Chapter 18 Sour

Chapter 18 Sour

Chapter Summary: "My lord, I greet you!"

"My wife!"

In front of Yanggu County, there is a Wuda pancake shop.

Wu Da led Shi Yang and the other two to the inner room to change clothes, while the county people who had been watching the commotion in the corridor dispersed in twos and threes.

Under the slanting sunlight streaming down the corridor, only Pan Yue and Wu Song remained.

Hearing the sound, Pan Yue subconsciously looked up and saw Zhao Xiaoniangzi with a big smile on her face. She waved vigorously, then grabbed the wrist of the woman accompanying her and quickly crossed the long street.

"Is everything going smoothly for the opening today, madam and head constable?"

"No rush! How have you been, Sister Wan?"

Pan Yue stepped forward, bowing slightly as he looked up at her face, and teased with a smile, "People say that people are in high spirits when they have a happy occasion, and judging from your face, it's true!"

"My wife, please don't tease me!"

Zhao Wanqing's eyes sparkled with a shy smile. She then took the arm of her companion and nudged her towards the corridor, saying, "My lady, this is the cousin I mentioned at the Summer Banquet. She is now the manager of the Lotus Embroidery Shop. Her surname is He, and her given name is Xi!"

"Madam He!"

Pan Yue looked around.

Lady He was dressed in brocade, bathed in the morning light, and her overall demeanor was extraordinary. Pan Yue was delighted and curtsied, saying, "This servant greets Lady He!"

The sycamore trees rustle, and fleeting glimpses of light and shadow pass by.

There was no response from under the eaves for a long time. Pan Yue subconsciously frowned slightly and looked up. She saw that Madam He had seen something, her clear eyes were looking around, her cheeks were flushed, and she was craning her neck to look inside.

Pan Yue stiffened slightly and turned her head in the direction of her gaze.

Wu Song and the others from Wu Da still hadn't returned. Under the bright sunshine, only Wu Song was there, carrying a broom and dustpan, diligently dealing with the dust and mud that hadn't been cleaned in the corner.

Noticing the gazes cast upon him from the corridor, he subconsciously looked up at the three people below, his expression bewildered yet clear as ever.

Their eyes met, and in Pan Yue's peripheral vision, He Xi, the young lady, suddenly lowered her eyes, fiddling with a handkerchief in her hand, her pupils darting around, her face half-covered in shyness.

Perhaps it was the intense midsummer sun, but Pan Yue felt a sudden emptiness in her mind. The heaviness and shackles that had surged into her heart when the two matchmakers appeared at the alley entrance more than half a month ago seemed to return like the heavy weight of compressed cotton wool, making it hard for her to breathe.

Before she could fully process the myriad emotions swirling in her heart, her feet moved on their own, taking a half-step to block He Niangzi's view of Wu Song. At the same time, she stiffly asked, "He Niangzi?"

He Xi and the other person looked over in astonishment.

Pan Yue wore a cold demeanor rarely seen in public, and a slightly forced smile curved her lips as she said indifferently, "Madam He, you've come uninvited. May I ask what brings you here?"

Uninvited?

Zhao Wan was startled. Her eyes followed her gaze to her quirky and mischievous cousin, who seemed to be up to something, and then through her cousin's gaze to Wu Dutou, who was standing blankly in the inner room.

Madam Pan has always been kind and gentle, so why is she suddenly frowning today?

He Xi, standing to the side, paused slightly, her clear eyes flashing as if she had suddenly realized something. A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes as she turned and took out a peony-patterned silk handkerchief from her sleeve, lightly touching her lips. Then, she looked up at Wu Song, who still looked bewildered in the inner room, her cheeks seemingly flushed with shyness.

"Commander Wu is renowned, and I have long heard of him. Today, I have finally met him, and he is indeed dignified and extraordinary!"

Pan Yue lowered her eyes to hide the fleeting embarrassment in them, gave a slight smile, stepped aside to make way, and said in a deep voice, "It's hot outside and the market is noisy. If you don't mind, please come inside with me for a chat."

