Chapter Fifty-Two: Half of Journey to the West

Warm Jade Pavilion, Serene Heart Cottage.

Before a stone table amidst a cluster of green bamboo, the moonlight glimmered on the lotus pond, and a southern breeze brought cool relief. Three young men sipped wine from porcelain cups, accompanied by the gentle plucking of a pipa's strings.

The singing lingered, soft and low, enchanting all who listened.

Meng Xiaodie performed two new songs in succession. As the last note faded, a wave of applause broke out among the guests.

"Excellent! Miss Xiaodie, your reputation as a master of musical arts is truly deserved. These two melodies differ from the usual tunes, and the singing style is exquisite. I, Liu Lei, have only heard your celestial voice for the first time today and regret not visiting sooner..."

Setting aside her close connection to Feng Jingzhe, the artistry of her two songs deserved Liu Lei's highest praise. The pieces were indeed unique, almost inaugurating a new school of music.

Yet no matter how marvelous the melodies, when it came to the dual allure of beauty and talent, Fan Zihui still favored Tang Hongdou of the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion. Meng Xiaodie was endlessly charming, but still lacked the maturity that Tang Hongdou possessed—the kind of allure that could ignite a man's primal desires with a single smile or frown.

In terms of beauty, Meng Xiaodie was slightly inferior; in artistry, Tang Hongdou's dancing was unparalleled. As for talent, it was said no courtesan in Chang'an could rival her. The recent release of half of the "Journey to the West" had left all scholars amazed.

Fan Zihui was a devoted admirer. If not for his friend Liu Lei's invitation tonight, he would have preferred to stay at the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion, hoping for a chance to discuss the monkey's tale with Miss Hongdou.

Despite all this, he still enjoyed the music with an appreciative heart.

Beside him sat another man, expressionless throughout.

"Young Master Zheng, are you dissatisfied with the wine, or has Miss Xiaodie failed to serve you properly...?"

In such establishments, hospitality was paramount. Since he had paid, Meng Xiaodie had to ensure her service was impeccable.

Seeing him remain stern and silent, she approached and asked coquettishly.

"Indeed, Brother Zheng, since we are here to drink, there's no need to dwell on troubling matters..."

Zheng Yongxiang was not invited by Liu Lei, but had happened to be visiting Fan Zihui when the invitation was extended.

If he had known they were coming to Warm Jade Pavilion to see Meng Xiaodie, he would not have come, and would have avoided being so aggrieved.

Now, any encounter with matters related to Feng Jingzhe triggered the sore memory of losing tens of thousands of taels.

"Life is but a season; grass and trees see only one autumn. The Buddha says: let go! Why not ease your mind, Young Master Zheng..."

"Let go? Who do you think you are! That bastard Feng Jingzhe swindled me out of tens of thousands of taels, and my family business is nearly ruined because of him! Now you tell me to let go..."

Zheng Yongxiang's sudden outburst stunned everyone present. Fan Zihui blushed; after all, he had brought the man, and the embarrassment was inevitable.

Compared to Fan Zihui, Liu Lei was even more distressed. He had brought everyone to support the event, only for his worst fears to come true.

When he learned Zheng Yongxiang would be joining, he privately hoped nothing awkward would happen. At first, he thought he was being overly cautious—after all, the eldest son of the Zheng family was a well-known figure and would not disgrace himself. But seeing the scene now, he regretted his misplaced confidence.

A peal of laughter rang out.

"The Buddha also said: all things have their cause and effect. Young Master Zheng, after losing so much money, you did not report it to the authorities but instead vent your anger on others. Surely right and wrong are already clear. I am but an entertainer, earning my living with my pipa. If my humble skills do not please you, the door is right there—please feel free to leave..."

Meng Xiaodie issued a direct invitation to depart. Her success owed much to Feng Jingzhe, and anyone who disparaged him, regardless of the truth, would never find her impartial.

"A mere brothel singer, thinking that by performing two worthless tunes she is a true master of music! In terms of talent and depth, anyone in Chang'an could surpass you. For example, Tang Hongdou of the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion wrote half of 'Journey to the West'—even if you sang yourself hoarse, you'd never match her..."

Zheng Yongxiang slammed the table, rising abruptly. A brothel favorite famed only for songs gifted by Feng Jingzhe—staying a moment longer felt like an insult.

"Wait! Did you just mention 'Journey to the West'?"

Meng Xiaodie frowned and instinctively called out to stop him.

"Heh... so what if I did?"

"Is it the tale of Sun Wukong, Tang Sanzang, and their pilgrimage?"

Meng Xiaodie pressed further, her urgency a stark contrast to her earlier composure.

Even Liu Lei grew curious. What exactly was this "Journey to the West"? He had only heard there was half a book, but could it really be so extraordinary?

"Hahaha... So you know of 'Journey to the West.' Then, you should realize your two vulgar songs are nothing compared to it."

"Impossible! Something is wrong! 'Journey to the West' could never have been written by Tang Hongdou!"

Meng Xiaodie's words sparked another's anger.

"Miss Xiaodie, I admit your singing and musical skills are outstanding, but that does not give you the right to slander Miss Hongdou!"

Fan Zihui, as a devoted admirer, spoke with sudden firmness. He would never allow anyone to malign his goddess.

"I am not slandering anyone. The reason I say 'Journey to the West' is not Miss Tang's work is because I know who the true author is!"

"Utter nonsense! 'Journey to the West' is clearly Miss Hongdou's creation. Before it appeared, I had never heard of any story remotely similar!"

Fan Zihui was utterly convinced, and trusted Tang Hongdou's integrity without question.

"Just because you haven't heard of it doesn't mean no one else has. If you doubt me, go to the riverbank behind the Feng family's mansion in Pingkang Ward and ask any woman or child. Young Master Feng has been telling the story of Tang Sanzang and his disciples since months ago. The tale was composed by a traveling Daoist named Wu Cheng'en, who later passed it on to Young Master Feng. To be frank, even the two songs that made me famous were crafted by this Master Wu..."

Meng Xiaodie spoke with conviction, leaving Fan Zihui at a loss for words.

The reason was simple: to prove the truth, one only needed to ask Feng Jingzhe.

The version of "Journey to the West" circulated by Tang Hongdou ended abruptly at the Kingdom of Women. If Feng Jingzhe could recite the subsequent chapters, it would be clear who was plagiarizing and who was lying...