Chapter 66: The Lion Cat

Chapter 66: The Lion Cat

Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse exchanged a glance and nodded, saying, "We appreciate your help, Mr. Su."

Fang Cai, perceptive as ever, directed the servants he had brought to unload the luggage, while Qiu Huanian and his group followed Su Xinbai through the gate of the residence.

The house was modest in size but exquisitely crafted. The gate was a separate structure, functioning both as an entrance and a room, convenient for sheltering from rain and welcoming guests.

Inside the gatehouse, the central passage was two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters) wide, with light green gauze-covered partitions on both sides, allowing light in while maintaining privacy, thus creating separate spaces.

Su Xinbai's voice was calm and measured, "This house was constructed by the original owner during his studies at Qingfeng Academy. Six years ago, the original owner passed the imperial examination and wanted to buy a house at his new post, so he sold this place to raise funds. It was bought by our eldest young master and has been unoccupied since."

"The east and west rooms in the outer courtyard, one serving as a study and the other as a reception hall, have been arranged according to their original uses."

A maid opened the partition doors, allowing Qiu Huanian to see the full layout of the east and west rooms, discovering that they were quite unique.

Both side rooms were spacious, each comparable in size to a modern classroom, with a turn at the end forming an L-shape. The craftsmen who constructed the house were highly skilled; even without large south-facing windows, the rooms were well-lit.

The east room housed a pair of large porcelain vases, each as tall as a person, carved camphorwood furniture, with flowers on the table and famous paintings on the walls, serving as a reception area.

The west room had a row of multi-tiered shelves along the wall, some already filled with books or elegant ornaments, others left empty for the new owners to place their belongings. A desk and writing table were fully set up, ready for immediate use.

Su Xinbai spoke sparingly, offering only essential explanations, leaving plenty of space for them to explore on their own.

Stepping out of the gatehouse brought them to the first courtyard, paved with small stones and blue bricks, adorned with auspicious patterns. A small kitchen occupied the west side, while the east side featured a swing and a rose bush, with no additional structures. The rose bush, though bare in winter, would be beautiful in spring.

Passing through the decorative hanging flower gate led to the second courtyard, with a five-room main house at the top, now partitioned. The central three rooms were still open, with small parlors on each side.

Su Xinbai explained, "The original owner built the house as a scholar, with five rooms in the main house. Merchants are not allowed to use five-room houses, so our eldest young master built walls on both sides."

It must be acknowledged that Zhu Jingcheng possessed a refined aesthetic sense. He didn't just partition the house but replaced the south walls of the side parlors with bamboo lattice covered with gauze, reducing the sense of confinement, with large windows that could be opened, making it very beautiful.

The second courtyard was roughly rectangular in shape, with two side rooms on each side, totaling four, each the size of three rooms. The courtyard was paved with blue bricks, with a sizable flower bed in the middle.

Bamboo, osmanthus trees, and wisteria vines were planted around the house, with a well and a small woodshed in the southwest corner of the courtyard.

Xiangping Prefecture was located further south than Zhang County, so some plants that couldn't grow in Zhang County could be seen here.

Qiu Huanian observed that when Su Xinbai mentioned the restriction on merchants using five-room houses, Fang Cai and the Zhu family servants appeared uneasy.

Su Xinbai appeared to mention it offhandedly and swiftly changed the subject.

Behind the main house lay a row of back rooms, accessible through the side halls of the main house, which could be used as storerooms or for servants to live in.

A small gate, large enough for carriages, was set into the back wall, with a stable built on the side. Qiu Huanian's carriage had already been brought in by the Zhu family servants.

Though the house was compact and finely built, its two courtyards comprised over twenty rooms. The original owner lived here with his family and two households of servants. For Qiu Huanian's family, half of the rooms would be left empty.

Once Su Xinbai had completed the tour of the house, he lapsed into silence.

The Zhu family servants had already transported all the luggage inside, and Fang Cai approached Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse to ask about room arrangements.

Qiu Huanian looked at Meng Yuanling and his husband, "Brother Ling, there's no need to seek outside lodging; just stay with us."

"This... wouldn't it be too much trouble for you?"

Meng Yuanling, who had never ventured beyond Zhang County, was witnessing such a splendid house for the first time.

