Huangfu Yuchen's Day As A Commoner
Posted by ckanda, Released on July 17, 2023
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“Yuchen, are you ready?” Yan Ge asked as he walked out of the inner room holding a bundle, looking lively and enthusiastic.
Huangfu Yuchen wanted to pretend he hadn’t heard, but one could only hide for a while, not forever. “I’m ready.”
Yan Ge suppressed a smile. “How about we leave later?”
Huangfu Yuchen replied, “No need, the sooner we go, the sooner we’ll come back.”
“Exactly,” Yan Ge walked up to him. “Raise your arms.”
Huangfu Yuchen thought he was going to help him tidy his clothes, and a shallow smile of happiness appeared at the corner of his lips as he obediently raised both arms.
Yan Ge reached into the inner pocket of his robe and pulled out a silver note. Then he put his hands into the sleeves, taking out two silver ingots of ten taels each.
Huangfu Yuchen reached out to take them back. “Baby, these are for emergencies—”
“Confiscated.” Yan Ge ruthlessly put the silver note and ingots into his own money pouch. He then thoroughly searched Huangfu Yuchen, going up and down, front and back, even taking away all the scattered silver he had prepared.
Huangfu Yuchen rubbed his forehead speechlessly. He was certain that today would not only be miserable but extremely, terribly miserable.
Yan Ge reached out to rub his forehead, pretending to console him. His lips and eyebrows carried a restrained smile. “Having these won’t help you. As far as I know, farmers rarely have silver; they mostly use copper coins.”
“I know. I brought these because I was afraid you wouldn’t be accustomed to their food or lodging.” Huangfu Yuchen said.
‘Yeah right.’ Yan Ge didn’t expose him either. “Shall we go?”
Huangfu Yuchen nodded. “Let’s go. Give me the bundle.”
Yan Ge handed him the bundle and leisurely pulled out a folding fan from his waist, swaying it gently. “Let’s depart.”
Half an hour later, the two of them arrived at a village on the outskirts of the capital. It was still early, and smoke rose from the chimneys of most households. Amidst the faint scent of food and rice, the entire village exuded a sense of tranquility and harmony. Occasionally, the sound of roosters crowing and dogs barking could be heard, but it didn’t disrupt the peaceful atmosphere.
A faint smile appeared on the corners of Huangfu Yuchen’s lips. If he truly lived with his beloved in such a serene village, it would be an enjoyable experience.
Yan Ge strolled up to the entrance of a courtyard and knocked on the door.
A woman’s voice came from inside. “I’m coming.”
In a moment, an elderly woman with a cloth wrapped around her head opened the door and looked at them curiously. “Who are you?”
Yan Ge said, “Auntie, we’ve come to experience life here. Can we bother you for a moment?”
“Experience life?” The woman looked puzzled.
Yan Ge said, “Here’s the thing. From now until this time tomorrow, the two of us would like to stay at your house. You and your family can temporarily stay at your relatives’ or friends’ houses. We will help with whatever chores you have to do today. Of course, we won’t freeload at your house. You can hold onto this silver ingot.”
“This…” The woman stared wide-eyed at the silver. “This must be five taels, right? Wait a moment.”
Before Yan Ge could react, the door slammed shut.
Huangfu Yuchen quickly said, “Baby, it seems like this family doesn’t welcome us. Shall we leave?”
Yan Ge fanned himself leisurely. “Don’t worry, it’s definitely not what you think.”
After a short while, the door opened again, and the woman was accompanied by an old man of similar age.
“My wife told me that you…” the old man began.
Yan Ge explained carefully once again, and the old man took the silver and discreetly bit it, whispering to the woman, “It’s real.”
Then, he asked Yan Ge uncertainly, “Are you really going to do our work? The tasks on a farm can’t be delayed.”
Yan Ge nodded. “Yes. If we cause any losses, we’ll compensate you.”
The old man hesitated and said, “That won’t be necessary. The silver you gave us is already more than enough. Shall we leave after having breakfast?”
