Chapter 43 Mother-of-Pearl Incense (Part 6) My heart felt like a bottle of vinegar had been poured out. ...
After the examination was completed, the four walked out of the county government office. Although the sun was already setting, the summer days were long, and there was still some time before dark. The streets were still bustling, with shops still open and vendors still operating, taking advantage of the cool breeze to do as much business as possible.
Zhang Da walked at the very back, his hands tucked into his blouse, secretly counting his money. He realized he didn't have much money on him, far from enough to treat his family of three to a decent meal. He had no choice but to take his hands out, remaining silent and following behind them, making small talk as he went.
Thinking that the three of them had forgotten about his invitation to treat them to a meal, he was secretly relieved when, as they walked, Du Zhong suddenly turned to him and asked, "Brother Zhang, where are we going to eat?"
Jiuli also turned her head, "Yes, Brother Zhang, you often walk on this street, so I suppose you've eaten at all the restaurants. Which one is the best?"
Zhang Da felt both embarrassed and flustered, and stammered, "To say which place is good, really, there really isn't one. Don't be fooled by the five or six restaurants on this street; they're all quite mediocre. As for truly delicious ones—"
Seeing a wonton stall ahead, he quickly calculated in his mind and pointed, saying, "That old woman's wontons are really good! Don't let its small street stall fool you, her skills are absolutely superb!"
Jiuli was about to nod when Yu Qi sneered, "Following Constable Zhang on this trip, not only were we not provided with any transportation, but we were also forced to eat a few bowls of street-side wontons for dinner. Isn't Constable Zhang just kicking us after we've served up his services?"
This man's words are really unpleasant! Zhang Da secretly resented him for a moment, then said awkwardly, "Hey, what are you saying? Mr. Yu, just tell me what you'd like to eat. There's a Suzhou restaurant up ahead, why don't you go and have some hometown food?"
Thinking that he was fairly familiar with the shopkeeper, he figured he could just put it on the tab and settle the bill next month.
Unexpectedly, Yu Qi turned to the side, twisted one of his arms behind his back, and said, "I've heard that talented scholars and wealthy merchants from all over love to stroll along the Qinhuai River at night when they come to Nanjing. I imagine there are many restaurants and eateries in that area. We haven't visited any since we arrived in Nanjing. Since Officer Zhang is going to be the host, why don't you invite the three of us to sit on the Qinhuai River for a while?"
At this moment, Zhang Da wished he could disappear into the ground and run away, but he had said it himself, and if he refused now, he would lose face as a man. So he had no choice but to bite the bullet and nod, "Alright, alright. It's just a little far away."
"What's there to be afraid of if it's far? It'll be a while before it gets dark anyway." Jiu Li was overjoyed when she heard that they were going to the Qinhuai area. She had always read about the beautiful scenery of Qinhuai in books, and now she could finally go and visit it herself!
The four of them headed towards the area, and after walking for about half an hour, they gradually saw bamboo swaying in the breeze, and lanterns illuminating the streets. Many houses had lanterns hanging in front of their doors, and looking up, they saw golden goblets and sandalwood clappers everywhere in the small windows of the upper floors, with the sounds of sheng and flute playing.
Jiuli craned her neck to look, laughing as she read each line. She'd only ever seen this scene before, during major holidays. Yu Qi glanced at her, and seeing she was about to bump into a man, quickly pulled her back.
She cried out "Ouch!" but didn't bump into the person. The person bowed to her and asked, "Did you hurt yourself, Miss?"
Seeing that he was dressed as a scholar and was so polite, Jiuli chuckled and said, "No, no."
The man straightened up, intending to strike up a conversation, but Yu Qi pulled Jiu Li behind him, blocking his way and coldly watching the man. The man shivered under his gaze and could only walk past dejectedly.
Jiuli, walking beside him, said, "Why do you have to be so rude to people? I thought he was very polite and didn't offend us."
Yu Qi was filled with helplessness and didn't want to pay attention to her. He saw a quiet and elegant restaurant and turned to Zhang Da, saying, "I think this is fine. I'm too lazy to walk any further."
Zhang Da looked up and exclaimed, "Good heavens! Lansong Tower! This is the most expensive restaurant in the Quzhong area. Many famous brothels order food and drinks from this building to entertain their distinguished guests, and many wealthy merchants and talented men from other places also hold banquets here."
He hesitated in front of the door, but Du Zhong pulled him and said, "Come on, Brother Zhang, Master has already gone inside."