Sensing the displeasure in her tone, Wu Song subconsciously took half a step forward, but then, mindful of the presence of outsiders, he opened his mouth, but before he could utter a sound, he dejectedly retreated to the wall and nodded to He Xi and the other woman.

He Xi raised her eyebrows slightly, her eyes darting back and forth between the two men for a moment, a faint smile suddenly appearing in her eyes. She flicked her handkerchief and nodded to Pan Yue, saying, "Thank you for leading the way, madam!"

Pan Yue took small steps forward, lifted the curtain, and then turned to the two of them.

"Sister Wan, Mother He..."

Before she could finish speaking, a glimpse of a clear sky flashed before her eyes, and she subconsciously looked up.

The midsummer sun shone through the eaves, casting wisps of sunlight that drifted in the breeze and brushed against He Niangzi's body.

He Xi stood shyly before the flustered Wu Song, her eyes filled with tender affection as she looked at him. She glanced casually toward the curtain, then smiled slightly and gracefully bowed, saying, "My lord, I greet you!"

Wu Song tilted his head, his eyes filled with confusion, then seemed to suddenly remember something. He imitated the greeting gesture of the officials in the yamen, cupping his hands and bowing, saying, "Greetings!"

At first glance, they were truly a perfect match, a handsome man and a beautiful woman.

Pan Yue's hand, which was holding the curtain, clenched slightly. She looked away, lowered her eyes, and couldn't tell what she was feeling.

At first glance, he was so frightened by his elder brother's approach that he hid behind her. More than half a month ago, he was flustered and flustered by the approach of a group of women. More than a month after returning from Cangzhou, when did Wu Erlang, who was impulsive and lacked social skills, learn to be kind and courteous to others?

Her current appearance is clearly the polite and courteous demeanor she once hoped for, which would attract more guests. But why does she feel such bitterness and heaviness in her heart today? How is she any different from the young women and wives who used to flock to her in the alley?

"Wife?"

Before she could even process the turmoil in her heart, Zhao Wan had already stepped forward to help hold the curtain shut, and turned to He Xi, saying, "Cousin?"

"Coming!" He Xiying replied.

"Hahaha!"

In the quiet and peaceful inner room, the curtain had just fallen. Before the hot tea could be brewed, He Xi arrived late, leaning on her cousin's shoulder, laughing so hard she was almost doubled over, breathless.

"What does Madam He mean by this?"

Already feeling embarrassed by a myriad of emotions, Pan Yue paused in her actions upon seeing her playful and joking demeanor, her expression becoming even more strained.

"Please don't be offended, my cousin..."

"Please don't be offended, my wife!"

Just as Zhao Wan was about to offer an explanation, He Xi waved her hand dismissively, taking a seat by the window as she spoke, "My sister was staring at Minister Wu not because of his handsome appearance, but because..."

Pan Yue's hand, which was holding the tea canister, suddenly paused.

He Xi's eyes held a hint of mockery as she slowly said, "I have two older brothers who have been away from home for several years. A few days ago, it rained continuously, and my mother told me to sew some winter clothes for my two brothers as soon as possible. Because we haven't seen each other for so many years, I'm not quite sure about the size; just now, I saw that the figure of Wu Dutou was vaguely similar to my second brother, so I couldn't help but take a second look."

"If there has been any offense," He Xi said solemnly, rising to bow, "I hope that you, Madam and the Captain, will not take offense!"

"My cousin is wonderful in every way!"

Zhao Wan quickly tried to smooth things over: "She's just always loved to joke around and didn't know her own limitations! My lady, please be magnanimous and don't take it to heart!"

"So that's how it is!"

Pan Yue concealed the fleeting blush in her eyes and nodded slightly to the two of them.

Just then, the tea on the stove was bubbling away. She quickly got up, washed the tea, brewed it, and served it... Her movements were fluid and graceful. Once everyone had a cup of tea steaming in front of them, she got to the point: "Madam He, what brings you here in person? Is there some kind of banquet or gift from the Lotus Embroidery Shop?"