“Okay.” Yan Ge agreed readily.
After the elderly couple had breakfast, washed the dishes, and tidied the kitchen, they explained to Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen what tasks needed to be done in the house. Then, they led them to the vegetable garden and fields, explaining the work that needed to be done there as well. Finally, they handed them the keys and asked them to lock the door when they left.
The elderly couple packed a few clothes and went to their relatives’ house.
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen entered the house. First, they took a tour of the rooms. This family’s house was very simple, consisting of three main rooms, a kitchen, a hall, and a bedroom. In the yard, there was a chicken coop and a pigsty, nothing more.
The smell from the pigsty made both of them wrinkle their noses.
“Baby, should we find another place?”
Yan Ge also regretted it a bit. Huangfu Yuchen used to be a noble crown prince and now he was an esteemed emperor. Not only had he never lived in such an environment before, he had never even experienced a few minutes of such an environment. There was no need to make it difficult for him. Looking at Huangfu Yuchen’s uncomfortable expression, Yan Ge felt a pang of heartache.
“Forget it, let’s go back, Zirui.”
Huangfu Yuchen didn’t understand and held him back. “Why do you suddenly want to go back when everything is fine?”
Yan Ge smiled and didn’t speak, leaning over to kiss him.
Huangfu Yuchen chuckled lightly. “Let’s go inside first.”
Although the room was simple, it was clean. Yan Ge sat on the edge of the bed and opened the bundle.
Huangfu Yuchen looked around the room, not sure whether to stand or sit. He raised an eyebrow as he looked at the patched clothes in Yan Ge’s hands and said with a vein popping on his forehead, “Um, where did you find these patched clothes?”
Yan Ge said proudly, “Du Juan made them for me last night. How about it? Don’t they look like poor people’s clothes? Here, one for you and one for me.”
Huangfu Yuchen sighed silently. Fine, his beloved had such strange interests. He would accompany him even if it meant giving up his life.
The two of them put on the patched clothes and couldn’t help but burst into laughter as they looked at each other.
Yan Ge recalled what the couple had instructed before leaving. “Let’s go to the vegetable garden and pick vegetables to sell in the city.” He glanced around and saw a pair of bamboo baskets in the corner of the yard, and a carrying pole leaning against the yard wall.
“Zirui, do you want to carry it, or should I?” Yan Ge asked.
“I’ll do it.” Huangfu Yuchen walked over and shouldered the pole.
Yan Ge praised him generously. “Not bad, you’re a quick learner.”
Huangfu Yuchen asked, “Are you sure that’s a compliment?”
“Absolutely.” Yan Ge replied cheerfully. He went into the house and took out two straw hats woven from wheat straws, putting one on Huangfu Yuchen and one on himself. The two noble young men instantly transformed into two rural farmers.
Suppressing his laughter, Yan Ge said, “Let’s go to the vegetable garden.”
Walking on the country path with the carrying pole, Yan Ge looked at Huangfu Yuchen’s stiff figure and felt extremely satisfied.
“Zirui, when we sell the vegetables, try to get a higher price if possible. Neither of us can cook, so we might have to rely on the money from selling vegetables to have lunch at a small restaurant in the city.”
A sense of desolation washed over Huangfu Yuchen. “Baby, are you kidding me?”
“No.” Yan Ge urged him forward, pushing his back. “Hurry up, the sooner we go, the better price we can get.”
When they arrived at the couple’s vegetable garden, Yan Ge sat down on the ridge.
Huangfu Yuchen raised an eyebrow.
Yan Ge said confidently, “I’m playing the role of a lazy person now, and you’re responsible for raising me.”
Huangfu Yuchen laughed and said dotingly, “Alright, I’ll take care of you.”
