Chapter - 31
By Tea Time Translations
The unexpected turn of events on that evening seemed to have no impact on Pei You'an. He remained calm and composed, as if nothing had happened. However, for Jiafu, all the joy and excitement she had experienced in the past few days since he had taken her out of the house felt like fragile new sprouts that had just broken through the ground, only to be frozen by a late spring frost.
Jiafu regretted the impulsive words she had blurted out, but it was Pei You'an's subsequent response that served as a reminder. She had been too hasty in her enthusiasm.
Pei You'an had been kind to her, patient with her, attentive to her needs, and had even made concessions in her presence, such as allowing her to accompany him on this journey. However, the emotional barrier he had erected between them seemed impenetrable. Jiafu could hardly see any hope of breaking it down. She didn't have the luxury of time to slowly make him like her, to enchant him. Moreover, she lacked confidence in herself when faced with Pei You'an. What chance did she have with a man like him, who seemed like a celestial being, to fall in love with her and agree to marry her?
Yet the idea of marrying him had taken root in her heart from the very first day, and she couldn't shake the temptation of wanting to be close to him and find a place to rest in his life.
What could she do to make him agree to her proposal?
This new setback, like the impulsive words she had spoken, caught her off guard and left her feeling despondent. However, she had learned her lesson from the previous incident when she had refused to eat in anger. The next day, as the time for his return approached, she put on a smiling face and waited for him. After a while, she saw his figure in the distance, accompanied by the young master of the local chieftain's mansion, An Cangzhu, who had been with them the previous day.
An Cangzhu, the young man who had joined Pei You'an on their journey, was the same person who had caught up with them earlier. He had dark skin, prominent eyebrows, a high nose, and a robust physique. He wore an earring and had a short knife hanging from his waist, with its sheath adorned with various gemstones. Pei You'an had once saved his life, which earned him a great deal of respect from An Cangzhu.
After discussing the meeting between his father and Meng Ding, the chieftain of Mengmu, which was scheduled for tomorrow at the Anlong Pass on the border, An Cangzhu turned to Pei You'an and asked, "Lord Pei, does your cousin have a husband?"
Pei You'an had been preoccupied with the upcoming meeting between the chieftains during their journey. When he heard this question from An Cangzhu, he was momentarily taken aback. He turned to look at An Cangzhu and noticed a subtle hint of anticipation in the young man's eyes. After a brief moment of contemplation, Pei You'an understood the implication.
Despite their similar ages, when compared to the youthful vitality of the young man by his side, there was a fleeting sense of autumnal melancholy in Pei You'an's heart. He didn't particularly want to discuss the topic of Jiafu with An Cangzhu, but he replied, "She is still in her maiden chambers."
An Cangzhu's eyes lit up, and he asked eagerly, "Where is her family from?"
Pei You'an answered, "She hails from Quanzhou."
An Cangzhu's excitement was evident as he spoke, "I know Quanzhou! When I was young, my father hired a tutor for me, and he happened to be from Quanzhou. He told me that Quanzhou is a place of abundant resources and prosperous population, with countless ships coming in and out every day. Many of the world's exotic treasures find their way through Quanzhou! There's a wealthy family named Zhen in Quanzhou, specializing in maritime trade. Could it be related to the Zhen family that your cousin is from?"
Pei You'an replied vaguely, "Her family does have a few ships..."
An Cangzhu eagerly interrupted, "That's great! Lord Pei, could you allow me to meet with your cousin? My father intends to purchase a batch of spices, but he's concerned about being deceived due to our remote location. It would be more convenient to negotiate directly with your cousin, who has ships. This way, we can ensure the quality of the spices. What do you think?"
Pei You'an's guest room was not far ahead. He hesitated for a moment, and just as he was about to respond, An Cangzhu noticed Jiafu standing at the door, eagerly waiting. With a pleased expression, he left Pei You'an behind and quickly approached her. He greeted her with a smile and addressed her as "Cousin Zhen."
Jiafu recognized him as the young master from the chieftain's mansion they had visited yesterday. Seeing his friendly demeanor and hearing him call her "Cousin Zhen," she was a bit surprised. She glanced back at Pei You'an, who was following behind, and felt somewhat puzzled. Out of courtesy, she returned the greeting and offered a respectful gesture.
An Cangzhu waved his hand and began by apologizing to Jiafu for his younger sister's behavior from yesterday. He explained that he had already scolded her for it and assured Jiafu that she wouldn't cause any trouble again.
Yesterday's fight had been spirited and enjoyable at the time, and Pei You'an had defended her afterward, not blaming her for her lack of judgment. However, Jiafu couldn't help but feel a sense of embarrassment, considering her past experiences. She didn't want to dwell on it and responded with a vague acknowledgment.
