novelSpring's Frequent Visitor, While Money Disappears
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Chapter 91 — Spring's Frequent Visitor, While Money Disappears
Edited by DancingDolphinsYo
Muddleheaded, Wu Xingzi did not know how he ended up sitting down in the seat across Yan Wenxin. Lifting the teacup, he gulped down the entirety of its contents.
Chang'an, that was the name Yan Wenxin gave him, and only Yan Wenxin had used that name before. During that period of time when they were together, this was how he always addressed him.
Chang'an Chang'an, forever, everlasting safety and peace... The gaze Wu Xingzi directed at Yan Wenxin could be described as complicated. Many questions ran through his head. Did Yan Wenxin look for him because of Ping Yifan? Why did he give him that perfume sachet then? Why did he call him Chang'an again? These questions circled his mind non-stop, and in the end, he was unable to ask even a single one of them.
"This is the cloud tea1 from Lu'an. Do you like it?" Yan Wenxin took no notice of Wu Xingzi's hesitation in speaking. His tone was very warm and friendly, and it seemed as though the separation of twenty years did not exist. It was as though they were not even in the capital, but were still in that place and that time twenty years ago. Although the peach blossoms were gone, the same people still remained.
"Uhh... It's nice, it's nice..." Wu Xingzi shook his head, drinking another cup of tea.
Huaixiu, who had been standing by the side, had brought Mint and Osmanthus away at some unknown time. When he returned, he placed an exquisitely made food container in front of Wu Xingzi.
"This is a snack that I got someone to make at home. Try it?" Yan Wenxin opened the container as he spoke. When Wu Xingzi glanced inside, he could not help but gasp lightly.
In the container was not a snack that was very delicate and fine. Inside were a few small, round pieces of pastry, each with a peach blossom print on top, with light powder scattered across the skin of the pastry. Half were fried and half were baked, and the fragrance of the pastries filled their noses, carrying with it a hint of the fragrance of peach blossoms. Each pastry was only a quarter the size of one's palm, a perfect, bite-sized piece.
This snack was named "Spring's Frequent Visitor", the meaning very explicit. It was a flaky pastry made with lard and peach blossoms, and in the middle was a thin layer of maltose with the flavour of peach blossoms mixed into it. The flavour was rich and decadent, the texture thick yet not sticking to the teeth. With the extremely delicate and flaky pastry, it felt as though one was savouring an entire forest of peach trees when chewing on it.
This snack was a signature of an old pastry shop in Goose City. It was delicious and contained good ingredients, but its price was affordable to the people. The fried version was cheaper, and one coin could buy about seven of them. The baked version was a lot more expensive, and one needed to pay eight coins to buy two. Twenty years ago, Wu Xingzi would always bring along seven "Spring's Frequent Visitor" to visit Yan Wenxin. He would eat three himself, and give Yan Wenxin four. Paired with a coarsely made tea bought from a teahouse, even the bitter, astringent tea tasted a lot better.
As the two people ate the fried "Spring's Frequent Visitor", they would discuss poems and essays. Their time spent together was shrouded by the gentle sunlight, and even though their days were simple, and even a little impoverished, it felt like they were immersed in honey.
Wu Xingzi suddenly recalled one of those days. That day, it was raining, and the days were close to winter. Although the temperature in Qingcheng County did not become cold very quickly, in the bouts of drizzles, the wind too turned bone-chillingly cold.
That day saw the last batch of "Spring's Frequent Visitor" being fried. The boss of the shop put up a notice, stating that their store of peach blossoms had already been used up, and the sale of this pastry would be stopped until the next year, when the peach blossoms bloomed again. On the streets, people snatched and cleared out the last batch available, leaving only one behind. Wu Xingzi did not care for anything, and in a rare moment for him, he shouted, "I'm buying it!"
The boss jerked upon hearing his shout, nearly dropping the tray of freshly baked green bean cakes in his hands.
It was a puzzle coming up with a solution about how this lonely little "Spring's Frequent Visitor" should be priced. As the boss was familiar with Wu Xingzi, with a wave of his hand, he packed it up and gifted it to Wu Xingzi directly.
Grabbing the still-hot "Spring's Frequent Visitor", Wu Xingzi ran down the street with an umbrella in his hand. Because of his work at the magistrate's office, he had ended up arriving at Goose City a little late today, and he was very worried about Yan Wenxin missing him.
As expected, when he was near Yan Wenxin's little house, Wu Xingzi saw a tall and slender figure leisurely standing under the eaves, by the door. It was unclear which direction he was looking at.
