Chapter 23

Chapter 23: The Twenty-Third Episode

"How novel." Lian Xiusheng said, rolling up the scroll.

Huqiu beamed with pride, "Since Sixth Brother is pleased, why not have Jin Cai and Man Cai take it out to be mounted and hung on the wall, so you can look at it every day."

"..." Lian Xiusheng didn't take up Huqiu's remark, but asked seemingly casually, "That evening when you returned from the banquet, who did your master bring back from outside?"

The smile froze on Huqiu's face. "Why does Sixth Brother ask about this?"

"Third Brother and I are like branches of the same tree. It's not just a matter of showing concern—paying my respects morning and evening is my proper duty."

Huqiu was tight-lipped when it came to matters concerning his own master. No matter how eloquently Sixth Brother spoke, he wouldn't disclose a single word. Seeing his loyalty, Lian Xiusheng asked him to leave, not even bothering to offer him a cup of tea.

The Penglai Pavilion had business to attend to at that moment. As soon as Huqiu returned to his own courtyard, Lian Cheng called him away. "Did he accept it?"

"Sixth Brother took it and was very pleased."

The lad is teachable, the lad is teachable. Lian Cheng felt deeply gratified and in a good mood. "Go to the Orchid Garden and fetch some things for me. Then change your clothes—we're going out."

Huqiu was stunned. "Where to?"

"I want to go buy something."

Before Huqiu could speak, Qiong Hua walked in carrying two branches of plum blossoms. Overhearing their conversation, she frowned in disapproval. "Young master, you're not fully recovered from your illness. You overstrained your throat this morning talking so much in Madam's presence, and you caught a chill standing in Master's courtyard. Why go out and suffer more? Whatever you need to buy, send the outer courtyard servants or the housekeeper."

Lian Cheng insisted on going himself, which so angered Qiong Hua that she threatened to report him to Sister Tong Xue.

But earlier that morning, the steward from Second Madam's estate had brought New Year's gifts. Though they were common items like chickens, ducks, and fish, Second Madam's steward was her elder brother, who raised excellent wild fowl. The items might have the same names, but the taste was like comparing a mountain pheasant to a phoenix.

Ordinarily, whenever any courtyard in the mansion received something good, they would share portions with the other courtyards, so everyone could have a taste—a practice that upheld the principle of harmony bringing prosperity. But the Zhiyu Xuan was an exception. Not only were they ignorant of etiquette, but they declared that anyone wanting a taste of their goods would have to pay for it in silver.

Tong Xue thought the wild game would be more nourishing than what ordinary farmers raised, and wanted to buy some to stew or steam for the young master. So she had set out early with silver to the Zhiyu Xuan.

Doing business there wasn't easy. Each courtyard had sent servants, maids, and old maidservants, all vying for the best pick. It ranged from petty squabbles to outright shoving. When Tong Xue left that morning, she'd grabbed a pair of fire tongs before heading off alone.

Lian Cheng leaned against the door, waiting for Huqiu to return. He thought to himself that he wasn't a glutton. When Tong Xue came back, he'd tell her not to bother with all this fuss. On such a cold day, everyone should be home reading by the fire.

Lian Cheng's plans were always ambitious, growing more so by the minute. Just as he was busily envisioning his future, at the end of the white-walled, gray-tiled lane, Lian Ying appeared in his deep blue padded robe, carrying a live chicken that was still flapping its wings.

Seeing Lian Cheng, his handsome face instantly darkened. He strode over quickly and said, "Weren't you ill the other day? Why are you still standing out here?"

Lian Cheng popped some dried fruit into his mouth and said, "I'm waiting for someone. Second Brother, open your mouth."

Lian Ying, being honest, opened his mouth wide.

Lian Cheng tossed a shelled pumpkin seed into it.

Lian Ying was startled for a moment. Hearing a servant boy snicker behind him, he reached out to hit Lian Cheng, but with the chicken in his hands, he had to abandon the idea. He chewed the pumpkin seed, swallowed, and said, "Not studying for a few days has made you even more insolent and rude. When I finish delivering these New Year gifts, I'll go tell Mother."

