As Xu Zhihe thought and thought, a question suddenly surfaced in her mind: How did a sixteen or seventeen-year-old boy grow to be so tall?
Fang Li poked Xu Zhihe’s waist from the side, lowered her voice, and chuckled secretly into her ear, “Miss, you have already looked at Young Master Chen three times just now.”
Xu Zhihe froze for a moment. Looking to her side in astonishment, she saw that the tips of Chen Yundu’s ears were completely red.
She immediately withdrew her gaze, turned her head to glare at Fang Li, and scolded her softly, “You naughty girl!”
Being scolded by her Miss, Fang Li was not angry at all, but rather continued to giggle happily. Sometimes they looked up at the gloomy, gray sky, and sometimes at the poetic, twisting branches of old trees where a few jackdaws sparsely perched. Pedestrians passing beneath the trees were accustomed to the sight, the birds occasionally letting out a couple of caws, making one feel as if they had accidentally wandered into a landscape painting.
Since the Xu family had moved to Eqiao County, this was the first time Xu Zhihe had walked to the outskirts of the county town. Looking toward the direction leading out of the city, fallen leaves blanketed the ground. In this freezing winter season, pedestrians carrying bamboo baskets on their backs and holding children in their arms chatted and laughed, walking and stopping along the way.
Occasionally, when pedestrians grew tired from walking, they would lean against the tea stalls under the awnings, buy a cup of tea, and take small sips amidst the rising white steam.
Chen Yundu said to Xu Zhihe, “Fengsha Lake is not far. Going out of the city from here, it is only another two li of walking.”
Two li was roughly one thousand meters.
Xu Zhihe’s expression did not change. Having walked the six or seven li from the bookstore to the city gates, a mere two li was nothing to fear.
“Walking like this in the winter makes it feel as though my entire body has warmed up.” She smiled at Chen Yundu.
Dazzled by her smile, Chen Yundu’s vision blurred, and he felt somewhat dazed.
He originally wanted to say that if the Miss did not mind, they could take more walks like this in the future. However, the very first mental note he had made about her in his mind suddenly lit up: The young miss… most likely loves sleeping in.
A trace of a smile flashed quickly through the depths of Chen Yundu’s eyes, and then he said, “If the Miss wishes to exercise at home, why not try touhu (pitch-pot), chuiwan[1]An ancient Chinese game similar to modern-day golf or croquet. jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_3017654_1_1').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_3017654_1_1', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });, or kicking a shuttlecock?”
Xu Zhihe felt a bit surprised in her heart. She had thought Chen Yundu would urge her to go out and walk more often.
She had even prepared her response… she would nod on the surface to show she understood, but once back in her room, she would sleep however she pleased. She hadn’t expected Chen Yundu to not say that, and instead offer other options for exercising that didn’t require much strenuous effort.
Pitch-pot and kicking a shuttlecock were quite good ideas; both could be played inside the house. Xu Zhihe considered it for a moment and decided to get a shuttlecock when she returned.
There was no rush for the moment. Winter clothes were thick and clumsy, making it inconvenient to kick a shuttlecock. Once spring arrived and the clothes became thinner, it would be much easier than it was now.
Seeing her deep in thought, Chen Yundu knew she had taken his words to heart. “If the Miss does not mind, I can make a shuttlecock for you.”
Xu Zhihe’s eyes curved into crescents, her voice clear and smooth, carrying the unique softness of a young girl: “Would it trouble you too much?”
Chen Yundu immediately replied, “No trouble at all.”
Chatting and laughing, the two soon arrived beside Fengsha Lake.
Fengsha Lake was not considered large; one could see the end of the lake at a glance… The terrain in the distance rolled up and down, covered in patches of grayish-white reed catkins, looking exactly like the poem described: “Looking out two or three li, four or five households in a hazy village.”
A small pavilion stood by the edge, the surrounding maple leaves dyed in layers of color. Strolling casually across the long bridge, the mist enveloped the overlapping light.
Chen Yundu had been observing Xu Zhihe’s reaction the entire time. Seeing that she was moved by the scenery before her, he breathed a sigh of relief in his heart.