"Zaizong-xiong, I'm late." Wu Xingzi hurried over. Not paying attention, he stepped into a shallow ditch. With a stumble, he nearly fell flat onto the ground.
"Be careful!" Yan Wenxin too noticed him. He rushed forward, holding out his hands, and managed to pull Wu Xingzi into his arms.
"Aiyah!" The tip of Wu Xingzi's nose bumped into Yan Wenxin's shoulder. In an instant, it felt as though his entire face was aching. His eyes turning red, his tears nearly rolled out. However, he did not have time to spare to rub his aching nose, and his eyes, full of regret, were fixed on a little oiled paper bag lying in the ditch... It was "Spring's Frequent Visitor", and it was now soaked with dirty ditch water.
Without steadying himself, Wu Xingzi hurriedly bent down, wanting to pick the paper bag up. However, Yan Wenxin stopped him.
"Forget it. Since it's already dirty, why don't we offer it to the land? Worms and ants and gnats are lives as well, and feeding them will bring you good fortune too." Yan Wenxin undid his front lapels, tucking Wu Xingzi's cold and wet hands inside."Hurry up and come inside. Look at how cold your hands are. Why aren't you taking care of yourself properly?"
A warmth seeped through Wu Xingzi's hands, and the heat travelled upwards, along his blood vessels, turning his face red.
He mumbled in response, "It's fine, my body is very healthy. Zaizong-xiong, you don't have to worry about me."
Hearing that, Yan Wenxin turned back to look at him, then straight about brought him into the house and handed him a cup of tea before speaking sternly, "I'm happy to dote on you."
Wu Xingzi was first stunned, then shyness took over him. His fingers trembled slightly, almost to the point where he could not hold onto the cup. He emptied the cup down his throat, before finally looking up with a blush as he said seriously, "I'm also happy, happy to treat you well..."
Yan Wenxin did not respond, and Wu Xingzi was too shy to say anything more. Bowing his head, he quietly listened to the rain pattering down outside. The small quiet room made it seem as though there were only the two of them in the entire world. It was not scary, instead it made them feel tranquil and assured.
A beat later, Yan Wenxin sighed deeply, then spoke with a smile."When I emerge successful from the imperial examinations, I will definitely bring Chang'an to buy an entire basket of baked 'Spring's Frequent Visitor' and we can try it."
"Ai..." Wu Xingzi thought that he had long forgotten about such minute matters, but it turned out that they were still so clear in his mind. The next year, Yan Wenxin had headed to the capital for the examinations, but in the end, he still was unable to buy a basket of "Spring's Frequent Visitor". He owed the county a sum of money, and was earnestly saving up his entire salary, except for the amount he needed to live, to pay off his debt. Even the fried "Spring's Frequent Visitor" that cost one coin for seven pieces was too expensive, and he naturally never ate another pastry like this again. Five years after that day, the eldest son of the pastry shop boss opened a shop in some big city up north. Apparently the business was booming to the point where they were extremely busy, and along with wanting to have his parents nearby to support them, the son moved the entire family away.
"I had thought that in this lifetime, I'd never have the fate to eat this again..." Wu Xingzi exclaimed quietly as he carefully picked up a piece of "Spring's Frequent Visitor". Hesitating for some time, like a mouse, he finally bit into it with his front teeth and started chewing.
This was baked, its outer covering made of delicate pastry layers. It was soft and flaky, and did not crumble when bitten into. The moment it landed on the tongue, it would melt. It was not sweet nor sticky, and the fragrance of the peach blossom filled one's senses.
So it turned out that a baked "Spring's Frequent Visitor" tasted like this. It was no wonder that it would cost eight coins just for two.
Yan Wenxin saw that Wu Xingzi was enjoying it tremendously, and so picked one up to savour as well. It was another bout of silence, as Wu Xingzi ate one piece after another. In the blink of an eye, he finished the entire box of "Spring's Frequent Visitor".
"Chang'an is just like how he was in the past." Yan Wenxin laughed lightly, his expression reminiscing."Your appetite is clearly not small, but because of me, you always had to suffer and hold yourself back. I felt so bad, but didn't want to say anything to make you feel distressed. Now that times and things have changed, I also have no rights to dote on you anymore."
Another sigh was heard.
Giving a wry smile in response, Wu Xingzi took out a handkerchief to wipe away the grease on his hands. In his heart, he had also made his plan.
"Zaizong-xiong, for you to look for me today, is it to reminisce over the past?"