He had thought Brother Hua's new house in Du Village was quite impressive, but compared to this residence, it paled in comparison. Standing in the house, watching the Zhu family servants efficiently moving the luggage, Meng Yuanling felt at a loss.

"After Yun Se and Yun Cheng go to study at Qingfeng Academy, they can only come back during holidays. Who would feel comfortable with you living alone outside? This mansion is so big, just stay with me. When you're bored, we can chat and pass the time."

Yun Cheng was indeed uneasy about Meng Yuanling living alone, so after expressing their gratitude, they agreed.

Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse naturally stayed in the main residence. The two east wing rooms were assigned to Jiu Jiu and Chun Sheng, one room each. The two west wing rooms were given to Yun Cheng and Meng Yuanling, with one room kept empty for future guests.

After assigning the rooms, the servants organized and delivered the luggage to the appropriate rooms.

Seeing that everything was nearly in order, Su Xinbai assigned a cook to stay behind.

"You've had a tiring journey, so I won't bother you further. When the eldest young master returns, he will throw a banquet to welcome you. For now, make use of this cook. If you need anything, just send her to the Zhu family to get it."

Qiu Huanian didn't expect Su Xinbai to leave a cook behind.

It was likely because they were few in number, all young and some in poor health, and new to the place, so he was worried they might not adjust well.

Su Xinbai seemed aloof, but his actions were thoughtful, his speech refined and dignified, his demeanor natural, never making one feel prideful or slighted.

After Su Xinbai left, the cook approached them, "It's about an hour until dinner, what would you like to eat, young masters?"

The cook, named Sun Qiao, was usually called Auntie Qiao by the Zhu family. She was in her forties, and her entire family was regarded as 'adopted relatives' by the Zhu family, a polite term for merchants employing servants.

Her son worked in an external shop, her daughter served as a maid in Su Xinbai's quarters, and her husband was responsible for pruning the flowers and trees at the Zhu family estate.

Such individuals were key servants of the Zhu family, with their entire family's livelihood dependent on the Zhu family, so there was no concern about any ulterior motives. Su Xinbai assured Qiu Huanian to use her without worry.

Qiu Huanian said, "It's our first day here, let's keep things simple. We've been shaken up for several days on the road and don't have much of an appetite."

"We brought our own staples like rice, flour, oil, and grains, which should already be in the kitchen. Go check what's missing, then find out where to buy ingredients nearby, and estimate how much we'll need."

Auntie Qiao nodded and left. Qiu Huanian let the two children tidy up their own luggage and rooms, while he went to arrange the main residence.

Jiu Jiu and Chun Sheng, having grown up in the village, were quite self-sufficient. Yun Cheng and Meng Yuanling, being a couple, were even more adept.

The main residence was already furnished with large items, and Qiu Huanian had brought some smaller ones, so there was no hurry to unpack. He first took out the bedding and pillows and took a brief nap on the kang.

He was utterly exhausted. Though the carriage had slowed down significantly, the weariness from several days of travel was still apparent, and his frail body couldn't handle such jostling.

Du Yunse drew water from the well in the corner of the yard, heated it on the stove used for warmth, and Qiu Huanian washed his hands and face slightly before curling up on the pre-warmed kang, quickly becoming drowsy.

Du Yunse tenderly tucked the quilt around him, drew the blue silk curtains around the kang, and the space inside immediately grew dim.

Du Yunse took off his outer clothes, lay down beside Qiu Huanian, half-embracing him, gently patting his thin back to coax him to sleep.

Although they were in a completely unfamiliar environment, smelling Du Yunse's scent and listening to his familiar breathing, Qiu Huanian quickly fell into a deep and peaceful sleep.

When he opened his eyes again, the inside of the curtains was still dim. Qiu Huanian didn't know the exact time and moved slightly, feeling lazy from his hair to his fingertips.

Hearing the movement, Du Yunse lifted the curtain and fed Qiu Huanian some water. Qiu Huanian noticed that the sky outside had darkened.

"What time is it?"

"Just past You hour. The children and Brother Ling are also asleep. I had Auntie Qiao keep the food warm in the kitchen. Yun Cheng and I went to the study to organize the books. We'll eat when you get up."

