Chapter 68 Naming
Zhuang Dongqing put down the letter, sat quietly for a while, and then picked it up again to read it once more.
Upon seeing the last line, he rubbed his ears, then flipped the letter over and placed it face down on the table.
Really...
How could this person be like this?
He didn't seem particularly affectionate when he was leaving, so why the sudden change in his letter...?
It was a letter written so long ago.
What's there to be reluctant about? I haven't seen much of it expressed in action...
Halfway through her rant, some everyday memories surfaced in her mind, and Zhuang Dongqing felt guilty again.
If I had to say, it's not that it doesn't exist, it's just that it's not expressed so directly.
For example, repeatedly explaining and reminding people about the itinerary.
When he wasn't at the government office, he would stay in the east wing. After meals and in the afternoon, if he had nothing to do, we would drag him around. We weren't afraid he would walk slowly, but we were afraid he wouldn't move.
Before bedtime, I would often patiently pat his back and coax him to sleep.
Thinking about it this way, since returning to the Prince's Mansion from the palace, Zhuang Dongqing has always been the one to fall asleep first. He has forgotten how they used to sleep together. Cen Yan always goes to bed later and gets up earlier than him.
Zhuang Dongqing: "..."
never mind.
Actually, I still can't bear to part with him.
Clearing his mind of all the musings, Zhuang Dongqing couldn't resist reading the letter again before putting it away. He almost knew the contents by heart, but he just couldn't resist reading it.
Having just parted ways, it's good to touch something related to Cen Yan so that I won't feel too lost while reading.
After reading it, I put it away and placed it on the inside of my pillow.
Zhuang Dongqing closed all the windows that were half open. His room had a good view and was located in the middle and front of the ship. After traveling for such a distance, Zhuang Dongqing did not feel the turbulence of a boat ride. When the door was closed, he even had the illusion of being on flat ground.
A gentle breeze blew across the river, and the water surged. Zhuang Dongqing leaned against the window and watched the scenery for a while, gradually calming her heart.
It'll only be a month or two; we'll see each other again someday.
There's no need to be so sentimental.
Yes, Cen Yan writes him letters, and he can also reply to them.
Thinking this, Zhuang Dongqing slowly rested her chin on the windowsill and smiled.
[To my beloved,]
The next day, at the same time in the morning, Liu Qi handed the second letter to Zhuang Dongqing.
It still starts with these four words.
To Zhuang Dongqing's surprise, the story she wrote was about their first meeting.
Actually, I hesitated for a while when you walked in.
[Nothing special, I just feel that the young master is exactly my type. If I really make a move, I'm afraid I'll be led around by the nose from now on.]
It's funny to think back then, I actually thought Hao San, who seemed stupid, was actually quite accurate when it came to important matters. Looking back, I was completely wrong. The young master probably has no idea what kind of people he found for me.
Zhuang Dongqing became interested, grabbed a handful of melon seeds, and started cracking them open while watching.
Cen Yan did indeed write it.
[The first one was a popular singer who looked like a beautiful woman. Her eyes and movements were very similar to a female singer. When she was pushed up, I was thinking, "Didn't we say we were going to see men? Why did you push up a female singer?"]
The second one was more normal. He was a musician who played wind instruments. He was aloof and said that his music was too sophisticated for the masses. He rarely saw anyone unless they were connoisseurs. He held his chin up the whole time while being questioned. The madam kept wiping her sweat and begging for mercy, saying that their young master just had a bad temper.
I have no particular opinion about this musician, but it reminds me of some of my father's comments about Hao San from years ago. When he gave me these guys, he said that Hao San should just focus on learning martial arts and not worry about developing his intelligence.
Looking back now, I realize that my father was quite wise in judging people.
[The last one, under sixteen years old, whose family had committed a serious offense and had just been degraded to a lowly status, was a young noblewoman who was confined to the Guangyuetai.]
When I saw this, I no longer had any expectations for Hao San's taste. Even the young master seemed too normal. Looking at the row of male entertainers, all made up, some aloof and others pitiful, I felt that I probably wouldn't find a gentle and tender girl like Qingqing.
Finally, as expected, after the actors finished watching, the maids and servants also went through it.
[The young master has been searched for everywhere but cannot be found]
*
Whether it was because she had something to look forward to every day, or because Zhuang Dongqing's health had improved, she got used to seasickness after only half a day.
The rest of the journey went smoothly. Apart from having fewer guards and a different environment, Zhuang Dongqing continued to eat and drink as usual, even at the same mealtimes.
