TTTQF Chapter 21

The Desire to Make Friends

Zhao Xing doesn’t feel uneasy for long before the servant leads Jiang Miao into the hall. Jiang Miao carries a food box in his hands and follows behind calmly, thinking that the master of the house has summoned him to inspect his work.

Master Zhu looks at Jiang Miao, his expression growing increasingly grim. Every inch of this boy’s clothes and shoes is patched up; he looks like he comes from a poor family. Can someone like him produce edible birthday peaches? Master Liang’s apprentices are all highly regarded; how could one end up in such a sorry state?

Jiang Miao feels a bit uncomfortable under his gaze and glances down at himself, thinking he might have gotten dirt on his clothes. But after looking left and right, he can’t find any stains. Just as he begins to wonder if there is something on his face, Master Zhu speaks up.

“Zhao Xing, it seems like you don’t want to work anymore. If that’s the case, pack up your things and leave today!” Master Zhu withdraws his gaze. He doesn’t bother to trouble a poor kid, only venting his anger on Zhao Xing, who is full of big talk.

Zhao Xing is shocked, never expecting the master to show no mercy and directly ask him to leave. “Master, please calm down. I will definitely find a suitable pastry chef for Master Liang and won’t delay tomorrow’s birthday banquet. Please give me another chance!” He kneels down on the ground, pleading with Master Zhu with a look of desperation.

Master Zhu doesn’t even look at him, lowering his eyes to blow on the tea placed beside him, indifferent to Zhao Xing’s pleas.

Steward Zhu forces a fake smile and speaks up on behalf of the master, “Manager Zhao, as you know, the Zhu family has always been strict in its rules. We never keep incompetent people. Why do you want to make things difficult for the master?”

Zhao Xing glares at the steward resentfully, knowing this person must have been causing trouble behind the scenes. Perhaps his earlier statement about not hiring a pastry chef is also a result of his deceit and deception!

Jiang Miao stands on the side, almost understanding what is going on. It seems that Master Zhu is dissatisfied with him being the pastry chef and is venting his anger on Zhao Xing, intending to drive him away.

“It’s getting late, Manager Zhao. Your home is outside the city, right? It’s better to leave early to avoid getting stuck when the city gates are closed,” Steward Zhu kindly reminds, but there is a smirk of satisfaction in his eyes. Master Zhu watches from the side, pretending not to hear anything that is happening before him.

“Alright, let’s go…”

“Wait, Master Zhu!”

Before Zhao Xing finishes speaking, Jiang Miao hurries to make one last effort. He is here to make money, and spending time without earning a penny is not a business he wants to engage in. Success or failure only comes after effort yields results.

“The birthday banquet of your esteemed household’s old master is tomorrow. Where could you find a skilled pastry chef at such short notice? Since the household urgently needs one, why not take a look at the birthday peaches I made? Perhaps they will suit your taste, saving you the trouble of searching further.”

Master Zhu raises his eyes, his expression somewhat eerie, as if he is only now seeing Jiang Miao clearly. For a poor boy from an ordinary farming family, his posture is too upright, his demeanor too composed. This different appearance arouses some curiosity in Master Zhu; he feels inclined to exchange a few words with this person.

“Are you suggesting that the birthday peaches you made would satisfy me?”

“That’s right. I believe the birthday peaches I make are quite different from those made in the household, and they should be what Master Zhu desires.” Jiang Miao’s past experiences teach him that when dealing with wealthy individuals, it is crucial to maintain composure. They have seen enough of those who grovel; perhaps being nonchalant might earn him more respect.

“Do you know, the thing I hate the most is people who only knows how to talk big?” Master Zhu’s gaze turns dangerous.

“Then please, Master Zhu, uncover this lid and see if what I’m saying is just boasting.” Jiang Miao takes a few steps forward and places the food box in front of Master Zhu.

Master Zhu glances at Jiang Miao and reaches for the food box, casually lifting the lid.

“Excellent! Excellent!”

A sincere praise emanates from within, leaving the servants waiting outside bewildered as to what could have delighted their master so much.

…

“Congratulations, Master Zhu!”

“Thank you, Master Wu. Please take a seat inside. We apologize for the poor hospitality!”

Outside the gates of the Zhu household, Master Zhu welcomes guests with a smile on his face, greeting them with folded hands. However, while he exchanges pleasantries with visitors, the corner of his eye keeps track of the comings and goings of carriages at the gate, seemingly anticipating someone’s arrival.

