TTTQF Chapter 68

Moved or Not Moved

Jiang Miao doesn’t sulk for too long. When he’s upset, he naturally goes to find the person who displeases him. Pei Mu, confused and clueless, follows him outside, and they board the carriage to the place they visited just a few days ago.

Outside the mountain gate, the person in charge of registering visitors is still the same Fang Xiao. Seeing Jiang Miao holding two jars as he did last time, he can’t help but exclaim, "Master Pei is truly fortunate. You always remember him and occasionally send him some food." When Jiang Miao doesn’t come, he has the coachman deliver the food, as the coachman can’t enter the gate, Fang Xiao delivers it instead.

Jiang Miao smiles and says, "There’s no way around it. The food in the big dining hall isn’t very good. If one doesn’t eat enough, how can they have the energy to study?"

Fang Xiao nods and says in a low voice, “The food at the big cafeteria is indeed not very tasty, but what can be done when he’s a relative of a relative of the master of the house? Besides, those who eat at the big cafeteria are usually students from poor families. It’s good enough that they get free meals; no one dares to complain. I just didn’t expect Young Master Pei and the others would also eat at the big cafeteria.”

Jiang Miao feels something is off and immediately pretends to be nonchalant, saying, "They just change things up occasionally. They usually eat elsewhere."

"I thought so," Fang Xiao says. "The food at Jingcui Garden is quite good, but it’s a bit expensive. Those from average families can afford to eat there once a month, while those from wealthy families go almost every day.""

Jiang Miao looks at the jar in his hand, a surge of anger rising in his heart, feeling that the jar is a bit glaring. So Pei Che is here playing the victim with him? And those three friends of his aren’t any good either! They actually teamed up to deceive him—no wonder he was the only one eating at the table full of dishes last time!

"Is that so? I’ll try it out today," Jiang Miao says with a radiant smile, but in his heart, he’s plotting how to make Pei Che pay later.

...

"Ah Che, let’s go!"

When the bell rings, Han Qin immediately stops, puts the pen on the pen holder, and eagerly calls Pei Che to leave with him.

Pei Che agrees while packing up the things on the table. By the time he finishes, the other three are already waiting outside.

"Are we going to Jingcui Garden again today?" He Chen asks.

“Where else would we go if not to Jingcui Garden? Are we going to the big dining hall?” Han Qin says with a look of disdain. This is the only bad thing about the Imperial Academy. There are only two places to eat. However, his father mentions that twenty years ago, there wasn’t even a Jingcui Garden; all the students had to eat at the big dining hall, and those days were truly unbearable.

“Ugh, after eating there for so many years, I don’t know when Jingcui Garden will finally change its chef and come up with some new dishes,” He Chen sighs. They stay at the National Academy for at least ten months a year, eating there for three meals a day; even the best food becomes monotonous.

"Alas!" Han Qin also sighs heavily, then nudges Su Jin, signaling him to say something as well. Su Jin glances at him and quietly moves farther away. Han Qin, frustrated, thinks, ‘So, when it's time to eat, he's eager, but when it's time to speak, he’s mute?’ With no other choice, he can only argue with He Chen.

As a result, despite their back-and-forth for so long, Pei Che seems to not hear anything at all, giving no reaction whatsoever.

“Ah Che, bring some of that meat sauce your family makes. Let’s eat in a private room,” Han Qin says, taking a direct approach since the subtlety isn’t working.

Pei Che is speechless. Using the same trick every day, don’t they find it tiresome?

“It’s finished,” he says gruffly. The jar isn’t big, and with four people sharing, do they expect to have it every meal?

"How is it possible?" Han Qin says in surprise. There had been plenty left when he dug in yesterday.

“Ask Su Jin. It was passed around last night, and by the time it reached me, it was all gone.”

Han Qin’s eyes widen in anger. What a good guy Su Jin is! No wonder he wouldn’t say a word earlier—turns out he already knew it was all gone!

The four of them continue to bicker as they walk toward Jingcui Garden. Along the way, some students returning from their meal look at Pei Che with strange expressions.

Pei Che pretends not to notice and doesn’t want to deal with them. However, he regrets not asking them why they are looking at him that way once he enters the hall.

