Chapter 94 It's not a token... it's a preordained love letter...
The Deng residence was noticeably busier at the end of the year. Compared to the gentry, the Deng family did not have many servants at this time. They were scattered throughout the residence, either repairing or taking inventory. Apart from Deng's mother and Deng Ming, who occasionally came to visit Guo Jia, and Deng Zhao and his wife, who would greet him before he rested each night, only Deng Jie frequently entered and exited his room.
"Accountant Jiao is busy with the engagement, and my brother and sister-in-law also have to keep an eye on the various shops, so..."
Deng Jie carefully collected the bowl and cup Guo Jia had just finished drinking his medicine from, handed it to the maid waiting outside the door, and then returned to continue explaining to him, "Today, we'll have to trouble you to have your meal in your room, sir."
Guo Jia wiped his mouth with a burlap sack, chuckling in a hoarse voice, "It's alright, it's enough that I have a girl with me."
Deng Jie raised his eyes, paused, and rolled his eyes around before tentatively saying, "I... also need to go to the embroidery shop later to inspect the new clothes and... some other matters. I'm afraid I won't be back for a while."
As she spoke, she glanced at Guo Jia's reaction, and sure enough, an unpleasant expression appeared on his face. Deng Jie pursed her lips and said, "However, if you feel alright, sir, why don't you come out with me for some fresh air? Seeing the lively atmosphere on the street will surely lift your spirits."
Guo Jia had assumed he'd be left behind again, and even tried to persuade her not to go. He was completely taken aback by her invitation, and looked up, his eyes asking, "Can I go?" Deng Jie didn't immediately understand his meaning, and quickly added, "It's fine if you don't want to go! I..."
"I'm willing to go!" Guo Jia interrupted her loudly, but seeing a triumphant smile flash across her lips, and recalling that she had just mentioned "embroidery workshop," Guo Jia seemed to understand something. She must still remember making new clothes for him, and his heart warmed. The gloom and worry of being abandoned that he had felt earlier vanished, replaced by an eager joy.
It just so happens that I also have some selfish reasons and need to find an opportunity to get out.
Guo Jia refused the carriage and horses that Deng Jie had arranged for him. After all, the embroidery workshop was only a hundred paces away. He would rather use this as an excuse to get Deng Jie closer to him. The two walked slowly side by side.
Turning out of the residential area and into the East Market, Guo Jia was indeed a little dazed after not hearing the hustle and bustle of crowds for several days. Seeing this, Deng Jie protected him inside, blocking the hurried pedestrians.
The door to the embroidery shop was a temporary repair, and it was clear that it was done in a hurry. The newly hung curtain on the door did cover up the incense and heating inside.
Deng Jie noticed that Guo Jia's reaction wasn't too strong, so he led him inside.
Liu Lanzhi greeted the two men and exchanged pleasantries. Then, as expected, she took out a measuring tape and, together with another embroiderer, took Guo Jia's measurements and made a record.
Seeing Guo Jia's cooperation, Deng Jie knew he couldn't hide it from Guo Jia's shrewd mind. He then instructed Liu Lanzhi to add more padding to her dark blue silk robe, hoping she would be lenient and finish it before New Year's Eve.
Liu Lanzhi noted down the dimensions, had the embroiderer put the bamboo slips away, and then took out the pattern and handed it to Deng Jie, "Does the girl have any ideas about the spring and summer fabrics?"
Guo Jia was taken aback and interrupted their conversation: "Why are you still making Chunxia? Miss, please don't spend so much money..."
Deng Jie stepped forward, shielding Guo Jia behind him, and smiled at Liu Lanzhi, saying, "Miss Liu, don't worry about him. Now that the measurement is done, I'm in charge!"
Liu Lanzhi covered her face and chuckled, "Yes, it's up to you, Miss."
"Also, could you help me decide whether to wear a headscarf or a turban? Although Mr. Fengxiao doesn't like extravagant possessions, he still needs to have some attire; a scholar's demeanor should be presentable..."
"Wait, wait, there's really no need for that!" Guo Jia, ignoring the burning sensation in his throat, hurriedly tugged at Deng Jie's sleeve. "I've never worn these before, a hairband and wooden hairpin are enough!"
Deng Jie glanced at him briefly, pondered for a moment, and said, "Then let's look at the spring clothes first!"
Guo Jia shook his head helplessly, took two steps back, and seeing that she was in the middle of something, it was the perfect opportunity for him to slip away. "Then... Jia, why don't you go out for some fresh air first?"
Deng gave a hasty response and continued discussing the fabric and clothing patterns with Liu Lanzhi.
Guo Jia stepped out of the embroidery shop and breathed a heavy sigh of relief. This girl usually seemed frugal, but once the floodgates were opened, her true merchant nature was revealed.
He chuckled softly, rubbing his temples, but after all, she was doing it for him...
However, he was having a headache trying to find a suitable return gift.
Just as I was wondering where to begin, I saw a large crowd gathered at the silversmith's workshop across the street.
Guo Jia, curious, squeezed through the crowd to see what was happening. It turned out that the silversmith's wife was hawking red ropes to attract customers.
Passersby were eager to buy the red string, but few actually went into the shop to patronize it.
Although Guo Jia felt that jade ornaments suited Deng Jie better, he also noticed that the silver ornaments in the shop were quite exquisite, so he went in to take a look.
The silversmith's workshop was small, but the items displayed inside shone brightly in the candlelight.
Guo Jia's gaze swept over the exquisite hairpins, bracelets, and necklaces, finally drawn to a silver ball hanging next to a candlestick. The silver ball was intricately carved with filigree and cloud patterns. When he reached out to touch it, it could even rotate. Inside, there was a solid ball that remained unaffected by the outside world.
