Chapter Twenty-Seven: A Golden Year
On the Lantern Festival of the twenty-seventh year of the Zhenguan era, Chang'an City welcomed an unprecedented grand feast. Princess Xiangyang hosted a banquet in the newly built Hibiscus Garden, inviting all the newly rich and famous figures in Chang'an. When Liu Bao'er received the gold-embroidered invitation, she was discussing the opening of the South China Sea trade route with Cui Jiulang.
"The Princess's plum blossom appreciation banquet." Cui Jiulang glanced at the mark on the invitation, raising an eyebrow slightly. "This is the most difficult banquet to get into in Chang'an."
Liu Bao'er gently placed the invitation on the table and continued the previous topic: "The Maritime Trade Commissioner of Guangzhou Port has been properly dealt with, but the seas and storms along the Southeast Asian trade routes..."
"No matter how great the storm, it can't surpass the human heart." Cui Jiulang interrupted her, his gaze falling on the invitation. "Do you know what this plum blossom viewing banquet signifies?"
Of course she knew. Ever since Datong Pawnshop became a supplier for the imperial family, her status as "Madam Dou" in Chang'an had changed. But this was the first time she had been truly accepted into the elite circles of power and wealth.
"Would Jiulang like to come along?"
"Of course." He smiled slightly. "There always has to be someone to drink for you."
On the Lantern Festival, Liu Bao'er dressed up meticulously, a rare occurrence for her. She chose a lake-green brocade dress, still wearing the abacus-shaped gold hairpin in her hair, but with a newly picked white plum blossom added to her temple. When she appeared in front of the Hibiscus Garden, even the maid leading the way couldn't help but glance at her a few more times.
The garden was already packed with guests. Princess Xiangyang, seated in the main seat, smiled and waved as she entered, saying, "I've long wanted to meet our Chang'an's 'Goddess of Wealth,' and today I finally do."
Liu Bao'er bowed gracefully, her posture elegant and poised. Cui Jiulang followed beside her, introducing her to the various nobles at appropriate times. She responded appropriately, her words respectful yet maintaining a just-right distance.
"This Lady Dou is not like the rumors say..." a county lady whispered to her companion.
"She seems very polite."
Midway through the banquet, a maid presented a pot of rare green plum blossoms. The Princess smiled and said, "These are newly tributes from Lingnan; they are said to bloom only once every ten years. Lady Dou, with your extensive knowledge, have you ever seen one before?"
All eyes were on Liu Bao'er. She stepped forward slowly, examined her carefully for a moment, and said softly, "This humble woman has never seen a green plum before, but seeing its strong and vigorous branches, it must be from Mount Luofu. I've heard that this plum needs to be watered with a specific mountain spring, so it must have taken a lot of effort to make it bloom here."
A look of admiration flashed in the princess's eyes: "Indeed, you possess extraordinary insight."
At this moment, a servant presented a plate of fresh lychees. At this time of year, such fresh fruit was priceless. Looking at the crystal-clear flesh, Liu Bao'er suddenly remembered many years ago when she first tasted lychees, it was Cui Jiulang who sent someone to deliver them.
She glanced at him instinctively, only to find him looking at her too. Their eyes met, and they both saw a trace of longing in each other's eyes.
"Madam Dou, please have a taste." The Princess personally handed over a lychee.
Liu Bao'er took it, her fingertips accidentally getting a little juice on them. Just as she was about to take out a handkerchief, a plain silk handkerchief was already handed to her. Cui Jiulang's movements were so natural, as if it were just a casual gesture, but she noticed that the roots of his ears were slightly red.
This scene drew many meaningful glances from the crowd. Liu Bao'er calmly wiped her fingers clean, folded the handkerchief and placed it aside, then turned to discuss the local customs and products of Lingnan with the lady beside her.
As the banquet was about to end, the eldest princess made a point of keeping her behind to talk.
"I heard that you set up a free clinic at Datong Pawnshop and also sponsored the education of poor girls?"
"It's just a small contribution."
The eldest princess gazed at her, then suddenly sighed softly, "You remind me of someone."
Liu Bao'er awaits the next installment.
"When I was young, I also dreamed of doing something like you," the princess said, her gaze lingering on the distance. "Unfortunately..."
She didn't finish her sentence, but Liu Bao'er understood. This era was ultimately harsh on women; even those born into privilege faced many unavoidable circumstances.
As they left the garden, the moonlight was perfect. Cui Jiulang and she walked side by side along the garden path, the fragrance of plum blossoms wafting in the air.
"You did very well today," he said suddenly.
Liu Bao'er smiled slightly: "It's just an act."
"No." He stopped and looked at her intently. "Today, you are more like..."
He paused, but she understood what he meant. More than ever, she was a living, breathing person, not the perpetually calm and composed "Goddess of Wealth."
"Jiulang," she said softly, "we should go back."
The carriage drove through the streets of Chang'an, where lanterns illuminated the entire city like daytime. Looking out the window, Liu Bao'er suddenly recalled the first time she had seen the lights of Chang'an from the Dou family's small courtyard many years ago. Back then, all she wanted was to survive, to earn enough money to redeem her mother.
Now she has everything she once dreamed of, but finds herself still on the road.
"What are you thinking about?" Cui Jiulang asked.
"I was thinking..." She turned her head, her eyes reflecting the myriad lights, "The price of pepper should drop at tomorrow's morning market."
He was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter. This was the Liu Bao'er he knew—always scheming, always clear-headed.
But for some reason, he found her to be exceptionally real and adorable.
The carriage stopped in front of the Datong Pawnshop. Just as Liu Bao'er was about to get out, she suddenly heard him say:
"I'm going to Luoyang the day after tomorrow and won't be back for about half a month."
She paused slightly, then said as usual, "Have a safe journey."
She sighed softly only after his carriage disappeared around the street corner. Some distances, well maintained, should not be crossed.
As she turned, her steps remained composed. Only the gold hairpin in her hair appeared exceptionally cold and aloof in the moonlight.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com