Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 310 The Legacy of Virtue: The Prime Minister's Family

When Emperor Xuanzong of Tang was still a prince, he had a troupe of musicians. They played a significant role in launching the Tanglong Coup and eliminating the Wei clan. After he ascended the throne, he also showed great favor to these musicians and often had them perform and compete with the musicians of the Imperial Music Bureau.

The Taichang Temple governed tens of thousands of music and dance households, far exceeding the number of entertainers and performers in the former prince's residence. The emperor, disgusted by the extravagance of the Taichang Temple's entertainment, and also in order to settle and appease these entertainers from the former prince's residence, issued an edict stating that "the Taichang Temple's Department of Rites should not be in charge of actors and performers." Therefore, the Left and Right Jiaofang were specially established to manage these actors and performers of popular music and dance.

The Left and Right Music Bureaus of the Eastern Capital were located in Mingyi Ward and belonged to the Outer Music Bureau. At the same time, there was also the Inner Music Bureau, which was established during the Wude era and was dedicated to teaching palace women etiquette and music. During the Kaiyuan era, it was expanded and divided into two academies: Yichun Academy and Yunshao Academy.

In addition to the inner and outer music academies, the emperor also selected three hundred young musicians from the Taichang Zuobu (a court music bureau) to be personally taught in the Pear Garden, and they were known as the Pear Garden disciples.

Therefore, apart from the Inner Music Bureau, which was established as early as the Wude era to train palace women in refined and popular dances and music, the other Left and Right Music Bureaus and the Pear Garden disciples were all developed from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

Although both the Left and Right Music Bureaus and the Pear Garden were managed by eunuchs, the eunuchs only oversaw the daily music lessons and performance arrangements of these entertainers. Their household registrations were still under the jurisdiction of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

After all, the eunuchs had limited knowledge and ability, making it difficult for them to establish a relatively complete and continuously updated management system for entertainers from scratch.

Therefore, although the Left and Right Music Bureaus were separate from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, their daily management was still largely handled by officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. Hence, when people talked about seeking pleasure in the brothels, they all thought of going to the Left and Right Music Bureaus to get free services.

On the way, upon learning that Zhang Dai had not frequented the entertainment districts, Li Fei enthusiastically told him about the differences between the entertainment districts and Chengfu District.

Chengfufang was mostly inhabited by private prostitutes, as well as former entertainers who had been released from their posts by the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. Some of these entertainers were still officially registered with the Jiaofang (Imperial Music Bureau) and were only hired again when there was a shortage of music and dance for grand ceremonies. As a result, there were numerous brothels in the area, each able to operate independently.

The music and dance halls on both sides of Mingyifang were official courtesans and musicians. According to the relevant regulations of the imperial court, they were not allowed to perform outside the court.

However, these courtesans and entertainers also needed to eat and desired a better material life. Therefore, they devised alternative methods. They would each solicit guests in their private homes for entertainment and service, a practice known as entertaining distant relatives. If a high-ranking official or nobleman were to be invited to their residence, it was called visiting an old friend.

Because of the relevant regulations of the imperial court, private prostitutes could openly perform and entertain customers in relatively proper and elegant entertainment venues, while official prostitutes could only solicit customers in their own homes under the guise of entertaining relatives and friends.

"That's why I always need an experienced horseman to lead the way when I go to Mingyi Lane for pleasure. If I accidentally end up in my humble home, I'll spend a lot of money but have no talent or beauty, and I'll be filled with resentment!"

Li Fei likely used his position to visit Mingyi Lane many times, recounting the events there with great familiarity. He also gave Zhang Dai earnest advice: "In the lane, there are courtesans whose beauty and skills are exceptional, and they are selected to enter the Yichun Courtyard, where they are called 'inner women.' Their families are then known as 'inner women's households.' The sisters of these inner women are also quite beautiful and talented, attracting many visitors."

Among them, the most outstanding were called the Ten Families. This was because initially ten families received favor, and later, those who gained further favor were granted the title of one of the Ten Families. Within the brothels, the Ten Families, in particular, claimed to be the best in terms of beauty and talent, but this was not true; these Ten Families were merely greedy for money and arrogant in their reputation, and should be avoided with respect…”

Zhang Dai hadn't expected there to be so many intricacies involved in coming to the Jiaofang for entertainment. He listened very attentively, not as if it were some valuable knowledge, but simply as a curious glimpse into his life.

As they spoke, the group arrived at Mingyi Ward, where the grand mansions of the dignitaries and nobles came into view.

"What a pity, what a pity. It's a pity that Vice Minister Wei didn't condescend to come along today. Otherwise, we might have been able to trouble Lord Xun's family and get a couple of delicacies to satisfy our cravings."

