Chapter 43 Magpie on a Branch (Part 3) She was somewhat lost in his naivety...

Ye Mu gently lifted the lid of the box.

A black ebony hairpin lay quietly within, its wood heavy and unadorned, except for a piece of jade ginkgo inlaid at the tip. The jade was lustrous, not pure white, but with a hint of blue, soft in the moonlight, the veins of the leaf carved with exquisite detail, the delicate serrations on the edges appearing as if naturally formed.

Compared to the previous bamboo-shaped jade pendant, the carving is much more refined.

Ye Mu's fingertips gently caressed the warm, smooth jade leaf. He did not carve the jade flower as promised, but instead carved this ginkgo leaf. In a daze, she seemed to return to the ginkgo tree at Baoxiang Temple that day.

Golden leaves fluttered like butterflies, and his bluish-gray figure stood amidst the scattered gold fragments. Facing the questions from the crowd of believers, he calmly debated the scriptures, his voice as clear as a spring striking jade, his eyes revealing a serene tranquility that transcended the mundane world.

She stood beside him, tilting her head to look at him, with the layered eaves of the ancient temple behind her.

Did he also feel that there was something indescribably touching about that moment? That's why he quietly captured that autumn scenery in this small piece of jade?

Ye Mu felt as if something warm had gently bumped into his heart, leaving him with a tender, tingling sensation and an indescribable flutter in his chest.

He didn't mention the existence of the brocade box to his mother and Zijing. Does this mean that he also harbored the same unspeakable turmoil in his heart? If he were truly open and selfless, why would he be so careful, quietly sending it in through the window without leaving a word?

Wen Kong's dishonesty made Ye Mu's lips curl into a smile. She could almost picture the scene: him carrying this small brocade box, harboring secrets from the moment he stepped into the courtyard.

Such a cold and taciturn person as him must have patiently filled the water vat, then chopped and stacked the firewood neatly. Zijing was also a hospitable person, and she would chat with him about everyday things to keep him from getting bored. He would chop the firewood, nodding in agreement from time to time with good temper.

Thinking of this, Ye Mu couldn't help but smile.

Wen Kong waited until neither his mother nor Zijing were paying attention before quietly going around to her window.

That figure, who was always as upright as a pine tree, perhaps for the first time in her life, lowered herself with a hint of guilt, carefully opened the window lattice, and gently placed the brocade box on her desk.

Logically speaking, how could someone as cautious and meticulous as him forget to close the window? He must have been so flustered and nervous that he neglected such an important matter.

Ye Mu imagined his rare moment of embarrassment and chuckled softly, resting her chin on her hand on the table.

She was somewhat lost in his naiveté.

She knew she shouldn't.

He was a man of the secular world, she was a visitor to the mortal realm, separated by strict rules and regulations.

But when Ye Mu walked to the dressing mirror, picked up the ebony hairpin, and slowly inserted it into her hair, seeing the beauty in the mirror with spring in her eyes and a smile on her lips, she made up her mind—

Even if it's a banned book, she'll still open it and take a look.

-

The next day, Ye Mu slept in, which was a rare treat.

Today she was going to buy clothes, and Lady Yun had given her a half-day off. Ye Mu didn't get up until it was fully light. With the silver Lady Yun had given her, she walked briskly out the door and headed straight for the busiest silk market in the south of the city.

Ye Mu didn't choose those big, glamorous shops. Instead, he turned into a small alley and found an old shop with a sign that read "Chen's Clothing". The shop was small but neatly arranged, with all kinds of clothing hanging on the walls, from ordinary cotton to slightly more expensive silk dresses.

"What kind of dress would you like, young lady?" The shop owner was a kind-faced woman in her forties, holding a measuring tape in her hand. "We have some newly arrived Hangzhou-style fine jackets here, the color of which suits your age perfectly."

Ye Mu's gaze lingered on the dresses, finally settling on a light blue Hangzhou silk pleated skirt and a moon-white embroidered plum blossom jacket. The colors were elegant, just right for her current status, neither too plain nor too ostentatious.

"Please, shopkeeper, fetch this set for me to try."

Carrying the new clothes, Ye Mu went into the fitting room separated by a curtain at the back of the store. Just as she unbuttoned her old clothes, she heard a murmur of conversation coming from outside. It seemed to be two women who had come to choose fabric.

