Chapter 35: The Kiss

Chapter 35: The Kiss

Zhu Jingwei was eager to take Qiu Huanian with him, but Jiang the Second stopped him.

"Young Master Qiu, please don't take offense. I don't mean anything by it, but I think it would be more convenient if you brought someone along."

Qiu Huanian understood. In this society, it was indeed inappropriate for a young man like himself to go out alone with a man who was not a relative. The Zhu family was a respectable household and feared gossip.

Jiang the Second spoke politely, and Qiu Huanian was not the type to be inflexible or insist on having his way. As it happened, the Huang Daniang and her sister had just returned from their outing, so Qiu Huanian invited them to join him in visiting the red fermented tofu workshop.

Following Qiu Huanian's advice, Zhu Jingwei had spent thirty-five taels to purchase a spacious courtyard in a secluded area of the southern city. The courtyard was made of brick and tile, lacking ornate designs or decorations, but the materials were solid, and the space was ample, making it perfect for a food workshop.

The courtyard had previously been a tofu workshop. The owner had been forced to sell the property because his son had squandered the family fortune on gambling debts.

Zhu Jingwei, being generous, paid the full asking price of thirty-five taels without haggling, which delighted the owner. The owner left behind all the tools and techniques he had used to make tofu.

The servants of the Zhu family had worked through the night to clean the courtyard. When Qiu Huanian and the others arrived by carriage and pushed open the two fir wood doors, they were greeted by a small, neat, and tidy courtyard.

The courtyard faced south, with five main rooms to the north, directly opposite the doors. The rooms were connected, and the floor was paved with bricks and stones, filled with twelve sturdy wooden racks.

On one side of the racks were stacked large round bamboo trays, while the other side held clean, empty jars.

Zhu Jingwei pointed to the main rooms and said, "This is the fermentation room you mentioned, Hua. Both stinky tofu and red fermented tofu will be fermented here. You said fermentation should be done in a cool place, so I had someone measure for bamboo curtains, which will be hung on the windows and doors once they arrive."

Zhu Jingwei was eager to show off his achievements.

To the west of the courtyard was a mule enclosure, a large stone mill under a shed, and two connected side rooms filled with tofu-making tools.

"These items were left by the previous owner. I thought they were still usable, so I didn't buy new ones. We'll just need to buy a new mule. Since making red fermented tofu requires a lot of tofu, I thought it would be more efficient and economical to make it all here."

This was Zhu Jingwei's own idea. After the servants had found several suitable courtyards, Zhu Jingwei chose this one, which had previously been a tofu workshop, so that the fermented tofu workshop could also produce tofu.

Qiu Huanian smiled and said, "Jingwei is right."

It must be said that Zhu Jingwei, having grown up in a merchant family, had some innate business sense, even if he had previously spent his days idling.

Zhu Jingwei then pointed to the three connected side rooms to the east and said, "Those rooms used to be living quarters. I've already had the kang beds removed and the furniture moved out. I plan to build two new large stoves there for boiling tofu and pickling red fermented tofu."

In this way, the entire process of making red fermented tofu—from making tofu, steaming tofu, fermenting stinky tofu, to pickling red fermented tofu and jarring it—would all take place within the courtyard, forming a complete production chain.

"This place will only be used for making red fermented tofu. The truly important seasoning recipes will be purchased separately and entrusted to reliable people, who will prepare the seasoning powder and ready-made seasoning packets to be delivered directly here."

"There will always be someone overseeing the workshop, living in the side room to the left of the entrance. Nothing will go wrong!"

After excitedly explaining his arrangements, Zhu Jingwei took a water flask handed to him by a servant and took a sip of the refreshingly sweet and sour jasmine and snow plum drink his mother had specially prepared for him before he left.

The liquid slid down his throat, invigorating him.

Qiu Huanian nodded with a smile, "I don't see any problems here. What do you think, Aunt Huang and Second Aunt?"

The Huang sisters, after learning that Qiu Huanian had partnered with the young master of the Zhu family to open a red fermented tofu workshop using his recipe, were both impressed and happy for him.