"Indeed, in a few days, a distinguished guest will be visiting the Lotus Embroidery Shop!"

He Xi lowered her eyes to look at the tea beside her, then turned to look at her cousin An Ran standing beside her. After a moment of contemplation, she looked up at Pan Yue and said, "My lady doesn't know, but my sister has always been strong-willed. When my uncle had his accident and the family was in dire straits, she gathered firewood and spun silk every day, and at night she would sew and mend for others. Her slender fingers were never in good condition, but she never complained about the hardship or the difficulties, and she never asked me for help."

She sighed softly, a smile in her eyes, and continued helplessly, "This time, you've mentioned the tea and fruit for your wife to me more than three times!"

Pan Yue held the hot tea, smiled apologetically at her, then turned to Zhao Wan, her eyes trembling with tears, and said sincerely, "Thank you for your concern, Madam Zhao!"

"That's exactly right!"

Zhao Wan raised her cup and pushed it away, her expression solemn.

"Exactly!"

He Xi also picked up his teacup and said earnestly, "I came here today with Sister Wan to thank you in person! You have been very kind to Sister Wan and my whole family, and we will never forget it!"

"Madam He, you are too polite!"

Pan Yue quickly pushed the cup away.

After taking a sip of tea, He Xi put down his teacup and continued, "Secondly, as I just mentioned, Sister Wan has repeatedly told me that the steamed buns at your house are even better than those at Yanzitang across the street!"

Pan Yue smiled and took out a tea and fruit plate that had been prepared earlier from under the coffee table. As she opened it, she said to the two of them, "If Madam He doesn't mind, please have some!"

"Truly exquisite!"

He Xi's eyes lit up, and she was about to reach out when she looked troubled: "But... is the lady's dessert vegetarian or non-vegetarian?"

Pan Yue was taken aback: "What does my wife mean?"

“My lady, you may not know this,” He Xi raised her head and explained, “The distinguished guest of the embroidery shop today is Madam Huang, the prefect of Yunzhou. Madam Huang has been a devout Buddhist since childhood and cannot touch a single drop of meat!”

"So that's how it is."

Pan Yue lowered her eyes to the tea and fruit platter between the three of them, and nodded, saying, "This is not difficult. Just look at these: peonies, cherries, and longevity peaches... they contain not a trace of meat. It's just that..."

Pan Yue raised her head and said seriously, "Just in case, I would like to trouble Madam He to inquire again in detail. Apart from meat, does Madam Huang have any other dietary restrictions? Does she usually prefer salty or bland food?"

After a moment's thought, she continued, "Allow me to prepare a special dish of tea and fruit for Madam according to her tastes and preferences, and take it to the embroidery shop before she arrives so that Madam He can take a look!"

"That's excellent!"

He Xi's eyes lit up, and she sat up and said, "My lady, you may not know this, but although I am the nominal head of the embroidery shop, my father is not the only owner; my second uncle is the other owner of the embroidery shop, and he is an old acquaintance of Manager Xu of Yanzi Hall."

He Xi sighed softly, glanced at Zhao Wan, and then turned to Pan Yue, saying, "I certainly trust your skills, Madam, and your discerning eye, Wan-meimei, but I can't help but worry that if I act on my own, it might damage the brotherly relationship between my second uncle and my father, and invite criticism. As you just said, if you could come to the embroidery shop first, so he can see and taste your handmade pastries, he will surely be pleased, and then there will be no more worries!"

"My wife is so thoughtful!"

Pan Yue nodded, her eyes showing understanding, and said, "In that case, after a few days when Commander Wu is on leave, I will come with him to visit you so that you can borrow him to take your measurements and have clothes made!"

He Xi smiled and replied, "Thank you for your trouble, my lady!"

That evening, when the moon rose above the willow branches.

While Wu Da was busy at the pancake shop in front of the county, Pan Yue returned alone to Zishi Street to prepare the tea and pancakes needed by Handan Embroidery Shop the next day.

Half past the hour of Xu (7-9 PM), a creaking sound came from the door.