Lian Cheng leaned against the doorframe, raising an eyebrow. "You're going to tell Mother I threw a pumpkin seed into your mouth? Let's see if she scolds me or laughs at you."

Lian Ying was never quick with words, only able to recite Confucian maxims, which Lian Cheng probably wouldn't listen to anyway. He thought better of it and simply lifted the live chicken. "I'm giving one to each courtyard. This one is for the Penglai Pavilion."

Lian Cheng wasn't afraid of live animals. He bent down to get a good look at this plump, vigorous rooster with a comb as red as a cap. Its eyes blazed like fire, staring unblinkingly at the person before it.

After a long gaze, Lian Cheng straightened up and asked, "Does Second Madam know what you're doing, Second Brother?"

"Don't worry about that," Lian Ying said. " 'Without tranquility, there is no clear purpose; without quietude, there is no far-reaching vision.' Second Madam's actions are neither kind nor just. A son may remonstrate with his parents, but etiquette says not to defy them. I have remonstrated a hundred times; I would rather defy."

Seeing the determined indignation on Lian Ying's face, Lian Cheng didn't refuse and accepted the rooster. Surprisingly, the rooster, which had been bristling with fury as if ready to fight Lian Ying to the death, slowly calmed down in Lian Cheng's hands.

" 'Sincerity without envy can be trusted even by animals of a different kind.' I hope, Third Brother, that this heart of yours endures without end," Lian Ying said abruptly, watching the rooster nestle against Lian Cheng's shoulder.

But after stroking the rooster's feathers for a while, Lian Cheng had a sudden inspiration. "Second Brother, I have a favor to ask. I wonder if you'll grant it."

Lian Ying wasn't naive enough to agree without knowing what it was. "What is it?"

"You'll find out when you come," Lian Cheng said with a smile.

Lian Ying nodded. "Tell me."

Lian Cheng looked around, leaned close to Lian Ying's ear, and entrusted him with an important matter.

After hearing it, Lian Ying's expression changed dramatically. "Is this true?"

Lian Cheng's face was grave. "Of course it's true. Old Master Guan is currently in my courtyard's guest room."

Lian Ying clasped his hands together and paced for a long while before stopping. "Old Master Guan has thoroughly mastered the classics and histories; he is a man of wide learning and insight, a talent for saving the world. Xiu Sheng has read thousands of volumes and possesses virtue like jade; he is a vessel for governing the world. If I can help these two resolve their old grievances and join forces to support the state, it would be an immeasurable merit. I will help you with this matter. Tell me the time, and I will make arrangements. It can't be during the day—I still have books to read."

Lian Cheng thanked his second brother and said it would be in the evening. He also planned to go out and buy some good wine.

Lian Ying breathed a sigh of relief and, with his servant, headed straight for Yiqiu—Yiqiu also had a rooster to deliver.

-

Tomorrow was New Year's Eve, and in half a month it would be the Lantern Festival. Over these two days, the market had already displayed all kinds of beautiful lanterns: lotus lanterns, peach blossom lanterns, courtesan lanterns, Daoist lanterns, lady lanterns, young master lanterns, black-and-white impermanence lanterns, Yama the King of Hell and his judge lanterns—a dazzling array, everything one could imagine.

Lian Cheng, wearing a moon-white brocade cloak, wandered among the splendid lights. "Huqiu, how is it that you're so big but have less stamina than me?"

Huqiu was panting heavily. "Young master, you yourself refuse to take the carriage. I'm used to riding in a carriage."

"...Wow..." Lian Cheng said expressionlessly, "The roads are so congested. If you drive a carriage in here, you're being inconsiderate. It'll be a pain to get out later. Better to leave the carriage in the inn's courtyard and walk—it'll be easier when we leave."

Huqiu grumbled, "Young master, you always have an argument for everything."

