Namenloser Attentäter - Kapitel 2
"You?!" She looked at me with suspicion. "You hurt my pride, I'm leaving!" I've studied music, chess, calligraphy, and painting for four years, but I'm only a dabbler and can't really perform well. I know that very well, but I can still offer advice and be a strategist, right?! Zhu Qin grabbed my arm. "Xiao Xiao, don't be angry. Do you have a solution?" "I did before, but not anymore?" Seeing her distressed expression, I thought for a moment and said, "Your playing is already quite good. If you could play and sing a completely new and beautiful piece, giving people a fresh feeling, and combined with your outstanding appearance, it would definitely attract more attention. I think that would greatly increase your chances of success." Zhu Qin was also very interested. "That sounds good, but where am I going to find a new and beautiful piece?!"
"I have a plan. Let me think about it carefully. Come to my room tonight and we'll discuss it in detail!"
Chapter Ten: Offering Advice (Part One)
"Decadent music?! How can this be decadent music?!" I'm speechless! "Thinking of you, waiting for you, what else could it be but decadent music? I can't sing it!" Zhu Qin said with a determined expression.
It's really ironic. "Blue and White Porcelain" won countless accolades for Jay Chou and Vincent Fang back then. Even my old-fashioned father said it was a good song, considering it a highbrow classic in the pop music scene. I wanted to play the piano and sing it, moving people with emotion—what an elegant scene! How did it become so decadent here? Her reaction was quite unexpected. I was really indignant at her low opinion of "Blue and White Porcelain," so I asked Cheng Zhu Ri and Cheng Zhu Yue to judge. In front of them, I sang "Blue and White Porcelain" again. To capture the mood, I prepared myself emotionally, facing the swaying shadows of the trees outside the window, imagining the wisps of smoke rising from the chimneys of Jiangnan and the simple, elegant blue and white porcelain, washed clean of its artifice. I sang slowly: The unglazed porcelain is outlined with blue and white brushstrokes, the strokes thick and thin. The peony depicted on the vase is like your first makeup. The sandalwood incense shines through the window, and I understand your thoughts. The brush on the rice paper stops halfway. The glaze renders the lady's figure, its charm hidden away. And your gentle smile is like a bud about to bloom. Your beauty drifts away to a place I cannot reach. The sky blue awaits the rain, and I wait for you. The smoke from the chimney rises thousands of miles across the river. On the bottom of the vase, I write in Han Dynasty clerical script, imitating the elegance of the past dynasty. This is my foreshadowing of meeting you. The sky blue awaits the rain, and I wait for you. The moonlight is scooped up and diffused. The ending is like a timeless blue and white porcelain, beautiful in its own way. Your eyes are smiling. The white and blue koi leaps from the bottom of the bowl. When I copy the Song Dynasty style for the signature, I am thinking of you. You are hidden in the kiln firing process. The secret of the year is so delicate, like an embroidery needle falling to the ground. Outside the curtain, banana leaves attract the sudden rain; the door knocker attracts the verdigris. And I, passing through that Jiangnan town, attracted you. In the ink-wash landscape painting, you are hidden deep within the ink. The sky-blue awaits the misty rain, and I am waiting for you. Smoke rises from the chimneys, thousands of miles across the river. On the bottom of the bottle, I write in Han dynasty script, imitating the elegance of the previous dynasty. Consider it a foreshadowing of meeting you. The sky-blue awaits the misty rain, and I am waiting for you. The moonlight is scooped up and blurred. The ending is like a timeless blue-and-white porcelain, beautiful in its own right. Your eyes are smiling. "Not bad, right?" I am quite confident in my musical expression. Because of my beautiful voice and moving singing, I am always chosen as the department representative to participate in the company's year-end party. Cheng Zhu Ri looked into my eyes for a while before slowly opening his mouth: "The piece sounds really fresh? You composed it yourself?"
"Of course not!" I shook my head. "What kind of porcelain is blue and white porcelain? I've only heard of Song Dynasty blue and white porcelain!" he continued to press. "It's not about who wrote the lyrics, or about blue and white porcelain or Song Dynasty blue and white porcelain. Just tell me what you think of this song?" I was getting a headache. I couldn't very well say it was written by Jay Chou and Vincent Fang a thousand years in the future, or they'd probably make me drink talisman water and throw dog blood on me again. "The song? The melody of this song is good, but some lines are too vulgar. We can't use it! If you absolutely have to sing it, change the lyrics!"
"Alas, it seems the distance of time truly cannot be bridged. The differences in perspective between ancient and modern people are too vast. Even Cheng Zhuri says it won't work, so it definitely can't be used. The lyrics certainly can't be changed; such a classic song absolutely cannot be altered." "These lyrics sound like Liu Sanbian's style!" Cheng Zhuyue said to me with a grin. Liu Sanbian sounded somewhat familiar, so I blurted out, "Who is Liu Sanbian?" Cheng Zhuyue replied with a grin, "It's the Liu Sanbian that the Master mentioned, the one who repeatedly failed the imperial examinations and frequented brothels!"
"Zhu Yue!" Zhu Yue had barely finished speaking when Cheng Zhu Ri stopped her with a shout. His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a lot of weight. It was the first time I'd ever seen Cheng Zhu Ri display such elder brotherly authority. "Um, um, you're a young lady, you don't need to know. I have something to do, I'll be going now." With that, he vanished in an instant.
Liu Yong, Liu Yong! So I've come to the Northern Song Dynasty! It's been four years since I arrived here and I only just realized it. I had subtly asked Xiao He which emperor was currently in power, and she said it was Emperor Renzong. I didn't realize it at the time. It turns out that all the history I learned in school was just for exams, and I forgot everything after the exams. Among the emperors I knew were Emperor Taizong of Tang, Empress Wu Zetian, the romantic Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, Liu Che who defeated the Xiongnu, Li Yu who wrote "Yu Meiren," Zhao Kuangyin, Zhu Yuanzhang, Emperor Kangxi who is known as one of the greatest emperors of all time, and Emperor Qianlong, etc. All thanks to TV dramas. The dynasties of China are a mess in my head. I know Qin, Sui, Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing. Because of my graduation thesis, I also learned about the Northern Song Dynasty, which was a different dynasty from the Song Dynasty. I know that the Northern Song Dynasty had Liu Yong and the world-famous "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" by Zhang Zeduan. My favorite lyricist is Liu Yong. The title of my graduation thesis was about the reasons for the popularity of Liu Yong's slow-paced lyrics. Liu Yong's original name was Sanbian, courtesy name Jingzhuang, and he later changed his name to Yong, which means longevity. Liu Yong is the pioneer of slow-paced lyrics. Born into a musical family, he was proficient in music and considered himself a "minister in plain clothes." He showed extremely high artistic talent from a young age. He was a talented writer, a romantic figure, and a superstar in the history of Chinese literature. However, such a great figure was not recognized by the ruling class at the time and did not receive the status and respect commensurate with his talent. His poem "He Chong Tian" annoyed the emperor, who criticized him: "Go and write lyrics." This led to a life of bitterness and misfortune for him. It was precisely because of this that the lyric form achieved its orthodox status in the literary world, becoming a symbol of Song Dynasty literature and being regarded as one of the two jewels of literary history along with Tang poetry. The abstract of my own thesis is now vividly clear in my mind, like subtitles. I spent a week in the library researching countless materials to write my graduation thesis, and it took me almost two months to write. My supervisor even made me revise it three times before it was approved. I have a very deep impression of him. He is like a modern Jay Chou. No, I must find a way to meet him. Liu Yong was unsuccessful in his life. As a young man, he frequented brothels and only became an official when he was around 50 years old. In other words, the Liu Yong of today should be relatively young. He was doing very poorly and was supported by courtesans. I think he shouldn't be too arrogant. The more I think about it, the more I yearn for him.
"Xiaoxiao, what are you thinking about? Why are you spacing out?" Zhuqin walked over. "I quite like the melody, but the lyrics..."