An Cangzhu hadn't come here solely to apologize. After settling the matter, he turned to business and asked, "I heard Lord Pei mention that your family is from Quanzhou and has ships for overseas trade. I am currently looking to purchase a batch of spices, and the quantity is not insignificant. We will also need to make repeat purchases in the future. Would your family be interested in conducting this business? We can discuss the terms and conditions, and we'll follow your local customs. If it's convenient, I can have a detailed discussion with you."
An Cangzhu seemingly arbitrary conversation left Jiafu momentarily bewildered. She instinctively looked at Pei You'an, who stood behind An Cangzhu. Pei You'an appeared calm, just as he usually did, and Jiafu couldn't discern his intentions. However, without much thought, she promptly replied, "Thank you for your kind offer, Young Master. Unfortunately, although my family has a few ships, we haven't dealt with many spices in recent years. I'm afraid we can't accommodate this business."
An Cangzhu didn't seem discouraged and continued, "Since your cousin is from Quanzhou, she must be familiar with some spice merchants. Could you kindly introduce me to a few reputable ones?"
Jiafu wore an apologetic expression and said, "I'm truly sorry, but I don't have much knowledge of business affairs. I spend my days embroidering and painting and know little about external trade. I'm afraid I can't be of much help, Young Master."
An Cangzhu looked disappointed for a moment but quickly regained his enthusiasm. He suggested, "That's alright. I was thinking, Lord Pei has been busy with affairs these days and may not have time to accompany your cousin. Since she's here in our residence, she's our honored guest. We have some scenic spots around here. If your cousin doesn't mind, I can arrange for someone to take her out for a stroll. How does that sound, Cousin?"
He turned to Pei You'an and continued, "Lord Pei, I've noticed that your cousin has been staying in the guest quarters without venturing out. She must be feeling confined. Since you've traveled a long way to resolve the conflicts in our Mengmu Prefecture, you've worked hard. I believe I should extend my hospitality and show her around."
Pei You'an couldn't help but glance at Jiafu, and their eyes met for a moment. Seeing her slightly upturned lips, her gentle expression, and the watery glint in her eyes, he felt an inexplicable sense of ambiguity that seemed to flow between them, hidden from others.
This feeling was incredibly elusive, difficult to grasp, yet ever-present.
He blinked, momentarily thinking he might have been mistaken. He subconsciously looked at her again, but Jiafu had already turned her head. With that, the feeling dissipated.
Pei You'an noticed her smile as she responded to An Cangzhu, "I don't want to trouble Young Master. To be honest, I came here with my elder cousin because I was feeling unwell and needed his treatment. It's unfortunate that he had to come to your esteemed residence, and I couldn't bear to stay behind. However, once my health is restored, I would be more than willing to accept your kind invitation."
Her response was clear, as it not only explained why Pei You'an had brought her here in the first place but also politely declined An Cangzhu's offer.
Pei You'an finally regained his composure and looked at her again.
Her bright eyes were fixed on the son of the chieftain, her expression sincere.
An Cangzhu was disappointed once more and nodded in response. He let her know she should rest and left somewhat dejected.
Following Pei You'an back inside, Jiafu served tea attentively and asked, "Cousin, why did you return so early today? Do you have any plans for the evening?"
Since arriving here, Pei You'an had been meeting various people every day. Tomorrow was a crucial day for his mission, and his mind had been preoccupied. However, at this moment, seeing her bustling around him, he inexplicably felt a sense of relaxation. He smiled and replied, "Everything has been arranged, and I've declined the chieftain's banquet. I won't be going out tonight. I'll rest early because there's important business tomorrow."
Jiafu was delighted and said, "That's great, Cousin. Please have a seat, and I'll go check on the sweet soup I prepared. Once it's ready, I'll serve you a bowl."
Pei You'an didn't particularly enjoy sweet treats, but he had grown accustomed to her taste for sweetness. He agreed with her plan and watched her cheerful figure as she went about her tasks, feeling a sense of contentment.
...
The next morning, Pei You'an, along with An Jilong and their entourage, arrived at Anlong Pass, which marked the border with the Mengding Prefecture. Here, under Pei You'an's leadership, An Jilong and the chieftain of Mengding, Yisang, were set to hold a meeting to resolve the recent disputes that had arisen.
