The Golden Flute Chapter 14

Lu Sian’s words truly pierced his heart. The girl had admitted in front of the crowd that only Kwee Seng was capable of matching her, yet, regardless of that, the youth might not necessarily become her destined partner! He felt increasingly displeased, disgusted, and hateful witnessing Lu Sian’s attitude, especially recalling how the girl would surely have killed her six opponents earlier had he not intervened quickly. He hated her more, but also loved her more! The longer he stayed close to this girl, the greater her attraction dominated his heart.

"Kwee-koko, in your song just now, you mentioned a fan and a flute. Regarding your fan, I have seen it and know its prowess. But concerning the flute, do you possess a flute, and are you skilled at playing the flute and using it as a weapon?"

"I am a failed former scholar; usually, I just fan myself to cool my hot head and then entertain myself with the sound of a flute. I did possess a flute previously, but the object was destroyed when I met Ban-pi Locia (The Locia with Ten Thousand Arms) at See-ouw Lake (West Lake)."

Her beautiful eyes widened, full of attention and curiosity.

"What? You truly met that ok-hengcia (evil priest)? I once heard from Father that that mighty priest is extremely lewd and wicked, but possesses extraordinary martial skill. Father himself once clashed with Ban-pi Lo-cia, fighting for two days and two nights without either side losing or winning. Only out of concern that continuing the match would result in both their deaths did they halt the fight. And you met him? Fought him? And your flute was destroyed by him? Ah, Kwee-koko, were you defeated by him?"

Kwee Seng fanned his neck, which felt hot from the effects of the wine.

"He is indeed formidable, but also wicked beyond measure. I met him purely by chance when I was touring See-ouw Lake."

The youth then recounted his experience as follows. A few months ago, during his aimless wanderings, Kwee Seng arrived at See-ouw Lake. This West Lake has been famous since ancient times, for its vastness, its beauty, and its fresh, comfortable air.

The water ripples blue as fine velvet

a resting mat cushioned with feathers

lotus flowers of various colors beautifully adorn it

courted and charmed by brightly colored goldfish

boating on the west lake bathed in moonlight

drink wine, and after that, even death holds no regret!

This song was often sung by boatmen who rented their boats to travelers. Travelers classified as poor were satisfied just walking around the lake; those classified as comfortable were satisfied renting a small boat facing a jar of wine. However, for the wealthy travelers, the activities varied greatly. They would certainly rent large boats that had sheltered and enclosed cabins, order luxurious wine and delicious dishes, and then also summon courtesans to serve them food and drink while listening to several female singers play the yangqin and sing. Parties like this were held almost every night during the dry season, making the West Lake extremely lively.

When Kwee Seng arrived at See-ouw Lake unintentionally, the atmosphere there was extremely lively because the summer season had arrived. When the summer heat raged, many rich people and officials felt uncomfortable staying in the city and many evacuated for a few days or weeks to See-ouw Lake where they could entertain their bodies and minds, only remembering to return home when their money was completely squandered! Upon seeing a handsome youth in neat scholar's attire arriving alone, the boatmen immediately swarmed him, offering their boats.

"Come, Kongcu (Young Master), my boat is clean and empty! I will order the best Hang-ciu wine! Does Kongcu need the most delicious dishes? The Can-lok restaurant or a troupe of singers? Auntie Cong’s girls are beautiful, young, and have voices of gold, or perhaps Kongcu would prefer, ehmm, to be accompanied by a beautiful celestial maiden? Just choose according to Kongcu’s taste."

Thus, they clamored, offering everything from boats to courtesans. Kwee Seng smiled and waved his hand, telling them not to chatter continuously and cause a racket.

"Listen carefully, don't make noise among yourselves!"

he said, laughing.

"I only need a small boat that can seat two, without oars. A small boat that is clean and not leaking, open without a cabin. Then, you may provide wine and two cups, a few kinds of hot dishes, and then you may call a courtesan who is skilled at conversation, skilled at playing the yangqin and flute, skilled at singing, and skilled at playing chess."

"Wow, inviting a celestial maiden for a pleasure trip, why use a small, open boat, Siangkong (Young Master)? I have a large one, with a clean and comfortable cabin, undisturbed from the outside—"

Kwee Seng smiled again, and his cheeks were slightly red. This youth did not abstain from enjoying himself with women, but only up to the limit of chatting and conversing happily, joking around, playing chess, or listening to the beauty sing, play the yangqin, or blow the flute.

