Chapter 113: A Small Gathering.

The Jibei Prince’s Manor was the place where Pei Yuan used to stay briefly whenever he returned to the capital. He did not visit often, and having been abandoned for over half a year, it was overgrown with weeds. Many of the roof ridges and tiles had been eroded by wind and rain, leaving it in a state of disrepair. Craftsmen had been hired early on to carry out renovations; while it was not yet exquisite, it was at least fit for habitation.

Bao Ning instructed Mother Liu, “Remember to buy some sulfur powder. Sprinkle it regularly around the house to ward off snakes.”

Mother Liu complied. Bao Ning smiled and said, “This manor is large enough and has many courtyards. Let’s allocate one to Ah-Huang and the others, right next to our courtyard. When I have time, I’ll draw up a blueprint and renovate their house too.”

“Ah-Huang is a wealthy dog now,” Mother Liu laughed, pointing at Ah-Huang, who was running around drooling with a warm yellow jade pendant hanging from his neck. “The Emperor bestowed a dog tag upon him with his name engraved on it. It’s the first of its kind in the entire capital; even the dogs in the Prime Minister’s residence can’t compare to him.”

Bao Ning said, “Alright, tomorrow I’ll make him a set of clothes. Seeing him looking so dignified and spirited, how grand he’ll be.”

Everyone burst into laughter.

Pei Yuan snorted and joked, “You’d better hurry up and arrange a marriage for Ah-Huang. Get him a dog wife so they can have a litter of pups soon. Make a set of clothes and a jade tag for every single one of them. When you lead them out behind you, imagine how imposing you’ll be! The whole city will envy you for leading a ‘Dog Army’!”

Bao Ning shot him a glare and whispered, “Nothing good ever comes out of your mouth.”

She sent the servants to take Ah-Huang and the others to play while she took Pei Yuan’s hand to tour the manor. The Jibei Prince’s Manor had been built during the height of Pei Yuan’s favor; it was vast, even slightly larger than the State Duke’s residence. Inside, pavilions and terraces intersected, featuring a large lake and a three-story hexagonal tower. Bao Ning walked to the foot of the tower and looked up. Each corner of the tower was adorned with golden bells that swayed in the breeze, creating a beautiful sight. It would likely be very refreshing to catch the breeze on the balcony during the summer.

Bao Ning looked at Pei Yuan and said, “I didn’t think you had such refined taste as to build a tower like this. I won’t call you ‘crude and vulgar’ anymore.”

“Is that really what you thought of me?” Pei Yuan frowned and repeated the words. “Crude and vulgar?”

Bao Ning fell silent.

Shielding her eyes from the sun with her hand, she asked with interest, “Shall we go inside and take a look?”

“It’s been kept locked; no outsiders have been inside before. I’ll find the key for you when we get back,” Pei Yuan said. “This tower was modeled after my mother’s former residence in the palace, though the one in the palace had four stories and this one has three. The furnishings inside are much the same as her original palace. I had it built the year she passed away. Come to think of it, I haven’t set foot inside for nearly ten years.”

Bao Ning asked, “Has it never been cleaned? Won’t it be covered in cobwebs and full of mice?”

“Do you take me for you? Pig talk, pig brain,” Pei Yuan looked at her with half-lidded eyes. “Naturally, people are hired every year to sweep and clean, as well as to repel insects and mice.”

Bao Ning stomped on his foot indignantly. “How can you be like this, seizing every chance to insult me!”

“How am I insulting you?” Pei Yuan lazily put his arm around her shoulder and continued walking forward. “Don’t you think calling you that feels like doting?”

He tilted Bao Ning’s chin and called her, “Little piglet?”

Bao Ning twisted her face away from him and said unpleasantly, “Big mottled pig—I’m also calling you that out of ‘affection’.”

Pei Yuan looked down at his shoes. “You just stepped on my shoe and got it dirty. What should we do? Quick, give me money, I want to buy new ones.”

Bao Ning glanced at him. “A celestial’s soles do not touch the dust of the world. It is your own impurity that attracts the dirt and grime of the earth; what does it have to do with me? In other words, even if I step on you, there shouldn’t be a mark. If your shoes are dirty, it’s because you yourself are full of ‘turbid air’!”

Pei Yuan grinned. “Sharp-tongued. You’ve learned to be bad.”

As he spoke, he hooked his arm around Bao Ning’s neck, pressing her against his chest. His fingers reached out to pinch her cheeks to make her open her mouth, saying, “Quick, let me feel—are your teeth sharper, or are Ah-Huang and Jixiang’s? Are there thorns growing on this little pink tongue…”

Bao Ning had originally thought that after moving into a new home and gaining a higher status, life would be much more comfortable; at least no one would dare provoke her. Moreover, the Jibei Prince’s Manor was very close to the most prosperous Chang’an Street in the capital. The manor lacked many things, and with the place being so large, there weren’t enough servants for cleaning. Bao Ning had been planning to visit the marketplace.

