Chapter 287: Hello Chang'an
Chapter 287: The Little Brother
Thinking of this, a surge of indescribable shame and sorrow welled up in her heart. Just as the courtesan was about to cover her face and leave, she suddenly saw the spirited young girl on horseback smile at her and wave the crabapple branch in her hand, replying, “Very well, I shall come another day.”
The courtesan froze, then, utterly exhilarated, nodded repeatedly like a chick pecking at rice, her usual deliberate coquettishness gone, replaced entirely by genuine emotion.
After watching the young girl depart, she suddenly turned to those beside her and exclaimed, “Sisters, little ones, mother! Did you hear that? General Ningyuan said she will come another day to hear me sing!”
“Yes, we heard… we heard…”
“I must… I must hurry and practice the zither!” The courtesan’s eyes glistened with tears of joy as she clutched her handkerchief and ran back into the building.
The madam of the house sighed helplessly, muttering, “…Expecting her to stand here to entertain patrons, yet with all these army gentlemen waiting outside, she’s quite content!”
But she did not call her back.
She could understand — as a woman herself, how could she not?
Being affirmed by a man and being affirmed by a woman — especially such an extraordinary woman — gave entirely different feelings.
One courtesan, moved, turned and headed back into the building. If General Ningyuan were to come, relying on only Sister Haitang to sing, play the zither, and serve wine… oh, how could she manage it all?
She needed to discuss with Sister Haitang!
Seeing her hurry after Haitang, the other courtesans caught on, a few at a time leaving. The madam cried out, “…Dying, a bunch of heartless fools! Are you running a business or crying a funeral?”
Grabbing one courtesan who had been slow, she scolded and dragged her back.
Those unable to escape were forced to stand in place, their enthusiasm for attracting patrons taking a nosedive.
Listening to the zither and singing from inside, they gripped their handkerchiefs as if ready to tear them — infuriating! Even when the noble Zheng Jiulang of Xingyang came hundreds of miles to Bianzhou, lavishly spending for Sister Haitang, they had never been this envious.
Had they known, they should have had more courage to toss flowers to General Ningyuan just now!
Seeing them so distracted, the madam poked one on the forehead: “…One by one, are you attracting patrons or mourning? Where has your mind wandered off to?”
“Very well, if General Ningyuan truly comes to hear Haitang sing, the house will close for a day, taking no other customers, so you little hussies all have a chance to bask in her glory!”
At this, the courtesans were overjoyed, calling out repeatedly, “Yes, madam!”
Though still scolding, a faint, restrained smile tugged at the madam’s lips.
To have received even the promise that General Ningyuan would come to hear a performance — surely one must exhaust the zither repertoire, snapping ten or more strings in earnest practice! Who would have time to flatter men?
The former was the moon among clouds; the latter, livelihood and coins.
In this muddy world, bending to collect coins, yet occasionally able to glance at the moon, or even stand on tiptoe to touch it — to them, such rare fortune was priceless.
Since it was so rare, one ought to grasp it fully.
In their lifetimes, chances to seize such opportunities were few. This time, let them indulge themselves.
The madam suppressed her own feelings and continued to display her ingratiating smile, waving the fragrant handkerchief outside.
All along, Chang Suining observed the fervor and generosity of Bianzhou’s citizens — the former needing no elaboration, the latter evidenced by some even throwing precious peonies toward her.
Bathed in the scent of blossoms, Chang Suining and Cui Jing, following Hu Min, dismounted outside the Prefect’s residence in Bianzhou.
Many city officials were waiting there, quickly approaching to offer greetings.
Prefect Hu introduced them.
“This is General Xiao Min.”
“This is General Ningyuan.”
“And this is Grand General Cui…”
Cui Jing’s movements had not yet been widely publicized, and the Bianzhou officials were astonished, again bowing in courtesy.
Thus, Bianzhou had not only invited General Ningyuan, but also received the renowned Grand General Cui — the neighboring prefectures, once aware, would surely be green with envy and lose sleep over it.
After a brief, somewhat excited exchange, an official said, “…Generals, please enter the residence to speak.”
They surrounded Chang Suining, Cui Jing, and Xiao Min as they moved into the Prefect’s residence.
Crossing the threshold, Xiao Min instinctively stepped back, allowing Chang Suining to go first. At the same time, he noticed Grand General Cui making the same gesture.
