Sui (Following) hexagram, the central hexagram
Chapter 17, Hexagram 17 (Sui), a Middle-Middle Hexagram - A Short-Lived Person: This person is unpredictable.
The room was filled with a pleasant fragrance mixed with the scent of sandalwood. Rong Yan thought that it must have been her grandmother, who had been a devout Buddhist for many years, who had come to visit, leaving such a strong sandalwood scent in the room.
Rong Yan kept looking at Xie Chengzhi. He was indeed very handsome, except for his sallow complexion caused by years of illness.
He has high brow bones, which makes his eye sockets appear deep-set, and his double eyelids have deep creases. His gaze makes people feel that he is unfathomable.
Even now, when Rong Yan directly exposed his flaws, he remained completely unfazed. This was either due to his dullness or his deep cunning.
This was her sixth intuition as a woman, and her intuition told her that this person was dangerous.
He slowly curled the corners of his lips into a smile.
His smile softened his features, making him exceptionally handsome. He countered, "If I weren't sick, why would I need to take such bitter medicine?"
Rong Yan paused for a moment, then laughed, knowing that wasn't what she meant.
He was indeed ill, otherwise she wouldn't have divined that he would die young.
However, he wasn't sick enough to need her to bring him good luck. So what was he after when he married her, and what was he planning?
The medicine he was taking contained a strong, bitter taste of Coptis chinensis, but he didn't utter the words "I'll just have to swallow it even if it's not bitter" that were on his lips. Instead, he just smiled slightly at the end.
"My husband is so joking. I think this medicine should be sweet, otherwise you wouldn't have been willing to take it for so long. However, the eldest son was very careful, but he overlooked one thing."
Xie Chengzhi then looked up at her, his eyes deep and, combined with his pale face, seemed to resemble the eye of a storm, calm before the tempest.
"Then tell me." As he spoke, he coughed a few times, and the sound of his phlegm was clear and solid, not feigned.
"Actually, the eldest young master's weakness doesn't lie in you, but rather in..."
He stared at her intently, as if waiting for her reply. His true emotions were not discernible from his expression; he seemed rather enigmatic.
She wasn't intimidated and calmly replied, "Bai Qiong. Bai Qiong is very knowledgeable about human nature and quite intelligent. I imagine the young master has always treated it very well, so it didn't cause me any trouble on our wedding day. I think it must have been made at your behest."
A fox who had once attacked a maid in the manor would certainly not show friendliness upon first meeting her.
He must have used some method.
"Bai Qiong." Xie Chengzhi's tone was slightly surprised, then he fell silent for a long while.
“You must have gone out last night, but the maid has never seen you go out. However, Bai Qiong is always by your side, so if it goes out in the middle of the night, it means that you have also gone out.”
Xie Chengzhi smiled after hearing this, the weariness in his eyes seemed genuine. He lowered his eyes and didn't look at her, and after a long while he sighed, "You seem to be much smarter than I imagined. And sharper than anyone I've ever met."
Rong Yan pursed her lips. Instead of pretending to be ignorant and protecting herself, she chose to make it clear to him that it was just a test. If she didn't get involved, how could she lure him out of his hole?
Clearly, he acquiesced.
Then he added, "The wind this year seems colder and fiercer than in previous years."
As he looked toward a corner of the courtyard, her gaze followed.
Across from the bed, outside the window, was the southwest corner of the courtyard. There, she had placed a bamboo pole there, with a beige silk strip about a meter long tied to the top. It was fluttering in the wind, creating a long, swirling ribbon that looked quite beautiful.
That was the instrument she used to measure wind force and speed; the so-called art of wind divination is impossible without wind.
“Oh, that bamboo pole, I heard that it can be used to pray for good weather in spring and also to help my husband’s illness. So I took it upon myself to put it there. If my husband doesn’t like it, I will pull it out.”
Xie Chengzhi glanced at her upon hearing this and replied indifferently, "If you like it, then keep it in."
Rong Yan smiled slightly, but was inwardly surprised that he was so observant, having noticed her flagpole.
He didn't explain why he pretended to be terminally ill, but Rong Yan could understand.
After all, it's a big no-no to speak too intimately with someone you don't know well, especially since the two of them are just strangers.
During the day, although Lady Hou could keep most of the distant relatives out of the house under the pretext of not disturbing the eldest son, people still needed to rest at night.
For example, at this moment, Rong Yan was already feeling sleepy.
Before an incense stick had burned, Qingzhu had finished washing her master. She then took the opportunity to bathe herself and skillfully crawled back onto the chaise lounge. She tossed and turned for a while, but there was no movement on the bed.
It was just like the days and nights before, but it was also different from before.
She opened her eyes and saw the room filled with dim light. As soon as he woke up, the maid replaced the luminous pearl with candlelight.
She always understood that she was merely an appendage, just as this Marquis's mansion was a rootless place for her.
Thinking of this, she couldn't help but touch the jade walnut that Xie Qisheng had made for her.
I'm so glad my parents are still alive and I can see them again.
Did he know that Princess Yongqing was coming? He was about to speak but then stopped himself.
Even if he were to come, it shouldn't be her who tells him.
