After a male student transmigrated into the body of a widow,

Chapter 107 Miss Qingyi [3 words added]

After a while, the waiter brought over a pigeon soup, stir-fried river shrimp with chili, beef jerky, and fruit wine.

Gu Lin only ordered the first two items; he didn't order the beef jerky or fruit wine. Gu Lin looked up at the waiter.

The waiter explained with a smile, "Our manager heard that Mr. Gu was visiting Fulai Restaurant and should have come to entertain him, but the restaurant is too busy, so he asked us to serve you some beef jerky and fruit wine. We hope you enjoy your meal."

After figuring out the source of the beef jerky and fruit wine, Gu Lin stopped arguing and told the waiter to leave.

After the waiter left, Zheng Hao lifted the lid of the pigeon soup pot, picked up a spoon, and first ladled a bowl of hot soup for Gu Lin to warm him up.

Then, he parted his thin lips and asked, "Uncle Gu, do Fulai Restaurant and Haoyun Restaurant have a partnership? I noticed that you are quite familiar with the manager of Fulai Restaurant."

Zheng Hao ladled soup, and Gu Lin, having nothing to do, glanced at the white porcelain wine pot on the table. Having not touched wine for a long time, Gu Lin felt a little hungry.

He picked up the wine cup next to the wine pot, poured himself a cup of wine, and touched the wine with his lips. It was sweet and delicious, more like a fruit drink with a hint of alcohol than wine.

Knowing that Uncle Gu was drinking fruit wine that wouldn't make him drunk, Zheng Hao didn't try to stop him.

While drinking, Gu Lin answered Zheng Hao's question: "We're both restaurants, but Haoyunlou and Fulailou don't cooperate. However, once, when I was out, I encountered a lost child. When I took him home, I discovered that he was the lost grandson of the Fulailou manager. A few days ago, the wine merchant who supplies our Haoyunlou maliciously raised prices. After learning about this, the Fulailou manager, to repay me, recommended a reliable wine merchant to us."

After hearing the story of how Uncle Gu and the owner of Fu Lai Restaurant met, and that the other party had a grandson, Zheng Hao no longer cared.

A commotion came from outside, which drew Gu Lin's attention. He looked through the wooden window next to the table into the lobby on the first floor.

In the main hall, the manager of Fulai Restaurant first bowed and congratulated all the diners on the Mid-Autumn Festival, wishing them a joyous reunion. After exchanging auspicious words, the manager of Fulai Restaurant said, "Tonight, Fulai Restaurant is honored to have Miss Qingyi from Qingfeng Restaurant come to our humble abode to celebrate this festive occasion. On this beautiful night, as Miss Qingyi is nearing marriage, she also wishes to take this opportunity to find a suitable husband at Fulai Restaurant."

As soon as the manager of Fulai Restaurant finished speaking, a young girl with a thin veil over her face, wearing layers of light pink gauze, and with a youthful yet graceful figure came up.

The young woman steadied herself slightly, then bowed slightly to the crowd. A clear, sweet voice came through her veil: "This humble woman, Qingyi, greets everyone."

Upon seeing the young woman, a commotion erupted in the lobby. Gu Lin noticed that not only were the diners in the lobby excited upon hearing the name of Miss Qingyi, but some private rooms on the second floor also made some noise.

Gu Lin quickly figured out the relationship between Qingfeng Tower, Qingyi, and the young lady.

But if the other party is a brothel person, why would they come to Lucky Tower?

Gu Lin was somewhat puzzled.

Zheng Hao should have avoided discussing such matters between men and women with Uncle Gu. Neither his status nor his manners and etiquette would have allowed him to discuss these things with his elders.

When Zheng Hao saw the girl come out, his expression changed slightly, and he wanted to take Uncle Gu away.

Tonight, he deliberately avoided those places of extravagance and brought Uncle Gu to Jinhua Street, precisely because he didn't want the other man to get involved in anything dirty, and he didn't expect Fulai Restaurant to pull this stunt.