He turned his head and glanced at the rows of vegetables in the garden, then crouched down and pulled out a big, fat cabbage. After filling a basket, he moved on to the next row and continued pulling. As he pulled with enthusiasm, he heard strange laughter behind him. He turned around and saw Yan Ge who was red from suppressing laughter. He desperately tried to hold it in while pounding the ground.
“What’s wrong?”
“Pfftt… Hahahaha…” Yan Ge pointed at the vegetables he was pulling and laughed uncontrollably. “You… you…”
Huangfu Yuchen walked over helplessly and patted him on the back, “Okay, breathe. What did I do wrong? I thought you were mentally prepared.”
“Hahaha…” Yan Ge laughed and leaned on him. “You…you’re pulling the leaves… the radishes are underground… Hahahaha…”
“Seeing you laugh so happily is worth it.” Huangfu Yuchen purposely touched his face and went to dig the radishes underground. He actually dug up some bright red radishes and couldn’t help but laugh too.
After filling the second basket, the two of them changed their appearances using disguise techniques and carried the heavy burdens to the market.
Huangfu Yuchen still carried the heavy load while Yan Ge walked empty-handed beside him. As they walked, they unconsciously joined the other market-goers, listening to their amusing conversations. By chance, there was another male couple among the crowd, one carrying a burden and the other holding a basket on his arm, filled with eggs.
“Brother, this must be your wife, right?” a vegetable farmer pointed at Yan Ge and asked Huangfu Yuchen.
Huangfu Yuchen nodded.
Yan Ge blushed.
“You really dote on your wife,” another man teased with a smile.
Yan Ge interrupted, “Actually, he’s my wife.”
The man said, “Then you’re in the wrong. Your wife carries your weight you at night and still carries such heavy things during the day. You don’t know how to cherish people!”
It was normal for men to speak some vulgar words among themselves, without any ill intent so everyone burst into laughter.
Yan Ge opened his mouth but couldn’t say anything.
Huangfu Yuchen smirked.
Yan Ge walked a few steps over and snatched the burden away. “I’ll carry it!”
Huangfu Yuchen suppressed his laughter and let him.
Once they entered the city, they looked around in confusion. Where should they sell the vegetables?
The man who had joked with them pointed them in the right direction. “Is this your first time in the city? Go that way; there’s a market specifically for selling vegetables.”
“Thank you.”
Yan Ge expressed his gratitude and, with Huangfu Yuchen, arrived at the market. At the entrance, they paid six coins to the soldiers in charge of managing the market and found an empty spot to place their load.
“Baby, how should we price these vegetables?” Huangfu Yuchen asked.
Yan Ge acted nonchalant and patted him on the shoulder. “You figure it out. Lunch depends on you. I’ll take a nap first.”
“Take a nap later.” Huangfu Yuchen took out a small dagger and skillfully carved a big radish into the shape of a galloping horse. “Look, it’s so exquisite. It should be worth at least one tael.”
Yan Ge raised his head weakly and looked at him. “Those who come here are here to buy vegetables. Who would spend one tael to buy a radish that weighs only three coins after you’ve carved it?”
Huangfu Yuchen: “…”
Yan Ge reached out and took the radish. “The carving is good. Make me a jade carving another day.”
“I’ve already started carving one but it’s not finished yet. I’m planning to give it to you as a New Year’s gift.” Huangfu Yuchen said.
“Hey, how much for this radish?” a girl who looked like a maid approached with a basket.
Huangfu Yuchen picked up the horse-shaped radish. “For an esteemed guest like you, you can buy this for just one tael.”
Yan Ge looked at him with admiration. Well done.
Huangfu Yuchen enjoyed his beloved’s admiring gaze and whispered in his ear, “Don’t worry, baby, even if I’m not the emperor, I’m sure I can still support you.”
Yan Ge raised the corner of his mouth. “I’m easy to support.”
Huangfu Yuchen chuckled. “Indeed.”
The maid rolled her eyes. “Hey, are you going to sell or not?”
“Selling.” Yan Ge took the money and handed her the horse-shaped radish.
