In the massive, ancient, aroma-laden "Bafang Theater," the melodious sound of silk and bamboo instruments floated through the air.
As the largest theater in the Capital, its architecture was styled after the Bagua Platform, symbolizing wide-open doors to welcome guests from all directions.
In reality, however, only the rich and noble could enter to listen to the opera here.
For ordinary people, just the cost of a "ticket," without considering other expenses, would be enough to sustain a family for several months.
The afternoon and evening performances were the most lively, featuring famous performers.
At this moment, an argument was taking place at the entrance reserved for the theater's exclusive VIPs.
The theater manager, dressed in a silk shirt, wearing a soft hat, and with an emerald thumb ring, bowed apologetically.
"The Cloud Water Pavilion compartment has already been taken by a guest today, and there's no vacancy this afternoon. This was due to my poor arrangement. To express our apologies, please use this hand token. You may choose any vacant compartment at any time, and all expenses will be waived."
Opposite the manager stood a wealthy merchant, carrying a concubine at his side.
"I booked the Cloud Water Pavilion two days in advance. Since when does Bafang Building not adhere to the rules of first come, first served?"
The concubine, who looked charming and delicate, also displeased, grumbled:
"We came here just to see the afternoon show. We don't come here any other time."
Then she wrapped her arms around the merchant's arm, coquettish and whining:
The theater manager apologized:
"I'm truly sorry. It's not that we broke the rules, but a distinguished guest just arrived and specifically requested the best Cloud Water Pavilion compartment. If you wish to see the show, you can only sit in the main hall."
The middle-aged merchant's mind stirred: "Could it be a notable person?"
The manager hesitated, then whispered:
"Even more formidable than notables, someone you don't want to provoke."
People ranked as scholar, farmer, craftsman, and merchant in the Great Yu Dynasty, where trade flourished, and merchants held a higher status compared to previous dynasties.
But as the saying goes, the common people do not contend with officials, especially in the Capital, where money often held less sway.
The middle-aged merchant pondered, then asked:
"Could you tell me which dignitary it might be? Perhaps I know them and could pay a visit."
The manager gestured upwards and said:
"Zhao of the White Horse."
The merchant turned and left without hesitation, as if fearing that a delay would land him in trouble.
The concubine pouted resentfully:
"My dear, what about White Horse Zhao? Don't you have connections even with high officials in the six ministries? Why are you so afraid of him?"
The merchant's face slightly changed as he scolded her to be quiet, then quietly explained:
"The hardest ones to deal with aren't those with status, decorum, and elegance, but those with power and influence who disregard the rules..."
He quietly swallowed the words "villain."
Curiosity grew in his heart:
He had never heard that someone named Zhao enjoyed listening to opera. Why had he come here today?
On the second floor of the theater, in the "Cloud Water Pavilion" with the best view.
Zhao Douan reclined in a huanghuali circle chair, the silk cushion behind him providing ample support.
On the square table beside him were rare pastries and top-grade tea.
"My lord, according to the information, Pei Siniang comes here every month on this afternoon to listen to opera."
Zhu Kui, with a face full of horizontal meat, stood with his hands tied.
Zhao Douan responded with a hum, finding the Great Yu's theater quite novel.
In his past life, entertainment venues were developed, traditional operas were in decline, and the only place he visited that was somewhat related to opera was a cross-talk—where the actor would improvise a few lines.
The Great Yu Dynasty was different; theaters were found everywhere, and some famous performers had a public appeal not weaker than future celebrities.
But he wasn't here to try something new today; he had come to meet Pei Siniang.
The fourth daughter of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, the lawful wife in the Lv Liang family.
Also famously known as a "shrew" among the noblewomen of the Capital.
"My lord, I've heard that Pei Siniang relies on her family's background and is rather petulant and difficult. Why are you looking for her?" Zhu Kui was curious.
Zhao Douan glanced at him:
"Don't ask what you shouldn't."
The main gate of the Lv Liang residence swung open, and a perfumed carriage draped with curtains rolled out toward the "Bafang Theater."