Upon entering, one sees poems and calligraphy inscribed by talented scholars from various regions on all four walls of the shop. The inscriptions extend upstairs, where private rooms are adorned with paintings by famous figures. Pushing open a few windows, one can see the Qinhuai River in its entirety, with painted boats and pleasure boats flowing endlessly on the river and pedestrians bustling about along the banks.
Jiuli stood in front of the lattice window, excitedly calling out to Yuqi, "Uncle, look at the river! It's so lively! Look at those girls, they're all dressed up so beautifully!"
Yu Qi had just finished a meal and drinks when he slowly walked to the window. “People these days don’t know the suffering of the common people. Those girls probably don’t want this kind of excitement.”
Jiuli initially thought his words were a bit of a downer, but then she suddenly remembered Rouge from Liyuan Garden and realized that what he said made sense. Looking at the singers and dancers on the painted boat, she realized that they all seemed to be saying things they didn't mean and laughing insincerely.
She forgot her smile and said, "You're right, I'm just someone who 'never lifts a finger, yet lives in a grand mansion.'"
Seeing her dejected expression, he couldn't bear it and changed the subject, "This time you won't complain that I keep you cooped up at home every day anymore, right?"
She gave a soft hum and raised her eyes upwards, "Then you should allow me to go out for a stroll more often in the future."
Yu Qi smiled helplessly and looked into the river. The water flowed from west to east, slightly swift, likely due to the heavy rain the night before. He then turned to Zhang Da and asked, "How far is this place from where the body was retrieved?"
Zhang Da was secretly doing accounts at the table, so engrossed in the calculations that he couldn't hear anyone talking. It wasn't until Du Zhong walked up to him and tapped on the table that he snapped out of his reverie. "What did you ask just now, sir?"
I asked how far this place was from where Tang Chengguan was recovered.
He walked to the window and looked out for a while, then pointed to a stone bridge not far below. "It was fished out from under that bridge. Why do you ask that, sir?"
"I was just wondering where he fell into the river from."
Zhang Da waved his hand and walked to the table. "Hey, who cares where he fell? As long as it wasn't murder, it's none of my business. I'll have his wife come and collect the body tomorrow, and that'll be the end of it."
Jiuli hurriedly followed, "How is it over? I haven't found my things yet."
He sat down and gave an awkward smile. "It's not that I'm making excuses, but I think most of your things fell into the river with Tang Chengguan. We don't know where they went. You can't expect the yamen to search the entire Qinhuai River for a few pieces of jewelry. Besides, the yamen has a rule that the person who retrieves the lost property has to pay for it. It's not worth spending so much manpower and money, is it?"
Jiuli had no words to refute, so she could only sit down angrily, "Is this how people in the yamen perform their duties?"
Zhang Da, far from being ashamed, laughed with pride, "I've been quite dutiful! I'm not talking behind your back, but let me tell you, since I brought the corpse back at noon, Lord Wang only gave me a few casual instructions and didn't take it to heart at all."
"What about Xu Bai?"
"Lord Qi has been on leave these past few days."
Du Zhong chuckled and said, “No wonder there’s a saying that the government office faces south, and those with reason but no money shouldn’t come in. Last time, when the Liyuan case happened, Lord Wang was eager to bring me and Yu’er to court, but this time he’s lazy and negligent. It turns out that the deceased in Liyuan was from a wealthy family, while Tang Chengguan was just a poor thief.”
Zhang Da chuckled and sighed, "Young man, it's not a bad thing that you understood this principle so early on."
Amidst the laughter and conversation, two waiters knocked on the door and came in to serve the food. With seven plates and eight bowls laid out, Zhang Da's smile vanished. He was already calculating in his mind how many days of famine he would have to endure after this meal.
Jiuli called Yuqi to eat, and as he moved the bowls and plates, he said to Zhang Da, "My things couldn't possibly have fallen into the river."
Zhang Da didn't answer, but Du Zhong asked why. She raised her eyebrows and said, "Think about it, what would Tang Chengguan do first after stealing something?"
"Of course, it's for disposing of stolen goods."
"Isn't that it? The things he stole from me were all jewelry and ornaments. There are many brothels in Quzhong. Look, when we came here just now, there were several shops on the street that make gold and silver products. Selling these things to them, melting them down and making new ones, isn't that a good place to dispose of stolen goods?"
