novelThis Peng Society Gathering…
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Chapter 69 — This Peng Society Gathering...
Edited by DancingDolphinsYo
Ansheng might have noticed Wu Xingzi's conflict, but he did not insist that Wu Xingzi should give him an answer. Seeing that Wu Xingzi was nearly done eating, he looked at the sky, then hurried Wu Xingzi on for the tomb-sweeping. If not, it would be hard to make his way there and back when the sun set.
Wu Xingzi's heart was calm. After arranging to come tomorrow to have another bowl of beancurd jelly, he took the offerings with him and left.
He had originally wanted to go to the inn to meet Rancui and the rest. However, he changed his mind. Stopping a neighbour he knew on the streets, he requested for him to pass the message, then headed alone towards the graves.
The last time, Guan Shanjin had accompanied him on this path. This time round, he wanted to take it alone, just like how it had always been.
When he reached his ancestors' tomb, Wu Xingzi froze. It had already been swept, and the mound was bare and empty. There were no weeds and grass covering it, and the tombstone was clean and shiny. The person who did it had definitely spent much more effort than if Wu Xingzi had done it himself.
Wu Xingzi reflexively looked around him. Qingming had already been over for a few days, and no one would be coming to this valley. A breeze rustled through the trees nearby, the branches and leaves swaying slightly, and the calls of the birds over by the mountains could vaguely be heard.
Wu Xingzi did not realise that he had once again sighed. Standing there in a daze for quite some time, he finally arranged the offerings in front of the grave. Lighting three joss sticks, he started praying to his ancestors.
He remembered that during the New Year, he even prayed to his ancestors to bless him with pengornises every year. His ancestors must have been entirely furious with him then! It had only been so many months, but this tryst of a pengornis was now gone. In the past, he was nearly drowning in it, but now, he would most likely face a drought instead. One really could not be carried away with success!
"Father, Mother, all my ancestors! I'll be making a trip to the capital, and all of you must bless me. Even if there's no longer the Prince of Lanling, Han Zigao1 is also fine. Such a fair, handsome man, gentle and considerate as well... When one is alive, it would not work to only remain by one pengornis. Now that I finally have a chance to leave this well of mine, it will be good to widen my knowledge." After muttering for a bit, Wu Xingzi clamped his mouth shut, the blush on his face spreading to the tips of his ears.
He must be a fool. To make such a request to his ancestors, his parents would most likely visit him tonight in his dreams to smack his buttocks.
However, after some reconsideration, did most people not request their ancestors to bless their marriages, or something like that? For him to request for some pengornises, it could not be considered going too far, right? Wu Xingzi could not help but feel conflicted for a while. The joss sticks in his hands were almost completely burnt before Wu Xingzi quickly bowed and completed the rest of the ceremony.
When he was burning the joss papers with his head bowed, steady footsteps slowly drew closer. Wu Xingzi was not scared at all. He guessed that it should be Hei'er looking for him, yet when he looked over with a smile, his face froze.
Appearing in front of his eyes was someone Wu Xingzi had never expected. His hands paused mid-air, and only when flames from the burning paper licked at him did he then return to his senses. Tossing the entire stack of joss paper into the fire without thinking, Wu Xingzi stood up, patting away the ashes on his clothes.
"Vice General Man?" The newcomer was Man Yue.
Wu Xingzi had not shared many interactions with Man Yue, only having met him a few times, and they had rarely spoken to each other. To tell the truth, towards this Vice General who always had an honest smile and a round, plump body, Wu Xingzi always felt a little nervous. Man Yue clearly looked so very harmless, and his temper was so very good. Whoever met him would feel at ease, and they would unconsciously draw closer to him.
However, Wu Xingzi was a little fearful of this good, plump man.
"Mr. Wu." As usual, Man Yue had a smile on his face. He nodded, walking towards the grave with no awkwardness as he watched the flames, nearly smothered by the huge pile of joss paper, slowly growing again.
Wu Xingzi followed his line of sight, biting his lips a few times yet still not saying a word. He had pretty much never spoken to Man Yue in private before, and now that he had an idea about why he was here, Wu Xingzi's palms grew clammy with sweat.
Man Yue did not leave him hanging for too long. With a broad, honest smile, he spoke, "Does Mr. Wu have any time to spare? Could we share a chat?"
Wu Xingzi blinked. He first shook his head fiercely, then nodded vigorously."I have, I have the time. Has Vice General Man eaten yet?"
