Chapter Eleven: The Dading Tavern

After the hour of Hai, around ten o’clock at night, Shen Guang returned to the Bamboo Garden.

Except for Shen Guang’s three companions, no one else went to rest. Shen Guang handed a letter to Yan Qing.

“This is Miss Pei’s reply.”

Zheng Yanqing quickly opened it and read through it swiftly by the candlelight, then exhaled softly.

To be honest, he was truly worried.

Not because of that Maizi Zhong, but out of fear for Maizi Zhong’s grandfather, the national pillar general Ma Tiezhang. Legend had it that this man had been a notorious bandit in his youth. Historical records described him as able to travel hundreds of miles in a single night, somewhat like Dai Zong, the swift messenger from the Water Margin. Back then, he served as the emperor’s bodyguard, specifically to hold the emperor’s umbrella.

The story went that during the day, he held the umbrella for the emperor, but at night, he would rush hundreds of miles away to plunder, returning by dawn.

It sounded almost supernatural, but it attested to Ma Tiezhang’s formidable strength.

Later, Ma Tiezhang followed Yang Guang and was utterly loyal to him, and Yang Guang favored him immensely. So much so that even the wife of the then Prince of Jin was somewhat displeased... Later, when Yang Guang became crown prince, Ma Tiezhang’s status rose further. In subsequent campaigns, Ma Tiezhang achieved remarkable feats, paving the way for a smooth official career.

When Yang Guang ascended the throne, Ma Tiezhang became even more influential, earning the title of national pillar general.

A man who was illiterate being entrusted as a high-ranking frontier official showed just how much Yang Guang valued him.

Zheng Yanqing was genuinely concerned—if Ma Tiezhang were to get involved, wouldn't Yang Guang’s attention be drawn to him again?

At the same time, Yanqing worried that these rumors might taint Changsun Sheng’s impression of him. Often, seemingly trivial matters could ruin everything. If Yanqing wanted further security, apprenticing under Changsun Sheng was imperative. Dispelling rumors was hard, but clarifying the truth was not.

So Yanqing wrote a letter and had Shen Guang deliver it to Pei Cuiyun, inviting her to meet.

After all, it was awkward for Pei Cuiyun to stand up and tell everyone, “Zheng Yanqing did not assault me; he was saving me.”

The more one tried to explain, the murkier things got. Pei Cuiyun must have been feeling quite distressed.

Thus, the best way to dispel rumors was to publicly meet with Pei Cuiyun.

If Yanqing truly had assaulted her, how could she greet him politely?

Once the rumors were dispelled, any lingering gossip would at most be idle talk about the talented young man and beautiful lady. In these times, it was common for scholars to be romantic. Talented women admired talented men, and such stories spread without harm.

Naturally, Changsun Sheng would then dispel his doubts and accept Yanqing as a disciple.

Once Changsun Sheng stepped forward and Yanqing became his student, Maizi Zhong would no longer be a concern. Everyone had powerful sponsors—though Maizi Zhong had a strong grandfather, Yanqing had a formidable master.

Even if Ma Tiezhang wanted to defend Maizi Zhong, he would surely hesitate.

In short, if Pei Cuiyun was willing to meet Yanqing, it would be a win-win for all.

Pei Cuiyun seemed to understand Yanqing’s intention, apologizing repeatedly in her letter, saying that because of her, Yanqing had gotten into trouble. Yanqing originally proposed a noon meeting, but Pei Cuiyun had to go with her mother to Bai Ma Temple to offer incense early the next day, making a noon meeting impossible. So they agreed to meet after the hour of Shen the next day at the Da Ding Restaurant in Fengdu City.

The hour of Shen was in the afternoon, around five o’clock—one of the busiest times in Fengdu.

“What Da Ding Restaurant?” Zheng Yanqing asked, puzzled.

Shen Guang replied, “It used to be the Tianhe Restaurant in Fengdu, which was very prosperous, but I heard it was recently sold to a merchant from Xiangzhou.”

“Good business and they sold it?” Yanqing found it odd and glanced at Xiong Dachui.

