Chapter 104: Hello Chang’an

  

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  **Chapter 104: Does She Also Like Chestnuts?**  

Cui Jing had a naturally stubborn and cold expression, combined with his military achievements, which often gave people a sense of intimidation. This helped him avoid many unnecessary social interactions.

As a result, when faced with Yao Yi’s excessively enthusiastic behavior, he lacked the experience to handle it and didn’t have a clear plan in mind.

However, due to his inherent stubbornness, it was impossible for him to be led around by someone else.

This led to the situation where Yao Yi tugged on him but couldn’t move him.

Yao Yi pulled again, but still, there was no movement.

“…”

Yao Yi silently regarded the immovable young man’s lower half. Was he really that solidly grounded?

Unwilling to give up, Yao Yi’s smile faded slightly as he leaned in closer to Cui Jing, lowering his voice. “I have been dealing with a mysterious murder case recently…”

Cui Jing looked at him, puzzled. “?”

Seeing the hint of curiosity in his expression, Yao Yi felt more confident—this young man indeed had unique tastes.

“This case is quite strange, and I’ve encountered obstacles in advancing the investigation. I attempted to find clues from the deceased's past, and since the victim was a military personnel with a special position, I’d like to ask General Cui some details about it…”

As he spoke, he gestured invitingly. “Shall we discuss it while walking?”

“…”

“Yao Yi has arrived late; I have kept Head Master Qiao waiting!” Yao Yi smiled apologetically at Qiao Yan, who had just come into view.

Qiao Yan was taken aback for a moment before quickly waving his hand with a smile. “Not at all, not at all…”

After all, he hadn’t been waiting at all.

Qiao Yan felt a bit perplexed.

He had merely made a casual remark after the polo match, suggesting that if the officials didn’t mind, they could come over for dinner later… It was obviously just polite talk!

These officials had come to the academy to watch the polo match; he had already arranged a lunch for them that day, which was more than enough. Why would he also need to provide dinner?

Moreover, it would be his personal residence, and hosting them would mean he would have to pay out of his own pocket—one would think that anyone with a modicum of dignity wouldn’t do such a thing!

Yet, surprisingly, Minister Wei actually showed up!

The young man was exceptionally talented and had a smooth path in his official career; it was understandable that he lacked experience in social matters…

But how could Yao Yi, at his age, also come?

Seeing someone else walking in shortly after, Qiao Yang was astonished. “General Cui?!”

What kind of whirlwind had blown him here as well?

Noticing Head Master Qiao’s reaction, Yao Yi remained silent with a smile—was it surprising? He had drawn him in with a murder case.

Hearing the commotion, Wei Shuyi, who was talking with the Chang siblings in the corridor, turned his head and said with a smile, “So General Cui also enjoys eating fish.”

Chang Suining also looked over just in time to meet Cui Jing’s gaze.

The corridor was adorned with two lanterns depicting bamboo and orchids, casting a gentle warm light that enveloped the young girl, making her moon-blue skirt appear like cloud silk against the night sky. Her fair complexion was particularly illuminated.

The lantern light and night blended together as their eyes met in an instant.

With the guests now before him, Qiao Yang could only maintain a smiling face and invite them into the hall while discreetly signaling his servant to quickly go to the kitchen and ask his wife to prepare a few more dishes for him.

Wang Shi was skilled in cooking and loved to prepare meals for her children, especially since Chang Suining was present tonight. She happily went to the kitchen to get busy.

Now hearing that more officials were coming, she felt annoyed with her husband’s impromptu gatherings and left the remaining work to the kitchen maid—she had honed her cooking skills for her children, not for entertaining her husband’s colleagues.

With Wang Shi stepping back, she settled down early at the table.

Two additional dining tables were set up in the dining hall, with Chang Suining and Qiao Yumian seated at one of them.

Without seeing Qiao Yubai arrive, Yao Yi inquired with concern, “I saw your son was injured today, and I’ve been quite worried, so I thought I’d come by to check on him… How is he doing now?”

Although Qiao Yang didn’t believe his words at all, he smiled and replied, “He’s fine; it’s just that the physician has advised him to rest for a while, so he can’t come to greet everyone. I hope you won’t take offense.”

Yao Yi quickly replied, “Not at all… It’s important for him to recuperate!”

After all, he wasn’t really there to check on young master Qiao.

Everyone began to eat at their respective tables. As the host, Qiao Yang was casual about both minor and major details, and with Wei Shuyi present, the atmosphere was particularly relaxed.

While Yao Yi and the others enjoyed their drinks and chatted, Qiao Yumian asked Chang Suining, “Ning Ning, do you want to drink?”

In the past, Ning Ning would have been surprised at the mention of drinking, but now, even if she were offered a bowl of strong liquor, it would seem perfectly reasonable.

Her question, originally asked out of concern, suddenly made several people in the room tense up.

