The Beauty Within the Gates
Chapter 70
The news was indeed momentous, an overwhelmingly good one for them all.
With the Crown Prince deposed, the Xie family finally had a chance to survive.
He turned to glance back inside the room, unsure whether his wife would want to go with him. Before he could even ask, her voice drifted through the screen, “Go ahead, Husband. I won’t join you. I’d like to stroll around a bit.”
Jing Wang was seeking him out, so it must be for important matters. If she went, she would only be bored.
With some reluctance, he fished out ten copper coins from his belongings, handed them to Minzhang, and left him behind with Wen Shuse, heading out alone.
By the time he reached the inn entrance, Prince Jing’s carriage was already waiting.
Ten years ago, when Jing Wang left for his fiefdom in Fengcheng, the emperor had not reclaimed his residence. It had been maintained all this time, and now that he had returned to the Eastern Capital, he moved right back in.
Upon arriving at the residence, Jing Wang first took him to see Pei Qing.
The day before, Jing Wang had summoned physicians from the Imperial Hospital, and only the finest medicines had been used. After a night, although the wound was still somewhat red, it had not swollen.
Seeing that his condition was much improved compared to yesterday, Xie Shao stayed in the room and chatted with him for a while.
Pei Qing, who was usually rough and restless, found it hard to endure lying in bed for an entire day. Sitting up felt wrong, turning over felt wrong. He was stifled with irritation. He asked Xie Shao, “What’s happening outside?”
“The Crown Prince has been deposed.” Xie Shao looked at him, hesitating before adding, “Pei Yuanqiu…” He likely wouldn’t survive.
Pei Qing’s expression was calm. From the moment he had decided to press the blade against that man’s throat, the bond between father and son had been severed completely. As for the end, the life Pei Yuanqiu had sacrificed to save was not his, but merely the Pei blood flowing within him.
“If you can find his body, Brother Xie, please bury him for me.”
After visiting Pei Qing, Jing Wang invited him into the study. The moment they sat down, he said, “Third Young Master, you should remain in the Eastern Capital for now.”
Xie Shao understood what Jing Wang meant.
With the Crown Prince deposed, he was unlikely to let things rest. The greatest concern was that, driven to desperation, he might turn and attack Fengcheng, cutting off Jing Wang’s retreat.
Xie Daoyuan was of little use. The court had already sent men to apprehend him, and most likely he would not be spared. Whether he lived or died would depend entirely on his own fate.
But the Xie family still had their matriarch, and his father-in-law’s family was there as well. He could not simply stand by. Since his wife liked the Eastern Capital, he would let her stay here for now.
Before he could voice his thoughts, Jing Wang spoke first, “The Crown Prince now wishes nothing more than to slice you into a thousand pieces. There’s no need for you to throw your life away. Stay in the Eastern Capital.” His expression softened slightly as he added, “Rest assured, your father and mother have already returned to Fengcheng. If that Shizi Zhou cannot withstand this trial, then he likely won’t be capable of protecting himself in the future either.”
Xie Shao was taken aback.
At last, the old man had remembered that he still had a home.
—
After Xie Shao left, Wen Shuse took Minzhang with her and walked out of the inn.
She had woken up late and hadn’t had breakfast yet. When Minzhang was about to go buy some buns, Wen Shuse quickly stopped him. “It’s not often we get to visit the Eastern Capital. Let’s try something different and see if there’s anything else good to eat.”
And so, in their search, they arrived before one of the Eastern Capital’s most renowned restaurants, Mixian Pavilion.
A three-story pavilion stood gracefully by the water, with three arched stone bridges in front leading to the building. With its crimson gates, tiled roof, carved ridgepoles, and embroidered railings, the place exuded an air of refined elegance. The faint scent of wine drifted out, mingled with the melodies of soft tunes, stirring in the heart a longing to know what kind of earthly paradise lay within.
Compared to Fengcheng’s White Tower and Zuixiang Pavilion, they were utterly outclassed, like small tricks before grand mastery, impossible to compare.
