Chapter 11 The Ugly Cat Medicine Pouch is just too ugly...

In July, Xuchang was still hot, but as the sun began to set, a cool breeze began to blow to relieve the heat.

Guo Jia walked out of the Sikong Mansion, bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun, and headed towards the market with practiced ease.

The crowds at the market had dispersed, leaving only a few scattered residents packing up their belongings.

He immediately noticed that Deng Jie's stall was already packed up, but she was nowhere to be seen. Huai Niang was tidying up her medicine box. When she saw him, she hurriedly said, "The Chief Minister has arrived. Madam said to wash my hands by the stream behind the house and told me to go back after I've finished tidying up."

Guo Jia nodded and stood there, watching Huai Niang return home and then watching the neighbors leave.

When no one came, a sense of panic crept into his heart. He quickly walked into the alleyways and headed to the stream to look for her.

The stream babbles, reflecting the red glow of the sunset.

Guo Jia walked hurriedly, his eyes searching eagerly.

Just around the corner of the path, in a corner half-hidden by bushes, he saw that familiar figure.

Deng Jie was squatting on the ground with his back to him, holding a piece of dry biscuit he didn't know where he got it from, and he was breaking it into pieces and feeding it to the cat.

The warm yellow light bathed her focused profile and the little orange cat, creating a tranquil and heartwarming scene that reminded Guo Jia of the day they first met.

It was the dead of winter in the twelfth lunar month of the third year of the Chuping era. Under the old locust tree by the Deng family's medicinal garden in Wancheng, a charming young girl with her hair in a high bun and wearing a gold hairpin was squatting on the ground, using pork to lure a shivering orange cat. Startled by his sudden appearance, she dropped the pork and was indignant because the cat was closer to her than her.

Guo Jia did not make a sound to disturb them, but simply watched quietly, a warm smile appearing on his face.

Looking at the skinny, gluttonous creature before him, even deeper, more bitter memories flooded his mind.

The cat from Wancheng... happened to cover the two of them as they escaped from the ruins after Lujiang City fell and the Deng residence was destroyed, but he himself died under the iron spear of the guard.

Just like their last vestige of attachment to their home, it was forever buried beneath the scorched earth.

At this moment, the small orange figure in front of them is like a gentle thorn, carefully picking at the scars they have been trying to forget.

Deng Jie seemed to sense the gaze behind him and turned around. Seeing that it was Guo Jia, an embarrassed smile immediately appeared on his face. "Fengxiao, what brings you here? It's rare that it didn't hide from me, so I fed it a little longer..."

Guo Jia stepped forward and squatted down beside her. "It's nothing. It's just... I suddenly remembered something."

He took the crumbs from Deng Jie and started breaking them up as well.

Deng Jie clearly understood his unspoken words, pursed her lips, and gently leaned on his shoulder.

After returning home, Deng Jie tidied his medicine box under the lamp, but Guo Jia did not go to the study as usual. Instead, he rummaged through something in the bedroom.

Hearing the clattering sounds coming from inside, Deng Jie asked curiously, "What are you looking for? Let me help you find it?"

Guo Jia then pulled out an item wrapped in a clean cloth from the bottom of the box.

He walked toward Deng Jie and peeled back the layers one by one.

By the candlelight, Deng Jie could see that inside was a faded medicine pouch with worn edges.

Deng Jie was stunned. On it, with crooked, childish and ridiculous stitches, was embroidered a pattern of... let's just say an orange tabby cat.

It was the medicine pouch she had embroidered overnight at the Deng residence, intending to tease Guo Jia that "ugly cats love to follow their master," but in the end, she found it too ugly to give away because she realized her own feelings for it.

In the end, Guo Jia found it in a thatched hut in a mountain village and forcibly took it.

"You, how come you still keep it!" Deng Jie was both surprised and ashamed. So many years have passed, and this thing is ugly and old, yet he has treasured it all this time.

“Of course.” Guo Jia shook his head happily. “I said I really like this thing. How could I say that? This is the first thing you’ve ever given me… a token of your affection.”

He gently stroked the rough embroidery thread; the bristly pattern stared with eyes of varying sizes and its tail stood erect.

"When I saw that kitten today, it reminded me of it. I'm thinking of... getting it bred again."

"No way!" Deng Jie blurted out, reaching out to snatch it. "It's too ugly! And it's so old! This... how can this be worthy of your current status! If you take it out, people will laugh at you!"

Guo Jia gently avoided her hand and tucked the medicine pouch into his robes. "Identity? What identity? I have no identity. I'm just a private advisor under my lord. What identity do I have?" He stretched out his arm and embraced his wife. "To you, I am still me, and I have never changed."

He held her tightly in his arms, saying, "After all, you're the only family I have left in this world. You are my home."

