TTTQF Chapter 25

The Ancients Misled Me

“Are you kidding us? Who would be named that?” Han Qin looks bewildered. Where did this name come from?

“You know him too.” Pei Che raises an eyebrow at him. “That day when we came down the mountain, you stared at him for quite a while. Have you forgotten already?”

Faced with Su Jin’s expression of “you playboy,” Han Qin feels like crying without tears. When did he ever see a beauty that day when he accompanied Pei Che down the mountain? Where had he seen any beauty and stared at her for a long time?

“Wait, are you talking about him?” That day, there was only one person that made a lasting impression on him.

Pei Che nods. The other two, hearing their conversation seemingly in a fog, can’t help but feel curious. After listening to Han Qin’s explanation, they finally understand. It turns out that the reason they had been delayed that day was because they had watched the vendor arguing for half a day. Instantly, both of them wear expressions that say, You’re really boring.

“He’s no ordinary vendor; he’s sharp-witted and eloquent! If you don’t believe me, ask Ache!” Han Qin hurriedly explains. He wasn’t that boring; he just found the bun seller interesting.

“You must have insisted on watching. Ache doesn’t seem like someone who likes to join in the fun.” He Chen teases him intentionally.

“Who said that? If Ache didn’t want to join in the fun, why would he send someone to that stall to buy buns later? We ate buns made by that little brother on the mountain that day!” Han Qin works hard to prove that he is not the only one who likes to join in the fun.

“Ahem, I just randomly picked a stall. Let’s take a look at this painting!” Pei Che coughs to cover up his embarrassment, his fist clenched near his mouth. It’s rare for him to join in on the fun, and now he has been called out for it.

“I think this painting is good and the idea is innovative. However, the current trend venerates the style of Mo Qingliu. By painting like this, wouldn’t they think you are too focused on form and lack spirit?” Han Qin worries, knowing this is a point where Pei Che is often criticized by others. In the eyes of certain acclaimed painters, his paintings don’t even compare to those that appear to have been painted hurriedly but still carry some spirit.

“If one can achieve perfection in depicting form, then even without their so-called charm, it’s still acceptable,” He Chen asserts. His paintings always receive praise when critiqued by the Master, who often sighs at Pei Che’s work, remarking on its overly crafted nature. But in his opinion, he doesn’t think he’s much better than Pei Che; his painting style just happens to align with the current trend.

“…Let them say what they want!” Su Jin declares. He has always preferred practicing martial arts over studying literature, and fortunately, each martial art school has its own techniques, so there aren’t so many arguments about it.

Pei Che feels comforted by their words, much relieved. When facing the Master’s disappointed gaze, he isn’t particularly upset. He simply believes that whether in poetry or painting, it’s all about expressing oneself directly. Some excel in capturing the spirit, while others excel in mimicking the form—it’s merely a matter of personal preference. Why must one always adhere to a single form?

Since they label him as having craftsmanship, then craftsmanship it shall be. In his view, there’s nothing wrong with craftsmanship; just like the longevity peaches made by that Jiang Xiao, which are identical to the real ones, what’s wrong with that? Would those longevity peaches full of spirit look as good when made?

Pei Che decides that he will find time later to visit Bai’s family in Tianshui Alley to look for Brother Jiang. Although this person lacks good judgment, the occasional sensible words he utters might provide further guidance.

…

“Excuse me, sir, is Hongle Academy ahead?” Jiang Miao stops in front of a stall with Xiao Shitou and orders a piece of sweet cake. While waiting for it to cook, he naturally strikes up a conversation with the elderly man selling sweet cakes.

“It’s right ahead. Go into the alley, turn right, then take another turn and you’ll be there.” Facing customers, those who do business are usually patient. As he speaks, the old man points in the direction.

“It’s quite close then. Isn’t your business booming with so many students? You must sell a lot every day,” Jiang Miao remarks.

The old man shakes his head. “You’re joking. How can we rely on them? Most of the students at the academy are wealthy; how could they buy food from my little stall? It’s the restaurant across the street that does well. Occasionally, the servants and students come to buy fine wine and dishes to take back to the academy.”

“They allow drinking at the academy?” Jiang Miao is surprised.

“Of course not. But who dares to manage those young masters? Even the academy’s head turns a blind eye to them; as long as they don’t go too far. There was one time…”

While the old man continues chattering, Jiang Miao silently crosses off Hongle Academy from his list. This is the third academy he has crossed off. The previous two were either notorious for their lazy reputation or overly traditional and strict, neither of which Jiang Miao considers suitable for teachers. He had thought this one might be different, but now upon hearing this, it seems problematic as well. Especially for children from ordinary backgrounds like theirs, entering such places would likely mean becoming lackeys or being bullied.

He initially considers enrolling Xiao Shitou in the same academy Bai Wenyu attends. However, upon inquiry, the Master informs him they only accept children over twelve. With summer vacation approaching, Jiang Miao thinks he should find another academy for Xiao Shitou to avoid delaying his education.

Does it really have to come down to finding a small private school? In his heart, Jiang Miao still wants to enroll Xiao Shitou in a proper academy. He believes academies offer a more comprehensive education with a broader range of subjects compared to private schools. Of course, if he can’t find a suitable academy, he’ll have to settle for a private school.