"Hmm?" Yan Wenxin smiled at him. There was not even the slightest trace of surprise in his expression, and instead, he looked very frank."Naturally, it's not just to talk about the past. Chang'an has always been clever and nimble, and sees the world more clearly than anyone else. We have not met for twenty years, and it was I who let you down first. If it was just like that, how could I have the face to come meet you?"
Their past was glossed over just like that. Wu Xingzi felt as though millions of needles had pierced his heart. His usually mild and gentle face turned a few degrees icier, and he looked to be a little weary and listless.
"It turns out that Zaizong-xiong still remembers." Wu Xingzi sighed."It's all in the past. Zaizong-xiong, you don't have to worry about it."
He knew that Yan Wenxin wanted to ask him about the past twenty years, but to Wu Xingzi, the past was the past, what was the point in asking about it? In the end, he had still let him down, and the debt between them could never be settled. To speak more about it was fruitless.
If he were to fall into disarray because of the past, his meeting today with Yan Wenxin would be wasted. However, to suddenly learn that Yan Wenxin did not forget their past interactions, Wu Xingzi could not help feeling a little angry. Still, with his gentle temperament, his anger was easily suppressed.
Seeing that Wu Xingzi did not take the bait, Yan Wenxin was not bothered. He did want to use their past to take hold of Wu Xingzi's heart, but anyway, the person in front of him had a mild disposition, and it would not take much effort to manipulate him.
Yan Wenxin waved his hand, signalling Huaixiu to withdraw. Then, he filled up both their teacups."Chang'an is very broadminded, and I'm truly ashamed. That year, it was I who left you. When I received the top position at the examinations, I should have written a letter to you to share the joy. However... Ai, the prosperity of the capital sapped my will, and my teacher too valued me and wished for me to marry his daughter. Thinking about it over and over again, how did I get blinded like this? Over the past twenty years, I keep remembering you... But what's the point in saying all this?" Yan Wenxin smiled bitterly. The aura of dignity that had been cultivated from standing in his position for so many years had now dissipated thoroughly, and he actually seemed a little dejected.
Listening to Yan Wenxin go on and on, Wu Xingzi felt a mix of emotions within him, and bitterness welled up his throat.
"Zaizong-xiong, it's good that you're living well now." He could not understand why Yan Wenxin was acting like this, and so could only give a few words of comfort.
"Then have you been living well?" Yan Wenxin directed a gaze of concern and affection towards Wu Xingzi, and Wu Xingzi was nearly entranced.
"It's not too bad..." After all, he had the Prince of Lanling of pengornises accompanying him.
"A while ago, I saw you at Bai-gongzi's place. There was someone next to you, so it was not an ideal situation to greet you. Please don't hold any anger towards me for that."
"No, no, of course not. I just thought that you didn't recognise me. After all, it's been twenty years..." Furthermore, there were Ping Yifan and Guan Shanjin around. How was it that he would have the extra attention to give to another person?
"Here, I'm afraid I'll be offending you. Chang'an, please pardon me." Yan Wenxin stood up and made a slight bow.
Wu Xingzi hurriedly stood up and returned the courtesy, and he was secretly astounded.
Were they finally about to talk business? Inexplicably, Wu Xingzi felt a little excited and thrilled. No matter what Yan Wenxin and him had shared in the past, it had not mattered for a long time already. Instead, Guan Shanjin and Yan Wenxin now were at loggerheads, and Wu Xingzi had never sided with an outsider.
"Zaizong-xiong, please don't remain on courtesy. If you do have any advice, I'm all ears."
"Ah, Chang'an truly hasn't changed at all, " Yan Wenxin exclaimed again. His expression turned serious, and with great solemnity, he spoke, "I have to ask, that day, Ping Yifan, the man next to you, are you really in a relationship with each other?"
"Uhh..." Wu Xingzi's face flushed red as he recalled the honeyed, sweet atmosphere he shared with Guan Shanjin a while ago.
When he went home, he tidied up his selection of top pengornises. Obediently, he followed Guan Shanjin's instruction, setting Ping Yifan's Murong Chong of pengornises on fire, despite feeling a huge regret over it. That wash of pink was really done to perfection! After that, he took Guan Shanjin's pengornis drawing and placed it properly up on top of all the others, and there was a feeling of relief, as though things had all returned to where they were supposed to be.
Looking at how bashful Wu Xingzi was, even if Yan Wenxin were to live two lifetimes, he would still never be able to guess that Wu Xingzi's heart was currently full of pengornises. He only thought that Wu Xingzi was feeling shy thinking about Ping Yifan, exposing how deep his feelings were.