However, this simple wish remained unfulfilled even half a month later.

Except for the very first day they moved in, the stream of visitors to the manor had been endless—wives of vice-ministers, daughters of scholars, and so on. Many of them Bao Ning had seen before at the one-month celebration at the State Duke’s residence. Those faces that were once arrogant and disdainful were now full of fawning smiles.

As a newcomer, she couldn’t put on airs and drive everyone away; she had to build good rapport. Consequently, even though the guests brought gifts to visit, the hostess ended up more exhausted than the guests. She had to serve them tea, chat, welcome them with smiles, be friendly, and even lead them on tours of the gardens. After a few days, Bao Ning’s face was stiff from smiling and her legs were sore. She felt like vomiting just looking at the flowers in the backyard.

She feared these “neither close nor distant” relationships most. If they were close, there would be no need for formalities. If they were distant, there would be no need to force a fake smile. The visitors came for the power behind Pei Yuan, rushing to curry favor. Bao Ning felt embarrassed hearing their outlandish flattery and didn’t know how to respond.

This wave of visits only gradually tapered off after ten days. Fortunately, the gifts piled up to fill half a storehouse, so the exhaustion yielded some rewards.

Pei Yuan had already been permitted to enter the imperial court and had become quite busy. He brought news that Jia Ling, the heir of the Marquis of Congyuan, had been executed. The Marquis’s rank had been demoted, the residence confiscated, and the hereditary title stripped. Jia Daogong, the Marquis, had resigned from his post to protect himself and was heading south with his second son, Jia Xian, to settle in the Sishui area. The eldest sister had been betrothed to the new top military graduate, with the wedding to take place soon.

The night before the second sister was to head south, the sisters agreed to have a meal together at the restaurant owned by the third sister, Ji Anlu.

The last time Bao Ning saw Ji Anlu was four or five months ago. At that time, Pei Yuan was still ill, and they were living in the courtyard on the outskirts of the capital. A poor scholar named Feng Yongjia had been enticed into malice and kidnapped Bao Ning. After escaping, she happened to run into her third sister and took refuge in the restaurant for a night.

Bao Ning remembered that the restaurant was then called “Ancient Well Food Tower.” The food tasted great, and the environment was elegant and simple, but there was nothing extraordinary about it.

Coming back today, however, revealed a world-shaking change. Even the name had been changed to “Heavenly Flower Pavilion.” Even the handrails of the stairs were inlaid with jade. The vases on display looked like antiques from a previous dynasty, containing jade-carved orchids of vibrant colors. The third brother-in-law, Zhang Heyu, came to welcome them. He wore a black wide-sleeved robe with a golden belt. Round and plump, he smiled very kindly, looking exactly like a wealthy merchant.

He bowed to Pei Yuan, his smile somewhat shy. “Prince and Princess Consort, this way please. We have cleared the floor, and everyone has arrived. They are all on the third floor.”

Pei Yuan said neutrally, “A family gathering requires no excessive formality. Please lead the way.”

Stepping up the stairs, Bao Ning was even more astonished by the luxury of the decor. She pointed to a lotus candle lamp base about as wide as a person’s embrace and asked, “Is… is this pure silver?”

“Heavens, no. It’s made of a mix of copper and nickel. It looks massive but is actually very light—just made to look like silver,” Zhang Heyu said sheepishly. “It’s for show, to make it look like we have money.”

Bao Ning asked again, “When did the restaurant change its name?”

Zhang Heyu replied, “A-Yun changed it three months ago. He said this name sounds heroic—the kind of place wealthy people would frequent. It sounds expensive.”

Pei Yuan also became interested. “Why the sudden thought to change the name and put out so many fake items?”

Bao Ning asked in confusion, “Besides that copper candlestick, what else is fake?”

Pei Yuan said, “Everything you see, except for the people, is basically fake. These stairs look like red sandalwood, but if you tap them with your finger, the sound is all wrong—it’s just ordinary old wood. And the emerald jade on the handrails? If you touch it, it’s actually just green stone. Hmm, that antique vase—look at the patterns on the rim; it’s been intentionally distressed. It was likely manufactured just six months ago. And that…”

Pei Yuan pointed to the flowers in the vase. “Don’t touch these flowers. If your hands are sweaty, the color will rub off. They’re just dyed stones.”

Zhang Heyu said in amazement, “The Prince truly has a keen eye! The restaurant has had this name for so long, and not a single person has noticed.”

As they reached the last flight of stairs, Pei Yuan asked, “Whose idea was all of this?”

Before Zhang Heyu could answer, a clear youthful voice came from above: “Naturally, it was my idea!”

Bao Ning looked up in surprise. “A-Yun?”

“Sister!” Ji Yun ran down. He first grabbed Bao Ning’s wrist, wanting to walk upstairs with her, but after being glared at by a displeased Pei Yuan, he held on for a moment before eventually letting go sheepishly. “I’ve been waiting for you for so long. You’re finally here!”