Their eyes met for a moment, and Xiao Min smiled knowingly — it seemed the Grand General shared his sensibilities!
“Were these flowers all prepared by you?” Chang Suining, walking ahead, looked at the flower pots lining the corridor. Most were rare varieties; a few so fine that even the Marquis of Zheng would drool at the sight. She could not help but say, “This is rather extravagant.”
Had these been grain instead, it would have fed the army for a long while.
“General Ningyuan, a misunderstanding,” an official squeezed next to Prefect Hu, smiling as he explained, “Most were sent by the city’s wealthy citizens to welcome General Ningyuan —”
He quickly glanced at Xiao Min, “…as well as gifts from General Xiao and the soldiers themselves.”
Seeing his earnest effort to clarify, Xiao Min nearly wanted to say, “It’s not necessary.”
Truly, no one needed to annotate every gift; having repeatedly gained honor by ‘scooping’ merit — now officially confirmed as General Chang’s subordinate — was he the sort to need constant acknowledgment?
“I see,” Chang Suining nodded, then said, “The sentiment is appreciated; we shall enjoy them for now. Afterward, please return them to their original owners.”
The official hurriedly agreed.
Passing a screen wall, Chang Suining noticed a few heads peeking from behind it. When she looked, they quickly withdrew.
But after a brief moment, the smallest head could not resist peeking again.
It was a delicate, adorable five- or six-year-old girl.
Chang Suining, drawn to the cute face, smiled.
The little girl blinked her big, round, dark eyes, and as if summoned, ran out from behind the screen wall.
“…Seventh sister, come back!”
Older boys and girls called anxiously, yet could not stop her.
“Little Seventh, come to father!” Hu Min beamed like a blooming chrysanthemum, opening his arms and bending down.
Yet the little girl seemingly did not see him, lifting her skirt as she ran past and arrived before Chang Suining in a single dash.
“You’re General Ningyuan?” The girl’s eyes sparkled as she looked up at her.
Chang Suining smiled and nodded. “Indeed.”
“Then…” the little girl asked, full of awe and curiosity, “are you really the immortal reincarnation of a star general?”
Chang Suining pretended to ponder, then, unhesitatingly before so many, said, “Quite possibly.”
One word difference between immortal and general — trivial.
The little girl’s face expressed astonishment, eyes wide, letting out an exaggerated, admiring “Wow!”
“When I grow up, can I also fight battles and slay enemies with you, General?”
“Of course.”
The little girl leapt up in delight.
Her gaze then fell upon the young man beside Chang Suining, and she gasped in surprise, “Wow!”
Then she asked earnestly, “Are you an immortal reincarnation too?”
Cui Jing, serious, replied, “I am not.”
The little girl let out a small “Ah.”
Chang Suining looked at Cui Jing.
What was wrong with him? So honest — how could he coax a child?
Such an adorable girl, how could he bear it? Was his heart made of iron?
And if so, would it make her look like the only one talking big?
Receiving Chang Suining’s glance, Cui Jing fell silent for a moment, then amended, “…Perhaps, it is also possible.”
He did not think Chang Suining was boasting; in his eyes, she truly was a reincarnated celestial being.
At this moment, he was the one speaking extravagantly. But since she had given him permission, it would do no harm to indulge a little.
The little girl’s eyes sparkled. “I knew it! You’re so handsome, you must be a celestial being too!”
“Just like my father. Mother and my aunt always say he must be a donkey reincarnate!”
Immediately, everyone turned to Prefect Hu.
Hu Min: “…?!”
His wife and his sole concubine had secretly teamed up to say such things about him?
Outwardly appearing virtuous and gentle, yet such hidden mischief!
And this daughter of his — her filial loyalty was deadly earnest!
But… a donkey? Did that mean his face was long? Or his temper stubborn? He would need a proper explanation later, accompanied by a sincere apology.
Hu Min’s eldest daughter quickly came forward, cheeks flushed, pulling her little sister behind her, her smile shy and awkward.
Now, his wife and concubine were in trouble.
Blushing, she said, “Little sister is young; children speak without restraint… forgive us, honored guests, for the laughter.”
The words “forgive us” might have been harmless if left unsaid, but now it reminded everyone — Prefect Hu was usually approachable and unpretentious, and the officials immediately caught on, laughing and teasing.
