Qingyan Ci Chapter Two

Page 1/3

“What weren’t you looking at?” Having said that, Su Xiu lowered her head and fell silent.

Clearly, she was watching that poor boy eating noodles, yet she wouldn’t admit it? Did she like someone like that, or did she know him? Since she said nothing, Pengcheng didn’t press further, but he muttered to himself, feeling a growing curiosity.

After the carriage departed, Chenxi stared for a long while, suddenly sensing that the girl inside the carriage seemed so familiar—the eyes, nose, and mouth all inexplicably familiar, evoking an indescribable feeling... as if they had met somewhere before.

Thus, the two sat silently on the road. After about the time it takes to burn half an incense stick, the carriage stopped in front of the Sun family mansion.

Sun Pengcheng disembarked first. “Su Xiu, we’ve arrived at my home. You can get down now,” he said, extending his hand. The moment Su Xiu’s hand touched his, she immediately sensed something different.

Su Xiu had held the hands of only two men: Chenxi, whose hands were rough from labor but gentle toward her; and Master Sun, who had lived a life of luxury, with hands as delicate as a lady’s, only slightly larger. Yet, when he gripped her hand, he seemed a bit forceful. After stepping down, Su Xiu quickly withdrew her hand. Pengcheng’s displeasure and awkwardness were evident upon seeing her reaction.

“You’ll have to get used to it; after all, you’ll be my wife sooner or later,” he said coldly.

The Sun family was already waiting outside.

“Brother Sun, please come in,” Sun Yu politely invited.

“All right, Brother Sun,” the elders entered, followed slowly by Sun Pengcheng and Su Xiu.

Dinner was about to begin; both families gradually took their seats. The Su family, as guests, were given the honored seats. However, there was one extra person—Lu Yiran, the first wife of Sun Pengcheng. She sat between Sun Pengcheng and Su Xiu, causing some discomfort at the table.

Sun Yu stood and said to Lu Yiran, “Ran’er, sit beside me. Though these two are betrothed today, our prior agreement stands: fairness for all, no favoritism. In the future, business matters will be managed jointly by Cheng’er, Ran’er, and Xiu’er.”

Only then did Lu Yiran reluctantly move next to Sun Yu, casting a glance at Su Xiu and muttering, “Little fox spirit.”

The two families overheard, and the Su family’s expressions darkened.

“Shut up!” Sun Pengcheng glared fiercely at Lu Yiran. He was not afraid of the Lu family. He knew Lu Yiran, though spoiled, wouldn’t dare cause too much trouble, especially since she genuinely liked him.

“You... how dare you yell at me!” Lu Yiran cried, rushing back to her room. Pengcheng’s mother, not daring to provoke this madam, hurried after her.

It was all like a farce. The Su family watched nervously while Su Xiu appeared indifferent, her mind heavy with thoughts of Chenxi—after all, they hadn’t met for some time.

“It’s nothing, everyone just eat. Don’t mind her. Come, Brother Su...” Sun Yu attempted some polite words to ease the tension, though the Su family felt uneasy. Would Su Xiu’s marriage bring her any happiness?

“Brother Sun, although my daughter is born of the second wife, in our family she is the apple of our eye and must not be bullied. How can we rest easy with this engagement?”

“Oh, Jade Emperor, Earth Goddess, I beg you, please cancel this marriage contract. I would be forever grateful,” Su Xiu silently prayed. Judging by the situation, the chance to annul the engagement seemed ripe. She secretly wished Lu Yiran would cause more fuss—disrupting the match would be best! Yet on the surface, Su Xiu remained calm, as if unaffected.

“Rest assured, Brother Sun, once Xiu’er comes to our home, she will be treated as our own daughter. Xiu’er is sensible, unlike the capricious Lu lady. Besides, our two families have business dealings,” Sun Yu’s words suggested this marriage was unlikely to be broken off. Su Jinran, who valued business above all, knew a fallout would harm their interests. Su Xiu understood and felt somewhat deflated.

“I hope, Brother Sun, you keep your word. Harmony between our families and closer ties through marriage would be ideal,” Su Jinran said, reluctantly giving himself an exit.