The young master of the Zhu family seemed reliable, and with Yun Se, the promising "Little Triple First" scholar, around, there was no fear of anyone harboring ill intentions. By handing over the recipe, Qiu Huanian could earn a steady income without expending much effort, which was perfect for allowing him to focus on recuperating.

Huang Daniang smiled and said, "I can't find any faults either. I'm just waiting for the red fermented tofu workshop to start production so I can buy seasonings for my food shop in the city."

"Once your food shop is up and running, it will also help promote Qiu's Red Fermented Tofu."

Because Du Yunse mentioned it several times at the Hundred Flavors Competition and had the prefect distribute small jars with labels of red fermented tofu, the name "Qiu's Red Fermented Tofu" had already spread across Xiangping Prefecture. The red fermented tofu workshop co-run by Zhu Jingwei and Qiu Huanian would continue to use this name.

"Next, we need to find a skilled craftsman to carve out the labels you drew, Brother Hua, and print thousands of copies."

"Find a few private kilns and have them produce several types of one-pound jars, then select the most attractive ones to buy."

"Right! I want to invite a renowned calligrapher to inscribe a plaque for the red fermented tofu workshop, to hang outside so everyone knows this is my business!"

...

Zhu Jingwei thought about all the tasks ahead, feeling the urgency of a new official eager to make an impact, and couldn't sit still, wishing to get everything done right away.

After seeing the red fermented tofu workshop, Qiu Huanian suggested leaving, and Zhu Jingwei had his carriage take Qiu Huanian and the Huang sisters back to the Shu residence, while he rode off on horseback.

In the afternoon, Qiu Huanian and the Huang sisters went out together, buying lamp wicks and some daily necessities hard to find in Zhang County, returning with a full load.

By evening, Du Yunse returned, carrying several books and some things.

Qiu Huanian joked with a smile, "You left empty-handed and came back loaded, did you go to a tea party or to gather some loot?"

Du Yunse replied helplessly, "Just some prizes, Brother Hua, pick and see if there's anything you like."

Qiu Huanian first looked at the books; the prizes from the tea party were quite novel and niche.

The three books in Qiu Huanian's hands, judging by their prefaces, were new publications from this year, printed by a bookshop in the south, two being travelogues of landscapes and one a collection of lyrics and songs by a talent known as "Qingchi Xianren."

Qiu Huanian read a couple of pieces, finding Qingchi Xianren's use of words exceptionally beautiful and the melodies charming, excelling in both emotion and scenery, though the pervasive decadent style made one feel life was absurd and hopeless after too much reading.

"Brother Hua likes such lyrics and songs?"

"Occasionally reading a few is interesting, but not too much, or one might feel listless all day," Qiu Huanian said with a smile, carefully putting the books away.

These lyrics and songs had a similar effect to the modernist and postmodernist literature Qiu Huanian had read in his previous life—though good, prolonged reading could make one question life.

Perhaps because Qiu Huanian, in both lives, was essentially someone who loved life and reality, naturally at odds with the philosophical themes of "absurd reality, despairing life, everything meaningless" prevalent in such works.

Du Yunse nodded, influenced by his teacher's doctrines of "literature as a vehicle for truth" and "practical application," he didn't much like Qingchi Xianren's style, but if Brother Hua liked it, he wouldn't say more.

At the tea party, Qingfeng Academy had offered many prizes to outstanding students, and Du Yunse, remembering Qiu Huanian's fondness for leisure reading, had selected all the books that met the criteria.

"Qingchi Xianren's works are all southern tunes, the text cannot convey the sound, only the lyrics are in the book, complete with a singer holding a clapper and softly singing."

Qiu Huanian asked with interest, "Qingchi Xianren's collections have reached Liaozhou, he must be quite famous?"

Could he reach the level where "wherever there is well water, Liu's lyrics are sung"?

Du Yunse said realistically, "Qingchi Xianren has been famous for several years, in the south his songs are hard to come by; the day after he writes a song for a famous courtesan, her value skyrockets."

"Is that so—" Qiu Huanian deliberately drew out his words, "Yun Se seems quite knowledgeable, why not tell me which courtesan sings the best, which has the finest looks?"

Du Yunse's usual calm demeanor vanished, fearing Brother Hua might misunderstand and feel upset, he quickly defended, "I never go to such places, nor do I pay attention to such things, only heard some rumors about Qingchi Xianren while traveling with my teacher in the south..."

