Chapter Nine, South of the City (Nine)
Cheng Xiaojiu's family has strict rules, and no matter what thoughts cross her mind, she tries her best to conceal them, ensuring that no clues can be discerned from her expression. Wang Ermao, on the other hand, is accustomed to being carefree. Carrying a medicine bag, he walks two or three miles while frequently looking back, muttering to himself, "The Zhou family is truly bustling this week; even the maidservants are as fresh and tender as green onions. Just hearing the eldest young lady's voice makes one feel a tingle in the heart; she might be as beautiful as the celestial maidens depicted on temple walls!"
From behind the gauze curtain came the sound of jingling bells, and a gentle, calm voice floated out from the inner hall, which, to everyone’s ears, was as soothing as consuming finely crushed ice sweetened with honey. "Young Master Cheng, there is no need for excessive courtesy. It is the duty of a physician to aid the world. However, if your esteemed mother is merely suffering from weakness and lack of blood, it would be better to supplement her with dietary therapy. There is no need for daily indulgence in lavish meats; bitter vegetables, yellow flowers, wild mushrooms, and dried radishes are all excellent choices."
Ah! No, no! I didn't think of anything!" Cheng Xiaojiu's face immediately turned as red and hot as if it had been scorched by fire. He looked up in astonishment and saw an old man standing in front of him, dressed in golden luxurious attire and holding a red cane, his gaze deep as a well, with an expression on his face that seemed to be a smile yet not quite a smile.
"Youngster, what are you staring at? Your eyes are all glazed over!" Suddenly, someone forcefully knocked on the wooden gate, abruptly interrupting Cheng Xiaojiu's daydream.
"Stop talking nonsense, the flying celestial beings in the murals are nothing but indecent Hu women! They are used by the Buddha to test the world!" Cheng Xiaojiu shot a sideways glance at his companion and admonished him in a low voice. There are many temples of the Hu people from the Northern Wei period in places like Guantao and Ping'en. The decorations inside are extravagant and vastly different from the style of the Central Plains. Among them, the most striking are the celestial maidens, who dance gracefully, surrounded by divine light. However, their gazes and postures ignite a burning discomfort in one's belly. Children from respectable families are forbidden by adults from viewing those murals, lest it undermine their ambition. Yet, the more adults prohibit something, the more it tends to attract children. Not only have Cheng Xiaojiu and Wang Ermao sneaked a look, but in the entire Donkey Dung Alley, from ages five to eighteen, the number of boys who haven't secretly gazed at the celestial beings can be counted on one hand.
Some people, and also... Cheng Xiaojiu wanted to say that the eldest daughter of the medicine shop owner is a good person who does kindness without expecting anything in return, but she quickly realized that she had never even seen the other party's face, and hastily concluded that it was too rash. She hurriedly lowered her head and swallowed the latter half of her sentence back into her stomach
Cheng Xiaojiu hurriedly chased after him, but how could he catch up in such a short time? Looking at Wang Ermao's fierce back, he suddenly realized that his good friend had changed; he was no longer the timid and weak Wang Ermao who would hide behind him when trouble arose. When this change had begun, he had no way of verifying. Yet this transformation was undeniably taking place, making both of them feel a sense of unfamiliarity with each other.
"Alright, alright, what is it that you wish to discuss with me?" Cheng Xiaojiu, startled, waved his hands repeatedly, eagerly interrupting the elder's statement. "I don't believe I know you, sir. Why have you inquired about me in such detail?"
According to the recalculated price of the medicine from four months ago, the three servings of ginseng and deer antler tonic amount to just over 270 wen. Although the price remains exorbitantly high, it is now within the payment range of Cheng Xiaojiu. "It should have been settled this way long ago; only when the owner is disturbed do you feel pleased!" Wang Ermao continued to be relentless, quietly mocking the accountant for bringing trouble upon himself while taking their bags to settle the bill. Cheng Xiaojiu, however, did not rush to collect the medicine. She first expressed her gratitude to the maid, Xiaochun, then stood solemnly with cupped fists, bowing respectfully towards the gauze curtain of the pharmacy, "Thank you, Miss, for your care. If there is ever a need for Cheng in the future, please do not hesitate to ask. I will do my utmost and will not dare to decline!"