"...Have you heard? Manager Liu of Yongchang Pawnshop ran off with the money the other night!"

"Which Yongchang? Is it the one that's located at the west end of the market, with a rather impressive storefront?"

"That's right! My cousin and his wife deposited fifty taels of silver last month, saying the interest rate was one percent higher than other places, and they even recommended it to us. Now look what happened, their principal has gone down the drain!"

"My God! Fifty taels! How long would it take to save up that much? This damned bastard... does he even know how much he stole?"

"It's at least this many." The speaker seemed to gesture, eliciting a collective gasp. "There are several shops inside with cash flow problems, and now everything's in chaos. They're blocking the entrance to the shops, crying and wailing..."

Ye Mu's fingers, which were tying his belt, paused slightly.

Yongchang Pawnshop was a well-known pawnshop in the city. Just half a month ago, Zijing was gossiping with her with envy, saying that the wife of Hu Xiucai at the end of the alley deposited all her savings there, and the pawnshop owner patted his chest and guaranteed that the interest would double by the end of the year.

At that time, the two of them, mistress and servant, were carefully calculating with the abacus, but in the end they still sighed. They were struggling to make ends meet and were very careful with every penny. They had no spare money to deposit in a money exchange to earn interest.

Now that she has finally gotten a job with a generous monthly salary, she was planning to deposit the thirty taels of her monthly salary at Yongchang Pawnshop at the beginning of next month. Who would have thought that this century-old brand would go out of business?

Now even the traditional money shops are no longer trustworthy. Where should we store our money?

Actually, there is an even older place for people to save money: temples. The largest temple for merit-making in the capital is Baoxiang Temple.

A revered temple with a long and prosperous history is far more secure than a privately run money exchange, and there is no risk of it absconding with the money.

The moment the thought crossed her mind, Wen Kong's bluish-gray monk's robe and serene features appeared before her. If she deposited the money into Baoxiang Temple, there was no guarantee he wouldn't find out. If her master found out, she would go to Fuyou Pavilion to do the accounting...

Ye Mu shook his head slightly; temples were definitely not a place to go.

The chatter outside continued.

"I told you long ago that Manager Liu doesn't seem reliable. He's always wearing gold and silver, as if he wants to have the word 'extravagant' engraved on his forehead."

"What's the use of saying all this now? It's only those who saved money who are suffering; they're afraid they'll never get their hard-earned money back..."

"Has the government posted any arrest warrants?"

"They did put up posters, but they're scattered all over the country. How easy is it to catch them? I'm afraid that money has already been squandered or transferred..."

Ye Mu listened quietly, slowly put on her new clothes, tied the last sash, raised her hand to tidy her hair, and lifted the curtain to walk out.

The shopkeeper looked up at the sound, paused for a moment, and then her eyes lit up. The autumn-colored hue suited her perfectly, making her already fair skin appear even more radiant. She looked completely different from her usual drab self, appearing elegant and spirited.

"Oh my, madam, this dress is practically tailor-made for you!" The shopkeeper put down her measuring tape and came forward, praising the dress enthusiastically. "Look at the color, the waistline—it couldn't be more perfect! You have excellent taste, madam!"

Ye Mu was a little embarrassed by the compliment. Her gaze swept over the half-length bronze mirror in the corner, and the person in the mirror did indeed look brand new. She nodded slightly to the shopkeeper and said in a gentle tone, "This set is very good, I'll take it."

She carefully selected a moon-white evening gown and a thicker blue satin jacket. Thinking of Zijing and her mother, she also chose a warm and practical winter coat for each of them, according to their sizes. When she paid the bill, most of the five taels of silver had been spent, but she didn't feel any heartache; on the contrary, she felt very satisfied.

The long street was bustling with activity, the sounds of vendors hawking their wares, laughter, and carriages blending together to create a lively symphony of everyday life. The warm autumn sun shone on him, and even the soft touch of his new clothes made Ye Mu feel exceptionally comfortable.

She stopped in front of a stall selling candied hawthorns; the bright red fruits, coated in glistening sugar, were quite adorable in the sunlight. Just as she was hesitating about which skewer to choose, she suddenly heard someone call her from behind, "Madam Ye? Madam Ye!"