“If this doesn’t work, there are others, but I need to think about it carefully. I’ll tell you tomorrow; it’ll definitely be better than this.” He said, urging them to leave. “I need to think about it carefully now. You should all go home first.” “Don’t worry too much, get some rest!” Cheng Zhuri’s voice was deep and gentle. “Okay, cousin, you too!” She smiled gently at Cheng Zhuri, then turned to see Zhuqin smiling at them both. “Zhuqin too!” she quickly added, closing the door. But how could she possibly see Liu Yong?
Chapter Eleven: Offering Advice (Part Two)
The next morning, I introduced my plan B to Zhuqin: the background music for the TV series "Kangxi Dynasty." It uses Mongolian stringed instruments, the erhu, pipa, flute, and guzheng from the Central Plains, as well as Western instruments like the trombone and even a piano concerto to perform Mongolian long songs. The different instruments and arrangements create different auditory effects. The music is beautiful, melancholic, lingering, and grand. Moreover, it has no lyrics. As it is produced by CCTV, its quality is guaranteed, and there will definitely be no vulgarity issues. Ever since watching "Kangxi Dynasty," I've become a huge fan of Chen Daoming and Siqin Gaowa, and I've also fallen deeply in love with this melancholic melody. I even bought a flute on Taobao and asked my best friend's boyfriend, who studies music, to teach me. In my past life, I was completely clueless about musical instruments, and I learned it entirely through sheer enthusiasm, taking almost three months to become fairly familiar with it. After learning it, I was very proud of myself, playing it several times every night on the balcony. Eventually, my neighbor leaned out of their window and shouted at me, "Hey beautiful, can you change the song? You've been playing it for almost two months, my ears are calloused!" After playing the song, I felt a bit rusty, but I could still get the basic melody out. Zhuqin was still quite satisfied and immediately picked up the flute to play it. I was stunned to see how well I could play it after only hearing it once. The musical talent of the ancients was truly remarkable! I sincerely exclaimed, "Zhuqin, you are a true talent!" She smiled knowingly at me: "I like this piece, so I'll use it! Who composed it?" "Yes, it was written by a good friend of my parents. My parents love music and often invite friends over to discuss poetry and compose music. This piece was written by one of their friends, and it's called... called 'Kangxi'!" It really didn't feel right to lie. "Then I need to practice more!" "Zhuqin, I've heard you mention the Chrysanthemum Festival, which is mostly individual performances. Could we do a group performance? This piece was originally played by many people using different instruments. Although the flute is melodious, it's only part of the piece and can't encompass its full meaning. If married children perform together, it'll be a slightly different approach and give people a fresh feeling. Maybe it can be surprisingly effective. What do you think?" I suggested enthusiastically. Zhu Qin hesitated for a moment, "Do all of us have to go together?" After thinking carefully, she replied, "Except for my cousin, it's best if everyone goes together. This is a great opportunity to show off and get married! And..." She deliberately smiled suggestively, "And maybe someone can find a good husband." Zhu Qin blushed, "You little brat, I'll tear your mouth off!" "Who told you to always laugh at me? Of course I'll get my revenge when I get the chance!" But thinking about the potential difficulties, she immediately became serious, "The most important thing now is to get the support of my aunt and uncle. If they agree, we won't have to worry about Zhu Yue and the others not participating!"
Without delay, Zhuqin and I immediately went to Aunt Meiren to tell her about our plan. She was very supportive and persuaded Uncle to tell the Cheng family children to work hard. She also arranged for servants to clear out an empty room to turn into a temporary practice place. After assessing the musical instrument that each Cheng family child was best at, we arranged for Zhuyue to learn the suona instead of the trombone, Zhuqi and Zhushu to play the erhu and pipa, Xing'er to play the guzheng, and Zhuqin, of course, to play a solo flute. Actually, I really wanted to participate, but considering my own instrument level, I automatically withdrew. At first, Xing'er complained to us, saying it wasn't fun and he wasn't focused when practicing. I told him that there were not only delicious food and fun activities there, but also many beautiful girls. If he liked any of them, he could probably reserve one in advance. Under my coaxing and the authority of Zhuqin, the eldest daughter of the Cheng family, he finally started to practice seriously. The strangest thing was my uncle's reaction. He only said that as a member of the Cheng family, Cheng Zhuri had to attend. Aside from business matters and the boys' education, he never cared about these things. Why was he making an exception this time? Since Cheng Zhuri turned 18, he hasn't attended calligraphy classes with us anymore because he's been busy managing the Cheng family business, just like a typical office worker. He's busy from nine to five, spending his days at the rice shop and money exchange, occasionally traveling for work, and without the weekends typical of office workers. He doesn't get a break except for holidays like Chinese New Year—it's tough. After my uncle's careful nurturing over the years, he's become increasingly mature and is now the second-in-command of the Cheng family. He has very little time to rest. Why does he still need him to attend? Is my uncle trying to use this opportunity to help him find a wife? But that doesn't make sense. Since Cheng Zhuri turned 18, many people have come to propose marriage, but my uncle hasn't agreed to any of them. Or perhaps the suitors weren't good enough, so he rejected them. Is he hoping to find someone better at the Chrysanthemum Festival? However, my uncle knew about the flirtatious exchanges between Cheng Zhuri and me, but he didn't object, which could be interpreted as tacit approval. I was racking my brains trying to figure it out, but I still couldn't come to a conclusion. At first, I politely asked Cheng Zhuri if he wanted to attend the Chrysanthemum Festival, but he declined, saying he was too busy with business. This suited me perfectly; I knew all too well the power of his appearance, and it wouldn't be good if he stole Zhuqin's thunder, since she was the main character. Of course, there was also a little bit of my own selfish motive involved, but since my uncle had spoken, he had no choice but to obediently join in. His instrument was the xiao (vertical bamboo flute), and thankfully, his performance was very short, less than 20 seconds. After more than a month of everyone's hard work, the results were quite good, which made me very gratified. The music was plaintive and sorrowful, although the flavor was different from the original; it wasn't as melancholic, but it had its own unique charm. Zhu Yue is a major contributor, because he had never played the suona before, so he specially sought out a teacher and practiced intensively. Fortunately, he had a foundation in the flute and xiao, and despite the short playing time, it sounded quite impressive. He vividly portrayed the powerful timbre of the suona's low register and the tense, sharp tone of its high register. They have both good looks and talent, so they have a great chance of achieving a good ranking. <bgsound src=/temp/%BF%B5%CE%F5%CD%F5%B3%AF%B1%B3%BE%B0%D2%F4%C0%D6.wma>
Chapter Twelve: Taking a Bath
Lately, I've been exhausted from organizing the Chrysanthemum Festival. Having learned the importance of image management from my past experiences with large-scale national talent shows, I've paid meticulous attention to their costumes and positioning, putting in a tremendous amount of effort. The focus is on Zhu Qin, with everyone else playing supporting roles to create a "star-studded" effect. Fortunately, the others haven't objected to this slightly less-than-ideal arrangement; I guess they're still young and don't have much time for such things. Cheng Zhu Ri also seemed indifferent. The rehearsals have been quite successful, giving off a fairy-like aura. So tonight, I closed the door early to treat myself to a bath. Soaking myself in hot water sprinkled with flower petals, I felt completely relaxed.
Xiaohe gently wiped my shoulder with a cotton cloth, praising, "Miss, you're getting more and more beautiful! Look at your fair and delicate skin, I just want to touch it." I smiled inwardly, "Xiaohe's words are getting sweeter and sweeter, she really knows how to talk." Every woman loves to hear compliments, and I'm no exception; I never tire of hearing them. "No, I'm just telling the truth!" "Give me a massage, my shoulder is a little sore, right here." She pointed to the sore spot, "Use a little more force, massage it a few more times!"
