The Four Great Courtesans

Xu Mo twirled a folding fan in his hand, gazing at the stage downstairs. "Young Master Shen's rendition of 'Groping for Fish - Wild Goose Mound' is True Intention. Master Bai's melody is also perfectly matched, bringing out the poignant yet persistent spirit in the lyrics to life. It's absolutely a timeless masterpiece."

Shen Jingchuan picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and waved his hand with a smile, "Brother Xu, you flatter me. It was just something I wrote on a whim, inspired by the scenery. It doesn't deserve such high praise."

The words had barely left her lips when soft footsteps sounded outside the door. A young maid in a light green dress stood at the entrance, gave a respectful curtsy, and spoke in a soft voice:

"Excuse me, gentlemen. My Shi Qin, just heard the poem written by Young Master Shen and liked it very much. She would like to come and offer you a cup in person. I wonder if it would be convenient for you?"

Before Shen Jingchuan could respond, a maid in a pale yellow dress followed behind him, bowing respectfully as well. "My young lady, Si Qi, admires your talent, sir, and wishes to pay her respects."

Zhou Tong slammed his hand on the table and said loudly with a laugh:

"Wow, Young Master Shen! You might not know, but the West Phoenix Tower has four top courtesans, renowned for their mastery of the Four Paragons of Music, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting, and painting. Shiqin is the best at Shi Qin, and Si Qi is an expert in chess. These two rarely come out to see guests, yet they've both come to visit one after the other today!"

Before he could finish speaking, footsteps sounded again, and two more maids approached one after the other, bowing in unison.

"My daughter, Zhi Shu, has come especially to greet you, young master."

"My lady, Ru Hua, wishes to offer you a cup of wine, sir."

The four maids stood quietly in a row, their eyes lowered as they awaited a reply, even their breathing was very soft, and the doorway to the private room fell silent for a moment.

Su Yan's hand, holding the wine glass, froze in mid-air, staring blankly at the doorway for a long time.

"I used to hear people say that truly talented scholars are more popular in places like this than wealthy businessmen."

I've seen talented men being offered wine by courtesans before, just like any other social occasion, but I've never seen... all four top courtesans come to my door at once. Young Master Shen, your poem has probably caused quite a stir in the entire Phoenix Perching Tower."

Shen Jingchuan didn't look down on these top courtesans; he just found the social obligations of the entertainment industry troublesome and had no intention of getting involved in such matters.

But when he glanced up, he saw that the other three were all staring at him—they were coming for him, and no one else could make that decision.

Not wanting to spoil everyone's fun, he nodded to the maid at the door and said, "Since the ladies are so eager, please come in."

The four maids were immediately overjoyed. They curtsied in unison and turned to run back to report the news.

Before long, light footsteps echoed on both staircases, and four figures came up together, each with their own unique style, each followed by a personal maid. The eight of them stopped together under the eaves.

Shen Jingchuan and his group were originally sitting at a table near the railing outside the private room, but they could tell from the crowd that there wasn't enough room to sit down.

He had just stood up when the four girls stepped forward and curtsied in unison. "Greetings, Young Master Shen; greetings, gentlemen."

Shen Jingchuan quickly raised his hand to return the greeting, and Xu Mo, Zhou Tong, and Su Yan also followed suit.

"It's cramped outside," Shen Jingchuan stepped aside to open the door to the private room. "Come in and sit down; it'll be more spacious."

The four thanked him and followed him into the large private room. Shen Jingchuan was still sitting in the main seat, and the four girls' eyes unconsciously fell to his side.

Zhou Tong and the other two understood immediately and tactfully moved to the side, making room for him on either side. The four of them didn't refuse and sat down on either side, two on each side, with the maids standing quietly behind their respective young ladies.

The four men sat down and first offered each of the young masters a cup of wine. The most Zhi Shu, lightly touched the rim of his cup with his fingertips and spoke softly:

"Young Master Shen, you presented three excellent poems at yesterday's poetry gathering. In addition to the one you wrote when you entered the garden for the examination, your four poems have spread throughout the city in just two days. My sisters and I were all captivated by them."

The rendition of "Groping for Fish " by the Master Bai just now was truly moving. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to hear it today. We wonder if you, sir, could grant us sisters a poem, even a short one, to commemorate this special occasion.

As soon as he finished speaking, the other three girls also looked up at Shen Jingchuan, their eyes full of expectation, and they all whispered in agreement.

Shen Jingchuan instinctively wanted to decline, but he knew he had copied everything; he didn't have that kind of skill.

"Ladies, you flatter me. Poetry requires inspiration; it can't be recited fluently. I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you today."

Disappointment immediately appeared on the faces of the four girls.

At this moment, the door to the private room was gently pushed open, and Bai Ruoli walked in, dressed in a moon-white dress, followed only by a maid. She glanced at everyone and softly said to Shen Jingchuan:

"I heard that my four younger sisters are all asking for your Zimo, so I've dared to come and join in the fun. I wonder if you would be so kind as to grant me this honor?"

Shen Jingchuan was even more troubled. It would be easy to refuse others, but Bai Ruoli was the host of today's banquet, and she even arranged the private room. If he refused outright, it would be too disrespectful.

He had no choice but to stand up and gesture:

"Master Bai, you're too kind. Please have a seat."

Shen Jingchuan's left and right sides were already full, with no empty seats. Bai Ruoli didn't mind and went straight to the seat to his left.

After sitting down, Shen Jingchuan's heart pounded. He had prepared for the poetry gathering by memorizing only poems about the Mid-Autumn Festival and sentimental themes, and hadn't prepared any poems about beautiful women at all. Suddenly, a brilliant idea flashed into his mind—he had it!

Almost every China person knows Li Bai's line, "The clouds remind me of her clothes, the flowers of her face."

This phrase is perfect for praising a beauty of Bai Ruoli's caliber. Moreover, she is the host today, so giving her a gift first is both logical and a way to get through this immediate situation.

He smiled and looked at Bai Ruoli, saying:

"I saw Master Bai come in just now, and two short lines came to mind. They're not exactly masterpieces, but I'll give them to Master Bai."

Shen Jingchuan picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and recited the well-known poem:

"Clouds yearn for her garments, flowers for her face; the spring breeze caresses the balustrade, heavy with dew."

If not seen atop Mount Qunyu, then met beneath the moon on the Jade Terrace.