“Young master has a good eye. This is a silver sachet with cloud patterns. I learned the craft from a master craftsman in Luoyang.” Seeing that Guo Jia was interested, the silversmith took it down to show him.
"This is a sachet?"
Guo Jia had seen many fine objects at the Xun family's residence, but this was the first time he had seen something so exquisite, and his eyes were filled with surprise.
The silversmith opened it for him, and the solid part in the middle turned out to be an incense burner.
Guo Jia inquired about the price with great excitement, but this made Guo Jia hesitate, and he asked with a troubled expression, "Could we discuss it further?"
Seeing that he really liked it, the silversmith took out another slightly smaller silver ball from a box, which made a clear "clinking" sound.
“Young master, take a look at this silver bell. The two are the same in shape, but it is three inches smaller, so the price is naturally lower.”
Guo Jia's eyes lit up. The silver bell... was even more to his liking than the sachet. He wanted it no matter what.
He took out his money pouch and discussed it with the silversmith, who shook his head with difficulty, "It's far from enough..."
He examined the jade pendant at Guo Jia's waist, saying, "If we could exchange it for some other ornaments, we could consider it."
Guo Jia pressed down on the jade pendant. It was a gift from Deng Zhao. If he were to pawn it, he feared that neither Deng Zhao nor his sister would forgive him.
He then remembered that he had something on him, and took out an exquisite bronze button from his pocket. The top of the button was carved with a delicate dragon, exuding the rigorous style of an official artifact. This was a gift he had received last year when he took office under Yuan Shao. He handed it to the silversmith and asked, "This item was made by the Yuan family of Nanyang. Is it worth it?"
The silversmith took the copper button, feeling its weight. He examined the dragon pattern closely by the light and found it to be meticulously crafted. He then beamed and said, "It's a good deal, a good deal."
Guo Jia handed over the copper coins as well, saying, "Please put them in a box for... New Year's greetings."
The silversmith understood immediately, took out a lacquered wooden box, lined it with a layer of red silk, and asked his wife for a red rope to carefully put the silver bell inside.
Guo Jia happily took the box, smoothed the red silk, and held the bell steady so it wouldn't roll before closing the lid with peace of mind. He then slowly tucked it into his sleeve pocket and bowed to the silversmith in thanks.
As I walked out of the silversmith's shop, my heart was as full as my sleeves, filled with a secret joy and a touch of trepidation, as I pondered when would be the most appropriate time to give it to him.
Just as he was about to return to the embroidery workshop, he saw Deng Jie peeking out of the workshop, looking around, clearly looking for him.
To avoid giving himself away, he took advantage of the crowd to slip into the alley.
When Guo Jia strolled back to the embroidery workshop, Deng Jie was already standing outside, looking around anxiously. When she met Guo Jia's gaze, she hurried over, saying, "Where have you been, sir? The streets are crowded; I was worried..."
"Look!" Guo Jia pulled a warm pastry from his sleeve. "I just saw the pastry stand was fresh out of the oven and thought I'd buy one for the girl."
Deng Jie's annoyance and worry vanished in an instant. She muttered, "The biscuit is too dry, you can't eat it." But seeing Guo Jia's bright eyes, she still smiled slightly and broke off a small piece for him, "But it'll satisfy your craving!"
Guo Jia rolled his eyes, but instead of reaching out, he opened his mouth wide. Deng Jie gave a coquettish cry and stuffed the food into his mouth.
A few days passed, and New Year's Eve arrived.
After several days of rest, although Liu Niang still has faint marks, she has recovered a lot and can walk on the ground.
Having bothered them for so many days, Liu Niang felt embarrassed to stay at the Deng family's house any longer, so she bid farewell to Deng Zhao and his wife. Yu Qiu stuffed the wound medicine that Deng Jie had prepared into her hand and instructed her on how to use it.
Fu Xiao remained standing in the courtyard, gazing at her tenderly, his eyes filled with reluctance.
"What are you still standing here for?" Deng Zhao shouted at Fu Xiao, startling Fu Xiao so much that he almost jumped up. "It's New Year's Eve today, and it's not convenient for my family to keep you here any longer. You should go back to the village. If the village needs anything in the future, just tell the caravan. Old Chen came back this morning, and I told him to arrange for someone to go to the village to buy it every month."
Fu Xiao nodded repeatedly, cupped his hands to Deng Zhao, and said, "Thank you for your concern, elder brother..."
As he spoke, he peeked into the house again, "Is Mr. Guo feeling any better? I saw him go out with Miss Deng a couple of days ago, but I haven't seen him come out today."
During the conversation, Fu Xiao was pushed outside the door.
Fu Xiao responded in a low voice, then rubbed his hands together and said to Deng Zhao, "Brother, please apologize to Aunt Deng for me... I won't do that kind of thing again."
Deng Zhao snorted coldly, "I know, I know, you'd better leave now, the oxcart is all ready for you."
He pointed to the side of the street, where a servant was leading an oxcart waiting for them under a tree. Fu Xiao looked closely and saw that there seemed to be some jars and pots inside the cart. He quickly walked over and asked, "What are these?"
Deng Zhao patted the mud-sealed jar: "Take this back for everyone to celebrate the New Year, some cured meat, fermented wine and stuff." Fu Xiao thanked him repeatedly, but couldn't bear to look at it any longer.
Before leaving, Liu Niang repeatedly thanked Deng Zhao and his wife and said goodbye.
Fu Xiao led the oxcart to the entrance of the East Market. Liu Niang stopped and pointed to the entrance of a dark alley, saying, "I've arrived..."
"You..." Fu Xiao stammered, looking at Liu Niang, "Would you be willing to come back to the village with me?"
