Chapter 84: Mist and Rain Pavilion

“Mist and rain by the lakeside, Mist and Rain Pavilion, Painted beauties sit by the window. With jade hands, they sweep away worldly affairs, Drunk to the point of forgetting sorrow, unknowing of grief.”
The poem speaks of the most renowned brothel in Wu City, the Mist and Rain Pavilion.

The city’s finest and most famous scenic spot lies in the northern quarter: Mist and Rain Lake. Vast in expanse, its waters are clear and blue, bordered by willows swaying in the breeze. In the springtime, gentle rain drifts onto the surface, from afar appearing like mist, like smoke, exuding a delicate beauty that stirs the soul—thus the name Mist and Rain Lake.

Yet the lake’s beauty is not confined to one season; summer brings its own charm, autumn its brilliance, winter its grace. Such a place was once the haunt of poets and painters, the ideal destination for noble ladies seeking the joys of nature. But somewhere along the way, its character subtly changed.

Since the first brothel settled by the lakeside, the area has gradually transformed into a district of pleasure houses, a playground for libertines. Every evening, lanterns hang high, lights blaze, music and dance fill the air, voices of songbirds and swallows weave a tapestry of lively festivity, the epitome of flourishing peace.

By the lake, the two most famous brothels are the Mist and Rain Pavilion and Scarlet Sleeves Invite. Both boast a wealth of beauties and powerful connections, standing unchallenged along the lakeshore. It is said the Mist and Rain Pavilion has ties to the martial world, while Scarlet Sleeves Invite is backed by the palace. Such establishments are not to be trifled with, and even the Fang family, tyrants of Wu City, dare not cross them lightly. Thus, the Spring Drunk Pavilion, run by the Fang family, is but a second-rate venue by the lakeside.

Though they stand side by side, there is a distinction: Mist and Rain Pavilion is home to refined courtesans who entertain with music, selling talent not flesh, while Scarlet Sleeves Invite is a true brothel.

The poem’s line, “With jade hands, they sweep away worldly affairs, Drunk to the point of forgetting sorrow, unknowing of grief,” refers to this. The women of Mist and Rain Pavilion are not only surpassingly beautiful, but each possesses exquisite skill—whether playing qin, plucking zither, or blowing flute. Their repertoire is innovative, their music expressive, touching the heart. Their performances are not all cheerful; some are plaintive, so moving that listeners feel their sorrows dissolve, yet become so intoxicated they wish never to awaken.

Thus, Mist and Rain Pavilion is adored by scholars and gentlemen, who often go together for wine and song. To be honored with a performance by Wan Yue, the pavilion’s top courtesan, is a point of pride; a single recital is spoken of with delight for days, earning admiration among peers.

After hearing Chang Sheng recount tales of Mist and Rain Pavilion, Liu Qin’s curiosity only grew. From the woman named Hong Jing, she sensed the extraordinary nature of the place.

She sighed repeatedly in her heart—born in the wrong era. If they lived in her previous life, such women, blessed with both beauty and talent, would stand at the pinnacle, admired and adored by all. She might have been a fan herself. But in this ancient world, marked with the stigma of a prostitute, no matter how noble, they are cast aside by society.

Jiang Li vehemently opposed Liu Qin’s desire to visit Mist and Rain Pavilion. The hour for the brothel to receive guests was near; should anything disgraceful occur, how could he explain to his aunt? He could not know that in Liu Qin’s eyes, brothels were no big deal. In her past life, she’d seen everything—photos in nothing but bikinis were commonplace, let alone mere playful flirtation.

Under Liu Qin’s persistent coaxing, Jiang Li reluctantly agreed, but insisted they could only go in the morning, when there were no guests. That day was out of the question, so Liu Qin had to patiently wait for the next day of rest.

Five days later, Liu Qin finally fulfilled her dream of a half-day tour of an ancient brothel.

Accompanying her were Jiang Li, Lei Hu, and Chang Xing and Chang Sheng. Xiao Wu, for some unknown reason, had been sulking since their last visit to the shop. He grew colder, practiced martial arts diligently, ignored everyone, and even rebuffed Liu Qin’s attempts to approach, leaving her baffled. Though she longed to resolve his troubles, she knew haste would not help, and so set him aside for now.

Chang Sheng had scouted the route beforehand, so he led the way.

From North Street southwestward, the carriage rolled along broad avenues, the pavement smooth, flower-laden trees lining the roadside. The scenery rivaled that of the east and west quarters, overturning Liu Qin’s impression of the north as worn, cramped, and shabby.

As they neared Mist and Rain Lake, Liu Qin lifted the curtain again to look outside. The street was flanked by neat rows of two-story houses with green tiles and flying eaves, adorned with fluttering silks and lavish decoration. Lanterns at the doors bore their names—Pear Fragrance Courtyard, Blossom Pavilion, and others. It was still morning; the doors were closed, but occasionally a painted face appeared at an upstairs window.

The carriage did not stop, continuing onward, and soon the vast expanse of Mist and Rain Lake came into view, stretching beyond sight.

Willows hung low, the lake surface tranquil, rippling only when the wind passed. The sun, hanging distant at the horizon like a yellow cake, offered little warmth. The wind, sharpened by the lake’s chill, swept in sideways, making Liu Qin shiver and hastily drop the curtain.

After a moment, Chang Sheng’s voice came from outside, “Young master, we have arrived.”

The group stepped down in turn; Jiang Li carried Liu Qin out. At a single glance, she was stunned—so beautiful!

Before her was not a building, but a vast pleasure barge, three stories tall, its lower hull submerged, both ends rising like a crescent moon.

Each level was splendidly adorned: bright red pillars, green carved window frames, the bold colors striking but not gaudy, instead possessing a beauty beyond words. Spiral staircases, winding galleries, carved railings—everywhere lavish beams and painted rafters, topped with green-glazed octagonal eaves, as if a palace of jade had fallen to earth.

The barge lay a short distance from shore; a broad plank, wide enough for two abreast, connected the boat to land—the only path for visitors.

Chang Sheng was about to go ahead and announce their arrival, but remembered something, returning to Liu Qin’s side and quietly pointing right, “Young master, look over there—that is Scarlet Sleeves Invite.”

Following his gesture, Liu Qin saw, nestled by the lakeside beneath drooping willows, a three-story mansion, its opulence unmistakable. Scanning further, she noticed that every so often along the shore stood another mansion or pleasure boat, each unique, scattered in harmonious array. From afar, the scene was enchanting, truly a fairyland.

Such a beautiful place, yet a den of vice—how regrettable.

Their pause before the barge had already drawn attention. The ornate doors of Mist and Rain Pavilion swung open, and a little girl, hair in a child’s knot, clattered across the plank in her slippers, stopping before them. She eyed Jiang Li and Liu Qin—clearly still children—and said, “Please, sirs, return. Mist and Rain Pavilion does not open for business in the morning.”