"I had a little." Man Yue looked up at the sky. The sun was making its way towards the horizon, and it would be setting in about two hours time."However, I'm in a hurry to return to the capital. I'm afraid that I don't have the opportunity to share a meal with Mr. Wu."
"Ah, so it's like this..." Wu Xingzi nodded. He hesitated for a moment, then spoke tentatively, "Would Vice General Man like to visit my humble abode for some tea then?"
"Then Man Yue would have to trouble Mr. Wu for some time." This time, Man Yue did not refuse. With a deftness that was at odds with his plump body, he bent down and tidied up all the offerings, placing them in the basket and holding it in his hand before gesturing at Wu Xingzi to go ahead."Man Yue will walk with Mr. Wu."
"Thank you, you're too courteous..." Wu Xingzi cupped his hands together. He wanted to take back the basket of offerings, but with agile movements, Man Yue had prevented him from doing so a few times. Although nothing was said, Wu Xingzi could see a stubbornness that did not allow for any refusal in that smiling, plump face.
Ah, he's after all Guan Shanjin's right-hand man, and he naturally carries an imposing manner that makes one not dare to defy him. Wu Xingzi rubbed his nose, no longer struggling over it.
The way home would take an hour. During the walk, Man Yue remained silent, not speaking a word. This silence made Wu Xingzi flustered, and he did not even realise that he had started to walk with the same arms and legs swinging. Finally pushing the door to his house open, he exhaled forcefully, and he did not feel as lost anymore.
"Please come in, Vice General Man. It's just a small place, so there's nothing much I can welcome you with. Please don't mind it." Wu Xingzi could now finally take the basket from Man Yue. His entire being felt relieved, and after placing the basket on the table, he wiped the chair with his sleeve, warmly inviting Man Yue to take a seat."I haven't been back in a very long time, and there are no tea leaves prepared at home. However, there is hot water, could you please make do with it?"
"Don't make yourself all busy, Mr. Wu. Man Yue would just like to talk to you for a little while. Please, have a seat as well." Man Yue stopped Wu Xingzi from bustling around. His broad, fleshy hands somehow managed to push Wu Xingzi lightly onto the chair, without causing him to stumble nor be shocked.
Wu Xingzi was a little stunned. He sat dazedly in the chair, facing Man Yue directly.
Man Yue was sitting in a very proper position, giving off a rather noble air. His head was half lowered, as though he was arranging his thoughts, and it took him a few moments before he spoke."May I know what Mr. Wu has in mind for the future?"
What he had in mind?
Wu Xingzi gazed at Man Yue. His mouth fell open, but he did not know how he should answer. He did not understand what Man Yue meant.
Perhaps realising how lost Wu Xingzi was, Man Yue smiled soothingly and explained himself clearly."Does Mr. Wu plan on remaining in Qingcheng County, or are you going to the capital?"
"I... I plan on going to the capital to take a look." Wu Xingzi's head sagged as he replied.
"Is that so?" Man Yue seemed to sigh before he continued."Mr. Wu must be feeling puzzled about why I appeared in Qingcheng County, and what I plan to do."
"Ai..." Wu Xingzi shot Man Yue a swift glance, his expression a little embarrassed from having been seen through. However, he truly did not understand Man Yue's behaviour very well.
"If I have to say it, I'm here for the General." Man Yue gave the answer very frankly. Hearing that, Wu Xingzi's thin shoulders jerked violently, his head almost buried into his chest."The General does not know that I've come privately to see Mr. Wu, and there are just some things that I'd like to speak to you."
So Guan Shanjin did not know... Wu Xingzi could not tell if he was feeling relieved or disappointed. He wrung at his clothes, wiping away the sweat gathered on his palm, then he lifted his head, giving Man Yue a faint smile.
"Please speak, Vice General Man."
Man Yue studied Wu Xingzi for a moment before speaking, "Mr. Wu should have heard about the matter between the General and Mr. Lu from Manager Rancui, I believe?"
Although it was a question, his tone was very sure.
Wu Xingzi shifted in his seat uneasily. Drinking half a cup of warm water in a mouthful, he acknowledged Man Yue's question feebly.
"What does Mr. Wu think about it?"
What did he think about it? Wu Xingzi's brows knitted slightly, looking at Man Yue, as he felt extremely perplexed. He was Guan Shanjin's confidant, so why did he come here specifically to ask him about this?