During the meal, Sun Pengcheng glanced at Su Xiu from the corner of his eye. Her face showed no emotion as she quietly served herself. What was she thinking? Most young ladies would have been in tears by now. Yet she ate calmly, as if nothing had happened. Perhaps she believed that once married, he would protect her. Pengcheng secretly rejoiced at this thought.

“Uncle Su, rest assured, with me around, Su Xiu will never suffer injustice. No one will bully her,” Sun Jinran heard Pengcheng’s solemn vow and felt somewhat relieved.

Su Xiu’s mother inhaled deeply, her maternal concern making her more worried than Su Xiu’s father. Seeing no chance to salvage the broken engagement, Su Xiu felt an inexplicable sadness.

After dinner, both families agreed to proceed with the engagement. They discussed and confirmed the wedding date.

They invited a Taoist priest to select an auspicious day, finalizing the wedding date. After dinner, the Su family prepared to leave by carriage. Sun Pengcheng personally offered to escort Su Xiu home. Sun Yu also presented many precious gifts as a betrothal return.

“Xiu’er, rest assured, after marrying me, I will protect you and ensure you suffer no grievances. I am your husband and your strong backing...” Along the way, Sun Pengcheng rambled heartfelt words. He had thought all noble ladies were somewhat unreasonable, but hearing her tragic past today, he resolved to protect her for life.

“If I have a daughter, would you be happy?” Su Xiu asked directly.

“Of course. Whether boy or girl, I would love them as long as they are ours...” Pengcheng was pleased. He thought Su Xiu’s words implied acceptance of their marriage.

“Heh... sigh, that’s still far off. Actually, you didn’t have to escort us back. Why make the extra trip?” Su Xiu feigned innocence.

“Isn’t it my duty to escort my future lady home?” Their tones softened.

Passing by the market, the contrast between the bustling daytime and the quiet evening was stark. When they passed a noodle stall, Su Xiu glanced again. Pengcheng didn’t understand her thoughts, but sensed she had them.

“Have you been here before?” Pengcheng broke her reverie.

“No... I haven’t. I just find the market lively. Why must women stay behind closed doors, unable to go out? Why can’t women study while men roam freely?” Su Xiu became nervous and quickly changed the subject.

“You’re lucky to be born into a wealthy family. Look at the streets during the day—the daughters of poor families sell vegetables, buy goods, sew, or serve as maids, working hard for a few silver coins. Men, whether rich or poor, must toil to build a stable home for their wives and children, to shield their women from hardship and expand the family business. If a man can’t do these, why marry? He’s useless,” Pengcheng joked.

“Well said. Too bad my parents didn’t ride in this carriage; they would have been moved to tears by your words,” Su Xiu smirked skeptically.

“What’s so funny? Afraid I can’t support you? Afraid I’m useless? Look at my family...” Pengcheng flustered, worried she might misunderstand him.

By then, the carriage had reached the Su family gate.

Su Jinran patted Pengcheng on the shoulder. “I now regard you as our family’s worthy son-in-law. My daughter can be a bit headstrong; she’s the apple of our eye. A son-in-law must not break her heart. Husbands and wives should communicate well, no fighting! If you dare lay a hand on her, I’ll come after you even if it costs my life!” Jinran was displeased about Lu Yiran’s words. Su Xiu thought to herself that Jinran had raised her like a son, not just sending her to school.

“Father, rest assured, I told Xiu’er in the carriage that with me in this family, she will never suffer. I swear on Heaven, if I marry Su Xiu and treat her badly, may I die a terrible death, struck by lightning...” Pengcheng vowed.

“All right, son-in-law, no need to say more. Your oath reassures us. Every family treasures their daughter; we entrust ours to you, so cherish her,” Jinran said.

After much talk, the men had unloaded the betrothal gifts. Pengcheng and the Su family exchanged polite farewells before the carriage departed.

That night, Su Xiu lay awake, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Whenever she closed her eyes, she recalled the moment she locked eyes with Chenxi during the day. If only she could see him again. Their wedding was set for a month later, but Chenxi seemed not to have recognized her.

***

Meanwhile, Chenxi worked and studied diligently, inquisitive and thoughtful. His teachers especially favored this bright but poor child, hoping he would become an official to protect their rural neighbors. When not in class, Chenxi gathered precious medicinal herbs in the mountains, selling them at the market’s largest pharmacy to support his family. The herbs sold well as long as he worked hard.

