TTTQF Chapter 48

A Failed Attempt

This time, the destination is still Plum Garden. However, it isn’t the common area where everyone can go, but a small courtyard deep inside. This is the courtyard assigned to Han Qin, where a few people often gather for a small get-together.

 As Pei Che leads Jiang Miao through the door, three people who have been waiting for a long time immediately surround them, scrutinizing the man rumored to be engaged to Pei Che.

In the past few days, the news that the Duke of Zhongguo’s Mansion received two imperial decrees spread throughout the entire upper city. The elders’ attention is focused on the first decree appointing the heir, while those around Pei Che’s age discuss the marriage decree.

Han Qin and the others have heard many rumors these past few days. Some say the vendor is extraordinarily handsome, even surpassing Pei Che; otherwise, why would Pei Che have an affair with him? Others say the vendor is very coarse, but Pei Che agrees to the marriage because he is his savior. Various rumors emerge, clearly showing that everyone is very curious about it.

As Pei Che’s friends, they naturally have busybodies asking them about it. Su Jin has a cold and ruthless demeanor, so people don’t dare to joke with him. As a result, Han Qin and He Chen become the primary targets for everyone’s inquiries.

They are extremely annoyed but have their own thoughts. Everyone has been busy these days and hasn’t gathered together, so they aren’t clear about the matter. However, they privately speculate that Pei Che might really have some leverage held by that vendor; otherwise, why would someone so unrelated have a marriage contract?

Faced with repeated visits and subtle inquiries about Jiang Miao, Pei Che is also helpless and has to promise to find a day when everyone is free to bring Jiang Miao out for them to see

Han Qin has seen Jiang Miao once before, but the person Pei Che brings today is very different from his vague impression of the vendor. He secretly pulls Pei Che aside and whispers, “A Che, did you switch people? Aren’t you afraid of the Emperor’s punishment if someone finds out?”

Pei Che sighs, “I didn’t switch people; he just changed his clothes.”

Han Qin’s peach blossom eyes widen in disbelief as he looks at Jiang Miao. “No wonder they say clothes make the man. Which embroiderer has such skillful hands?”

“He was never ugly to begin with; the clothes are just the icing on the cake,” Pei Che says fairly. Jiang Miao is naturally handsome and cheerful, pleasing to the eye even in plain clothes.

Hearing this, Han Qin feels it’s a case of “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” He points at Pei Che, suddenly realizing, “No wonder you’re willing to stop and look that day, and later even go to buy his buns. Could it be that you fell in love at first sight?”

His voice is a bit loud, attracting everyone’s attention. Jiang Miao looks at Han Qin’s peach blossom eyes and then at Pei Che, asking, “What does he mean?” Their first meeting is at the Zhu residence in the eastern part of the city.

Pei Che coughs awkwardly, “He’s just talking nonsense.”

Han Qin disagrees, “It’s true. That day at the Buddhist event, when you were arguing with other vendors, we were watching from above. Later, Pei Che even sent someone to buy a basket of buns from you!”

Jiang Miao blinks, suddenly remembering. Indeed, a big customer had bought a basket of buns that day. So it was him!

Pei Che glares at Han Qin, then turns to Jiang Miao, “Don’t listen to his nonsense. I was just hungry that day and heard your buns were delicious. By the way, I haven’t introduced you yet. This is Han Qin, this is Su Jin, and this is He Chen.” He starts to change the subject.

Pei Che points at the three people, introducing them one by one, and then says to them, “His name is Jiang Miao, Miao as in ‘water reflecting the vast lake’.”

They greet each other with cupped hands. Jiang Miao looks at the well-dressed, elegant group in front of him, feeling a bit envious. Unexpectedly, he’s the shortest among them! Whether it’s the peach blossom eyes, the cold-faced man, or the smiling tiger, they’re all taller than him.

“Let’s go inside and sit,” says Han Qin, the host, feeling that standing in the courtyard talking isn’t appropriate, so he invites everyone to sit in the hall.

The hall is elegantly decorated, with landscape paintings hanging on the walls and lush green plants on either side. On the antique shelf by the window are some rare curiosities. Jiang Miao glances around and his eyes fix on the incense burner on the table. The incense burner resembles a small mountain, with milky white smoke flowing down the paths like mountain streams.

Pei Che sits next to Jiang Miao and, seeing Jiang Miao curiously examining the incense burner on the table, quietly explains its mechanism to him. The two of them whispering to each other as if no one else is present gives the three people waiting for the maid to serve tea an inexplicable feeling of being overstuffed with dog food.

“A Che, can’t you talk more at home?” Han Qin interrupts them, trying to find something to say, “Brother Jiang, if you like this incense burner, I’ll give you one later.”

Jiang Miao, suddenly addressed, is momentarily stunned and then says, “Thanks, but there’s no need.” Such impractical items are fine just to look at.

“Brother Jiang, don’t be so polite. I have a shop that specializes in these. It would make a nice decoration,” Han Qin thinks Jiang Miao is too shy to accept. Why else would he keep staring at it?

“Really, I don’t need it. I wouldn’t have a place to put it even if I took it back,” Jiang Miao declines again. The item doesn’t look cheap, and he would be upset if it got broken by accident.

Before Han Qin can persuade further, the maids enter in a line, carrying trays and setting the brewed tea on each person’s table.

“This tea is from my father’s collection. Give it a taste and see how it is,” Han Qin says.

The group picks up their tea cups and sips slowly. Jiang Miao follows suit, though he only finds the tea fragrant and pleasant to drink, without any deeper appreciation. When Han Qin asks for his opinion, he responds honestly.