Qiu Huanian hummed in acknowledgment, hung his arms around Du Yunse's neck, and playfully made Du Yunse pull him up.

Du Yunse had no choice but to put the water cup aside, his strong arms wrapping around Qiu Huanian's slender waist, easily lifting him from the kang.

"Living in the city, with a cook to handle meals, you can finally relax and rest."

He gently hoisted the person in his arms, "After most of the winter, you still haven't put on much weight."

Qiu Huanian let out a soft yawn, squinting his eyes as he nestled in Du Yunse's embrace for a while longer, "It's a shame you have to go off to Qingfeng Academy; we won't get to see each other as often."

Du Yunse's fingers ran through his smooth, silky black hair, "Does Hua'er miss me?"

Qiu Huanian hummed twice, saying he was asking a question he already knew the answer to.

Du Yunse kissed his earlobe and chuckled softly, "It only takes half an hour by carriage from here to Qingfeng Academy. The academy has a break every five days, and I will definitely come back early to accompany you."

Qiu Huanian became a bit more awake, resting his chin on Du Yunse's shoulder, "Take good care of yourself at the academy. We have enough money at home, so don't skimp on food. Eat meat when you eat, light a lamp when you read, and buy charcoal if it's cold. If I find out you're 'pretending to agree but doing otherwise'..."

Qiu Huanian bit Du Yunse's clean, slender neck, grinding his sharp little canine teeth, leaving a suggestive mark.

"...I will always find a way to deal with you."

Du Yunse's breathing suddenly became heavy, his body stiffened, and he immediately put Qiu Huanian back on the kang, not daring to let him continue clinging.

Qiu Huanian's gaze playfully scanned Du Yunse's tall and straight body from bottom to top—his long legs, slim waist, full chest, rolling Adam's apple, and a gaze so dark it seemed like he wanted to devour him.

He blinked with a smile, as if to say, "Whatcha gonna do about it?"

...

The two of them goofed around in the room for a while, and Qiu Huanian was fully awake. He put on warm clothes and walked out of the room.

Meng Yuanling was also awake. Qiu Huanian asked Auntie Qiao to heat up the food and bring it out, while he went to wake up the two children.

A couple of hours of rest was enough. If they slept any longer, they wouldn't be able to sleep at night, and skipping dinner wouldn't be good for their stomachs.

The dining table was set up in the side flower hall. A lively bunch gathered around the round table. Qiu Huanian asked Auntie Qiao to join them at the table. They weren't some hoity-toity official family, so they didn't bother with formalities.

Auntie Qiao had been working as a kitchen helper in the Zhu family's main kitchen for many years and was quite skilled. Qiu Huanian had asked her to keep it simple, but she wanted to show off her skills for the first meal in front of her new employer, so she made a large pot of sour soup fish balls, which required a lot of effort, and steamed a basket of buns.

The fish balls were white and bouncy, with an excellent texture. One bite and you could tell they were made from freshly minced fish. The thick, white fish soup mixed with the tangy flavor of pickled vegetables, and it also had thin Longkou vermicelli. Just one sip of the soup was enough to get your mouth watering.

As he ate, Qiu Huanian asked Auntie Qiao about the cost of the meal. Auntie Qiao explained in detail what she had seen in the afternoon when she went out.

"From our street, if you go two streets back, there's a market with fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat—everything you could want. There are also seafood vendors. Right now, in winter, there are fewer fruits and vegetables, but I've heard that in spring and summer, there will be even more available."

"At the entrance of the market, there are also many people selling snacks from other places. The pickled vegetables we used today were bought there."

"A two-catty crucian carp costs thirty wen, the pickled vegetables ten wen, the vermicelli ten wen, and the rest of the vegetables add up to another ten wen. Except for the crucian carp, the rest wasn't fully used."

Qiu Huanian did a quick mental calculation. This one meal cost sixty wen. The price of ingredients in Xiangping Prefecture was almost double that of Zhang County. Vegetables that could be easily picked in the garden now had to be bought.

No wonder they say living in the city, even the air comes with a price tag!

"How much do you earn a month at the Zhu family? And what about the others?"