Thank you, senior! Cheng Xiaojiu knew that he could not refuse and performed a respectful gesture. But what he most hoped to obtain was what? He suddenly realized that he had never thought about such questions before, and in an instant, his mind was filled with countless thoughts, making it impossible to pinpoint a suitable wish.
The old man smiled mysteriously, revealing a mouthful of perfectly white teeth. Those gleaming teeth sent a chill down Cheng Xiaojiu's spine, making her feel as if she had become the meat on the chopping block, with the other party able to swallow her whole with just a slight opening of his mouth
Cheng Xiaojiu finally regained control of her body and sat up straight with an awkward smile. "The younger generation indeed acted without intention, so there is no need for any repayment from you, esteemed elder"
"Are you looking for me?" Cheng Xiaojiu widened his eyes, unable to believe the answer given by the visitor. The clothing of the guest, the cane in his hand, and the demeanor he exuded were simply not something that could be accommodated in the Donkey Dung Alley. In the young man's memory, not to mention Donkey Dung Alley, the entire Guantao City could not possibly have such a dignified and composed figure. Only when he was very young could he find one or two guests in his home who could stand shoulder to shoulder with the elder before him, but those individuals would always travel with a retinue, never like this elder, who walked alone into an ordinary courtyard.
Having said that, a fierce light that had never been seen before truly emerged in his eyes, and his teeth chattered ominously. Cheng Xiaojiu, walking beside him, was taken aback and quickly grabbed him, smiling as she said, "Alright, alright, who wants your old man's life? Is it necessary to be this fierce? If others do not provoke us, we shall not provoke them! If it truly comes to a desperate situation, we can fight for our lives then!"
Fortunately, the old man does not seem to have an appetite at the moment. After Cheng Xiaojiu settled down, he smiled and tapped his cane on the ground, softly saying: "You indeed have not seen me, but you have helped me. Yesterday, my little grandson sneaked out to play and unexpectedly encountered two of my enemies. As a result, he was chased from Jibei all the way to Guantao. We thought he was doomed, but he was saved by the young master’s righteousness. Yesterday, my little grandson sneaked out to play and unexpectedly encountered two of my enemies. As a result, he was chased from Jibei all the way to Guantao. We thought he was doomed, but he was saved by the young master’s righteousness. Our Huangshui Old Dragon family has only this one descendant, so we must repay the kindness of continuing the family line!"
She is untouched by the mundane world and does not feign politeness to ordinary people. With a kind heart and a voice like the song of a phoenix, she resembles a blooming red lotus, gliding on the wind and water, untainted by dust, her skirt and hair both flowing gracefully
Cheng Xiaojiu felt a darkness before his eyes, and he was immediately filled with immense happiness. "This, this..." He blushed and kept scratching his head. His mother had always hoped that he could restore the honor of the Cheng family, in order to clear his father's unjust grievances. However, that scoundrel Yang Guang was the most cold-hearted; even heroic figures like Gao Ying and He Ruobi had been ruthlessly eliminated by him. This fortune of his, perhaps, is just a grand dream!
The charcoal fire continuously licked at the bottom of the pot, causing the medicinal broth inside to bubble like pearls spat out by a fish. After a moment, a rich fragrance of medicine began to permeate the courtyard, mingling with the dusk and the rising smoke, rendering the humble courtyard particularly tranquil.
Ah! Cheng Xiaojiu was so frightened that she recoiled, her body covered in goosebumps. Indeed, she had acted heroically amidst the thunder and lightning yesterday, but she had not saved a person; rather, she had rescued dozens of fish that had fallen from the sky. One of them, with golden scales and a red belly, looked exactly like the clothes of her father-in-law standing before her.
Cheng Xiaojiu took a few steps back and steadied himself. Concerned that his mother might be frightened, he glanced back at the dilapidated thatched house he had rented. There was no sound coming from inside, only the old window frames trembling in the starlight. Suddenly, he realized what he needed most and quickly turned back, smiling as he implored the Yellow River Dragon, "If you are indeed divine, please bless me and my mother with food, drink, and a place to live every day, ensuring our safety for a lifetime! If it is possible to clear my grandfather's name, may he also live in peace with us..."