While massaging me, Xiaohe asked, "Is this pressure okay?" "Mmm, very comfortable." I closed my eyes, enjoying Xiaohe's service, thinking about how I could improve my performance at the Chrysanthemum Festival. Her fingers massaged me until I was drowsy, and my body and mind were completely relaxed. Once I was comfortable, she stretched out her legs. "Help me trim my toenails." In the Song Dynasty, foot binding wasn't widespread, which was a huge relief to me. Thinking of the pictures of three-inch golden lotuses I'd seen in my past life, they were truly horrific. At that time, foot binding was mainly limited to upper-class women. In ordinary urban society, foot binding wasn't universally accepted, and married women didn't bind their feet. I'm living the life of a pampered young lady now, never lifting a finger. What does "never lifting a finger" mean? In my opinion, it means if you don't wash your face, your hands won't get wet. You're waited on hand and foot, with everything done for you. Xiaohe is clever and obedient, always very careful when serving me. I guess part of the reason is that she didn't take good care of Wen Xiaoxiao, causing her to get a fever and be locked in the woodshed by her uncle. This kind of life is very comfortable, even decadent. If I suddenly returned to the modern world one day, I'd have a hard time adjusting. Xiaohe picked up her special little scissors and carefully trimmed her toenails. Wen Xiaoxiao is truly beautiful. Her face and body have such fair and delicate skin, it's as if you could squeeze water from it. Looking at her slender waist and long legs, even I couldn't help but fall in love. Especially her jade-like legs—perfectly proportioned, straight, and long, as flawless as white jade. But there's one thing I'm really unhappy about: my breasts aren't full enough. Strictly speaking, I'm a bit thin; I'd estimate they're only an A cup. It just goes to show that no one is perfect. Although I've eaten a lot of foods I know can help with breast enhancement, like almonds, sesame seeds, peanuts, and pig's trotters, and I massage myself every day, the results aren't very noticeable. Luckily, I'm still young and have room to develop. I'll ask my beautiful auntie if she has any good breast enhancement secrets. Yes, I have to ask tomorrow, otherwise it'll be hard to grow bigger after I turn 18. I got up very early and ran to find my beautiful auntie without even having breakfast. I stood there for a while, too embarrassed to speak, watching Aunt Qin combing her hair. My beautiful auntie spoke first, asking, "What's wrong with you today? Is there something you can't tell your auntie?"
I glanced at Qin Ma, thought for a moment, then whispered in the ear of the beautiful aunt. She smiled broadly, patted the back of my hand, and said, "Yes, yes." She turned to Qin Ma and instructed, "Starting tomorrow, have the kitchen prepare sweet fermented rice balls for the eldest young lady and the cousin every morning and evening. Bring them directly to their rooms." "Yes, Madam." Zhu Qin also wanted some; I wondered if she would mind my meddling, but she seemed to need them too. "By the way, your fourteenth birthday is in a few days," Aunt Mei said, holding my hand. "This afternoon, I'll have Zhu Ri take you to the Jinzhifang to pick out some fabrics you like and make a few new clothes." "Thank you, Aunt. You love Xiao Xiao the most." I hugged Aunt Mei and acted coquettishly. I like to hug her when I'm happy. Although she's not Wen Xiao Xiao's biological mother, she truly treats Wen Xiao Xiao as her own daughter. I have everything Zhu Qin has. Even though I'm a woman with the mentality of almost 30, such actions are a bit excessive, but she likes it, so I show it from time to time. I know she's afraid I'll feel like I'm living under someone else's roof. The more I act like a little girl, the more she feels that I'm doing well, and the more she feels that I'm doing right by Wen Xiao Xiao's biological mother. I don't know if my beautiful aunt was intentionally trying to set us up, but she created every opportunity for Cheng Zhuri and me to be alone. It must have been that way; as the old saying goes, "Cousins are still relatives, even if blood is broken, the tendons are still connected." To be honest, Cheng Zhuri was indeed a high-performing man. If I were to marry him, it wouldn't seem so unacceptable. He was handsome, had a good temperament, was well-educated, came from a wealthy family, was gentle and considerate, and most importantly, seemed unlikely to have an affair—definitely a good man. He meticulously cared for my daily life. We spent every birthday and every holiday together. Even though we were a large family, whenever I looked up to look for him, his eyes would catch my gaze. When did we develop this tacit understanding? Was it in calligraphy class? Or at the dinner table? Or during occasional outings? I don't know, but his thoughtfulness was like a warm aura surrounding me, something I could clearly feel no matter where we were. It was a feeling of warmth and security that women experience. I enjoyed the way he gently helped me up and down the carriage, enjoyed his voice calling me "cousin," and especially enjoyed the way he looked at me. But why does my uncle want him to attend the Chrysanthemum Festival? He tacitly approves of our relationship. It's a bit annoying. Forget it, I don't want to think about it anymore. Thinking about it is giving me a headache. I tell myself to cherish the present and not think too much. And all I can control is the present. Only with the present can there be a future. Let's enjoy this pure love for now. If the ending is already predetermined, at least we should cherish the process.
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Chapter Thirteen: Our Love Affair
Jinzhifang was a famous fabric shop. If the wealthy in Bianjing City ate rice from Chengjia, then their clothes were generally made by Jinzhifang, a symbol of status. Jinzhifang was very grand, especially its signboard, which gleamed with gold. As soon as I arrived at the shop entrance, someone greeted me, "What a rare guest! Young Master Cheng, please come in!" "Manager Wu, you're too kind!" The man called Manager Wu looked shrewd and was probably only in his thirties. "And you are here today?" Cheng Zhuri gestured to me beside him, "Buying some fabric for my cousin." Manager Wu glanced at me and immediately praised, "This young lady is truly beautiful! Please, both of you, have a seat in the private room upstairs!"
Jinzhifang store is very large, with two floors, estimated to be more than 2,000 square meters. The lower floor displays all kinds of fabrics, divided into different areas according to price, and within the same area, they are further classified by color. Each piece of fabric has a small sign next to it, which reads the price, the origin of the silk, etc. The upper floor is a place for customers to rest while selecting products. Moreover, the service is first-class. As soon as we sat down, someone served us tea, and soon, all kinds of fabrics were placed in front of us. Manager Wu was a very professional manager, and his introduction flowed smoothly. "These are all fabrics that your family regularly orders. I've selected some suitable for Miss, especially this rouge red one," he said, picking up a piece of fabric. "These are new arrivals in the shop, only two bolts. They're made from silk from Suzhou and Hangzhou silkworms. These aren't ordinary silkworms; to improve the quality of the silk, they're fed fresh mulberry leaves with fresh soy milk every day. They're also repeatedly dyed with safflower, and the safflower itself is very particular—it must be a large safflower that blooms in late autumn. Every ten threads are joined with a golden thread from an amber silkworm. Amber silkworms are known for their tough silk with an amber luster, making them extremely precious." He walked to the window with the fabric. "When the sunlight shines on it, it emits a faint golden yellow. This fabric is vibrant and elegant; only a beautiful girl like Miss is worthy of it."
Shopkeeper Wu was truly eloquent. Although I knew nothing about silk or silkworms, his description made me think the fabric must be of high quality, and I felt a strong urge to buy it. "How much is it?" "Only 10 taels!" Shopkeeper Wu said with a cheerful smile. Ah, so expensive! 10 taels, and "only"? That would last an ordinary family for several months! Just as I was about to say no, Cheng Zhuri spoke up, "I think this piece is good. I'll take it, along with the moon white, pale yellow, and peach pink!" Shopkeeper Wu happily took the silver notes from Cheng Zhuri and went downstairs to pack them. "A little girl with fair skin and delicate bones, pink clothes suit her well, especially peach pink, which makes her complexion look rosy. But this yellow doesn't suit her; it makes her skin look a bit dark." He commented on each fabric I touched, quite meticulously. "Cousin, this is too expensive!" Spending so much money on clothes is wasteful; I won't be able to wear them anymore once I grow up, unlike jewelry and gold which hold their value.