"As a kitchen helper, I earn eight qian of silver a month. Generally, those closer to the master get paid more, while those farther away get less. My daughter works in the young mistress's room and earns one tael a month. My husband trims the flowers and earns only five qian a month, but our food and lodging are all provided by the master."

Qiu Huanian nodded, "From now on, I'll be paying your monthly wages. You don't need to take it from the Zhu family anymore."

Su Xinbai had left behind a trusted cook, which was already a big help. Qiu Huanian didn't plan to take advantage of the monthly salary, as it wasn't something he couldn't afford.

"Do you know how to keep accounts?"

"I can't read, but we servants have our own methods for keeping track of things. Just give me some paper and a pen, and I can keep it all straight."

"Alright, come with me later to collect your monthly pay and the funds for groceries. Our daily food budget is one hundred wen (a small unit of currency). Just prepare everyday home-cooked meals. If we need a banquet, I’ll provide additional funds."

"You’ll receive the grocery money every five days. Keep accurate records. Once you’ve reconciled the past five days’ accounts, you can collect the next five days’ funds." When it came to managing things, Qiu Huanian was a natural.

Auntie Qiao had assumed this family, being from the countryside, might be inexperienced and need her advice. But seeing how organized and firm Qiu Huanian was, she quickly dismissed her earlier assumptions.

Meng Yuanling gazed at Qiu Huanian in admiration and whispered after the meal, "Brother Hua, how are you so skilled? I was too scared to talk to the cook, worried she’d laugh if I said something wrong."

Qiu Huanian pinched his cheek, "Auntie Qiao works for us. You’re the employer—the head of the household. What’s there to be afraid of? If you speak reasonably, she’ll listen."

Meng Yuanling didn’t question the term ‘employer,’ assuming Brother Hua had misspoken. He nodded thoughtfully, realizing how much he had to adjust to and learn in the city.

The Qingfeng Academy entrance exam was on the sixteenth of the first lunar month, and today was the thirteenth—only a few days left.

Du Yunse and Yun Cheng had settled in and were now hard at work studying in the study.

Yun Cheng felt more pressure than Du Yunse. Though Du Yunse had assured him he could make it into the third-tier class, Qingfeng Academy was the most prestigious school in all of Liao. Every year, countless students took the entrance exam, but only a handful passed. Yun Cheng was carrying a heavy burden.

The two scholars were hard at work in the study, and Qiu Huanian and the others left them undisturbed. They spent the last few days at home, packing and getting used to the main house.

On the fifteenth of the first lunar month—the Lantern Festival—it was Du Yunse’s birthday.

Du Yunse was born on the fifteenth of the first lunar month, and Qiu Huanian on the fifteenth of the eighth. It was hard not to marvel at how fate had brought them together.

With the exam the next day, they kept the birthday celebration simple. Qiu Huanian asked Auntie Qiao to make longevity noodles and a few special dishes for a family meal.

Qiu Huanian had spent a long time knitting a detailed woolen cushion stuffed with soft new cotton as a birthday gift for Du Yunse.

At the academy, where you’d sit all day, this cushion would make things much more comfortable. Qiu Huanian, having extensive experience in schooling, knew this well.

For Du Yunse, the thought behind the gift mattered more than its value. Brother Hua had secretly knitted this cushion for a long time, and Du Yunse felt almost reluctant to use it.

After the birthday, it was time for the entrance exam at Qingfeng Academy.

At the crack of dawn, Du Yunse and Yun Cheng got up, dressed in scholar's attire, their hair tied with a scholar's scarf, and carrying book boxes on their backs.

Yun Cheng's clothes were stuffed with extra layers, as Meng Yuanling had insisted on adding more for warmth. Du Yunse was similarly bundled up.

Fortunately, both were tall and long-legged, with excellent figures, so the extra layers didn't make them look bulky. They had to accept their husbands' thoughtful gestures.

Qiu Huanian and Meng Yuanling struggled to get up early, had breakfast prepared by Auntie Qiao, and saw them off for the exam.

Yun Cheng brought the carriage out from the back gate, and they set off towards Qingfeng Academy.

Meng Yuanling watched the carriage disappear from sight and rubbed his cheeks, "Brother Hua, do you think Yun Cheng can pass the exam?"

Qiu Huanian chuckled, "You're only worrying about this now that we're in the city."

