Chapter 85
After the autumn outing banquet, a cold rain fell, the autumn wind grew even colder, and the weather grew colder day by day.
That afternoon, Fan Hui and Xiao E got into an argument while discussing an article and decided to go see Wei Mingsu to hear his opinion.
The two argued all the way to Wei Mingsu's house.
The temple is about to hold a Dharma assembly, and Wei Mingsu, who was hired by the monks, is sitting at the entrance writing scriptures. He asked the two of them to wait a moment.
The two men often visited Wei Mingsu and had become familiar with the place. Seeing that he was busy, they gestured for him to write the scriptures first, while they went to the room to look at the books on the bookshelf.
"What smells so good? Has Wei Mingsu started using spices like those people at the Imperial Academy?"
While flipping through the books, Fan Hui suddenly smelled a fragrance and asked curiously.
Xiao E shook his head and laughed, "I've never seen him use spices."
Merchants from the Central Asian countries traveled thousands of miles to bring spices from Persia and Brahma to Chang'an for sale. From the imperial court and aristocratic families to ordinary people, everyone in the dynasty loved to use spices. "Fragrance filled the silk curtains, creating a warm mist; fire illuminated the courtyard, and candles filled the banquet hall." They used incense to worship Buddha, to scent clothes, to hold banquets, and even to scent their homes. Recently, it has become fashionable for scholars in the capital to scent their studies with spices, and many students at the Imperial Academy have followed suit.
However, spices are expensive, and Wei Mingsu could not afford those luxury spices.
As Fan Hui flipped through the books, he asked in bewilderment, "Why does his room smell so good? I haven't seen him grow any flowers..."
Xiao E took a few steps closer and also smelled a fragrance. He became curious and joined him in the search.
Fan Hui sniffed the bookshelf, opened the bottom shelf, and found a basket covered with a cloth. He lifted it and took a look.
"No wonder it smells so good! There's a basket of cakes and pastries here, and some dried red snapper..." He closed the basket and asked Xiao E, "Did your family send these over?"
The cakes and pastries were meant to be given as gifts to relatives and friends. On the Double Ninth Festival, Fan Hui asked a friend to bring back some cakes and pastries to his hometown. He had only ever seen red dragon-shaped dried meat at banquets; it wasn't sold outside. Moreover, Wei Mingsu was frugal and even saved on lamp oil. He wouldn't be willing to buy such expensive cakes and pastries, so they must have been given to him by someone else.
Xiao E shook his head. Wei Mingsu was half servant and half apprentice in the Xiao family. Madam Xiao felt that the Xiao family had been kind to Wei Mingsu and was also his elder, so she would not specially send him expensive cakes and pastries.
Wei Mingsu didn't keep Fan Hui and the other man waiting long. After writing on a sheet of yellow hemp paper, he put down his pen, got up, and went inside.
The three sat down to discuss the article, and before they knew it, dusk had fallen over the courtyard.
Fan Hui and Xiao E were about to go back to have dinner with Madam Xiao before saying goodbye and heading home. Fan Hui remembered the basket under the bookshelf and casually reminded Wei Mingsu, "I saw you put the pastries under the bookshelf. These things are fragrant and sweet, and they won't spoil even after a year. They attract insects and ants, so you can't put them on the bookshelf. When I was a child, I would secretly hide pastries in the study, and all the books in the room would get eaten by insects."
Wei Mingsu was taken aback.
Fan Hui laughed and said, "Did you forget that there's a basket of pastries under the bookshelf? I saw it when I was looking for books. Remember to take them out and eat them. That basket of pastries can buy several books."
Wei Mingsu remained silent until Fan Hui and Xiao E left, then turned and walked to the bookshelf, lifting the cloth covering the basket.
The cakes and baits, which had been stored for more than a month, still smelled delicious and looked exquisite, just like the night they were delivered.
Wei Mingsu stared at the basket, lost in thought.
He didn't want to accept the cakes, but he had no way to return them, so he could only put them under the bookshelf.
He hasn't opened it even once these past few days.
He had never eaten the pastries from the market before, and assumed that the pastries had gone bad long ago since they had been sitting there for so long.
It turns out it won't spoil even if left for a year.