Han Qin and the others don’t comment on his remarks but instead turn to Pei Che and begin discussing tea. Each person has their unique insights on tea, even Su Jin, who usually wears a cold expression, has a deep interest in tea tasting. The three of them each express their views passionately, as if showcasing their knowledge.

Jiang Miao has little interest in tea; to him, tea or water is just for quenching thirst. However, the few snacks served alongside the tea pique his interest. One of the snacks is plum blossom pastry, named for its resemblance to plum blossoms but filled with red bean paste.

Jiang Miao picks one up, takes a bite, and finds the fried golden exterior crisp and the interior soft and sweet, much better than the pastries at Dingfeng Teahouse. The delicious treat lifts his spirits, and he can’t resist eating another.

Han Qin has been watching his every move. Seeing that Jiang Miao doesn’t feel inferior for not understanding their conversation and instead is enjoying the snacks leisurely, Han Qin feels a bit frustrated.

Pei Che notices they have stopped talking and turns to see what Jiang Miao is doing. Jiang Miao, noticing Pei Che’s glance, pushes the plate of snacks towards him and says, “Try this, it’s really good.”

His eyes are bright with genuine joy. Pei Che, who has been worried Jiang Miao might be bored, can’t help but smile. He picks up a plum blossom pastry and takes a bite.

“It does taste good,” he says.

“Right?” Jiang Miao feels proud that his recommendation is validated. “The chef who made these has some skill. The red bean paste must have been made from steamed high-quality red beans, then slowly squeezed through fine cloth, giving it a loose texture and a sweet but not cloying taste.”

Hearing his words, Han Qin and the others can’t help but feel a little curious about the snack. They reach out and take a piece, eating it slowly. Although it’s something they’re used to eating, Jiang Miao’s explanation seems to enhance the flavor.

The next few snacks, Jiang Miao recommends each one to Pei Che. Originally a tea-tasting session, it somehow turns into a snack-tasting event. Unconsciously, the only sound left in the hall is that of eating.

After they finish eating and look at the now-empty plates, these young men from noble families feel a bit awkward. This is not what they had imagined at all!

After sitting for a while, He Chen, picking up on a signal, suggests going for a walk to aid digestion.

Naturally, everyone agrees, and they step out of the hall into the garden. By mid-February, the wind still carries a hint of chill, but the breath of spring is getting closer. Buds are sprouting on the trees, and a layer of fresh green covers the ground not far away.

As they walk, He Chen suddenly proposes, “Why don’t we each compose a poem about spring?”

Han Qin and Su Jin agree, and they all look at Pei Che, waiting for his consent. Pei Che frowns, feeling that something is off. First, they invited him to taste tea, and now they want to compose poetry. Their actions seem to have other intentions.

At this time, He Chen suddenly smiles and looks at Jiang Miao. “I wonder if Brother Jiang is interested in participating?”

Jiang Miao, who has been staring at the ground not far away, looks up when he hears He Chen speaking to him. “Compose poetry? I can’t. Let Pei Che join you. I’ll go over there and have a look.”

Pei Che, wanting to understand what they are up to, nods at Jiang Miao. After Jiang Miao walks away, he looks at the three and asks in a low voice, “What exactly are you trying to do? I brought him here, and you’ve met him. If there’s nothing else, we’ll leave.”

“Don’t go. We’re not up to anything. Isn’t this how we usually are?” Han Qin hurriedly stops him and nudges He Chen, signaling him to speak as well.

Before He Chen can say anything, Su Jin, impatient, speaks out, “Pei Che, they just want to see if Jiang Miao is worthy of you.” He is always straightforward and dislikes these indirect methods.

Han Qin immediately glares at him. “Su Jin, you agreed before. Why are you backing out now? If I knew you were unreliable, I wouldn’t have brought you!”

“Hmph,” Su Jin feels he hasn’t spoken at all, so where did this agreement come from?

He Chen notices Pei Che’s face darken and quickly pulls the two aside, signaling them to stop arguing. Then he looks at Pei Che and explains, “Pei Che, we didn’t mean anything else. It’s just that there are too many rumors going around, and we also feel there must be something fishy going on, so we wanted to test him for you.”

“Yeah, you never mentioned liking men before, but suddenly you’re engaged to this guy. Everyone thinks you’ve been enchanted,” Han Qin adds.

Pei Che looks at them and speaks up seriously, “This engagement is something I willingly entered into. If anyone is at fault, it’s me, not him. Please stop speculating wildly, and don’t make things difficult for him intentionally.”

His face is very serious, and his words are clearly to protect Jiang Miao.

Han Qin scratches his nose and mutters, “Not making things difficult for him, just trying to make him understand the gap between you two… Alright, alright, stop glaring at me. I promise I won’t do it again!” He finally succumbs to Pei Che’s sharp gaze and dares not say another word.

He Chen also makes a promise, and Su Jin silently nods, which eases Pei Che’s expression somewhat.

Jiang Miao has no idea he is being discussed. He squats on the ground, looking at some newly sprouted wild greens, feeling a bit envious.

During winter here, there are hardly any fresh green leafy vegetables, and whatever there is has been served on the tables of the wealthy. Jiang Miao hasn’t enjoyed a hearty meal in a long time. Seeing these wild greens now, memories of their slightly bitter yet fresh and crisp taste flood back, making him long eagerly for spring. When March arrives and wild vegetables begin to grow abundantly, he vows to eat plenty to satisfy his cravings.

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