He said it casually, "A thousand pieces of gold can't buy what the heart desires. It's only 30 taels of silver. How could I not buy it if Xiaoxiao likes it so much!" After buying the fabric, we didn't go straight home. Cheng Zhuri led me to a peach grove next to the Daxiangguo Temple. Strolling through the grove of fallen peach blossoms, pink, white, and red blossoms bloomed in profusion on the branches, their flowers full and vibrant, as if we were in a secluded paradise. Suddenly, a playful peach branch caught my hair. Just as I was about to raise my hand, Cheng Zhuri reached out first. "Don't move, I'll do it!" We were very close, his breath on my neck, but this time I wasn't nervous. Since the carriage incident, I've become more and more natural with him. That hug seemed to instantly shorten the distance between us. "Alright!" He reached out and stroked my hair, casually picking a peach blossom and tucking it into my hair, smiling gently, "Truly, your face and the peach blossom complement each other perfectly!" This was the first time he had complimented my beauty, and my face flushed slightly. Then, he took a piece of jade from his pocket and placed it around my neck. "Do you like it?" I touched it; it was crystal clear, smooth and translucent, emitting a soft luster, the same color as the white jade hairpin in his hair. I smiled sweetly at him, "Of course I like it, cousin!" "What was the name of that poem you sang last time?" "It's called 'Blue and White Porcelain'!" "Sing it for me again, please?" His voice was like red wine; I felt a little tipsy. "Of course!" I would sing it as many times as I wanted. My beautiful singing voice echoed through the peach blossom grove. Halfway through the song, he took out a flute from his waist and played along with the song. When the song ended, he walked towards me, his deep, focused eyes like an ancient well that wanted to draw me in. He stretched out his arms and embraced me. "Xiaoxiao, let your cousin take care of you for the rest of your life, okay?" Cheng Zhuri confessed to me. This gentle and elegant man confessed to me. It was a bit unexpected, after all, I was only fourteen years old. Yet, it was also expected. People in ancient times matured early. Girls could marry after the age of 15. To me, he was like a sun god. Just like his name, I had always looked up to him. Although I knew in my heart that he liked me to some extent, I was not sure how deep it was. I did not have enough confidence that he would definitely choose me. It was like the Ugly Duckling Syndrome: when I was young, I was ugly and often ridiculed. I was very self-conscious. When I grew up and slowly became beautiful, I could not truly be confident because the self-image of ugliness was deeply rooted. It's a bit like me. Although I was born into this Wen Xiaoxiao's body, deep down I am the person who has lived in 21st-century China for 25 years. I have an ordinary appearance, ordinary abilities, and was born into an ordinary working-class family. Now, hearing his confession in person, I am overjoyed. This jade-like man has confessed to me, and I feel a feeling of happiness overflowing in my heart.
She leaned quietly against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, and nodded gently. "Your birthday is on the sixth day of the lunar month. Is there anything you particularly want?" He had already given her all the usual gifts—a light pink dress, jewelry, and hairpins—and after thinking for a moment, she said, "I want to go and explore Bianjing City. Although I've lived here for many years, I've never truly seen what Bianjing is like!" "That's easy. The market is from the sixth to the eighth of this month. I'll show you around then!"
"Will Auntie agree?" A hint of worry crossed his mind. Cheng Zhuri's dark eyes gleamed with determination. "She definitely will. I'll go talk to her!"
Chapter Fourteen: A Gift in Return
In ancient times, when men and women became engaged, they would exchange gifts. I should reciprocate with something to express my feelings!
But what should I give him? How about a jade piece? In ancient times, jade was a beautiful and noble word. In ancient poetry and literature, jade was often used to describe all beautiful people or things. It was believed that the smoothness of jade could eliminate a restless heart, the color of jade could please a troubled heart, and the purity of jade could purify a defiled heart. Therefore, gentlemen loved jade and hoped to find its natural spirit. However, the jade ornaments I have were all given to me by my elders. I can't give them away, and that would be too insincere. It's unlikely that I can go out and buy some on my own. After much thought, I decided to embroider a handkerchief for him myself. The key is that it can express my feelings, but it can't be too difficult. Flowers, birds, fish, and insects are too complicated. I can embroider, but the pattern I produce is not delicate or lifelike enough. Finally, I decided to embroider "I will hold your hand forever. EV" on my favorite handkerchief. EV is the initials of my English name, representing that it is a gift from me to him, not Wen Xiaoxiao. After working overtime for two nights, I finally finished it. I picked it up and looked at it from left to right. The colors were vibrant, the stitches were fine, and the sentiment was deep. It was very good. I was very satisfied. Tonight, I will wait for him in my room and give it to him by hand. Now, whenever he has free time, he sneaks over to see me, plays the zither, the flute, or chats, just like modern couples on a date. However, the location is always at home. I often sing him songs that I consider elegant and lyrical, such as "White Moonlight," "Hair Like Snow," and "East Wind Breaks," but his favorite is "Blue and White Porcelain." It's true, the man I've chosen has the same taste. Once, he asked me how I came to know so many fresh lyrics. I wanted to say it was written by my parents' friends, since plagiarizing is immoral and illegal in modern times. I'm a law-abiding citizen educated in the new China. But Wen Xiaoxiao's parents are refined people; their friends wouldn't write such vulgar lyrics. It wasn't something scholars and officials of that time would do. I could only say that my parents were exceptionally talented, and I didn't inherit any of their skills in music, chess, calligraphy, or painting. Perhaps God compensated me with this talent. He didn't comment on my answer and didn't press the matter further. I don't know if it's because Cheng Shun and Xiao He did a good job keeping watch, or if the Cheng family's parents just turned a blind eye. After all, marriage between siblings was common in ancient times. Anyway, our private meetings weren't discovered, which felt quite exciting. The handkerchief has been embroidered for two days but hasn't been sent out yet. These past two days, my uncle, Cheng Zhuri, and Uncle Qi have been staying at the Cheng family's farm in the suburbs, leaving early and returning late. Xiao He said the Cheng family has over 1500 mu of fertile land in the suburbs, the most fertile land near Bianjing City, specializing in rice cultivation. Because the Cheng family's land is good and the water and fertilizer are abundant, they can harvest twice a year. Not only are the ears plentiful, but the grains are also plentiful, large, and plump. Although the price isn't low, almost all the wealthy families in Bianjing eat rice from the Cheng family. The Cheng family's tenants have been farming for the Cheng family since Cheng Zhuri's grandfather's generation. They are skilled farmers. From grandfather to father to grandson, the planting techniques were taught step by step. They can teach one generation after another. The first generation of tenants farmed for the Cheng family, not only because the wages were higher than elsewhere and there were year-end bonuses, but also because of some unique aspects. Some oddly shaped plots of land on the farm were unsuitable for rice cultivation, so the Cheng family would distribute these plots to senior, high-performing tenants as rewards. They could grow vegetables and fruits, keeping all the harvest themselves. After listening for a while, I summarized the Cheng family's two successful strategies: first, they targeted the high-end market; second, they satisfied the tenants' desire for land. The traditional Chinese desire for land is deeply ingrained, passed down from generation to generation, and remains unchanged even in modern times, as evidenced by people's obsession with houses. I wasn't quite sure how big 1500 mu was, but from Xiaohe's proud tone, I could imagine it was definitely not small. I waited a long time, but Cheng Zhuri still hadn't arrived. Was he going to be late again today? I sent Xiaohe to check, and finally, he came. "Cousin, you've been coming home so late lately, it must be tiring!" Seeing his exhausted face, I felt a pang of sympathy. "Xiaohe, go to the kitchen and get a bowl of lotus seed porridge for my cousin!" "No need to trouble yourself! I haven't been here for two days, just dropping by for a bit. Tomorrow's the day for the bank's accounting, I need to get up early!"
I raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why is the accounting period earlier this month? Wasn't it always the fifth or sixth day of the lunar month?"
