Birthday joy
“I know you and he were childhood sweethearts, and you were once determined to be with him. I also know that it is not easy for a woman to make a living. You don’t have the courage to leave, but if you are willing, I will help you. I will help you divorce him and find a way to survive.”
"Everything is up to you; it all depends on whether you're willing to let it go."
After a long while, Cai Jinniang looked up, tears streaming down her face.
“I know you mean well, but I don’t know anything. All I know is washing and mending clothes. Besides, I have already given birth to Xiao Fu’er, and the child is still young. He can’t be without his father.”
"Besides, he was reprimanded by the officials, so he knew he would change. He will change, sir, he will change..."
Jinniang muttered to herself, as if trying to numb herself: "I only beg you, sir, to take my Pan'er away. If Pan'er is well, my heart will be at peace."
Pei Qingwu was about to persuade her again, but the curfew gong wouldn't wait for anyone. Helpless, she could only turn away and say, "You'll figure it out someday. When that time comes, it won't be too late to come find me."
Before leaving, she not only took Sun Pan'er with her, but also left a silver ingot on the table.
She and Gu Heng traveled at breakneck speed and finally made it back to Sushan Market before the market gates completely closed.
Pushing open the backyard gate, the warm aroma of food mixed with rising steam wafted out, instantly dispelling the chill of the winter night.
The kitchen was brightly lit, and Yin Lan, dressed in a long robe and with her armbands tied, was guarding the stove, carefully watching the porridge bubbling in the pot.
Hearing the noise, she turned her head and saw that her employer, Pei Qingwu, and Gu Heng had returned. A smile had just appeared on her face when her gaze fell on the little girl next to her. Seeing that the child's clothes were tattered, her hair was dry and yellow, and she was timidly shrinking, she was immediately startled and almost dropped the wooden spoon in her hand into the pot.
"Master, who is this child?" Yin Lan put down her spoon, quickly stepped forward, and stared at Sun Pan'er from head to toe.
The little girl shrank back even more under her gaze and hid behind Pei Qingwu.
Pei Qingwu gently patted Sun Pan'er's thin shoulder, pulled her slightly closer, and whispered to Yin Lan, "I met a poor child on the road. Her mother couldn't get away and asked me to look after her for a while. It's a long story, I'll tell you in detail later... Yin Lan, first get her some warm food that's easy to digest."
Seeing Pei Qingwu's solemn expression and the child's disheveled appearance, Yin Lan had already guessed what was going on. She immediately suppressed her surprise and softened her voice: "Oh, alright! I just cooked some millet porridge and made some vegetarian dumplings. The filling is steamed cabbage and wood ear fungus. They're still warm! I'll serve them to this young lady right away."
At this moment, Qian Tao, who had heard the commotion, also came over from the side room next door.
"The boss and Xiao Aheng are back?" When her gaze fell on Sun Pan'er, her heart felt a pang.
The filth on the child's body and the fear on his face instantly reminded her of the girls she had seen sold at the Drunken Moon Pavilion in her younger days.
"Qiantao," Pei Qingwu called out, "This child is called Pan'er. Take her to wash up properly and make sure she is clean and dressed in clean clothes."
"Yes, Master." Qian Tao replied, walked up to Sun Pan'er, squatted down, and smiled gently. Her voice was so soft that it seemed as if she was afraid of startling a bird: "Pan'er, young lady, come with me, okay? Let's take a hot bath and feel comfortable."
Sun Pan'er was already afraid in the unfamiliar environment, but Qian Tao's smile calmed her down a little. She nodded hesitantly and tentatively reached out her little hand to Qian Tao.
Qian Tao held that cold little hand, and felt her heart sink even further.
She led Sun Pan'er to the clean room where hot water had already been prepared. When she took off Sun Pan'er's old clothes, which were dirty and tattered and whose original color was almost unrecognizable, Qian Tao's movements were as gentle as could be.
However, as her clothes were gradually removed and the scars were exposed in the flickering candlelight, the little girl's back, arms, and thighs were covered with overlapping old and new bruises. Seeing this, Qian Tao felt her throat tighten and a strong pang of sorrow welled up in her eyes.
She bit her lip, trying hard not to let her tears fall, but when she saw a particularly deep scar, her nose tingled, and she finally couldn't hold back her tears, which fell in large drops into the bathwater.
"Does it hurt?" Qian Tao's voice was thick with nasal tone as she carefully wiped the wound with a soft cloth, avoiding it.
Sun Pan'er shrank back, shook her head, then nodded, and murmured softly, "It used to hurt... but now... it doesn't hurt if I don't touch it..."
Qian Tao felt a pang of heartache and asked no more questions. She simply moved her hands more gently, as if handling a fragile piece of glass.
After washing away the dirt, she changed into a brand new light blue linen half-sleeved ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress). Qiantao then dried her hair and loosely tied it into two cute little buns.
Although Sun Pan'er was still thin and her complexion was sallow from long-term malnutrition after being cleaned up, her delicate features were revealed, like a tender little grass that had been brushed away from the dust.