Liu Niang was surprised and touched. In the past, those men were only for one night of passion. No matter how sweet their words were, none of them ever thought of taking her away. But this man in front of her protected her and stayed with her when she was at her ugliest and most destitute. He even wanted to take her away, even though she was disabled. But with her body like this, how many more days could she be happy?
A hint of reluctance flashed through Liu Niang's heart, but it ultimately turned into a soft laugh: "What would I do there? I don't know how to farm, and I can't endure that hardship."
Fu Xiao nodded in understanding, "Yes, yes, I was presumptuous."
He was just a bandit leader; although he had promised his elder brother to become a law-abiding citizen, he owned neither land nor house, so what could he possibly offer the girl? "Then, then how about I carry this over for you? You can keep it to eat!" He picked up a heavy jar and was about to deliver it when Liu Niang couldn't help but chuckle, "Brother Fu, Lanxinfang has no shortage of food or clothing..."
Fu Xiao was taken aback, then felt a wave of heat wash over his face. He realized he really didn't understand anything. He nodded repeatedly and backed away, saying, "Yes, yes." He put the jar back, paused for a moment, and finally picked up the ox rope, preparing to leave.
"Brother Fu!" Liu Niang called out to him.
That cry truly sent shivers down his spine, filling him with tenderness and affection, and his feet seemed rooted to the spot, making it impossible for him to lift them again.
"How about... you stay here tonight and leave tomorrow?" Liu Niang got closer and closer, but her voice grew softer and softer.
She had no idea she had such a shy side. She thought she had long since ended her affairs with men and women and that she should be able to handle such situations with ease. Why was she acting so coy?
Fu Xiao was taken aback, his ears instantly turning red, but he couldn't hide the smile on his face. "I... is this okay?"
“Anyway… it’s the New Year…” Liu Niang quietly moved closer to his side, hooked her finger around his, and made Fu Xiao’s whole body tremble. “I, I don’t have any money…” Fu Xiao nervously sweated at the temples.
“You’re keeping me company tonight…” Liu Niang placed her entire hand over Fu Xiao’s palm, “No need to pay.”
Fu Xiao gripped her hand tightly, "Then, then my car..."
"I'll take you to rest in the courtyard..."
After seeing Fu Xiao and Liu Niang off, Deng Zhao and Yu Qiu went about their own business.
Deng Zhaotong and Lao Chen tallied up his gains from the trip.
Upon hearing about the riots in Wancheng, Old Chen, in addition to sulfur, also collected some commonly used antidotes and external wound medicines.
The two inspected the warehouse together and checked the caravan's year-end accounts. Before lunch, Deng Zhao brought two jars of aged wine back to Old Chen.
On the first floor of the main building, servants were busy arranging lacquered wooden gift boxes neatly.
Jiao Zhongqing should have come to the house today, but Liu Lanzhi's family just arrived in Wancheng yesterday, so he certainly couldn't get away.
Thinking of the two of them, Yu Qiu secretly added an extra pair of silver hairpins to their belongings.
There were still some boxes with an empty corner, reserved for Deng Jie's incense. But this year's production was really slow. Yu Qiu thought to herself as she looked up at the staircase leading to the second floor.
Today, Guo Jia sat with Deng Jie in the warm pavilion on the second floor of the main building. The sun was shining brightly on the east side, and Deng Jie opened the window for him so that he could get some fresh air.
“Miss, you’ve been setting up this elaborate setup for three days now.” Guo Jia leaned against the cushion, looking at Deng Jie’s table full of incense-making tools with a smile. Although he was much better than the first few days, his voice was still hoarse. “Tomorrow is New Year’s Day. Is there enough time?”
"It's all because the gentleman is being unreasonable. I can't stand the fragrance, and he won't let me leave..." Deng Jie said, his face slightly red, "making me make several unnecessary trips."
Guo Jia coughed lightly, "Well... Jia was really bored, and the young lady kept forbidding this and that, so he couldn't do anything and could only blame you."
The two of them started joking around in perfect unison, completely forgetting Deng Zhao's implied meaning from that day.
"There's no way around it, your heart and lungs can't withstand the torment of smoke and fire..." she said, as she sorted the different colored powders into individual packets, put on exquisite gilded lids, and told the maid to take the powders away.
"With such skill, it's a pity that Miss Deng became a physician." Guo Jia picked up an empty box with interest and examined it. "Why not open an incense shop and become a wealthy female merchant herself?" He remembered that Xun Yu liked these exquisite things and was very particular about incense. Perhaps the two of them really had something in common.
Deng Jie retorted, "If I were to open an incense shop, who would treat the doctor?"
Guo Jia chuckled, put the box back, and sat down in front of Deng Jie's case. "Then I'm truly fortunate."
Deng Jie sighed softly, his brows furrowed with worry: "If he could be cured, that would be truly wonderful..."
Guo Jia quickly and gently comforted her, "With such a thoughtful young lady, things will surely get better."
Following behind, Deng's mother called out, "Ming'er, don't chase after him!"
The two turned around and saw the orange cat running towards the table. Guo Jia tried to grab it, but the cat nimbly leaped onto the table. Before they could react, the cat kicked its hind legs, overturning the incense burner, knocking over the incense-making tools, and scattering excess incense powder, which enveloped Guo Jia and Deng Jie in a hazy mist.
Deng Jie quickly pulled away the burlap, wrung out some water, and wiped it on Guo Jia's face: "Sir, you mustn't inhale!"
Guo Jia was taken aback, then couldn't help but chuckle: "Miss, Miss, you..."
He saw that Deng Jie's face and hair were covered in a layer of flour, and he could only see her big eyes. But when he thought that he must be in the same predicament, he immediately stopped talking, took the burlap, and said, "I can do it myself." He wiped his face haphazardly.