Du Yunse's voice trailed off as Qiu Huanian burst into laughter.

"Brother Hua..." Du Yunse sighed helplessly, knowing Brother Hua liked to tease, yet always falling for it in a panic.

Qiu Huanian cleared his throat, gesturing with his hands, "Alright, alright, I know you're a man of virtue, I was just curious, can't I like to admire beauty myself?"

"..." Du Yunse took a light breath, pulling back his hand as Qiu Huanian reached for the items he was holding.

"No."

"Huh?"

"I only see Brother Hua, and Brother Hua should only see me." He said this calmly, but his hands were clenched tightly at his sides, betraying his nervousness.

Qiu Huanian was momentarily stunned, and only after locking eyes did he feel his face burn.

Their feelings had been quietly growing in their daily lives, and were about to come to a natural head. In urgent moments, they had even made lifelong promises, but such direct, jealous-sounding sweet talk was new to Qiu Huanian.

"...What are you talking about? Who else would I look at but you?" Qiu Huanian stepped forward, took Du Yunse's hand, dropped the items, and intertwined their fingers, his voice barely above a whisper. "Besides, no one could compare to you."

Du Yunse's face, as handsome and noble as a young dragon, had captivated him instantly. Once the feelings took root, they deepened irreversibly.

Du Yunse squeezed Qiu Huanian's hand. "Brother Hua..."

His voice grew closer, his warm breath grazing Qiu Huanian's skin. A thrill shot up Qiu Huanian's spine, his throat tightening as he closed his eyes.

Lips pressed softly against his, warm and tender, followed by a gentle bite. Qiu Huanian moaned softly, his hands instinctively clutching Du Yunse's strong arms, the items falling to the ground.

During a brief pause, Qiu Huanian murmured, "On the ground..."

Du Yunse's voice was rough. "Just tea leaves and a fan, it's fine..."

The next moment, he bit down again, fiercely possessive. As their lips and teeth clashed, Qiu Huanian's brain went fuzzy, his heart pounding. Waves of excitement coursed through him, leaving no room for thought.

When the kiss ended, they were on the kang, Qiu Huanian half-lying in Du Yunse's arms, his face buried in the other's chest.

Du Yunse's large hand rested on Qiu Huanian's neck, kneading slowly and firmly. Deep emotions and intense desire seeped into his blood, making it hard to breathe.

Qiu Huanian buried his face, breathing unevenly. When Du Yunse didn't move, Qiu Huanian tugged at his sleeve.

"Actually... doing it now... wouldn't be so bad..."

Above him, Du Yunse's breathing grew heavy, his hand tightening on Qiu Huanian's neck before reluctantly letting go.

Qiu Huanian looked up, about to speak, when Du Yunse's burning palm covered his eyes.

Du Yunse flipped over, looming above Qiu Huanian, his strong body casting a shadow.

Beneath him, Qiu Huanian's breath was slightly ragged, his lips moist, his skin glowing with a translucent pink hue from arousal, his hands clutching at Du Yunse's sleeves in urgent need.

Seeing this, Du Yunse's breathing grew even more rapid, his eyes dark and deep, as if he wanted to devour him on the spot.

His... this was his little husband...

Du Yunse closed his eyes, forcefully suppressing all his impulses. The six rites were not yet complete, he couldn't let Brother Hua suffer like this without clarity. Moreover, Brother Hua's health was poor, he was still taking medicine, and if things went too far, it might harm his body...

Qiu Huanian, in his nervous and muddled state, didn't know how much time had passed when he suddenly felt Du Yunse straighten up and release the hand covering his eyes.

Qiu Huanian's clear, watery eyes blinked in confusion, making Du Yunse's gaze grow even darker.

Du Yunse reached over to pull a nearby blanket, wrapping Qiu Huanian entirely.

"Wait, wait..."

Qiu Huanian's restless, struggling hands were forcibly subdued. Du Yunse hugged him through the blanket, his voice hoarse. "Brother Hua, don't fuss. Old Physician Gu specifically warned that you must abstain from intimacy while taking your medicine."