As the sun rises higher, more and more guests arrive with gifts in hand. Despite the countless carriages passing by on the main road, the one he awaits is nowhere to be seen. Master Zhu can’t help but grow restless. Although he continues to entertain guests verbally, his heart is no longer in it. He wishes he could abandon his dignity and personally wait at the alley mouth.

“Dad, they’re almost here!” Zhu Ziang, the eldest son of the Zhu family, waves away the messenger and whispers softly in his father’s ear.

In an instant, a brilliant smile lights up Master Zhu’s face, and his tone becomes even more sincere and warm as he greets the guests. The guests think he is simply happy for the elderly master’s birthday and have no idea of his true thoughts.

“Here they come!” The steward of the Zhu household, who has been waiting at the alley entrance, sees the carriage with distinctive patterns and hurries over to deliver the news.

Master Zhu’s eyes brighten, and he flashes an exaggerated smile, quickly descending the steps and warmly waiting by the roadside.

A seemingly simple carriage turns into the alley, its wheels rolling forward until it stops in front of the main entrance. A hand with distinct knuckles lifts the curtain, steps down from the carriage with grace, and places a small stool arranged by the coachman. Clad in luxurious silver and gold-threaded attire, the figure shimmers in the sunlight, making it impossible to directly gaze upon their countenance. The once bright sunlight dims upon their appearance, and the bustling entrance falls silent.

“Uncle-in-law, Pei Che, is delayed due to some matters. Please forgive my tardiness.”

The pleasant voice, like the rhyme of a forest and a spring, sounds in everyone’s ears, instantly bringing them back to awareness. Indeed, Pei Che, renowned in Da Liang, always seems to create such scenes whenever he appears. However, why does he address Master Zhu as his uncle-in-law? Zhu Zhengming is just a businessman; when did he become related to the Duke of Zhongguo’s household?

Master Zhu watch everyone’s surprise turns into envy. He proudly straightens his posture and exclaims, “Why should my eldest nephew be so polite? You’ve arrived just in time, not late at all. It’s us who are inconveniencing you by asking you to come amidst your busy schedule, please forgive us! Let’s go inside; your aunt has been waiting eagerly for you, she’s been talking about you nonstop!”

Pei Che smiles and says “It’s disrespectful to refuse”, and then walks in surrounded by a group of people.

As soon as they leave, the people outside begin to gossip.

“My goodness, wasn’t that the young master of the Duke of Zhongguo’s household? Who would’ve thought the Zhu family had such an illustrious relative? Why haven’t we heard them mention it before?”

Someone glances around and, seeing no one paying attention, whispers, “Did you hear how Young Master Pei addressed Master Zhu?”

“Uncle-in-law. Could it be that Madam Zhu is the cousin of the late Duke’s wife? And she’s also the Feng family’s daughter?”

“How could the daughter of the Feng family marry a mere merchant? Besides, could the daughter of the Feng family be the cousin of the late Duke’s wife? She would only be a cousin, not a cousin by marriage. However, Madam Zhu isn’t even her proper cousin; she’s the concubine-born daughter of the cousin by marriage of the late Duke’s wife, listed under her aunt’s name. It’s a bit distant, but it still counts as a connection.”

“It’s really such a distant relation. Isn’t it too much to stretch it this far? Who is Young Master Pei, and why would he condescend to come here? Could it truly be just to congratulate the Old Master’s birthday?” The questioning person grows more puzzled.

Glancing around, the informant lowers their voice even further. “I heard a story, but I’m not sure if it’s accurate. I heard that the former Duchess of the country suffered from anxiety and needed millennium ginseng as a reference to make a calming pill. Millennium ginseng is extremely rare and hard to find. Just as Duke Zhongguo was unable to find it, Master Zhu presented a sample, which cured the old duchess. With such timely help, how could the Duke Zhongguo not give face?”

“No wonder they’re so highly regarded. But then again, the Zhu family must be generous. Millennium ginseng, that’s something a household would reserve as a family heirloom, isn’t it?”

“Ah, you’re short-sighted. With the protection of the Duke’s of Zhongguo’s household, what’s a piece of millennium ginseng worth?”

“………”

Outside, the discussions were lively, and inside was no different. As Pei Che entered the hall, he saw the jubilant Zhu family patriarch sitting at the head, smiling warmly at everyone.

“Junior Pei Che wishes Master Zhu a bright and auspicious birthday, as radiant as the sun and moon, seemingly never aging. I humbly present a small token of respect and ask for your acceptance.” Pei Che bows respectfully, then accepts the box handed to him by his servant and presents the gift prepared by his household.

The old patriarch continues to smile, but Master Zhu’s expression changes suddenly, and he hurries forward. “Dad, Young Master Pei is here to wish you a happy birthday!”