Pei Siniang was only in her thirties, having been pampered since childhood, as if raised in a tub of honey.
Not a single finger had touched spring water; her feet hadn't trodden the dusty paths.
Though she had children, her figure and skin were well-maintained, smooth and delicate, not any less than a young girl.
She wore a long gown of Jiangsu silk embroidered with hundreds of flowers, her thick black hair coiled into a matron's bun, and her round face was like a bright moon.
Yet, unfortunately, the air of a resentful woman in her sharp brows and eyes diluted her beauty.
It wasn't entirely her fault; Pei Siniang had once wielded the "spoiled princess" persona.
Even after marrying Lv Liang, she often wore a smile.
The true turning point occurred when Lv Liang had an affair.
Although Pei Siniang's character was flawed, she held a pure fantasy about love.
After marriage, she not only adhered to wifely duties but also strictly forbade Lv Liang from interacting with other women, let alone taking concubines—it was absolutely out of the question.
Whenever Lv Liang socialized and was late, she'd send someone to hurry him up.
She even personally brought maidservants and house servants to fetch him, earning her the name of a "shrew."
Hence, upon discovering her husband's infidelity, this noblewoman from the Capital broke down, crying to her father to take a stand and "divorce him."
But to her surprise, the father who had always cherished her refused.
He completely suppressed the matter and even advised her to give Lv Liang another chance.
Pei Siniang was unwilling.
But her small arm couldn't wrestle with the towering authority, leading to a complete marital rupture. They maintained a front of "affection" for appearances, while the relationship was already devoid of real sentiment.
But by this age, Pei Siniang couldn't escape feelings of loneliness and emptiness, needing external fulfillment.
Unwilling to be close to her husband, she began seeking solace from the outside.
Yet, Pei Siniang had discerning eyes; ordinary men didn't attract her attention. By chance, she caught a certain "young actor's" performance at the Bafang Theater.
Since then, she kept an eye out for that actor and would drive out to see the performance whenever that "young actor" sang.
Yes, it was the scene of an older wealthy woman chasing after a young heartthrob...
Today was no exception.
As Pei Siniang stepped down from the perfumed carriage with the aid of her maidservant, taking lotus-like steps.
She entered the theater through the "VIP passage," ascended the stairs to the second floor, preparing to enter the "Furong" private room she had reserved.
She was suddenly stopped by a burly, ugly brute with coarse black features who appeared out of nowhere.
"Where did this eyesore of a fellow come from? Where's the theater manager, letting such a person onto the second floor?"
Pei Siniang was startled, her beautiful eyes widening with disdainful glances.
She instructed her maid to fetch someone.
Zhu Kui smiled with a sinister grace, clasped his hands, and said slyly:
"Madam, do not be alarmed. I am here at the order of the White Horse Hall's Lord Zhao, asking for the pleasure of your company in the adjacent Cloud Water Pavilion."
The noblewoman of the Capital paused, recalling having heard indeed that Zhao Douan had a rough, black old clerk as an attendant by his side.
Furthermore, she had already heard how handsome the Empress's Gigolo was, though she had never met him, and her mind instantly filled with curiosity.
Moreover, the guests here were either wealthy or noble; being invited to the Cloud Water Pavilion, it couldn't be anything nefarious.
After a brief hesitation, she raised her chin arrogantly, revealing a smooth white jawline:
Shortly after, Pei Siniang, accompanied by her maid, stepped into the Cloud Water Pavilion compartment.
At this moment, the drums had already sounded in the main hall downstairs, the beats rapid like raindrops.
Dressed in magnificent attire, Zhao Douan, with a handsome face, smiled and looked over:
"Lady of the Lv family, I apologize for the abrupt invitation. Might you grace us with your presence?"
Pei Siniang felt her long-lonely heart beating like the drums on the stage.
Even the appearance of the "young actor" she had longed for was forgotten; the resentment in her eyes was swept away like spring winds melting ice.
Pei Siniang's cheeks suddenly blushed, and she thought:
"What a... handsome young gentleman..."