Deng Ming ran past Guo Jia, laughing as he chased after the cat, shouting, "Auntie's face!"
"Ming'er, stop running!" Deng's mother called out in vain as she followed behind, and couldn't help but smile as she passed the two. "Jie'er, go change your clothes, stop making such a fuss."
They then followed Deng Ming's direction and headed towards the east corridor.
Guo Jia couldn't hide his mischievousness either, and extended a finger, lightly tracing a mark on her face: "Thank you, young lady."
Deng Jie chuckled, snatched the burlap from Guo Jia's hand, flipped it over, and wiped it haphazardly as well. "Is that all?"
Guo Jia pointed to himself and her clothes, "I think the old lady is right."
Guo Jia went back to his room and changed into a dark robe.
Deng Jie finally managed to coax and trick him into making this new garment from the dark blue silk. Now that the garment is on him, it fits him perfectly.
He gently stroked the fabric, a faint smile playing on his lips.
When he returned to the warm pavilion, he didn't see Deng Jie come out, so he guessed that she must have dressed up nicely today.
Her fair face was covered in powder, her cheeks flushed with the fragrance of rouge. Her eyebrows were arched like snail shells, and her lips were lightly touched with crimson.
She was dressed in pale yellow and light gray, her hair tied up in a high bun, adorned with a gold hairpin inlaid with pearls.
Their waists and heads complemented each other, a crimson sash entwined around their flowing robes. The clinking of their jade pendants produced a delicate, clear, and melodious sound.
"It's been a long time since I've seen you dressed like this, young lady." Guo Jia greeted her with delight, intending to lead her downstairs, but the perfume irritated his nose, and he began to cough violently again.
Deng Jie quickly brought him water and patted his back, saying, "Is it too pungent? Oh dear, I knew I'd wiped it on too much. Maybe I should go wash it off!"
Guo Jia supported her elbow, and after she finished coughing, he explained, "I was slightly splashed, but it's fine now!" He then lingered on her face for a moment, saying, "So beautiful."
The praise made Deng Jie blush with shame, her face as red as rouge.
Yu Qiu's voice gradually became clearer as it came from the stairs, "It's all tidied up downstairs, come and see Mother writing peach charms... Oh," when Yu Qiu came up and saw the two of them looking completely refreshed, "They look like a newlywed couple today."
"Sister-in-law, don't talk nonsense!" Deng Jie's ears burned, and she quickly moved a few steps away from Guo Jia to meet Yu Qiu. "Have all the gift boxes been prepared?"
"Alright, alright, let's go downstairs." Yu Qiu paused and waited a few steps for Guo Jia. "Fengxiao, lunch today will be simple. The kitchen staff are busy preparing for the dinner."
Guo Jia raised his hand in a salute: "Sister-in-law, you are too kind. I have never gone hungry here. Even the 'simple' meals are much more plentiful than what I eat at home."
Deng Jie sighed softly, his brow furrowed: "Mr. Fengxiao was already thin, and this ordeal has made his bones even more prominent..."
Yu Qiu chuckled and stroked Deng Jie's hand: "Don't worry, A-Jie. Let Fengxiao recuperate here. He'll only be released when he's plump and healthy."
The three chatted and laughed as they arrived at the main hall on the first floor. Guo Jia looked around and saw that each lacquered wooden gift box was tied with a red silk ribbon, and there was one ribbon on each lacquered table, which should be prepared for tomorrow.
Guo Jia recognized the large table in the middle as the one from the dining hall. On the table were prepared writing brushes, ink, and blank peach wood talismans. Deng's mother also returned with Deng Ming, followed by Deng Zhao.
Deng's mother sat upright at the main desk and wrote three pairs of peach wood charms in one go.
The maids stood around waiting, and once the ink had dried slightly, they carefully carried it to various places to hang it.
“Come, Fengxiao, today is New Year’s Eve, a fine day. Why don’t you try your hand at calligraphy?” Deng Zhao slapped open a piece of plain silk on the table. “Ajie said your cursive script is also very elegant.”
"Brother!" Deng Jie jumped up to stop Deng Zhao, then coughed lightly and said, "Mr. Fengxiao is still recuperating and should not overexert himself..."
"Wow, you're so thoughtful."
Deng Zhao smiled and exchanged a glance with his wife. Yu Qiu understood and ordered someone to remove the writing brush and ink and replace them with tea and snacks. "Come, sit down and have some snacks first."
Deng Ming grabbed the maid to stop her from taking away the pen and ink, then ran down to the front to take a seat and began to write with the white silk.
Deng Jie had no choice but to sit down woodenly next to Guo Jia.
Yu Qiu brewed tea for everyone, saying, "This is locust honey tea, sweet and soothing." She handed the teacup to Guo Jia, saying, "A-Jie usually wouldn't take it out, but I specially brewed it for you today."
Guo Jia smiled and accepted the teacup to express his gratitude, then glanced at Deng Jie and saw him turn away to eat his pastry.
"Father, look!"
Deng Ming crawled to Deng Zhao's knees with a piece of silk and handed it to him. Deng Zhao unfolded the silk and saw that his son had drawn a circle on it and then drawn a dot in the middle. He laughed and said, "This is the character '日' (sun)! Good, Ming'er can write now!"
As he spoke, he handed a plate of dried fruit on the table to Deng Ming, "Here, take this and share it with Afu and the others. Tell them it was exchanged for the young master's calligraphy!"
"Remember to wash your hands first!" Yu Qiu was caught off guard and ran away before she could grab him. She told her maid to follow him.
Deng Zhao showed it to his mother: "Look, Ming'er is much better than me. He can write at only four years old!"