The old man seemed to see through what he was thinking, and nodded with a smile again, "What I, the Old Dragon of the Yellow River, have said, I will never take back. You saved my grandson, which is equivalent to continuing my family's lineage. This favor, I must repay! Speak, and I can fulfill one of your wishes; just say it, and I will definitely help you achieve it"
"If I don't know you, can I not inquire about you?" the old man asked in a low voice
"Isn't it good?" The old man in the yellow robe was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "Could it be that you do not love wealth? Indeed, young people are generous and carefree with money; only when one grows old and harbors no great ambitions do they prefer to cling to gold and silver treasures for a living! How about I grant you a life of great wealth and honor? Before the emperor, with your head held high, wielding a feather fan and wearing a silk cap, pointing out the rivers and mountains, all the heroes of the world would envy you!"
Cheng Xiaojiu was blushing from embarrassment, taking a half step back awkwardly, and said softly: "Miss Xiaochun is right; I, Cheng, have overestimated my own abilities. Given your young lady's kind heart, she is surely blessed by the gods and does not need anyone to help her pray for blessings"
Thank you, father-in-law. Xiao Jiu is already engaged! This time, Xiao Jiu did not hesitate at all and immediately declined with a cupped-hand salute. Just the betrothal gift of a Zhu Xing'er is enough to give him a headache. The goddess of the Luo River and the pearl girl of the Dragon Palace, while beautiful, if brought home, how would he support them? The impoverished couples in Donkey Dung Alley argue endlessly over trivial matters. As a poor young man, he is unlikely to enjoy the treatment of a beautiful wife and concubines, and while he hears the sounds of pots and pans clanging, that so-called "happiness" is something he can never truly experience. The impoverished couples in Donkey Dung Alley argue endlessly over trivial matters. As a poor young man, he is unlikely to enjoy the treatment of a beautiful wife and concubines, and while he hears the sounds of pots and pans clanging, that so-called "happiness" is something he can never truly experience.
The old man in the yellow robe waited for a moment, and seeing Cheng Xiaojiu still hesitating, he smiled and softly reminded her, "Everyone loves wealth; I will give you a mountain of gold, enough for you to spend your entire life without exhausting it, how about that"
In the other person's deep and clear gaze, like that of well water, Cheng Xiaojiu immediately felt as if he were a live shrimp with its shell removed, everything inside him laid bare. He dared not meet the old man's eyes any longer, and in a fluster, he stood up, cupped his hands in salute, and said, "Elder, whom are you looking for"
"You haven't seen her, how do you know she looks different from a celestial being?" Wang Ermao glanced at Cheng Xiaojiu with curiosity and quietly retorted. Ever since he heard the voice of the young lady from the Zhou family, Cheng Xiaojiu's behavior had struck him as strange. It was as if she had suddenly become a different person, no longer the Cheng Xiaojiu he was familiar with from Donkey Dung Alley, but rather one of those scholars from the county academy, each one more pretentious, arrogant, and irritating than the last.
"Young man, I mean no harm!" The old man, noticing his inner tension, explained with a hearty laugh. With a gentle flick of his cane, a large mud block resting against the wall flew up and landed steadily in front of Cheng Xiaojiu. "You sit down too, and let's talk slowly. I actually came here today to express my gratitude. You need not be afraid. I am just one old man; I may not be able to overpower you, nor can I necessarily outrun you!"
In the future, it is better to endure as much as possible. Just now, if we had summoned the idle bystanders patrolling the streets, we would certainly gain nothing of value. As the saying goes, the word 'official' has two mouths, relying solely on words. Those bystanders are like dogs raised by wealthy families; regardless of whether we are in the right or not, they will not come to our aid
Although he has a calm demeanor, he is inherently very obstinate. He feels that having received kindness from others, he must find a way to repay it, and he absolutely refuses to owe anyone a favor. Therefore, when he speaks, he believes his reasoning is clear and unpretentious. However, to others, it appears extremely awkward, akin to the forced banter of street performers at a market. Before anyone inside the curtain could respond, the young maid, Chun'er, was already amused and began to giggle, lightly covering her mouth as she whispered mockingly: "Why are you so verbose? How old is my young lady? Does she really need you to pray for her longevity? Moreover, the deities are not your relatives; do you think they will respond just because you ask? It's absurd!" Before anyone inside the curtain could respond, the young maid, Chun'er, was already amused and began to giggle, lightly covering her mouth as she whispered mockingly: "Why are you so verbose? How old is my young lady? Does she really need you to pray for her longevity? Moreover, the deities are not your relatives; do you think they will respond just because you ask? It's absurd!"