Although Deng Jie always felt that his words "for you" had a deeper meaning, just as he said, he was the only one left by her side now, and this was her only place to belong.

She didn't want to delve too deeply into what wasn't hers, so she rested her forehead on his shoulder and sighed softly, "Whatever. We might get laughed at, and then we'd have to take it off when we get back."

Guo Jia said nonchalantly, "Do you think I'm afraid of being laughed at?"

The next day, he indeed wore the strangely shaped, ugly cat-shaped medicine pouch on his waist, tying it together with the silver sachet. The distorted, abstract cat patterns formed a stark and eerie contrast with the delicate cloud patterns.

He stepped into the Sikong Mansion with a calm expression.

The result... is naturally predictable.

Xun Yu had barely emerged from the shadow of the screen doorbell when he noticed the conspicuous medicine pouch at Guo Jia's waist, making it hard to pretend he hadn't seen it. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly: Here we go again…

Cao Cao was focused on the map, but as soon as he looked up, his attention was immediately and precisely drawn to that thing.

He paused for a moment, then slammed his hand on the table and burst into laughter: "Fengxiao, what... what are you up to now? Is this some new embroidery pouch your wife has developed?" He laughed until tears almost streamed down his face, gesturing for everyone to look, "What... what exactly is embroidered on this?"

Upon seeing this, the civil and military officials, those with a boisterous nature, laughed heartily with Cao Cao, while those with a more reserved nature covered their faces to suppress their laughter, observing Xun Yu's reaction, whispering among themselves, or giving him sidelong glances and pointing fingers.

Guo Jia remained unfazed, even patting the medicine pouch with a hint of pride: "My lord, you are wise. This is the Orange Cat Brocade Pouch, a gift from my wife many years ago. Though it is not exquisite, the sentiment behind it is priceless. I cherish it to remember my initial feelings, just as I will forever remember your kindness, my lord!"

Cao Cao laughed even louder: "You know how to talk! What a fine phrase, 'remembering the original intention' and 'forever remembering the kindness,' Fengxiao is indeed a man of character!" As he spoke, he moved two seats aside and invited him to sit down: "Come, come, it just so happens that Yuan Shao has some new moves on his side, and Zhang Xiu is also on edge. They are trying to collude in secret. Fengxiao, come and give us some ideas."

The people in the Sikong Mansion were probably used to Guo Jia's actions, and no one mentioned it again.

But Guo Jia never expected that the area around his house would become inexplicably lively the next day.

Along the only way, skillful women sat in twos and threes, whispering to each other or glancing sideways, their hands busy with their embroidery.

When Guo Jia passed by them, he could accurately catch their gazes. Some women would even deliberately hold up what they were carrying, as if they wanted him to see it more clearly.

Guo Jia was completely bewildered and didn't understand why, but he thought it was probably because the Qixi Festival was approaching.

He simply smiled and praised the "excellent craftsmanship" before hurrying away.

Unexpectedly, after three days, the excitement in the streets and alleys only increased, finally reaching its peak on the Qixi Festival.

As Guo Jia returned home, he had just arrived at the alley entrance when he smelled the aroma of food and heard the bustling sounds of people coming from inside.

"The chief priest is back!"

Someone with sharp eyes shouted, and the alley fell silent instantly. All eyes turned to Guo Jia, and those expectant gazes made Guo Jia wonder what he had done to offend everyone recently.

Clutching various embroidered pastries, the crowd stepped forward to welcome Guo Jia into his residence.

In the courtyard, Deng Jie was at a loss, bewildered by the enthusiastic neighbors. When he saw Guo Jia arrive, he quickly went to greet him and stood with him.

"Your Excellency, Madam, may you have a blessed Qixi Festival!"

"You've worked hard, sir!"

"Try this millet cake! It's freshly steamed and very sweet!"

"My lord, do you think my sachet is well embroidered?"

They surrounded the two men, each showing off the things they had brought.

"This is for you, Master. The embroidered laurel pattern is even more... ethereal than the one on your waist!"

"Look at this, High Priest! This is a Qilin pattern, which perfectly suits your refined and elegant spirit!"

"If you ask me, I'll accept mine. It's a dogwood pattern that I specially embroidered, which matches the lady's free clinic!"

"Oh, this one is good! Mine has a longevity cloud pattern, I pray that the libationer will be healthy!"

As they talked, everyone stuffed what they were holding into Guo Jia and Deng Jie's hands, into their arms, and even hung it on their arms.

Deng Jie accepted the invitation with a look of trepidation, while Guo Jia could only nod and smile repeatedly, "Thank you, thank you all, for celebrating the Qixi Festival! But..." He looked at the warm concern of his neighbors and was completely bewildered, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness today! But... I am truly humbled, I do not know what I have done to deserve such trouble..."

