Chapter 40 — The Cucumbers Have Matured
Wu Xingzi was a thin man, and his wrist was naturally thin and slender as well. There was a protrusion on his wrist, and the round bone that was jutting out was very conspicuous. His skin was very fair as well, and his blood vessels appeared greenish, trailing down his arm.
Now, his entire wrist was bruised, red and swelling. It was nearly twice its original size, and it could be seen how much strength the person who left this mark had used.
Guan Shanjin found the medicine that he had stored in their bags. There were medications for both application as well as ingestion. After bringing Wu Xingzi to his bedroom and onto his bed to lie down, he carefully applied the medicine on him, massaging the wrist at the same time to help with the blood circulation.
Fortunately, Wu Xingzi’s bone was not injured, and it no longer hurt as much after the medicine was applied. Wu Xingzi had his eyes closed, as though he was napping, and Guan Shanjin’s movements became even lighter and more cautious.
The soft breathing steadied his emotions a little, and his actions too gradually stopped as he fell into his thoughts.
Guan Shanjin dared not say how good a lover he was. He had treated everyone in the past as Mr. Lu’s substitutes, and even in the midst of heightened emotions, he still knew how to take care of others.
In other words, as he pampered these substitutes, he convinced himself that he was spoiling Mr. Lu. The two of them were so close yet so far, and they were always so courteous and prudent when interacting with each other.
Since all those people were shadows of Mr. Lu, he naturally could not treat them harshly. He could not give Mr. Lu a fright.
This was truly the first time… How could he bear to leave such a brutal mark on Wu Xingzi’s arm? At that time, why was he so crazed?
Guan Shanjin was not stupid. In actual fact, he was too clever. His loss of control was definitely out of the ordinary. Even as he was striking down enemies in the battlefield, there had never been a single time when he had lost his senses like this. When he heard Wu Xingzi personally talk about the relationship between himself and Mr. Lu, thinking about that iciness he felt then, made him shudder unconsciously now.
What exactly was he so apprehensive about?
Something seemed as though it was about to emerge from the cocoon in his brain. That was not a sentiment that he could currently keep control over, and so he gritted his teeth and harshly shoved it back down, unwilling to think further about it.
Wu Xingzi was of a gentle temperament. Even after being treated roughly, he did not complain nor rebuke Guan Shanjin. Guan Shanjin was caught between feeling assured and dejected. What he most strongly felt was a guilt that he could not speak aloud, but there was nothing, he felt, he could do about it. How could he compensate this old fellow?
Under the candlelight, Wu Xingzi’s sleeping face appeared contented. It was as though his wrist injury had never occurred, and his bone was not nearly broken. On the contrary, it was this instigator who was feeling even more afraid than him.
Sighing, Guan Shanjin confirmed that the bruise had been massaged thoroughly, then applied a new layer of ointment. He wrapped the wrist up with clean linen, getting into bed, still dressed, and hugged the man on it to sleep.
The next morning, Wu Xingzi woke up, had his breakfast, and then packed up his bags. He did not mention about what happened the previous night at all. There were a few times when Guan Shanjin wanted to ask him, but upon opening his mouth, he did not know what to say, and could not help but resent Wu Xingzi’s inattentiveness.
“What’s wrong?” Wu Xingzi packed away the pengornis drawings as well as those books his father had left him. Storing them securely under his clothes, he left the room with his bags only to see Guan Shanjin looking annoyed as he sat by the table drinking tea. Only when he heard Wu Xingzi speak, was he then willing to look at him.
“It’s nothing.” He poured some tea for Wu Xingzi, frowning slightly. “Does your wrist still hurt? Why were you rushing to pack things up?”
He felt that he was unable to tell Wu Xingzi that he could help him pack up. Seeing how Wu Xingzi was fiddling about, he knew that Wu Xingzi was bringing along his treasures with him. Not only was that case of pengornis drawings included, but there were also others that were even more important, things that he could not know about. Thinking about this, Guan Shanjin was even more dejected. Compounded with the guilt left from last night, his chest felt aching and stifled.