As long as Miss Xu likes it.
However, before he could fully exhale that breath, he saw that the pavilion was not completely empty.
…It was Mei Fengyu.
After Mei Fengyu’s father, Mei Dingchen, and his older brother both passed the provincial exams to become Juren, they were burdened with important official posts and had no free time. Therefore, they left Mei Fengyu to grow up in their ancestral hometown. While his father and brother couldn’t get away, his younger uncle, Mei Yaochen[2]A real historical figure (1002–1060) who was an influential poet and official during the Northern Song Dynasty. jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_3017654_1_2').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_3017654_1_2', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });, could visit frequently, bringing along many treasured calligraphy copybooks and paintings.
Speaking of which, Chen Yundu and Mei Yaochen even had a bit of a connection. Back when Chen Yundu was born, Mei Yaochen happened to be traveling to visit his one-year-old nephew. Encountering this joyous occasion on his way back to Bianjing, he stopped his horse, stepped out of his carriage, and voluntarily helped name the child.
Chen Yundu and Mei Fengyu had grown up together since childhood; he would recognize that back even if it were turned to ash.
After returning that day, Chen Yundu had told Mei Fengyu about this matter, and the latter had been relentless, insisting on getting to the bottom of it.
Upon hearing that he had an appointment with a young lady, Mei Fengyu was instantly overcome with curiosity and chased after him with endless questions.
Not wanting to discuss Miss Xu too much with Mei Fengyu, Chen Yundu had simply waved him off.
Mei Fengyu grew annoyed and said, puffing his cheeks in anger, “In the future, when I have a girl I fancy, I won’t let you see her either!”
…
Chen Yundu’s footsteps hitched.
Even though he knew Mei Fengyu was usually a bit mischievous but never careless when it came to proper and important matters, a lingering worry still inevitably rose in his heart… He was afraid Mei Fengyu would have no filter on his mouth.
He was just considering how to decently and smoothly steer Xu Zhihe in the opposite direction without seeming abrupt, when the person in the pavilion charged out in one breath, shouting while panting, “Chen Yundu, Chen Yundu! I’m over here!”
Chen Yundu: “…”
Of course he knew where he was. Turning around was specifically to avoid him.
Xu Zhihe’s attention had already been drawn by the voice, and she looked over curiously.
Chen Yundu took a deep breath and introduced the person to Xu Zhihe beside him. “Miss, this is my classmate and good friend, Mei Fengyu.”
Xu Zhihe silently repeated the name in her heart—Mei Fengyu, sounding exactly like “no wind or rain” (没风雨). How delightfully straightforward and interesting.
Chen Yundu then introduced Xu Zhihe to Mei Fengyu. Compared to his previous casual nature, he added a few degrees of caution and solemnity, “This is Miss Xu, Xu Zhihe, and beside her is Miss Fang Li.”
Being stared at intently by Chen Yundu, Mei Fengyu swallowed the teasing remarks he had been about to blurt out and said in a gentle, refined voice, “Greetings, Miss Xu. Greetings, Miss Fang.”
From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Xu Zhihe, but keeping in mind that it was improper to stare, he merely bowed slightly. Then, he said to Chen Yundu, “You two arrived at the perfect time. I just started boiling some hot wine in the pavilion… ‘Newly brewed unfiltered wine with green scum, a small red clay stove.’ What do you think of this artistic mood?”
Chen Yundu did not answer, but looked at Xu Zhihe. “What does the Miss think?”
Xu Zhihe only felt a faint trace of curiosity toward this newly appearing Mei Fengyu. Hearing Chen Yundu’s question, she nodded slightly. “Since he is your good friend, naturally it is fi—”
Before she could finish speaking, Mei Fengyu let out a cheer. “It just so happens that my younger uncle brought some pastries back from Bianjing, including Soft Jade Cake and Plum Blossom Pastry. The styles are top-tier and exquisite. The two misses should try them; I believe you will like them!”
The group sat in the pavilion. Beneath the stove, the fire crackled, and the wine pot boiled, the fragrance melting into the freezing air and dispelling the chill.
