In the early morning, as the sun began to spread its light over the eastern side of the market, the cart was already pushed to its usual spot at the intersection. Nie Yunzhu and Hutao packed some items, then, carrying baskets, prepared to make deliveries. She was dressed, as always, in simple cloth garments with a headscarf, appearing like most rural women. However, even her simple attire could not conceal her extraordinary former demeanor, and in face-to-face conversation, her refined and beautiful appearance would certainly not go unnoticed.
Yesterday, the first batch of preserved eggs was delivered to Chunyi Restaurant, marking a beginning. Today, she went again, following Ning Yi's plan: several different condiments were put into beautiful small porcelain bottles, and porcelain dishes were prepared. Upon delivery, one preserved egg was cut into four wedges, and four small dishes were used, each with a dollop of a different sauce, for display. The preserved eggs themselves looked appealing when cut, and with red, black, and white sauces, the visual impact was certainly striking. Even without being displayed in the most prominent spot in the restaurant, more than ten were sold yesterday.
This progress caught Nie Yunzhu a little off guard, but if they could secure a second restaurant, the plan of selling thirty preserved eggs daily would largely be achieved.
Under the same morning light, as she carried her basket through the streets towards Chunyi Restaurant, Li Pin was stepping out of an alley, pausing briefly. He then headed to Sihai Restaurant on the other side of the street, where a friend was already waiting for him: "Brother Xie, you're early... Where's Zishan?"
"Zishan isn't with me today. He said he met a friend last night and will be coming with him shortly."
"Excellent."
Everything was progressing as usual; Li Pin's influence remained strong. For the past three or four days, he had asked friends who usually dined at various nearby restaurants to help him by ordering a preserved egg from the waitstaff when the restaurants were busy. It was a simple favor, and since Ning Yi had said a few people would be enough, Li Pin hadn't informed too many. These friends were also discreet, so their casual requests posed no problem. He had heard yesterday that Chunyi Restaurant had already put the preserved eggs on display, which marked an initial success.
Li Pin was curious about Ning Yi's talent, but he didn't place too much importance on the preserved eggs themselves. At this moment, he met his friend Xie Jiang; they chatted and went upstairs. After a short wait, their other scheduled friend arrived. This person was Shen Miao, courtesy name Zishan, also a renowned scholar in Jiangning. He was accompanied by another man who appeared dignified and imposing, in his twenties but possessing a remarkably steady demeanor. Upon entering, he bowed to Li Pin and Xie Jiang.
"Dexin, Xishen, it's been a long time."
"Yanzhen!"
Li Pin rose in surprise. This person was, in fact, an old acquaintance. In Jiangning, he had once been a figure comparable to Li Pin and Cao Guan. Gu Hong, courtesy name Yanzhen, had gone to the capital three years ago, reportedly passed the imperial examination with high honors, and had since been active in Bianliang, seeking various connections for a substantive official position. It was unexpected that he had returned from there now.
Everyone was overjoyed.
"When did you arrive? You didn't contact us immediately. We'll remember that."
"Tonight, we must host a banquet at Jinfeng Tower to welcome you."
"A penalty drink!"
"What have you seen and learned during your three years in the capital? You must tell us in detail."
The four men sat down at the table, laughing, and Gu Yanzhen spoke about some trivial matters from the capital. "In the capital and elsewhere these days, the most discussed topic is the recent conflict between the Liao and Jin states. Since His Majesty appointed Prime Minister Li, military affairs have been reorganized and discipline enforced, and now the entire court is invigorated. If my guess is correct, in as little as three to five months, or at most a year and a half, the imperial court will seize the opportunity to ally with the Jin. This will revive the nation's morale, which has been in decline since the Treaty of Chanyuan, and the recovery of Youyun is imminent!"
Since the latter half of last year, when the Jin state, under the leadership of Wanyan Aguda, erupted into large-scale conflict with the Liao state, raising an army to recover Youyun and revive the nation's fortunes had been the most common topic among these Wu Dynasty scholars. Sixty years since Chanyuan, six years since Heishui, a century of oppression—now, finally, the opportunity had arrived. Since the present emperor appointed Li Gang as Prime Minister, military affairs had been rigorously rectified. The situation was now clear, and everything seemed to be poised on a single string. The future seemed to be separated only by a paper-thin window pane; once pierced, one could envision grand armies marching out of Yanmen Pass, directly capturing Youyun, and restoring the Celestial Empire's former glory from the Tang era. As the four discussed this, their blood again stirred with excitement. Then Gu Yanzhen also spoke of his recent accomplishments.