Meng Yuanling said sheepishly, "I know Yun Cheng will definitely make it, but I just... oh!"

"If you can't say it, then don't. Come on, while there's nothing to do at home, accompany me for a walk around the neighborhood to clear our minds."

Their main house was located in a large residential area, very quiet. They had to walk a couple of streets to see shops and bustling pedestrians.

Today, as Qingfeng Academy opened its doors, the streets were lively, with carriages heading towards Xiuyan Mountain.

There were also scholars who couldn't afford carriages, carrying their book boxes and walking up the mountain.

Meng Yuanling watched these scholars and once again realized how fortunate he and Yun Cheng were.

"Brother Hua, Yun Cheng and I discussed last night. Since we're staying in the city for an extended period, we can't always mooch off you. I know you won't accept rent, but at least you should take some money for food."

Qiu Huanian, understanding the nature of the young couple, nodded and said, "Let's set it at twenty wen a day. If you eat fancier, no need to pay more. Yun Cheng doesn't come back often, and you alone won't eat much."

Meng Yuanling finally relaxed, smiling with two small dimples, unable to contain his curiosity as he bounced around to take in the sights on both sides of the street.

"Brother Hua, look, the silk from this shop is just laid out outside, aren't they worried it'll get ruined by the sun?"

"What does this shop sell? It smells amazing."

"This one, this one, why is there a storyteller right at their door?"

...

Qiu Huanian had strolled around the city a few times before and wasn't as wide-eyed as Meng Yuanling, but seeing the bustling street scene again after over half a year still filled him with joy.

The two ambled leisurely from one end to the other, eventually reaching the market Auntie Qiao had mentioned earlier.

At the market entrance, there were many people selling snacks, street performers, fortune-tellers, and live animal traders, making it incredibly lively.

Meng Yuanling couldn't take his eyes off a monkey dressed in human clothes. The monkey trainer saw this and directed the monkey to come over, handing it a broad bean and bowing repeatedly.

Meng Yuanling, amused, tossed the little monkey a copper coin, to which the trainer replied with a stream of good wishes.

The two walked a bit further, and Qiu Huanian's attention was caught by a cage.

In a bamboo cage about calf-high sat a three-month-old snow-white cat.

Its long, silky fur, one blue and one gold eye, poised and graceful stance, and slightly twitching ears all spoke of its noble lineage.

—A Shandong lion cat, a highly attractive native Chinese cat. In the modern era where Qiu Huanian once lived, purebred Shandong lion cats were almost extinct.

Qiu Huanian loved small animals. When he was a lifestyle blogger, he had two dogs, a cat, and three rabbits, which added a lot of charm to his videos.

Now in the city, with the means to do so, Qiu Huanian wanted to keep another pet.

Qiu Huanian asked the person behind the cage, "Boss, how much is this cat?"

"Five qian silver, and you'll need to buy a fish to bring it home."

Meng Yuanling widened his eyes, "This cat is too expensive. In the countryside, kittens are given away to whoever wants them."

The cat seller laughed, "This cat's looks are worth every penny. It's a lion cat, beautiful and good-tempered. Many noble families are clamoring to have them."

Qiu Huanian also thought it was a bit expensive, but not unacceptable. This cat caught his eye, and it felt like fate to stumble upon it. He missed the chance to keep a purebred lion cat in his past life, how could he miss it in this one.

"I'll take this cat. I'll go to the market to buy a fish, please wait a moment, boss."

"Salt-wrapped to 'marry' a cat, often seen lounging in the corner" was the romantic ritual of ancient people keeping cats. Buying a cat not only required money but also a betrothal gift for the cat.

Qiu Huanian picked a fresh and tender one-pound crucian carp, carried it back with a grass rope, and heard a dispute from a few meters away.

A maid-like woman pointed at the cat seller's nose, her tone sharp.

"You are so ungrateful! No matter who you say your cat is promised to, if my lady wants it, it can only be hers!"

"Isn't it just about wanting more money? Is one tael of silver enough? Two taels? Three taels?"

"I advise you to take what you can get. My lady is the daughter of Su, the Left Administration Commissioner of Liaozhou. If you really annoy her, she'll have you thrown into jail, beaten, your cat cage confiscated, and you won't get a single coin!"