Laozi declared that he would no longer endure it in the future! Wang Ermao then dropped another remark, striding home with large steps.
Wang Ermao, frustrated by the lack of the expected response, angrily slapped the other person's shoulder, saying, "You, my friend, are utterly ungrateful. I was just taking a discreet look; I wouldn't stir up any trouble!"
"You are quite clever!" The old man in the yellow robe interrupted Cheng Xiaojiu's words with a cold laugh, "Having food, drink, and a place to stay, that already counts as three wishes. Adding a lifetime of peace and safety makes it four wishes! If you want to propose a fifth, I am pressed for time and have no leisure to waste on idle chatter with you. Off you go, off you go!"
The old man looked at Cheng Xiaojiu in surprise for a moment, then gently nodded, "Hmm, bestowing kindness without seeking repayment. This indeed reflects the demeanor of a gentleman. Children like you are quite rare in this world."
"Junior, junior..." Cheng Xiaojiu saw the other party getting angry and quickly stood up to apologize, "I truly do not know what I want the most. I did not mean to make things difficult for you, esteemed elder"
"Then you must have a reason, right? Or perhaps a purpose?" Cheng Xiaojiu slowly took a half step back, her palm slightly clenched, and her legs quietly gathered strength. The legendary con artists of the martial world can also pretend to be significant figures. But they all do it for the sake of other people's wealth. After buying medicine, there was still over 1,700 wen left. If the old man opposite dared to mention money, Cheng Xiaojiu was prepared to knock him down first, regardless of his age.
Upon returning home, his mother was still soundly asleep. Cheng Xiaojiu built a stove in the yard using mud bricks, thoroughly cleaned a jar containing pickled vegetables, and placed it over the fire to serve as a pot for boiling medicine. This medicine was indeed precious, and he dared not treat it lightly. From the moment the smoke began to rise, his eyes remained fixed on the medicine jar, fearing that even a single drop might accidentally splash out.
"Senior, you haven't granted me any wishes yet!" Cheng Xiaojiu exclaimed anxiously, quickly reaching out to tug at the corner of the other person's robe. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through his fingertip, and he widened his eyes in surprise. There was no Yellow River Dragon in front of him; the medicinal concoction in the pot had just finished boiling, and he had unknowingly dipped his finger into the potion while in a daze, causing his entire finger to be cooked like a boiled crab.
The voice of the person behind the curtain was like the sound of a flute, softly singing in his ear. Whenever he recalled this voice, a hazy image would appear before him. A woman, veiled in light gauze and with her garments flowing, walked across the azure waves amidst the clouds and mist. Unlike the celestial beings in temples, those figures were too insipid and vulgar! This woman must have come from the clouds, like the goddess of the Luo River, taking delicate steps on the waves, her white stockings gleaming. ... Her glances were enchanting, her complexion radiant ... (Note 1). This woman must have come from the clouds, like the goddess of the Luo River, taking delicate steps on the waves, her white stockings gleaming. ... Her glances were enchanting, her complexion radiant ... (Note 1)
Upon receiving the instruction, the person behind the curtain felt that they were being overly intrusive and felt a sense of embarrassment. They nodded slightly towards the outside of the curtain and quietly moved away, leaving only Cheng Xiaojiu, Wang Ermao, and others at the counter, savoring the sound of the jingling ornaments and lost in countless daydreams.
"Damn it, they look down on me. I will definitely make something of myself in the future, and they will regret it when they see me!" Wang Ermao stomped his foot again, as if the person who offended him was right beneath him, swearing fiercely. Cheng Xiaojiu did not know the reason behind his swearing, smiled lightly, and lowered her head in silence
Your audacity has truly reached the heavens! Cheng Xiaojiu said, both infuriated and helpless. He had just incurred a favor from the eldest daughter of the Zhou family, and naturally, he was unwilling to set a trap for her. Moreover, regarding his fiancée, Xiao Xinghua, he absolutely did not wish to visit again unless it was absolutely necessary.