"...This time in the capital, I finally gained the favor of Lord Qin Shou and secured a substantive seventh-rank official post. Haha, I'll be the Magistrate of Leping County in Raozhou, taking office in July. Since I still have some time, I returned to Jiangning to meet with you all..." The Lord Qin Shou he referred to was Tang Ke, courtesy name Tang Qinshou, a rather famous figure in the eyes of these scholars. A round of questions followed, along with various expressions of envy, jealousy, and playful teasing regarding his securing a substantive post. Only then did they bring up some romantic and elegant anecdotes.
Gu Yanzhen had originally been considered a man of romantic charm in Jiangning, favored by various beautiful women. After three years in the capital, it was natural that he would have had some romantic adventures. Gu Yanzhen laughed as he recounted some trivial and amusing anecdotes. "Actually, in terms of reputation and talent, it's not much different from Jiangning. Most women in the capital are proud, and it's where scholars from all over the world gather. Winning them over is no easy feat. In my three years in the capital, among the most popular courtesans recently, I've only had one brief encounter with Li Shishi..."
Time passed in conversation, and it was now the busiest hour in the restaurant. Li Pin was wondering if he should order the preserved eggs when Gu Yanzhen suddenly stopped, tapped the table, and then said to the waiter, "Bring four preserved eggs." The restaurant naturally didn't have them. Gu Yanzhen then smoothly directed the waiter to a place. Li Pin looked surprised, and Gu Yanzhen chuckled, whispering, "Yesterday, when I met Brother Mu Fang at Cuiping Tower, I suddenly saw him ordering these preserved eggs with such seriousness. When I asked, I learned it was something Brother Dexin had requested. Of course, I kept it in mind, haha... Was what I just said wrong? I wonder what these preserved eggs have to do with Dexin."
Li Pin also laughed: "It's nothing serious, just a favor for a friend, a bit of a game. We just can't actively promote it using our own names."
"Understood." When it came to bets and jokes, anything was possible. Seeing that Li Pin called it a game, Gu Yanzhen no longer paid much attention to it and then began discussing the sights and sounds of the capital again. After they had eaten and drunk their fill, when Li Pin and Gu Yanzhen chatted privately for a few moments, Li Pin teased, "When you were talking about those women in the capital just now, Yanzhen, you seemed a bit hesitant. Did you suffer some setback in the capital that you're reluctant to talk about now?"
Gu Yanzhen smiled, then shook his head helplessly: "Dexin, you are perceptive. There is indeed something, but it's not directly related to the capital... well, if you say 'related,' there is a connection... I wonder if Dexin has been to Jinfeng Tower in recent years?"
Li Pin shook his head: "I rarely go to Jinfeng Tower. Now that I think about it, Yanzhen, you certainly used to frequent it. Haha, lately, Yuan Jin'er at Jinfeng Tower has become quite close to Cao Guan, and Yanzhen knows that Cao Guan is my sworn enemy from Lichuan. If I went, I'd probably be turned away... Uh, what exactly is it about?"
"Before I went to the capital three years ago, I had a confidante at Jinfeng Tower. A few days ago, upon entering the city, I went to find her that very night. Alas... after three years, she is no longer at Jinfeng Tower..." Gu Yanzhen tapped the table with his fingers, a hint of melancholy in his expression. "To be frank, Dexin, I've had many romantic encounters and met many women in my time. But only this woman... made me feel truly connected, bringing the most peace to my heart. Her literary talent and temperament were utterly unlike those of a courtesan. I remember when I bid her farewell three years ago, she said: 'I wish you success in the imperial examinations and a glorious return...' This time, I have indeed achieved a degree of success and a glorious return. What a pity... If only I had known, even if she had refused, I should have bought her freedom three years ago..."
Li Pin thought for a moment: "So, three years ago... Before Yuan Jin'er, there was Pan Shi, yes, I heard she was indeed bought out and married..."