Zheng Hao did not answer. Gu Lin was still puzzled and raised his hand to ring the bell to call the waiter to come and ask. Zheng Hao saw this and said, "Uncle Gu, do you want to ask about Qingfeng Tower?"

Gu Lin turned to look at him upon hearing this, her expression questioning.

Zheng Hao replied, "It's best if Uncle Gu doesn't listen to such filthy things."

Gu Lin narrowed his eyes, his brows furrowing. The usually kind and mild-mannered man looked at Zheng Hao with a sharp and probing gaze, asking, "Have you been to Qingfeng Tower?"

Although brothels were legal in ancient times, Gu Lin adhered to his moral principles and never went there, and consequently, he did not allow Zheng Hao and Gu An to go either.

When questioned by the young man in front of him, Zheng Hao was slightly taken aback, and then denied it, saying, "I have never been to Qingfeng Tower, but I have heard my classmates mention it."

Gu Lin breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, and his tone softened as he said to Zheng Hao tactfully, "I know you're growing up and need to socialize, but brothels are not respectable places. Whether for your own sake or your reputation, it's best to avoid going if possible."

Zheng Hao lowered his eyes slightly, obediently sat in his seat, and listened to the young man's instructions.

After reminding Zheng Hao, Gu Lin recalled what the other party had just said and asked, "You said you know about Qingfeng Tower, so you also know about Qingyi downstairs?"

Zheng Hao's expression was indifferent, but a closer look revealed a hint of helplessness between his brows.

Seeing that Uncle Gu was very curious and wanted to know about Qingfeng Tower, he figured if he didn't get it from him today, he would get it from someone else tomorrow.

Zheng Hao carefully considered his words before speaking: "Qingfeng Tower is the largest brothel in the prefectural city. The girls and boys in the tower sell their art but not their bodies. Their customers are all officials and wealthy merchants. Qingfeng Tower is also a favorite place for many literati. Miss Qingyi is the top courtesan of Qingfeng Tower."

Gu Lin said thoughtfully, "According to what you said, the other party should be at Qingfeng Tower tonight, so why is he at Fulai Restaurant?"

On such a festive occasion, Qingfenglou is willing to display its own signboard to attract business for other restaurants.

Zheng Hao's eyes narrowed, unsure how to explain it to Gu Lin. Finally, under the other's gaze, Zheng Hao said, "Tonight is also the day of the handover of the top courtesan at Qingfeng Tower."

Upon hearing this, Gu Lin paused slightly, then said, "Laifulai Restaurant isn't a bad thing either..."

Suddenly, Gu Lin realized what Zheng Hao had just said and repeated, "You just said that Qingfeng Tower sells art but not sex?"

Aren't the guests who go to Qingfeng Tower just there to drink and watch song and dance performances?

Gu Lin turned his gaze to Zheng Hao, seeking confirmation from him.

Zheng Hao said, "That's mostly the case."

"But if you encounter someone of high rank and power, you must also..."

Zheng Hao didn't finish his sentence in front of Gu Lin, but Gu Lin understood immediately.

Turning his head to look at the girl downstairs again, Gu Lin's eyes were filled with complex emotions.

Upon seeing Uncle Gu's behavior, Zheng Hao knew that the other party had softened his heart and felt sorry for the woman downstairs.

Gu Shu's kindness and gentleness should be reserved for his own family, Zheng Hao thought, his eyelids slightly lowered.

He said to Gu Lin, "If Miss Qingyi can find a good husband at Fulai Restaurant, it would be a wonderful match."

Upon hearing this, Gu Lin pondered for a moment and said, "I understand what you mean. The competition among the girls and boys in Qingfeng Tower must be fierce. Now that Miss Qingyi is no longer the top courtesan, her situation is certainly not as good as before. If she can take this opportunity tonight to leave Qingfeng Tower, it would be a good choice. But why do you say it is a good match?"

Gu Lin was somewhat puzzled. Perhaps it was because of his traditional thinking, but Gu Lin felt that a man who could write poetry in such a setting and also redeem Qingyi from her servitude must not be a good person.