When Qiantao returned with a refreshed Sun Pan'er, Yinlan had already placed steaming millet porridge and several small, glistening vegetarian dumplings on the table, along with a small dish of savory pickled cucumbers. The aroma of the food filled the air.
"Pan'er, come quickly, eat it while it's hot!" Yin Lan greeted her warmly, her eyes softening considerably when she saw Sun Pan'er's clean-washed face.
Sun Pan'er stared intently at the food, especially the few pieces of bread that smelled of wheat and vegetables. She swallowed hard but dared not move.
Pei Qingwu sat to the side and said gently, "Eat up, Pan'er. This was specially made for you by Yinlan."
With permission, Sun Pan'er carefully picked up a biscuit and began to eat it in small bites, eating quickly and hurriedly, yet trying her best to maintain a pitiful level of civility.
They were clearly very hungry, but afraid of eating in an unsightly manner and annoying others.
Thinking this, Pei Qingwu silently added another half bowl of warm porridge to her bowl.
After Sun Pan'er had finished eating and slowed down, Pei Qingwu put down his teacup and said to her gently and solemnly, "Pan'er."
Sun Pan'er immediately put down the remaining Bi Luo in her hand and sat up straight nervously.
Pei Qingwu softened his tone: "From now on, you will live here. The name 'Sun Pan'er' is... not good."
She paused, observing the child's reaction: "You've grown up, you're a sensible child. I want to ask you, would you like to change your name to your mother's surname? A new name, a new beginning."
The room fell silent for a moment, with only the occasional soft popping of the lamp wick.
Gu Heng, Yin Lan, and Qian Tao all held their breath as they watched Sun Pan'er.
Sun Pan'er lowered her head, looking at her brand-new dress, and recalled the look of reluctance and determination in her mother's eyes when she pushed her out with tears in her eyes.
It seems that all her grandfather brought her was pain and fear.
Her small hands secretly clenched the fabric on her knees.
After a long while, she finally looked up at Pei Qingwu and nodded her little head vigorously: "Yes! I'm willing to change my name! I'll take my mother's surname!"
The voice was soft, yet it carried a subtle but firm strength.
A hint of relief flashed in Pei Qingwu's eyes, and a gentle smile spread across his lips: "Alright. From today onwards, your surname will be Cai."
She pondered for a moment, and the wind outside the window rustled softly through the branches and leaves in the courtyard.
“How about ‘Nianci’? Cai Nianci… keep it in mind, keep compassion in your heart, may you remember your mother’s love, and may this world treat you with compassion.”
“Cai, Nian, Ci…” the little girl murmured, repeating her new name, and a new light gradually shone in her clear eyes.
Yin Lan clapped her hands with a smile, "Cai Nianci? What a nice name! It sounds both grand and gentle! Congratulations, Miss Nianci!"
Nianci thus settled down in Sushan Village.
Seeing that she was young and pitying her background, everyone took good care of her, letting her either stay in the courtyard or go out to play with her peers. But Nianci was a strong-willed and sensible child, and she would rush to do chores.
"Sweeping the courtyard and washing clothes are things I'm used to doing, so please leave them to me, sisters!"
Seeing that he couldn't stop her, Pei Qingwu simply asked, "Would you be willing to do something else? For example, learn to make pastries with me, learn to keep accounts, and you can also read books."
Nianci was naturally willing. She was intelligent and quick-witted, and after observing Pei Qingwu's situation from the sidelines these past few days, she understood that Pei Qingwu was confident because he had a skill that allowed him to support himself.
"willing!"
Pei Qingwu smiled and reached out to pat her head: "Good girl."
Before they knew it, it was the 20th of the first lunar month, Gu Heng's sixteenth birthday.
On this day, Pei Qingwu specially closed the shop early, setting aside half a day to celebrate properly for him.
The kitchen was filled with steam and delicious aromas.
Yin Lan and Qian Tao were so busy they barely had time to breathe, but their faces were beaming with joy. Pei Qingwu even took charge of cooking, preparing a sumptuous birthday banquet for Gu Heng.
The table was soon filled with tempting dishes, including two courses of braised white mutton and minced meat, as well as other delicacies.
There is a warm and cold-dispelling dish called "Donkey Stew with Flower Wine". Selected donkey meat is cut into chunks and steamed in a pot with aged Shaoxing wine, scallions, ginger, peppercorns, cinnamon and other spices until tender and flavorful. The aroma of wine and meat blend perfectly, the soup is rich, the meat is tender and not dry, and melts in your mouth. It is a good dish to dispel cold and warm the body.
There are brocade-covered turtles everywhere, and the whole turtle is carefully stewed. The soup is thick and golden yellow, and the turtle meat is soft, glutinous and rich in collagen. It is covered with fresh morel mushrooms, tender bamboo shoots, goji berries and golden egg skin strips, which looks like brocade on the ground and is exceptionally delicious.
There is a vegetarian snow-white soup: a soup made with fresh winter bamboo shoots, tender tofu, white fungus and lily bulbs. It is white as snow and garnished with a few bright red goji berries. It is light and elegant, and sweet and delicious.