"Can't we negotiate a little, just a little bit of restraint..." Qiu Huanian persisted stubbornly.

Du Yunse chuckled and sighed, patting his back in a soothing manner, but his refusal was firm. "No."

Qiu Huanian was on the verge of tears. He was a spirited young man, and after being stirred, he couldn’t act on the temptation so close at hand. Though Du Yunse meant well, it was still frustrating.

Qiu Huanian muttered and turned over under the covers, turning his back to Du Yunse, not wanting to engage with him for the moment.

Du Yunse leaned his chin on Qiu Huanian’s shoulder, speaking softly.

"Brother Hua, I’m delighted by your affection."

In Qiu Huanian’s presence, he wasn’t entirely confident. The ambitious young man also fretted about his standing in his beloved’s eyes.

Du Yunse was taken aback by Qiu Huanian’s earlier reactions, but who could resist such eager, longing, and adoring eyes without feeling their heart warm and stir? To him, Brother Hua was flawless in every aspect. Shyness was charming, and frankness was endearing.

The turmoil in Qiu Huanian’s heart eased slightly, replaced by concern for Du Yunse. Du Yunse, restraining himself like this, must be in even greater discomfort. Through the thin quilt, Qiu Huanian could sense the other’s heated, tense body.

"Are you alright? Perhaps... I could help you?" Qiu Huanian reached out.

Du Yunse cut him off, pulling him close with a firm arm. "Brother Hua, stay still."

"...Stay still, just let me hold you."

Qiu Huanian understood and closed his eyes, curling up under the covers. Du Yunse’s deep, magnetic breaths washed over him like waves, his teeth lightly grazing Qiu Huanian’s fair, delicate shoulder. The thin quilt between them grew hot, almost as if it had vanished. Qiu Huanian’s toes curled, and he trembled slightly, unable to help himself.

In the quiet courtyard, birds flitted about, the half-closed door hiding the intimate scene inside.

After a moment, Du Yunse’s arm tightened abruptly, then slowly loosened, his breathing steadying.

He gently pushed back the sweat-damp hair from Qiu Huanian’s forehead, tenderly kissing his beloved’s lovely, delicate cheeks, nose, and lips.

Seizing the moment, Qiu Huanian nipped at Du Yunse’s sharp jaw, blinking like a mischievous child who’d gotten his way. "I’ll let you off this time, but in the future, it can’t just be you enjoying yourself..."

Du Yunse smiled and kissed him deeply, whispering hoarsely in his ear, "Alright, once you’re better, Brother Hua can do whatever you want."

...

The two lingered on the kang, kissing and cuddling for over half an hour before finally parting. Du Yunse got up to boil water, letting Qiu Huanian wash up, and then did the same himself.

After tidying up, they sat back in the chairs in the central hall, continuing their earlier conversation, though the atmosphere was now completely different.

"This is two taels of premium Zhengshan Xiaozhong black tea, a gift from the headmaster."

"The poems on these fans are my own. Brother Hua can paint on them; they’ll come in handy in the summer."

At the tea gathering, many people had approached Du Yunse to write on their fans because of his "Little Triple Crown" reputation. Knowing that once he started, he’d have to write for everyone, Du Yunse had declined all requests, bringing back only the fans he had inscribed himself.

The fans were made of high-quality bamboo frames with rice paper covers. Though not expensive, paired with the inscribed poems and paintings, they were quite elegant and unique.

As Qiu Huanian played with the fans, Du Yunse continued, "The headmaster also invited me to study at Qingfeng Academy today."

Qiu Huanian looked up, "What do you think?"

Qingfeng Academy was renowned as the top academy in Liaozhou. Every provincial exam saw multiple students passing, and many of its graduates had become high-ranking officials, truly a place of great influence.

"The academy exam is just a small test. Later, the provincial exam will pit me against students from the entire region, and the metropolitan exam will rank me among the nation’s best. Though I pride myself on my talents, I dare not be overconfident."

"With my mentor no longer by my side, studying in isolation will only lead to stagnation. Qingfeng Academy has many learned scholars and peers with whom I can discuss the classics and strategies. I wish to accept the invitation and prepare for next year’s autumn exams."