To pass the time, I did various things, from writing and practicing calligraphy to taking a walk in the harbor when the ship docked, getting some fresh air and fresh air. The last thing I did was reply to Cen Yan's letter.
Yes, Zhuang Dongqing couldn't help but read Cen Yan's letters every day.
Nineteen days later, the large ship arrived at the designated port, and Zhuang Dongqing and his party disembarked.
"here it is?"
When Zhuang Dongqing was inspecting salt production in Jiangnan, he thought they would settle in Hangzhou, but the local customs and culture seemed quite different.
“Suzhou,” Liu Qi said with a smile. “They say there is heaven above and Suzhou and Hangzhou below. Hangzhou has many wealthy people, and there is collusion between officials and merchants. The salt administration has been rife with problems for a long time and cannot be solved in a short time. Rather than tackling the big, tough problems first, we should start with the local areas and the small officials and salt merchants.”
"Furthermore, cutting off someone's source of income is like killing their parents."
"If you're a thief for a thousand days, how can you guard against thieves for a thousand days?"
"The master means there's no rush, let's take it slow, so everyone can get to know each other and have a general idea of what's going on."
"It's not good to push them too hard all at once and make them desperate."
Zhuang Dongqing nodded. "So, we'll be living in Suzhou from now on?"
Liu Qi didn't give a definitive answer: "We've picked out a house here; young master can take a look first."
"We also bought a house in Hangzhou. If the young master likes it, we can move there when the master arrives."
Thinking of something, Liu Qi smiled again.
"However, Master is certain that the young master will prefer this house."
"Let's go take a look first."
Zhuang Dongqing nodded.
As we entered the city, the landscape transformed from desolate to bustling, but then, after a while, it became increasingly tranquil.
Upon seeing a courtyard gate, Liu Qi breathed a sigh of relief: "We've arrived."
Liu Fu couldn't help but stand on tiptoe and peer inside: "Wow, this house is huge!"
"Those walking ahead all belong to this house. The door faces this direction, seeking a quiet place amidst the hustle and bustle."
It was indeed very quiet there. Zhuang Dongqing looked at it and thought to himself, "It must have cost a lot of money."
When the gate opened, a kind-looking old woman came out to greet them. She had silver ornaments in her hair and her attire was no different from that of the other old women in the Prince's mansion.
"Xiao Qi, this must be the young master. Good, good."
When Grandma saw Zhuang Dongqing, she first bowed, looked him up and down, and then smiled broadly.
“Amitabha Buddha, I never thought that after not seeing you for several years, our Ayan would have a close friend.”
He held Zhuang Dongqing's hand; it was very soft.
Grandma was no longer young, and her face was covered in wrinkles when she smiled, but Zhuang Dongqing didn't find her unattractive.
Liu Qi introduced, "Young Master, this is the master's wet nurse. She came all the way from her fiefdom to take care of you and the young master."
Zhuang Dongqing was flattered: "That's really too much trouble for you."
"What do you mean by tired? While my wife is still able to move around, she can still help out."
"Young Master, please call her Grandma like Ayan does. Don't use 'you' or 'you' in your tone; it sounds too formal."
Zhuang Dongqing smiled and nodded emphatically: "Okay, Grandma."
"Hey, come in, come in. The house has been cleaned up a long time ago. Grandma has set out pastries and tea. You must be tired from your journey. Have something to eat and rest well..."
*
[To be opened by Cen Yan]
The journey by water was rather boring, but your letter was very interesting.
I'm fine, and he's been very well-behaved, not causing me any trouble. It's just that we can't leave the ship, and Master Zhao and Liu Qi are getting a little anxious. They keep finding excuses to take me to walk around on the deck every few days, and I know all about it.
I suddenly remembered today that we haven't chosen a name for our child yet. May I name him/her?
...
[To be opened by Cen Yan]
I've thought about what you asked me yesterday, and I feel my naming skills are just average. You can come up with the formal name, but could I choose a nickname?
I want to choose one.
...
[To be opened by Cen Yan]
Today we played skipping stones. It turns out that skipping stones isn't easy. I didn't do well the past few days, but I did great today. The stone skipped across the water four times before falling in.
Hehe, isn't that great? You've only been practicing for a few days!
...
[To be opened by Cen Yan]
We've docked today. Turns out our destination isn't Hangzhou, it's Suzhou! What a surprise!
The house is really big and quiet; I love it.
Land in the capital is incredibly expensive; after walking around, this residence must be worth the equivalent of two princely mansions.
