Chapter 77 - Yan Wenxin

Chapter 77 – Yan Wenxin

Edited by DancingDolphinsYo

In the suburbs of the capital, there was a Taoist temple called Chongxu Guan. The royals of the Great Xia dynasty followed both Buddhism and Taoism, and many of their customs, temples and rituals were a mix of both religions. However, Chongxu Guan was a very traditional temple, a rare sight in the Great Xia. It had many believers, and it received the royals’ great trust, so it was responsible for the annual ceremony of the emperor’s sacrifice to heavens.

Chongxu Guan was located at Qingyun Peak, about a half-day journey from the capital. Qingyun Peak was not extremely inaccessible or dangerous, its terrain gentle, and the scenery along the way was beautiful. Not only were there rugged mountains and towering rocks, there were also fields of blooming flowers, the variation of landscapes causing one to be unable to take them all in. After the gradual incline of the mountain, the height then rose steeply near Chongxu Guan. One needed to climb nine hundred and ninety-nine stone steps before they were able to reach the gates of the temple.

Of course, the royals and noble ladies were not able to climb this near one thousand steps. There was a path at the back of the mountain that was suitable for horses and carriages, leading them directly to Chongxu Guan.

Ping Yifan had invited Wu Xingzi for a hike on Qingyun Peak, and they could even reach Chongxu Guan around lunchtime for a vegetarian meal.

It was not that Ping Yifan was cheap, and that he wanted to freeload a meal from the temple. The vegetarian dishes of Chongxu Guan were very well known, and although they were all very simple, without any flowery cooking techniques, just one vegetarian dumpling could make countless believers constantly think about it. During the first and fifteenth days of the month where people would have vegetarian meals, many women from noble families liked to request their family to go up to Chongxu Guan and buy their dumplings home, never getting sick of it. Furthermore, the Taoist priests of the temple normally had their classes to attend to, and the vegetarian dishes could only be consumed in Chongxu Guan, with the food being available for purchase only on the first and the fifteenth of the month, making people scramble for it.

Wu Xingzi was not very interested in the famous view. His entire focus was on the man next to him.

He recalled how the moment he woke up in the early morning, the two girls had quickly helped him wash up and dressed him up. They somehow managed to get some money and bought him a well-fitted Confucian robe that was made of a light and soft material. Despite it being a dull, dark grey colour, the stitching on the cuffs, collar and hem was neat and precise, and it could be seen that the work was exquisite.

Knowing that Wu Xingzi did not like to be dressed too conspicuously, there were no designs or ornaments on the robe. However, the material itself seemed to gleam gently on Wu Xingzi’s body. Even if he believed himself to be an ordinary man from the countryside, he had to admit that he now had a gentle and stylish air around him.

He had never worn something so good in his lifetime, and in that instant, he did not know where to place his limbs. Stiffly, he sat in front of the copper mirror, letting Mint comb his hair for him. After some time, he finally forced the words out. “W-where did these clothes come from?”

“Hmm? Does Master not like them?” Mint pressed her lips together, trying to persuade him the moment she opened her mouth. “Master, the capital is unlike our Bastion City. If you don’t dress a little better, others will look down on you. You’re such a good person, I cannot let you suffer any such indignity.”

Normally, Rancui would accompany Wu Xingzi, and even if some people would be surprised, even looking down on this plain and simple man who looked shy and bashful, they would not reveal what they were feeling on their face. However, today, Wu Xingzi was going on a hike with Ping Yifan. That Ping Yifan also looked to be a rather ordinary person, and so Mint and Osmanthus were a little worried about Wu Xingzi, afraid that he would be ostracised by the “big shots” of the capital.

Of course Wu Xingzi understood what she meant, and he could not help but reveal a wry smile. The girls had been looking at too many picture books. In those stories of gifted scholars and beautiful ladies, there were often those of noble status who considered everything below their notice, their demeanour cruel and ruthless. However, talents could be found everywhere in a place like the capital, and the higher their position, the more they knew to disguise themselves, presenting a humble and courteous front. Even if the other party was currently down on his luck, who could guarantee that he would forever be down on his luck?

Furthermore, prominent and wealthy families had fallen to poor and humble families before. It was better to have more friends than enemies in the circle of officials.

Also, the rule of the reigning emperor was very strict, the governance was well regulated, and there was no particular extremely imposing family. At the very most, it was the son of the Protector General, the Great Southern Garrison General Guan Shanjin, who tended to do as he pleased.

Thinking about Guan Shanjin, Wu Xingzi’s heart pounded slightly, but it was quickly suppressed.