As we passed by the gate of the house of Xun Gong Wei Anshi, someone in our group couldn't help but sigh.

This statement immediately garnered agreement from others, who then began to discuss it animatedly.

The Wei clan of Jingzhao was a prominent family in Guanzhong. Especially during the conflict between the Western and Eastern Wei dynasties, the support of the powerful families of Guanzhong, led by the Wei clan of Jingzhao, for the Western Wei regime led to the formation of the so-called Guanzhong military aristocratic group, which in turn gave rise to the Northern Zhou, Sui, and Tang regimes.

During this process, the Wei family became one of the most prestigious families in Guanzhong, passing down their wealth and status for generations. They reached their zenith after the Tang Dynasty, producing numerous prime ministers. With such a family background, their cuisine naturally became exceptionally refined.

The menu of Wei Juyuan's "Burning Tail Banquet," which has been widely circulated in later generations, represents the pinnacle of Tang Dynasty cuisine. Wei Juyuan was from the Jingzhao Wei clan, and was the uncle of Wei Anshi, the Duke of Xun, whom people are talking about today. Both of them served as prime ministers. Wei Tao, the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, was also Wei Anshi's nephew.

Listening to the crowd's discussion and praise of Xun Gong's cuisine, Zhang Dai couldn't help but feel intrigued. Food and sex are the greatest desires of humankind; the thought of sampling Xun Gong's cuisine, so highly praised by the fashionable crowd, while visiting a brothel was simply delightful.

Unfortunately, most of them were low-ranking officials in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, not high enough to be treated with the respect due to the prestigious Wei family of Jingzhao. Zhang Dai also had no deep relationship with the Wei family, so he was naturally embarrassed to shamelessly visit them.

So everyone could only talk about this topic. After passing the residence of Duke Xun, they traveled west for a short while and arrived at their destination, Yuebei, located on the west side of Mingyifang.

Yuebei is a lake formed by the overflow of the Luo River from Xiyuan, covering an area of ​​over a hundred acres. The Left and Right Jiaofang of Luoyang are located on the north and south banks of Yuebei. Some families from the Left and Right Jiaofang lived scattered around Yuebei. As soon as the group arrived, a fragrance of perfume mixed with the smell of wine wafted towards them.

"Whom does Zhang Xielu intend to go?"

Everyone looked at Zhang Dai, who was hosting the dinner today. Along the way, they had also introduced Zhang Dai to the advantages and disadvantages of each family.

"Let's go to Ren Zhifang's house then," Zhang Dai said after thinking for a moment. Ren Zhifang was a music master under the Right Music Bureau, and all his daughters were good singers. He had only just met his colleagues, so listening to their singing was fine, but it wasn't suitable for them to engage in any other more elaborate entertainment, especially since his father's classmates were also there.

No one objected, and they immediately escorted Zhang Dai toward a large house on the south side of Yuebei.

Looking around, Zhang Dai observed that while the residence wasn't as large as some of the wealthy families' mansions in the neighborhood, it was still quite impressive with its several courtyards, surpassing most ordinary houses in the city. This showed that although these entertainers didn't have high social status, their economic level was not bad at all.

"After Zhang Lang enters the house, there's no need to give his family a warm welcome. Just order them to bring in the song and music book immediately, and his family will naturally panic and try their best to please him!"

Someone else was instructing Zhang Dai on techniques. The Assistant Musician in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices also had certain supervisory responsibilities. He was responsible for prohibiting any lewd, excessive, violent, or slow music played during music performances. This supervisory power was not limited to the music and rituals of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices; he could supervise any place where music was played, both inside and outside the court.

Even if a prince or nobleman plays a piece of music that is not in accordance with the rules, the music master can go up and reprimand him. Of course, the premise is that you must not be afraid of the prince or nobleman's retaliation before you can use a trifle as an imperial edict.

As for these official and private prostitutes, they naturally have no psychological burden when it comes to supervision. They can easily order them to make corrections or even shut down their performance venues if they say that the music is not up to standard!

That's why Li Xia and others recently went to Chengfu Lane to show off their power using Zhang Dai's name, because this name is really useful. Zhang Dai is now the Imperial Censor of the pleasure quarters!
Zhang Dai wouldn't stoop to the level of putting on airs and showing off in front of a brothel. After hearing the reminder, he simply waved his hand and smiled, then walked inside with the others.

Upon learning that the officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices had come to the house for pleasure, the owner of the house, Ren Zhifang, hurriedly led his whole family out to greet them. There were more than twenty men and women, especially several women who were dressed in colorful clothes and adorned with finery. They were pretty, had graceful figures, and their every glance was alluring.