Ye Mu turned around and saw Feng Yan, dressed in a brand-new indigo robe, walking briskly towards her with a smile. He was thinner than before, but looked even more energetic. "It really is you."

"Mr. Feng?" Ye Mu was somewhat surprised. "Not at work today?"

Feng Yan approached and greeted her with a smile, "Greetings, Madam Ye. I have resigned from my position at the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion and now I've rented a small shop and started working as a broker. I just returned from showing a house to a client."

His tone was tinged with a sense of open-mindedness and gratitude. "Speaking of which, I must thank Madam Ye for her guidance that day. If you hadn't said that I might have a talent for this, I might not have dared to take this step. Although I'm busy now, my income is much more substantial than when I was in the manor."

Ye Mu was selecting a string of candied hawthorns with evenly distributed sugar syrup from the bundle of straw when he heard this and smiled slightly, "Mr. Feng is too modest. It is your own courage and talent that make you so capable. I was just saying it casually."

Just as she was about to take out her money, Feng Yan preemptively handed a few copper coins to the old man.

"A mere string of candied hawthorns is something I can afford, Madam Ye, please do not refuse."

Ye Mu declined slightly, but seeing his sincere attitude, she didn't insist anymore. She thanked him, and the candied hawthorn tasted sweet and sour, with the sugar shell cracking crisply and carrying the fragrance of hawthorn.

The two chatted for a while on the street, and Feng Yan talked about the interesting things that had happened recently, showing guests houses. His face was full of pride and confidence as he talked about how he had established his own household.

After finishing her candied hawthorn, Ye Mu looked at the radiant Feng Yan before her, and a sudden inspiration struck her. She looked up at him and said, "Mr. Feng, may I have a word with you in private?"

The two found a quiet teahouse nearby and sat by the window. As soon as the waiter served the fragrant tea, Ye Mu got straight to the point: "To be honest, sir, I've also found a job as an accountant at Fuyou Pavilion."

Feng Yan was about to offer his congratulations, but upon hearing the words "Fuyou Pavilion," his hand holding the teapot paused slightly, and he asked in surprise, "Miss, aren't you afraid that working here will damage your reputation?"

“A good reputation can’t support me.” Ye Mu gently stroked the teacup, the glaze reflecting her calm eyes and brows. “Besides, I’m keeping clear accounts and doing my job there, and I don’t see anything wrong with it. You’re a businessman now, so you shouldn’t be so particular.”

“Of course I, Feng Yan, will not find it offensive,” Feng Yan said seriously. “Ye Niangzi’s frankness has only earned my respect.”

"But most people in the world still care about this." Ye Mu sighed softly. "I dare not tell my mother about this yet, as she will surely be upset. But thirty taels of silver a month is really eye-catching. I am afraid that I cannot hide it from her, and I am also afraid that revealing my wealth will cause trouble."

She looked up and stared directly at Feng Yan. "I'd like to deposit any extra money beyond my monthly expenses with you, sir. Is that alright?"

Feng Yan was stunned upon hearing this, the tea rippled in his cup. He never expected Ye Mu to trust him so much, and he couldn't help but feel solemn. "Madam Ye, this money is no small matter. Aren't you afraid I'll run away?"

"To be honest, sir, I originally planned to deposit the money with the pawnshop, but this morning I heard at the clothing shop that the manager of Yongchang Pawnshop had absconded with the money the night before last," Ye Mu said. "After thinking it over, I feel that compared to those pawnshops with empty reputations, what is more trustworthy is your character, sir."

"Having dealt with you a few times, I still trust you."

"However, the interest rates that Mr. Feng can offer are probably far less generous than those offered by the money exchange."

"Sir, you are joking." Ye Mu's eyebrows relaxed. "Sir, your agreement has already been a great help to me. I am the one who has troubled you. How could I possibly charge you interest?"

“How can that be!” Feng Yan waved his hands repeatedly and said seriously, “The money is already helping me a lot by keeping my business running. If I don’t even charge interest, it would make me seem like I don’t know the rules.”

He paused for a moment, then said, “How about we calculate the interest at three-tenths of the market rate? I’m a businessman; I can’t treat an old friend unfairly.”