Perhaps he already knew all along.
Thinking of this, I couldn't help but sigh.
We only have three days to prepare for this banquet, so it would be best to rest early.
Rong Yan was filled with turmoil and could not sleep peacefully. She suddenly opened her eyes and saw that the floor of the room was covered with moss, which smelled the same as outside Hebai Temple. She was startled and was about to get up when there was a "smack" sound. She was so shocked that she closed her eyes tightly.
Looking up again, she found herself standing in front of Xie Chengzhi's bed. She was standing very close, and the tassels of the bed curtains were swaying slightly with her breath.
Rong Yan: ? ? ?
Why is she standing here?
Xie Chengzhi lay flat on the bed, breathing evenly, and did not wake up.
The sound just now was from the cobblestone by Xie Chengzhi's bedside falling to the ground. This cobblestone was for his moxibustion; otherwise, she didn't know what she would have done next.
Noticing that the candlelight in the room had long been extinguished, and the lamp oil was enough to burn all night, but it was still past midnight, could it be that she subconsciously blew it out?
*
The next morning, Rong Yan was woken up by Aunt Qiu Shi.
After Xie Chengzhi woke up, the courtyard became genuinely busy.
When she got up, Qiu Shi stood politely to the side with her head down. She seemed not at all surprised to see her lying on the chaise lounge. She simply woke her up and then went out to bring Hua Li and Yu Ling in.
When Rong Yan got up, Xie Chengzhi had already finished washing up. He was now half-lying on the bed, and the medicine he brought in seemed to be a different kind. Today, the medicine smelled slightly sweet.
Before Rong Yan could even spit out the tea she had used to rinse her mouth, Aunt Qiushi brought over a bowl of medicine. The rim of the fine white porcelain bowl shimmered with a lustrous sheen.
Rong Yan: ?
"Young Madam, this is the eldest son's medicine. In the future, please try a sip of his medicine first."
Rong Yan: ? ? ?
Rong Yan almost choked on the tea in her mouth. She spat it out expressionlessly and softly repeated, "Shall I try it first?"
"Yes, that's the rule."
But there was never such a rule before. Now that he has just "woke up", why is there such a rule now?
Rong Yan looked up at Xie Chengzhi, who was elegantly leaning against the bedside, receiving moxibustion.
Oh, so she wasn't just used for bringing good luck, but also for testing for drugs!
Even if the medicine is non-toxic, is it certain that she, a perfectly healthy person, wouldn't get sick from drinking it?
She took a breath and looked at the person still leaning against the couch. He had his eyes downcast and was flipping through some book. He was turning the pages very quickly, and she couldn't tell if he was actually reading it.
She suddenly remembered her mockery of him yesterday, saying that his medicine was sweet, otherwise he couldn't have acted so convincingly. Was he going to retaliate today?
No, really not. She glanced up at Xie Chengzhi, who looked completely at ease, and shook her head inwardly. A man like him wouldn't hold a grudge over something she said!
Aunt Qiushi held the medicine bowl up to her eyes, gesturing for her to drink it while it was hot, but she didn't take it.
Huali, however, remained loyal to her mistress, saying, "Aunt Qiushi, how about I have a sip?"
Qiu Shi remained expressionless, though his tone was somewhat cold, "Given our status, we are not worthy to share a drink with the young master."
Rong Yan: ...I thank him for his kindness.
Even if it were poisonous, a single sip wouldn't be enough to kill her. She lowered her head and took a small sip from the rim of the bowl, but Qiu Shi made her take another sip.
The soup was indeed sweet, and she even thought it was a tonic, so she obediently drank another big mouthful.
Qiu Shi looked down at the bowl, which was now half empty, and suddenly wanted to say something, but forced himself to hold back. He stood straight in front of her and waited for a while. After seeing that she was alright, he then placed the bowl in front of Xie Chengzhi.
Rong Yan watched as Xie Chengzhi held the bowl with his slender fingers, took out a silk handkerchief to wipe the rim of the bowl, and then lowered his head to drink. She sneered inwardly, but pretended to be kind on the surface.
She smiled, her eyes narrowing. "My lord, I am busy with a banquet for distinguished guests in three days and cannot accompany you. Please forgive me."
Xie Chengzhi wiped his lips with a handkerchief and nodded at her.
As she stood up, she casually remarked, "By the way, my husband, I heard that the noble lady comes from the palace. I noticed that Mother values her quite a bit. I wonder if there are any dietary restrictions for people in the palace?"
Haha, she was actually thinking of him last night, not wanting him to feel awkward, so she deliberately didn't mention Princess Yongqing's visit to the mansion.
She was asked to test the medicine first thing this morning, so it wouldn't be a big deal for her not to reciprocate.
Qiu Shi gasped, stole a glance at Xie Chengzhi, and then winked at Rong Yan. Rong Yan stared intently at Xie Chengzhi with his big eyes, seemingly oblivious to Qiu Shi's warning.
Sure enough, when Xie Chengzhi heard her say that, he pursed his lips. Being well-mannered, he didn't say anything, but simply said, "Since you are a guest, no matter how distinguished you are, you are still a guest. Just act like a host and everything will be as you wish."
