The Daily Life Of Mei Furen Doting On Her Husband - Chapter 1

In late spring, the elm and locust trees planted all over Chang’an City were covered with green, emitting the fragrance of grass in the midday sun.

On the broad, straight, and somewhat empty main street, seven or eight horses were galloping at high speed. Sitting on the horses were a group of brightly dressed young men and women, all of whom were in high spirits, spreading laughter and joy along the way.

Leading the way was a red horse, and the rider was wearing a crimson round-necked robe embroidered with gold flowers and black leather boots. Although she was wearing a man’s robe, her curves and beautiful face clearly told everyone that she was not a man, but a woman. She was not wearing a black veil but had styled her hair in a simple bun. Such an incongruous outfit, when worn by her, had a special charm of both elegance and allure that made people unable to take their eyes away.

There were two ladies on the horses behind her, but they were all wearing women’s clothes. The only similarity was that they didn’t wear veils to cover their faces. The others were all gentlemen, about eighteen or nineteen years old. Only the lady in the lead looked a little older, about twenty years old.

The group of people rode their horses through several blocks. There were more people on the street, and the noise of hustle and bustle could be heard from afar. Before long, they saw the West Market Gate. Several people slowed down their horses, entered the gate, and passed by a group of Hu merchants with camels and carriages.

The East and West Markets were the most lively places in Chang’an. After the shops opened in the afternoon, there was a constant stream of merchants. Especially in the West Market, almost all the Hu merchants gathered there. The bearded men with high noses, deep eyes, and strange clothes, the fair-skinned women with slim figures wearing Hu scarves, and the tall and strong men with dark skin were all common to people.

The language from all over the world were mixed together there, the shouts of vendors, the noise of people, and the sound of carriages and horses made the West Market even noisier. When the men and women arrived at the West Market, they went straight into a large house with white walls, black tiles, and red pillars. There were servants in the house who approached them to lead the horses and guide them inside. It was evident that they were already acquainted with the group, obviously children of nobles.

It was the largest music house in the West Market. It boasted numerous outstanding musicians, pipa players, and many graceful dancers and singing girls. There were new programs every month, making it a favored entertainment venue for the dignitaries in Chang’an City.

Several young men and women surrounded the leading woman and walked noisily with her into the house, arriving at an exquisite and gorgeous two-story building. The second floor of the building was open on all sides, with only gauze and bamboo curtains hanging as partitions. The floor was adorned with carpets featuring intricate patterns, and there were many low couches and small tables with brocade cushions.

Everyone found a place to sit down, familiar with the layout. The lady in a crimson round-necked robe sat down on a low couch first, crossing one leg and gesturing towards the bamboo curtains and gauze drapes around her.

“It’s too hot and stuffy, so roll them up.”

Although summer had not yet arrived, running under the sun had made them sweat. Several servants standing by immediately rolled up the curtains to let the breeze in, and others brought various fresh fruit drinks and placed them in front of them.

“Are the ladies awake yet?” Someone asked.

The servant replied, “They were exhausted from rehearsing the dance yesterday. The ladies are all a little late today. Lady Cai will be here soon.”

As soon as he finished speaking, several graceful women approached with pipa and other musical instruments. Leading them was Lady Cai, holding the pipa. She wasn’t particularly striking in appearance, but exuded a friendly temperament. She smiled at everyone seated at the table and settled onto a cushion at one side.

With a flick of her slender fingers, a clear sound resonated from the pipa. Lady Cai glanced towards the woman in the round-necked robe seated at the head of the table and asked, “What song does Miss Wu Er wish to listen to? I shall perform for you first. The other sisters are dressing and will join us shortly.”

Miss Wu Er took a sip of sweet sugarcane juice and smiled, replying, “Play whatever you wish, Lady Cai. I’m sure it will be delightful.”

Lady Cai bowed her head and began plucking the pipa strings. As the music concluded, several beautiful women ascended the stairs one by one. The upper floor soon buzzed with dance and music, creating a lively atmosphere.

This group of young men and women, led by Miss Wu Er, were well-known offspring of officials in Chang’an, regarded as a ‘gang of loafers’. Among them, Wu Zhen, known as Miss Wu Er, held the most prominent status.

Her father, Duke Yu, and her elder sister, the current Empress, contributed to her elevated status. Empress Wu doted on her younger sister, shaping her outgoing personality. At twenty six years old, she remained unmarried, preferring to socialize with friends in music houses and brothels, ride horses, and lead hunting expeditions out of the city. She defied traditional gender roles, earning notoriety not only among nobles and officials but also among the common people of Chang’an—albeit not always in a positive light.

Wu Zhen, deeply fond of dance and music, frequented various music houses in her leisure time. When she heard about a new dance being performed, she arrived to witness it herself. However, just as the excitement peaked, a servant dashed up the stairs, wiping sweat from his brow and bowing before her, urgently announcing, “Second Madam, Master has returned home and requests your immediate return!”

Wu Zhen, amidst applauding the dancers, was taken aback. A look of surprise crossed her face as she exclaimed, “What? Father is back? It’s not the end of the month. Why has he returned?”

The music ceased abruptly, all eyes turning to Wu Zhen. She picked up a horse whip beside her, rose to her feet, and headed towards the stairs. Waving to the assembled guests, she said, “I must go back to see what’s happening. Carry on without me.”

Without waiting for any response, she swiftly descended the stairs. At the bottom, she encountered a handsome young man in his teens. Initially wearing an impatient and haughty expression, his face lit up upon seeing her, and he dashed over, exclaiming, “Sister Zhen, you’re here! Why haven’t you taken me out to play lately?”

Wu Zhen shook her head with a smile. “Mei Si, you’re still sneaking out? Your father wants you to focus on your studies. If you get caught, he might just break your legs.”

The fourth son of the Mei family pursed his lips and grumbled, “I’m not scared of him. So, where are you off to, Sister Zhen? Cui Jiu and the others are upstairs.”

Wu Zhen continued walking past him, not looking back. “My father unexpectedly returned and wants me back home to face his scolding. I have to leave now.”

After watching Wu Zhen depart, Mei Si’s spirits dampened, and he ascended the stairs with sluggish footsteps. Without her presence, he found little enjoyment in the singing and dancing upstairs.