There's also the "Gold and Silver Flower Flat Cut," a delicate pastry that Pei Qingwu is skilled at making. It uses steamed, soft dough, layered with delicate jujube paste and red bean paste fillings, cut into neat squares. The cross-section pattern resembles interlacing gold and silver, and it's sweet, soft, and glutinous.
The staple food is freshly steamed glutinous rice, with plump grains and a unique fragrance.
Gu Heng stared wide-eyed at the table full of fragrant and exquisite dishes, feeling as if he were floating on clouds. His usually aloof face showed a rare hint of youthful nervousness and surprise.
"Master, this, this is too much..." He was at a loss for words.
“It’s a birthday celebration, so naturally we should be more grand.” Pei Qingwu smiled and patted his shoulder, gesturing for him to sit down.
Nianci also changed into the peach-colored jacket that Qiantao had made for her, and sat obediently to the side, her big eyes sparkling as she looked at the table full of delicious food.
"Don't rush, there's still the grand finale." Pei Qingwu smiled mysteriously and turned to go into the kitchen.
A moment later, she came out carrying a wooden tray.
On the tray lay something I had never seen before: a round cake, snow-white and fluffy, covered with a layer of delicate, white custard, like the first snowflakes. Simple patterns were drawn on the cake with thick rock sugar, and it was decorated with some bright red fruits.
The most eye-catching feature is the Chinese character "恒" (Heng) spelled out in the center of the cake using hawthorn slices.
"Happy birthday, little Aheng!" Pei Qingwu placed the tray in the center of the food table: "This is called 'birthday cake.' In my hometown, we eat this on our birthdays. It symbolizes rising step by step and being safe and sound year after year... Come on, make a wish, and then blow it out."
As she spoke, she placed sixteen small candles around the cake and lit them one by one with a tinderbox.
The flickering candlelight illuminated the boy's astonished yet moved face.
Under the smiling gazes of Yin Lan, Qian Tao, Nian Ci, and Pei Qing Wu, Gu Heng awkwardly closed his eyes, clasped his hands together, and moved his lips silently.
Immediately, he puffed out his cheeks and blew hard, extinguishing the sixteen tiny flames instantly, leaving only wisps of smoke.
"Wow!" Nianci couldn't help but exclaim softly, finding the ceremony extremely novel.
"Alright! Let's begin!" Qiantao clapped her hands with a smile.
Pei Qingwu picked up a small knife and carefully cut the snow-white, fluffy birthday cake into pieces and distributed them to everyone.
The first bite is soft and fluffy, with the aroma of eggs and milk. The delicate, slightly sweet layer on the surface balances the cake's rustic texture. Paired with sweet and sour fruits, it's a novel and delicious treat.
Gu Heng carefully ate his piece, feeling the sweetness seep into his heart. This was the most precious and unforgettable food he had ever eaten in his sixteen years of life.
During the meal, Pei Qingwu raised a wine cup filled with pine wine and solemnly said to Gu Heng, "Little Aheng, after today you will be sixteen years old. I wish you a bright future, peace and happiness, to do what you want to do and become who you want to be."
Gu Heng quickly stood up, his handsome face instantly turning bright red, the redness extending all the way to his ears.
He awkwardly picked up his wine glass, his voice trembling slightly, "Thank you, thank you, boss! I will certainly live up to your expectations, sister!"
After saying that, he tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp. The alcohol mixed with his embarrassment made his eyes a little blurry.
The banquet proceeded in a warm and joyful atmosphere until the night deepened.
After the banquet, Nianci looked at the many untouched, exquisite dishes on the table, especially the unfinished birthday cake, and gently tugged at Pei Qingwu's sleeve: "Sister Dongjia... these... can I... can I take some with me? I want to bring some for my mother to try..."
Her voice trailed off, tinged with a cautious anticipation: "She...she may never have eaten anything this delicious in her entire life..."
Pei Qingwu looked at the affection and expectation in Nianci's eyes and his heart softened. He immediately nodded and said, "Of course. Yinlan, Qiantao, quickly bring the food box. Pick out the best of everything, especially the warm and cold flower-flavored donkey soup and the gold and silver flower-shaped flat cake. Also, cut two pieces of birthday cake and wrap them up."
Nianci's little face immediately lit up with a bright smile, and she bowed repeatedly: "Thank you, Sister Dongjia! Thank you, Sister Yinlan! Thank you, Sister Qiantao!"
Soon after, Nianci, carrying a full food box with warm delicacies, ran off happily and disappeared into the night.
Inside the courtyard, after everyone finished cleaning up the dishes, they were chatting around the brazier. Yin Lan even teased Gu Heng, saying his face was as red as a boiled shrimp, which made Gu Heng feel awkward again.
Suddenly, the backyard gate was violently kicked open.
Nianci, a small figure, rushed in like a frightened rabbit. Her hair was disheveled, her face was bloodless, and her large eyes were filled with terror. She threw herself at Pei Qingwu's feet, clutching her skirt tightly, her voice shrill and distorted: "Sister Dongjia! Help! Help me! Grandpa... Grandpa is beating Mom again! Mom... Mom is about to be beaten to death! She's bleeding so much... Waaah... Please! Save my Mom!"
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