Du Zhong nodded repeatedly, "That makes sense. It was precisely because he sold the stolen goods and had money in his hands that he got so happy that he got drunk and fell into the river!"
The two nodded to each other while leaning on the table. Jiu Li turned her neck and saw that Yu Qi was still standing by the window and not coming over. Thinking that he hadn't heard her call, she got up to call him. When she got to the window, she saw a flower boat moored on the shore downstairs. Two beautiful women, slightly tipsy, were playing and frolicking on the bow of the boat, attracting several gentlemen on the shore to stop and watch.
She assumed Yu Qi was also staring at the two women, so she stuck her head out the window, tilted her neck, and looked at him. "Uncle, although beauty is pleasing to the eye, food is still the most important thing."
He glanced at her coldly and saw her hair disheveled in the night wind, reflecting the starlight and lamplight, which stirred his heart. He smiled helplessly, "When did you learn to be so sarcastic?"
"To be influenced by what one sees and hears".
"No one in my family is sharp-tongued."
Jiuli stared at him with her smiling eyes, and he realized what she meant after a moment. He snorted and turned away, saying, "I've never been a mean person."
After taking their seats, Yu Qi picked up his bowl, saw Zhang Da's worried face, and then looked at the table full of delicacies. He laughed and said, "How come Officer Zhang looks like he has no appetite even with all this good wine and food? It's clear that you have fine wine and delicacies at home every day and live a very fulfilling life."
Zhang Da turned his head away, scratching his head, but after a moment he turned back, picked up his chopsticks, and said with great enthusiasm, "Sigh, enough of that, enough of that, everyone eat! Let's have a good meal first!"
After finishing the meal, Zhang Da called the waiter to settle the bill. The meal had cost more than two taels of silver, which Zhang Da could not afford. He had to pull the waiter aside under some pretext and was about to discuss paying on credit when Yu Qi took out a silver ingot and placed it on the table.
Zhang Da was taken aback for a moment, then relaxed and quickly smiled, "Mr. Yu, what do you mean by this? You see, it was agreed that I would treat you, why should you spend the money?"
Yu Qi stood up and said, "No need to be so polite. If you feel bad about it, you can return the favor tomorrow and invite the three of us to go river cruise, how about that?"
Wouldn't a river trip be even more expensive? Zhang Da could only nod with an embarrassed smile, "Alright, alright, I'll invite you on a river trip tomorrow, sir."
The next morning, Yu Qi and his two companions indeed hired a carriage to this area. Upon reaching the main street behind the river, they disembarked and walked. This street presented a completely different scene compared to the night before. Many brothels had not yet opened, and everywhere were quiet courtyards and secluded villas. The shops on the street were all open, mostly restaurants and taverns, selling cosmetics, hair oils, fabrics, and jewelry. It was truly a dazzling display of treasures.
Jiuli saw a large cosmetics and hair oil shop occupying three storefronts, which also sold hair ornaments and jewelry. Thinking that her own things were likely to be sold in such a shop, she said a few words to Yuqi, grabbed her skirt and went into the shop to ask the shop assistant behind the counter.
The shop assistant was quick-witted. Even though the customer wasn't there to buy anything, he greeted them with a smile. After thinking for a moment, he said, "I don't know any Tang Chengguan. Although we accept goods from our shop, we always accept things from our regular customers."
"Think about it again. That man is a short, thin, hunchbacked fellow who doesn't look like a good person. Among the things he sells, there should be a gold hairpin with a phoenix head and pearl tassels, or a pair of hairpins inlaid with pink tourmaline, or perhaps a—"
Before he could finish speaking, a woman from the inner room chimed in, "If someone doesn't look like a good person, then we'd be even less likely to accept his things."
Immediately, someone lifted the curtain and came out; it was Guan Youjun. She was now wearing slightly more colorful clothes, but still very elegant. Behind her was a shrewd-looking middle-aged man, presumably the shopkeeper.
"Mr. Yu is here too." She smiled and stepped forward, giving Yu Qi a slight bow. Then she asked Jiu Li, "What is it, Miss Yu'er? Are you looking for someone or something?"
Jiuli blinked and greeted her, saying, "What a coincidence, Auntie is here too. Are you here to buy something?"
She shook her head and smiled. "I'm here to check the accounts. Manager Wang, these three are my friends. Please bring some good tea and fruit." As she spoke, she went to lift the curtain. "Mr. Yu, please come inside to talk."
The three went inside, and Jiu Li darted up to Yu Qi and said with a smile, "So this is also part of Aunt's business."