"Ah Che, come here quickly, and Brother Han, Brother He, and Brother Su, you’ve all worked hard with your studies. Today, I’m treating you to a nice meal,” Jiang Miao, sitting at a central table in the hall, greets them with a bright smile. He has six or seven dishes in front of him, which look quite abundant.

Pei Che’s smile freezes on his face as he walks over, feeling guilty, and says quietly, “Jiang Miao, let me explain—”

“No need to explain. I know you’re all working hard and don’t eat well usually. This is specially prepared for you. Don’t be polite, just sit down,” Jiang Miao interrupts him, warmly inviting them to take their seats.

As soon as they sit down, Han Qin senses something is wrong. Although they are at Jingcui Garden, the dishes on the table look like they come from the big dining hall.

“Brother Jiang, these dishes…”

“Sigh, I originally wanted to treat you to Jingcui Garden’s food, but then I remember that last time Ah Che said you’re used to the big dining hall’s meals. He also mentions that scholars should be able to resist the desire for good food; otherwise, they cannot succeed. I think about it and realize I shouldn’t break your routine just because I come. So, I specially borrowed a food box to bring the big dining hall’s food here. Ah Che, are you moved?” Jiang Miao looks at Pei Che, seeming to ask if he appreciates the gesture.

Pei Che awkwardly smiles and says, “Moved, I am very moved.”

“That’s good. Eat up,” Jiang Miao pushes the bowl towards him. “Xiao Mu and I have already eaten, so these are all for you.”

Pei Mu nods, not understanding how sad his brother’s mood is at this moment.

Pei Che sighs and says, “Then we’ll graciously accept it.”

Han Qin is about to find an excuse to leave, but before he can speak, he hears Pei Che say softly, “Good things should be shared with friends, right?”

How could the other three dare to leave after hearing that? They glance at each other for a moment, then pick up their chopsticks and eat carefully, their manner more refined than a young lady in a boudoir.

Jiang Miao pays no attention to the “accomplices” and focuses solely on Pei Che. Whenever Pei Che’s bowl is empty, he immediately “thoughtfully” serves him more food, asking about his well-being, more attentive than a virtuous wife.

The uninformed students watch with a mix of disgust and envy. Even though Pei Che has a male spouse, such a considerate and understanding spouse makes one wonder what more one could wish for.

Pei Che, unable to feel grateful at the moment, is so full that he can’t bear it anymore. Under the double torture on his taste buds and stomach, he finally begs for mercy in a low voice: “Ah Miao, I’m already full.”

Jiang Miao looks surprised and says, “You’re full already? There’s still quite a bit of food left; it’s shameful to waste it.”

Pei Che quickly stands up, picks up the plate, and distributes all the extra dishes to the bowls of the three people who are eating like they’re consuming cat food.

“Alright, no more wasting now.”

Under Pei Che’s intense gaze, the other three have no choice but to clear the dishes in their bowls with the belief of sticking their necks out for their brothers.

Seeing that Jiang Miao is satisfied, Pei Che pulls him and Pei Mu over, saying, “We’ll go ahead,” and heads towards his residence.

As soon as they are outside, Jiang Miao shakes off his hand, sternly placing the jars into his hands.

Pei Che holds the two jars with one hand and guides Pei Mu with the other, moving closer to Jiang Miao.

"Ah Miao, I’m sorry. Please believe me, I truly didn’t mean it last time. When you suddenly brought me something, I was really touched. I didn’t want to disappoint your good intentions and was afraid you’d see through my previous lie, so I took you to the big dining hall. I really ate there!" Seeing that Jiang Miao doesn’t respond, Pei Che adds, “Although Jingcui Garden’s food is better than the big dining hall’s, in my heart, the food you brought is still better. We’ve been relying on those meat sauces to enjoy our meals these days.”

Jiang Miao continues walking ahead, and Pei Che, finding no other way, says, “If you’re angry, I promise I won’t go to Jingcui Garden to eat again until you forgive me. How about that?”

Jiang Miao finally reacts, glancing at Pei Che and saying, “Don’t. You, Master Pei, are so noble and esteemed. What if the food isn’t good and you can’t study properly? From now on, I won’t send anything up. Jingcui Garden is far better than my little offerings.”