Cheng Zhuri replied calmly, "The sixth day is your birthday. I need to make sure everything is arranged before I can accompany you to the city!" "Won't it be bad to do this for me? This morning at breakfast, I noticed that Uncle wasn't feeling well. It doesn't have to be on the sixth day; we can go on the eighth. Isn't the market open on the eighth?" Cheng Zhuri gave me a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, I've already talked to Dad. He won't be going tomorrow. Uncle Qi and I can handle the accounting. I've been running the money exchange since I was 15, so I know it very well. Besides, Uncle Qi will help me. Anyway, I'll have to take on the responsibilities of the Cheng family sooner or later. It doesn't matter if it's sooner or later. It's Dad who's worried about the farm and insists on going to check on things himself, which is why he's been so tired these past two days. The sixth day is my little birthday, so I definitely have to go. Everything's arranged, so you don't need to worry!" He works so hard, having to be filial to his parents and take care of his girlfriend. I wanted to do something for him. "A bowl of porridge won't take much time. It's been a long time since dinner. Eat something to fill your stomach. A full stomach will help you sleep well, and a good night's sleep will give you energy, and energy will make you work faster and better!" I looked at him with pitiful eyes like Shin-chan. He nodded. "Okay!" After watching him finish his porridge, I urged him to go back and rest. Only when I saw him to the gate of the courtyard did I take out a handkerchief from my pocket. "Cousin, this, this is for you!" I was a little nervous. He took it and looked at it carefully. A faint smile appeared on his lips, and the weariness on his face lessened. He asked curiously, "What's this pattern? I've never seen it before!" I knew he liked the handkerchief. "Yes, you definitely haven't seen it before. This pattern is specially embroidered for you. It's unique to you, cousin!" "How can such strange things be in your little mind?" "..." I was speechless. "What does the pattern mean?" Oh dear, isn't this like I have to confess my feelings to him in person? I stared at him for a long time, then blushed and said, "I'll tell you later!"
Cheng Zhuri looked at me and laughed heartily, "Then tell me on our wedding night!" Good heavens, this is the first time I've seen him laugh heartily, so beautiful! He doesn't seem so mature anymore. I always wondered why, even though we both have phoenix eyes, the effect is so different. Zhuyue's phoenix eyes are electrifying and have a peach blossom quality, while his gives off a sharp feeling. It turns out it's because he rarely smiles. Now that he smiles, it's like a mountain of peach blossoms blooming before my eyes.
Chapter Fifteen: First Date
Today is my birthday, and also the day Cheng Zhu took me to tour Bianjing City. I got up very early, ate longevity noodles, and then sat in front of the mirror to get ready. I combed all my bangs back, revealing my smooth and full forehead. Xiao He's skills were excellent; her hairstyle was simple, adorned only with a jade hairpin, yet it exuded the aura of a young girl. My dark, bright eyes seemed to ripple like autumn water, my skin was like solidified cream, my eyebrows like crescent moons, and my lips had a healthy, cherry-like sheen. I couldn't help but lick them myself. It seems that love's nourishment for a woman is irreplaceable; I looked radiant. Then, I put on the ten-tael crimson silk skirt, which made my complexion appear fair with a rosy glow. Looking at my beautiful yet somewhat unfamiliar self in the mirror, I realized that women truly dress up for those they love. "Miss, you look like a fairy from heaven! So beautiful! You should have dressed like this a long time ago!" Xiao He exclaimed as she helped me with the final touches. Everything was ready, and just as we were about to leave, Xing'er grabbed me, "Cousin, you and Big Brother are going to the market, Xing'er wants to go too!" Xing'er tugged at my sleeve, not letting me go. "But the Chrysanthemum Festival is in half a month, you need to practice harder." "No, I already know it by heart." The little girl persisted. Cheng Zhuri said in a deep voice, "Xing'er, you can't go today, but Big Brother promises you, after the Chrysanthemum Festival I'll take you to Bao Gong Lake, and then we'll have dinner at Daoxiangju!" Big Brother's words carried weight. Xing'er answered somewhat reluctantly, "Then don't forget!" "When has Big Brother ever forgotten what he said? After the Chrysanthemum Festival I'll take you all." Cheng Zhuri's voice was very authoritative.
"Then Xing'er will go first!" He took a few steps, then suddenly turned back to look at me, his face flushed. "Cousin looks so beautiful today. If you're still as beautiful as you are now when I come of age, I'll marry you!" With that, he ran off in a flash.
This little brat. Bianjing was the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty and its most magnificent city. The city boasted numerous handicraft workshops, and its streets were lined with shops, inns, and stalls, bustling with people and vehicles. Today, Cheng Zhuri acted as my temporary tour guide. He told me that the Imperial Street of Bianjing was two hundred paces wide, with imperial corridors on both sides. The Imperial Street was a major thoroughfare along the north-south axis of Bianjing, stretching over ten li (approximately 5 kilometers) from the Xuande Gate of the Imperial Palace, south through the Zhuque Gate of the inner city, to the Nanxun Gate of the outer city. It was the main route for the emperor to perform ancestral rites, hold grand ceremonies at the southern suburbs, and travel to and from the palace, hence the name "Imperial Street." The Northern Song Dynasty changed the old rules of the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties, which prohibited residents from opening doors onto main streets or engaging in business outside designated market areas. Citizens were allowed to open shops and conduct business along the streets and in the imperial corridors. To invigorate economic and cultural life, the curfew was relaxed, city gates closed late and opened early, and military patrol posts were set up every two or three hundred steps along the streets. The patrol officers in these posts maintained traffic order and directed pedestrian and vehicular flow during the day, and guarded government offices and merchants' residences at night, preventing theft, fire, and accidents. The markets offered a wide variety of goods from all over the country as well as from abroad. For someone as unfamiliar with history as myself, it would be hard to believe that commerce in the Northern Song Dynasty was so developed if I hadn't witnessed it firsthand. When I first arrived in Chengjia, I wondered why the Chengjia family, who were just ordinary merchants, at most half-landlords and half-merchants, seemed to be considered a "wealthy family" in the conversations of the Chengjia people. Weren't all dynasties supposed to implement a policy of "emphasizing agriculture and suppressing commerce"? Merchants should be at the bottom of society, even worse off than farmers. It turns out that the Northern Song Dynasty's imperial power vigorously promoted the development of commerce and handicrafts, thus giving merchants a relatively high status. This is precisely why the city's prosperity and development have been greatly promoted. It took the entire morning to see only a small part of the Imperial Street. This was my first close encounter with this city, the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty a thousand years ago! I looked around, touched everything, and found everything fascinating. Cheng Shun followed behind us, carrying my bag, his hands laden with the things we bought. Anything I looked at or touched a few times, Cheng Zhuri would buy. Around noon, feeling hungry, Cheng Zhuri led me to his usual restaurant, Daoxiangju. Just as we stepped inside, a middle-aged man greeted us, "Young Master Cheng, you've arrived! A private room upstairs has been prepared for you, your usual Lan-brand room!" "Thank you, Manager Lin." Manager Lin's gaze fell on me, and he paused before asking, "And this young lady is?" "She's my cousin. I brought her out for a stroll today, and to try your cooking. Bring some of your best dishes!"
"Alright, please come upstairs, both of you!" Knowing the influence of his appearance, even Cheng Zhuri showed a look of amazement when he first saw me this morning. We attracted constant stares as we strolled along the street. At first, it greatly satisfied my vanity, but being stared at is always uncomfortable, like being an animal in a zoo for people to admire. Fortunately, Manager Lin is a very tactful person; after his initial stunned silence, he quickly returned to normal. The Daoxiangju restaurant has a very elegant ambiance. Manager Lin personally served us. I suppose Cheng Zhuri is a regular customer here, a VIP, hence this treatment! Plates of delicious food were brought out one after another. "Cousin, could you tell me about the origins of these dishes? I think the quality of a dish isn't just about its color, aroma, and taste, but also the culture behind it. Eating while listening to their stories and origins must be a unique experience!"
Although I've eaten some of the dishes before, I'm not really Wen Xiaoxiao, so I don't know their origins. Now that I have this rare opportunity, of course I have to ask, just like when you travel, the tour guide will explain the local architecture, culture, food and history in detail.
