Chapter Five: Zhou Lang’s Appreciation of Music

Miaoyin Tower was a renowned music house in the region, beloved by scholars and musicians alike. Leyao was its star performer, with an oval face, phoenix eyes, voluptuous figure, and extraordinary beauty.

“Leyao, Zhou Lang is here again, and this time he’s brought another handsome young gentleman!”

“Fuer, don’t tease! Leyao’s heart is steadfast, all for Zhou Lang!”

Laughter filled the room, lively as birds at dawn. Leyao gazed into her bronze mirror, applying her makeup with a radiant smile. “Enough, sisters, go prepare yourselves.”

“Gongjin, war is about to break out. If I enter this place and my father finds out, won’t he kill me?”

“It’s precisely because war is looming that we should seize this moment for pleasure.”

At the entrance of Miaoyin Tower stood two elegant young men. One was full-faced and masculine, the other fair-skinned and strikingly handsome, drawing secret glances from the ladies.

They were Sun Ce and Zhou Yu.

Zhou Yu grinned mischievously at Sun Ce. “We’ve come all this way, and you truly won’t go in?”

“No.”

“Then I’ll go in first!” With a faint smile, Zhou Yu stepped inside.

Sun Ce hesitated at the door, cautiously scanning his surroundings, then sighed and followed. He found Zhou Yu already holding a wine cup, pouring himself a drink. Another cup sat opposite.

“You were so certain I’d come in,” Sun Ce smiled helplessly, looking at his friend.

Zhou Yu swirled his wine, smiling silently, and poured a cup for Sun Ce.

When the wine was ready, both drained their cups. Sun Ce, his eyes full of anticipation, said, “Gongjin, you are a man of great talent. Why not join the army this time and aid us?”

“I have no desire to enter official service yet, only to live as a carefree gentleman,” Zhou Yu replied with a gentle smile. “We’re here today for pleasure. If we speak of affairs of state, how can we enjoy ourselves?”

Leyao descended the wooden stairs, revealing long, tender legs and a graceful figure that intoxicated all who saw her.

Even Zhou Yu and Sun Ce, tipsy from their drinks, felt their hearts stirred. Zhou Yu, his handsome face especially pleasant, smiled. “Brother Bofu, this musical star is called Leyao. Isn’t she beautiful?”

“Mm… very beautiful,” Sun Ce finished his wine and poured more for both, “but with Dong Zhuo holding the emperor hostage and the lords vying for power, we shouldn’t linger in these gentle surroundings.”

“Is that truly what’s in your heart?” Zhou Yu looked deeply at Sun Ce. Sun Ce toyed with his cup, his gaze resolute. “When it comes to national affairs, who can indulge in romance? These pleasures are best saved for peace.”

Zhou Yu broke into laughter, startling those around them who were engrossed in the music, some of whom murmured in annoyance.

Leyao’s delicate fingers paused, unconcerned, though puzzled by Zhou Yu’s sudden laughter. “May I ask, Lord Gongjin, where did this humble girl err in her playing to make you laugh?”

“There was a mistake, but nothing serious! If you raised the pitch, it would sound even better.” Zhou Yu finished speaking and suddenly bowed formally to Sun Ce. “If ever I wish to serve, I hope Brother Bofu will grant me a place!”

Winter was approaching. Though the south was milder than the north, the cold was still keen.

Night had fallen. Taor was bundled in thick clothing, handing hot water to Jiang Wen, who had been waiting outside Zhou Yu’s house all day, but saw neither of the two.

“Master, we've waited so long with no sign of them. Should we return for now?”

“No. It’s said Lü Shang fished without a hook, and finally won the eager Zhou Wenwang. I am no Grand Tutor Lü, but I know this is an age of chaos, and in chaos we value talent over virtue!” Jiang Wen drank some hot water. “With such sincerity, he will surely meet me. Once we meet, I’ll have my chance.”

“Hahaha, Brother Bofu, look how flustered you are before a beauty. What happened to your dignity as a young general?”

“Brother Gongjin, that lady is clearly interested in you. Why won’t you respond? Are you truly so heartless?”

Sun Ce and Zhou Yu, supporting each other and swaying as they walked, exchanged banter.

Jiang Wen quickly stood up, but his legs gave way and he fell hard to the ground. Taor hurried to help him, worry in her eyes. Two figures approached, faces flushed from drink.

Jiang Wen, who had hoped for much, sighed at their state, knowing he would leave empty-handed.

“Let’s go.” Jiang Wen was silent as Taor helped him away from Zhou’s home, returning to the army camp.

Lu Meng had just finished the day’s drills and entered the tent.

“Brother Changsu, how did it go?”

Taor brought Jiang Wen a tub of hot water for his feet, and Lu Meng took one for himself.

Jiang Wen spoke quietly, “It wasn’t satisfactory, but for the young general Bofu, the gains were considerable.”

Lu Meng sat beside him, smiling. “Don’t be too discouraged. I’ve already recommended you to General Sun. He said there are matters to discuss, and he’ll speak with you another day!”

“Another day… but when will that be?” Still, seeing Lu Meng so happy, Jiang Wen said nothing to dampen his spirits.

“When will the army march?”

“In three days.”

As night deepened, Taor made sure her master was asleep before settling herself beside him.

In January of the year 190, the lords responded to Cao Cao’s call to raise arms against Dong Zhuo, and established Yuan Shao of Hebei as their leader, encamping three hundred li outside Hulao Pass.

At Sun Jian’s encampment.

Lu Meng, sword at his side and armored, entered Jiang Wen and Taor’s tent. Jiang Wen was studying a map of Hulao Pass.

Lu Meng removed his armor. “Brother Changsu, you follow the army but never fight, why do you study the maps so diligently?”

“In war, one must know the timing, the terrain, and the hearts of men. Though I do not fight, I understand the best strategy is to outwit the enemy.” Jiang Wen smiled and stepped to Lu Meng. “How are things today?”

“Frankly, I’m furious. These lords are all cowards, terrified of Dong Zhuo’s strength, and hesitate to advance.” Lu Meng drank some water, then slammed the cup down, but after a moment he began to smile. “Enough about that. Go brew some wine, something good will happen soon—”

“No wine. The rules forbid drinking during a campaign.”

A robust, handsome man entered from outside. Jiang Wen was briefly startled, then saw Lu Meng bow deeply. Jiang Wen also saluted.

“Lu Meng, Jiang Wen, pay respects to the young general!”

“Rise,” Sun Ce said, taking a seat nearby. “Ziming, is this the man you recommended to me?!”