As long as he speaks, Pei Che immediately responds, “Not at all. Your food is much better than Jingcui Garden’s. In that one month outside, I eat more than ever before. And Han Qin and the others say the same. They even say they want to buy from you!”

Jiang Miao looks at him skeptically, thinking he is mocking him. They eat such good food every day; how could they still appreciate his meat sauce? They might even be laughing at the food he eagerly sends!

“I’m not lying. I have someone clean those jars and place them in the room, with the time you sent them labeled on the paper,” Pei Che says, seeing that Jiang Miao doesn’t believe him, and quickly opens his door.

Jiang Miao is shocked to see several jars on the previously empty bed, each with a piece of paper labeled with the time written on it. It looks like something out of a horror movie—what’s going on here?

He quickly moves to stack the jars and place them in the corner of the room.

“Why did you put them on the bed?” he looks back at Pei Che.

“This bed isn’t used by anyone; isn’t it just right for storing jars? When I have a break, I’ll have someone move them back. You won’t need to buy any more,” says Pei Che, who, usually generous, has now surprisingly learned to be frugal—a truly touching development!

"Haha, if you buy one less shop, these jars will be enough for you to store vegetables for a lifetime," Jiang Miao says, getting irritated upon arrival and almost forgetting the purpose of his visit. He takes out the property deed from his pocket and hands it to Pei Che.

Pei Che takes it and frowns, “Is there something wrong with this deed?” It clearly has Jiang Miao’s name on it.

“It’s not that. Why do you suddenly give me another shop, and the very one I was eyeing?”

Pei Che's heart sinks. ‘It’s over,’ he thinks, and immediately explains, “I do have someone around you, but the main purpose is to protect you. He hasn’t reported to me often. It’s just this time, seeing that you seem troubled, he informs me!”

“Oh.” Jiang Miao has already guessed this, but he isn’t too concerned. Having someone to protect them is fine, especially with Pei Mu here; if any wrongdoers target Pei Mu to threaten the loyalty of the Zhongguo Mansion, it would be problematic. Besides, he hasn’t done anything shameful, so he isn’t afraid of being followed.

Jiang Miao’s reaction is so calm that Pei Che finds it a bit strange: “Aren’t you upset about this?”

“I’m not upset.” Jiang Miao mumbles, feeling too embarrassed to be angry when someone is giving him something. “But I don’t want this shop. Have someone change the name back to yours.”

“You say you’re not upset, but if you’re not, why refuse the shop? Don’t you want to do business?” Pei Che thinks Jiang Miao is just sulking. He had seemed quite pleased when he received the house last time.

“I do want to do business, but I have my own money.” After receiving the house last time, Jiang Miao is reminded by Aunt Jiang’s words that even if the house is in his name, others would still view it as Pei’s family’s property. He is only engaged to Pei Che by agreement; does he want to brand himself with Pei’s family’s mark for life?

Jiang Miao doesn’t want to part ways with Pei Che in the future and have others say that he is Pei Che’s divorced husband and that everything he has comes from the Pei family. He doesn’t have other skills; in the modern world, he relied on his cooking skills to do a small business. Here, the only thing he can rely on is his cooking skills. Everything else is secondary to him; he wants to rely on himself for this business.

Pei Che doesn’t know Jiang Miao’s thoughts and says, “Consider this money as an advance payment from me. You’ve helped me so much, and a mere thousand taels of silver is nothing.”

Pei Che intends to make Jiang Miao accept the property without feeling burdened, but to Jiang Miao, it seems like a reminder of the disparity between them.

“I know you have plenty of money and don’t care about this thousand taels. But I can’t just take your things without reason. The house you give me is already enough to cover my compensation. I don’t want anything else; I’m not worth that much,” Jiang Miao says. As an ordinary person in this era, relying on a small business, he would never be able to afford such a grand house.

Pei Che sees that Jiang Miao is becoming more upset, and he can't help but grow anxious: “That’s not what I mean at all. Why belittle yourself? Whether you’re worth it is for me to decide! I know you can make your own way in the world. I don’t want to interfere with your business; I just can’t offer you any help besides money while I’m in Imperial Academy now. Aren’t we friends? Friends should help each other, shouldn’t they?”

Pei Che remembers that when Jiang Miao gives him the lanterns, he said it was for the sake of friendship. Why is he now trying to distance himself so thoroughly?

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