Everyone winked and made faces, none of them daring to speak up. Finally, the old woman squeezed forward, "Oh, Chief Minister! Don't play dumb! We're all just curious because of that thing hanging around your waist... cough."

She gestured with her hand, "That ball of dough was embroidered... Oh dear! I'm not saying this, but it's just too... too unworthy of your status and your wife's position."

Madam's free medical consultations and acts of kindness are truly remarkable; she is a great philanthropist in Xudu! And you, Grand Master, with your strategic brilliance, are also a truly distinguished figure.

"We're all so worried! We're afraid... afraid that while you're away on campaign, outsiders will see you and laugh at you, so we've all brought out our best craftsmanship and heartfelt wishes for the Qixi Festival, just wanting... just wanting you to wear something more presentable..."

The old woman started the conversation, and then everyone else chimed in, saying, "That's right, that's the idea." Hearing this, Deng Jie immediately wanted to run into the house.

It turns out that the unusual liveliness these past few days was all because they were worried about their shockingly ugly embroidery... It even dragged Fengxiao into being laughed at, making him feel so ashamed that he buried his face in Guo Jia's arm.

Guo Jia glanced at his ripe wife, reached out and pulled her close, laughing loudly, "So that's how it is! I was just saying that the neighbors were especially enthusiastic today for the Qixi Festival, but it turns out they think that what I'm wearing... this 'masterpiece' is unsightly and has disgraced our Xudu!"

He gently patted Deng Jie's shoulder and explained to the crowd, "We are deeply grateful for the kindness of all the neighbors! Auntie is right, this thing..." He patted the ugly cat medicine pouch at his waist, "is really... quite unique in its embroidery."

But as you all know, this was the first gift my wife gave me when I was young. Its stitches are crooked, its shape is odd, but the sentiment it carries is priceless and irreplaceable in my heart.

Guo Jia's words gradually replaced the mockery and worry on everyone's faces with a sense of understanding and empathy.

"As for dignity..." Guo Jia looked around at everyone, his smile open and honest, "I only care about having a clear conscience when I act, why should I care about other people's opinions? Besides, with my wife's skillful hands and kind heart bringing glory to Xudu, even if I wear a straw ring, it will still be unique, why should I be afraid of being laughed at?"

His sincere yet slightly roguish declaration completely dispelled the neighbors' concerns and won them even greater respect and laughter, with everyone praising their deep affection for each other.

"However..." Guo Jia looked at the mountain of "gifts" piled up in front of him and said loudly, "Today is the Qixi Festival on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. All the neighbors have gathered here and brought so many clever and delicious things. How can we enjoy them all by ourselves? Why don't we share these 'clever' wishes and 'blessings' with our neighbors, especially with these young ladies and gentlemen!"

He gestured to Deng Jie to put all the gifts that everyone had given them on the table in the courtyard, and asked A Yu to bring up the prepared meal, and Huai Niang to make some more snacks.

"Come, come, come!" Guo Jia greeted with a smile, his voice booming. "Today is the Qiqiao Festival, a day for bestowing blessings. No matter the size or social status, take whatever you like! This sachet can be given to your sweetheart or enjoyed by yourself; these millet cakes and sorghum cakes are for everyone to share and enjoy the sweetness!"

His suggestion ignited everyone's enthusiasm, and before the curfew began, everyone was making noise and chatting in the yard.

When the evening drum and bell tolled and the neighbors dispersed, only scraps and empty plates remained on the table.

Deng Jie led Guo Jia to the eaves and gently lifted the medicine pouch at his waist, feeling somewhat guilty.

"I didn't want you to make such a fool of yourself... I should have stopped you the other day."

Guo Jia held her hand and stroked it gently, "There are no jokes, only joy. Look how interesting today is, it turns out there are still so many people who care about us."

“But I think they’re right. Even if everyone in the city knows, what can you do if you go to the army and have nothing to say? If you ask me, you should just remove it.”

Seeing that Guo Jia tightened his grip, still somewhat reluctant, Deng Jie took it off himself. "I promise you, I will definitely learn properly and then embroider a proper pattern for you, how about that?"

“That’s good…” Guo Jia took the medicine pouch from her hand. “Then I can hang this in my room, right? Looking at it, I can always remember how we were at the beginning.”

Deng Jie buried her face in his chest, "It's our own home, so naturally you're in charge."

That year, Deng Jie, hiding under the covers and clutching the medicine pouch, hesitated about how to give it to Guo Jia. He never imagined that years later, the thing he wanted to use to prank Guo Jia would cause such a stir right under the emperor's nose.

"It's so ugly..."

At that moment, Deng Jie, lying in bed, couldn't help but laugh out loud.