“Oh! Oh! Good, good!” The old patriarch blinks, slowly turns his head, and nods blankly.

Pei Che’s expression changes slightly. He has just seen clearly that the person surnamed Zhu has taken advantage of the cover of his body and cruelly pinched the old master. Such despicable behavior, coupled with the lively atmosphere in the room, is quite chilling.

“My dear nephew, my father is old and his mind is a bit forgetful. If he neglects you, please don’t take it to heart!”

“No problem. Even if the elderly deliberately ignore, as a younger generation, there should be no complaints, let alone disrespectful behavior towards elders. If people act like that, what differentiates them from beasts? Uncle-in-law, do you agree?”

As he speaks, his lips curve slightly, as if he is just speaking casually. Master Zhu listens but feels a cold sweat forming; he wonders if Pei Che is implying something just now.

“Haha, yes, yes indeed. I’m usually very respectful and detest those who disrespect their elders the most. Young Master Pei, the auspicious time is approaching; please take a seat.” Master Zhu laughs awkwardly and leads him to the main table.

Pei Che doesn’t refuse either. It’s always been the custom of hospitality that the esteemed take the higher seat while the humble take the lower. Even if he doesn’t prefer to sit at the head, his represented status wouldn’t allow him to sit down. However, as a guest, he has to follow the rules of hospitality. Although he sits at the head, he doesn’t take the main position to avoid any criticism of usurping the host’s place.

After almost all the guests have taken their seats, Master Zhu orders the fireworks to be lit. After a series of crackling sounds, the dishes are served.

“May your blessings be as vast as the eastern sea!”

“May your longevity be as enduring as the old pines of the southern mountains!”

“The Eight Immortals crossing the sea to wish you longevity!”

“The birthday stars gather like Arhats!”

“Wishing you abundant joy and blessings!”

“May good fortune continue and bring peace!”

“………”

One by one, delicious dishes meticulously prepared by the renowned Chef Du from Liangjing are brought out along with auspicious sayings. Most of the guests celebrating the birthday are businessmen, all of whom are skilled in socializing. They exchange toasts, and the atmosphere is excellent. Master Zhu and a few young masters of the Zhu family raise their glasses, and for a while, only two people remain at the main table.

Pei Che takes a few bites, then loses interest and sets down his chopsticks, pouring himself another drink. His status is evident, and ordinary people wouldn’t dare approach him. Sitting beside him is today’s birthday star, Master Zhu, who continues to smile at everyone, even though no one is looking at him.

Is this considered finding peace in the midst of chaos? A hint of sarcasm flashes in Pei Che’s eyes, but it quickly dissipates as he raises his glass.

When the dishes are nearly finished, Master Zhu and the others return. Only the last birthday peach has yet to be served.

“As the camphor tree reaches a thousand feet, the peach blossoms bloom in vibrant red!”

With a shout, a line of maids each carries a small steamer and places it in the center of the table.

Master Zhu, who is already a little tipsy, stands up and says to everyone, “Thank you all for giving me face today by coming to celebrate my father’s 80th birthday. Allow me to toast you all once more!”

After saying that, he raises his glass and drinks. The guests follow suit, raising their glasses in celebration.

“For the sake of organizing this birthday banquet for my father, I’ve been busy day and night, exhausted beyond recognition. Just trying to find someone to make this birthday peach, I’ve been worried for several nights without sleep. Heaven rewards those with good intentions. I finally manage to find someone. I dare say, it’s hard to find anyone in the whole city of Liangjing as filial and dedicated as me, don’t you agree?” Whether it is due to the effects of alcohol or not, Master Zhu becomes more and more excited as he speaks. Ignoring the advice of his sons beside him, he boasts about his filial piety as if there is no one else like him in the world.

After his speech, he lifts the small steamer on the table, and everyone fixes their eyes on it. After a burst of white mist dissipates, eight tender peaches appear before them. Due to the sudden cooling of the steam inside the steamer, some small water droplets have condensed on top of the peaches, making them even more luscious. With the tender green leaves below, the peach’s translucent white flesh, and the faint blush on top, one can’t help but want to take a bite.

“This is really made!” someone exclaims as they lift the lid of the steamer on another table. No one laughs at him because it looks so real. It has to be said that Master Zhu’s ability to find such a pastry chef is truly commendable!

Even Pei Che is somewhat surprised. He has seen many birthday peaches, but none quite like this. Judging by the color, he is certain that this person must have a certain understanding of painting. Even when he himself paints, he has never drawn peaches that could be mistaken for real.

For a moment, he can’t help but feel a bit of a desire to make friends.

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