Chapter 714: “Where are you getting such talk from, Brother!

"Cough! Why are you staring at your young master like that?"

Xu Zaijing looked at Qingcao's expression and spoke with a tone that was blustery but inwardly uneasy.

Speaking, Xu Zaijing turned his back, hiding the book scroll in his hand, sidestepped Qingcao's gaze, and sat back down in his chair to gaze out the window.

"Young master! You—"

Just moments ago, it had been Xu Zaijing who had questioned her with his eyes; Qingcao had voiced her inner thoughts, only for her own young master to act unjustly and lash out like this!

As Qingcao opened her mouth to continue, Xu Zaijing waved his hand to cover his face: "This young master is thirsty. Go fetch some water."

"Oh!"

Qingcao puckered her nose at Xu Zaijing, curtsied, and turned to walk out.

Once the sound of the door closing reached his ears, Xu Zaijing turned his head slowly, lost in thought, toward the door.

He stared blankly for a while.

Xu Zaijing shook his head slightly, sighed softly, and turned back to gaze out the window.

A moment later,

voices came from outside the study,

the door opened, and Xu Zaijing, sensing something off about the footsteps, glanced at the newcomer: "Hm? Yunxiang? Where's Qingcao?"

Yunxiang, carrying water, smiled at Xu Zaijing: "Young master, Sister Qingcao says she's feeling dizzy."

"What? This—"

Xu Zaijing nodded helplessly and quietly set the book scroll aside.

On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival,

that day, in Bianjing, whether noble or commoner, all hosted banquets at home or in wine houses.

At the beginning of the Si hour (after nine in the morning)

before the famed Qingfeng Pavilion on the broad banks of the Bian River.

Well-dressed young servants on the street stood on tiptoe, glancing frequently at the bridge above the river.

Suddenly, one servant froze, then quickly turned: "Young master, the Fifth Young Master of the Xu family has arrived."

Qiao Jiulang, seated beneath the colorful pavilion and wine banner at the door, hurried over to the street.

The female attendant holding the sunshade umbrella behind him also quickened her pace.

When the newcomer stepped off the bridge and approached, the Qingfeng Pavilion's servant stood beside the Qiao family's servant and asked a few questions about the visitor's identity.

Not long after,

Xu Zaijing, off duty that day, dismounted with a graceful sidestep, one hand holding a folding fan, tossing the reins to Qingyun behind him.

Seeing Qiao Jiulang standing by the street, Xu Zaijing asked, puzzled: "Jiulang, isn't it Liulang hosting today? Why are you standing out here?"

"Is he upstairs?" Xu Zaijing looked up toward the upper floors of the wooden pavilion.

Qiao Jiulang shook his head with a smile: "Jingge'er, go up first. I'll explain later."

"Very well." Xu Zaijing smiled at Qiao Jiulang.

The Qingfeng Pavilion servant sprinted back to the door and lifted the bamboo curtain with a grin: "Young master, please come in."

Xu Zaijing nodded and stepped inside.

As soon as he entered, two middle-aged men, well-dressed and accompanied by male and female attendants, came toward him speaking.

The two middle-aged men, with their large retinue, filled the corridor.

Qingyun had not yet caught up; Xu Zaijing was alone.

Logically, Xu Zaijing, the one with fewer people, should have stepped aside.

But,

before the door servant could step forward to clear the way,

one of the two approaching middle-aged men glanced at Xu Zaijing, then immediately pulled his companion aside to make way.

The masters moved to the side, and their attendants naturally stepped aside as well.

This surprised Xu Zaijing slightly—he had visited Qingfeng Pavilion only a few times.

As he passed them, Xu Zaijing paused slightly, glancing curiously at the first man who had moved aside.

The man was quick-witted; seeing Xu Zaijing's expression, he immediately bowed: "Your humble servant greets Young Master! I saw you play polo with the Northern Liao men outside Jinming Pond."

"Your polo skills are superb, so I recognize Young Master."

That day, the man had merely gone outside the city to watch the spectacle, understanding little of polo.

From his perch on a tree outside the field, though unaware of Xu Zaijing's exact identity, he had clearly seen his face—and knew that anyone who played polo with Northern Liao envoys could not be anything less than noble.

Xu Zaijing smiled and nodded: "Squire, you have a good memory."

"Young Master flatters me."

Xu Zaijing nodded again: "Squire, please go on your way."

"Yes, yes, yes!"

The man bowed repeatedly.

Qingyun, following behind, smiled and bowed to the two middle-aged men.

The two men hurriedly returned the bow.

After watching Xu Zaijing and Qingyun enter the pavilion,

the two middle-aged men turned to the Qingfeng Pavilion servant at the door: "Who is that young master?"

The servant, smiling at the door, recounted the news he had just learned.

When he finished,

the man's face filled with astonishment: "So this is the Fifth Young Master of the Xu family!"

The servant, seeing the silver coins tossed into his hand, bowed deeply: "Thank you, Squire!"