Cheng Zhuri's lips twitched slightly. "I'm willing to serve my cousin. This is Three-Flavor Lotus Pastry. Legend has it that a eunuch named Guo Huai conspired with Consort Liu to frame Consort Li, causing her to throw herself into the lotus pond in the Cold Palace and commit suicide. From then on, the lotus flowers in the pond never bloomed again. Between the Cold Palace and the lotus pond lies the 'Three Immortals Cave,' where, according to legend, three immortals, including Tieguai Li, once resided. They came specifically to admire the lotus flowers, only to find a desolate and withered scene. Learning the reason for Consort Li's resentful death, they used a little magic to restore her form and imbue her with spiritual energy. Consort Li then ascended to heaven as an immortal, while the eunuch Guo Huai plunged headfirst into the mud of the lotus pond. From then on, the lotus pond regained its former beauty, with water lilies reflecting each other, clear and beautiful." Fragrant and captivating, this historical myth has been reflected in a dessert called "Three Delicacies Lotus Pastry." "Three Delicacies" is a homophone for "Three Immortals," signifying gratitude for the kindness of these three deities. The pastry is fragrant and sweet-sour, shaped like a lotus bud just beginning to bloom, with a delicate and lifelike color. The Three Delicacies Lotus Pastry, resembling a lotus bud, is fragrant, crisp, and delicious. It is made with a dough of refined flour, sugar, eggs, lard, and wheat flour, filled with date paste, hawthorn cake, honey, and flavoring. The filling is wrapped in the dough to form a tall, round pastry, and finally, three light slits are made with a knife to expose the filling. The meticulously crafted Three Delicacies Lotus Pastry has a delicate and lifelike color, and its appearance is exquisitely realistic. Eating it brings a sense of tranquility and joy, almost like devouring a celestial fruit.
"It is said that this clear soup Dongpo pork was first proposed by the great writer Su Dongpo, hence the name clear soup Dongpo pork. In the early years of the Song Dynasty, fresh bamboo shoots were not popular in Bianjing, but Su Dongpo knew the wonders of bamboo shoots. He called bamboo shoots "Jade Plate Monk", praised the roasted bamboo shoots as "Zen-like taste", and regarded bamboo shoots as "the immortal among vegetarians". Su Dongpo once wrote a poem: "Without bamboo shoots, one becomes fat; without meat, one becomes thin; neither fat nor thin, bamboo shoots and pork." "Once he promoted it, this method of preparing 'bamboo shoots with pork' spread like wildfire, becoming a popular dish among the literati and officials of the time. It was named 'Dongpo Pork' and gradually spread to the common people, remaining popular for a long time. It is sweet and delicious, not greasy, nutritious, with a fresh soup and tender meat, clear and refreshing, rich but not greasy, suitable for all ages." "This is bucket chicken..." Cheng Zhuri introduced the four dishes and soup on the table one by one. The dishes were exquisite and the aroma was irresistible, making one's mouth water. Just as they were about to pick up their chopsticks, they saw Cheng Shun standing beside them. "Cousin, let Cheng Shun eat with us! It's such a waste to not finish all this food!"
Cheng Shun was startled and quickly said to me, "This humble servant thanks Miss Cheng for her kindness, but Cheng Shun is just a servant, how can I eat at the same table as my master?!" Seeing that Cheng Zhuri didn't respond, she tugged at his sleeve, "Good cousin, Cheng Shun often brings me things for you, consider it a way to thank him, and there are no outsiders here, okay?" I hate this feudal hierarchy the most, it divides people into several classes, and it's what I can't accept the most. "This is his duty, but since you've asked, Cheng Shun, please sit down, but only this once, and don't do it again!"
Cheng Shun finally sat down after Cheng Zhuri spoke up, but he felt extremely uncomfortable during the meal. He regretted it and thought that he should not have asked Cheng Zhuri to eat with them. Although Cheng Zhuri was a very outstanding man, he grew up in a feudal family and was educated in feudal ideology. The strict hierarchical system of feudal society was deeply rooted in his mind. Although there were some minor regrets, it was still the best birthday I've had in my nearly 30 years of life. After lunch, I visited the Xiangguo Temple. From Cheng Zhuri, I learned that it was originally built in the sixth year of the Tianbao era of the Northern Qi Dynasty. Legend has it that it was originally the residence of Lord Xinling, the Prince of Wei during the Warring States period. Later, the temple was destroyed by war and rebuilt in the second year of the Jingyun era of the Tang Dynasty. The temple has a long history and is a famous temple of Han Buddhism. Xiangguo Temple was originally named Jianguo Temple. In the first year of the Yanhe era of the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Ruizong of Tang named it Daxiangguo Temple in commemoration of his ascension to the throne from the position of Prince Xiang. During the Northern Song Dynasty, Daxiangguo Temple was deeply respected by the royal family, enjoyed royal incense offerings, and was expanded many times. It covered an area of more than 500 acres, had 64 Chan and Vinaya monasteries, and housed more than a thousand monks. It was the largest temple in the capital and the center of Buddhist activities in the country. As a wandering soul, I was fortunate enough to be reborn in the Northern Song Dynasty after the tsunami, possessing the body of a beautiful woman and living a life free from want. It was a stroke of luck amidst misfortune. I even found someone I loved, and we strolled side-by-side in the ancient city, silently telling myself that no matter what the future held, I would be filled with gratitude for everything I had now. So when Cheng Zhuri escorted me back to my room, I secretly kissed his cheek when no one was around, and before he could react, I ran into the room and closed the door. After all, I am not Wen Xiaoxiao, but a modern, highly educated woman with new ideas. If I like someone, I must like them clearly and let them know my feelings.
Chapter Sixteen: A Rise to Fame
Time flew by under the glow of love, and before I knew it, it was the Chrysanthemum Festival. I finally saw the legendary Rong Yuwei. With a woman's professional eye, I scanned her from head to toe. To be honest, she was indeed a beautiful and dignified woman, but her face couldn't compare to mine or Zhuqin's. If we were to rate our looks out of ten, she'd probably only be around an eight. However, she had a stunning figure, with a slender waist. What I envied most was her magnificent bust. I estimated it to be at least a B+ cup. Looking at her and then at myself, I immediately straightened my back to make my chest appear more prominent. In this era, there were no corsets or breast augmentation surgeries, so she was definitely the real deal. I felt a deep sense of envy. Although I diligently took breast enhancement products every day and never missed a nightly massage session, the results were not obvious. At best, I was only an A+, which made me feel rather flat-chested compared to her. Everyone says a woman's bust size is inversely proportional to her intelligence, but after seeing Rong Yuwei's performance, probably no one would make that comment anymore. Her rendition of "Guangling San" was truly divine—exhilarating, magnificent, and powerful. For such a young woman to be able to evoke such a sense of war and heroism is undoubtedly related to her upbringing; she certainly comes from a distinguished family! Winning first place for two consecutive years is truly a testament to her talent. Of course, the appearance of the Cheng family's children was also a sight to behold. Their delicate faces and ethereal气质, combined with my careful styling, truly gave them an air of fairy-like beauty. However, at the Chrysanthemum Festival, people talked more about their appearance than their music, which made me a little depressed. Although I still quite liked the overall performance of "Kangxi", I couldn't beat Rong Yuwei in the end. We were already very satisfied with the second place result. We got the limelight without offending the Rong family, and the outstanding appearance and temperament of the Cheng family children were praised by everyone. Of course, this was also the result of my deliberate low-key behavior. Otherwise, I would definitely have been on the list. If Zhuqin is a quiet plum blossom, then I am a blooming peony, beautiful and enchanting. Considering that I am already taken and the unpleasant memory of being stared at while shopping last time, I only dressed casually and deliberately didn't cut my bangs for half a month. My long bangs covered half of my face. The most important thing was Cheng Zhuri's words. After the trip on my birthday, he told me: "Don't dress so flamboyantly anymore!" All the women at the Chrysanthemum Festival were dressed up. In contrast, I was not so eye-catching. However, I was happy to have some free time. I walked around and saw everything that was worth seeing. In short, the matchmaking events held by the ancients were really elegant. Besides Rong Yuwei, Cheng Jia's children have also become the talk of the town in Bianjing. Cheng Zhu Ri is described as having a handsome face and bright eyes, naturally refined and elegant, not at all like someone from a merchant family. His only flaw is his slightly aloof demeanor. It's said that Zhu Yue's captivating eyes will charm countless girls in Bianjing in the future. Xing'er and Zhu Qi, though young, are already evident in their older siblings and will grow up to be exquisite beauties. The hottest topic of discussion is comparing Rong Yuwei and Zhu Qin. People praise Zhu Qin for possessing the proud and noble spirit of a plum blossom, a pure beauty that doesn't compete with other flowers, earning her the title "Frosty Beauty." Rong Yuwei, on the other hand, is like a precious crape myrtle flower. Northerners call the crape myrtle "monkey thorn," meaning its trunk is so slippery even monkeys can't climb it. Its preciousness lies in its lack of bark; rarity makes it valuable. How many trees in the world are barkless? Young crape myrtle trees grow new bark every year, which then peels off naturally, leaving the trunk fresh and smooth. Older crape myrtle trees, however, never grow new bark, revealing their veins and a glossy, smooth surface. As the crape myrtle matures, its outer bark falls off, leaving a smooth, barkless trunk. If gently touched, it will immediately tremble and even emit a faint "clucking" sound, a truly astonishing sight. Corresponding to the "Frost Beauty," Rong Yuwei is hailed as the "Crape Myrtle Fairy." This noble crape myrtle flower is already 17 years old and still unmarried, considered an old maid here. She says she is determined to find a husband she is satisfied with. It is said that she recently rejected a young and talented suitor, infuriating the prefect, but there was nothing he could do. It seems this Miss Rong is quite favored; such a situation is truly rare in ancient times.