As Youjun invited him to sit down, he humbly replied, "I'm just a small business owner in the Quzhong area, doing this to join in the fun."
"Is this still a small business?" Jiuli looked around the inner hall and took a seat.
"The most famous place in Nanjing is the Qinhuai River. Merchants from other places who come to Nanjing will inevitably visit here and open a shop here, but they want to make more friends from all over the country, not to make money." Youjun said, glancing at Yuqi, but not saying anything more to him, and still asked Jiuli, "Miss, did you want to ask about a person or an item just now?"
Jiuli sat down next to Yuqi and leaned forward, saying, "Since you're asking about things and people, here's the thing: my house was burgled. The thief stole my jewelry. Yesterday, the thief got drunk in this area, fell into the river, and drowned. His body was recovered, but my things weren't found. I figured since the thief was drinking here, my things must have been sold in this area, so I thought I'd ask around at these jewelry shops. But the first one I went into was my aunt's shop."
Just then, Manager Wang brought in tea and fruit and couldn't help but chime in, "So the person who died in the river yesterday was a thief? I went to check when they were retrieving him yesterday, but I didn't see him. Luckily, young lady, you came into our house first, which saves us from having to waste our breath later."
What does this mean?
Shopkeeper Wang served tea and fruit to each table. "I've been running this shop for seven or eight years. I know the local market best. There are many shops on this street, and all sorts of people, but no legitimate business would accept things of dubious origin. Think about it, if you pay money to buy something today, and the authorities come tomorrow and confiscate it, not only will you be charged, but you'll also lose money. Who would do such a losing business?"
Yu Qi took a sip of tea and asked, "So, the item definitely isn't on this street?"
“That’s not necessarily true.” Youjun shook her head and said, “Respectable shops wouldn’t dare to accept them, but brothels might. Those hairpins and jewelry are meant for young ladies to wear anyway. They can buy them anywhere. If they find something good and cheap, they’ll naturally take it. In any case, the government won’t investigate every single one of their homes.”
Jiuli sighed heavily, "Then it will be difficult to find them. There are so many brothels here, we can't go from house to house asking."
Youjun glanced at Yu Qi and said with a smile, "It's just a few pieces of jewelry that were lost. It's not like Mr. Yu can't afford to buy new ones. Why does the young lady insist on the original ones? Go out and take a look. If you see anything you like, I'll have them pack it up and deliver it to your home."
Jiuli shook her head in disappointment, "Thank you, Auntie, but there is something in my possession that is extremely rare in this world."
"Rarely found in the world? I'd like to hear what kind of treasure it is?"
Yu Qi coughed, put down his teacup, and gave Youjun a helpless smile. "She's making a mountain out of a molehill. That's just how this girl is. If it's her stuff, she won't throw it away even if she doesn't use it. Even if you buy her a new one, she'll still feel uneasy and unhappy."
It was clear she was a spoiled girl; her whole family had accompanied her on a sweltering day to search for a few pieces of jewelry she didn't want to wear. Youjun thought to herself that she should treat her more considerately, and perhaps then Yu Qi would become more approachable.
Thinking of this, she put down her teacup. "How about this? I'll take you to find someone. Maybe she can help you find the whereabouts of the item."
Jiuli stood up and asked, "Won't this interfere with Aunt's important business?"
"It won't bother me, I've finished what I needed to do here. Besides, it's not far, so it won't take up much of my time."
After leaving the shop, Youjun saw that the three of them had no carriage to ride in, and since the road was short, she also abandoned the carriage and walked alongside Jiuli, leading the way along the main street. After a short while, they turned into a small alley and soon arrived at the door of a brothel.
Knocking on the door, one sees a thousand slender bamboo stalks beneath the courtyard wall, not very tall, just over the top of the wall, casting a half-acre of verdant shade. Following the servant through the front gate, one finds an old elm tree in the inner courtyard, its branches casting horizontal shadows that fall directly onto the west wing's doors and windows.
The door opened immediately, and a charming woman in her early twenties, who hadn't yet dressed up, came out. She took Youjun's hand and said with a smile, "Oh, it's Miss Guan! It's rare for you to come to my house. I suppose you have some difficult task that made you think of me?"
When she glanced at Yu Qi while speaking, she immediately blushed and quickly brushed a strand of hair that was hanging in front of her chest.