As darkness fell, a loud bang blew open the door, revealing a bare house where the wind kept pouring in.
The aroma of the cakes was quickly dissipated by the wind.
Wei Mingsu came to his senses, stuffed the basket back in, and covered it with the cloth again.
The next day, Wei Mingsu delivered the completed scriptures to the temple, and the monks settled his payment for the month's worth of food for writing scriptures.
He went to the market and bought several books and lamp oil. When he passed by a shop selling cakes and pastries, he stood outside the door for a while.
The shop assistant glanced at his faded clothes and gave him a disdainful look.
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He carried money and grain and
Shu turned and walked out of the market.
...
A few days later, Xiao Jijiu's colleague asked him for a favor.
A polo match was to be held in Wangchuan, and all students of the Imperial Academy were to participate. The venue was the polo field at the villa of the Vice Minister of Rites. The villa did not have enough staff to receive guests, so his colleagues asked the Chancellor Xiao to borrow a few students to help out. Xiao's villa was nearby, making it convenient for them to travel.
Xiao Jijiu agreed and asked his son and several students to help.
The day of the game was very lively. At dawn, the road into the mountains was crowded with people and filled with dust. Before noon, the area outside the stadium was already packed with people.
Wei Mingsu and his classmates helped guide guests in the backyard.
Outside the gate, officials and nobles lined up like clouds, and carriages adorned with gold and silver stretched like a long dragon. A group of people set up brocade banners, and within these banners, which stretched for miles, noble ladies dressed in extravagant robes stepped down from their carriages and entered the stadium surrounded by maids and servants.
Fan Hui was astonished and asked Xiao E why so many people had come to the polo match.
Xiao E said, "I heard from Fourth Sister that the Twelfth Princess is also coming."
One of the Grand Princess's granddaughters, Lady Zheng, had reached marriageable age. The Grand Princess requested the Empress Dowager to grant Lady Zheng a marriage, but the Empress Dowager, busy with state affairs, entrusted the matter to her daughter, the Twelfth Princess. The Twelfth Princess, unable to act directly, organized a polo match in the name of the Vice Minister of Rites, inviting sons of prominent families throughout the capital to participate, hoping to use the match to select a husband for Lady Zheng who was both scholarly and martial.
I heard that the Empress Dowager's most beloved twelfth princess was also watching the competition from the sidelines. The competition was very intense, with horses galloping and vying for dominance, creating a lively and bustling scene.
In the selection of sons-in-law by prestigious families, Fan Hui and Xiao E were not qualified to participate in the competition. The two looked at the sons of high-ranking families wielding crescent-shaped clubs on the court with envious eyes.
The sound of horses' hooves came from outside the door, and a group of young gentlemen arrived late on horseback.
Wei Mingsu walked over and waited on the steps.
A surprised gaze fell upon him.
He looked up.
Pei Jingxi, who was walking at the front, recognized him and immediately frowned. He turned around, gently took the reins of a horse, and smiled at a young woman wearing a veil who was dismounting, saying, "Third Sister, what's so interesting about the ball game? I'll accompany you for a stroll in the mountains."
The other young men in fine clothes chimed in, "Yes, it's autumn now, and the scenery in the mountains is beautiful."
"Go wherever you want, don't worry about me."
A voice spoke, its anger palpable even through the veil.
The young men in brocade robes immediately fell silent.
The young woman jumped off her horse and walked towards the steps.
Wei Mingsu lowered his eyes.
He hadn't seen Lu Huaying for over a month.
Perhaps she was angry when she didn't see him on the Double Ninth Festival, perhaps she realized the disparity in their social status, or perhaps she was tired of him.
Wei Mingsu lowered his head, looking at the steps beneath his feet, listening to her footsteps slowly approaching.
A tall figure flashed past the corner of his eye.
Lu Huaying walked straight past Wei Mingsu without even glancing at him, and entered the courtyard.
Pei Jingxi, who was following closely behind her, was taken aback and stopped.
Lu Huaying didn't recognize Wei Mingsu?
Pei Jingxi glanced at Wei Mingsu a few times, sneered, and said, "She really is just after a fleeting moment of novelty."
Wei Mingsu had been busy all day in the dust kicked up by the horses' hooves, sweating profusely and covered in dirt.