However, thinking over it carefully, Wu Xingzi felt that this was not anything strange. Man Yue was highly trusted by Guan Shanjin, and he naturally would come up with plans for him. Guan Shanjin had finally exchanged confessions and vows of love with his beloved after so long, so Man Yue would definitely not wish that they would be disturbed.
Wu Xingzi understood his status and position, and he quickly adjusted his expression, speaking solemnly to Man Yue."Don't worry, Vice General Man. I am not a tactless person. Haiwang... The General and Mr. Lu, I understand that they're both happy with each other, and I will never come between them. If you do not have faith in my promises, then... then I won't go to the capital anymore."
Despite his complete and utter sincerity, Wu Xingzi could still feel a slight squeeze around his heart, and he even felt a little breathless. Unconsciously, he rubbed at his chest, and when his eyes met Man Yue's, he nervously dropped his hand, moving it to his back.
Mixed emotions stirred within Man Yue.
He had always been a smart person. Although he dared not claim to be a hidden dragon, he regarded himself as being comparable to one. Who would have guessed that Wu Xingzi would give him such a slap in the face? A person's heart truly was never so easily understood.
Inexplicably, he seemed to have understood how Guan Shanjin had fallen for this old fellow.
Clear-eyed people could all see Wu Xingzi's feelings for Guan Shanjin. Furthermore, Man Yue had Hei'er, an extra pair of eyes, and so he was naturally even more aware of Wu Xingzi's heart. However, he had never expected that this old fellow in front of him could so decisively say that he would withdraw from the relationship, as though he had never held any affections for Guan Shanjin at all.
Man Yue had no choice but to recalibrate."Mr. Wu has mistaken Man Yue. I am not trying to persuade you to stay in Qingcheng County, but the opposite. In my heart, I eagerly wish to see Mr. Wu again in the capital."
"Why is that so?" Wu Xingzi was stunned, looking at Man Yue as he blinked furiously.
Was this a test? Wu Xingzi's mind jumped very quickly. He blushed faintly, looking even more embarrassed. Man Yue had most definitely seen through his feelings for Guan Shanjin, and so he was deliberately testing him.
As such, Wu Xingzi's response was even more serious."Vice General Man, I understand that you're still worried. However, I understand very well the principle that a melon forcefully harvested is not as sweet. Furthermore, there are no promises between the General and me, and our relationship had always been a tryst. Now, it has only returned to its right path. The reason why I want to go to the capital to take a look, it's actually because of the Peng Society gathering..."
Speaking of this, Wu Xingzi scratched his nose abashedly."There are so many talented and handsome men in the capital, so imagine the number of pengornises there... I mean the members of the Peng Society! I'm only an ordinary, common man after all."
Man Yue looked directly at Wu Xingzi, unable to speak a word he had been planning to say. He had finally heard for himself how passionate Wu Xingzi was towards making friends through the pigeon express. Now, he could not help but start to pity Guan Shanjin for having vomited so many litres of blood for nothing. He had nearly lost his life, and yet all his beloved could think about were other pengornises.
"You... you've never thought about meeting the General in the capital?" Man Yue asked, unwilling to give up.
He did, but he only dared to think about it secretly. However, Wu Xingzi would naturally never dare to tell Man Yue about this. The smile on the face of the man in front of him had already faded away, and his expression was clouded. His gaze, directed at Wu Xingzi, was very composed, and it made Wu Xingzi flustered, shifting about continuously.
"Mr. Wu, Man Yue will be straightforward! To tell the truth, I did not come because of the General, it was only an excuse." When Man Yue lied, he neither blushed, nor did his heartbeat speed up. He had given it great thought before deciding to come and see what Wu Xingzi was thinking, but he did not expect that he was about to make such a big mess of things.
If because of him, Wu Xingzi decided to not go to the capital anymore, he would truly no longer be able to face Guan Shanjin anymore.
At first, with his understanding about Wu Xingzi, the flee to the capital was simply to avoid Guan Shanjin. However, since Guan Shanjin himself had retreated, there was no longer a need for him to go to the capital. Also, the position of the adviser in Qingcheng County was still empty, and Wu Xingzi most definitely would plan to stay.
However, he had never expected that Wu Xingzi would still plan on going to the capital, and he was completely disregarding the script they had planned for him! Man Yue wiped away the beading sweat on his forehead secretly.
He did not come because of Guan Shanjin? Wu Xingzi looked confused. He could not grasp a hold on Man Yue's attitude, and he was even more flustered than when facing Rancui.
"I see. Then, may I know what Vice General Man wants to talk to me about?"