The thing he anticipated the most now was still the hike with Ping Yifan. Ever since the day he had been sent back, Wu Xingzi would unconsciously think about Ping Yifan’s face and demeanour, especially those hands of his holding the flute. The jade colour of the flute contrasted beautifully with the fairness of his skin, and both Wu Xingzi’s eyes and mind were dazzled.

Wu Xingzi would forget whatever that happened when he drank. When Hei’er and Rancui made subtle mentions about how he had displayed his affections towards Ping Yifan, Wu Xingzi was so embarrassed that he dared not see anyone for the next two days. He did not know why Ping Yifan was not scared away, and he instead took the initiative to invite him out… Could it be that Ping Yifan was also interested in him?!

Aiyah!

Wu Xingzi’s face flushed red, and he dared not look at his face in the mirror. Although clothes made the man, there was no way to adorn an ordinary appearance such that it would become refined and elegant.

Noticing Wu Xingzi’s blushing face, Mint secretly stuck her tongue out at her sister, seemingly sighing in relief. Naturally, Wu Xingzi completely did not register what she did.

Ping Yifan had arrived a quarter of an hour earlier than their arranged meeting time. Wu Xingzi had yet to fill himself up, half a bowl of porridge in his mouth. With bulging cheeks, he blinked at Hei’er who had come to announce his arrival.

Ignoring the risk of choking, Wu Xingzi hurriedly swallowed the porridge into his belly. His voice sounded a little hoarse as he said, “P-Ping-gongzi is here? Quick, invite him in!”

“Yes.” Just as Hei’er was about to turn around, Wu Xingzi suddenly called out.

“Has Ping-gongzi eaten yet?”

“Uhh…” Hei’er hesitated. He knew very well that Guan Shanjin, who was under Ping Yifan’s mask, had definitely just randomly satisfied his hunger with a mantou on his way here. If not for having invited Wu Xingzi for a hike two days later, as well as to let Ping Yifan be suited to Wu Xingzi’s preferences, Guan Shanjin would have come here wearing Ping Yifan’s mask to flirt two days ago. How would he have waited until today? He could no longer wait for even a quarter of an hour!

“It’s still so early, he most likely hasn’t eaten yet… Please invite Ping-gongzi to come share a meal. Mint, bring another set of cutlery over.” Wu Xingzi’s entire being seemed to be suffused with light, his eyes so bright that Hei’er was screaming in danger internally. However, not a ripple could be seen on his face, and he left silently to invite the man in.

“Master, shall we cook a few more dishes?” Osmanthus asked considerately.

“Yes, yes, that’ll be good.” Wu Xingzi could not help but feel distressed looking at the plates, that pretty much only had gravy left, on the table. He had actually finished up most of the dishes, and only two big buns and half a bowl of steamed egg were left. What was wrong with his head, to invite another to eat with him? There were only leftovers, how embarrassing!

Mint and Osmanthus could be considered to completely understand Wu Xingzi. Mint immediately went to the kitchen to start cooking, while Osmanthus deftly tidied away the plates on the table. Looking at this, it seemed as though Wu Xingzi had yet to start eating.

When Ping Yifan appeared, Wu Xingzi happened to be wiping his mouth. He had been afraid that throwing away the steamed egg was a waste, and so he finished half a bowl’s worth in one breath. Now, with air in his belly, after seeing Ping Yifan’s gentle and amiable face, he belched uncontrollably.

The heavens and earth were instantly silenced. A hint of amusement curled around Ping Yifan’s lips, but he did not say anything. Red spread through Wu Xingzi from head to toe, and he wished desperately for a hole to bury himself in.

“You, cough cough…” As the master of the house, Wu Xingzi had no choice but to brace himself and welcome the guest in. “Ping-gongzi, come, quickly take a seat. You haven’t eaten, right? I’ve asked the girls to go prepare already, shall we eat together?”

“Mr. Wu has yet to eat as well?”

“I’ve already…” eaten. Wu Xingzi clamped his lips in time. Rubbing his nose, Wu Xingzi gave Ping Yifan a smile, seeming to think that his facade had been maintained. “Not yet, I’m about to eat… Ping-gongzi has come at the perfect time, the perfect time.”

“I’ll unashamedly freeload a meal off you then.” Ping Yifan cupped his hands together, sitting down very naturally next to Wu Xingzi.

The old fellow first froze, then his body tensed up nervously. He wrung his sleeves non-stop, his brain in a mess not unlike burnt porridge. Opening his mouth, he was unable to say a word, and cold sweat broke out upon his forehead. However, Ping Yifan was very settled. Quietly, he tilted his head, studying Wu Xingzi, his eyes gentle and filled with a trace of amusement. It made Wu Xingzi, whose heart was already disordered, be even more at a loss. However, a sweetness was slowly welling up within him.