"How could it be Pan Shi?" Gu Yanzhen raised an eyebrow disdainfully. "Pan Shi is nothing but a common woman; how could she be worthy of my affection? I'm speaking of Miss Yunzhu. She was always modest; if not for her unwillingness to seek fame, how could Pan Shi have taken prominence at Jinfeng Tower? This matter can only be described as having a connection but no destiny..."
"Yunzhu... that name sounds familiar from back then..."
"If Dexin had truly met her back then, you would certainly know her excellence. Her poetry, literature, and singing were all superb, and her thoughts were entirely different from those women who wished to become courtesan queens and vie for fame. Although I don't know her past, how else would she have fallen into such a life if not for a difficult background? I had thought I could help her, but knowing her character, I never dared to mention buying her freedom. Alas, now I know the saying 'pluck the blossoms when they are in full bloom, lest you wait until there are no flowers left to pluck from the empty branch,' but it's already too late..."
"Have you inquired about her current whereabouts?"
Gu Yanzhen shook his head: "I asked, but they didn't give a reply... Haha, if they didn't reply, then she must have married. If she had merely left Jinfeng Tower and was still in Jiangning, she would surely still have her reputation. Given our past affection, she wouldn't have refused me."
Of all things, love is most saddening when it involves such missed opportunities. Li Pin mused, "Why not ask more? At least find out where she is now."
"What's the use of asking further? I am curious about whom she ultimately chose, but... if I can avoid seeing her..." He looked at Li Pin and smiled, "Perhaps not seeing her... also has its benefits."
Li Pin nodded and patted his shoulder: "Alright, you'll forget about it in a while."
While the group discussed these matters upstairs at Sihai Tower, the restaurant passed its busiest period, and the number of customers gradually decreased. The waiter who had just gone to buy the preserved eggs, after consulting with the few others who had been sent to buy them the previous two days, reported to the manager. The manager, observing the four dignified gentlemen who appeared to be influential, gestured for the waiter to go. The waiter left the establishment, crossed the street to the intersection, and conveyed the request for a preserved egg delivery the next day to Nie Yunzhu. Prior to this, a waiter from Cuiping Tower had also arrived with the same request.
The next morning, before dawn, Nie Yunzhu waited on the steps of the small building. When Ning Yi arrived, she delightedly told him the news that sales had expanded to three establishments. As she spoke, she also observed Ning Yi's expression with a hint of doubt. In truth, the market expansion felt somewhat peculiar to her. People frequently ordered preserved eggs from the restaurants via waiters, but their reputation hadn't even spread yet, so how could this be happening? Perhaps it was his doing behind the scenes. If that were the case, she would feel admiration. However, despite her skill at reading people, Nie Yunzhu naturally couldn't discern much beyond happiness on Ning Yi's face at that moment. In fact, she was also pleased that she could be self-reliant, discussing with Ning Yi that the previous batch wasn't enough, and contingency measures in case of stock shortages.
That morning, at the intersection near Sihai Tower, Nie Yunzhu arrived with her bamboo basket to explain the various pairings to the waiter. She decided to discreetly inquire about the inside story, as she suspected the matter was largely connected to Ning Yi. "...Waiter, who were those people who asked you to buy preserved eggs a few days ago? I'd like to know who exactly enjoys these."
"Oh, they were all educated scholars! Some even called them 'jade eggs' or 'wealthy eggs.' Yesterday, I happened to overhear that one of them was a successful scholar who had returned from the capital... Even such esteemed gentlemen know the name 'preserved egg.' Miss Nie, could it be that your preserved eggs are a novelty learned from the capital? No wonder other places don't sell them... Oh, and look, Miss, the gentleman who ordered the preserved eggs yesterday is right there."
Nie Yunzhu smiled and turned her head. Two scholars were walking in. Shen Miao was the first to spot the preserved eggs being taken out of the bamboo basket on the counter. Thinking that Brother Li's objective had been met, he playfully nudged Gu Yanzhen. When Gu Yanzhen looked over, he saw a rural woman wearing a headscarf taking out the preserved eggs for sale. He, too, found it quite amusing and chuckled softly with Shen Miao. A second or two later, he was still speaking, but his gaze had frozen...
[55 seconds from now] Chapter 84: Refining Demon Insect Taoist
[37 seconds from now] Chapter 77: Assassinating the Fire Usurper
[39 seconds ago] Chapter 103: Warning (Part 1)
[43 seconds ago] Chapter 993: Destroying Heaven and Earth
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