“Don’t look at me; I don’t know much about this. Maybe Xiong Wei knows something. I never pay attention to these matters. The Zhang family manages the properties in Fengdu. I only provide goods and wait for my share,” Shen Guang said.

“I’m not sure of the details either, but earlier a guest said the Tianhe Restaurant’s manager got into some trouble, hurriedly sold the business to a Xiangzhou merchant, then left Luoyang with his family. But I’ve heard that merchant is quite powerful and might invite the renowned Tang Qinghe and the Tang family to perform in Luoyang soon.”

Tang Qinghe, from Zhuo Commandery, was a famous singer and performer, skilled in various musical instruments and poetry, well-known in the north. In later times, she might be regarded as a versatile star with close ties to influential figures, honored as the “Tang Family.”

Previously, Tang Qinghe mainly performed in Hebei and Guanzhong regions, rarely coming to Luoyang.

For the owner of Da Ding Restaurant to invite Tang Qinghe to perform, besides a high appearance fee, they must have a strong background. Otherwise, an ordinary merchant wouldn’t even have the chance to meet her.

Zheng Yanqing had no interest in who owned Da Ding Restaurant or whether Tang Qinghe would perform in Luoyang.

“Qingwa, why don’t you bring Shen Guang with you tomorrow?” Perhaps because of Shen Guang’s earlier warning, Wang Zheng approached Yanqing with concern.

“Oh, no need!” Yanqing declined. “Tomorrow will be busy, and what danger can there be meeting Miss Pei?

“By the way, Brother Shen, which weapons do you and your companions prefer? Grandpa Xiong is skilled in forging arms; he can help you get some handy weapons to protect yourselves in the future.”

“I like the long saber!” Shen Guang’s eyes lit up, glancing at Xiong Dachui.

Xiong Dachui nodded. “Alright, later you tell me your requirements, and I’ll arrange it in the city tomorrow.”

“Very well. Thank you, sir.”

Shen Guang stepped back, and Yanqing bid farewell, returning to his residence.

That night, Yanqing’s sleep was restless, tossing and turning. Much had happened today: his grandfather Zheng Shi’an suddenly returned to Xingyang with Zheng Renji, and now this scandal. He sat up, hugging his knees, pondering these matters.

Zheng Dashi was gravely ill and wished to see Zheng Shi’an; that seemed reasonable.

But Yanqing felt uneasy...

As for the rumors, they seemed baffling. At Luopu Library, although Yanqing and Pei Xingyan had a conflict due to misunderstanding, it was later clarified. So why did such rumors arise?

If someone spread these rumors deliberately, what was their purpose?

Having navigated the treacherous officialdom in his past life, Zheng Yanqing always expected the worst to stay undefeated.

Yet, after much thought, he couldn’t figure out who wanted to harm him. Maizi Zhong was impossible—Yanqing had never met him, so no grudge. And Maizi Zhong pursuing Pei Cuiyun would hardly tarnish himself with such accusations. If not Maizi Zhong, then who?

Yanqing stood and opened the window.

The cold wind rushed in, causing the brazier’s coals to flicker.

Two small mastiffs had already widened their eyes when Yanqing sat up, curiously watching him. Now they ran over, tugging at his robe, softly whining. Yanqing crouched and held them close.

The moon was full but slightly cold.

A few clouds drifted leisurely, seeming quite at ease...

He hoped everything was just his wild imagination; he hoped it was merely a misunderstanding without hidden plots.

————————————————————————

The next day, the two mastiffs woke Yanqing.

Opening his eyes, the sky was bright, and noise stirred outside the bamboo house.

Zheng Yanqing had gone to bed late and didn’t rise early. After washing with cold water, he stepped out.

Xu Shiji was on the open ground outside, diligently teaching Wang Zheng sword techniques, precise and methodical.

Several craftsmen were building a shed behind the house, while Shen Guang strolled leisurely in the woods, leading the jade-hoofed steed.

Strangely, this jade-hoofed steed usually disliked anyone but Yanqing approaching it.

But it was gentle with Shen Guang, following him quietly. It seemed Xiong Dachui wasn’t exaggerating when he said Shen Guang was skilled in horse care. Yanqing had long wanted a groom, as he couldn’t tend to the horse every day.