One morning, Su Xiu said to Madam Wang, “Mother, may I go to the market for a walk?”

“Xiu’er, you’re already betrothed. It’s best not to wander outside. If you need anything, have the maid Xiao Hong fetch it.”

“Mother, tomorrow Xiao Hong and I will dress as boys. Besides, Sun Pengcheng is far away; he won’t notice.”

“That’s not proper for a young lady. Let’s wait a bit; I’ll talk to your father.”

Su Xiu gave up for now.

Time flew. The wedding was just days away, and the New Year approached. The maid whispered, “Miss, the Laba Festival is in two days. The market will be lively. Shall we go see?”

“That’s a good idea, little one. You’re growing up,” Su Xiu smiled happily.

“Father, may I speak with you? Do you have time?” Su Xiu approached Su Jinran’s study.

“Xiu’er, I’m busy now. Come later.” It was the twelfth lunar month, nearly New Year, and Jinran was overwhelmed with debt collection.

After dinner, Su Xiu returned to his study.

“Father, still busy?”

“Ah, Xiu’er, I forgot. What is it? Speak.”

“Father, my wedding is near. After I leave, I’ll belong to another family. The Laba Festival is coming…”

“Rest assured, even after you marry, if you want to come home, I’ll send people to bring you back. They won’t mistreat you.”

“Father, I want to take advantage of the lively Laba market to buy gifts for you and mother, and also essential items for the wedding. When I send the gifts, it will ease our parents’ longing for me.”

Jinran understood her wish. Since she would have less freedom after marrying into the Sun family, better to let her go out now.

“Take your mother with you, and bring some helpers for carrying,” he advised.

“No, Father, just a carriage and Xiao Hong and Xiao Long with me will suffice.”

“As you wish, but don’t stay out too late.”

“Thank you, Father! I’m going now.”

Watching her leave, Jinran fell into thought. When Xiu’er was born, he was joyful: one son, one daughter, bright eyes, a tall nose, rosy cheeks—so lovable. But her grandmother scolded him, saying a girl wouldn’t inherit the family and shouldn’t be spoiled. When young, Jinran always played with Xiu’er, but as the children grew, he spent more time with Su Kang managing the family business, neglecting Xiu’er somewhat. Sending her to school was a form of compensation.

He sighed heavily, perhaps out of guilt or business worries—maybe both.

“Mother, I’m going to the market at Laba to buy gifts for you and Father, and some necessities for my wedding…”

“Xiu’er...” Madam Wang interrupted.

“Father already agreed.”

“Did he really?”

“You can ask him yourself!”

“All right, bring more helpers,” she warned.

“Mother, I’m not going to fight. Don’t worry.”

***

On the Laba Festival, Su Xiu and Xiao Hong dressed as boys, neat and tidy.

“Miss, no, young master, hurry! Everyone’s at the market,” Xiao Hong urged. She had been a maid since about ten and was like a sister to Su Xiu.

“Here I come. You’re like a pest,” Su Xiu teased.

“Pah! Young master should say lucky words. If the master and mistress hear, I’ll get a beating,” Xiao Hong giggled.

After grooming, “Su Xiu” and Xiao Hong boarded the carriage. At the gate, they saw the eldest brother, Su Kang—a refined, obedient son. His wife was understanding and a few years older than Su Xiu.

“Xiu’er, where are you going?” Su Kang asked.

“Helping mother with some errands. I’ll be back soon.”

“Need big brother’s help?”

“No, you go ahead. I can manage.”

“All right, if there’s trouble, tell your sister-in-law.”

“Thanks, big brother!” Though their mothers fought, Su Kang never treated his sister as an outsider.

After he went inside, Su Xiu breathed a sigh of relief and rode toward the bustling market. Though half-siblings, Su Kang and Su Xiu got along well; only Su Kang’s mother tried to make things difficult for Su Xiu’s mother.

“Hong’er, let’s have some noodles later,” Su Xiu said.

“Young master, you don’t usually like noodles.”

“I heard the market’s noodles are delicious!”

“Who told you that?” Xiao Hong teased.

“You’re asking for a beating, aren’t you?”

“Master, the elders won’t mind. Let’s just eat noodles,” they joked happily.

They enjoyed the scenery, feeling joyful. After walking some distance, they reached the market.