Xu Zaijing and Qingyun lifted their robes and ascended to the third floor.

Entering the private chamber, they passed the screen—and found themselves the first to arrive.

On the table in the center of the chamber sat several dishes of seasonal fruit.

Xu Zaijing idly grabbed a few pieces, eating as he walked toward the window.

He opened the window,

and sounds from below drifted up.

Looking down from height,

just below lay the Bian River, bustling with boats; along the banks stood numerous docks, and from across the river came the rhythmic chants of laborers lifting cargo.

Farther across the river lay rows of "tāfáng"—warehouses of the time.

To the right of his view rose the towering outer city wall of Bianjing.

Following the Bian River southeastward, beyond the outer city wall, lay the Dongshuimen Dock—the very spot where the Bai family's great ship had once moored to load and unload cargo when Xu Zaijing departed for Yangzhou and returned to the capital.

Gazing at the scenery of Bianjing,

Xu Zaijing noticed a bird perched on a nearby branch,

watched it for a moment,

then hefted the fruit pit still in his hand,

and the bird, sensing something, flapped its wings and flew into the air.

Soon after,

Gu Tingye and Qi Heng entered the chamber.

Finally came two young men from the capital, familiar to Xu Zaijing, who were close friends of Liang Han, accompanied by Qiao Jiulang.

After mutual greetings and pleasantries, all took their seats.

Yet the host of the day, Liang Han, had not appeared.

Soon, under Qiao Jiulang's signal, the pavilion servants began serving the dishes.

Gu Tingye, watching the endless stream of dishes being placed before them, said to Xu Zaijing in surprise: "Fivelang, Liulang must be really determined today! This feast must cost a fortune."

Xu Zaijing smiled and nodded, tilting his chin toward the servant holding the wine jars: "Erlang, look at the wine jars the Qingfeng Pavilion servant is carrying."

Gu Tingye followed his gaze, then widened his eyes: "Fivelang, is Liulang asking us for something? Why else would he spend so lavishly?"

Xu Zaijing glanced at Qi Heng, who seemed lost in thought: "Yuanruo, what do you think?"

Qi Heng's face flickered with unease: "Jingge'er, I—I also think Liulang might have something to ask of us."

Xu Zaijing smiled.

Gu Tingye turned to look at Qiuniang, the attendant he had brought, and said to Xu Zaijing: "Fivelang, you didn't bring any female attendants today?"

Xu Zaijing nodded: "Yes, they're all at home studying."

Qi Heng asked, puzzled: "Jingge'er, my grandmother says your two female attendants already know so many skills—why are they still studying?"

Xu Zaijing smiled: "Yuanruo is right, but they don't know how to sword-dance."

As he spoke,

the door to the chamber opened,

and everyone assumed it was Liang Han, the host, entering, so all turned toward the door.

To everyone's surprise, the figure appearing behind the screen was Rong Xian, wearing a bright red thin robe and a flower pinned in her hair.

"Brothers! Long time no see, hahaha!" Rong Xian greeted with a laugh and a bow.

Qiao Jiulang looked slightly startled but rose with a smile to welcome Rong Xian toward the table.

"Rong brother, you truly look radiant and full of joy!" said one of Qiao Jiulang's companions, flattering him.

"Hehe, not bad, not bad!" With that, Rong Xian adjusted the flower hairpin on his head and walked toward Xu Zaijing.

Arriving beside Gu Tingye, Rong Xian smiled and bowed his hands: "Second Young Master, thank you for making room—I'd like to sit beside Jing Ge."

"Rong Xian, you rascal—"

Before Gu Tingye, frowning, could continue, Rong Xian lowered his voice: "These past two days, Madam Ruan is hosting a refined music gathering."

Before he finished speaking, Rong Xian raised an eyebrow at Gu Tingye.

Gu Tingye's frown instantly vanished; he suppressed a smile and said: "Brother, what nonsense! Please, sit!"

Saying this, Gu Tingye shifted slightly to make space.

The observant Buwei hurried over and placed a chair in the empty spot.

Rong Xian nodded with a smile at Buwei, sat down, and instinctively rolled up his sleeves, revealing several delicate silk cords on his wrists.

After rolling up his sleeves, Rong Xian turned his head to look at Xu Zaijing, who sat calmly beside him, smiling and chatting with others.

Xu Zaijing's sleeves hung quietly at his wrists; Rong Xian could not see what lay beneath.

Sitting below, Qiao Jiulang rose with a smile and raised his cup: "Today, Brother Liang has business—I'll drink three cups in his stead."

Watching Qiao Jiulang down three cups cleanly, everyone at the table clapped and cheered.

Since Qiao Jiulang did not specify, no one pressed for details on why Liang Han was absent.

As everyone began to pick up their chopsticks,

Gu Tingye, seated beside Rong Xian, casually extended his hand, prompting the maid Qiuniang to roll up his sleeve.

As he rolled up his sleeve, Gu Tingye glanced at Rong Xian's wrists and smiled: "Xian Ge, those silk cords on your wrists look quite fine."