"I want to rent a small, open boat without oars, do you have one? Yes! Yes! Don't worry, Kongcu, my boat is small, clean, painted blue, and guaranteed not to leak. Fifteen *cni* for the whole night!"

"And the woman I want, do you have her? Skilled at conversation, skilled at music, singing, and skilled at chess, and doesn't refuse to drink wine!"

"Ah, ah, one that skilled, it seems, is only Ang-siauw-hwa (Red Little Flower). The most beautiful and most expensive celestial maiden here!"

"Good! Call Ang-siauw-hwa for me,"

Kwee Seng said, pleased.

"Ah, impossible, Kongcu. Let me call Kim-bwe (Golden Plum Blossom) who is also skilled in everything, even if she is not as beautiful as Ang-siauw-hwa, or Kim-lian (Golden Lotus) who is skilled at playing the flute and is beautiful, but she is not skilled at chess and does not like drinking wine."

Kwee Seng was already disappointed.

"No, I want that Ang-siauw-hwa. Why is it impossible to call her? What is her price? I can pay!"

The men shook their heads, and a middle-aged man spoke, his voice low as if afraid of being overheard,

"Kongcu, you do not know. Ang-siauw-hwa is extremely famous here, and whenever an official comes touring, she is certainly requested. It is strange, indeed, that even though Ang-siauw-hwa is the flower of all the women here, she is not an ordinary courtesan. She is only willing to serve by conversing and singing, playing chess or drinking wine, even composing poetry, but it has never been heard that Ang-siauw-hwa would agree to anything improper."

"Good, she is my choice! Call her!"

Kwee Seng was very interested. However, the men shook their heads.

"Right now, she is on the boat of Lim-wangwe (Wealthy Man Lim), whose boat can be seen over there." He pointed toward the middle of the lake where Lim-wangwe’s own boat was visible, hosting a party with five martial experts who were his guests. Ang-siauw-hwa had been there since morning; perhaps they would party until dawn. "Now, listen, that is the sound of Ang-siauw-hwa playing the flute."

Coincidentally, the wind blew from the direction of the lake, and Kwee Seng’s ears caught the melodious and delicate sound of the flute.

"It is better not to call her, Kongcu. There are many others, Kongcu may choose for yourself. Ang-siauw-hwa only brings trouble."

"Ah, why?"

Kwee Seng was surprised. Several people gave signals, but the speaker seemed to have already gone too far and said, "There was a commotion this morning because of her. Lo Houw (Old Tiger), a famous pugilist in this area, insisted on taking Ang-siauw-hwa, and even though the woman had already been called by Lim-wangwe, Lo Houw did not care and tried to snatch Ang-siauw-hwa, even uttering insults toward Lim-wangwe. Then he approached Lim-wangwe with his boat, and all of us were worried. We know the cruelty and prowess of Lo Houw, and we care for Lim-wangwe, who is gentle-hearted and likes to help us poor folk. But what happened? Lo Houw attacked there with his boat, but he returned to the shore soaking wet!"

The man laughed, and the others also laughed, although their laughter was accompanied by glances left and right, looking afraid of being seen by others.

"Ah, what happened?"

Kwee Seng was increasingly interested.

"The story goes, according to a boatman who happened to be nearby, that Lo Houw leaped onto the large boat and hurled insults. But suddenly, one of Lim-wangwe’s guests appeared, and in just a few moves, the famous Lo Houw was thrown into the water!"

"Haha, he had to swim to the shore!"

said another person. Kwee Seng smiled. Such an incident was not strange to him, who was accustomed to encountering battle events far more serious.

"Never mind, if she is serving that wealthy man, I won't insist on having her accompany me. Just give me a good small boat, provide one jar of wine and cups along with a little roasted meat, three kinds of vegetables, and a little rice. Here is the money; you may keep the change."

Kwee Seng took out two pieces of silver money, which the middle-aged boatman received with deep bows, feeling that fortune had fallen upon him.

"Hey, you ragged boatman! Quickly prepare the best boat, five jars of fragrant wine, five catties of meat, five kinds of vegetables, five catties of noodles, and five sweet young beautiful maidens! Eh, that flower of the courtesans you were just gossiping about, what is her name?"