"You child! You are too timid!" The old man chuckled as he reached out his hand and gently patted Cheng Xiaojiu's shoulder a few times. A subtle warmth immediately seeped from the point of his hand into Cheng Xiaojiu's chest, gradually spreading through his bloodstream, dispelling all fear and fatigue until they vanished completely. Only a faint sense of peace and gentle tranquility remained
Be careful, the Zhou family might hear and hit you! Cheng Xiaojiu, seeing that she could not persuade Wang Ermao, had no choice but to change her approach and use a different method to silence the other party
Note 1: See Cao Zhi's "Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River." Cheng Xiaojiu, having studied for a few days, harbors some unrealistic fantasies about women. Hehe, did you all have similar fantasies in your childhood?
If these words were spoken by the accountant, Cheng Xiaojiu would surely think he was being mocked for his poverty, to the point of being unable to afford meat, always resorting to worthless pickled vegetables and wild greens to get by. However, when they come from the woman behind the curtain, each word is imbued with sincerity, devoid of any hint of ridicule. Cheng Xiaojiu does not understand medicine, yet he believes that the other party would not deceive him with empty words. He cupped his hands and replied earnestly, "Thank you, Miss Bian Que, for your guidance. After returning home, I will certainly do my utmost to try it. If dietary therapy truly proves effective, I would not dare to visit in person to express my gratitude, but I will burn incense and pray, asking the divine to bless the young lady with longevity and prosperity"
Hahaha! Everyone in the room burst into good-natured laughter, and even Wang Ermao, this time, was unwilling to join forces with Cheng Xiaojiu against a common enemy, laughing recklessly along with the crowd
Ah—! He let out a low wail. Clutching his fingers, he hopped and jumped around the yard. The sun had set, and the yard was already dark. In the midst of the silence, the old window frame trembled slightly under the starlight
Yesterday, saving someone? Cheng Xiaojiu felt increasingly perplexed as he tapped his forehead in recollection. He had been carrying a large bag and a tarpaulin all day, and then he went to Old Zhu's house to face the music. When had he ever saved anyone? Moreover, with his meager skills, he could barely handle the ruffians on the streets, let alone confront real criminals, especially to snatch a child from the hands of two thugs.
You are quite clever! The girl, Xiaochun, shot a fierce glance at Cheng Xiaojiu and exclaimed in astonishment. The gauze curtain in the pharmacy is specially made in Jiangnan to be 'one-sided transparent', allowing those inside to see the situation in the front hall, while the customers buying medicine cannot see the figures in the back hall. Yet, this fellow Cheng, relying solely on a few exchanges with the accountant, managed to deduce that the young lady from the Zhou family, who was there to inspect, was hiding behind the gauze curtain. This level of cleverness is truly beyond the reach of ordinary people.
Indeed, young master, have you perhaps forgotten what transpired yesterday?" The old man looked into Cheng Xiaojiu's eyes, smiling as he pressed further.
The old man chuckled with interest, then nodded gently, "Of course I am looking for you, Cheng Xiaojiu, the great Cheng Mingzhen. My benefactor, at present, I have nothing to do, just carrying bags at the dock to make a living! Yesterday, I braved the thunder to help my employer and earned ten dou of rice and two coins. Today, I went to get medicine for my mother and met a kind-hearted woman. After returning, I began to daydream, always thinking about..."
"After taking these few doses of medicine, Mother’s health should improve!" Looking at a wisp of smoke drifting by, Cheng Xiaojiu silently prayed. Thinking of the effects of the medicinal soup, he couldn't help but recall the dietary therapy he had heard about today, "There is no need for daily lavish meals; bitter vegetables, daylilies, wild mushrooms, and dried radishes are all excellent choices."
"Then just say something, I, an old man, have no time to waste!" Huang Yi's eyebrows stood upright, and he angrily commanded.
The old man in yellow, unable to hear a definite answer, was momentarily taken aback. With a helpless smile, he said: "So you are a little fellow who loves beauty more than power. How about this: the goddess of the Luo River is renowned for her beauty, and I assure you that you will marry her. People say that having a beautiful wife and concubine is worth more than being a deity! I will make you a living deity, and even add a dragon palace maiden to warm your bed. What do you think?"