This new conflict stemmed from the departure of Governor Ma, who had intentionally rewarded An Jilong during his tenure, bestowing upon him the title of "Grand Chieftain." Furthermore, with just a casual remark, Governor Ma had transferred the longstanding disputes over Anlong Pass, which lay between Mengmu Prefecture and Mengding Prefecture, to An Jilong's jurisdiction. This had sparked dissatisfaction from Yisang. As soon as Governor Ma left, Yisang used the pretext of ancestral lands not to be lost to his own hand and violated the peace treaty that had been established years ago, launching a new assault on Mengmu Prefecture.
The reason for choosing this particular location for the meeting was to ensure mutual trust. The meeting ground was an open area with no trees or rocks to hide behind, making it impossible for anyone to conceal themselves or set up an ambush. The number of people each side brought would be clearly visible.
According to the prior agreement, An Jilong had only brought twenty carefully selected guards. Upon arriving at the location, he instructed his guards to halt about twenty yards away, while he and Pei You'an took their seats.
Although the agreed-upon time had arrived, Yisang had not yet shown up, causing An Jilong's displeasure to become evident. The chieftains who had been invited as witnesses were all present except for Yisang. Recognizing Pei You'an, they greeted him one by one. After exchanging pleasantries, Pei You'an naturally took the central seat, An Jilong sat to the left, and the right seat remained vacant, awaiting Yisang's arrival.
As the sun rose higher in the sky, the appointed time had passed, yet Yisang had not appeared. An Jilong wore a displeased expression, and the chieftains began to whisper among themselves. After a while, they finally spotted a large group of riders approaching, kicking up a cloud of dust as they rode towards them. Judging by the size of the group, there were at least several hundred people. They arrived closer and closer until they were clearly visible, and at the forefront was the belated arrival, Yisang.
Both sides had originally agreed to bring a maximum of twenty guards each. However, as the meeting had yet to begin and Yisang arrived late, breaking the rules by bringing so many people and horses to the scene, An Cangzhu, standing by An Jilong's side, displayed anger and immediately said, "Father, what does he intend to do? I'll go count the number of his troops right now!"
Before leaving for this meeting, to ensure their safety, An Jilong had also brought several hundred men, but those troops were stationed several miles away and had not been brought to the meeting site.
An Jilong also felt frustrated, and he glanced at Pei You'an. Seeing Pei You'an sitting calmly, unwavering, with his eyes fixed forward, his expression tranquil, An Jilong restrained his anger and said, "He probably wants to show off his power to intimidate us. With Lord Pei here, I doubt he will dare to act recklessly. Let's wait and see."
Chapter - 31
By Tea Time Translations
The unexpected turn of events on that evening seemed to have no impact on Pei You'an. He remained calm and composed, as if nothing had happened. However, for Jiafu, all the joy and excitement she had experienced in the past few days since he had taken her out of the house felt like fragile new sprouts that had just broken through the ground, only to be frozen by a late spring frost.
Jiafu regretted the impulsive words she had blurted out, but it was Pei You'an's subsequent response that served as a reminder. She had been too hasty in her enthusiasm.
Pei You'an had been kind to her, patient with her, attentive to her needs, and had even made concessions in her presence, such as allowing her to accompany him on this journey. However, the emotional barrier he had erected between them seemed impenetrable. Jiafu could hardly see any hope of breaking it down. She didn't have the luxury of time to slowly make him like her, to enchant him. Moreover, she lacked confidence in herself when faced with Pei You'an. What chance did she have with a man like him, who seemed like a celestial being, to fall in love with her and agree to marry her?
Yet the idea of marrying him had taken root in her heart from the very first day, and she couldn't shake the temptation of wanting to be close to him and find a place to rest in his life.
What could she do to make him agree to her proposal?
This new setback, like the impulsive words she had spoken, caught her off guard and left her feeling despondent. However, she had learned her lesson from the previous incident when she had refused to eat in anger. The next day, as the time for his return approached, she put on a smiling face and waited for him. After a while, she saw his figure in the distance, accompanied by the young master of the local chieftain's mansion, An Cangzhu, who had been with them the previous day.
An Cangzhu, the young man who had joined Pei You'an on their journey, was the same person who had caught up with them earlier. He had dark skin, prominent eyebrows, a high nose, and a robust physique. He wore an earring and had a short knife hanging from his waist, with its sheath adorned with various gemstones. Pei You'an had once saved his life, which earned him a great deal of respect from An Cangzhu.
After discussing the meeting between his father and Meng Ding, the chieftain of Mengmu, which was scheduled for tomorrow at the Anlong Pass on the border, An Cangzhu turned to Pei You'an and asked, "Lord Pei, does your cousin have a husband?"
Pei You'an had been preoccupied with the upcoming meeting between the chieftains during their journey. When he heard this question from An Cangzhu, he was momentarily taken aback. He turned to look at An Cangzhu and noticed a subtle hint of anticipation in the young man's eyes. After a brief moment of contemplation, Pei You'an understood the implication.