Standing upon the arched bridge, Wen Shuse gazed, increasingly entranced.
That old fox, just how much money had he made…
Meanwhile, Minzhang’s heart was in turmoil. Sneaking a glance at her, he tightly clutched the ten copper coins in his hand, his face reddened with anxiety. At last, he understood how difficult things had been for his master. He spoke up to persuade her, “Third Young Madam, restaurants like this are selling the atmosphere. As for the taste, it’s not even as good as the authentic food in the alleys.”
“Not necessarily.” Wen Shuse suddenly stepped forward.
Minzhang couldn’t stop her at all and called out anxiously, “Third Young Madam…”
“Don’t worry. We still have some of the one tael of silver that Madam Wen gave us last night. Let’s go ask first.”
With a little over one tael of silver, one could still eat to one’s heart’s content at a small roadside eatery, but in a grand restaurant, it would likely only be enough for a few vegetarian dishes.
Minzhang couldn’t set his mind at ease. Seeing her march straight toward the entrance without hesitation, he was at a complete loss. Inwardly, he could only pray for his master to return soon. Otherwise, Third Young Madam might very well end up in trouble at this restaurant today.
Wen Shuse had already stepped inside.
The melodies and the scent of wine grew clearer. Looking up, she saw a performance platform directly ahead, covered in crimson brocade. Beautifully adorned singing girls sat with pipa in their arms, and the soft tune drifting into her ears came from them.
Looking further up revealed the interior of a three-story pavilion. Circular bridges connected the levels, while railings and lattice windows divided the space into countless small chambers. Beaded curtains and embroidered drapes hung everywhere, with delicate gauze lanterns encircling the halls.
Above, several revolving lanterns as tall as a person hung from the ceiling. When lit at night, one could only imagine how dazzling they would be.
It was still morning. More people were leaving than arriving. A waiter approached, giving the two of them a quick once-over. His attitude remained polite as he asked, “Have you made a reservation, honored guests?”
Wen Shuse shook her head.
The waiter asked again, “Would you prefer a private chamber or seating in the main hall?”
“Either is fine,” Wen Shuse replied. “But I only have one tael of silver.”
One tael of silver, barely enough even for half a jug of wine.
And those who came here were, for the most part, nobles and high officials.
Originally, he had no intention of judging by appearances. But after hearing Wen Shuse’s words, the man’s expression stiffened, and his attitude slowly began to shift. “Honored guest, I’m afraid you’ve come to the wrong place. Mixian Pavilion is a proper establishment. What you’re looking for is probably a roadside eatery.” He even kindly pointed her in a direction. “Turn left when you go out. Please, this way. I won’t see you out.”
The disdain was obvious. Wen Shuse, however, did not feel embarrassed at all. She said politely,
“One tael of silver is still money. If you don’t take it, you’re only losing out. For that price, bring me two dishes; one dish would do as well. I’ve only just arrived in the Eastern Capital and have long heard of Mixian Pavilion’s reputation. Today, I simply wish to have a taste. Could you make an exception?”
By the time she finished her first two sentences, the waiter was already impatient. Now, he showed no courtesy at all. “If you’re trying to act rich, you should at least see whether you have the means to back it up.”
Her means were indeed not much.
Following his gaze, she looked down at herself. She was wearing Master Wen’s blue-green cotton robe, not even as good as the one Wei Yun had worn yesterday.
Noticing the disdain in his eyes, Wen Shuse defended herself, “One shouldn’t judge a person by appearance.”
The waiter turned his face slightly, revealing a half-mocking smile, his tone sharp and cutting.
“Then why don’t you show some real ability, so I might look at you in a new light?”
“What kind of attitude is that?” Minzhang could no longer endure it. “Third… Young Master, let’s go.”
Wen Shuse fixed her gaze on the arrogance on his face.
Ever since Master Wen had become wealthy, she had never again experienced this feeling of being looked down upon. Could it be that she was now to swallow such humiliation right at her own doorstep?