Rong Xian tore his gaze from Xu Zaijing and gave Gu Tingye a thumbs-up.

In Gu Tingye's slightly puzzled expression, Rong Xian leaned closer and said: "Second Young Master, these were bestowed by the palace—how could they not be good?"

Gu Tingye said: "Funny—I have one too, granted by the palace."

Rong Xian nodded vaguely, then quickly turned to Xu Zaijing: "Wu Lang, what about you?"

Xu Zaijing gently shook his folding fan twice and replied: "Mine too."

Rong Xian glanced down at Xu Zaijing's wrists, then looked up at him.

Meeting Xu Zaijing's gaze, Rong Xian noticed his eyes held a faint, knowing smile.

That look made Rong Xian feel as if he had been seen through.

This silenced his urge to say more; he asked: "Wu Lang, what's wrong?"

Xu Zaijing smiled and glanced at Rong Xian's jade belt.

"Cough."

Understanding, Rong Xian sat up straight, adjusted his robes, and leaned close to Xu Zaijing: "Wu Lang, how did you know?"

Xu Zaijing whispered: "Xian Ge, you're married, soon to be a father—be more careful."

Rong Xian glanced away, embarrassed: "I was just… passing by. So I took a quick look."

Xu Zaijing mentally reviewed the map of the capital: "Xian Ge, you didn't go to that courtyard north of Chunming Fang, did you?"

"Cough."

Rong Xian nodded, eyes darting, surprised: "Wu Lang… you still remember?"

Previously, when delivering gifts to the Huyan household in Chunming Fang,

on the way, Rong Xian had lashed a pimp from a brothel and later taken interest in a girl from a hidden establishment.

Had he not claimed it was "just passing by," Xu Zaijing would never have suspected—he'd assumed Rong Xian had merely visited a brothel.

Across the table, Qiao Jiulang and several close young nobles were loudly toasting each other.

Xu Zaijing did not answer Rong Xian's question but leaned forward to glance at Gu Tingye, who was straining to listen.

Hearing no sound from Xu Zaijing, Gu Tingye turned his head.

Xu Zaijing smiled slightly: "Ye Ge."

Gu Tingye: "Jing Ge, what is it?"

Xu Zaijing said: "If I find out you and Xian Ge are asking about some sordid business, I guarantee you won't make it to Madam Ruan's gathering."

As he spoke, Xu Zaijing also glanced at Qi Heng beside him.

Gu Tingye's eyes darted around as he waved his hand, laughing: "Wu Lang, my Jing Ge! How could I ever ask about sordid things?"

Ignoring Gu Tingye's reply, Xu Zaijing continued: "And I'll write a letter to your brother-in-law. Of course, I'll mention your desire to attend Madam Ruan's gathering."

Hearing this,

Gu Tingye lost his teasing expression and nodded: "Jing Ge, I understand."

"Mm."

Xu Zaijing nodded, then glanced again at Qi Heng.

But Qi Heng had lowered his head, quietly eating the food previously served to him using the public chopsticks.

Beside him, Rong Xian watched Xu Zaijing's expression with quiet astonishment.

Gu Tingye was older than Xu Zaijing and also the legitimate son of the Hou Fu.

If any noble youth close to Rong Xian had spoken to him with such admonishing tone to his face, Rong Xian would have already jumped up and cursed.

But in his view, Xu Zaijing had openly threatened to report him—and Gu Tingye said nothing.

Moreover, Rong Xian noticed that when Xu Zaijing spoke, he glanced at Qi Heng.

Rong Xian had been through Liang Han's age too,

had Liang's family truly had urgent business, Qiao Jiulang would have said so outright.

Liang Han's absence today—Rong Xian realized at once—he was likely handling some "private matter," and this Dragon Boat feast was merely a cover.

Just now, Xu Zaijing's words were a warning to Gu Tingye—but that glance at Qi Heng? It was also a warning: don't follow Liang Liu's example.

"Ah!" Rong Xian sighed.

Hearing the sound,

Gu Tingye raised his wine cup and glanced at Rong Xian, his eyes saying: "I didn't sigh—why are you sighing?"

"Ah!" Rong Xian sighed again: "If I'd had a friend like Wu Lang back then, I'd surely have passed the imperial exams with glory."

"Hk!"

"Cough! Cough! Cough!"

Gu Tingye, mid-sip, choked.

At that moment,

Qi Heng rose from his seat, raised his cup: "Jing Ge, I toast you and Second Uncle."

Xu Zaijing was about to rise, but Qi Heng held his cup with one hand and reached toward Xu Zaijing's wrist: "Jing Ge, stay seated."

Watching Qi Heng's gesture, Rong Xian narrowed his eyes: 'Huh? Young Duke Qi—why does this motion feel so familiar? I came here with a mission—and this is exactly what I planned to do!'

Thinking this, Rong Xian quickly said: "Young Duke speaks truly."

Saying this, he reached toward Xu Zaijing's other wrist.

(End of Chapter)