Soon, Cheng Zhuri fulfilled his promise to Xing'er. After lunch today, he led all the children in a boat trip on the lake. The beautiful Bao Gong Lake was truly breathtaking. "Big brother, look, the other side of the lake is so beautiful! Let's hurry over there and sit in the pavilion!" Although my uncle is open-minded and we have opportunities to go out for fun, it's only once or twice a year. So everyone is very excited whenever we go out, especially Xing'er. She was tugging at Cheng Zhuri's sleeve, "Brother, look!" "Don't rush, we'll be there soon!" Cheng Zhuri is a good older brother. He mentioned to his uncle after dinner last night that his younger siblings had rehearsed very hard and performed very well at the Chrysanthemum Festival, even winning a good ranking. He suggested taking them out for a trip as a reward. However, his third wife was somewhat reluctant to let Zhushu and Zhuqi go out, saying that since participating in the last Chrysanthemum Festival, they had become a bit wild and needed to do more needlework and calligraphy to get back on track. Upon hearing this, the two girls' faces immediately fell, and all four of their eyes were fixed on Cheng Zhuri. Before Cheng Zhuri could even speak, his uncle said, "Zhuri, what do you have to worry about? My Cheng family children did very well this time, bringing honor to the Cheng family and to their father. They should go out and have some fun. But Zhuri, you must keep a close eye on your younger siblings!" The two girls immediately brightened up, and his third wife didn't say anything more. His uncle always reaffirmed Cheng Zhuri's status as the elder brother and the future successor of the Cheng family in different situations. This was our second visit to Bao Gong Lake. Located in the southwest corner of the city, the lake stretches from northwest to southeast, resembling a reclining gourd. We chatted about the lake's beauty while enjoying the gentle breeze on our faces. Suddenly, a large, imposing two-story ship approached. A man in his fifties stepped onto the deck and called out, "Is that the Cheng family's ship over there? Is Young Master Cheng there?" Cheng Zhu Ri returned the greeting, "That is indeed me. May I ask what brings you here, sir?" "I am the steward of the Rong family, and my master invites the young masters of the Cheng family aboard!" The children, unaccustomed to such things, were immediately filled with unease. This Lord Rong would be a high-ranking official, at least a ministerial level, in modern times. Would something go wrong? We hadn't overshadowed Rong Yu Wei! Could it be that Uncle had evaded taxes? But that didn't seem right either. We should just go directly to Uncle; the Cheng family had always been law-abiding citizens. We girls were all a bit at a loss, but thankfully the three boys were relatively calm, especially Xing'er. Although she was young and a little nervous, she tried her best to act naturally. Cheng Zhuri, after all, had been in business for several years and had seen the world, so his calmness was as usual. "Don't worry, they'll be back soon! Uncle Qi, you stay here and take good care of them!" His magnetic and deep voice calmed my uneasy mind a little.
"Young Master, let me go with you. I'm worried!" "They invited the young masters of the Cheng family. It's alright!" We all call Steward Qi Uncle Qi. Actually, he's not old at all. He's only in his thirties. He's the son of my uncle's tutor. The two of them grew up studying together and got along very well. They were like-minded friends. After the tutor passed away, my uncle kept him to help with the business. He's the only outsider in the Cheng family besides me who can eat at the table. He doesn't have to call himself a servant. But Uncle Qi usually doesn't eat with us. He says he's used to being alone. He only joins us during the New Year if he can't refuse. My uncle can't do without him in his business. No matter what happens in the Cheng family, my uncle feels that Uncle Qi has to handle things, whether it's public or private, before he can rest assured. He's the core manager of the Cheng family. Uncle Qi's wife died a few years ago. He hasn't remarried and didn't have any children. My uncle was very worried. He tried to arrange several marriages for him, but they all refused. I don't know why. The maids and old women in the Cheng family gossiped that Uncle Qi is a loyal and affectionate man who can't forget his ex-wife. After a while, the three of them finally returned. They said that Lord Rong had heard about the Cheng family children's outstanding performance at the Chrysanthemum Festival and wanted to meet them personally. Xing'er said that Lord Rong asked many questions, inquired about Cheng Zhuri's family situation, and even tested their studies before letting them return. Could he be planning to find a husband for his daughter? I had that worry at the time. If my competitor was Rong Yuwei, my chances would be slim. She was rich and powerful, while I was just a little orphan girl living under someone else's roof. Besides being prettier than her, I couldn't compare to her in anything else. So, as soon as I got home, I secretly asked Zhuqin. Zhuqin comforted me, saying that the possibility was unlikely. It was rare for daughters of noble families to marry merchants, and Lord Rong wasn't just any official; he was a first-rank official in the court. I thought about it, and it made sense. Feudal society was all about the combination of power, and the status of merchants in ancient times was vastly different from today. Yes, I shouldn't scare myself. Women in love are always anxious and insecure; I must be overthinking it.
Chapter Seventeen: Sweet as Honey
"Miss, the Madam instructed that you should dress warmly tonight to celebrate the New Year! Don't catch a cold." Xiaohe helped me put on a red satin jacket with gold-trimmed cuffs, making me look cheerful and full of New Year's spirit. Finally, she put a cloak on me. "The cloak the young master gave me is truly a fine piece. It's soft yet sturdy, with thick fur and a lustrous sheen!" Winters in Bianjing are very cold, and the snow is very thick. At first, I was amazed. As a southerner who had never seen snow before, the vast expanse of white snow gave me a great visual shock. It was a pure and serene world. But later, I didn't like it as much. It was too cold, like being hit by knives. It was even colder when the snow melted. We could burn charcoal to keep warm indoors, but going to eat became a big problem. The Cheng family's six-courtyard house was too big. It took about ten minutes to walk from my room to the front hall for meals. This meant that the round trip for meals took more than an hour every day. So, when I was thirteen, Cheng Zhu bought a fine sable coat. A large hooded leather cloak was given to me to keep me warm. The fur was facing inwards, and the outer layer was made of purple embroidered satin. I loved it; it was not only very warm but also very beautiful. That year, I grew much taller, and my old cloak was too small for me. Not only did I have one, but Zhuqin also had one. He didn't forget Zhuqi and Zhushu, promising to give each of them a cloak when they turned thirteen. Their cloaks were still wearable. In marriage, waste is not allowed; making the most of everything is a very important principle. Old clothes that were taken from the family were cleaned and packed up to give to the children of some poor relatives in the clan. At the time, I felt a little smug, thinking they must be benefiting from my good fortune. My beautiful aunt handled all the clothing matters; Cheng Zhuri wouldn't care about such things. This is my fourth Spring Festival in the Northern Song Dynasty. Compared to my previous life, I experienced the most traditional and authentic Chinese Spring Festival. From pasting Spring Festival couplets to sending off the Kitchen God, giving out lucky money, and staying up late on New Year's Eve, there are many customs and taboos. It is also the busiest time for my beautiful aunt. First is the Kitchen God worship. Legend has it that the Kitchen God has stayed at home since the eve of the previous year to protect and monitor the family. On the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, the Kitchen God will ascend to heaven to report the family's good or bad deeds to the Jade Emperor. The ceremony of sending off the Kitchen God is called "sending off the Kitchen God". Based on the Kitchen God's report, the Jade Emperor will then entrust the Kitchen God with the family's fate of good or bad fortune in the new year. Therefore, for the family, the Kitchen God's report is of great importance. Sending off the Kitchen God is usually done at dusk or nightfall. The family first goes to the kitchen, sets up a table, and offers incense to the Kitchen God in the shrine on the stove wall. They also offer candied fruits made of maltose and flour, and then offer paper horses made of bamboo strips and fodder for the livestock to the Kitchen God with maltose. This is to sweeten his mouth. The aunt will also smear sugar around the Kitchen God's mouth while saying, "Speak good words, don't speak bad words." This is to stuff the Kitchen God's mouth with sugar so that he won't say anything bad.