Chang Suining was one of them.

Xi'er inevitably felt some lingering worry about her young lady getting drunk.

 

Cui Jing, sitting across from them, instinctively looked over, unconsciously tightening his grip on his bamboo chopsticks— 

Cui Yuanxiang, concerned for his master, momentarily held his breath and anxiously glanced at Chang Suining.

At the same time, Wei Shuyi and Chang Sui'an ’s gazes also fell on Chang Suining.

“…” Under the watchful eyes—some wary and nervous, others eager for drama, and some containing hints of advice—Chang Suining said to Qiao Yumian, “No need; I don’t like drinking.”

With those words, the previously tense atmosphere relaxed.

Yao Yi sensed that the mood among the young people was somewhat peculiar but couldn’t probe deeper. He merely remarked, “Today’s polo match was truly eventful and thrilling…”

Wei Shuyi smiled and added, “After today’s events, Miss Chang will surely gain a lot of fame.”

Chang Suining ignored his teasing.

 

However, Wei Shuyi’s remark naturally shifted the focus of the conversation onto her, allowing Yao Yi to casually bring up, “On the way here… I heard a few students mention that Miss Chang and Head Master Qiao are planning a master-apprentice banquet?”

Qiao Yang couldn’t help but chuckle helplessly upon hearing this. “I just learned about my accepting disciples today. They can’t wait to arrange a banquet with me? I have no idea where these rumors are coming from…”

Yao Yi suddenly understood—he thought it was too flamboyant to act in such a manner; it turned out to be a misunderstanding.

“That’s not a misunderstanding; I told them,” Chang Suining said.

Yao Yi paused in surprise, and Qiao Yang was equally taken aback. “… When did this happen?”

“Just after the match,” Chang Suining replied. “I hadn’t had a chance to discuss it with you—”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Yang showed a disapproving expression. “What’s there to discuss? We’re family; why bother with a banquet? Why make such a fuss over these worldly customs?”

After a pause, he tentatively asked, “Is it already settled? Where do you plan to hold it?”

He didn’t care much about the master-apprentice banquet and generally disliked fanfare, but really, which parent could refuse their children’s public display of filial piety?

Chang Suining replied, “It will be at Deng Tai pavilion in three days.”

Qiao Yang expressed surprise. “Deng Tai pavilion? Why spend that money?”

Deng Tai pavilion was one of the finest restaurants in the capital, renowned for its excellent dishes and equally famous for being quite expensive.

Meeting that reproachful gaze, Chang Suining fell silent for a moment.

Old Qiao had a few cups of wine, and his performance of pretending to reject yet flaunting his children's filial piety was somewhat exaggerated...

She could only cooperate by saying, “The master-apprentice ceremony is a significant matter and should not be taken lightly.”

“You child…” Qiao Yang sighed, pausing before asking in a compromising tone, “Then how many tables do you plan to set?”

“It’s not decided yet; we need to wait until tomorrow to finalize the guest list—”

Qiao Yang advised, “Don’t make it too extravagant…”

“It’s no problem!” Chang Sui'an replied generously, “Ning Ning can just draft the list. If necessary, we can reserve the entire Deng Tai pavilion for that day!”

Qiao Yumian reminded, “But I recall that young master Cui’s celebration is also at Deng Tai pavilion, and it seems to be on the same day?”

“It doesn’t matter; my father and the owner of Deng Tai pavilion are well-acquainted. A word from them will suffice!” Chang Sui'an said, his voice suddenly halting as he realized Cui Jing was still sitting nearby—

He smiled sheepishly, “Besides, Deng Tai pavilion is quite large, with three floors, so there should be enough space.”

“Three days later is the Dragon Boat Festival,” Wei Shuyi said with a smile, addressing Chang Suining. “I’ll be at home with nothing to do; may I trouble Miss Chang for an invitation to join in the master-apprentice banquet?”

“If the Vice Minister doesn’t mind, I’ll definitely send an invitation to your residence tomorrow,” Chang Suining replied. “At that time, I hope Minister Wei and Madam Wei can join us.”

Since she chose Deng Tai pavilion, she intended for it to attract attention; naturally, she didn’t want to miss anyone who could be brought along.

Wei Shuyi, being a promising young Vice Minister of the Eastern Pavilion, was always the center of attention wherever he went. Having someone like him at her master-apprentice banquet was the perfect opportunity for her to benefit from his presence—whether he was willing to come or not, she would find a way to coax him into attending.

Another equally suitable candidate was, of course, Cui Jing.

Even though it was merely out of courtesy towards acquaintances, Chang Suining extended the invitation, “If General Cui doesn’t mind, I hope you can join us as well.”

Before Cui Jing could respond, Yao Yi laughed and said, “General Cui’s Xuanzhe Mansion is just a street away from Deng Tai pavilion; it’s only a short walk. Since young master Cui will also be hosting his banquet at Deng Tai pavilion, I imagine General Cui has no reason not to attend.”