“To be honest with you, I’m a fortune-teller,” she said calmly. “Would you like me to read your fortune?”
The waiter revealed an expression of just what I thought.
“If you’ve got that kind of spare time, you’d be better off telling your own fortune. A place like the Eastern Capital isn’t somewhere just anyone can stay. Better save your money and get yourself a decent meal.”
“I already have,” Wen Shuse replied calmly. “I’m destined for wealth and honor.”
Seeing the mockery on his face deepen, she took a breath. “Let me read your fortune as well. Free of charge.”
Without giving him a chance to refuse, she examined him carefully, then said with utmost seriousness, “Your features are harsh and mean. I predict that within a quarter of an hour, you will suffer a great misfortune.”
The waiter’s expression darkened. Before he could lash out, Wen Shuse added, “Call your manager.”
The waiter didn’t take her seriously at all. “I’d advise you, Young Master, don’t make a bigger fool of yourself.”
Minzhang was on the verge of drawing his blade.
Wen Shuse turned to him. “Minzhang, go wait outside. I’ll have a few words with him. If I’m not out in a quarter of an hour, come back in and overturn this place.”
The waiter let out a cold laugh.
Minzhang didn’t move.
Wen Shuse stared at the insolent waiter, then gave him a push. “Go on. If I don’t get to eat here today, I won’t be able to swallow this grievance.”
Knowing full well what kind of temperament this Third Young Madam had, even his formidable master couldn’t gain the upper hand against her. Minzhang was still uneasy but finally relented. “If anything happens, call for me.”
“I know.”
As soon as Minzhang stepped out, Wen Shuse lifted her chin and asked the waiter in front of her,
“Is your master named Wen Zhongjing?”
The Mixian Pavilion had only changed hands a few months ago. Its operations and staff remained the same, and almost no one knew behind the scenes that it had a new owner. The mockery on the waiter’s face froze. “How do you know that?”
“Haven’t you seen him before?”
“I have.”
Wen Shuse’s anger flared. She stepped forward and thrust her face right in front of him.
“Then are your eyes useless? Everyone says I resemble Master Wen by seven parts. Can’t you tell?”
The waiter was taken aback and actually began to examine her carefully.
Wen Shuse shot him a glare and pulled back. “That’s enough. Go call Uncle Wen.”
The moment the waiter heard that name, his heart tightened. He didn’t dare delay any longer and stammered, “J-Just a moment,” before turning and hurrying toward the back courtyard.
Not long after, an elderly man came out from a side corridor, so busy he seemed unable to keep his feet on the ground. Hearing that someone was causing trouble, he spoke with clear impatience, “Who is it? Coming in here with just one tael of silver. He’s got some nerve…”
Before he could finish, he caught sight of the figure ahead. His expression froze. After a long moment, he suddenly hurried forward, excitement breaking across his face. “Oh my, Miss…”
—
Outside, Minzhang waited anxiously, keeping a close eye on the situation within. As soon as the allotted time was up, he pushed the door open.
Yet what he saw was that same waiter who had been so arrogant before, now standing before Wen Shuse with a fawning smile. “Y-Young… Master, please wait a moment. It will be ready shortly.”
Minzhang froze in surprise.
After the time it took to burn an incense stick, Wen Shuse was already seated in the main hall. The dishes laid out before her on the wooden table were far more than what a single tael of silver could afford.
Not only her, but Minzhang himself was warmly ushered to another table by the waiter and treated to a full meal as well.
The contrast before and after was so stark that Minzhang couldn’t make sense of it at all.
Only after they left the restaurant did Wen Shuse explain, “When you run into someone unreasonable, you first appeal to them with emotion and reason. If they still won’t listen, then there’s no need to be polite and go straight to their superior. In business, reputation matters most. What owner doesn’t want their establishment to thrive? It’s usually the underlings who judge people by appearances and pick on those who seem easy to bully. See? Once the boss showed up, everything was settled, and we even got a free meal out of it.”