Huangfu Yuchen's Day As A Commoner
Posted by ckanda, Released on July 17, 2023
Prev
All Chapter
Next
Options
“Yuchen, are you ready?” Yan Ge asked as he walked out of the inner room holding a bundle, looking lively and enthusiastic.
Huangfu Yuchen wanted to pretend he hadn’t heard, but one could only hide for a while, not forever. “I’m ready.”
Yan Ge suppressed a smile. “How about we leave later?”
Huangfu Yuchen replied, “No need, the sooner we go, the sooner we’ll come back.”
“Exactly,” Yan Ge walked up to him. “Raise your arms.”
Huangfu Yuchen thought he was going to help him tidy his clothes, and a shallow smile of happiness appeared at the corner of his lips as he obediently raised both arms.
Yan Ge reached into the inner pocket of his robe and pulled out a silver note. Then he put his hands into the sleeves, taking out two silver ingots of ten taels each.
Huangfu Yuchen reached out to take them back. “Baby, these are for emergencies—”
“Confiscated.” Yan Ge ruthlessly put the silver note and ingots into his own money pouch. He then thoroughly searched Huangfu Yuchen, going up and down, front and back, even taking away all the scattered silver he had prepared.
Huangfu Yuchen rubbed his forehead speechlessly. He was certain that today would not only be miserable but extremely, terribly miserable.
Yan Ge reached out to rub his forehead, pretending to console him. His lips and eyebrows carried a restrained smile. “Having these won’t help you. As far as I know, farmers rarely have silver; they mostly use copper coins.”
“I know. I brought these because I was afraid you wouldn’t be accustomed to their food or lodging.” Huangfu Yuchen said.
‘Yeah right.’ Yan Ge didn’t expose him either. “Shall we go?”
Huangfu Yuchen nodded. “Let’s go. Give me the bundle.”
Yan Ge handed him the bundle and leisurely pulled out a folding fan from his waist, swaying it gently. “Let’s depart.”
Half an hour later, the two of them arrived at a village on the outskirts of the capital. It was still early, and smoke rose from the chimneys of most households. Amidst the faint scent of food and rice, the entire village exuded a sense of tranquility and harmony. Occasionally, the sound of roosters crowing and dogs barking could be heard, but it didn’t disrupt the peaceful atmosphere.
A faint smile appeared on the corners of Huangfu Yuchen’s lips. If he truly lived with his beloved in such a serene village, it would be an enjoyable experience.
Yan Ge strolled up to the entrance of a courtyard and knocked on the door.
A woman’s voice came from inside. “I’m coming.”
In a moment, an elderly woman with a cloth wrapped around her head opened the door and looked at them curiously. “Who are you?”
Yan Ge said, “Auntie, we’ve come to experience life here. Can we bother you for a moment?”
“Experience life?” The woman looked puzzled.
Yan Ge said, “Here’s the thing. From now until this time tomorrow, the two of us would like to stay at your house. You and your family can temporarily stay at your relatives’ or friends’ houses. We will help with whatever chores you have to do today. Of course, we won’t freeload at your house. You can hold onto this silver ingot.”
“This…” The woman stared wide-eyed at the silver. “This must be five taels, right? Wait a moment.”
Before Yan Ge could react, the door slammed shut.
Huangfu Yuchen quickly said, “Baby, it seems like this family doesn’t welcome us. Shall we leave?”
Yan Ge fanned himself leisurely. “Don’t worry, it’s definitely not what you think.”
After a short while, the door opened again, and the woman was accompanied by an old man of similar age.
“My wife told me that you…” the old man began.
Yan Ge explained carefully once again, and the old man took the silver and discreetly bit it, whispering to the woman, “It’s real.”
Then, he asked Yan Ge uncertainly, “Are you really going to do our work? The tasks on a farm can’t be delayed.”
Yan Ge nodded. “Yes. If we cause any losses, we’ll compensate you.”