Now, Shen Guang solved not only the bodyguard problem but also the groom issue.

Yanqing had yet to see Shen Guang’s skills, but great reputations were never undeserved. Besides, the Bamboo Garden held no valuables. A few bodyguards would suffice to deter suspicious vagrants.

“Yanqing, I heard from Xiao Nian that you didn’t sleep well last night?” Wang Zheng asked as he finished correcting Xu Shiji’s sword posture and wiped his sweat.

“Oh, I’m okay,” Yanqing replied.

Mao Xiaonian lived downstairs, so any noise upstairs wouldn’t escape her notice. Yanqing hadn’t expected that girl to be awake as well.

“Where is Xiao Nian?” he asked.

“She went to the city with Mao Wang to buy supplies. You know, with four or five more people here, it’s livelier… Sister Mao is cooking at the back. Mao Wang said he has many errands in the city and won’t return by noon. When the bamboo shed is done, we’ll eat. Dachui also went to the city.”

Xiong Dachui’s trip was likely to arrange the weapons for Shen Guang and the others.

Yanqing nodded, took the two mastiffs for a run around the bamboo grove, then rested until Sister Mao finished cooking.

After lunch, Yanqing took a short nap.

In the afternoon, after reading for a while, he mounted his horse and headed toward Luoyang.

Fengdu City was vast—over two li long and about one li wide—exceptionally prosperous.

It gathered merchants from all over the Sui Empire, frontier traders, and exotic overseas merchants.

The variety of goods was dazzling.

Da Ding Restaurant stood at Fengdu’s southern end, occupying an entire street. A grand building nearly a li long, it was striking in Fengdu.

After renovations, it sported red tiles and white walls, with a horizontal plaque inscribed with the characters “Da Ding.”

A closer look at the signature startled many—it was written by the contemporary calligraphy master Zhiyong. This plaque alone was a symbol of status.

Ordinary people considering dining or watching performances here would need a well-filled purse.

Yanqing dismounted before the door. Attendants in neat attire greeted him warmly.

“Young master, would you like to rest a while?”

Dining was called resting. Yanqing smiled and handed the reins to an attendant. “I’m meeting a friend here. Please find me a seat near a window, quiet but with a view.”

Near a window meant visible yet peaceful, not noisy.

Many official families’ children in Luoyang often gathered to eat and drink. Though only ten, Yanqing was tall and appeared older.

His fine attire and dignified bearing, coupled with his white dragon horse—a priceless steed—earned respectful treatment from the attendants.

“Please come in!”

The attendants took the jade-hoofed steed to a separate stable.

They knew such prized horses were proud and might cause trouble if housed with ordinary horses.

Seeing the attendants’ meticulous care, Yanqing relaxed.

They ascended to the second floor and seated him by a window screened with folding panels.

Guests below could see upstairs, but the environment remained quiet.

It seemed the restaurant’s design anticipated all guests’ needs—a commercial genius if ever there was one.

As Yanqing admired this, attendants brought small snacks and tea.

He sipped slowly, enjoying the quiet.

After about fifteen minutes, a carriage arrived.

Pei Cuiyun, supported by a maid, descended the carriage. Several armored family guards stood vigil around.

“Miss Pei!”

Yanqing suddenly leaned out and called loudly, waving to catch attention.

“Hey, isn’t that Ban Yuanjun?” someone murmured.

“Where? Where?” others looked around.

“The white-clad young master waving upstairs—that’s Ban Yuanjun... Who’s that noble lady?”

“Seems to be Miss Pei, daughter of General Pei.”

“Miss Pei?” someone exclaimed. “I heard Ban Yuanjun assaulted her on the street, but this doesn’t look like it.”

“Nonsense! Ban Yuanjun is what kind of person? He wouldn’t do such a thing. I never believed that. Only you folk would.”

“Hey, wasn’t it you who told me that story?”

“Pfft! How would I do such a thing? See, Miss Pei is even smiling at Ban Yuanjun... I say, maybe no assault happened. Miss Pei was famed as a talented lady in Chang’an, and Ban Yuanjun is a rare genius. A romance between talented man and woman is possible. I don’t buy the assault rumor.”