"I'd just like to remind Mr. Wu that a man's heart is difficult to guess, and what you see may not be the truth." Man Yue deeply regretted his decision to come and see Wu Xingzi. This old fellow may seem honest and simple, but he was very independent in his mind and actions."The Peng Society gathering may leave you disappointed. After all, a pengornis and its owner may not be well-matched with each other."
"What you say does make sense..." Wu Xingzi nodded along. It was true, the pengornis drawings he had often did not match the drawings of their owners. Some people looked fair, slender and clean, but their pengornises were swarthy and curved; Some people were tall and muscular, while their pengornises were bashful and exquisite. People like Guan Shanjin who were both delectable down below and on the outside, they were actually a rare sight.
Despite that, Wu Xingzi still held great interest towards the gathering of the Peng Society, and he finally understood the reason why Man Yue came looking for him.
"Vice General Man, do you plan on attending the gathering as well?"
This question truly floored Man Yue. He put on an enigmatic smile, neither confirming nor denying it.
"So, did you look for me because of the Peng Society gathering?" Now that he had an idea, Wu Xingzi felt a lot more at ease, and he revealed a friendly smile."Don't worry, the gathering is managed by Manager Rancui. It'll just be like taking a cruise on a large vessel, safe and reliable. If there's anything you're worried about, why don't you tell me? I can help you pass it along to the manager."
Man Yue finally understood why Guan Shanjin was always at a disadvantage when faced with Wu Xingzi now. He himself could not understand how he had managed to dig himself this pit.
Nevertheless, Man Yue still beamed and cupped his hands together."Then I'll have to trouble Mr. Wu. We'll see each other at the gathering."
"Yes, yes. I'll see you there." Wu Xingzi cupped his hands in response. Thinking for a moment, he added in concern, "May I know the sort of man Vice General Man likes? Perhaps I can ask Manager Rancui to help you arrange for a few meetings?"
As an arrogant, handsome face appeared in his head, Man Yue pursed his lips."I'm rather indifferent."
"Hmph, Vice General Man is quite good at speaking." A gentle yet sarcastic voice floated through the window. Man Yue cocked a brow, looking over, and he saw a gorgeous face.
"Manager Rancui." Man Yue cupped his hand towards him. Before Rancui had spoken, he had already heard his footsteps. It was just that he did not expose him. After all, what he had planned on saying had already gone awry because of Wu Xingzi, so he was not afraid of Rancui eavesdropping.
Leaning lazily against the window, the beauty narrowed his eyes enchantingly towards him."I did not imagine that Vice General Man would be so interested in the Peng Society gathering. I had thought that once you were back in the capital, both you and the General would be deeply entangled with the matters of court."
"I'm afraid that I'll have to disappoint the manager." Man Yue's smile was still his usual, honest one, and it was truly an eyesore for Rancui.
Waving his hand, Rancui did not insist on continuing the topic, instead going with the flow of the conversation."The Peng Society naturally welcomes the attendance of Vice General Man. I'll also try my best to invite the few gongzis you have been communicating with, and I'll definitely make Vice General Man feel at home."
This little fox! Man Yue spat silently, but he did not reveal his emotions outwardly. Revealing an appropriate expression of anticipation and shyness, he cupped his hands together, thanking him.
Since Rancui had appeared, Man Yue did not plan on staying anymore. After a battle of words between the two, Man Yue bade his farewell.
Seeing that Man Yue was a large distance away, Rancui then casually informed Wu Xingzi, "Right, I heard that the General's inner energy had fluctuated badly, and he vomited three litres of blood. Is that true?"
Wu Xingzi was astounded. Choking on the water in his mouth, he coughed violently, tears welling up in his eyes. Finally, he managed to catch his breath, and he asked anxiously, "Haiwang vomited blood? Is he ok? Has he recuperated? Why would he suddenly vomit blood?"
"Did Vice General Man not tell you about it?" Rancui was slightly speechless. Leaving the window, he walked towards the door and sat down across Wu Xingzi. He still looked very indolent, but there was a trace of seriousness around his brows."If you're concerned about this matter, shall we get some information in the capital?"
Wu Xingzi nodded hurriedly. Turning a few circles in his house, his expression changed a few times. Finally, as though coming to a decision, he gritted his teeth, looking at Rancui."Why don't we leave tomorrow morning?"
"Why not?" Rancui poured himself a cup of water, answering with a smile. His charming eyes caught sight of Wu Xingzi exhaling in relief before looking anxious again, and Rancui sighed silently.
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