Aunt Qiushi also looked up in surprise, but then looked down again in an instant.
Rong Yan was slightly taken aback after hearing this; it seemed that he had an unspoken meaning.
She deliberately provoked him, so how could he not hold it against her and give her confidence?
"Yes, this concubine will take her leave."
Stepping out of the courtyard, the wind was fierce. Rong Yan looked around. A wind was blowing from the east, coming from the palace; the wind was dry and harsh, and even the wind itself seemed to be telling her this.
This time, the visitor was hostile, which was a very bad omen for her.
Rong Yan went to Du Chunhong's courtyard, where Xie Qisheng stuffed a whole bunch of small handicrafts into her hands. There were even three jade ruyi scepters; he seemed to want to send all the good ones he could to her courtyard.
So her dad's been busy making her little gadgets lately?
Looking at the prominent calluses on his palms, I suddenly felt a surge of warmth in my heart.
"You can stay here with us today. The eldest young master has woken up, and your courtyard is probably going to be in turmoil for quite some time. Aren't you still preparing for the banquet? I'll help you. You don't know, your sister is eager for your mother-in-law to hand it over to her, wanting to show off, but your mother-in-law stopped her."
Rong Yan: ...She actually really wants to be a hands-off manager.
Du Chunhong was a descendant of imperial chefs and was very familiar with banquets, so she knew exactly what to do.
Now that she's entrusted this banquet to her daughter, shouldn't she show off her skills and make her daughter look good?
After discussing the menu for the banquet, the two also talked about the vegetarian menu at Hebai Temple. Even Xie Qisheng said, "If there's anything that needs to be changed at the temple, I'll go and help."
Rong Yan: "There's no rush." She looked around and, seeing that there were no maids, lowered her voice. "Mother and I have become so close that even the Lady of the Marquis has noticed. If Father were to become close to me again without reason, it would arouse suspicion. We should plan slowly and carefully."
“You’re right. The idea that we just get along well and have no children is too one-sided. Let me think about it some more.”
Du Chunhong: "With this banquet, we can use vegetarian dishes to make Hebai Temple famous. When the young ladies from noble families come, if they find the dishes novel, it will be the best opportunity for publicity."
It's great to have a mom who's a great cook.
Rong Yan then selected forsythia from the list of potted plants. Forsythia has golden flowers with a reddish tinge, making it very suitable for such an elegant occasion. With Princess Yongqing's presence, it is perfectly appropriate to match the royal color.
Although Rong Yan wanted to be a lazy bum, since he had taken on the job, he had to do it well.
After discussing the matter with them, they were finally called in.
"Yu Ling, go to the street immediately and order thirty pots of forsythia. Find some servants in the outer courtyard to help transport them back. Ask the steward for the token and go to the shop. Remember, don't accept forsythia that costs more than one hundred coins. You can try to negotiate the price down."
Yu Ling happily replied, "Master, you can leave it to me."
“Mama Wang, the etiquette for the serving maids is now in your hands. Serving the dishes can be the same as in previous years, but when serving wine, they must kneel on one knee and hold up a porcelain bottle. Instruct the household to use white porcelain wine bottles. The palace also prefers white porcelain. Serve the dishes on gold platters.”
Mrs. Wang quickly nodded and asked again, "So you only need to kneel on one knee when serving the wine?"
"Yes."
This move is intended to draw everyone's attention to the fruit wine and to inject a new soul into the banquet etiquette.
"Granny Li, remember to put a few plates of plums and ground cherries on the fruit platter."
"Gourd lady?"
"Yes."
"But aren't these wild fruits from the mountains? Wouldn't it be inappropriate to put them on the table at a banquet?"
“What’s wrong with it? The ground cherry is also a medicinal fruit, which is very nourishing to the body. In some places, you can’t buy it even if you have money.”
Granny Li couldn't help but be a little suspicious. These wild fruits were now everywhere, yet there were still places where money couldn't buy them? Although she had some doubts, she still did as she was told.
Rong Yan sat by the window and looked at the plum blossoms in full bloom outside. A gentle breeze blew by, and a pale pink plum blossom, carrying its fragrance, drifted down to the windowsill.
She stared at it for a while, then suddenly instructed, "Set the meal at the Listening to the Rain Pavilion. Replace the artificial rocks for the flowing water banquet with pebbles. Also, are the lotus flowers in the pond of the Listening to the Rain Pavilion from Chunxiao's seeds?"
"Yes, young mistress, it is so, because the spring flowers bloom early, the lotus flowers can be seen as early as May."
"Third Uncle, could you please do me a favor and turn the Listening to the Rain Pavilion into a greenhouse?"
Xie Qisheng listened from the sidelines as everyone had something to do, and even Du Chunhong was the main person in charge, but he couldn't help at all.
Upon hearing this, he was delighted to find that such a great opportunity had come his way.
Everyone: ? ? ?
When the maids heard that Rong Yan wanted to cover the Listening to the Rain Pavilion with a canopy and a cover, they were puzzled and greatly surprised.
Why are they covering the entire courtyard?!
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