Youjun smiled and grasped her hand in return, "Can't I come to you if there's nothing wrong? It's been quite a while since we last met, and I've been missing Miss Tang's beautiful zither playing."
"When your second master passed away some time ago, I went to pay my respects, but the eldest young lady was very busy, so I left after a short visit and didn't dare to disturb her."
As Miss Tang spoke, she invited everyone to the main room. Before they could speak, she hurried back to her room to dress. Finally, Tang's mother came to pay her respects to Youjun. After exchanging a few pleasantries, she went to prepare tea and fruit. Jiuli had never been to the brothel before and found the people there fascinating. She stretched her neck from her chair to look through the lattice door.
Just then, Miss Tang came in after finishing her makeup. Seeing her, she covered her mouth and smiled, "Oh my, where did this fairy-like young lady come from? I am ashamed of myself."
Jiuli was a little embarrassed and didn't know how to respond, but then she heard Youjun, sitting in the chair at the head of the table, say with a calm smile, "This is my niece."
She's become her niece? Jiu Li stared in disbelief, but couldn't say anything, so she could only smile and ask, "Sister Tang, do you know Rou Ge?"
"Oh, I heard she got married." Miss Tang sat down, then turned to Youjun and asked, "Are you here to see Rouge?"
Youjun shook her head. "My niece has lost some important pieces of jewelry. I think the thief will probably come to Quzhong to sell them. I'd like you to keep an eye out for who bought them. If you find them, we'll pay to buy them back."
Miss Tang, who was holding a teacup, suddenly stopped laughing and glanced at the group. "Is the thief you're talking about the one who drowned yesterday?"
Youjun nodded. "That's right. You know him?"
“I don’t recognize him, but he came to my house the other afternoon with some things to sell. I was about to leave the police station and didn’t have time, so I didn’t see him. Sure enough, he wasn’t selling anything legitimate. I knew it; he looked shifty. I didn’t expect to hear yesterday that someone was pulled out of the river. My maid went to see him and said that his build was the same as the person who came the other day. It’s probably the same person.”
Yu Qi suddenly interjected, "Miss, could you please inquire around here and see if anyone recognizes him?"
Miss Tang gave him a few flirtatious glances and asked, "Are you from the government? Are you here to investigate something or to find a dead person?"
"All for."
Miss Tang smiled and nodded twice, then looked at Youjun and chuckled, implying, "Alright, I'll find out and tell the eldest young lady at the manor, and then the eldest young lady will tell the official."
Youjun glanced at Yuqi, feeling a little embarrassed. Her face flushed slightly, and she could only lower her head to sip her tea.
Observing the expressions of the two women, Jiu Li gradually understood that Miss Tang mistakenly thought that You Jun and Yu Qi had some kind of relationship, but neither of them made it clear, leaving no room for explanation, especially since the host had not yet spoken.
She glanced at Yu Qi's expression again; he seemed indifferent, as if it were none of his business.
After leaving, they bid farewell to Youjun and the three of them walked along the alley towards the river to meet Zhang Da. Yu Qi walked in front, and Jiu Li stared at his back, thinking of the faint trace of lingering affection in Guan Youjun's eyes when she said goodbye just now.
Just then, Du Zhong leaned over and whispered, "Hey, why is Aunt Guan so enthusiastic about our family's affairs? She's neglecting her own business and personally brought us here to ask this Miss Tang for help. Could it be because of Master's involvement in her brother's case—"
Even he had noticed, but Yu Qi seemed oblivious. It was hard to tell if he was faking it or not! Jiu Li grew increasingly impatient and waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, I don't know! It's good that she's willing to help, why should I care why?"
He chuckled furtively, "It's certainly good to have someone help me, but I'm afraid it won't be for nothing; I'll have to repay them later."
"What reward?"
He winked at Yu Qi's retreating figure, "I think she has feelings for Master. Otherwise, why would such a busy person go to such lengths for someone unrelated to her or anything?"
Jiuli grumbled and tried to find an excuse for the other person, "What if, what if they're just kind-hearted?"
"A kind heart?" Du Zhong sneered. "Have you forgotten how Guan Zhan died? Although there's no evidence, we all know perfectly well."
Of course! Who would offer help three or four times? Besides, Guan Youjun isn't like her, someone who's always busy and loves to meddle in other people's business. She lowered her head, twirling a thin bamboo stick in her hand, her heart churning with sourness, as if a bottle of vinegar had been poured out.
-----------------------
Author's note: Thank you for reading.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