“Huh? Oh…” Wu Xingzi smiled and shook his head as he looked at his own wrist. “It doesn’t hurt much anymore. Thank you for applying the ointment for me last night, it’s really very effective.”
This fool! He’s already been injured, doesn’t he know how to get angry? Guan Shanjin would rather Wu Xingzi scold him. It would be better than now, where Wu Xingzi was about to forget all about it.
“It’s what I should do. After all, I was wrong.” Guan Shanjin’s tone was stiff. He stared at the old fellow happily finishing his tea and eating snacks, looking no different from his usual self… His temper was indescribable. Not only was he angry with himself for his peculiar mood, he was also angry with Wu Xingzi for not knowing how to fight for himself. But what could he do about it? To Wu Xingzi, this matter was already over. Even if he were to be so angry that he vomited blood on the spot, the old thing would only look at him blankly, confused.
Rubbing his chest, Guan Shanjin had no choice but to force himself to temporarily leave this matter behind. With a hard voice, he spoke. “Since the things are all packed up already, let’s send all the items that we haven’t finished eating or using to Auntie Liu. We’ll depart for Bastion City past noon.”
“Yes, yes.” The new year goodies that Su Yang had prepared could be said to be too complete. Even if Wu Xingzi and Guan Shanjin were to continue staying here for another ten days, there would still be enough provisions to last them the entire time. All the food and ingredients were of excellent quality. They would not be able to take them along, so it was fortunate that they could give them to Auntie Liu.
Having made the decision, the two of them soon finished packing up.
They took with them a large portion of the snacks that they could bring along, and the rest of them, as well as other food ingredients and daily necessities were all given to Auntie Liu.
Knowing that they were leaving, Auntie Liu did not refuse the goods. She harped on at Wu Xingzi to take care of himself, that the people of the city were secretly calculative and scheming, and Wu Xingzi had to be more aware of it.
“We won’t set out to harm others, but we also cannot let others take advantage of us, understand? People like that one from the Li family, you must be more wary of them. They bully the good and fear the evil, so, you should deal with them as and when it’s needed, ok?”
“Xingzi understands.” He patted Auntie Liu’s hand that was clutching his as a form of consolation. The linen bandage around his wrist was revealed. Auntie Liu’s eyes sharpened, and just as she was about to open her mouth, Wu Xingzi made his move first by waving his hand. “Auntie, this is only a small matter, don’t worry about it.”
Even if she was unhappy to do so, since Wu Xingzi had already said that, Auntie Liu could only suppress her anger. She glared savagely at Guan Shanjin, and deliberately raised her voice. “If someone ever does you wrong, just tell Auntie about it! Auntie has always protected you in the past, and Auntie will still be able to protect you in the future.”
It was unclear if Guan Shanjin heard it. He silently remained sitting at the head of the table, with half-lowered eyes as though he was distracted.
The anger in Auntie Liu’s heart flared up! She nearly did not stop herself from rolling up her sleeves to teach that fellow a lesson, but once again, she was obstructed from doing so by Wu Xingzi. Before they even had lunch, Wu Xingzi dragged Guan Shanjin away, saying their farewells.
He did not know how long he would be staying in Bastion City this time. Before leaving the world of Qingcheng County, reluctantly, Wu Xingzi turned to look back at those familiar grounds, that bleak and desolate scenery, that dry and hard earth, and those weeds that could not even grow well.
“We’re going.” Seated on Zhu Xing, Guan Shanjin led the horse, trotting one round around Wu Xingzi. He hesitated for a moment before placing an arm around Wu Xingzi’s shoulders. “I’ll come back with you next year to make the offerings to your ancestors again, alright?”
“I’ll have to be back for Qingming.” Wu Xingzi blinked, answering matter-of-factly.
Guan Shanjin laughed lightly, scraping Wu Xingzi’s nose with his finger gently. “Exactly. We’ll need to come back during Qingming. So, it’s decided.”
