The Great Song Dynasty's Soul-Forging in Progress

Li Jingniang slowly walked onto the stage, smiling before speaking, her eyes gently glancing at Wang Zhonghua. The musician understood, and with a flick of his finger, instead of delicate string and wind instruments, a clear and melodious sound like the cry of a crane was produced on a guqin, instantly silencing all the noise in the hall.

She parted her lips slightly and sang "I Am a Gentleman of Qingdu Mountains and Rivers," a song few dared to perform in its entirety in public:

"I am a carefree wanderer amidst the mountains and rivers of Qingdu, ordained by Heaven to be unrestrained and eccentric. I have granted rain and wind decrees, and repeatedly borrowed the moon and clouds from the heavens..."

As soon as the song began, it was like jade shattering on Kunshan Mountain, pearls falling onto a plate. The voice wasn't the sweet softness of ordinary courtesans; instead, it possessed a cool, metallic quality, yet also carried the supple resilience of newly thawed spring water. Every word seemed washed by morning dew, pierced by mountain winds, and bathed in moonlight—clear enough to penetrate to the very core of one's being. Wang Zhonghua felt a sudden buzzing in his mind, as if the sound had cleaved through the chaos, and his very soul seemed to want to drift away with the word "unrestrained and wild."

"Ten thousand poems, a thousand cups of wine. When have I ever paid any attention to princes and kings? I'm too lazy to return to the jade towers and golden palaces; let me just tuck a plum blossom in my hair and get drunk in Luoyang..."

As she sang this part, her movements were anything but ordinary dance; instead, they were a fusion of the power of sword dance and the ethereal grace of flowing robes. Her sleeves billowed like clouds swirling around the moon, her toes touched the ground like a startled swan treading on snow. With a single utterance of the word "drunk," she leaned back, her waist curving into an almost impossible arc, yet just before touching the ground, she gracefully returned like a willow branch in the wind—this move, "Drunkenly Lying on Plum Blossoms," was so dazzling that no one could discern how she used her momentum!

Even more strangely, when she danced extremely fast, her figure transformed into a ball of emerald light and shadow. Everyone else said it was an illusion, but only Wang Zhonghua saw it clearly—she actually used her toes to write the character "狂" (kuang, meaning wild or crazy) in cursive script on the blue brick ground while spinning!

The phrase "a song that touches the soul" became the most inadequate description at this moment.

Yao Ye had long forgotten to clap her hands; her chopsticks hung in mid-air, the piece of meat she was holding had already gone cold. Chen Shimei's fair face turned bright red, and a sinister fanaticism flashed in his eyes. He had once heard Li Jingniang sing a song in Bianjing, for which he paid a thousand taels of gold. But today's song and dance were clearly three times better than before. What did Wang Zhonghua do to deserve such a fervent effort from her?

Even Di Qing, this fierce general on the battlefield, forgot to drink. His tiger-like eyes widened as he murmured, "...This singing isn't about romantic love; it's clearly the spirit of the Wei and Jin dynasties!"

The guests, regardless of age or gender, were all like clay or wooden sculptures. Some with weak willpower were already in tears without realizing it; others, who hid their emotions well, dug their nails into their palms but felt no pain whatsoever.

Wang Zhonghua was also stunned, seemingly understanding something, yet also seemingly understanding nothing at all.

As the music and dance ended, Li Jingniang was not out of breath, only a light sheen of sweat on her forehead, adding to her down-to-earth charm. She gave a graceful bow towards Wang Zhonghua, her voice soft yet clearly audible to everyone:

"Young master, your 'family of musicians and singers' truly deserves the title 'Qingdu Mountain and Water.' Tonight at dusk, I've prepared a simple feast at Lixiang Garden. Would you do me the honor of joining me for a chat about the finer things in life?"

These words caused an uproar in the audience!

What kind of place is Lixiang Garden? It's the number one den of iniquity in Chenzhou, a place even the prefect rarely gets an invitation from. Yet tonight, Li Jingniang has taken the initiative to host a banquet and invite her. And judging by her attitude, she's clearly treating her as an equal, even… with a hint of subtle admiration!

Before Wang Zhonghua could reply, he could already feel the sharp, piercing gazes from all around him. He composed himself, raised his glass in a toast, and said, "It would be impolite to refuse such a kind invitation from Jingniang."

Li Jingniang smiled sweetly, turned and left. Her departing figure carried a hint of carefree elegance, as if she had accomplished her mission and simply walked away.

Di Qing suddenly patted Wang Zhonghua on the shoulder and whispered, "Kid, you're in big trouble. That place, Lixiangyuan... Hmph, you'd better watch yourself."

Wang Zhonghua smiled bitterly. He knew all too well that this trip would likely stir him into an even bigger storm. But Li Jingniang's song and dance just now were clearly meant for him alone; if he refused, he would be letting her down.

Qin Tiehua watched from a distance with his arms crossed, his sword-like eyebrows slightly furrowed, his fingertips lightly tapping the hilt of his sword at his waist; Liu Xinyi lowered her head and sniffed the medicine pouch, muttering to herself thoughtfully, "...that fragrance in the sleeve breeze, something's not right, there's something fishy about it."

That night, Chenzhou was destined to be sleepless.