Facing Du Yunse’s nervous gaze, Qiu Huanian smiled, "Then go. Studying is a good thing; why would I oppose it?"

Du Yunse hesitated, "Xiangping Prefecture is far from Zhang County. If I enroll, you'll be left alone to support the family again."

Qiu Huanian touched his chin, "Are you planning to enroll immediately?"

Du Yunse shook his head, "Qingfeng Academy opens its doors once a year after the Spring Equinox, selecting new students for enrollment. I won't be an exception; enrollment will have to wait until next year."

Qiu Huanian laughed, "If it comes to that, we can all move to the prefectural city."

Their trip to Xiangping Prefecture had acquainted them with the Shu couple and the Zhu brothers. Soon, Huang Daniang and Huang Erniang would also move to the prefectural city, so they wouldn't be isolated there.

Du Yunse had topped the academy exam, becoming the much sought-after "Little Triple First" of Xiangping Prefecture. The red fermented tofu workshop that Qiu Huanian and Zhu Jingwei were running together was about to take off, promising a steady stream of income. The conditions for moving to Xiangping Prefecture were ripe.

The only thing Qiu Huanian was concerned about was the three acres of cotton in the fields. Besides earning money, these cotton fields contained many of his ideas and experiments. By harvest time, he could draft a cotton farming manual suited to this era.

With Du Yunse enrolling next year, there was plenty of time to harvest the cotton, settle all affairs in Du Village, and comfortably prepare for the move to Xiangping Prefecture.

"We have few people, and Jiu Jiu and Chun Sheng are still young. A small house with a single courtyard would be enough. I've checked the market; a small courtyard with furniture near Sweetwater Lane costs around fifty taels. Once we sell the cotton, we'll have more than enough."

"I'm afraid you'll overwork yourself, Brother Hua."

"It's just talk, don't worry. Now that we have more money, I plan to hire laborers for the farm work after returning. I won't tire myself out."

Qiu Huanian wasn't one to enjoy suffering. Previously, he had worked himself to the bone in the fields partly because money had to be saved during the startup phase, and partly because he didn't realize how poor his physical condition was.

Now, with steady income from the red fermented tofu workshop and growing Sorghum Candy sales, thanks to Meng Wudong, he could rest and recover.

Du Yunse had vowed to grow old by his side, and Qiu Huanian had always remembered that.

Du Yunse nodded slightly reassured. Moving to Xiangping Prefecture would be good; being closer, he could see Brother Hua during his bi-monthly breaks and take better care of him.

"Now that the academy exam is over, I can ease up on my studies. From now on, all household chores will be my responsibility. Brother Hua, you must not overexert yourself."

Qiu Huanian smiled, "Don't worry, I won't hold back when I need your help."

Du Yunse chuckled, pinching Qiu Huanian's puffed cheek, "That's more like it."

...

After staying a few more days in Xiangping Prefecture city, Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse were finally ready to return home. Zhu Jingcheng and Zhu Jingwei came to see them off. Zhu Jingcheng tried to persuade them to stay but finally had his family's coachman drive them back to Zhang County.

"Brother Qiu, please don't say no. Our family's carriage is spacious and far more comfortable than public carriage services. You've just recovered from a serious illness; you shouldn't risk your health with a rough journey."

"Brother Hua, we're partners in the red fermented tofu workshop now, no need to be formal," Zhu Jingwei chimed in. "Our family has plenty of servants and carriages at our disposal. Let him take you back at your own pace, no rush. You can stop whenever you like—it'll be a comfortable trip."

Qiu Huanian had no choice but to accept their kindness. Earlier, when Qiu Huanian declined, he mentioned the cotton in the fields, which piqued Zhu Jingcheng's curiosity. "Brother Qiu, are you really growing cotton in Zhang County?"

The Zhu family's business heavily involved fabrics, so Zhu Jingcheng naturally knew about cotton, a major raw material for textiles.

Cotton could only be grown in the southernmost part of Liaozhou, and even there, the yield was meager. Merchants in Liaozhou had to purchase cotton from further south.

Not only was it expensive, with high transportation costs, but in bad years, it was often unavailable at any price.