The old man hesitated and said, “That won’t be necessary. The silver you gave us is already more than enough. Shall we leave after having breakfast?”
“Okay.” Yan Ge agreed readily.
After the elderly couple had breakfast, washed the dishes, and tidied the kitchen, they explained to Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen what tasks needed to be done in the house. Then, they led them to the vegetable garden and fields, explaining the work that needed to be done there as well. Finally, they handed them the keys and asked them to lock the door when they left.
The elderly couple packed a few clothes and went to their relatives’ house.
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen entered the house. First, they took a tour of the rooms. This family’s house was very simple, consisting of three main rooms, a kitchen, a hall, and a bedroom. In the yard, there was a chicken coop and a pigsty, nothing more.
The smell from the pigsty made both of them wrinkle their noses.
“Baby, should we find another place?”
Yan Ge also regretted it a bit. Huangfu Yuchen used to be a noble crown prince and now he was an esteemed emperor. Not only had he never lived in such an environment before, he had never even experienced a few minutes of such an environment. There was no need to make it difficult for him. Looking at Huangfu Yuchen’s uncomfortable expression, Yan Ge felt a pang of heartache.
“Forget it, let’s go back, Zirui.”
Huangfu Yuchen didn’t understand and held him back. “Why do you suddenly want to go back when everything is fine?”
Yan Ge smiled and didn’t speak, leaning over to kiss him.
Huangfu Yuchen chuckled lightly. “Let’s go inside first.”
Although the room was simple, it was clean. Yan Ge sat on the edge of the bed and opened the bundle.
Huangfu Yuchen looked around the room, not sure whether to stand or sit. He raised an eyebrow as he looked at the patched clothes in Yan Ge’s hands and said with a vein popping on his forehead, “Um, where did you find these patched clothes?”
Yan Ge said proudly, “Du Juan made them for me last night. How about it? Don’t they look like poor people’s clothes? Here, one for you and one for me.”
Huangfu Yuchen sighed silently. Fine, his beloved had such strange interests. He would accompany him even if it meant giving up his life.
The two of them put on the patched clothes and couldn’t help but burst into laughter as they looked at each other.
Yan Ge recalled what the couple had instructed before leaving. “Let’s go to the vegetable garden and pick vegetables to sell in the city.” He glanced around and saw a pair of bamboo baskets in the corner of the yard, and a carrying pole leaning against the yard wall.
“Zirui, do you want to carry it, or should I?” Yan Ge asked.
“I’ll do it.” Huangfu Yuchen walked over and shouldered the pole.
Yan Ge praised him generously. “Not bad, you’re a quick learner.”
Huangfu Yuchen asked, “Are you sure that’s a compliment?”
“Absolutely.” Yan Ge replied cheerfully. He went into the house and took out two straw hats woven from wheat straws, putting one on Huangfu Yuchen and one on himself. The two noble young men instantly transformed into two rural farmers.
Suppressing his laughter, Yan Ge said, “Let’s go to the vegetable garden.”
Walking on the country path with the carrying pole, Yan Ge looked at Huangfu Yuchen’s stiff figure and felt extremely satisfied.
“Zirui, when we sell the vegetables, try to get a higher price if possible. Neither of us can cook, so we might have to rely on the money from selling vegetables to have lunch at a small restaurant in the city.”
A sense of desolation washed over Huangfu Yuchen. “Baby, are you kidding me?”
“No.” Yan Ge urged him forward, pushing his back. “Hurry up, the sooner we go, the better price we can get.”
When they arrived at the couple’s vegetable garden, Yan Ge sat down on the ridge.
Huangfu Yuchen raised an eyebrow.
Yan Ge said confidently, “I’m playing the role of a lazy person now, and you’re responsible for raising me.”
Huangfu Yuchen laughed and said dotingly, “Alright, I’ll take care of you.”