She opened her palm to reveal a red token. “Look… they even gave us another complimentary meal. When your master comes back, we can come again.”
Catching the stunned look on Minzhang’s face, she smiled. “Pretty lucky, right?”
Minzhang nodded.
Indeed, it was lucky. So lucky it hardly felt real.
“Thinking about it that way, those earlier cold stares were worth it after all,” Wen Shuse said, looking as though she had truly turned misfortune into fortune. Her tone was utterly convincing.
Gradually, Minzhang found himself influenced by her mood. “Third Young Madam is a blessed person. Your fortune must be excellent.”
As if his words carried some kind of magic, when the two of them went looking for a place to stay next, they immediately stumbled upon an old acquaintance.
Wen Shuse stepped forward and knocked on the door. As soon as it opened, Minzhang felt that the woman inside looked strangely familiar.
It wasn’t until he heard Wen Shuse call out, “Aunt Qing?” that it suddenly clicked. Wasn’t this the Third Young Madam’s personal maidservant?
Some time ago, it seemed something had happened back in her hometown, and she had taken leave from the Third Young Madam.
Who would have expected to run into her here?
Minzhang was surprised, but Wen Shuse was even more so. She froze for a few breaths before exclaiming, “Aunt Qing?” Her gaze flicked meaningfully toward the back.
Aunt Qing understood at once and swallowed back the words that had reached her lips.
“How did Miss come to the Eastern Capital as well…?”
Meeting a familiar face in a foreign place filled them with excitement.
Minzhang stood guard in the courtyard while the mistress and servant reminisced inside the room.
Once the door was shut, Aunt Qing’s face was full of worry. “A few days ago, I had planned to return to Fengcheng. But when I reached Nancheng, it had been sealed. No one allowed out, no one allowed in. Then I heard the news coming from Fengcheng. Has the eldest master of the Xie family lost his mind? How could he rebel…? With Nancheng sealed, I had no choice but to turn back. I’ve been waiting here ever since for news of you. And now you’ve finally come…”
These past few days, she had been anxious beyond measure. With no way to return, all she could do was wait here helplessly for word.
“How did you get here, Miss? Does the Old Madam know?” she asked in a rapid stream, then looked her over carefully from head to toe, and her heart ached. “Miss must have suffered greatly on this journey…”
She asked too many questions at once, and Wen Shuse didn’t know which to answer first. She soothed her gently, “It’s all right now.”
She chose a round-backed chair and sat down. “Is Uncle An also in the Eastern Capital?”
“When Nancheng was sealed, we all turned back together. We’re both in the Eastern Capital now.” Aunt Qing glanced outside, then lowered her voice and asked, “Now that the young master has come as well… was this Old Madam Xie’s intention?”
Wen Shuse shook her head. “When Eldest Master Xie rebelled, the city gates were shut that very night. There was no time to notify anyone.”
Aunt Qing was stunned, unease rising in her heart. She couldn’t imagine how they had managed to reach the Eastern Capital, and worry crept in. “With the Old Madam alone in Fengcheng… what is to be done?”
“My father and elder brother have already returned.”
Only then did Aunt Qing let out a breath of relief.
To spare her further questions, Wen Shuse briefly recounted what had happened in Fengcheng and their journey along the way. By the time Aunt Qing finished listening, the color had drained from her face. She murmured, “Thank the heavens… as long as Miss is safe, nothing else matters.”
After saying that, she asked Wen Shuse to wait a moment, then went inside and returned with a box, handing it to her. “Miss, take a look. These are all the assets converted from the Wen family’s silver. The Eastern Capital isn’t like Fengcheng, land here is expensive. Altogether, there are three residences, two shops, and over fifty mu of farmland. Please have a look…”
Though the number of properties was small, their value was high. All things considered, the Eastern Capital was far more worthwhile.
“As for the Xie family’s assets, they’re all in Uncle An’s hands. If Miss wishes to review them, I can call him over right away…”
“Have Uncle An stay out of sight for now,” Wen Shuse stopped her at once. “Old Madam Xie once said, as long as he has not entered officialdom, he must not be allowed to live too comfortably.”