Deng's mother smiled and examined him carefully: "He still takes after Jingyuan. You couldn't even write your own name when you were seven."
He then showed it to Guo Jia, who praised it, saying, "What beautiful characters! They are as round as a full moon, just like the rising sun!"
He handed it to Deng Jie, who chuckled, "You guys really know how to praise a pancake to the skies."
"Jia could also praise Miss Deng's paintings and embroidery just as much."
Upon hearing this, everyone burst into laughter. Guo Jia revealed a sly smile, and Deng Jie himself covered his face and chuckled.
“It’s still better than Yuanming.” Deng’s mother wiped away the tears of laughter. “When she was fifteen, she was reciting the ‘Quiet Girl’ chapter to Jie’er, and she insisted that ‘red tube’ was a redwood stick.”
As she spoke, she dipped her brush in tea and wrote two characters on the table, showing them to Guo Jia: "I originally gave Jie'er the nickname 'Shuo Yi,' but Yuanming changed it to..."
“‘Leyi’ is so heroic! The surname of General Yue Yi of Yan, and the ‘yi’ in ‘renyi’ (benevolence and righteousness), not only retains the pronunciation given by his mother, but also shows the demeanor of an extraordinary woman.”
Deng Zhao turned to Guo Jia and explained, "My younger sister now practices medicine to help the world, which suits this name perfectly. Hey? Look, 'Leyi' (乐义) is the same as 'Fengxiao' (奉孝), they really do match!"
Deng's mother gently shook her head and rubbed her forehead, while Yu Qiu covered her face and chuckled.
"Brother, what nonsense are you talking about!" Deng Jie shouted incredulously, his neck turning red.
Guo Jia pretended not to hear and smiled as he tapped the words on the table: "The original words given by the old lady, were they from 'saying about the beauty of a woman'?"
Deng Jie didn't dare look at him.
"Exactly. In my heart, I always feel that daughters are still..."
"Mother!" Deng Jie interrupted hurriedly, "How can I say my childhood name in front of outsiders!" He hurriedly picked up the teacup and drank.
Deng Zhao suddenly leaned forward, his eyes wide as he spoke to her seriously: "Once you and Fengxiao are married, you will no longer be considered outsiders!"
Yu Qiu hurriedly handed her a handkerchief to wipe her face, but Guo Jia's smile faded. He silently poured her another cup of tea and gathered up his half-wet sleeves.
Deng Jie glanced at Guo Jia's expression, feeling both ashamed and indignant. He frowned and scolded Deng Zhao, "Brother, why are you talking nonsense?"
Deng Zhao straightened up and said loudly, "How could I say anything nonsense? It just so happens that you two get along well, and we all support you. Doesn't that just prove your saying, 'You have both your parents' wishes and your lover'? Tomorrow is the first day of the month, and with Liu's new engagement, those shop owners and brothel owners will inevitably ask about your marriage. Anyway, we've already arranged a marriage for the two of you, so isn't that doing a good deed for everyone?"
"What do you mean by 'compatible'? We've only known each other for half a month." Deng Jie avoided Deng Zhao's gaze and looked away unhappily. "Does my marriage have to be put on display for everyone to judge?"
Deng Zhao leaned against the table and said softly to Deng Jie, "We have seen the affection between you two. Liu and Jiao Zhongqing have only known each other for a few days. Besides, those arranged marriages have never even been met. How many people would object? Jingyuan has told you so many times that you've never met. This time, I'm bringing Fengxiao to your home. If you two get along well, isn't that perfect?"
Deng Jie suddenly looked up, her eyes glistening with tears. "Are you really going to push me out like this?"
Deng Jie felt a surge of anger rising within him, and suddenly raised his voice a notch: "So I'm supposed to wait for him day and night, just like my sister-in-law waits for you every day? Besides, with his current health, how can he travel around with you? He still has to stay at home to take care of him, wouldn't that just invite gossip?"
Deng Zhao slammed his fist on the table in frustration and blurted out, "You really think Fengxiao is unwanted? That young lady from the Xun family of Yingchuan almost ran away with us, wanting to elope with Fengxiao!"
These words finally startled Deng Jie, and Yu Qiu also widened her eyes to steal a glance at Guo Jia. Deng's mother gently put down her teacup, and Guo Jia, who had not expected Deng Zhao to bring this up, hurriedly stopped him, ignoring his hoarse voice, saying, "Brother Yuanming, don't joke. My body is like a drifting tumbleweed, let alone my current crippled state..."
Deng Jie felt a sudden buzzing in his mind. He realized that he had been acting so improperly towards him for the past few days, and that he was just a clown... How could this merchant doctor compare to the noble lady?
A surge of shame, indignation, and inferiority welled up in her chest, and tears welled up in her eyes. With red eyes, she interrupted him, "I will definitely restore your health!"
After saying that, he got up and ran away.
Upon seeing this, Yu Qiu immediately stood up and patted Deng Zhao's shoulder, "I'll take A-Jie shopping!" She quickly got up and chased after her, seeing her chasing into the courtyard and instructing the maid to take Deng Ming, while calling out to Deng Jie.
Deng Zhao sighed deeply, slapped the table again, and said to Guo Jia with a helpless expression, "Fengxiao, please don't laugh at me."
Guo Jia shook his head and raised his hand to comfort him: "Thank you for your kindness, Brother Yuanming. Please don't let my sake ruin the harmony between brother and sister. My future is uncertain, and I am already burdened with this. How could I dare to have any greedy thoughts?"
Deng Zhao looked at his mother unhappily and said, "Mother is quite composed."
Madam Deng gestured for her to stand up, and a maidservant stepped forward to help her up. The old lady then spoke slowly, "Jingyuan did very well, so I didn't have to worry about him. But you..." Deng Zhao looked up to listen to the admonition, "Add three parts patience and seven parts letting things take their course. If it's meant to be, it will happen naturally."