“Three percent? That’s far too much.” Ye Mu frowned slightly. “Ordinary pawnshops only take four percent of the profits. Now that Yongchang has run into trouble, other pawnshops will probably have to drop to three percent. Sir, you’ve just started your business, and you need money for everything…”

“Madam Ye, there’s no need to refuse.” Feng Yan poured her more tea. “We’ll take a 30% cut. If you refuse again, I’ll have to reconsider.”

Seeing his resolute attitude, Ye Mu had no choice but to agree.

Amidst the fragrant aroma of tea, the two exchanged a smile and then settled the matter of depositing the money.

Feng Yan insisted on writing a written agreement, specifying when to deposit money each month and how to withdraw it. The terms were clear, and he even specially noted that "if Feng violates this agreement, Madam Ye may sue him in court." Seeing his seriousness, Ye Mu felt more at ease.

"In that case, I will trouble you, sir." Ye Mu rose and curtsied.

"You're too kind, Madam Ye. It's me who should thank you for your trust." Feng Yan returned the greeting with a cupped hand, and the two parted ways at the entrance of the teahouse.

With the receipt in her hand and her newly purchased clothes in her hand, Ye Mu walked briskly into the alley. She did not notice that under the eaves of the sesame oil shop across the street, there was a figure in a gray monk's robe.

Wen Kong meditated in the meditation room last night, but her mind was restless. She remembered that she had returned home very late yesterday and wondered what might have happened to her. This morning, under the pretext of needing to buy lamp oil for the temple, she unknowingly wandered to the vicinity of Yuqian Lane.

He spotted her as she emerged from the clothing store, a ginkgo branch he had carved tucked behind her ear, her eyes brimming with vibrant joy. Only then did the weight that had been hanging over his heart begin to lift.

Just as she was hesitating to step forward, wondering how to start a conversation, she saw her standing on the side of the street talking to a strange man. The man had bought her candied hawthorns, and they seemed quite familiar with each other as they chatted and laughed.

Wen Kong stopped in his tracks.

Then the two of them, laughing and talking, entered the teahouse together.

The man then casually took the candied hawthorn skewer she had finished eating and tossed it into a dustpan nearby.

He should have known. How could a girl like her, as radiant as the moon and as resilient as bamboo, go unappreciated and uncompanioned? She was meant to live such a bright and vibrant life, not trapped in the mire of the past or dependent on anyone's pity. She had her own world, her own destiny.

Her life gradually broadened amidst the hustle and bustle of the world, while his world remained forever within the mountain gate, with its morning bells and evening drums, ancient Buddha statues and green lamps.

Wen Kong silently turned around, the newly lit lamp oil in his hand weighing heavily on his wrist, along with the stagnation in his heart.

-

Ye Mu had been working at Fuyou Pavilion for several days and was getting into the swing of things when a sudden upheaval occurred in the court.

It is unknown which discerning official submitted a memorial, vehemently denouncing the growing prevalence of officials frequenting prostitutes, which damaged the court's decorum and hindered the education of the people. His Majesty immediately issued a decree: any official found to have frequented prostitutes will be fined three months' salary, and repeat offenders will be dismissed and investigated.

As soon as this decree was issued, the brothels and entertainment venues in the capital became deserted, and the pimps and madams were frowning with worry. However, in just a few days, the shrewd officials figured out the key point: the decree only prohibited patronizing prostitutes, but it did not say that it prohibited hiring courtesans to accompany one!

As a result, overnight, all the officials who needed to entertain guests but were afraid of violating the law turned their attention to the Fuyou Pavilion, which was known for its elegance.

In the past, the event was only lively in the evenings, but now the private rooms are full from the afternoon, with music playing continuously. Banquet orders are pouring in like snowflakes. I remember that some official was hosting a banquet for his colleagues, a minister was celebrating a promotion, and a young master was holding a poetry gathering... There were many different kinds of banquets, and the amounts were staggering.

The consumption of alcoholic beverages, tea, seasonal fruits, and delicate side dishes suddenly increased several times over.

For five or six days in a row, Ye Mu buried himself in the ledgers, his fingertips turning red from using the abacus, and his vision blurring from checking the accounts. The clicking of the jade abacus echoed from dawn until the moon was high in the sky, almost without stopping.

Even Mr. Wang, who usually stayed in the warm sun in a corner and was oblivious to all the new accounts, was personally called upon by Madam Yun and had to move to the main table, where he frowned and checked the mountain of banquet receipts.