“Let’s park the carriage in this inn and walk. Xiao Ding will come with us to help carry,” Su Xiu instructed.

“Okay, young master!”

“Excuse me... please make way...” Several horsemen galloped past.

“Master, watch out!” Xiao Ding quickly pulled Su Xiu and Xiao Hong aside.

“Careful! What if they hit our master?” Xiao Hong fretted.

“Forget it, better not make trouble. No one got hurt. Let’s go!” Su Xiu reassured her.

“If anything happens to you, Xiao Ding and I will be punished!” Xiao Hong still looked panicked.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine,” Su Xiu patted her back gently.

“Auntie, who are those horsemen?” Xiao Ding asked a passerby.

“They’re servants of Master Zhu, who’s celebrating his eightieth birthday with a stage set up ahead. They’re buying supplies for the feast.”

“You three young masters are from out of town? Your accent’s not local.”

“Yes, ma’am. We’re from the neighboring village. Our lord sent us to buy New Year ingredients. Didn’t expect such a lively market,” Su Xiu answered politely.

“Oh, well, enjoy your shopping. I have to go now,” the woman said, eager to avoid trouble.

“Wait! Where’s the biggest pharmacy here? I want to prepare some medicine. Winter’s cold, and I worry about my family’s health,” Su Xiu asked.

Her companions didn’t understand, since there was a healer nearby—why stock up on medicines?

“Go straight about 300 to 500 meters, turn east, then about 500 meters more. You’ll find the largest pharmacy, ‘Saving Lives.’ The pharmacist is also a well-known doctor.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Su Xiu bowed in a male gesture and led Xiao Hong and Xiao Ding there.

Following the directions, they soon found the pharmacy. The shopkeeper was arranging herbs. Su Xiu signaled Xiao Hong and Xiao Ding to wait outside.

“May I ask your name, shopkeeper?” Su Xiu entered.

He Gui Sheng, seeing her refined attire, knew she wasn’t an ordinary customer.

“I’m He, just call me Manager He. How may I serve you, young master?”

He was delighted at the prospect of a big sale.

“Manager He, may I speak with you privately?” Su Xiu played coy.

“Of course, young master, please come this way,” He Gui Sheng led her into the consultation room.

Inside, where clients were diagnosed, He asked, “Young master, do you have some hidden illness?”

Su Xiu looked healthy, with rosy cheeks, so he inquired about her purpose.

“I’m looking for someone named Zhao Chenxi—dark, thin, not very strong, a bit taller than me, from a modest family. He often gathers herbs in the mountains and sells them here to support his family,” she explained, recalling what Chenxi had told her.

“Oh? May I ask your relation to Chenxi? What business do you have with him?” He wondered if Chenxi owed her money.

“Ah... um, we’re friends,” Su Xiu quickly improvised.

“Are you referring to the Zhao Chenxi whose father is bedridden, and who works and studies diligently?” He asked seriously, sensing her evasion.

“Yes, yes, that’s him!” Su Xiu’s face lit up. He’s described Zhao Chenxi’s family situation accurately.

“Actually, Chenxi is a good boy, but his family is poor. Poor children grow up fast!” He sighed. He cared for Chenxi and always paid top price for his herbs.

“Will Chenxi come to sell herbs today?” Su Xiu asked eagerly.

“Usually yes, around this time. But his home is far in the mountains. Recently, he’s been caring for his parents and hasn’t been to school for several days,” He explained.

“Oh! That explains it. We just moved recently. How is Chenxi’s mother now?” Su Xiu interrupted.

“Much better. His elder sister has returned to help, so he can attend school again,” He said.

“That’s good, that’s good,” Su Xiu murmured.

“By the way, Chenxi usually eats noodles at Zhu’s noodle shop after market. The prices are fair, and the owner gives him extra. This helps him on the long walk home. You can wait for him there. I’ll tell him you’re coming. Our place is small; please forgive any shortcomings in hospitality,” He advised, knowing that a crowd at the door would affect business.

“All right, Manager He. I’ll buy some herbs for my parents, then wait at the noodle shop,” Su Xiu replied quickly.

“What herbs do you need? I’ll prepare them!” The shopkeeper’s face brightened at the business.

“Ginseng, red sage, longan...” Su Xiu listed many, two taels each. After Xiao Ding paid, they headed toward Zhu’s noodle shop.