Fortunately, Mint was quick, and she soon returned with three dishes and a plate of mantous. Wu Xingzi’s appetite had always been huge, and after this surprise, he was inexplicably hungry again. As such, the breakfast proceeded very successfully.

After the meal, Ping Yifan then led Wu Xingzi up his carriage. Along the journey, he also introduced some of the scenery within the capital to him. His voice was as pleasant as the spring breeze, and Wu Xingzi’s heart pitter-pattered listening to him.

Listening with relish, he wished that they would never arrive at Qingyun Peak, and it would be very nice to be just like this forever.

Suddenly, the carriage jolted violently. As he was a little unsteady, Wu Xingzi toppled into Ping Yifan’s arms. Scrambling quickly, he tried to withdraw, but the man held him gently, patting his back in comfort.

“Did you get hurt?” A heated breath grazed past his ear. The tip of Wu Xingzi’s ear reddened, and he shook his head shyly. Desirously, he secretively took a deep inhalation of Ping Yifan’s scent.

White sandalwood threaded with orange blossom, it was extremely familiar. Wu Xingzi’s eyes were half-lidded, and feigning casualness, he nuzzled into Ping Yifan’s chest with the tip of his nose.

How could such a clumsy attempt at concealment be hidden from Ping Yifan. In the man’s eyes was a helpless and doting amusement, but it was quickly covered by a trace of darkness. A few moments later, a gentleness like calm water soon returned in those eyes again.

Patting Wu Xingzi’s back again, Ping Yifan pulled up the curtain of the window. Someone outside immediately leaned over, whispering, “Master, it’s Lord Yan’s family in front.”

“Lord Yan?” Ping Yifan’s voice was a little surprised, and Wu Xingzi could not help but look up curiously. “You’re referring to Lord Yan, Yan Wenxin?”

Yan Wenxin? The thin body gave a violent shudder, attracting Ping Yifan’s attention.

“What’s wrong?”

“N-nothing…” Wu Xingzi immediately lowered his head, his voice shaky. “W-why don’t we not go to Qingyun Peak today?”

“Why?” Ping Yifan seemed to not notice that there was anything wrong. “I’ve asked Manager Rancui before, and heard that Mr. Wu has been admiring the vegetarian dishes of Chongxu Guan for a long time. Since we’re here already, are we really not going up to try them?”

Vague amusement could be heard in the question, sending tingles through Wu Xingzi.

“True, true…” Unknowingly, he nodded and agreed. Praying for luck, he thought, perhaps this Yan Wenxin was not that Yan Wenxin from the past who had gifted him a perfume sachet. After all, this was not a very unique name, and Yan Wenxin might not have become an official in the capital.

This was basically self-deception. The one Yan Wenxin had married was the daughter of the ex-Minister of Revenue. With such a powerful in-law, how could Yan Wenxin not find a steady position after twenty odd years in the official court?

“We’re not far from the thousand steps already. Why don’t we disembark here, and just walk up from here?”

Wu Xingzi would of course never refuse Ping Yifan’s request. Feeling conflicted for a moment, in the end, he still submitted to the person he liked.

“We’ll do so then.” He nodded and agreed.

However, in less than a quarter of an hour, Wu Xingzi regretted it.

When they had just come down from the carriage, Wu Xingzi had glanced towards the direction of the carriages in front without thinking. Probably because they were going to attend the ceremony at Chongxu Guan, the carriages were not lavishly decorated. The men on the few horses around them were all dressed finely, and all of them were quite young. Some of them were not even twenty, and they were probably the youngest in their families, riding their horses here to take care of their elders.

Amongst them was one with a very striking face, their skin smooth and delicate like cream, and a pair of charming, almond-shaped eyes. It was actually a lady dressed up like a man.

Her appearance was delicate and gentle, but it also had an exuberant heroic air to it. With a radiant bearing, she urged her horse back and forth. For a girl from a noble family, she was a little too reckless and loud.

Wu Xingzi could not help but look at the lady again. In a barren place like Qingcheng County, never had such an independent and unorthodox girl appeared before. Even the women of Bastion City, who could hold up the sky, were completely different from the girl in front of him. There were truly hidden talents and gifted people everywhere in the capital.

“Xuan’er, come here.” A low and gentle voice, hiding a stateliness and dignity, sounded from the carriage all the way in front, carried by the wind into Wu Xingzi’s ear.

As though struck by lightning, he looked in the direction of the voice with wide eyes.