"Young master, let's buy what we need and go back quickly. What's there to see in today's lanterns? The ones in a few days will be much prettier! Then we can go see the great Ao Mountain."

In no time, Lian Cheng was carrying two lanterns: one with summer flowers and a golden cicada, the other with a white fish and a red crow.

Huqiu clasped his hands. "Young master, didn't we come out to buy wine and food?"

Lian Cheng loved the bustle. "You pick one too. I'll get you one."

Huqiu went to choose immediately. "Young master, I want the most majestic one!"

Lian Cheng waited only a moment before Huqiu returned with a lantern depicting Wu Song fighting the tiger. After a moment's thought, Lian Cheng said, "Don't you think that's a bit unlucky for you?"

Huqiu realized it and quickly went back to exchange it with the vendor for a lantern showing Zhou Chu eliminating the three scourges.

Lian Cheng offered no further comment.

Naturally, the master and servant didn't forget to buy wine and food: two jars of Jinhua wine, a roast goose, a roasted trotter, a box of golden cakes, and lastly, a braised sheep's head.

Since the master of the Penglai Pavilion was away, fewer lanterns were lit, making it look dimmer than usual. Young Man Cai came by to ask twice: once whether they were running low on candles and oil, and once when their young master would return.

This time, Qiong Hua was no longer hostile to anyone from Yiqiu. She answered both questions: the first, that they had enough, but since the master wasn't home, there was no need for extravagance; the second, "What business is it of yours when our young master comes home?"

Man Cai slunk away and reported to his own young master, adding considerately, "Young master, you finally have a holiday. Why study at home every day? Why not follow Third Brother's example and go out for a stroll to lighten your mood?"

Lian Xiusheng was silent for a long time before asking, "Have there been any visiting cards from the Xia family these past few days?"

Man Cai replied, "Lord Xia invites you for a chat after the New Year."

"Then go and write a reply. However, his young master is quite unruly. If he comes calling, it will definitely cause a big commotion. It would be best if you could arrange the time for when his young master is not home." Lian Xiusheng stood upright, eyes downcast, washing the brush in his hand.

Man Cai acknowledged, and behind him came the sound of light footsteps. He knew at once they weren't a servant's footsteps, so he stepped aside.

Lian Xiusheng looked up and saw Third Brother running over with two lanterns.

"Xiu Sheng, I bought two lanterns. I'll give you one. Which one do you want?" Lian Cheng ran into the study, placed the two lanterns on the table, and let Lian Xiusheng choose.

Lian Xiusheng did indeed choose carefully. He examined the paintings on the two silk lanterns and then said, pointing at the white fish and red crow.

Lian Cheng slapped the table and said, "Sixth Brother knows my heart well. The one you chose is exactly what I like best. Well then, the other one is yours."

"..."

Man Cai went over and accepted the Summer Flower Golden Cicada lantern on behalf of his young master.

Lian Cheng spoke again, "Tomorrow is New Year's Eve, and the whole family will have the reunion dinner together. But I am closer to you, so tonight I would like to have a small gathering with you alone. Xiu Sheng, what do you think?"

As Third Brother spoke, the lantern light cast shadows on him, reminding Lian Xiusheng of the Third Brother in the ancestral hall a month ago. It was from that evening that Third Brother began to change, and his own heart had also undergone some transformation. Lian Cheng was no longer merely Lian Cheng; he had become Third Brother.

Mistakenly thinking Lian Xiusheng didn't want to go, Lian Cheng quickly raised the white fish and red crow lantern in his hand and said, "How about I exchange this lantern for yours?"

"No need to exchange lanterns," Lian Xiusheng pushed aside the lantern in his way, looked at Third Brother before him, and said, "As long as Third Brother comes and talks to me often, that will be enough."

Lian Cheng was overjoyed. Ah, still young—so easy to trick.