“Take care! Come again!” Manager He smiled, bidding farewell.

“That’s enough, no need to see us off!” Su Xiu and her companions walked on.

“Shopkeeper, three bowls of noodles here, to eat,” Xiao Ding ordered.

“Right away,” the waiter replied attentively upon seeing their fine clothing.

***

That day, Chenxi arrived at the pharmacy as usual, though later than normal, limping. He set down his basket of dried herbs hurriedly. Hearing the noise, Manager He came out.

“You’re here, Chenxi. Earlier, there was...”

“Uncle He, check if the herbs were damaged. Also look at my leg; it hurts badly. I slipped on a wet path coming down the mountain. Luckily, my sister wrapped the herbs well. I don’t think they’re broken,” Chenxi looked a bit disheveled.

“Let me see your leg. There’s a slight bone displacement. I’ll adjust it.” In one swift motion, He manipulated Chenxi’s leg back into place.

“Ah!” Chenxi cried out in pain.

“All better now. I’ll apply medicine to the wound. You scraped a large patch of skin. Don’t rush when walking,” He said kindly.

“It’s nothing, Uncle. Just a small injury,” Chenxi replied.

“Oi, take it easy! You said it didn’t hurt,” He teased.

“Almost forgot, a certain Su young master came to see you, said you’re classmates and have important business!” He slapped his forehead.

“Su young master? Could it be Su Xiu?”

“Yes, that’s the name.”

Could he be here to collect a debt? Chenxi hadn’t brought money today. Maybe he was in trouble? Chenxi wondered.

“Where is he now?” Chenxi asked anxiously.

After paying, Chenxi hurried out, limping.

“They’re waiting at your usual noodle place. Three of them: two refined young masters and a sturdier one who looks like a coachman,” He explained.

“Thanks, Uncle. I’ll go see.”

Chenxi hurried off, heart pounding with excitement and worry. It had been so long since he last saw Su Xiu.

Could it be about money? Afraid I wouldn’t repay? But Su was not that kind of person. Chenxi pondered as he walked.

“Master, we finished our noodles. Are you waiting for someone?” Xiao Hong tentatively asked.

“Waiting for an old classmate. Should be here soon. Be patient,” Su Xiu said, trying to appear calm though her heart raced.

“That’s really Su Xiu,” Chenxi whispered, approaching and waving. “Su Xiu! Su...!”

“I’m here, Chenxi! Come quick!” Su Xiu responded, waving too.

Xiao Hong and Xiao Ding had finished eating.

“Xiao Hong, Xiao Ding, go buy the gifts. Here’s a list. Buy everything on it quickly. I need to talk to Mr. Zhao,” Su Xiu said, sending them off.

“Chenxi, how have you been? Why are you walking so slowly? Not like you,” Su Xiu asked lightly, though inside she was thrilled.

“Su Xiu, are you well? How’s the new academy? You seem changed but also the same. Since you left, I was downcast. The teacher encouraged me, and I accepted your departure. I miss you terribly. I swear to study hard and become useful. If I top the exams, I can ease my family’s burden. I’ve worked hard all these years,” Chenxi poured out.

Though only a few days apart, it felt like ages.

“I’m fine. At first, I felt uneasy at the new academy, missing you after all our years together. How about you eat first, and we talk? Waiter, another bowl of noodles, please,” Su Xiu said, eyes shining with tears.

“Su Xiu, you staring at me while eating makes me shy. We’re both men, this is a bit...” Chenxi stammered.

“Oh, pardon me. I just haven’t seen you in so long and have much to say. You eat first,” Su Xiu gestured.

“Teachers said you transferred. Is the new academy good? Has anyone bullied you?” Chenxi asked between bites.

“It’s good. No one’s been mean. My father knows the teachers there...” Su Xiu began sharing their past as Chenxi ate heartily. Their conversation was lively.

Sun Pengcheng had come to the nearby market to purchase betrothal gifts and prepare for the wedding. By chance, he saw Su Xiu eating noodles with Zhao Chenxi.

“Stop the carriage. Park next to the bun stall,” Pengcheng ordered the coachman. What a coincidence—or fate—for the two to meet like this! Pengcheng had caught Su Xiu “secretly meeting” another man.