Whether Lu Huaying walked too fast to notice Wei Mingsu or recognized him but didn't want to talk to him because she thought he was too down on his luck, Pei Jingxi was in a great mood.
Wei Mingsu's expression remained unchanged.
He gestured to the servants in the villa to lead Pei Jingxi's servants to the stables, guiding the young masters to the sports field.
The match ended in the evening.
The villa was brightly lit with candles and the sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air.
The steward asked all the Xiao family students who had helped greet the guests to attend the banquet. During the banquet, the guests discussed the competition. It was said that the Twelfth Princess had rewarded the winning team and the three most outstanding young masters from noble families, and the selections had already been made.
The banquet atmosphere was lively, and the guests began to compete in drinking. Wei Mingsu, who did not drink, took his leave. Fan Hui and Xiao E asked him to wait a moment.
So that they wouldn't all get drunk and lose their way back.
Wei Mingsu was waiting for them in the backyard.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed in the quiet night as two drunken guests walked through the corridor.
"What did Pei Dalang do to offend Third Sister? He drank two jars of wine today, and Third Sister didn't even look at him properly..."
"I heard it's for a scribe..."
"That scribe? That's just a rumor, isn't it?"
"I think it's true. Third Sister said in public that she admires that sutra scribe. Otherwise, would someone of Pei Dalang's status need to make such a fuss to make things difficult for an insignificant sutra scribe?"
"I don't believe it... Third Sister is the legitimate daughter of the Lu family, she wouldn't stoop so low..."
The two walked away.
The courtyard fell silent.
A bright moon hangs in the sky, its light clear and bright. In the courtyard, the sparse shadows of flowers and trees cast long, slanting patterns. The stream murmurs, and autumn insects chirp softly in the deep grass.
Wei Mingsu stood in the sparse shadows under the moon, feeling a chill all over his body.
After an unknown amount of time, Fan Hui and Xiao E indeed got drunk and were helped away from their seats by servants.
Wei Mingsu escorted them back to their rooms, settled them in, and then returned to his own courtyard.
He pushed open the door.
Moonlight streamed into the room through the doorway, illuminating a figure dozing against a desk. The sound of the door opening startled her awake. She sat up and turned to look at Wei Mingsu.
Why are you back so late?
She rubbed her face, her mind hazy with intoxication.
Wei Mingsu stopped at the doorway, frowning.
Lu Huaying leaned back against the desk and said, "Quickly close the door!"
Wei Mingsu left the door open and went out.
Lu Huaying gave him a puzzled look, staggered to her feet, walked to the door, grabbed Wei Mingsu's sleeve, pulled him into the house, and slammed the door shut.
She turned around, raised her hand and poked Wei Mingsu's chest, then looked up and laughed, "So afraid of me? You turn around and leave as soon as you see me?"
Her hair was styled in a Uyghur bun, her face was painted with slanted red and adorned with yellow star-shaped floral patterns, she wore a green shirt, a short-sleeved blue robe with a peony pattern and a turn-down collar, a pomegranate red skirt, a brocade belt tied at the waist, and a colorful painted gold flower, grass, deer and rabbit shawl draped over her shoulders, like a bright red flower blooming in the misty autumn wind.
Wei Mingsu turned around, avoiding her fingers.
Lu Huaying rolled her eyes at him again, walked back to her desk and sat down, saying, "Someone is looking for me, and I don't want to see them. I heard from Su Niang that you're here, so I'd like to borrow your place to hide. Could Young Master Wei take me in?"
Wei Mingsu remained silent and lit the oil lamp by the moonlight.
Given his status, if someone calls him "Young Master," it's definitely a dig at his background.
Lu Huaying didn't mean to be sarcastic; she was just drunk.
She loved wine, while he never drank; the difference between them went far beyond their social status.
Wei Mingsu glanced out the window, poured a cup of tea, placed it in front of Lu Huaying, and said, "Then please make yourself at home."
After saying that, he sat down, opened a piece of paper, picked up a pen, and began to write.
Lu Huaying smiled, picked up her tea and drank it, then moved closer to Wei Mingsu to watch him write the sutra.
Wei Mingsu smelled the alcohol and fragrance on her.