Across the lake, peddlers carrying boxes on shoulder poles wove through the crowds, pedestrians came and went, while on this side, an old man fished, and wine was boiled beneath the pavilion. In this moment, the leisurely passage of time became vivid and concrete.
Rubbing his hands together, Mei Fengyu took out the pastries and placed them in the center of the stone table. “Eat up, don’t stand on ceremony.”
As if afraid Xu Zhihe and Fang Li would be nervous, he proactively placed the pastries in front of them. “Have a taste.”
The Plum Blossom Pastry was exactly as its name suggested—shaped like a plum blossom, tasting like plum blossoms, with a faint and elegant sweetness, and a single raisin embedded in the center.
Fang Li only took one bite, and her eyes immediately curved into crescents. She excitedly shook Xu Zhihe’s hand under the table… Miss, these pastries are so delicious!!
Xu Zhihe also took a bite. The Xu family was already considered a wealthy and prominent household in Eqiao County, but when it came to pastries and food, they absolutely could not compare to this single piece in her hand.
Truly worthy of being pastries from the capital city, Bianjing.
Chen Yundu watched her nervously.
Seeing him so concerned, Xu Zhihe paused for a moment, then chuckled softly, “It is very delicious.”
A smug, immensely satisfied smile immediately surfaced on Mei Fengyu’s face: “I knew it!” Then, he casually picked up a piece and tossed it into his own mouth, grabbed another, and stuffed it into Chen Yundu’s hand, saying, “You taste it too… even Miss Xu thinks it is delicious.”
Holding the pastry, Chen Yundu said to Xu Zhihe, “Mei Fengyu speaks straightforwardly. I trust he has not offended the Miss?”
Xu Zhihe shook her head and said with a smile, “How could he.”
She wasn’t sure how she should address Mei Fengyu in her heart. Just as she was about to utter the word “Mei,” she hurriedly retracted it.
After eating two pieces of pastry, Mei Fengyu couldn’t sit still any longer. He pulled Chen Yundu over to the water’s edge to watch the fish through the layer of ice.
“Chen Yundu, do you want to catch fish together?” Mei Fengyu shouted loudly, his hands itching to try.
Chen Yundu gave a slight nod. The two pushed aside the reeds, searching for a suitable spot.
The two of them looked extremely skilled: first, they picked a spot where the ice layer was relatively thin and chiseled a small hole. Once a circle of it melted open, the fish trapped beneath the ice layer immediately swam over upon hearing the sound, gathering by the freshly opened hole to breathe.
Waiting for the perfect moment, Mei Fengyu struck fast, hard, and accurately, pinning down a fish with a swift swish.
The fish struggled in his hands, gradually losing its strength, and was scooped out.
Chen Yundu took one look. “It’s still small, throw it back.”
Mei Fengyu also felt the fish in his hand was tiny. After removing the head, tail, and scales, there wouldn’t be much meat left to eat, so he listened to Chen Yundu’s words and tossed the little fish back into the lake.
The moment the dying little fish in Mei Fengyu’s hands hit the water, it instantly became brimming with vitality. Vigorously thrashing its tail fin, it splashed up a string of water droplets.
Standing the closest, the cotton shoes on Mei Fengyu’s feet were splashed wet. He instantly grew flustered and exasperated, pointing at the surface of the water and cursing, “You were actually faking it! And here I was taking pity on you! Bad fish!”
Standing far away on the bank, Xu Zhihe couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
While wiping away the tears sliding down from the corners of her eyes, Fang Li said to Xu Zhihe, “Miss, this Young Master Mei is quite interesting.”
Xu Zhihe nodded in agreement.
She figured that reading too many books inevitably required one to do some things ordinary people found hard to understand, just to vent their inner feelings.
T/n: The New chapter is up! Enjoy the ride and do join us on this adventure 😍🎉🎊. If you want to support me, do check my other novels on my Translator’s Page🫶. You can support the original author here. Please vote on NU here. If you’re interested, you can also buy me a Ko-Fi. Happy Reading 🤓 💅.
References[+]