Chapter Twenty-Nine: Butterfly in Love with Flowers!

As the melody faded, Zhou Yun set down her jade flute and smiled, asking, "Master Jiang Han, how was my performance?"

Jiang Han nodded, replying, "I am no expert in music, yet I found myself completely captivated. Your skill is truly masterful, Miss Zhou Yun."

Zhou Yun’s cheeks flushed as she asked, "Could you discern anything from the sound of the flute?"

This was a test. If Jiang Han failed to answer, he would likely spend the night just sitting there. If he succeeded, he would still be sitting there all night, but the outcome would be different.

Jiang Han mused, "Your flute song sounded like weeping and pleading. At one moment, I felt as though I were in an ancient temple deep within a forest; the next, I was by the waters of a peach blossom pool, and then, in a secluded valley of orchids... It seems you have some hidden sorrow you cannot voice, and can only entrust to the music."

This was pure fabrication. He could hear no such thing, but he guessed that a woman living in a pleasure house would inevitably have secrets she could not share.

Zhou Yun’s expression shifted, her eyes turning red. She gazed at him infatuatedly and whispered, "And you claimed you didn't understand music..."

The courtesan’s gaze was practically melting.

Jiang Han poured himself a cup of tea and downed it to suppress the heat rising within him, choosing a new topic. "Miss Zhou Yun, you are peerless in both talent and beauty. Many scholars and merchants would spend a fortune for you; has no one ever offered to redeem your freedom?"

"Alas, those men only care for my fame and looks. It is all a performance—where is the sincerity?" Zhou Yun sighed mournfully. "Besides, I am fading with age. In another two years, I will be nothing but a withered willow; who would care for me then?"

She was exaggerating; at twenty-two or twenty-three, she was far from old. However, in this world, women married young, and by twenty, one was already considered an aging spinster. Her prime was indeed passing.

Jiang Han offered a compliment: "Miss Zhou Yun, your beauty is unparalleled; you will remain as stunning in two years as you are today."

Zhou Yun burst into a giggle, looking even more radiant. Though pleased, she replied, "You flatter me, Master. Take Chu Xian’er, the top courtesan of Guiyue House, for instance. She is known for her 'Green Snake Waist,' and her fame rivals my own. And she is only eighteen, while I am already twenty-three. In two years, I shall certainly be eclipsed by others."

*Chu Xian’er? A Green Snake Waist? I must find time to see that...* Jiang Han continued his flattery, and soon the courtesan was beaming, her eyes filled with tenderness.

Zhou Yun bit her lip, which was as delicate as a drop of dew, and asked, "Master, it is getting late... Would you be willing to join me in the mountains of Wushan, to share in the clouds and rain?"

*The mountains of Wushan, the clouds and rain?* What a refined way to put it.

Jiang Han’s breathing quickened. As the saying goes, a young lady’s favor is like shifting clouds. Before him was a beautiful, tender girl, seemingly waiting to be plucked—how could he resist?

Seeing his tension, Zhou Yun paused, pouting slightly. "Master, have you never been with a woman before?"

*Ah, well... I am indeed a virgin in this life.* Seeing his awkwardness, a look of joy crossed her face. She said, shyly yet happily, "Then let me serve you, Master!"

Jiang Han quickly replied, "Wait, Miss Zhou Yun. In truth, I came here today for another reason as well."

Zhou Yun was taken aback. "Please, speak your mind."

Jiang Han continued, "What you said earlier is not without merit. If we speak only of beauty, Chu Xian’er of Guiyue House may not compare to you, but she is younger... With new pleasure houses constantly emerging and new courtesans being groomed, even with your peerless talent and beauty, it is hard to stay at the top. Scholars love beauty, but they are fickle. In a few years, as more courtesans appear, who will remember you? You would inevitably end up as the wife of some merchant."

Zhou Yun sighed deeply. The words were painful, yet true. "You are right, Master. It is an unavoidable fate."

Jiang Han smiled. "I have a plan that will not only help you surpass all others but also make your name known throughout the world."

Stunned, Zhou Yun asked, "You are not joking with me, are you?"

Jiang Han asked, "Have you ever used scented balm?"

"Naturally." She nodded, opening a vanity box filled with various jars of ointment.

Jiang Han smiled. "I have something to give you." He took a small glass bottle from his robe and placed it in her hand.

Curious, Zhou Yun pulled the wooden stopper and sniffed. Her eyes lit up as she looked at him in surprise. "Master, this is..."

"This is 'Hidden Fragrance Dew.' It may not necessarily be better than your balm, but the floral scent is more unique," Jiang Han explained.

Zhou Yun said, "I have heard of this. It is incredibly expensive and always in short supply... but surely, this alone cannot make me the foremost among all women?"

Jiang Han chuckled. "Of course not... Do you know what matters most for a top courtesan?"

Zhou Yun pondered for a moment. "It is talent."

"Exactly," Jiang Han nodded. To be a top courtesan, beauty is not enough; one must possess talent. What they sell is no longer just their looks, but their artistry. "Every courtesan has her specialty. Your flute playing is peerless, but it is hard to spread its fame widely. However, if a poem were written specifically for you, one that makes a splash in Luoyang, you would rise with it. With that poem, your status would be unshakeable, and countless scholars would come just to hear your name."

Zhou Yun listened intently and sighed softly. "You are right, but great poems are rare. To make a name for oneself—how could it be so easy?"

Jiang Han asked, "What do you think of my talent?"

Zhou Yun was startled, then mused, "You are overflowing with talent, the most gifted man I have ever met."

Jiang Han smiled. "If I were to write a poem for you, one that makes you known throughout the world and hailed as the greatest beauty in Luoyang, how would you repay me?"

"This..." Zhou Yun was stunned. She had seen him write poetry, and it was decent, but to make her famous worldwide? Wasn't he being a bit too confident? "Master, poetry is not so simple. One poem..."

Jiang Han laughed. "If you do not believe me, please fetch a brush."

"As you wish." Zhou Yun nodded and brought the four treasures of the study.

Jiang Han took the brush, glanced at Zhou Yun, and began to write: *The Butterfly Loves the Flower*.

Zhou Yun took one look—the calligraphy was truly atrocious! But then she looked again, and her entire body froze.

Once he finished, Zhou Yun stood rigid, trembling slightly. She looked up, her eyes red and filling with tears. "Master... this poem of yours... it breaks my heart!"