He turned his head and glanced at the rows of vegetables in the garden, then crouched down and pulled out a big, fat cabbage. After filling a basket, he moved on to the next row and continued pulling. As he pulled with enthusiasm, he heard strange laughter behind him. He turned around and saw Yan Ge who was red from suppressing laughter. He desperately tried to hold it in while pounding the ground.
“What’s wrong?”
“Pfftt… Hahahaha…” Yan Ge pointed at the vegetables he was pulling and laughed uncontrollably. “You… you…”
Huangfu Yuchen walked over helplessly and patted him on the back, “Okay, breathe. What did I do wrong? I thought you were mentally prepared.”
“Hahaha…” Yan Ge laughed and leaned on him. “You…you’re pulling the leaves… the radishes are underground… Hahahaha…”
“Seeing you laugh so happily is worth it.” Huangfu Yuchen purposely touched his face and went to dig the radishes underground. He actually dug up some bright red radishes and couldn’t help but laugh too.
After filling the second basket, the two of them changed their appearances using disguise techniques and carried the heavy burdens to the market.
Huangfu Yuchen still carried the heavy load while Yan Ge walked empty-handed beside him. As they walked, they unconsciously joined the other market-goers, listening to their amusing conversations. By chance, there was another male couple among the crowd, one carrying a burden and the other holding a basket on his arm, filled with eggs.
“Brother, this must be your wife, right?” a vegetable farmer pointed at Yan Ge and asked Huangfu Yuchen.
Huangfu Yuchen nodded.
Yan Ge blushed.
“You really dote on your wife,” another man teased with a smile.
Yan Ge interrupted, “Actually, he’s my wife.”
The man said, “Then you’re in the wrong. Your wife carries your weight you at night and still carries such heavy things during the day. You don’t know how to cherish people!”
It was normal for men to speak some vulgar words among themselves, without any ill intent so everyone burst into laughter.
Yan Ge opened his mouth but couldn’t say anything.
Huangfu Yuchen smirked.
Yan Ge walked a few steps over and snatched the burden away. “I’ll carry it!”
Huangfu Yuchen suppressed his laughter and let him.
Once they entered the city, they looked around in confusion. Where should they sell the vegetables?
The man who had joked with them pointed them in the right direction. “Is this your first time in the city? Go that way; there’s a market specifically for selling vegetables.”
“Thank you.”
Yan Ge expressed his gratitude and, with Huangfu Yuchen, arrived at the market. At the entrance, they paid six coins to the soldiers in charge of managing the market and found an empty spot to place their load.
“Baby, how should we price these vegetables?” Huangfu Yuchen asked.
Yan Ge acted nonchalant and patted him on the shoulder. “You figure it out. Lunch depends on you. I’ll take a nap first.”
“Take a nap later.” Huangfu Yuchen took out a small dagger and skillfully carved a big radish into the shape of a galloping horse. “Look, it’s so exquisite. It should be worth at least one tael.”
Yan Ge raised his head weakly and looked at him. “Those who come here are here to buy vegetables. Who would spend one tael to buy a radish that weighs only three coins after you’ve carved it?”
Huangfu Yuchen: “…”
Yan Ge reached out and took the radish. “The carving is good. Make me a jade carving another day.”
“I’ve already started carving one but it’s not finished yet. I’m planning to give it to you as a New Year’s gift.” Huangfu Yuchen said.
“Hey, how much for this radish?” a girl who looked like a maid approached with a basket.
Huangfu Yuchen picked up the horse-shaped radish. “For an esteemed guest like you, you can buy this for just one tael.”
Yan Ge looked at him with admiration. Well done.
Huangfu Yuchen enjoyed his beloved’s admiring gaze and whispered in his ear, “Don’t worry, baby, even if I’m not the emperor, I’m sure I can still support you.”
Yan Ge raised the corner of his mouth. “I’m easy to support.”
Huangfu Yuchen chuckled. “Indeed.”
The maid rolled her eyes. “Hey, are you going to sell or not?”
“Selling.” Yan Ge took the money and handed her the horse-shaped radish.