So Lian Cheng placed both hands on the table and said casually, "What's so difficult about that? After the New Year, I'll ask Eldest Brother to find some masons, and we brothers will knock through Penglai Pavilion and Yi Qiu, merging them into one courtyard, so we don't have to go around and through that single door anymore."

Lian Xiusheng seemed thoughtful, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and asked when they would go for the wine and meal.

"Now."

"Then Third Brother go back first. I'll change clothes and come."

Lian Cheng, charmed by Lian Xiusheng's good temper and agreeable manner, picked up the lantern and ran out quickly. Lian Xiusheng finished washing the brush and told Man Cai to fetch his white fox fur cloak.

Man Cai covered his mouth and laughed, "Young master, you never dress so elegantly when having tea with those gentlemen. Third Brother is family, why would you need to wear your white fox fur to go over?" After saying this, he left and soon returned with the cloak. As he spread it out for the young master to put on, he noticed an extra white jade pendant carved with a chi dragon pattern hanging from his waist.

-

On the lamp-lit table, there were dishes and cups—clearly a fine feast.

Lian Cheng knew how to play up to people. He did not tell Lian Xiusheng the true purpose of tonight's meal, but he dared not hide it from Guan Lian. He knelt and kowtowed again, explaining the situation. Guan Lian fumed, but instead of scolding Lian Xiusheng, he only scolded Lian Cheng.

"You sly and cunning rascal, beyond measure."

Lian Cheng hugged his leg and said, "Yes, yes, yes."

Guan Lian tried to stand up and leave, but couldn't extricate himself. After a series of lamentations, he said, "You slippery little brat!"

Lian Cheng continued to hug him, "Yes, yes, yes."

Finally, Guan Lian understood that the persistence the lad had mentioned that day, though it sounded like a joke, was in fact a sincere heartfelt statement.

"Very well, I'll go and eat this meal of yours. But let me say this first: I am not at odds with Lian Jiao out of jealousy; it is simply that gentlemen have different paths and cannot work together."

Lian Cheng kowtowed to him, then stood up and led the way.

Snow fell thick and fast. They passed through several corridors, trod across the snow in two or three courtyards, and a bright, warm room appeared before them. Inside, someone seemed already seated by the Eight Immortals table.

Lian Cheng grew nervous but still walked ahead. If Lian Xiusheng flew into a rage and threw a punch, he was young and strong and could survive it, but who knew what would happen to the elderly Guan Lian?

Hearing footsteps, Tong Xue came out first. She quickly brushed the snow off Lian Cheng's shoulders with her hand and said, "I've simmered a pot of chicken soup. Young master, you and the Old Master and Sixth Brother should drink plenty."

"Has Second Brother come?"

Tong Xue shook her head blankly. "He hasn't come. But there was a commotion at Zhiyu Xuan. Second Madam gave Second Brother a good scolding and beating. How could he come to our courtyard at this hour?"

Lian Cheng lowered his head without a word and strode into the warm room. He hadn't even made out Lian Xiusheng's face when he unfastened his cloak and said, "Sixth Brother, let me introduce someone to you."

Guan Lian slowly walked out from behind Lian Cheng. With no particular expression, he flicked his sleeves, bowed, and said, "A commoner..."

To Lian Cheng's surprise, Lian Xiusheng almost instantly stood up, bent down, and raised Guan Lian's hands. "Old Master, you must not. I am a junior. Passing the imperial examination is merely an accidental honor. How could I presume to accept a bow from you?"

With that, Lian Xiusheng instead bowed to Guan Lian, displaying the demeanor of a virtuous scholar. "Had I known that the Old Master was residing here, I, your junior, would have long prepared a formal visit. Tonight I have already been remiss. After the New Year, I will surely prepare another meal and invite you."

Indeed, Guan Lian's face changed from dark clouds to partly cloudy.

Lian Cheng twitched the corner of his mouth beside them. Well... even if Lian Xiusheng didn't study, he could curry favor well enough to enter the Grand Secretariat. Anyone who had never been a sycophant wouldn't know how good his foundation was.