Hu Min hurriedly cupped his hands, pleading: “…Please, everyone, do not make fun of me!”
The officials laughed and moved to the front hall.
Today’s gathering at the Prefect’s residence could only be called a welcome banquet; the true celebration banquet would be three days later. For one, Chang Suining, Xiao Min, and the other officers would need rest. Secondly, the Bianzhou officials attached great importance to the event, requiring extensive preparation and time for Li Xian and others to arrive.
Since Chang Suining was female, the Prefect’s female household members and the city officials’ wives were also present.
During the feast, Prefect Hu frequently glanced at his wife and concubine.
He intended, with a sharp look, to severely rebuke them, forcing them to feel uneasy. Yet, annoyingly, neither woman so much as glanced at him.
It was his eldest daughter who could not bear it. She quietly tugged at the Prefect’s wife’s sleeve, signaling her to look toward father.
Only then did the Prefect’s wife meet her husband’s gaze.
Hu Min, finally seeing this moment, assumed a solemn expression.
The Prefect’s wife frowned in confusion, then nudged the concubine beside her.
The concubine looked and was also stunned.
The Prefect’s wife whispered in puzzlement, “…Why does he return home and immediately pull a donkey face?”
The concubine shook her head innocently, indicating she had no idea.
Hu Min’s eldest daughter felt her scalp tingle. Luckily, her father could not hear this remark; otherwise, he might have fainted from anger.
Meanwhile, halfway through the feast, Ah Dian could no longer sit still.
Chang Suining had him sit at the head table with her, fulfilling the saying: those who do not drink should sit with children.
Granted permission by Chang Suining, Ah Dian left the table to play.
Seeing two young boys in embroidered clothes playing “Eagle Catches the Chicks” with their servants, he dashed over eagerly.
He was tall and fast, causing the servants to instinctively place the two young masters behind them.
Yet one boy was unafraid, stepping out from behind the servants. “Who are you?” he asked.
“I’m Ah Dian!” The boy looked up with wide eyes, speaking politely: “Little Brother, may I play with you?”
When requesting something, one’s words must be sweet!
“Little Brother?”
Hearing this, the boy laughed heartily.
Ah Dian stepped forward again. “May I, Little Brother?”
“Of course!” The young boy patted his chest. “Since you are a guest and call me brother, stand behind me; I shall protect you!”
Ah Dian leapt with joy, nodding repeatedly, running behind him and bending to tug at his robe.
For the next half-day, Ah Dian played madly with the young masters of the Prefect’s residence. Hearing that the Hu family boys bore him no ill will, Chang Suining was pleased and let him continue.
In the evening, Chang Suining, Cui Jing, and Xiao Min left the Prefect’s council hall together.
Prefect Hu saw them off, repeatedly advising Chang Suining to rest properly over the next few days and to inform the household immediately should anything be amiss.
Chang Suining thanked him and motioned him to stay: “…Prefect Hu, you’ve also worked hard.”
Hu Min halted and cupped his hands, watching them depart.
On the way, Xiao Min mentioned that Deputy-General Jin’s injuries were improving and brought up the assassin who had wounded Jin. He asked Chang Suining, “Shall we interrogate him?”
“Keep watch over him first, give him a small amount of food and water once a day so he does not starve,” Chang Suining said, walking with hands behind her back. “When the other two arrive, we will interrogate together.”
Adding the surviving assassin who tried to kill Cui Jing, the four would face off together — it would surely be an interesting scene.
Of the “other two,” Xiao Min knew only one; the remaining person was unknown. He did not press further, nodding in agreement.
Cui Jing remained silent, listening to their military discussion.
At a fork in the road, Xiao Min raised his hand in farewell. Cui Jing finally said, “General Xiao, take care.”
Xiao Min froze. He nearly asked, “Grand General Cui, aren’t you leaving?” but did not.
After Xiao Min left, Chang Suining walked ahead and stopped beneath an apricot tree.
Cui Jing approached.
Yuan Xiang, Ah Che, and Xi’er followed at a moderate distance.
“The apricot blossoms are blooming,” Chang Suining said, gazing up at the tree.
Cui Jing replied, “Mm. The imperial exams should be posted in the capital these days.”
Chang Suining blinked at the apricot blossoms, then turned to the peerlessly handsome young man beside her, and a strange thought suddenly occurred to her.
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