Oh right, I saw your grandma who raised you today. She was very warm and kind.
【But I only found out today that the elders call you Ayan. Ayan, it sounds quite nice.】
...
[To Ayan]
Grandma said I could call her that, so I'll try it. If you don't like it, I won't write it next time.
I've been here for a few days and everything is fine, except I've been lazy for a couple of days and my legs and feet are a bit swollen. Oh well, I still need to move around.
I can finally go out for a walk tomorrow. I bet Liu Qi will take me for a while; Master Zhao is keeping a close eye on things.
...
[To Ayan]
Suzhou is so big and bustling. The streets are so interesting, and finally I don't have to worry about bumping into important people anymore. When I walk with my personal guards, I feel like I'm running rampant, hahaha.
I wonder if this counts as "when the cat's away, the mice will play"?
...
[To be opened by Cen Yan]
It's swollen again, it looks terrible.
When are you arriving? I heard from Liu Qi that it will take you one and a half to two months by land.
It's been over a month and ten days since we parted ways. I wonder when we'll see each other again.
Of course, I didn't mean to rush you.
...
[To Ayan]
It's been a month and a half.
I heard you were delayed by flooding on your journey. I hope everyone is alright.
【I've decided on a nickname, but really, is it okay to choose anything? You won't object?】
I haven't been sleeping well lately.
[Master Zhao said it's normal; the pregnancy is advanced, there's nothing that can be done.]
He's moving around more now.
Well, actually I'm fine on my own.
Liu Qi has arranged everything perfectly, and now she can go out and has a lot of fun.
【that is】
Not many.
[On very rare occasions]
I was thinking it would be even better if you could be here.
Of course, I don't mean to rush you.
Wishing you a safe journey.
Seeing Cen Yan smiling broadly as he returned from the riverbank, Li Yang wiped her sweat and asked, "Is there any good news?"
After asking the question, he approached and his gaze fell upon the letter. He saw Cen Yan fold it in half and put it away.
His expression returned to its usual indifference.
Li Yang: "..."
If it were only once or twice, it would be fine, but this has happened three or five times already. Li Yang thought to herself, no matter how important the information is, there's no need to be so wary of her.
However, these are thoughts that can only be kept to oneself and cannot be spoken aloud.
Instead of answering, Cen Yan asked, "How many more days until the river embankment issue is resolved?"
"Oh, well, I just sent the message to the capital. It will take at least ten days for Father Emperor's decree to be issued."
Cen Yan nodded: "The government has been taken care of, and all the troublemakers have been dealt with. There shouldn't be any major problems left, right?"
"Indeed, we must thank Your Highness..."
Before Li Yang could finish speaking, Cen Yan interrupted, "That's good. I have some urgent matters to attend to at my residence in Jiangnan. Please allow me to go ahead first. The Sixth Prince can stay here and finish overseeing the river embankment before continuing his journey."
Li Yang: "?"
Li Yang, a newborn calf, exclaimed, "Huh?!"
No, there's still a huge mess left, did you dump it all on him?!
He... he has no experience!
Cen Yan smiled and said, "Like begets like, so I'm sure the Sixth Prince will be able to handle this small matter."
Li Yang was stunned and didn't react.
Cen Yan suddenly asked again, "I've heard that the Sixth Prince is a student of Grand Scholar Wen?"
"Oh right, the Grand Scholar was my mentor."
Cen Yan: "I've long heard that the Grand Scholar is well-versed in the I Ching and the Eight Trigrams?"
"Oh, the teacher is really good at naming people. Many important people ask him to help them with their names."
Cen Yan: "What does the Sixth Prince think of the nickname Zhuangzhuang?"
Li Yang asked instinctively, "Does the Prince's residence keep dogs and cats?"
Cen Yan: "..."
Just then, Hao San came to report that the horses were all harnessed and that everyone except the men left for Li Yang could set off at any time.
Li Yang then smiled at Cen Yan, but it was a forced smile. "I have family matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now. Once this matter is settled, I will definitely write a letter to speak well of the prince."
ah?
Are we leaving now?
No, we shouldn't leave them here, at least...
While Li Yang was still in a daze, she saw Cen Yan stride away.
When he realized something was wrong, and there were some details in the official documents that he didn't know how to handle, he hurriedly went to look for them.
Li Yang stood at the entrance of the inn where they were temporarily staying, looking out into the distance. He could see several rows of horses' hindquarters galloping away at breakneck speed, their hooves kicking up clouds of dust, never to return.
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