She smiled at Guo Jia, who returned the gesture.
After Deng's mother left, Deng Zhao went up to Guo Jia, leaned on his shoulder, and asked, "What's wrong? It seems that Fengxiao still doesn't think much of my little sister."
Guo Jia gave a wry smile. "Brother Yuanming, why ask a question you already know the answer to?"
As he spoke, a sharp pain gripped his heart.
As soon as Deng Ming stepped out, she ran around aimlessly, and Yu Qiu couldn't keep up. So she simply handed a string of copper coins to the maid to use to soothe the child, and caught up with Deng Jie. She took her arm and wanted to lead her to Liu's Embroidery Workshop. "Since we're out here, why don't we go and take a look at the embroidery workshop? I wonder how the repairs are going."
“It will be repaired after the New Year. Today is New Year’s Eve, and there may not even be anyone there. Why is there such a rush, sister-in-law?”
Deng Jie pulled her sleeve back unhappily, feeling that Yu Qiu was forcing a conversation. At this moment, she would rather be alone.
"We can also visit Lanzhi's house on the way; it's near the embroidery workshop." Yu Qiu pulled Deng Jie, not wanting him to leave.
"We just picked up her family, which should have allowed them to reunite. Why are you, the employer, going to join in the fun?" Deng Jie muttered, pouting, but her steps followed helplessly.
As they spoke, the two arrived at the entrance of the embroidery workshop, only to find the newly installed lattice door wide open, with a "thump thump thump" sound coming from inside.
The two leaned in to see who was there, and only after entering the courtyard did they find that there were only Jiao Zhongqing and Liu Lanzhi.
Liu Lanzhi was squatting beside the dye vat, sorting out the ruined cloth, while Jiao Zhongqing was hammering on the new loom frame.
"Zhongqing, Lanzhi? What are you doing here?" Yu Qiu never expected that it would be these two who were busy.
Upon seeing her employer arrive, Liu Lanzhi hurriedly stood up, wiped her hands on the cloth to greet him, and Jiao Zhongqing also put down his tools and got up to join her.
Looking at the two of them, Deng Jie really felt that they were busy with the preparations for marriage.
Liu Lanzhi originally said that the two of them came to the embroidery shop to make some repairs while her family went to buy New Year's goods, but Jiao Zhongqing sighed and said frankly: "I'm not afraid of being laughed at by the boss, but actually my mother is causing trouble again."
He explained helplessly, "Lanzhi's family said that Lanzhi's private property would be left to us for our own use, not as part of her dowry, and they would provide a separate dowry. My mother was unhappy about this, and the two families started arguing, so we ran away..."
As Jiao Zhongqing spoke, he looked at Liu Lanzhi and said, "But Lanzhi, don't worry, I'll talk to her again when I get back."
Liu Lanzhi waved her hand in relief: "Fortunately, Zhongqing's stepfather came out to smooth things over and said, 'Now that we've passed through life and death, money is no longer a material thing,' which stopped his mother a bit."
Jiao Zhongqing said urgently, "Lanzhi, I'm sorry. We'll move out after we get married. After all, Mother still has to take care of my younger sister, so it's not appropriate for us to stay at home."
Liu Lanzhi's eyes lit up as she discussed with him whether to stay in Wancheng or where to buy a house. The two of them unknowingly left everyone else out in the cold.
Deng Jie stared blankly as the two discussed their plans. They had only known each other for less than half a month, so why were they so sure about each other and planning for the future?
When she couldn't help but ask, Yu Qiu was startled at first and wanted to stop her, but then she thought that it was a case in point and stopped her and let her ask.
The newlyweds smiled at each other, surprised that they had only known each other for less than half a month, yet they felt as if they had known each other for a long time, and they felt they had endless things to talk about.
As for future plans, the two told Deng Jie that Liu Lanzhi's embroidery business was booming at the moment, so they would focus on the embroidery business. If Jiao Zhongqing really entered officialdom in the future, Liu Lanzhi would follow him.
Liu Lanzhi countered Deng Jie's question: "Isn't that Mr. Guo and the young lady the same? I think the two of them get along very well."
Deng Jie's ears burned, and he instinctively wanted to deny it, but then he stopped and asked, "Is that how you see us too?"
The two men smiled at each other, and Liu Lanzhi told her that it wasn't just them who thought so; all the girls in the embroidery workshop could see it too.
Deng Jie, who usually acted decisively like his elder brother, was exceptionally cautious in this matter.
Deng Jie's expression darkened: "But...but my brother said he has a noble lady in Yingchuan who is willing to elope with him..."
Liu Lanzhi tugged at Jiao Zhongqing's sleeve and said, "Yesterday his mother said she wanted to break off my marriage and find him a new wife, the daughter of a county magistrate."
Jiao Zhongqing quickly grasped Liu Lanzhi's hand, looking at her with burning eyes: "But Lanzhi knows my heart."
Liu Lanzhi nodded slowly: "If you really care, then go and ask him yourself. I think the master will explain it to you properly."
Yu Qiu also put his arm around Deng Jie's shoulder and patted him gently, "That's right, didn't you see that Yuan Ming was angry at the time? He was just trying to make you admit it. I think Feng Xiao's reaction was also without any guilt."
Deng Jie's expression darkened: "How could I possibly ask him something like this... especially considering his health..."
Deng Jie nodded slowly, and after bidding farewell to the two with Yu Qiu, he went to the market stalls to find Deng Ming.
When they found Deng Ming, the young master was leading his maid in the silversmith's workshop, making a fuss about wanting a silver lock made. The maid was in a dilemma, wondering how she could make such a decision, and was coaxing the baby to go buy some food.