Despite their similar ages, when compared to the youthful vitality of the young man by his side, there was a fleeting sense of autumnal melancholy in Pei You'an's heart. He didn't particularly want to discuss the topic of Jiafu with An Cangzhu, but he replied, "She is still in her maiden chambers."
An Cangzhu's eyes lit up, and he asked eagerly, "Where is her family from?"
Pei You'an answered, "She hails from Quanzhou."
An Cangzhu's excitement was evident as he spoke, "I know Quanzhou! When I was young, my father hired a tutor for me, and he happened to be from Quanzhou. He told me that Quanzhou is a place of abundant resources and prosperous population, with countless ships coming in and out every day. Many of the world's exotic treasures find their way through Quanzhou! There's a wealthy family named Zhen in Quanzhou, specializing in maritime trade. Could it be related to the Zhen family that your cousin is from?"
Pei You'an replied vaguely, "Her family does have a few ships..."
An Cangzhu eagerly interrupted, "That's great! Lord Pei, could you allow me to meet with your cousin? My father intends to purchase a batch of spices, but he's concerned about being deceived due to our remote location. It would be more convenient to negotiate directly with your cousin, who has ships. This way, we can ensure the quality of the spices. What do you think?"
Pei You'an's guest room was not far ahead. He hesitated for a moment, and just as he was about to respond, An Cangzhu noticed Jiafu standing at the door, eagerly waiting. With a pleased expression, he left Pei You'an behind and quickly approached her. He greeted her with a smile and addressed her as "Cousin Zhen."
Jiafu recognized him as the young master from the chieftain's mansion they had visited yesterday. Seeing his friendly demeanor and hearing him call her "Cousin Zhen," she was a bit surprised. She glanced back at Pei You'an, who was following behind, and felt somewhat puzzled. Out of courtesy, she returned the greeting and offered a respectful gesture.
An Cangzhu waved his hand and began by apologizing to Jiafu for his younger sister's behavior from yesterday. He explained that he had already scolded her for it and assured Jiafu that she wouldn't cause any trouble again.
Yesterday's fight had been spirited and enjoyable at the time, and Pei You'an had defended her afterward, not blaming her for her lack of judgment. However, Jiafu couldn't help but feel a sense of embarrassment, considering her past experiences. She didn't want to dwell on it and responded with a vague acknowledgment.
An Cangzhu hadn't come here solely to apologize. After settling the matter, he turned to business and asked, "I heard Lord Pei mention that your family is from Quanzhou and has ships for overseas trade. I am currently looking to purchase a batch of spices, and the quantity is not insignificant. We will also need to make repeat purchases in the future. Would your family be interested in conducting this business? We can discuss the terms and conditions, and we'll follow your local customs. If it's convenient, I can have a detailed discussion with you."
An Cangzhu seemingly arbitrary conversation left Jiafu momentarily bewildered. She instinctively looked at Pei You'an, who stood behind An Cangzhu. Pei You'an appeared calm, just as he usually did, and Jiafu couldn't discern his intentions. However, without much thought, she promptly replied, "Thank you for your kind offer, Young Master. Unfortunately, although my family has a few ships, we haven't dealt with many spices in recent years. I'm afraid we can't accommodate this business."
An Cangzhu didn't seem discouraged and continued, "Since your cousin is from Quanzhou, she must be familiar with some spice merchants. Could you kindly introduce me to a few reputable ones?"
Jiafu wore an apologetic expression and said, "I'm truly sorry, but I don't have much knowledge of business affairs. I spend my days embroidering and painting and know little about external trade. I'm afraid I can't be of much help, Young Master."
An Cangzhu looked disappointed for a moment but quickly regained his enthusiasm. He suggested, "That's alright. I was thinking, Lord Pei has been busy with affairs these days and may not have time to accompany your cousin. Since she's here in our residence, she's our honored guest. We have some scenic spots around here. If your cousin doesn't mind, I can arrange for someone to take her out for a stroll. How does that sound, Cousin?"
He turned to Pei You'an and continued, "Lord Pei, I've noticed that your cousin has been staying in the guest quarters without venturing out. She must be feeling confined. Since you've traveled a long way to resolve the conflicts in our Mengmu Prefecture, you've worked hard. I believe I should extend my hospitality and show her around."
Pei You'an couldn't help but glance at Jiafu, and their eyes met for a moment. Seeing her slightly upturned lips, her gentle expression, and the watery glint in her eyes, he felt an inexplicable sense of ambiguity that seemed to flow between them, hidden from others.