They would be returning together again for Qingming? Wu Xingzi’s face turned grim. How was he going to explain it to his ancestors this time? This pengornis tryst was becoming a full blown affair!1
The journey back to Bastion City was a lot faster. Wu Xingzi’s riding ability had improved greatly. Even though Guan Shanjin made it in the nick of time to enter each city before sunset, it took them two less days to return to Bastion City than leaving it.
Like before, Guan Shanjin sent Wu Xingzi back to Shuanghe Yard and took his leave.
The New Year festivities were over, and various military decrees came one after another. Man Yue was pale with exhaustion, looking just like a deflated balloon. His body structure still remained round and plump, but he gave off the feeling of collapsing.
When Mint and Osmanthus saw Wu Xingzi, they were truly delighted. Surrounding him, they chattered away asking about all sorts of things, and even showed off the maturing cucumbers to him as though they were revealing treasures. Both their delicate faces were full of pride.
“Mr. Wu, look. My sister and I have given our best, and there’s not a single bug on your cucumbers. When they’re fully grown, they’ll definitely be crisp and sweet.” Mint lifted up the little growing cucumber. The attached flower had yet to even wilt, and the fresh and bright blossom was very adorable.
“Yes, yes.” Wu Xingzi carefully lifted up a little cucumber as well, fondling it admiringly. It truly was warm in Bastion City. The cucumbers were growing a lot faster than he had calculated, and covered with soft, downy fur, they were really cute.
“However, there seems to be too many growing.” Osmanthus crouched down by the side, checking for insects. “If we don’t pluck some now, I’m afraid they won’t taste as good when they’re fully grown.”
“Why don’t we harvest half of them and pickle them?” The suggestion came from Mint.
“This isn’t a bad idea, it’ll work.” Wu Xingzi approved immediately, and started discussing with the two young ladies how they should pickle the cucumbers. Should they make them a little more sour? A little more salty? Or should they be a little more spicy?
In the days that followed, Wu Xingzi returned to the leisurely life that he led before the New Year. The cucumbers were growing very fast, growing to the size of a palm in a couple of weeks. The pickled little cucumbers were also about ready to be eaten. Wu Xingzi’s heart capered about in joy, and he inexplicably thought about Guan Shanjin whom he had yet to see during this half-month.
The two girls had actually told him many things to do with Guan Shanjin. They said that the general was recently very busy, and he even did not go over to Mr. Lu that much.
Was he eating properly? Wu Xingzi too understood that his concern was rather pointless. Guan Shanjin was the general, and there would definitely be people around him to take good care of him. It was not his turn to worry over such small matters like his meals and sleep, as Mr. Lu would definitely think about it.
What they made was cucumbers preserved in soy paste, with some spiciness to it. However, the two young ladies were afraid that they would be too heavy handed with the seasoning, and so left it to Wu Xingzi to do the final seasoning of the dish.
He still remembered the promise that he had made to Guan Shanjin, telling him that he would make him cucumbers to eat! What a coincidence. Wu Xingzi hesitated, wondering if he should send some over.
“Let’s send some over. I heard from the kitchen auntie that the general’s appetite hasn’t been very good recently.” Mint was able to quickly guess what Wu Xingzi was feeling conflicted over. She hastily prepared a plate of pickled cucumbers with her sister, and they urged their master to go. The day they had been waiting for had finally arrived! Wu Xingzi was about to secure the general’s favour! Over the New Year, they had read a few new picture books, and there was finally somewhere for them to release their zeal and zest.
However, before they could leave Shuanghe Yard, an unexpected guest appeared — Osmanthus murmured secretly.
The intruder was Hua Shu. Compared to the last time they saw him, there was a lack of haughtiness and arrogance. His servile attitude was very friendly, and he had a small smile on his face as he greeted Wu Xingzi. “Mr. Wu, it’s been a long time since we’ve met. How have you been?”
“Very well, very well. How is Master Hua?” Wu Xingzi hurriedly cupped his hands together. He had only met Hua Shu twice, but this exquisite looking man was indelibly carved in his memories. Previously, his attitude had been so high and mighty, and this time, Wu Xingzi felt a little overwhelmed by his warmth.