"Which one has caught Ming'er's eye?" Upon seeing this, Yu Qiu shook off Deng Jie and walked quickly toward her son. Deng Jie also took the opportunity to enter the shop and look at the jewelry from left to right.
Yu Qiu finally managed to dissuade Deng Ming from his idea, but Deng Jie took a fancy to the silver ball with cloud patterns that Guo Jia had taken a liking to the other day, a ball that could only rotate.
“Young lady, you have a good eye. This is a silver sachet with cloud-patterned openwork. I learned the technique from a master craftsman in Luoyang.” Seeing that the young man had no intention of buying any more, the silversmith turned around, took it off, and introduced it to Deng Jie.
"This is a sachet? This is the first time I've seen one like this." Deng Jie picked it up and examined it. He turned the openwork cloud pattern and opened it, revealing a small incense burner inside.
Deng Jie stared wide-eyed and blushed as he looked back at Yu Qiu. Yu Qiu laughed and said, "Do you think I really don't know why you've been making incense powder so slowly this year? You might as well go back and apologize to Feng Xiao. After all, you embarrassed him in front of so many people."
Although Deng Jie knew it was an excuse, he still accepted it gladly.
Inside the warm pavilion, Deng Zhao and Guo Jia were sitting and chatting while brewing tea.
"I was afraid you'd get tired of honey tea, so I've switched to a new tea. Come and try it," Deng Zhao said, pouring Guo Jia a cup.
Guo Jia took the teacup, blew on the steam, took a sip, and put it down, sighing with a smile, "It's bitter."
Deng Zhao exclaimed in surprise, "Is it bitter?" He then raised his cup and took a sip himself. "No, it's not bitter."
Guo Jia laughed loudly, "I'm lamenting that I can't drink alcohol, how bitter!"
"Since you are willing to be bound by A-Jie, you should try your best to resist your cravings."
Deng Zhao slammed the cup down on the table with a thud. "I know what you're worried about. You can only heal your physical injuries for now, but you can put future plans on the agenda."
He then pulled out a map from under the table and unfolded it. "I understand that Fengxiao's ambitions lie not in business. Let's take a look at the current situation first, so that we can have a plan in mind."
Guo Jia also became interested, took out a few bamboo slips, hastily marked them, and then lightly placed them in various places on the map:
Liu Yu, Gongsun Zan, Yuan Shao, and Zhang Yang from Hebei. The two men exchanged a smile, shook their heads in unison, and said nothing more.
"Once born into this world, I will never return." Deng Zhao applied a line of vermilion to each of the four bamboo slips for Guo Jia.
“But this Liu Bei…” Guo Jia picked up the bamboo slips from Pingyuan State, “Last year he only led three thousand troops to aid Kong Rong in Beihai. This year he garrisoned Gaotang without fear of Yuan Shao and Cao Cao’s large armies, opening up a new situation for Gongsun Zan. He is indeed a remarkable figure, and we might consider him.” He placed the bamboo slips beside him.
In Chang'an, Li Jue and Guo Si controlled the emperor. Lü Bu fled and was driven out by Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu, ambitious and eager for glory, fought with his brother Shao, causing chaos in the Central Plains. Adding to this was the calamity of the Golden Certificate...
Guo Jia raised an eyebrow slightly, and like Deng Zhao, he applied cinnabar to the bamboo slips, covering them all with a red mark.
Liu Yan is far away in Yizhou. Not to mention the high mountains and long roads, he still dares to dream of possessing the "aura of an emperor." Guo Jia shook his head and sighed. Being a local emperor is certainly enjoyable, but the granaries of Yizhou will be swallowed up by other forces sooner or later. Let's see how long he can support them.
Although Liu Biao of Jingzhou was on good terms with Deng Zhao, the local gentry were very powerful, and the Cai and Kuai families controlled the military and political affairs. Liu Biao himself had already exhausted his energy by controlling the local forces in Jingzhou and Xiangyang, and was just a guard dog.
Tao Qian of Xuzhou is from a deeply entrenched local aristocratic family. He is getting old and has no successor. If something changes, it is hard to say who will get Xuzhou.
Guo Jia chuckled and shook his head.
Cao Cao of Yanzhou... was an ally of Yuan Shao, connecting the four provinces of Yu, Qing, Xu and Ji, situated in a strategic location, guarding the vital Yellow River route, and also the place where Xun Yu sought refuge.
Guo Jia pondered for a moment, then took out this piece as well and compared it with Liu Bei's.
"Heh, it seems we don't need to consider Yangzhou anymore." Deng Zhao was too lazy to draw red marks and simply tossed out names like Zhou Ang, Chen Yu, and Lu Kangzhi.
Yangzhou was vast but sparsely populated, making it impossible for it to compete with the Central Plains for supremacy. Moreover, Chen Yu was a man of Yuan Shu, and Zhou Ang was a man of Yuan Shao.
"So, which of these two would you choose?" Deng Zhao took the two pieces from Guo Jia's hand and placed them on the table for him.
"Although Liu Bei possessed heroic qualities, being caught between Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao was ultimately a trapped dragon. If he did not have an opportunity to develop, he would likely perish in Pingyuan."
Guo Jia moved the bamboo slip with "Liu Bei" on it and picked up the one with "Cao Cao" to examine it closely. He narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Judging from the relationship between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, the north is safe for the time being. The key is to clear the east and west sides, and pay special attention to Yuan Shu's movements."
His retainers are mainly relatives of the Cao and Xiahou clans, and now that we have Mr. Wenruo as our strategist, he will surely lead the scholars of Yingchuan to develop..."
He smiled slightly, "Then Cao Cao's main base will eventually move to Yingchuan..."
