TCN: Mei Gongqing

Chapter 164-165

The companions she spoke of were the popular catamites in Jiankang, whom only the highest aristocrats had the privilege to enjoy. Besides good looks, they must possess literary talent, excellent calligraphy, poetic ability, creativity, or extraordinary martial arts to intercept assassins on their masters' travels. Each of their smallest actions must always be elegant, never vulgar.

In an era where 'no poor scholars hold the highest positions and no noblemen hold the lowest ranks' it was difficult for poor scholars to make a debut through sheer talents. Since they had no other means, those who were superior in looks would adopt the method of becoming an aristocrat's companion.

They followed the rich and powerful and joined them in learning the etiquette of the upper class, as well as knowledge that was out of reach for the poor gentry. After a few years, they were highly likely to be recommended by their lovers. In cases where they were not, the money and knowledge gained over the years could still help them find a small title.

Because the requirements were so high, there were not many such companions. What is rare is sought after; for this reason, companions became a fad among the upper class and a fascination to all.

Speaking of which, Wang Hong and Sun Yan were beautiful lads themselves, but no matter how they may dress, no one could ever mistake them for companions. This was primarily due to their background. They were from century-old aristocracies whereby self confidence ran in their bloods and bones. No matter what they did everyone would see excellence in them, unlike Chen Rong who came from a humbler background.

As she stood in front of the bronze mirror at this moment, for example, sharpness and coldness existed in her eyes, but one could not see an aristocrat's ease and grace reflected.

Perhaps this wasn't something the commoners could distinguish, but the scholars and clan elders could see it at a glance.

But then again, although Chen Rong did not possess an aristocrat's grace, her contempt for life and death exuded an aloofness that, along with her coldness and solitude, emerged like a rose in the snow – glaringly cold and beautiful.

A temperament like Chen Rong's was unique in the world she lived.

Nurse Ping hesitated for a while and at last couldn't help herself from persuading her mistress: "Miss, why don't you change into another outfit?"

Chen Rong looked down in contemplation and then smilingly replied, "No." She looked back at her nurse to say: "People like pretty young men. This will reduce their hostility towards me." Looks and manners in this period were more noticeable than education and character. At the imperial court, it was common for handsome men to attain high positions while talented men were left at home due to their unattractive looks.

Because the entire country paid attention to outer appearances, there was no shortage of men in Jiankang who applied powder, wore sachets, and dressed in their finest.

This translation belongs to the one and only hamster428.

Having now made all arrangements, Chen Rong left the temple.

The carriage wheels rolled on the morning sunlight and headed for the palace.

It was still early. There were not many people on the street and Chen Rong did not see anyone going in the same direction. Even when they were nearing the palace, very few carriages were seen around.

Slowly, they pulled up to the palace entrance.

The gates weren't open.

"Priestess, what should we do?" asked the driver who was sent by Wang Hong.