Pei Yuan gave a cold snort but said nothing, following them into the room.

The eldest, second, and third sisters were all there with their families. Jia Xian was also present, and his two sons were running around the floor.

Since it was a private gathering, there were no strict protocols. After a few pleasantries, everyone took their seats. Zhang Heyu went out to supervise the serving of the dishes. Given the change in circumstances, seeing her sisters again filled Bao Ning with mixed emotions, and they huddled together to talk. Ji Yun watched eagerly from the side, unable to cut into the conversation. Pei Yuan observed him in secret for a while and then suddenly sat down next to him. “Hey, kid—”

Ji Yun’s eyes widened upon hearing this, looking insulted. “I am already thirteen years old!”

“Oh, then I’ll call you by your name,” Pei Yuan said. “Ji Yun.”

Ji Yun frowned and responded reluctantly, “What is it?”

They had never gotten along. Ji Yun had basically given up the idea of taking Bao Ning away, but he was still not warm toward Pei Yuan. He looked at Pei Yuan warily, not understanding why—after they had a fight the last time they met—he was suddenly approaching him so enthusiastically today. There was definitely a catch!

Pei Yuan poured him a cup of wine and raised an eyebrow. “A toast?”

Being treated with the etiquette of an adult made Ji Yun feel much better. After clinking glasses and drinking the wine, his face flushed slightly as he said, “If you have something to say, just say it directly!”

Pei Yuan asked, “This restaurant—are you running it in partnership with your third brother-in-law?”

“Yes,” Ji Yun nodded. “My third brother-in-law’s culinary skills are famous across half the capital. I couldn’t bear to see him go unnoticed, so naturally, I had to lend a hand!”

Pei Yuan rested his chin on his hand and asked again, “How did you come up with the rotten idea of filling a room with fakes? Did you really think no one would notice?”

Ji Yun looked at him with a slight tinge of disdain. Pei Yuan wasn’t angry; a smile even played on his lips as he heard Ji Yun say, “I heard you had done a lot of business in the past and thought you were a sensible person, but it turns out you aren’t that sensible after all. Who did I open this restaurant for? For the wealthy? Of course not. It’s for those who want ‘face’ but don’t have much money. Common folk have little silver and struggle to get by; they could never afford a place like Fengxiang House in their lifetime!”

Pei Yuan nodded. “Continue.”

Ji Yun said, “Even if they can’t afford it, does that mean they don’t want to go? So what should be done? There needs to be a merchant like me who opens a seemingly luxurious restaurant with mid-range prices—neither expensive nor cheap—allowing them to have ‘face’ and be able to afford the meal. When guests come, they are eating for ‘face’ and the thrill of a grand meal. Besides, even though I used some fake silver, fake jade, and fake vases, when did I ever say those were real? Sensible people see through it but don’t call it out. I make money, and you’re happy—isn’t that good?”

Pei Yuan laughed. “Sophistry.”

He looked at Jia Xian and asked, “Did your second brother-in-law teach you this?”

Ji Yun was young after all; after one cup of wine, his face turned bright red and his speech became slightly slurred. “Prince, do not be too proud or arrogant. Although my State Duke’s residence has declined, ‘a hundred-legged insect does not stiffen even in death’—we still have some family background. Moreover, I am not someone to be trifled with! My second brother-in-law is heading south, and I will be taking over the money shops and stores under his name. In terms of financial power, I may not be your equal now, but in two or three years, the gap won’t be that large. Do not use your power to bully my sister, or else… on the day you have to beg me for help, I won’t help you!”

Pei Yuan laughed and reached out to pat Ji Yun’s head. “Not bad. Ji Changping actually raised a good son.”

Ji Yun shouted, “Don’t touch my head!”

He shouted so loudly that Bao Ning was drawn over, rushing to the scene. “Why are you two arguing again?”

She whispered to Pei Yuan, “You’re a grown man; don’t always pick on the child.”

Pei Yuan threw up his hands. “I didn’t do anything. If you don’t believe me, ask the second brother-in-law.”

Jia Xian was watching his two sons play. Hearing this, he quickly distanced himself. “I don’t know anything; I didn’t see a thing.”

Pei Yuan tapped his index finger on the table, looked at Ji Yun, and said, “See that? That is the nature of a merchant—slick and oily. You still show too much of your edge; you’re a bit green and need to be properly tempered.”

During their conversation, the dishes had all been served—a colorful spread that filled the room with aroma.

Everyone picked up their chopsticks to eat. After several rounds of drinks, everyone was slightly tipsy. Pei Yuan seemed very happy, accepting every toast offered to him.

When they were all feeling the alcohol, Jia Xian said, “One cannot have good wine without music. Why not invite a few songstresses to liven things up?”

His wife shot him a secret glare.

Bao Ning frowned. She didn’t want this, but she didn’t know how to refuse. Suddenly, she heard Pei Yuan say from beside her, “Go borrow a pipa. There’s no need for songstresses—I can do it myself.”

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