He then looked at Wei Shuyi, “Let’s go together; it will be lively!”

“?” Cui Yuanxiang and Chang Ji exchanged glances, surprised.

Although… it seemed that Miss Chang hadn’t invited Yao Yi, right? 

Cui Jing found himself reflecting for the first time. 

What had he done wrong? In just one evening, he had been repeatedly utilized by Yao Yi? 

Recalling the day’s events, he felt that he hadn’t done anything at the Imperial academy yet had been used by others.

If he had checked the almanac before leaving home today, it surely would have warned him with a note saying, “Easy to be used.”

But fate played tricks on him; he indeed needed to go to Deng Tai pavilion —Cui Lang’s celebration could not do without his former teammate, Xi Zhiyuan, and for that reason alone, it was worth the trip.

Being used seemed to have become an inescapable destiny for him.

This sense of destiny compelled General Cui to nod in agreement.

Yao Yi smiled even wider, sitting up straighter.

Though he was the Minister of Justice, he still had cases to complete, and he wouldn’t have a break during the Dragon Boat Festival, he could still consider taking half a day to support this child.

However, considering the previous rumors, he thought that child might also feel awkward directly inviting him… Thus, he decided to invite himself instead!

Chang Suining observed Yao Yi’s reaction and contemplated.

“Good, good… then we’ll all go!” Qiao Yang, in high spirits, raised his cup. “Let me drink on behalf of my daughter’s disciple and thank you all for your support!”

After all, being in the officialdom, everyone was merely doing it for the sake of his old face, so he ought to raise a cup as a courtesy.

But once he started, he couldn’t stop.

The festival was meant to bring joy, and even though his son was a disappointment for getting beaten, his daughter had helped win back honor, making him feel quite elated. In his delight, Qiao Yang drank a few more cups.

During the days surrounding the Dragon Boat Festival, the city temporarily lifted its curfew, allowing the group to drink late into the night without worrying about returning home on time.

Qiao Yang became the first to get drunk as he was helped back by Chang Sui'an and Wei Shuyi.

Since Chang Suining was to return to the Chang residence today, she did not accompany Qiao Yumian back to the courtyard but instead waited in the yard for Chang Sui'an after leaving the dining hall.

The night breeze brought a bit of coolness to the summer night. Chang Suining walked slowly under a tree planted in the courtyard, looking up at the snow-white flower clusters hanging from its branches.

“Does the young lady like these dog-tail grass-like flowers?” Xi'er said excitedly. “Shall I climb up and pick some for you?” 

This tree was a female tree, and its flowers bloomed at the tips of the branches, so they could only be picked by climbing up.

“No need,” Chang Suining gently shook her head. “I was just thinking, with so many flowers blooming, there will surely be plenty of chestnuts in the autumn.”

Cui Jing, who was the last to come out of the dining hall, paused slightly upon hearing this. He looked at the girl who was gazing up at the branches filled with the snow-white chestnut flowers.

“Does the young lady like to eat chestnuts now?” Xi'er asked.

Chang Suining nodded honestly, “I do.”

Hearing this heartfelt “like,” Cui Jing's brows moved slightly in the night.

For Chang Suining, the things she genuinely liked and were within reach were quite few; if she had to hide even these small preferences after living again, it would be too pointless.

Moreover, many people liked to eat chestnuts, so there was nothing much to hide.

“Then when it’s the season for chestnuts, I’ll peel them for you every day,” Xi'er said, then curiously added, “But how come there’s a chestnut tree planted here? This is the first time I’ve seen a chestnut tree in a courtyard.”

Could it be that the Qiao family also liked to eat chestnuts?

But there were large chestnut groves outside the city, and chestnuts were abundant in the capital, so having one planted in the yard was indeed rare.

“Perhaps it’s because the late Crown Prince liked to eat chestnuts, and Head Master Qiao planted this tree to remember his old master,” Cui Jing stepped forward.

He was usually reticent and seldom initiated conversations, but whenever the topic related to the late Crown Prince, he would tend to say a bit more.

Chang Suining turned to look at him. 

“How does General Cui know that the late Crown Prince liked to eat chestnuts?” 

This person had taken over her Xuanzhe Army, seized her Wan Yue bow, and yet knew even her small preferences from her past life so clearly?

“During the time of the late Crown Prince, I had the privilege of serving him,” Cui Jing said, his tone steady. “I remember he enjoyed eating chestnuts quite a bit.”

Chang Suining’s heart sank slightly. He had known her and her likes from a past she wished to forget, and it was a reminder that her old life still cast a long shadow.

“Have everyone had tangyuan for the Lantern Festival? I had both big and small ones, shaped like cat and dog paws~ I’ll send a picture to everyone. Goodnight~”

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