Ye Mu only learned about Wang the accountant's background when he chatted with the old women in the pavilion a few days ago when he was relatively free. It turned out that he was not an ordinary employee, but the father of a once very popular courtesan in the pavilion.

That man fell in love with a regular customer, a young widow who had recently lost her husband. In the end, he packed all his belongings and eloped with her.

Before leaving, he left a note, expressing his deep remorse, saying that he owed the pavilion many years of cultivation to him, and that his elderly father was still alive, so he wished to leave it as payment for the debt.

"The son's debts are paid by the father?" the cleaning woman said, mopping the floor. "He is indeed a very filial son. But our Lady Yun can't let her gray-haired father also put on makeup and go to the front to greet guests, can she? The old man can't do heavy or tiring work. He can do some writing and calculation, and he is an honest man. So let him stay in the accounting office. At least he will have a place to stay and make a living."

When Ye Mu heard this, he felt that the world was full of strange and bizarre things, and that the only way to settle the debt was to drag his father to a brothel.

Now, seeing Mr. Wang sighing and awkwardly checking the unfamiliar new entries behind the mountain of account books, I feel sorry for him. I should do as much as I can, instead of making things difficult for an old man.

Even though it was past midnight, the Fuyou Pavilion was still bustling with activity, and the sounds of music and laughter could be faintly heard from the various private rooms, making it seem like daytime.

Ye Mu rubbed his sore and stiff wrists and put down the vermilion brush.

The last payment for the money from yesterday was finally verified and entered into the accounts. She looked up at the brightly lit front building outside the window and estimated that, given the number of guests tonight, the accounts to be settled tomorrow would probably pile up like a small mountain.

Ye Mu sighed softly. Earning money was something she had to endure, no matter how tiring it was. She blew out the flickering candle on the table and carefully locked the accounting room door. When she reached the small door leading to the backyard, she discovered that the corner room had been locked at some point.

Left with no other choice, Ye Mu turned around and reluctantly walked towards the front yard where guests were still coming and going.

The front hall was filled with a warm, fragrant aroma, and the air was slightly intoxicated by the wine.

Several elegantly dressed guests were surrounding the wine connoisseur, chatting and laughing loudly. In the corridor, there were also a few guests saying goodbye, their steps unsteady and their voices indistinct.

"Oh—!" A middle-aged official in a brocade robe, his face flushed, was being helped out by a servant. In his drunken stupor, he caught sight of Ye Mu emerging from the shadows of the corridor. His eyes lit up, and he slurred, "W-Where's this pretty lady? Lady Yun, do you perhaps have some hidden treasures in your establishment, secretly running other businesses?"

As he spoke, he reached out to tug at Ye Mu's sleeve, his breath reeking of alcohol. The intimate tone of his words drew laughter from the people around him.

"Sir, please be careful with your words!" Lady Yun stepped forward from nowhere, shielding Ye Mu behind her, and said with a slight smile, "This is our store's proper accountant, a pure and innocent young lady. You're drunk, so please don't be rude to her."

Just then, a servant came running down the stairs, calling out urgently, "Madam Yun! The distinguished guest's carriage has arrived at the door, hurry and greet it!"

While gesturing for Ye Mu to hurry up, Lady Yun took the drunkard's arm and led him towards the gate. "Sir, your carriage must be waiting. Watch your step..."

Taking advantage of the opening, Ye Mu quickly stepped aside, lowered his head, and hurried through the noise, heading straight for the side gate next to the main gate, which was used by servants for passage.

As soon as she stepped out of the side gate, the cool night breeze filled her, dispelling some of the stale air in the hall.

Just as Ye Mu was about to step down the stone steps, he saw an extremely ornate blue silk carriage steadily parked in front of the main gate, with the bright lanterns hanging from the eaves casting two warm glows in the night.

The carriage curtain was respectfully lifted by the servants.

A man was bending down to get out of the carriage. His cloud-patterned official boots landed on the footstool. The light from the lanterns under the eaves shone on him, illuminating his handsome and noble face, with his well-defined eyebrows and slightly upturned eyes.

It was none other than the newly appointed top scholar, Jiang Si.

He seemed to sense something, and his gaze casually swept across the side of the door, only to bump right into Ye Mu, who was trying to avoid him on the side steps.

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Author's Note: Thank you for reading and for adding this to your favorites!