He was writing the scriptures without looking up.
Lu Huaying moved closer, flicked the pen in Wei Mingsu's hand with her finger, and said, "Stop writing and talk to me..."
She spoke with a slight intoxication, her lips slightly upturned, her face flushed, and her voice was different from usual, delicate and sweet.
She was being coquettish and snuggling into his arms.
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Wei Mingsu paused, put down his pen, put away the paper, and picked up a book.
Lu Huaying's eyes lit up, and she raised her finger to snatch the book from his hand.
Wherever he went or what he did, Lu Huaying would come and pester him, just like that night at Rokuen Temple, only this time she was drunk and it didn't seem like she was deliberately teasing him.
Helpless, Wei Mingsu repeatedly pushed Lu Huaying's hand away.
Lu Huaying was indeed drunk. After making a scene for a while, she ran out of energy and leaned against the desk to talk to Wei Mingsu.
Why didn't I see you at the stadium today?
She asked.
Wei Mingsu
language.
She saw him, but didn't notice him.
He didn't respond. Lu Huaying muttered to herself for a while, then asked, "Wei Mutou, did you like the pastries I gave you last time?"
Wei Mingsu still did not answer.
Lu Huaying said, "I picked out all the things I like to eat..."
Wei Mingsu pushed her hand away again.
Lu Huaying gradually calmed down.
Wei Mingsu looked up at her.
She was lying beside him, already asleep.
The oil lamp wasn't bright enough, and the light was dim, but the two were close enough that her features were almost within reach.
Wei Mingsu withdrew his gaze, got up and walked to the bedside, picked up the quilt and covered Lu Huaying with it, then turned and left.
He couldn't go directly to the Lu family, nor could he send a servant to deliver a message to them. After thinking for a while, he asked Xiao Suniang for help.
Xiao Suniang found Wang Yu, who was looking for Lu Huaying. Upon hearing this, Wang Yu was startled and hurriedly brought her maid to fetch Lu Huaying.
Wei Mingsu stood outside the door waiting.
Wang Yu glanced at him a few times, quite surprised.
With Xiao Suniang's help to cover it up, their identities were not exposed.
Before leaving, Wang Yu hesitated for a moment and whispered, "Young Master Wei, Third Sister's eldest brother has arranged a marriage for her. Their horoscopes have already been matched, and the betrothal ceremony will be held at the end of the year."
Wei Mingsu raised his eyes.
After the birth chart is determined, auspicious omens are chosen, followed by the wedding.
Lu Huaying is getting married next year; her husband is from a prominent family, a match for her.
Wang Yu sighed, looked at Wei Mingsu, and said, "Young Master Wei, Third Sister said that although you come from a humble background, you are a virtuous gentleman. Young Master Wei's character is indeed worthy of entrusting one's life to, but unfortunately, your statuses are different."
Wei Mingsu was silent for a moment, then said, "After returning to the capital, I will move out, and I will never see her again."
Wang Yu was taken aback.
Unable to persuade Lu Huaying, she could only subtly remind Wei Mingsu that a future with Lu Huaying was impossible. She admired Wei Mingsu and was grateful that he hadn't taken advantage of her vulnerability. Humiliating him like this was not her intention; he had no intention of currying favor with the powerful, and even after Lu Huaying threw herself at him, he remained true to himself. Just because of his lowly status, he was destined to suffer this humiliation of being despised.
She thought Wei Mingsu would be angry, but he calmly promised not to see Lu Huaying again.
He was young, but very rational. After all, he came from a poor background, and his temperament had long been tempered into composure, so he wouldn't act impulsively.
Wang Yu breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, saying, "With Wei Langjun's character, he is sure to have a bright future."
Wei Mingsu watched them leave, closed the courtyard gate, and went back to his room.
The room was empty, but the oil lamp was still burning.
He could also smell a fragrance.
The scent on her clothes.
Wei Mingsu waved his sleeve and extinguished the light.
Three days later, Fan Hui heard the news that Zheng Xiaoniangzi was engaged, and Lu Jia San Niang was also going to be engaged.
He immediately told Wei Mingsu, laughing, "That's great, now that she's married, she can't bother you anymore."
Wei Mingsu remained silent and continued writing.
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