rather than relying on Meng Qi to rob or steal official robes.
“That’s not acceptable. I quoted eight taels of silver, how could I possibly ask for more?”
The scholar was stubborn. Seeing Mo Li about to leave and unable to catch up, he couldn’t help but follow and suggest, “Since your friend likes paintings, why not take a scroll as compensation?”
Mo Li: “…”
Moments later, Meng Qi saw the physician coming out with a small box and carrying a scroll.
“What’s this, an acupuncture chart?” Meng Qi asked curiously.
“A new map? What else are you buying?” Lu Min also joined in the inquiry.
Mo Li expressionlessly handed the scroll to Meng Qi.
“Don’t open it here.”
With those words, Meng Qi immediately understood what it was and couldn’t help but ask, “How did you get it? Didn’t the person say they weren’t selling?”
“An extra.”
“The physician truly shares my style…”
“Two taels of silver.”
“What?” Meng Qi quickly asked, “What kind of painting is it? Did you give it to Fengxing Pavilion?”
Mo Li shook his head.
Meng Qi pondered whether to go back and extort Fengxing Pavilion.
***
In Taijing, at the Lincheng Gate,
the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites looked anxiously at the tightly shut city gates. He had heard on his way that something had happened in the capital, and the gates had been locked for several days, with the capital’s military camp moving back and forth through the countryside.
In fact, they were escorted here after encountering the army from the capital’s camp.
Feeling the intense gaze behind him, Vice Minister He shivered with fear.
This trip to pay respects at the imperial tombs was fraught with difficulties, including the trouble caused by the Sixth Prince, who spoke without restraint and often sneaked out to play.
General Liu, who had come to the capital with them, was of no help, failing to offer any solutions and merely smoothing things over, letting the Sixth Prince run wild, proving himself utterly incompetent and useless!
The martial artists were even worse, fighting among themselves and invading the imperial tombs, damaging the military camp stationed there, and injuring many. It was utterly despicable. When the news reached Taijing, the Emperor was furious, and it was uncertain whether this would affect him as well.
As if that weren’t bad enough, upon reaching Taijing, he was hit with even worse news.
The Second Prince had plotted rebellion!
It was unclear whether the Sixth Prince, who was with him, was involved or not.
Truly, the dynasty was unstable, and chaos was everywhere.
Vice Minister He was extremely anxious, worried not only about whether the senior officials of his faction were implicated in the treason but also about the situation inside Taijing. He looked at the heavily guarded and militarized city walls and dared not even breathe too loudly.
“The verification is correct, open the gates.”
“Welcome the Sixth Prince back to the palace.”
Hearing these shouts and seeing the city gates slowly opening, Vice Minister He finally breathed a sigh of relief.
“Achoo!”
General Liu instinctively covered his nose, but his throat itched, and he sneezed a second time.
Those around him were startled, and the soldiers escorting them quickly pointed their spears at Liu Dan, his personal guards, and the Jinyiwei tasked with protecting the Sixth Prince.
Vice Minister He nearly fell off his horse, scared out of his wits.
The Sixth Prince lifted the curtain of the carriage, looking at the overly cautious crowd with a mocking smile, as if watching a monkey show.
“General Liu, what are you doing?” Vice Minister He couldn’t save face, and scolded in a low voice.
“Perhaps it’s because of the dust…”
Liu Dan mumbled, not because he was backing down, but because the situation was unclear, and he didn’t even know if the throne had changed hands.
The crowd put away their weapons, and the convoy slowly entered the city.
Liu Dan frowned deeply, and under the cover of the sound of horse hooves, he said to his personal guards, “This may be a sign, be very careful.”
The personal guards became serious upon hearing this.
After a while, one of them couldn’t help but ask, “General, is this ominous sign related to us, or is it related to the money bag?”