"Oh? It seems you've made up your mind?" Deng Zhao chuckled.
"That's what I'm thinking, but right now..." He shook his head helplessly.
"It's good that you have an idea. You don't need to worry too much. Just stay here and recover your health. On the day you set off, I will arrange your marriage." Deng Zhao gently slapped the table, as if to make a final decision.
Guo Jia was so startled that he dropped the bamboo slips he was holding. "Brother Yuanming, are you really going to give your sister away so easily?"
"Do you think she has other options? Do you think I don't know who she associates with and what kind of people she's with? Right now, her mind is entirely on you." Deng Zhao rearranged the bamboo slips and pointed at him as he spoke.
"This..." Guo Jia finally hesitated.
"Besides, it's still unknown when you'll recover, while Cao Cao is still in the early stages of establishing himself, and the situation is unstable."
"Who knows, when the time comes, you'll both have great opportunities in your careers and families. At that time, you won't be able to hold on any longer and will ask me to officiate your wedding!" Deng Zhao laughed, leaning back.
Guo Jia stammered in agreement, a bittersweet sense of guilt welling up inside him, while his hand reached into his sleeve and gently groped for the box.
Just then, Yu Qiu returned with Deng Jie and Deng Ming. Once inside the warm pavilion, he let Deng Ming go and bother Deng Zhao, saying, "Father, look at me!"
He held up a cloth tiger, saying, "My mother bought this for me!" As he ran over, a "jingle" sound came from the cloth tiger, which startled Guo Jia slightly.
Deng Zhao caught his son and praised him. Yu Qiu stepped forward and gave Deng Zhao a look, then said to Guo Jia, "Let's go see how the banquet preparations are going. Ajie, you and Fengxiao go down later."
Deng Jie stood at the entrance of the warm pavilion and nodded slightly. After seeing off Deng Zhao and the other two, she lowered her head and gently closed the lattice door. She then sat down opposite Guo Jia, never daring to look him in the eye.
Guo Jia's gaze fell upon her as she took her seat, and his throat went dry. "Miss Deng, this is..."
Deng Jie glanced at the array of items on the table, picked up the bamboo slip inscribed with "Cao Cao," and asked, "Sir, have you decided to leave?"
Guo Jia's gaze lingered between her and the bamboo slips. "Take care of your health first... we must get through the spring first."
Hearing his hoarse voice, Deng Jie couldn't help but show a look of dejection. "Is it because... Mr. Xun is there? Or..." She swallowed, but ultimately didn't finish her sentence.
Guo Jia was taken aback, then chuckled: "Yes, because Wenruo is there, but that's only because of Wenruo."
At that time, the Chen family was about to move to Xuzhou, and I don't even know where they are now.
Deng Jie's ears burned slightly. He was explaining this to her properly, which meant he really cared about her thoughts. "Then... does the gentleman still have old friends in his heart?" She still only lowered her eyes and stared at the reflection in the tea.
Guo Jia leaned forward slightly, his gaze focused on the girl before him who dared not look him in the eye. "If I say I have no feelings for you, will you marry me?"
A glint flashed in Deng Jie's eyes, and Guo Jia's lips curled into a slight smile. "But you don't need to take my matter as your responsibility. After all, it was my own choice, and I have never complained... nor do I want you to worry too much."
Deng Jie clenched the hem of her clothes, her lips trembling for a long time before she finally mustered the courage to speak frankly: "I... will still try to find a way to cure the master."
But until then... let's ignore what my brother and the others said and continue as before, okay?
Guo Jia gazed at her and slowly nodded: "Okay."
Deng Jie breathed a sigh of relief and smiled with satisfaction. He took out a small lacquered wooden box from his sleeve, and inside was the silver sachet with cloud patterns. Next to it was a small red rope. He pushed it to Guo Jia and said, "Sir, you can't stand the smell of perfume and smoke, but you can't sleep well and you also dislike the smell of medicine on your body, so I made you some perfume. I liked this sachet before, so it's perfect for holding the perfume."
Guo Jia was startled. Wasn't this the very one he had his eye on the other day? She had actually bought it.
He immediately thought of the item in his sleeve, and his eyes flashed with the same playful glint as before: "This... is it a token of our love?"
Deng Jie was shocked, her face flushed as she hurriedly explained, "No, didn't you say it would be the same as before? Of course, it's not a token of love. Consider it an apology for refusing your request earlier... and also a prayer for good fortune!"
Guo Jia chuckled and took out a lacquered wooden box with the same pattern from his sleeve. He opened it and pushed it in front of Deng Jie: "What a coincidence, this isn't a token either."
Upon closer inspection, Deng Jie saw that inside was a silver bell shaped like a sachet.
"It looks like it was made by the same silversmith. It's just that mine is a size too small... this is really the only size I can afford."
Guo Jia smiled and took out a silver bell. "This is a thank-you gift. Thank you for taking care of me these past few days, and for the future."
Deng Jie took the silver bell, unable to hide her embarrassment, and softly scolded, "If you have no money, why waste it..."
"Since we can't buy any more alcohol to drink anyway, we might as well save it to buy things to make the girls happy."
As Guo Jia spoke, he took out a sachet from his box and tied it with a red string: "This silversmith is quite meticulous."
Deng Jie looked at the silver bell in his hand, which was also tied with a red string, and gently plucked it, producing a clear and melodious sound. "Because it's the New Year..."
He suddenly stopped, his gaze shifting to Guo Jia's face. "Uh, it's just for the festive spirit of the New Year, nothing more!"
Guo Jia nodded solemnly, "Absolutely no other intention." He then began to tie it around his waist, "Then shall we both wear them?"
Deng Jie nodded slightly, harboring a sliver of hope.
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