Zheng Hao explained, "Most men go out with their families or friends during the Mid-Autumn Festival. On such occasions, most people are advised by their families not to go to brothels or similar places. The private rooms of Fulai Restaurant are mostly occupied by young men. The fact that they can resist their desires and not go to brothels on such occasions shows that they are of good character."

To put it more bluntly, Zheng Hao said, "Those who can spend thousands of taels to redeem a girl from a brothel are mostly heads of their families, mostly in their forties or sixties, or they are spoiled brats who have been ruined by wine and women. If they had a choice, most of the girls in Qingfeng Tower would not want to get married in Qingfeng Tower."

Officials and those who value their reputation would not redeem the girls from Qingfeng Tower.

After Zheng Hao explained it this way, Gu Lin understood.

Then he looked at Zheng Hao and thought to himself, "This guy knows a lot."

In the lobby on the first floor, Manager Fulai continued, "Our Miss Qingyi has been well-versed in poetry and literature in her boudoir. Today, seeing all of you talented young men, each one handsome and dashing, she is unsure how to choose. Therefore, she has specially set a question for the men present who are interested in Miss Qingyi. They are invited to compose a poem on this question. The best one will be able to meet and talk with Miss Qingyi. If the conversation goes smoothly, they will be able to form a good match."

As soon as the manager of Fulai Restaurant finished speaking, an impatient customer in the lobby said, "Manager, please let Miss Qingyi give us the question quickly."

The others echoed the man who had spoken first.

Seeing that the atmosphere was getting lively, the manager of Fulai Restaurant didn't delay and stepped back slightly.

Then, Miss Qingyi stepped forward and bowed slightly to everyone again, saying, "I am not very talented, but today happens to be the Mid-Autumn Festival, so I would like to ask everyone to compose a poem on the theme of the Mid-Autumn Festival. There are no other restrictions."

When they heard that Miss Qingyi had set a question, everyone present thought that she would deliberately ask some difficult questions. Unexpectedly, it was to write a poem, and the poem was related to the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Some scholars, or those with a little literacy, said, "Shopkeeper, quickly bring us paper and pen!"

Mid-Autumn Festival poems are a piece of cake for scholars. They have been learning to write poetry for more than ten years, from their early education to the present. If it were any other topic, they might find it difficult to write, but it is Mid-Autumn Festival poems that they have written countless times.

The waiters at Fulai Restaurant delivered paper and pens to diners in the main hall and private rooms. Gu Lin's private room was also served. Although he couldn't compose poetry, he had memorized many famous poems.

Putting aside how inappropriate the current context of writing poetry is, just considering the topic itself, Gu Lin said to Zheng Hao, "This topic looks easy, but it's difficult to make it stand out."

Zheng Hao, with his hands hanging at his sides and not touching the paper and pen, said, "What Uncle Gu said is true."

Since neither of them composed poetry, they stopped talking after exchanging a few words.

Gu Lin reached out, picked up the bowl, and took a sip of the now-cooled pigeon soup. His greasy stomach felt comforted after coming into contact with the fresh and light soup.

Zheng Hao ate faster than him. He had already finished the pigeon soup in front of him, but there was still a lot of meat in the casserole. Zheng Hao reached out his chopsticks and picked up a few pieces of meat and put them in his bowl.

Zheng Hao and Gu Lin both came from humble backgrounds and had experienced hunger, so even after they became wealthy, they wouldn't waste food.

Zheng Hao ate the meat in his bowl. Outside, he ate very slowly and gracefully.

But Zheng Hao didn't hold back much in front of Gu Lin. Facing the chicken with bones, he used chopsticks in one hand and the other hand to break the meat apart. When he couldn't break it apart, Zheng Hao picked up the whole piece of chicken with his bare hands, lowered his head slightly, and ate it without changing his expression.

Although the movements looked quite rough, Zheng Hao made them seem casual and unrestrained.