Compared to the vast demand across the Yu Dynasty, the output from the southern cotton-producing areas was still too low. Cotton was an essential survival and strategic material. The court had tried multiple times to promote its cultivation, but with little success.

Hearing that Qiu Huanian was growing cotton in Zhang County, even further north than Xiangping Prefecture, Zhu Jingcheng couldn't help but be surprised.

"That's right, this is the first year we're trying it. We've planted three acres, and they're growing well. We should have a good harvest," Qiu Huanian said openly.

If anyone else had claimed this, Zhu Jingcheng would have thought it was just bragging.

However, Qiu Huanian had already demonstrated sufficient capability in the joint venture of the red fermented tofu workshop, and Zhu Jingcheng knew he was not a frivolous person who spoke without basis. His mind quickly raced through several thoughts.

"Mr. Qiu, your ability to grow cotton in Zhang County is truly a blessing for the nation. Once the cotton harvest is abundant, I must come to purchase it!"

Zhu Jingcheng elevated Qiu Huanian's status several notches, and Qiu Huanian did not say much, only following his lead, "Then I look forward to the esteemed Zhu family's visit."

The three acres of land are expected to yield over six hundred pounds of cotton, conservatively speaking. Selling it piecemeal would take forever. Zhu Jingcheng wanted to make a bulk purchase, and Qiu Huanian was naturally pleased.

Bid farewell by friends in Xiangping Prefecture, Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse boarded the Zhu family's carriage, leisurely heading towards Zhang County. They had arrived with some anxiety but were now returning fully prepared and with plenty to show for it.

Top scholar in the academy exam, "Little Triple Crown," poetry competition champion, Hundred Flavors Test, red fermented tofu workshop, the Shu couple, the Zhu brothers, and Qingfeng Academy... In just over ten days, they had gone through a lot. Despite some hiccups, they ultimately achieved satisfying results.

Now, lounging in the spacious and comfortable carriage, Qiu Huanian's heart was already back at his small courtyard, to Jiu Jiu and Chun Sheng, to the large pear tree in the yard, and to the well-stocked vegetable garden.

He thought about the new house soon to be built, chatting casually with his companion and sweetheart, a smile playing on his lips.

...

Thousands of miles away, within the nine-layered palace, the Yuanhua Emperor sat in the inner chamber of Jinshen Hall, casually tossing aside a memorial.

"All my dear brothers and sons..."

The attendants in Jinshen Hall were all the emperor's trusted aides. The spacious hall was deathly quiet, and everyone instinctively bowed their heads.

The Yuanhua Emperor pointed to the side, "Go, make secret copies of these two memorials and send them to the East Palace and Wen Huiyang's residence."

The chief eunuch, Wen Xing, didn't dare say more and quickly stepped forward to take the two memorials set aside on the corner of the table.

He glanced at them and noticed one was from the education commissioner of Liaozhou, and the other from the borderlands of Jing Shanwei.

Thinking of the recent moves in the previous dynasty, and the actions of Prince Pingxian and the second and third princes, Wen Xing sighed inwardly.

A storm was brewing. Some thought victory was within reach, unaware they had stepped into the trap of the most patient and bloodthirsty predator in the Yu Dynasty.

Wen Xing handed the two memorials to the scribe eunuch in the outer chamber, tasked with copying them. The Yuanhua Emperor's calm, merciless voice came from behind him once more.

"Draft an edict: Elevate Consort Kang to Noble Consort Kang, move her to Kunning Palace, and grant her authority over the six palaces."

"Ennoble Noble Consort Kang's younger brother as Marquis Taiping, bestow the name Kang Zhong, and reward him with golden boots, a jade belt, and a fief of a thousand households."

"Ennoble the third prince, Honghan, as Prince Jin, and order the Ministry of Internal Affairs to immediately choose a site for his residence without delay."

Wen Xing bowed in acknowledgment, his palms slick with sweat.

Once these three edicts were issued, the entire capital, and indeed the Yu Dynasty, would likely be thrown into chaos.

The emperor's heart is truly inscrutable...

Author's Note:

No offense intended! Just a humble reader's take on modernist and postmodernist works. Trying to read them professionally nearly drove me to despair, constantly questioning the world and humanity itself (pinching my philtrum) (soul escaping...).