Wang Ermao reflected on his earlier "arrogant" demeanor and felt a twinge of fear. He suppressed his fatigue, lowered his head, and muttered an "mm" in acknowledgment. However, considering that he was no longer destitute, his courage surged once more. He patted his chest and said fiercely: "What am I afraid of? My family has rice and money now. Even if I am not around, my mother and sister will not go hungry for two years. If anyone dares to bully me again, I will take them on to the end. They can kill me right away if they have the ability; otherwise, I will fight back, even if it means hitting them with eggs against a rock, I can still splatter them with egg yolk and white!"
Hmm, hmm, junior... junior..." Cheng Xiaojiu first nodded, then quickly shook her head. In such a chaotic world, even if there were a mountain of gold at home, could she really escape the fate of it being taken away? What use is such fleeting wealth?
Cheng Xiaojiu lightly shrugged his shoulder, evading Wang Ermao's large hand, while quickening his pace. He muttered under his breath, "Haven't you caused enough trouble today? You, kid, usually timid, why are you so bold today?! You actually think you can take on four by yourself, don't you think you're asking for trouble?"
"Aren't you right beside me? I can't handle all four of them. Didn't you practice martial arts?" Wang Ermao scratched his head and replied awkwardly. Ever since his family acquired those ten or so dou of rice, his courage had suddenly increased. Provocations that he could previously avoid by enduring now made him want to retaliate immediately. Perhaps this is the reason why people become bold when they are well-fed; if he were in his usual state of hunger, he would definitely not dare to show off in front of the accounts clerks at the pharmacy.
Young Master Cheng spoke too harshly! The curtain separating the inner and outer halls trembled slightly before coming to a standstill. It is likely that the person behind the curtain was also stifling a laugh, but out of consideration for the other party's dignity, they tried their best not to make a sound. After a few moments of silence, the person behind the curtain spoke softly again: "I share a bond with Zhu Jia's apricot blossoms akin to that of biological sisters, and I have often heard her speak of you. There is no need for you to thank me; just treat her well in the future"
The young master remembered! The old man smiled and waved his cane, stirring up a breeze that gently straightened Cheng Xiaojiu's body. "Do not be afraid, young master; I have come to repay a kindness and will not harm you"
But I have never seen you before, nor have I ever helped you!" Cheng Xiaojiu, having had her inner thoughts exposed, realized that the other party's martial arts were unfathomable. She had no choice but to retract her fists and reluctantly sat down as the elder requested
Having spoken, he swayed his body, floated off the ground, and slowly ascended into the air
They cannot possibly hear! Unless you go and tell on them!" Wang Ermao glanced around and responded dismissively. "Your wife, Zhu Xing'er, knows her, haha!" Suddenly, his thoughts jumped to another place, leaving Cheng Xiaojiu unable to keep up. "Sister Xing'er is good friends with him, just like the two of us. One day, you can talk to Sister Xing'er and have her lure out the eldest daughter of the Zhou family. Let’s sneak a peek at what she looks like, shall we? I always feel she must be more pleasant to look at than that girl Xiaochun. What do you think? How about we try this method tomorrow?"
Perhaps this is what growing up means. As he gazed at the shadow beneath his feet, constantly elongated and shortened by the setting sun, Cheng Xiaojiu thought silently. He felt that Wang Ermao was changing, and in the other’s eyes, did he not also perceive that he was changing? After the changes, would he and Ermao still care for each other like brothers? He did not know; the secrets behind it had already surpassed the realm that his age could predict, and he would never find the answers in books.
"I don't want this, I don't want that, what exactly do you want?" The old man in the yellow robe, frustrated after three unsuccessful proposals, finally became enraged, flicked his sleeve, and stood up in anger
Was what just happened a dream? Really? Cheng Xiaojiu, holding her fingers, had no mind to dig deeper into it
Of course, it is you, young lad! The old man chuckled softly as he scrutinized him several times, using his cane to lift a clod of earth, and then sat down leisurely. He paid no attention to the stark contrast between the bright silk robe he wore and the grimy clod of earth beneath him.
I do not need your gratitude! Cheng Xiaojiu heard the sound of his teeth clashing together, feeling deeply ashamed. He wanted to calm himself, but he was utterly powerless. "Unintentional mistakes should not be punished. Unintentional kindness should not be rewarded!"