This feeling was incredibly elusive, difficult to grasp, yet ever-present.
He blinked, momentarily thinking he might have been mistaken. He subconsciously looked at her again, but Jiafu had already turned her head. With that, the feeling dissipated.
Pei You'an noticed her smile as she responded to An Cangzhu, "I don't want to trouble Young Master. To be honest, I came here with my elder cousin because I was feeling unwell and needed his treatment. It's unfortunate that he had to come to your esteemed residence, and I couldn't bear to stay behind. However, once my health is restored, I would be more than willing to accept your kind invitation."
Her response was clear, as it not only explained why Pei You'an had brought her here in the first place but also politely declined An Cangzhu's offer.
Pei You'an finally regained his composure and looked at her again.
Her bright eyes were fixed on the son of the chieftain, her expression sincere.
An Cangzhu was disappointed once more and nodded in response. He let her know she should rest and left somewhat dejected.
Following Pei You'an back inside, Jiafu served tea attentively and asked, "Cousin, why did you return so early today? Do you have any plans for the evening?"
Since arriving here, Pei You'an had been meeting various people every day. Tomorrow was a crucial day for his mission, and his mind had been preoccupied. However, at this moment, seeing her bustling around him, he inexplicably felt a sense of relaxation. He smiled and replied, "Everything has been arranged, and I've declined the chieftain's banquet. I won't be going out tonight. I'll rest early because there's important business tomorrow."
Jiafu was delighted and said, "That's great, Cousin. Please have a seat, and I'll go check on the sweet soup I prepared. Once it's ready, I'll serve you a bowl."
Pei You'an didn't particularly enjoy sweet treats, but he had grown accustomed to her taste for sweetness. He agreed with her plan and watched her cheerful figure as she went about her tasks, feeling a sense of contentment.
...
The next morning, Pei You'an, along with An Jilong and their entourage, arrived at Anlong Pass, which marked the border with the Mengding Prefecture. Here, under Pei You'an's leadership, An Jilong and the chieftain of Mengding, Yisang, were set to hold a meeting to resolve the recent disputes that had arisen.
This new conflict stemmed from the departure of Governor Ma, who had intentionally rewarded An Jilong during his tenure, bestowing upon him the title of "Grand Chieftain." Furthermore, with just a casual remark, Governor Ma had transferred the longstanding disputes over Anlong Pass, which lay between Mengmu Prefecture and Mengding Prefecture, to An Jilong's jurisdiction. This had sparked dissatisfaction from Yisang. As soon as Governor Ma left, Yisang used the pretext of ancestral lands not to be lost to his own hand and violated the peace treaty that had been established years ago, launching a new assault on Mengmu Prefecture.
The reason for choosing this particular location for the meeting was to ensure mutual trust. The meeting ground was an open area with no trees or rocks to hide behind, making it impossible for anyone to conceal themselves or set up an ambush. The number of people each side brought would be clearly visible.
According to the prior agreement, An Jilong had only brought twenty carefully selected guards. Upon arriving at the location, he instructed his guards to halt about twenty yards away, while he and Pei You'an took their seats.
Although the agreed-upon time had arrived, Yisang had not yet shown up, causing An Jilong's displeasure to become evident. The chieftains who had been invited as witnesses were all present except for Yisang. Recognizing Pei You'an, they greeted him one by one. After exchanging pleasantries, Pei You'an naturally took the central seat, An Jilong sat to the left, and the right seat remained vacant, awaiting Yisang's arrival.
As the sun rose higher in the sky, the appointed time had passed, yet Yisang had not appeared. An Jilong wore a displeased expression, and the chieftains began to whisper among themselves. After a while, they finally spotted a large group of riders approaching, kicking up a cloud of dust as they rode towards them. Judging by the size of the group, there were at least several hundred people. They arrived closer and closer until they were clearly visible, and at the forefront was the belated arrival, Yisang.
Both sides had originally agreed to bring a maximum of twenty guards each. However, as the meeting had yet to begin and Yisang arrived late, breaking the rules by bringing so many people and horses to the scene, An Cangzhu, standing by An Jilong's side, displayed anger and immediately said, "Father, what does he intend to do? I'll go count the number of his troops right now!"
Before leaving for this meeting, to ensure their safety, An Jilong had also brought several hundred men, but those troops were stationed several miles away and had not been brought to the meeting site.
An Jilong also felt frustrated, and he glanced at Pei You'an. Seeing Pei You'an sitting calmly, unwavering, with his eyes fixed forward, his expression tranquil, An Jilong restrained his anger and said, "He probably wants to show off his power to intimidate us. With Lord Pei here, I doubt he will dare to act recklessly. Let's wait and see."