Aunt Qing knew about this matter. She paused for a moment, then asked, “The young master still refuses to take up an official post?”
“In Fengcheng, after much pressure, he did take on a position and handled it quite well. But for some reason, no matter how I’ve tested him, he just refuses to stay in the Eastern Capital.”
“And what about you, Miss?”
Wen Shuse shook her head. She didn’t want to go back. Before, when she had never seen the Eastern Capital, she could still suppress her longing. But now that she had seen it, she no longer wished to turn back.
“Father has already bought Mixian Pavilion here in the Eastern Capital, and Uncle Wen is managing it. He must have planned to move here long ago. As long as Father doesn’t go back to his seafaring ventures, Grandmother would surely be willing to come as well. Sooner or later, the Wen family will settle in the Eastern Capital. And the Senior Deputy titles I secured for Father and my elder brother through Madam Zhou will still be valid here. With an official position in the future and this restaurant to manage, even without relying on the main branch, we can still prosper.”
That would be the best possible outcome. In any case, the properties and land deeds had already been settled. There would be no worries even if they relocated to the Eastern Capital. Still, Aunt Qing frowned. “If the young master refuses to stay in the Eastern Capital, what will you do, Miss?”
Wen Shuse sighed with a trace of melancholy. “I don’t know either.”
Aunt Qing tried to persuade her, “Miss has always been full of ideas. Perhaps you can persuade the young master again.”
From the three residences, Wen Shuse chose the one closest to the bustling district and asked,
“If we were to rent this one out, how much would it fetch?”
Aunt Qing had already looked into it. “I happened to arrive at a good time. There have been natural disasters in Qingzhou and war in Luo’an, so many people are eager to sell at a price. I bought this property for five thousand two hundred strings of cash. Based on current market rates, renting it out would bring in at least fifty strings a month…”
“Fifty strings?”
That was expensive.
Seeing the astonishment on Wen Shuse’s face, Aunt Qing smiled. “Miss may not know, right now, the residence where the eldest branch of the Wen family lives isn’t even as large as this one, yet it still costs sixty strings a month.”
Wen Shuse nodded. “Alright then. This one it is. Rent this to me.”
—
It was already late afternoon when Xie Shao finally left Jing Wang Mansion. As he was leaving, Jing Wang handed him a pouch of silver, about ten taels. “You left in haste, so I imagine you didn’t bring much travel money with you. Take this for now. If it’s not enough, just let me know.”
One does not accept rewards without merit. Under normal circumstances, he would never have taken it. But things were different now. His young lady might still be hungry. After thanking Jing Wang, he accepted it.
He made a detour to the clothing shop from the previous day and bought Wen Shuse two more sets of undergarments.
When he returned to the inn, he learned that Wen Shuse had already checked out. Just as he was about to go look for her, he heard a familiar voice call out, “Husband.”
Turning around, he saw his young lady stepping down from a carriage. Though she was still dressed in that same blue-green robe, her face was radiant.
“Husband, guess who I ran into!” Wen Shuse lifted her skirt slightly and hurried over to him, her cheeks flushed. Tilting her head up to look at him, she was once again brimming with lively energy. Before he could guess, she answered herself, “Aunt Qing!”
Seeing him frown, she quickly clarified, “My dowry maidservant.”
Xie Shao’s expression cleared in understanding.
“She went back to the Eastern Capital some time ago because something happened to her eldest nephew. Who would’ve thought the world is so small? Today, when I went looking for a place, I just happened to run into her.” She glanced back at Minzhang. “Right?”
Minzhang nodded.
Turning back, she looked at him excitedly. “Her nephew left behind a residence and asked her to help rent it out.” She let out a cheerful laugh. “What a stroke of luck! Now we don’t even need to search anymore. Aunt Qing said she’ll rent it to us. The market rate is sixty strings, but she’s giving us half off, only thirty strings!”