There are also offerings for the New Year, and a large plate of apples is indispensable, symbolizing "peace and safety." Another offering is a pot of rice, cooked before the New Year, to be offered during the New Year; this is called "leftover rice," signifying that there will be leftovers every year, an abundance of food throughout the year, and that this year's food is still being eaten. This pot of leftover rice is usually cooked with a mixture of rice and millet, so that it has both yellow and white colors, symbolizing "gold and silver," a pot full of gold and silver. Cakes and fruits are also essential, for auspicious meanings: eating dates represents an early spring, eating persimmons represents everything going smoothly, eating almonds represents happiness, eating peanuts represents longevity, and eating New Year's cake represents rising higher each year. Some families also play dominoes, dice, poker, or mahjong, the noise and laughter creating a joyful atmosphere on New Year's Eve. It's a pity that married people aren't there, otherwise it would be even more lively.
The firecrackers ordered by a family for the New Year are also carefully chosen. They must be exceptionally loud and in large quantities, with at least ten boxes purchased annually. For business families, setting off firecrackers carries another significance: a grand display of firecrackers on New Year's Eve symbolizes a prosperous new year. Legend has it that for those seeking great wealth, the firecrackers must continue to explode until the very end to demonstrate sincerity, especially the opening firecrackers on New Year's Day, which must be deafeningly loud, leaving a trail of red fragments on the ground, resembling brocade, a phenomenon known as "a house full of red." After the New Year's Eve dinner, people stay up all night, symbolizing the driving away of all evil spirits and diseases, and hoping for good fortune in the coming year. Staying up all night on New Year's Eve is the hardest part. After arriving here, I went to bed early and got up early every day. It was really hard to stay awake. In the first two years after I arrived, I was not in good health, so my beautiful aunt gave me special permission not to stay up all night. Later, as my health gradually improved, I insisted on participating. This was very important in ancient times. For the elderly, staying up all night on New Year's Eve was to "bid farewell to the old year" and to cherish time. For the young, staying up all night was to prolong their parents' lives. I also wanted to stay up all night for my beautiful aunt and uncle to repay them for their care and love for me. Last year, when we stayed up late on New Year's Eve, Zhu Yue and Zhu Qin were in good spirits, but Xing'er and I, along with a few others, couldn't keep our heads up and kept nodding. Cheng Zhu Ri saw this and asked us if we knew why we stayed up late on New Year's Eve, or if we knew the origin of this custom. Xing'er and I shook our heads. He told us that staying up late on New Year's Eve is commonly known as "staying up for the year," and there's an interesting story passed down through generations: Legend has it that in the ancient times, there was a ferocious monster called "Nian." Every New Year's Eve, Nian would crawl out of the sea to harm people and livestock, destroy fields, and bring disaster to people who had worked hard all year. To avoid Nian, people would close their doors early on New Year's Eve before it got dark, afraid to sleep, and waiting for dawn. To pass the time and to bolster their courage, they would drink alcohol. Only when Nian stopped coming out on New Year's Day morning would they dare to go out. When people met, they would bow and greet each other, congratulating each other and expressing their relief that they hadn't been eaten by Nian. This went on for many years without any major incidents, and people became less vigilant towards Nian. One New Year's Eve, the monster Nian suddenly appeared in a village in Jiangnan. It devoured almost everyone in the village, except for a newlywed couple dressed in red, who were unharmed. A few children were playing in the yard, playing with a pile of bamboo. The fire glowed red, and the bamboo crackled and popped as it burned. Nian, seeing the fire, turned tail and fled in terror. After that, people knew that Nian feared red, light, and loud noise. So, every year at the end of the year, every household would paste red paper, wear red robes, hang red lanterns, beat drums and gongs, and set off firecrackers to keep Nian away. He told this story with great emotion, even adding a cliffhanger at crucial moments. Coupled with the tea from my beautiful aunt, it finally gave us some energy. To prepare for the night's vigil, I slept very well on the 29th of the lunar year and drank a lot of strong tea to stay awake, finally getting through this important night. From New Year's Day to the second day of the Lunar New Year, when we worshipped the God of Wealth, the days passed by one by one. Finally, the Lantern Festival, which we children loved most, arrived. On this day, we could go out to see lanterns and solve riddles. So, after dinner, I arrived early at the main gate to join the others. I was always the first one to arrive when we went out to play. I had slowly adapted to life in ancient times, except for one thing: women couldn't go out freely, which really bored me. While I was anxiously waiting for the others, I saw Cheng Zhuri walking towards me. "I knew you'd be here. Drink this cup of osmanthus wine first." I took the wine cup that Cheng Zhuri handed me. It was hot, and after drinking it, I felt a warm feeling flow from my stomach to my whole body. The Spring Festival in ancient times was very lively. There were constant firecrackers all the way. When the carriage reached the lantern street, I lifted the curtain and saw the bustling crowds, the bright lights, and the joyous singing and dancing. I was very excited. Was this a true depiction of Xin Qiji's poem "Qing Yu An"? I tried to rush forward as soon as I got off the carriage, but Cheng Zhuri stopped me. He first helped me put on my hat, then took my hand. "My hands are finally warm now. Hold on tight, don't get separated in the crowd!" Every year, Uncle Qi leads the lantern viewing and is responsible for everyone's safety. Now they deliberately keep a little distance between Cheng Zhuri and me. I walked to a lotus lantern stall and looked at a riddle: "One (guess the idiom)." "This is easy, I know it, it's 'one after another'." I won my first gift of the day, a small purse. Cheng Zhuri held my hand as we admired the lanterns and guessed riddles. For example, "Nine out of ten people die" (guess the name of a Chinese medicine) is "Du Huo"; "The peacock flies southeast" (guess the character "一") is "Sun". At first, I couldn't guess many of them. Later, Cheng Zhuri taught me methods for solving riddles, such as the separation method, the orientation method, the addition method, the subtraction method, the half-face method, the displacement method, the incomplete method, the phonetic loan method, the profit and loss method, the associative method, and so on. Now I am a relatively skilled riddle solver, and I won many prizes in no time. I turned my head and saw a rabbit lantern, which was very exquisite and beautiful. It swayed gently in the wind, as if it was beckoning to me. I quickly ran over to see the riddle: "Puppet (guess a line from Mencius)". It stumped me. I had not studied Mencius. The riddles with good prizes were relatively difficult, but it was no problem for Cheng Zhuri. He immediately gave the answer: "Because it resembles a person and is used." The rabbit lantern obediently came into my hands. I was going to give it to Xing'er. The reason I love the Lantern Festival so much is because it's considered China's ancient Valentine's Day, and a rare, blissful moment when we can hold hands and be together. Watching him beside me, his left hand full of things, his right hand tightly gripping mine, and him constantly shielding me from bumping into people, touched the most delicate nerve in a woman. My heart felt as sweet as honey. Could this be the sweet taste of love? Something I'd never experienced in my past life's romances. At that moment, I wanted to say three words to him. "Cousin, I, I..." I felt my ears burning red, and I stammered nervously.