“...”

Whatever the case, Yanqing’s shout had the desired effect.

Surely, by tonight, the rumors would collapse on their own. As for future troubles, as long as he avoided contact with Pei Cuiyun, the matter would fade naturally. Still, Pei Cuiyun indeed attracted Yanqing. Her talent, eloquence, and broad knowledge were impressive.

Yanqing and Pei Cuiyun sat by the window, chatting freely.

With such a companion, time flew pleasantly.

Pei Cuiyun was gentle and well-versed in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Occasionally, she hinted for Yanqing to compose new poetry.

This troubled Yanqing!

“Master Zheng, these past three years, there have been no new poems from you. My great-uncle often asks about them.

“The weather is fine today; why not compose a poem so that my uncle’s wish is fulfilled...”

This was the nth such request—from initial ‘studying’ to now involving Pei’s great-uncle. Pei Cuiyun’s eyes sparkled with eager anticipation.

Yanqing felt troubled!

First, he disliked plagiarizing poems; second, he didn’t want to.

Scratching his head, he forced a wry smile. “Miss Pei, it’s not affectation but poetry is naturally born, a marvel found by chance…”

Pfft... he was truly used to plagiarism!

Pei Cuiyun’s eyes brightened. “Poetry naturally born, a marvel found by chance… marvelous! Pray, continue.”

Yanqing wished he could slap himself.

Well, one more plagiarized poem wouldn’t hurt. At least if others pressed him for poetry later, he could use this as an excuse.

“Pure and flawless, no need for man’s aid.”

Pei Cuiyun’s eyes gleamed brighter, clapping softly, her voice sweet: “Wonderful, wonderful... truly a fine poem!”

She called out, “Attendant, bring paper and brush.”

Ever since hearing that the famous Ban Yuanjun was upstairs, the restaurant’s attendants had prepared paper and brush.

Upon hearing Pei’s call, an attendant rushed over with the supplies.

He couldn’t enter behind the screen, so Pei’s guards took the paper and placed it on the table.

Pei Cuiyun took the brush and wrote the verse, reading aloud “Wonderful” after each character. Poor Yanqing sat awkwardly.

“Ban Yuanjun, this poem seems incomplete; Cuiyun wishes to hear more.”

“Well...,” Yanqing sighed inwardly, “I was momentarily inspired to say these lines.”

“Hee hee, I’ve long heard of Ban Yuanjun’s eloquence.”

“Ha ha!” Yanqing smiled awkwardly, exhaled, then recited:

“Look at the ancient ritual vessels, neither clever nor clumsy.

“From Han to recent times, the difference is clear.

“What of the barbarian tribes? Their coarse bamboo mingled with mournful strings.

“Later Kui does not replicate, who can match after a thousand years?”

Poetry should be natural; he was just lucky to have a line. If forced, it would be flawed.

After writing, Pei Cuiyun gently blew the ink dry.

Her lips curled, seductive, making Yanqing’s heart flutter. He quickly lowered his head, avoiding her gaze.

“Today was worthwhile, to receive Ban Yuanjun’s fine work. My uncle will be delighted when he returns.”

You may be pleased, but I’m not!

Yanqing forced a smile and chatted with Pei Cuiyun a while longer. Seeing the dusk, he took his leave.

Luoyang’s gates would close at the hour of Hai; he must leave before then.

Pei Cuiyun did not make things difficult. They walked side by side beyond the screen. Having gained a fine poem, she was very happy.

As they exited the restaurant under bright lanterns, Pei Cuiyun was helped into the carriage. Suddenly, she lifted the curtain and said:

“My great-uncle will return to Luoyang after spring. If Master Zheng has no pressing matters, please do not leave. My uncle’s letter said he wishes to meet you upon his return.”

“Ah?”

Yanqing was stunned; Pei Cuiyun dropped the curtain again.

Pei Shiju wishes to see me?

Taking the reins from the attendant, filled with questions, Yanqing mounted and rode along the spacious street, leaving Fengdu City behind.