"We are all guests here today, and we have come to your house specifically to celebrate Zhang Zongzhi, Zhang Liulang's appointment as Assistant Musician. Zhang Liulang, are you aware of this? Quickly display all the beauties, arts, and food in your house, lest you disgrace the reputation of the brothel!"

Li Fei and the others laughed as they spoke to Ren Zhifang.

Ren Zhifang, in his forties and dressed in a green robe, immediately became solemn upon hearing this and hurried to Zhang Dai's side. He and his entire family bowed deeply and said, "Zhang Lang's talent and reputation are renowned far and wide, how could we not have heard of him! The women in our household have recently been studying Zhang Lang's words and phrases, and they yearn for him day and night, longing to see him! Your presence here today truly brings honor to our humble abode. We will certainly do our utmost to entertain you and ensure that you have a pleasant stay!"

"Ren Lezheng, there's no need for such formalities. I've heard a lot about your stage name. Now that I've seen your talent today, I'll be sure to bother you a lot in the future."

Seeing the admiring and adoring gazes of the women behind Ren Zhifang, Zhang Dai felt his vanity greatly satisfied and said with a smile.

Although Ren Zhifang's hall was not as grand as Song Sanniang's in Chengfu Lane, it was arranged more cleverly. Upon entering, one could hear a strong echo and a great sense of layering, which showed that a lot of acoustic arrangements had been made.

Soon, the sounds of string and wind instruments and singing filled the hall. Many of the songs sung by the women of the Ren family were lyrics by Zhang Dai, which proved that what was said earlier was true. Their voices were melodious and pleasant to the ear. In terms of singing and music alone, they were far superior to those of the brothels in Chengfu Lane.

As everyone was still enjoying the song, someone outside suddenly shouted, "Ren Zhifang's family, quickly dress your daughter up in her finest attire and send her to Lord Xun's house for a banquet!"

Ren Zhifang, who was still trying his best to flatter Zhang Dai and his party, became quite embarrassed upon hearing this, unsure of what to do.

The officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices were all silent at this moment. Seeing this, Zhang Dai smiled at Ren Zhifang and said, "Go and tell the servant of Duke Xun that it is inconvenient." There is an order to things. They have been sitting here for quite a while. There is no reason to stop the performance.

Upon hearing this, Ren Zhifang could only nod in agreement. He then hurriedly went out to deal with the servants of the Duke of Xun. When he returned, his demeanor was no longer as attentive and enthusiastic as before, and the female singers were not performing as well as before. They were all clearly feeling uneasy.

After a while, voices were heard outside again, and then several servants carrying food boxes came in. One of them stepped forward, clasped his hands, and said respectfully to Zhang Dai, "Our master only learned from our servants that Zhang Lang and his colleagues were here to celebrate his new appointment. We are truly sorry for the previous disturbance. We specially sent us to prepare a meal to congratulate Zhang Lang on his departure from office. Today, we all have guests and it is inconvenient to disturb him further. We will invite Zhang Lang to our home to offer his congratulations another day."

"In that case, thank you very much, Magistrate Wei. I will visit you again another day to express my gratitude."

Zhang Dai had initially thought the Wei family had come to cause trouble, but his brow relaxed upon hearing this. Wei Anshi had been dead for many years, and his son, Wei Zhi, the magistrate of Luoyang, was now in charge of the household, hence the name.

He was a bit overreacted to those guys from the Northern Office. Everyone here is in the business of fame and fortune, and we see each other all the time. There's no need for so much petty squabbles. This is a more normal way of socializing.

Previously, the officials had been praising the chefs of the Xun family as exceptionally skilled. Now, the servants of the Wei family laid out more than thirty dishes, which were indeed beautifully presented and deliciously presented, making one's mouth water. Moreover, not only were the skills superb, but some of the ingredients used in the dishes were also quite valuable.

Upon witnessing this scene, Zhang Dai felt that a simple thank you was insufficient. After a moment's thought, he instructed Ren Zhifang's servant to bring him paper and pen, and began to write: "The four horses and dragon banners celebrate this day, a family of scholars in splendid robes shines with honor. People admire them as if they were riding in a precious jewel, their family tradition not relying on overflowing gold. Their talent brought prosperity to the Han dynasty, a legacy of virtue and prestige from a prime minister's family. I thank you for the fine food on the jade plate, for we must raise a cup together at Weiqu."

After writing this flattering poem of thanks, he instructed a servant of the Wei family to send it back. The banquet in the hall continued, and seeing that the Wei family had not deeply reprimanded him, Ren Zhifang's family regained their cheerful demeanor, and their singing became light and melodious once more.

The night was well enjoyed by both host and guests, and nothing further happened. However, soon people and events caused Zhang Dai's novel and pleasant mood after being relieved of his official post to vanish.

(End of this chapter)