When Wu Song carried half a roast chicken, which he had bought from a restaurant under the Lion Bridge, into his home, Pan Yue was still busy in the hall.

Driven by some inexplicable, chaotic, and subtle thoughts, much like the apricot blossom rain in March in Jiangnan, the commotion at the door seemed more distinct than usual. Closing the door, taking off shoes, removing clothes... the footsteps grew closer, and Wu Song's figure appeared out of the corner of his eye. He quickly passed by her, strode to the kitchen, put down the roast chicken, washed his hands, and "clumsily" brewed two cups of tea. He then returned to the hall and quietly sat down in front of her. Pan Yue was still staring intently at the dough in her hands, motionless, as if the task before her was incredibly difficult, allowing her no time to be distracted.

Whether it was because he saw her focused on something or for some other reason, Wu Song silently sat down at the table. The tea in his hand gradually lost its heat, but he remained motionless and silent.

The candlelight flickered by the window, and the midsummer evening breeze was most pleasant.

Outside the window, the moon shines brightly and a gentle breeze blows, the fragrance of rice wafts and fireflies dance in the air; inside, the moonlight spills like frost, and two figures sway in the evening breeze by the table, sometimes drawing near and sometimes parting.

The two people below the hall were each "busy" with their own thoughts. Their eyes would occasionally meet, then look away, remaining silent as they gazed at each other.

Whether it was from exhaustion after days of busy work, or from the tranquility of the room amidst her fluctuating emotions, on this beautiful night with flowers and the moon, Pan Yue stared at the reflections of the two people at the table, their shadows constantly shifting between closeness and separation. Her eyelids grew heavier and heavier, and the flower petals in her hand suddenly tilted to the side.

"...Yunyun, why did you give those three boys names?"

In her hazy consciousness, she vaguely heard someone questioning her, and frowned in displeasure, replying indistinctly, "Why... Xiao Si, Xiao Qi, Xiao Ba? They don't even have proper names... within my power..."

"But they..."

The owner of the voice seemed to suddenly become impatient, and a figure landed, the voice suddenly getting closer.

"They are human beings! Names are something they acquire only when they develop intelligence!"

Pan Yue's thoughts were interrupted, and she seemed to recognize the owner of the voice. A faint, almost helpless smile appeared on her face as she muttered softly, "What nonsense... What's wrong with this person?"

A gentle evening breeze blew under the eaves, and the clear moon shone brightly.

Before she met Zhou Gong in her dreams, she vaguely heard someone murmuring a sorrowful voice in her ear.

"Does Yunyun really want to be a human being?"

Early the next morning.

The morning sun shone through the window lattice, brushing across the eyes and brows of the person on the couch. Her eyelashes trembled slightly, and Pan Yue awoke from her dream, sitting up abruptly.

This is?

She instinctively gripped the quilt tightly, looking around; when she realized where she was, her willow-leaf eyes widened instantly.

Room?

She clearly remembered falling asleep at the table downstairs, and then having no memory of anything after that. So now… when did she go upstairs and back to her room?

She rolled off the bed, picked up the bronze mirror and looked at herself from left to right, then turned back to look at the bed.

Her clothes were intact, her shoes and socks were as they were, but the wooden hairpin that had been tied up in her hair had been removed, and her face seemed to have been washed... A certain possibility surfaced in her mind, and the hand holding the bronze mirror suddenly paused. Pan Yuejian's pupils flickered, and her cheeks flushed.

While she was restless, a wisp of fox fur on her pillow caught her eye, and Pan Yue's expression froze again.

Has Songsong been here?

She looked at the window, then at the door; the doors and windows were still tightly closed. Where did Songsong sneak in from? And when did he leave?

"Knock knock!"

Pan Yue was bewildered and couldn't figure it out when a knock came at the door, followed by Wu Song's voice: "Is Yunyun awake? It's time to head to the Lotus Embroidery Shop!"

"immediately!"

Pan Yue panicked for a moment, immediately put down the bronze mirror, tidied her hair, and called out loudly, "Coming!"