"Seems like it's that way." When Yan Wenxin's brows creased together, his expression became even more dignified. Deliberating for a few moments, he finally continued, "Do you know Ping Yifan's identity?"
"Huh?" Wu Xingzi secretly admitted that he actually knew it quite well. Picking up the teacup, he took a sip, working hard and putting on a vaguely troubled expression."Of course I'm aware. He's a person from the capital, and was born in the south of the capital, at Winding Liantang Path. His family had suffered a misfortune, but he's clean and unstained. Now, he's a businessman... Is there something wrong?"
"No, there isn't. In Great Xia, there is someone like this called Ping Yifan, and his background is exactly as you said. However, about a dozen years ago, he had gone missing beyond the south for a period of time." Speaking of this, Yan Wenxin suddenly fell quiet and did not continue. Silently, he poked at the red-earth stove that was heating up the water. The charcoal within was white, and the fire within was a lot milder, even seeming rather lazy.
Yan Wenxin could have been said to have perfected this skill of baiting. Despite Wu Xingzi having been prepared, he was still baited to the point where he could barely suppress his eagerness in wanting to know.
He could not help but ask impatiently, "What does Zaizong-xiong mean?"
"I don't mean anything, but am only curious about this matter. Has Ping Yifan ever talked to you about it before?" Their situation currently seemed like it was only a casual conversation, but Wu Xingzi was not an ignorant, foolish person, so how could he not be able to detect the instigation and provocation in Yan Wenxin's words?
As such, he frowned, shaking his head with an expression of hoping that what Yan Wenxin said was a fluke."He never mentioned it before. That period of time probably is not something that he wants to recall, and isn't he perfectly fine in the capital now?"
"You're right. Right now, he is living pretty well in the capital." Yan Wenxin's eyes curved with a smile, and he changed the topic abruptly."You haven't had any 'Spring's Frequent Visitor' in a long time, shall I get people to prepare some for you to bring home? You can share it with Ping Yifan too."
"How can I trouble you?" Wu Xingzi hurriedly refused.
"Ai, how is this trouble? During that time, if not for your great effort, how could I have made it to the capital to take the imperial examinations? This is only a small token of my regards." Yan Wenxin waved his hand, summoning Huaixiu back with some unknown method. Quietly, he instructed Huaixiu to go back to the residence and ask the kitchen staff to prepare two more boxes of "Spring's Frequent Visitor" and bring it here.
Wu Xingzi swallowed his saliva. He was on guard against Yan Wenxin, but he would never be on guard against delicious food.
While waiting for the snacks, the two people spent another two hours alone. Yan Wenxin did not mention Ping Yifan's past again, but shared with Wu Xingzi anecdotes about famous people in the capital. His low, gentle voice was just like before, and Wu Xingzi could not help but be spellbound.
When Huaixiu returned with the snacks, Wu Xingzi saw the beautiful young man lean into Yan Wenxin's ear and whisper something. He was not curious about what he was saying, his entire attention focused on the freshly baked "Spring's Frequent Visitor" instead. Unable to stop himself, he picked up a piece to eat, and it was truly tasty.
"You're sure about this?" Yan Wenxin suddenly said.
Wu Xingzi jerked from the shock, and he nearly choked. Quickly, he drank some tea to soothe his throat.
"Yifu2, it's definitely true."
Was this on purpose, to let him hear them? Wu Xingzi's eyes widened, considering it for a moment. With a somewhat coy manner, he asked, "What's wrong?"
"This... It's just some idle chatter." Yan Wenxin's face carried a hint of a sneer."Chang'an should have heard of the Lord Protector's son before, right? You've met him too that day at Bai-gongzi's place."
"Ah, I know about him. He used to be stationed at Bastion City." He even had a little red mole on his inner thigh, near his groin. Wu Xingzi was very familiar with him!
"Huaixiu heard that Bai Shaochang has moved into the Lord Protector's estate. The Lord Protector's wife plans to let her son and Bai-gongzi join in marriage." Yan Wenxin snorted coldly."Seems like they're playing the ultimate hand now."
Bai Shaochang was going to marry into the Lord Protector's estate? Wu Xingzi froze, and his expression turned troubled.
"What is Chang'an thinking about?" Yan Wenxin could not understand his expression, and so he had no choice but to ask.
"Ahh... I was just wondering, since Bai Shaochang was a man, would he be considered marrying into the family?"
In the end, no one opened their mouth to answer this question.
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