Seeing his older brother furrowing his brows with a troubled expression, Xiao Shitou tiptoes over and offers the sweet cake he just got to Jiang Miao, gesturing for him to take a bite first. Since leaving that home, he has only just realized how many delicious things there are in the world!

“Brother doesn’t like sweet food, you eat it yourself.” Faced with his brother’s considerate gesture, Jiang Miao feels comforted. This strengthens his resolve even more to find a reliable teacher for his brother!

After leaving Hongle Academy, Jiang Miao visits several other places with Xiao Shitou, but none meet their expectations. With their search yielding no results, they can only return home with Jiang Miao’s disappointed younger brother.

…

“You go ahead and inquire.”

“Yes!”

After the coachman departs, Pei Che sits in the carriage, draws back the curtain, and looks out onto the streets on either side. The streets are dirty, covered with mud and rotten vegetable leaves. Occasionally, a gust of wind brings an unpleasant smell, almost nauseating. As people walk by, splashes of mud hit their shoes and trousers, but they seem oblivious, never bothering to brush it off.

Pei Che frowns as he glances at his own clothes, lost in thought. He can hardly imagine what it would be like to have the hem of his clothes covered in mud spots. Should he get off the carriage later? Or should he return home and change into a more dirt-resistant outfit?

“Master, I just went to ask, and the people from the Bai family said that Jiang Xiaoge has gone out and hasn’t returned yet,” the coachman says. “It seems we came at an inconvenient time today.” He thinks the young master would be unhappy because of the wasted trip, but why does he now look relieved?

“In that case, let’s go back.” Pei Che, caught in a dilemma, hadn’t expected the problem to resolve so quickly. He will wear his most rugged clothes tomorrow; if they get dirty, he can simply discard them.

“Yes!” The coachman climbs onto the carriage and turns it around to head back.

Pei Che is about to lower the curtain when he notices a large and a small figure approaching with smiles on their faces.

“Stop!” Pei Che calls out hastily, and the coachman immediately tightens the reins and sighs.

A fine horse suddenly stops beside them. Jiang Miao quickly pulls his brother aside to make way, fearing the horse might step on them. But instead of the carriage moving forward, he sees a face through the window, a face that is unforgettable.

How did this guy end up here? It’s not that Jiang Miao looks down on this place, but the western part of the city is as different from other parts of Liangjing as heaven from earth. It’s simply not the kind of place one would expect him to be.

Pei Che feels a bit disheartened. He doesn’t understand why someone would get distracted as soon as they see him, especially when the child next to him is looking at him with admiration, his head held high in awe.

“Brother Jiang?” Pei Che can’t help but call out.

“Are you talking to me?” Jiang Miao points at himself, then notices Pei Che frowning, seemingly asking, ‘Is there anyone else here?’

“Uh, may I ask what Young Master Pei is here for?” Jiang Miao asks, then suddenly has a flash of inspiration, his expression brightening with a smile, “You’re here to order the longevity peaches, right? When do you need them? How many baskets? Sweet or salty, both are fine!”

Sure enough, he’s a greedy vendor! Pei Che thinks, only when it comes to money does he smile. When they first met, his face was full of ‘why did this plague come to my door’ look.

“I’m not here to order the longevity peaches. I…”

“Goodbye then! I won’t bother Young Master Pei to go home!” Jiang Miao suddenly switches to a fake smile, waving at Pei Che in the carriage, giving a farewell look that makes Pei Che feel extremely depressed.

“I’m here to order the longevity peaches!” Pei Che grits his teeth and says word by word.

“Really? My home is just up ahead, Young Master Pei. Come in and sit, have a cup of hot tea? By the way, how many do you want?”

The vendor’s speed at switching expressions shocks Pei Che. He can’t help but think of the saying, The world is going to the dogs, and people are no longer what they used to be. Why do books say common people are simple and honest, yet there are greedy and crafty types like this? The ancients misled me!

“Let’s start with twenty baskets, shall we?” Pei Che thinks to himself as he considers the number of people at Duke Zhongguo’s residence. If every courtyard needs a share, twenty baskets should be about right. Last time he only brought some for his grandmother and younger brother, so it wasn’t much. This time, he came specifically to buy them, so it wouldn’t be very nice to not share with them.

Wait, he didn’t come here specifically to buy longevity peaches!

“Do you prefer sweet or savory?” Jiang Miao seizes the chance to prompt, urged by a customer’s question. He introduces sweet longevity peaches filled with red bean paste. Local tastes seem diverse, lacking a unified standard, likely due to the varied origins of people who settled here while accompanying their ancestors in conquering the world.

“…Sweet and salty, half and half per basket,” Pei Che mentions, revealing he knows only his grandmother’s and little brother’s tastes.

“Alright, twenty baskets is a bit much. When do you need them? If you’re in a hurry, I can rush to make them,” Jiang Miao offers.

“By tomorrow evening will be fine.”

“Okay, you see…”

“Wait, I have a question. When you make the longevity peaches, can I watch you do it?” Pei Che interrupts the vendor, who has been talking about everything but business. He quickly interjects, nearly forgetting the purpose of his visit.

Jiang Miao looks suspicious. Did this person want to learn his skills or just watch? Last time he watched, now he wants to watch again. Is making longevity peaches really that fascinating?

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