Chapter 30: Dare Not Seize

Inside the basket, thick layers of oiled paper were wrapped around seven pieces of water chestnut pastry, though it was clear the topmost one had been given away. Jingyuan’s gaze lingered upon it for a moment. Sutang said nothing, simply pushing the basket a little closer to Jingyuan.

To eat or not to eat? The dishes had already been served; to refuse now would be… well. But just as Jingyuan’s sleeve lifted, before any real movement, Sutang noticed someone approaching.

The newcomer was about the same height as Jingyuan, dressed in understated yet lavish blue silk embroidered with subtle patterns. His hairpin seemed shaped like a qilin, and his silky black hair was tied behind his head. He had a broad forehead and delicate features—not as handsome as her own husband, but not lacking, either.

Sutang stepped back half a pace and bent her knees in greeting. She recalled that it was this man who had intervened in yesterday’s quarrel.

Jingyuan, seeing Sutang’s courtesy, realized someone stood behind him and turned to look.

“Jingyuan,” Huang Wenzhao greeted.

“Huang, fellow student,” replied Jingyuan.

From the side, Sutang thought: They must not be close at all.

Huang Wenzhao seemed surprised at such a distant form of address, pausing before laughing and shaking his head. “I know there’s a misunderstanding between us, but I had no part in today’s events at the academy. I had no idea those few would seek you out to speak on yesterday’s matter. As for what I learned yesterday, I have not mentioned it to anyone else.”

As he spoke, Huang Wenzhao glanced around. Passing students nodded at him as they went by, and he returned their smiles.

It was obvious that unless Jingyuan was utterly clueless, he should know others had witnessed what happened yesterday, too.

Yet it seemed Jingyuan really was a bit clueless. He ignored Huang Wenzhao entirely, reaching into the basket Sutang held and taking out a piece of water chestnut pastry—then began to eat it, just like that!

A vein twitched on Huang Wenzhao’s forehead.

Sutang, watching the scene unfold, smiled. “I was present yesterday. I believe what you say, fellow student Huang.”

Huang Wenzhao all but gave her a grateful look, bowing slightly in her direction. “Thank you, Lady Lu.”

Sutang stepped back and returned the gesture. “You are too kind, fellow student Huang.”

“Yesterday, I was too forward. I should have asked for the reason before speaking. Jingyuan rarely speaks at the academy, and today I came in haste. I hope this does not cause any rift between us, nor disturb the peace between you and your esteemed wife,” Huang Wenzhao said. “Yesterday, your lady came to greet me; today, she is here again. It is clear she is both virtuous and hardworking. Jingyuan is fortunate indeed to have such a wife—something we all envy.”

Sutang’s smile was gentle. “My husband is not fond of conversation, and I worried that it would be hard for him to make friends at the academy. Who would have thought that you, fellow student Huang, would be so understanding? It is he who is fortunate to have you as a friend.”

“Lady Lu, you think too highly of me. Jingyuan is gentle by nature. Though it’s only been a few days, he has already made many friends.”

“I suppose you count yourself among them, fellow student Huang?”

“I dare not presume…”

“You are truly modest, fellow student Huang.”

While Jingyuan ate his pastry, he watched the exchange between Huang Wenzhao and Sutang. Sutang seemed the more enthusiastic, and as she spoke, she offered the basket, “Fellow student Huang, would you like to try my husband’s favorite water chestnut pastry?”

Huang Wenzhao quickly declined, “How could I take what Jingyuan loves most?”

“It’s getting late—I should take my leave, or else Jingyuan might accuse me of being too worldly tomorrow.”

He retreated as he spoke, and by the time his voice faded, he was already three steps away.

Sutang could only retract the basket and watch him depart.

Meanwhile, Jingyuan had finished his pastry. “Would you like another, my husband?” Sutang offered.

But Jingyuan clearly had no desire for more, instead asking, “Why not use a box?”

Sutang smiled, holding the basket in both hands and swaying it gently at her side. “Isn’t it lovely?”

Her bright eyes and dazzling smile made the lacquered basket seem lively and charming.

Jingyuan turned away and walked on.

Sutang was unconcerned, following beside him with the basket. In her predecessor’s memories, treats were always presented in boxes, but the women of Ping’an Town used baskets. She had bought one the day before—why let it go to waste?

…

The two walked beneath a parasol tree, passing vendors who were still hawking their wares. Jingyuan glanced casually around.

“What a shame—they were too frightened to come back,” Sutang murmured.

Jingyuan’s stride faltered, and he quickened his pace.

Sutang, smiling, kept up with him.

…

When they returned home, most of the awning outside the courtyard had already been set up. The main beams were joined with mortise-and-tenon joints, the rest held together with nails—some wooden, some bamboo, some stone—and rope. The awning took up all the space of their stall, with a wide wooden table perfect for displaying their noodle-making skills. Reserved spaces on either side awaited the signs crafted by Nannan’s father.

Sutang discussed with Li Qingtian where tomorrow’s repairs and adjustments were needed. Once they’d finished, they returned to find the kitchen already set, with table and dishes laid out.

“Time to eat,” called Lu Dashan.

…

Tonight’s dinner included dragon beard noodles.

Lu Dashan ate with relish.

“My father-in-law helped so much today,” said Li Qingtian.

“Thank you, Father,” Sutang said softly.

Lu Dashan waved her off. “We’re all family—no need. The new wife has a kind heart. Today, Master Xuanji said she’d gone to see the headman, offering to donate part of our daily earnings to the orphanage for the elderly. Tomorrow, she’ll need to sign some contract with the headman. I don’t understand these things. Would you go along to help, son?”

Though his tone sounded consultative, his eyes clearly said he’d change his mind if pressed.

Li Qingtian couldn’t help but purse his lips.

Jingyuan paused, chopsticks in midair, but before he could speak, Sutang interjected, “No—my husband should focus on his studies.”

Lu Dashan was puzzled. This young woman was even more concerned for his son’s studies than he was?

Sutang’s expression was earnest. “Though my husband has only studied two days, he’s already advanced from the beginner’s class to the Wenhua level. Father, do you know? The Wenhua students are eligible for next year’s county exam.”

“Really?” Lu Dashan exclaimed, so surprised that he dropped his chopsticks.

Li Qingtian’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Taking the county exam wasn’t such a big deal, but to advance after just two days of study—was he really a genius?

Jingyuan said nothing, but his meaning was clear.

Lu Dashan leapt up, ran out into the courtyard, and pressed his palms together, dancing with joy.

“Haha! Wonderful! Ancestors bless us!”

The big black dog bounced along beside him.

Sutang, watching the scene, was both amused and exasperated.

Li Qingtian muttered, “Now I see—he’s really his father.”

Jingyuan glanced over, his eyes reddening for a moment before he suppressed it.

When Lu Dashan finally calmed down and returned to the kitchen, he knew everyone had seen his display. Face flushing, he grinned sheepishly, “I lost myself for a moment. I’ll accompany you tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Father,” Sutang said with a smile.

“It’s nothing,” Lu Dashan replied heartily.

At that moment, Jingyuan turned to Sutang.

In his dark eyes, there seemed something he wished to say.

“Is there something amiss?” Sutang asked. “Or does my husband wish to donate as well?”