The two girls hid behind Wu Xingzi, looking down to hide the roll of their eyes.
This Hua Shu was such a nuisance. He clearly was only Mr. Lu’s attendant, but relying on Mr. Lu’s favour, he was very impolite towards the younger servants, unabashedly putting on such airs.
“Thank you Mr. Wu for asking.” With eyes lowered, Hua Shu was very respectful, but he still could not hide a trace of conceit in his tone. “Mr. Lu would like to invite Mr. Wu to join him for lunch. Mr. Wu, please follow Hua Shu.”
“Hold on!” Naturally, Mint could not wait for her own master to speak. She was well aware of how soft-hearted Wu Xingzi was; he would definitely not refuse, and would follow Hua Shu. Hmph! Could her master be called to heels as though he was a dog?
“Hmm?” Hua Shu glanced at the little girl blocking Wu Xingzi, a sneer hanging off his lips. “Where did this servant come from, why is she so rude? Who was the one who taught you your manners?”
“My mother did.” Mint was a local from Bastion City, and her female relatives were able to support an entire family clan by themselves. She could not be bothered at all with Hua Shu’s peculiarities. “May I know who was the one who taught Master Hua his manners then? Are you inviting someone to lunch, or are you calling out for your dog?”
“You!” Hua Shu frowned, feeling a burn on his cheeks.
“What about me? Your Mr. Lu wants to invite Mr. Wu for a meal, and Mr. Wu has to go? Was this how Mr. Lu taught you to invite people?” Mint stuck an arm on her hip, pursing her lips. “Mr. Wu is not free, he’s going to see the general.”
“The general?” Hua Shu’s face paled, but he soon recovered, and his brows knitted slightly. “The general has been busy with the military recently. Did he really say that he was going to see Mr. Wu?”
“Uhh…” Wu Xingzi was about to respond, but Osmanthus stepped out, smoothly taking over the conversation.
“Does this have anything to do with Master Hua? At the end of the day, the general still has no intentions of seeing Master Hua.” Osmanthus had a sort of childlike naivety that her sister lacked, but she did not want to seem less sharp-tongued than her sister.
Every word stabbed right into his heart. Hua Shu’s complexion turned uglier, and even his lips were pale.
“It’s true that the general does not want to see Hua Shu, but…” Hua Shu strove to smile at the two girls. “The general has left early in the morning, and he has yet to return. Who are you planning to see?”
“He left?” Wu Xingzi sighed, feeling rather regrettable as he looked towards the earthen jar of pickled cucumbers.
Seeing how they failed to scare Hua Shu, Mint and Osmanthus both pursed their lips. After exchanging a glance, Mint still remained calm. “Even if the general is not seeing Mr. Wu right not, Mr. Lu definitely did not ask you to call a dog over! Shuanghe Yard has no dogs, you can leave now.”
“This young lady has a very sharp tongue,” Hua Shu sneered.
“How could it be sharper than Master Hua’s? It doesn’t even know how to invite a person over, has it been whetted by a stone?” Mint waved her hand, smiling innocently. “Master Hua, please return. Shuangye Yard is too small, so we won’t invite you for tea.”
“Is this the intentions of Mr. Wu?” Hua Shu glanced over at Wu Xingzi who was blocked by the two girls.
“No, no.” Wu Xingzi waved, tugging at the two girls. “Since Mr. Lu has invited me, I won’t stand on courtesies.”
“Mr. Wu!” Mint shouted unhappily.
“Hey, we still have to eat.” Faced with Hua Shu’s haughty tone, Wu Xingzi was completely not bothered by it. He had been an adviser for half his life, what sort of person had he never met? Some people would only feel secure if they treated others like this, and so he just let it be.
“Then, may Mr. Wu please follow Hua Shu.” Hua Shu lowered his eyes, hiding a flash of disdain. In his eyes, Wu Xingzi’s submission represented his lowliness, a failure that was carved right into his bones and flowing in his blood. How could the general like someone like this?
“Many thanks to Master Hua for guiding the way.” Wu Xingzi patted the two girls in consolation, and hurried after Hua Shu.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