Soon, a commotion arose downstairs again. The manager of Fulai Restaurant said, "Our waiters have collected all the poems written by the talented young men and women. They are now being presented to Miss Qingyi for her appreciation. Please wait a moment; the results will be available shortly."

Everyone waited expectantly.

After an incense stick had burned a while, a waiter brought a piece of paper to Fulai Restaurant. The restaurant manager took it and loudly read the poem on the paper.

Then he praised, "What a fine poem! This poem was written by a talented young man named Zhao Jin. Please invite this talented young man to come up to the third floor and have a chat with Miss Qingyi."

Although the manager of Fulai Restaurant used Qingyi to create a lively atmosphere, he knew his limits. Once the atmosphere became lively and attracted many customers to come in, the manager of Fulai Restaurant immediately knew when to stop.

Inside the private room, Gu Lin withdrew his gaze and turned to look at Zheng Hao.

Before the other party could ask, Zheng Hao explained, "I am only acquainted with Senior Brother Zhao, and I am busy with my studies. I mostly travel between the academy and home, and I don't have any private contact with Senior Brother Zhao."

Gu Lin believed Zheng Hao's explanation.

After the matter of Miss Qingyi finding a good husband came to an end, there was nothing else exciting to watch at Fulai Restaurant.

After Gu Lin and Zheng Hao finished their pigeon soup and other food, they left the private room.

As Gu Lin and Zheng Hao walked out of the private room and down the stairs, they encountered Zhao Jin again. This time, in addition to the servant, there was a beautiful young woman behind him, who was Qingyi, the girl from downstairs.

Upon meeting again, Zhao Jin smiled and said, "What a coincidence, Junior Brother Zheng, we've met again. Some classmates from the academy are holding a poetry gathering at Qingfeng Tower. Would you like to come along, Junior Brother Zheng?"

Standing beside Gu Lin, Zheng Hao replied without changing his expression, "It's getting late, so I won't disturb Senior Brother Zhao any longer. I hope Senior Brother Zhao has a good time."

As soon as Zheng Hao spoke, the girl standing behind Zhao Jin couldn't help but look at the boy, and then her beautiful eyes, as clear as autumn water, flashed.

Qingyi was quite satisfied with Zhao Jin, after all, considering his age and achievements, he was a rare young talent.

Looking at the young man before her, Qingyi felt a pang of regret. Others might not be able to tell, but she had learned what she should and shouldn't have learned over the years at Qingfeng Tower, so she could see clearly that the young man before her was not only radiant but also had a clean aura, clearly indicating that he was a virgin who had never lost his virginity.

Judging from Zhao Jin's attitude towards the other party, the young man is clearly no ordinary person.

Qingyi wondered if the other person had written a poem, thinking about their surname.

Her gaze slowly drifted to the young man beside the boy, and then she quickly lowered her eyes before the servant beside her could notice.

Since the matter was already settled, Qingyi focused on the present, her gaze resolute.

Zhao Jin said to Zheng Hao, "Alright, let's reschedule for another day."

His trip to Qingfeng Tower was not only to attend the poetry gathering, but also to redeem Qingyi from her servitude.

As Zheng Hao and Gu Lin turned to leave Fulai Restaurant, Gu Lin asked hesitantly, "Will not letting you go to Qingfeng Restaurant interfere with your social life?"

Just now, Gu Lin heard Zhao Jin say that the students of the prefectural school often held poetry gatherings or banquets at Qingfeng Tower, and quite a few people went. However, Zheng Hao did not go very often. Gu Lin wondered if he was being too strict.

If Zheng Hao frequently doesn't participate, there's no guarantee he won't be ostracized, which puts Gu Lin in a difficult position.

Zheng Hao lowered his eyes slightly and looked at Gu Lin with gentle eyes, saying, "Uncle Gu, I don't need many friends. One or two good friends are enough. As for others, we just need to maintain a gentlemanly relationship, as light as water."

Gu Lin raised his head slightly, looking at the confident young man in front of him, who seemed to have everything under control. In the distance, bright fireworks bloomed in the dark night sky.