Chen Shimei forced a smile and raised his glass: "Nephew Wang is indeed extraordinary."

At this moment, Liu Xinyi came over carrying a bowl of medicinal food: "This is my special 'Four Gods Soup,' which is most nourishing to the heart and calming to the mind. Please, gentlemen, enjoy it."

Qin Tiehua, accompanied by a group of female servants, served wine and dishes to the guests. Today, she wore a pale yellow dress, which made her look less heroic and more gentle, leaving those who knew her speechless.

Du Ziteng moved among the guests, his witty remarks perfectly setting the mood.

"Gentlemen!" Wang Zhonghua raised his glass and announced loudly, "Today is the grand opening of Xiange Tower! All dishes and drinks are 20% off! In addition, for every table of food sold, one tael of silver will be donated to repair the Chenzhou Charity School!"

These words were met with thunderous applause. Even Chen Shimei had to join in the applause.

Di Qing walked to Wang Zhonghua's side and whispered, "Lord Ouyang asked me to pass on a message: 'The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind.' You'd better take care of yourself."

Wang Zhonghua nodded: "Please convey to Lord Ouyang that I understand."

Guests flocked into the restaurant and were quickly drawn to its unique decor. However, many gasped when they saw the prices on each floor.

"This hot and sour soup costs five coins? Street vendors sell hot and sour soup for only two coins!" A merchant in a silk shirt pointed at the menu on the wall, his voice full of sarcasm.

His friend beside him scoffed, "A pot of wine on the second floor costs one tael of silver? Isn't that robbery?"

Several richly dressed scholars stood at the entrance on the third floor. When they saw the sign that read "Minimum charge: thirty taels," they all shook their heads: "Wang Zhonghua must be crazy. Who in Chenzhou City would waste money like this?"

Immediately, voices of doubt arose. Even Yao Ye, who had come specifically to show his support, couldn't help but frown and whispered to the clerk beside him, "Isn't this pricing a bit too aggressive?"

However, once the first group of guests sat down and ordered, the atmosphere in the restaurant began to subtly change.

The first dish served was the much-criticized spicy soup. A seasoned gourmand scooped up a spoonful, his initial disdain freezing the moment it entered his mouth. The broth was rich and flavorful, the spices perfectly balanced, each sip unforgettable. He stared in astonishment for a moment, then finally exclaimed, "Worth it, so much worth it!"

Inside the private booths on the second floor, several wealthy businessmen who had initially planned to only sample a little bit were utterly astonished after tasting the upgraded "Drunken Eight Immortals." The wine was smooth on the palate, yet its aftertaste carried an indescribable richness. One of them couldn't help but slap the table in admiration: "This wine... is even three points better than the best wine in the capital, Tianxianglou!"

The most shocking news came from the third floor. Zhao, the richest man in Chenzhou, had only come out of courtesy to Lü Sanjun, but after tasting the specially prepared "Eight Treasures Feast," he was so excited that he stood up: "This 'Buddha Jumps Over the Wall'...this taste, I tasted it once at the imperial banquet and have never forgotten it! Unexpected, unbelievable!"

The news spread like wildfire, and the doubts in the restaurant were gradually replaced by praise.

"This fried 'qianghu' is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, cooked to perfection!"

"Stir-fried vegetables may seem simple, but they retain the most authentic sweetness of the ingredients!"

"And this medicinal cuisine, it was personally prepared by the divine physician Liu, it's priceless!"

The once empty third-floor private rooms were now completely full. Those who came later wanted to make reservations but were told that the earliest available seats were three days in advance. Even the second-floor booths were quickly filled, and many latecomers had to make do on the first floor.

Customers who had initially scoffed at the high prices were now flocking to the counter, vying to reserve seats for tomorrow.

"Reserve me a private seat on the second floor; I'm hosting distinguished guests tomorrow!"

"I've booked the 'Qin' private room on the third floor for the day after tomorrow!"

"Please save ten jars of this 'Drunken Eight Immortals' for me; I want to take them back to my residence!"

Inside the restaurant, amidst the lively atmosphere and captivating song and dance, several scholars, inspired by the ambiance and the exquisite performance, were suddenly struck by poetic inspiration. One of them, a scholar in a blue robe, clapped his hands and sang, immediately reciting:

Flying eaves and melodious music stand by the lake, while delicacies on jade platters are served to distinguished guests.

Before the song ended, heaven and earth were intoxicated; one could no longer discern where the mortal world lay.

The poem immediately drew cheers from the audience. Not to be outdone, another older student raised his glass in a toast to Wang Zhonghua and loudly proclaimed:

"What a beautiful line, 'I know not where the mortal world lies!' Master Li's song certainly achieved that effect. But the wonder of this place is not limited to song and dance. Please listen to my next piece—"

The String Pavilion in the west of Chenzhou City, with its red pillars reflected in the water, offers a secluded and tranquil view.

The fragrance of wine is not envied by those beyond the clouds; its elegance surpasses that of the Central Plains.

"Excellent! 'With its own splendor, it surpasses all others in Central China'—this line truly captures the spirit of Chenzhou! I wonder if Young Master Wang has any fine lines to offer?"

Hmph, I don't know if that's flattery or a trap.